Zurvival Saturday (97) Review: Broken World by Kate L. Mary

This week, I'll be reviewing Broken World by Kate L. Mary. Despite some of the small issues that I had with the story, Broken World turned out to be quite an entertaining read and one I'm so happy to have had the chance to review. 

Author: Kate L. Mary
Series: Broken World #1
Genre: Horror, Zombies, Apocalyptic
Expected Publication: July 4, 2014

ADD TO GOODREADS

When a deadly virus sweeps the country, Vivian Thomas sets out for California in hopes of seeing the daughter she gave up for adoption. Then her car breaks down and she’s faced with a choice. Give up, or accept a ride from redneck brothers, Angus and Axl. Vivian knows the offer has more to do with her double D’s than kindness, but she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to reach her daughter.

The virus is spreading, and by the time the group makes it to California, most of the population has been wiped out. When the dead start coming back, Vivian and the others realize that no electricity or running water are the least of their concerns. Now Vivian has to figure out how to be a mother under the most frightening circumstances, cope with Angus’s aggressive mood swings, and sort out her growing attraction to his brooding younger brother, Axl.

While searching for a safe place to go, they pick up a pompous billionaire who may be the answer to all their problems. Trusting him means going into the middle of the Mojave Desert and possibly risking their lives, but with the streets overrun and nowhere else to turn, it seems he might be their only chance for survival.

Minor Spoilers Below

Review Broken World follows the story of a girl named Vivian whose sole mission is to see her daughter before she falls victim to a mysterious plague making its way across the nation.  One of the things I really liked about Broken World was the fact the characters were always in a state of moving forward.  They only stopped when necessary, never staying in one spot too long even though the threat at that point was mostly human not zombie based. The characters covered many States during the story and yet it never felt like they were just driving endlessly for miles. Everything was done with a purpose whether it be scavenging, setting up camp, or even searching for survivors. I read Broken World in one sitting and honestly, was shocked when I reached the end as I hadn't realized I had been reading it so long.  Another thing I liked was that the story started out as a Pandemic. It wasn't until large quantities of the population die off that those left are faced with the Zombie threat. How it happens and why makes sense but it's nice that it happens later on into the story then at the beginning as it gave the characters a sort of complacency to the situation. When the Zombie threat does arrive it felt like an actual threat and it made for some very tense moments.  Lastly, I liked the fact that the Zombies were ever evolving. They didn't just stay mindless shufflers and I thought that was cool. Also the fact they were constantly changing behavior on the characters added an element of danger for the survivors since nowhere was really safe once they started becoming smarter.  Now although I really enjoyed Broken World and will certainly be reading the sequel that's not to say that I didn't find fault with a few things.  First off, I really, really, hated that anyone would even consider going with the Billionaire after the bs he pulled. I'd rather die with my dignity intact above then become some slave to some rich punk for the rest of my life below.  Even though I understood why those went with him, I just wish they hadn't.  Secondly, I was sort of annoyed at the turn of events near the end of the story.  OK, I get it, nobody is safe but still, couldn't that have waited until the next book?? I mean it was very tragic and did spur Vivian into action when it came to saving others but I just wish we had been able to see her enjoy being a mom some before the chance was so cruelly taken away from her.  Lastly, I did have a slight problem with the story reading like Walking Dead Fanfiction at times. Angus was clearly (to me anyway) the Merle Dixon of the story and Axl his little brother Daryl.  Every single time Angus called Vivian Sugar tits or Blondie I cringed and since he does it quite a bit, well you get the idea. I don't necessarily mind the Author being influenced by the series. Let's be honest, how can you not be in some way if you write in this genre but on the other hand I do wish that so many references from the show hadn't bled through to her work.  Final Thoughts Despite a few issues with the story and of course the obvious similarities to characters from The Walking Dead, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading Broken World. The writing was solid, the story action packed and the world building decent. If you like Zombies and are looking for something new to read then definitely check out Broken World once it releases.   With that being said, I'll be rating Broken World by Kate L. Mary  ★★★★.  *Copy provided by Author for review.  All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in an which way  for providing them.

About the Author

Kate L. Mary is a stay-at-home mother of four and an Air Force wife. She spent most of her life in a small town just north of Dayton, Ohio where she and her husband met at the age of twelve. Since their marriage in 2002, they have lived in Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and California.

Kate’s love of books and writing has helped her survive countless husbandless nights. She enjoys any post-apocalyptic story – especially if zombies are involved – as long as there is a romantic twist to give the story hope. Kate prefers nerdy, non-traditional heroes that can make you laugh to hunky pieces of man-meat, and her love of wine and chocolate is legendary among her friends and family. She currently resides in Oklahoma with her husband and children.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Out of curiosity, Have you heard of this one? 

If yes, Do you intend on reading it?

What would you do if you were Vivian? 

Would you travel to California hoping your daughter survived or stay put?

 Leave me your answers in the comments below or feel free to tweet me them @Hermyoni  

Well that about wraps up this weeks Zurvival Saturday. Like what you see? Please share! I thank you if you do.  Want to check out past Zurvival Saturday's? Click Here