Scan barcode
roxnn2000's review against another edition
4.0
Taking place four years before Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, we see the rise of the dreadfuls and the start of the Bennet sisters training.
What makes this story really interesting is how on point the characters are. I felt like I was reading Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet rather than a retelling of the character. Although there are liberties taken with the character, as Jane Austen never had zombies included in her original works, you still feel like this is how Elizabeth would react in this situation.
I also like how we see how Elizabeth learns and believes the things she does in Pride and Prejudice. She doesn't judge men by how they look or how smart they are or how much money they have. These are proven by three different men in the story, two of which are interested in Elizabeth herself.
Lord Lumpley shows Elizabeth that not all men of high standing can be trusted. His obvious devious movements and his obsession with Jane become clearer and clearer as the story continues on. Master Hawksworth, sent to train the Bennet sisters to fight against the dreadfuls, shows Elizabeth that a handsome and strong man may not be what he seems. Dr. Keckipenny shows Elizabeth that smart men aren't always the most intelligent.
We see the change in Elizabeth as the story unfolds as she goes from a young teenager who may have grown up quite the lady as her sister had been into a fierce warrior. It was a great transformation.
My only issue was the romance wasn't up to par with the romance in Pride and Prejudice. I didn't expect it to be as I knew that Elizabeth or Jane wouldn't end up with any of the men in the story given that this was a prequel. However, I felt that a bit more of time could have been added to explain why Elizabeth felt some connection to Dr. Keckipenny when they only had a couple of scenes together. At least the moments with Master Hawksworth made more sense, but still didn't seem fully formed.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and how it took the same feeling that Pride and Prejudice had and kept that feeling while still adding the zombies to the story and making it something new. A story I will for sure read again in the future.
What makes this story really interesting is how on point the characters are. I felt like I was reading Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet rather than a retelling of the character. Although there are liberties taken with the character, as Jane Austen never had zombies included in her original works, you still feel like this is how Elizabeth would react in this situation.
I also like how we see how Elizabeth learns and believes the things she does in Pride and Prejudice. She doesn't judge men by how they look or how smart they are or how much money they have. These are proven by three different men in the story, two of which are interested in Elizabeth herself.
Lord Lumpley shows Elizabeth that not all men of high standing can be trusted. His obvious devious movements and his obsession with Jane become clearer and clearer as the story continues on. Master Hawksworth, sent to train the Bennet sisters to fight against the dreadfuls, shows Elizabeth that a handsome and strong man may not be what he seems. Dr. Keckipenny shows Elizabeth that smart men aren't always the most intelligent.
We see the change in Elizabeth as the story unfolds as she goes from a young teenager who may have grown up quite the lady as her sister had been into a fierce warrior. It was a great transformation.
My only issue was the romance wasn't up to par with the romance in Pride and Prejudice. I didn't expect it to be as I knew that Elizabeth or Jane wouldn't end up with any of the men in the story given that this was a prequel. However, I felt that a bit more of time could have been added to explain why Elizabeth felt some connection to Dr. Keckipenny when they only had a couple of scenes together. At least the moments with Master Hawksworth made more sense, but still didn't seem fully formed.
Overall, I enjoyed the story and how it took the same feeling that Pride and Prejudice had and kept that feeling while still adding the zombies to the story and making it something new. A story I will for sure read again in the future.
skochara's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
heathercottledillon's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think Hockensmith captures the language and style of Jane Austen as well as Seth Grahame-Smith does in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and there isn't as much ultra-violent zombie mayhem. However, I still think it is creative and very funny! I am confused, though...weren't the Bennet girls supposed to have been trained in China (according to PPZ)? Not in this prequel. Maybe that training comes later.
dphillips's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
craftyemma's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Bennet family are attending the funeral of a neighbour, when the deceased opens his eyes and sits up! Mr Bennet leaps into action, revealing his warrior past to everyone and his daughters see him in a new light.
Mr Bennet begins teaching his daughters how to slay the zombies that are gathering around Meryton, when a stranger appears and insists he takes over the role of tutor. Meanwhile all the usual matchmaking silliness of Mrs Bennet is going on in the background and Jane believes she has found Mr Right....
I enjoyed the short chapters and illustrations, and the story is told in an easier-to-read style than Austen, however the language has been Americanised and uses some modern terms that they wouldn't have used in the 1800s.
Mr Bennet begins teaching his daughters how to slay the zombies that are gathering around Meryton, when a stranger appears and insists he takes over the role of tutor. Meanwhile all the usual matchmaking silliness of Mrs Bennet is going on in the background and Jane believes she has found Mr Right....
I enjoyed the short chapters and illustrations, and the story is told in an easier-to-read style than Austen, however the language has been Americanised and uses some modern terms that they wouldn't have used in the 1800s.
willbefunorelse's review against another edition
4.0
For the full review (and to see how this book is the equivalent of Ocean's Twelve [and that's a compliment]), read the entry at That's What She Read.
ir_sharp2's review against another edition
3.0
Not bad. Some inconsistencies with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, but much more judicial zombie presence. Not sure if the inconsistencies are due to this book or PPZ. Easy read.
jayraams's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting oranging story well done but a little slow at the end.
madbutterfly12's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
cburgbennett's review against another edition
5.0
I found it very comical, considering I'm a Jane Austen fan!