Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse

Under a Graveyard Sky (Black Tide Rising #1) by John Ringo

Is your family well prepared for a disaster? No matter what your answer, you are not as well prepared as the Smith family. When a disease breaks out people start attacking each other (in a zombie-ish fashion), the Smiths get out of New York and head out to the Caribbean. So what can the Smiths (and some marines they meet along the way) do when the world falls apart? You'd be surprised. 

This story is the zombie apocalypse seen from a survivalist family’s point of view. Under a Graveyard Sky has a quick paced plot, a strong family, good characterizations, and lots of guns and violence which makes this an excellent read.

I do want to mention that this book got a lot of mixed reviews. Most people liked the story, but many had a problem with one of the main characters – specifically her age. Faith, a 13 year-old girl, is one of the main gun-toting, zombie-killers. The main critique of the book is that a 13 year-old would not be able to do what she does. However, I really liked her character. I believe, no matter what your age, when the world is falling apart around you, you (and your family) will do whatever is needed in order to survive. Why would a parent allow a teenager to hunt zombies? Because, Faith is a well-trained survivalist and, in the beginning, there is no one else. By the time the Smiths do get help, she is one of the most experienced hunters out there. When you can actually count the number of people you have found who have survived, you use whatever resources are available - regardless of age. So, while it may not be the American ideal, I believe that there may be a bit of truth in the characterization. Also, by no stretch of the imagination does Faith kill without consequences. The reader begins to see some very pronounced psychological issues toward the end of the book. 

I have read a large number of zombie books and this is one of my favorites. It is fast-paced, has tons of fighting, and really keeps your attention. I recommend it for anyone looking for a good action-packed zombie read. I loved this book and can't wait for the second one.

Similar Zombie Titles:

Rot & Ruin – Jonathan Maberry

World War Z – Max Brooks

~Mary P.