Max Brooks' World War Z:An Oral History of the Zombie War is one of my favourite novels of all time, and while I've made no secret of my disdain for the movie adaptation (blasphemy!), I will happily gobble up anything else that's written by him (zombie-themed or not).
The Harlem Hellfighters: A Graphic Novel is slated for release in April 2014. The 369th Infantry (of which the Harlem infantry in WWZ is loosely based off of) was an African-American regiment from Harlem and one of the most decorated regiments during WWI. Brooks shares their obscure tale.
Title: Warm Bodies Author(s): Isaac Marion Genre(s): Dystopia, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Zombies Publisher/Date: Atria / April 2011 Series: Stand Alone Challenge(s): 2013 Catch Up Reading Challenge
"I have begun to wonder where I came from. The person I am now,, this fumbling, stumbling supplicant...was I built on the foundations of my old life, or did I rise from the grave a blank slate? How much of is my own creation? Questions that were once just idle musings have begun to feel strangely urgent.Am I firmly rooted to what came before? Or can I choose to deviate?"
Case Study
R is different. R is dead. But what's in a name? That which we call a zombie, by any other name wouldn't sound so bad. If you think about it, R's really not so different from you and me. R feels. Kinda. R speaks. Partially. R eats. Braaaaains. But hey, at least he's conflicted about it. And despite the overpowering yearning to devour people with a pulse, there are definitely remnants of the person he used to be. Sure, he might spend most of his days in an abandoned airport and his friends and family are of the undead variety but the ability to ponder the meaning behind his undead existence is undoubtedly still there. R's capable of doing so much more than we give him credit for---like falling in love. Unfortunately the object of his affection, Julie, happens to be very much alive. Little by little a gradual shift occurs as R transforms into something more than just a corpse. And as R and Julie's relationship blossoms, so does hope and a cure for their largely decayed and undead world. Only one question remains --- what will be the final fate for these star-crossed lovers?
The Game's Afoot
Anyone who knows me knows that I love zombies. It's, like, the defining obsession in my life. Don't believe me, check out my About Me page. See! I first heard buzz about Warm Bodies after the release of its awesomesauce trailer. Suffice it to say, I was beyond excited. Little did I know (at the time), the movie was actually an incarnation of a book by the same name. Fantastic! But because I'm a person who is super judgey of on-screen adaptations, I intentially save the novelisations for post theatrical viewing. Check out my movie review of Warm Bodies here. In short, I adored the movie. I figure, if the film version was that good then my expectations for the book had to be validated. And ya know what? I wasn't at all disappointed.
It's hard to talk about the book without mentioning my movie experience because though they are the same basic story, the overall tone to each are very different. Warm Bodies (the movie) is light-hearted and quirky --- geared mainly for a YA audience. Warm Bodies (the book), however, is far darker in tone. I'd say it's got less of the Y and more of the A, if you know what I mean. I just don't want those of you who saw the movie to be at all surprised by the book. I won't go into specific detail about the differences because, for all intensive purposes, those differences are what make each version so wonderful. So let's just settle with the fact that both book and movie are equally rewarding and you should indulge devouring in both. Settled? Good. Now back to my review.
Warm Bodies is a thought-provoking, introspective sort of novel. The action starts at a simmer and builds upon itself in this slow, meandering boil. Unlike the movie, it takes awhile to get things going but it's well worth the wait because, by the end, we're left ruminating in some really beautiful revelations. I fell in love with R and the deep, personal journey on which he takes us. He's not just some mindless zombie, bound by his baser instincts. He's someone who is lost, someone who is trying very hard to find meaning in this life and looking for a place to call home. I mean, isn't that something that most of us struggle with at one time or another? Marion uses R to make keen observations on life, love and what it means to be human. And though I enjoyed Julie as a character, this book is really all about R.
A lot of people say Warm Bodies is the zombie book that's not really a zombie book and ya know what? They're right. Warm Bodies deviates away from many of the stereotypical zombie cliches that plague the genre. For instance, I loved how when R eats a certain BF's brains, he relives key moments in his life. I found that to be a particularly clever departure. This is a book that's about more than just some hideous monsters. It's about growth and self discovery and finding love and beauty in something that otherwise seems devoid of life. Marion is careful and clever with his poignant prose and he uses his words to capture your attention... and heart. I could probably go on forever about how much I adored this book, but I won't. I'll let the prose speak for itself.
Summary Prognosis
Warm Bodies is a beautiful debut by Isaac Marion. Though darker than its movie incarnate, it's both touching and insightful without being too heavy handed or preachy. This is a well-written novel that will devour your brain and your heart, even for those of you who aren't into the walking dead.
Title: Warm Bodies Director(s): Jonathan Levine Genre(s): Comedy, Horror, Romance, Zombies Rating: PG-13 Release Date (USA): February 1, 2013
"I don't want to be this way. I am lonely. I am lost. I mean I am literally lost. I have never been to this part of the airport before." -R
We've all heard that classic story about the star-crossed lovers. You know, the one where that guy falls in love with the girl and they must overcome impossible odds in order to be together. Warm Bodies is exactly that story, only with a twist; cause, well, he happens to be a zombie and she's still human. R (Nicholas Hoult) isn't your average zombie. Sure, he'll eat your brains and all, but at least he feels bad about it. Julie (Teresa Palmer) kills zombies and when her boyfriend is eaten by one, she's forced to put her life into his hands. Lucky for her, it's R. After saving her life, R and Julie form a special bond as she struggles to survive and he learns what it is to be human again. Slowly, they fall in love and manage to exhume hope for all humanity --- both alive and dead. Since first seeing the trailer for Warm Bodies, I knew it was a movie I had to watch. The fact that it's based off a popular book of the same name is just a sweet bonus. Warm Bodies is sort of a cross between Romeo & Juliet and Zombieland. Not quite a comedy and not quite a romance, it's a story that's about the power of human connections in a dead, desolate world. Levine has demonstrated an uncanny ability to bring poignancy and warmth to the most unlikely genre fusing zombies, humour and intelligence in to one satiating 97 minute showing. And though it is a zombie film, it's important to note that few of the a-typical zombie tropes stand. But fear not, because the deviations work and help to make the movie a big success. The best thing about Warm Bodies, though, is the cast. Hoult charms as the undead, love sick R and Palmer is radiant as the curiously bold Julie. Together they have a flirtatious chemistry that makes you believe the impossibility of their precarious relationship. Palmer reminds me of a young Natalie Portman both in looks and in spirit. She exudes that naive innocence and hopefulness that is so characteristic of Shakespeare's Juliet, while updating the performance with a bad-assery and curiosity that keeps you rooting for her. Hoult, on the other hand, is uber talented. I have a feeling he'll end up one of those underrated actors, much like Jesse Eisenberg --- so much potential and not enough credit but perhaps this movie will change all that. It's Hoult's charisma and the subtle nuances of his physical performance that make him the one to watch. He's engaging and funny and compassionate, everything you want in a modern-day Romeo.
Warm Bodies also has a strong supporting cast, consisting of the funny Rob Corddry, Analeigh Tipton of Top Model fame and the notorious John Malkovich. They each hold their own and do a decent job but it's clear why they're the supporting cast. They along with the Bonies sub-plot serve solely to move the storyline forward. Here Hoult is the star, carrying the picture from start to finish. It's hard to be original in the zombie genre, but Levine with help from Marion's witty screenplay, manages to keep it fresh, despite the masses of undead. The comedy is more of the observational kind, delivered mostly through R's inner monologue. Also, the use of music in the movie is incredibly ironic and perfectly timed, earning many a laugh from myself and the rest of the audience. All in all, I
can sufficiently say that I adored this movie. There's no doubt about it, Warm Bodies is a zombie flick with brains and heart.
Summary Prognosis
Warm Bodies is a quirky and unconventional zombie flick that will bring a beat to even the deadest of hearts. Rich with potential, this movie takes a tragic classic and turns it into a warm and hopeful rom-com, sans the traditional sap. Warm Bodies is funny, earnest and sweet with all the addictiveness of Twilight, only it's so much more well-executed. If the on-screen version is this good, I can't wait to see what the novelisation has in store for me next!
Title: Mind Over Monsters Author(s):
Jennifer Harlow Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal Publisher/Date: Midnight Ink Books / October 8, 2011 Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation (Book #1)
"The most engaging detectives to face the walking dead since Scully and Mulder. Part urban fantasy, part police procedural, and entirely marvelous, monstrous fun." – Library Journal
Case Study
Beatrice Alexander isn’t your average school teacher—she’s able to move things with her mind, albeit not very well. After a series of hazardous accidents, one nearly killing her brother, she’s offered a job at the FBI. Only it’s not quite the FBI you and I know—think more like Men in Black than The Siege. Beatrice joins a special unit known as the Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals aka the “F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad where she will learn to master her psychokinetic abilities and combat both men and monsters alike. Her first case involves desecrated human remains, a necromancer and volatile army of the undead. With partners like a sexy former-policeman werewolf and an ego-maniacal Don Juan vamp, what could possibly go wrong?
The Game's Afoot
Okay, when it comes to the paranormal stuff I’m a total sucker. I just can’t get enough of it! Suffice it to say, when I read the summary I knew I was in for a treat. This is the debut for Jennifer Harlow, and man, she really nailed it! Using cheeky humour paired with drama and suspense, Harlow has found a winning combination especially when contrasted against the darker nature of the urban fantasy genre. I found myself completely engrossed in the story (mind you, I love anything that has zombies in it!) and even more enthralled by the diverse cast of characters. If you’re not into horror have no fear because Harlow expertly pars down on the gore by adding in a humorous narrative and compelling protagonist. And as much as I loved this book, I felt like it took a few chapters for Harlow to really hone in on Bea’s voice. It was sort of a trial by error which is altogether not uncommon for an author’s first book. But once she found it she really rocked it out.
As much as I loved the premise of the story, I loved the cast of characters even more. The F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad is full of all-stars! There’s a variety of personas, each one distinctly unique and ultimately loveable. Beatrice is an old-Hollywood loving, sensible yet sarcastic girl who struggles with fitting in. She’s someone who has an infallible sense of dedication despite being shunned by the people close to her. But the best thing about her is her hilarious wit! It’s easy to see why she’s so likeable. This is someone I totally want to be friends with. Then there’s Will, the gruff and tough (and super hot) werewolf. A former police-officer and defacto leader of the team, he’s as old-fashioned as they come. Bea, of course, is lusting all over the place for guy and it seems she’s caught his eye as well. And to add to the invariable love triangle there’s Oliver, the smooth-talking, second-in-charge vamp man. Arrogant and egotistical as he may be, Bea manages to lure out the softer side of the guy and he instant turns from seriously gag-worthy to swoon-worthy in all of five seconds flat! Round it out with an amazing list of paranormal side-kicks—a gothic teleporter teen, sexy pyromaniac, blind medium and shy auror—and we’ve found ourselves a kick-ass paranormal Ghostbusters, of sorts.
Harlow has written a comical yet touching story injected with mystery and intrigue. The characters are dynamic and the chemistry between our Bea and her two supernatural studs is electric. I found myself laughing out loud while reading it, smiling at the fun parts and completely engaged. I couldn’t put it down. And while Harlow does venture out into some grim territory, the story never strays too far into serious. Though she didn’t have me hooked at page one, it wasn’t long before the fangs sunk in and I was bitten by the F.R.E.A.K.S. bug. I’m so glad I had the foresight to purchase the sequel when I picked up book #1 so now I don’t have to wait to dive right back in!
Summary Prognosis
Mind Over Monsters is a fun and unconventional tale that stands out against others in the urban fantasy genre. Harlow uses clever witticisms and great characters to ground the otherwise horrific nature of the story. If you’re looking for something funny and easy to read with a lovable spook squad then this is the perfect series for you. What a stellar debut for Harlow! Currently devouring book #2 as we speak…
