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geekwayne's review
4.0
An in your face novel about working a bad job, being sent to a juvenile camp for something you didn't do and watching the world collapse around you. Sometimes rude, crude and macabre, it's not recommended for everyone, but my inner 14-year old boy loved it.
Nick's family has fallen apart. He lives with his deadbeat dad and a little sister who plays video games all day. To keep the family together, he works at the same chicken processing plant that his father was laid off from. It's demeaning horrible work, made better by the girl of his dreams. He gets a promotion, there is an accident, and Nick finds himself renamed Nero and sent off to a youth camp in the mountains. Then things really go bad.
The book is full of lots of humor and puns. I loved the strange fast food restaurant menu. The characters are quirky and well written. Not recommended for the squeamish, but if you liked the movie 'Zombieland,' you should enjoy this one.
Nick's family has fallen apart. He lives with his deadbeat dad and a little sister who plays video games all day. To keep the family together, he works at the same chicken processing plant that his father was laid off from. It's demeaning horrible work, made better by the girl of his dreams. He gets a promotion, there is an accident, and Nick finds himself renamed Nero and sent off to a youth camp in the mountains. Then things really go bad.
The book is full of lots of humor and puns. I loved the strange fast food restaurant menu. The characters are quirky and well written. Not recommended for the squeamish, but if you liked the movie 'Zombieland,' you should enjoy this one.
kelleemoye's review
4.0
Sean Beaudoin definitely has a unique style that you cannot confuse with anyone else. It is like when you see a movie and you know who the director is - that is how distinct Sean's writing is. And what he does so well is keep his style yet still has characters that have distinct voices that you can distinguish between. He actually reminds me of John Green in that way; however, Sean Beaudoin is more of the underground, quirky, dry twisted humor sort of way. This book also reminded me of the humor you found in Libba Bray's Beauty Queens in that it is very much a parody of qualities of pop culture and primarily emulated at zombie flicks such as Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead.
Once you get used to Beaudoin's style, the story sucks you in. An incomparable cast of characters takes us through a survival guide against those who want to eat you. You lose some you care about, you cheer when some turn and many will dream about one particular female. Between the cast of characters, the humorous plot line and Beaudoin's style, many will eat up this novel.
Mentor text: Voice, Style, Humor, Parody, Allusions, Word Play, Vocabulary
"But Petal Gazes was a whole other universe, a different orbit, a brighter sun. She was a tenth straight espresso, pure feedback, wet-toe-in-socket beautiful.
At least to him.
Which went directly against Nick's long-standing policy: Never Want Anything.
Treeless Christmas? Eggless Easter? Toastless morning?
It's hard to be disappointed when you don't give a crap.
But now he really, really wanted something.
Petal Gazes." (p. 8)
Also, LOVE pg. 35, 160-161, 88, 170, 227, and Ch. 22 title!
Once you get used to Beaudoin's style, the story sucks you in. An incomparable cast of characters takes us through a survival guide against those who want to eat you. You lose some you care about, you cheer when some turn and many will dream about one particular female. Between the cast of characters, the humorous plot line and Beaudoin's style, many will eat up this novel.
Mentor text: Voice, Style, Humor, Parody, Allusions, Word Play, Vocabulary
"But Petal Gazes was a whole other universe, a different orbit, a brighter sun. She was a tenth straight espresso, pure feedback, wet-toe-in-socket beautiful.
At least to him.
Which went directly against Nick's long-standing policy: Never Want Anything.
Treeless Christmas? Eggless Easter? Toastless morning?
It's hard to be disappointed when you don't give a crap.
But now he really, really wanted something.
Petal Gazes." (p. 8)
Also, LOVE pg. 35, 160-161, 88, 170, 227, and Ch. 22 title!
weweresotired's review
2.0
See the full review on Short & Sweet Reviews.
Nick is an interesting main character, conflicted and sarcastic and not very confident. He just wants to keep his head down, stay out of trouble, and go home when his time is up. His fellow campers are a bunch of stereotypes -- the Hispanic kid who might be a gang member, the Russian kid whose dialogue is so predictable that I'm surprised he doesn't say "In Soviet Russia, zombie eat you". (Probably because the target audience wasn't even alive when the USSR collapsed.) For most of the book, there's nothing new, next to the fart jokes and masturbation jokes and teen-boys-leering-at-girls jokes. But then you get to the end of the book, and realize that this is a traditional zombie story with a little bit of a twist when the big reveal happens at the end. That twist is what elevated the book from being "meh" to being something that deserved a little more thought from me. It took an approach that you don't usually -- or ever -- see in zombie stories, and while I love me some zombie stories, I also love stories that challenge your expectations of the genre. Anything that turns the zombie genre on its ear is worth a thumbs up.
Nick is an interesting main character, conflicted and sarcastic and not very confident. He just wants to keep his head down, stay out of trouble, and go home when his time is up. His fellow campers are a bunch of stereotypes -- the Hispanic kid who might be a gang member, the Russian kid whose dialogue is so predictable that I'm surprised he doesn't say "In Soviet Russia, zombie eat you". (Probably because the target audience wasn't even alive when the USSR collapsed.) For most of the book, there's nothing new, next to the fart jokes and masturbation jokes and teen-boys-leering-at-girls jokes. But then you get to the end of the book, and realize that this is a traditional zombie story with a little bit of a twist when the big reveal happens at the end. That twist is what elevated the book from being "meh" to being something that deserved a little more thought from me. It took an approach that you don't usually -- or ever -- see in zombie stories, and while I love me some zombie stories, I also love stories that challenge your expectations of the genre. Anything that turns the zombie genre on its ear is worth a thumbs up.
junotranscends's review
3.0
First of all, I want to say, this e-galley did NOT like me. There were 10-ish pages that *refused* to load on my Nook toward the beginning, so I have no idea how Nick ended up from the chicken factory to being on the bus. I also don't know if the 'end' was the end I read, because the ending of the book kept screwing up, too. I felt like I was missing a chapter or two, but I have no clue. I tried opening the e-galley on my computer and had the same issues.
So, that being said...
Cover: 3/5 Interesting design, easy on the eyes, matches the story well. I can't say it's a cover I would've stopped in the store for, but it goes along with the book.
Characters: 3/5 There were some really fun and interesting characters. I loved Yeltsin and Swann the most, I think. And Nero/Nick and his sister. Sadly, there were so many half-developed characters that were on the brink of being explored and then...it kind of cuts off and drops a lot of character-building things.
Plot: 3/5 I loved the concept. LOVED. It was the execution that flunked for me...in places. This was a fairly long book, all things considered. The Infects don't even show up until around page 100, which means we have 100 pages of Nick working, being at home, getting arrested, etc. 100 pages to get to zombies...in a zombie novel. Had the beginning been cut down to 30-50 pages, it would've made the pacing so much better.
There were parts that were awesome...parts not-so-awesome and a little hard to follow. The idea that a company has gone through this contamination problem not once, but MANY times, is fascinating, and that it spreads so quickly via a fast food chain everyone loves. (Imagine if the beef at McDonald's got contaminated. How fast would that spread in a single day??)
Writing: 3/5 THE INFECTS has very entertaining writing. I loved the voice of it, the poeticness of the narration...but sometimes it could be a bit hard to follow. Especially in the mountains, and again in the house trying to fend off the Infects, I felt sort of lost as to who was where and what kind of room they were in. The writing wasn't terribly clear. But, again, great voice and some of the phrasing, Nick-to-Nero and back again, was lovely.
Overall: 3/5 This was a fun book. A heavier read than, say, THE OTHER LIFE, or other zombie novels I've read, but still fun and worth the time to read. I do wish the e-galley hadn't screwed up so much, and I wish some parts had a little more clarity and explanation. But if you want a good male POV book with gore, zombies, and plenty of typical-teenaged-boy humor, you'll enjoy this one.
So, that being said...
Cover: 3/5 Interesting design, easy on the eyes, matches the story well. I can't say it's a cover I would've stopped in the store for, but it goes along with the book.
Characters: 3/5 There were some really fun and interesting characters. I loved Yeltsin and Swann the most, I think. And Nero/Nick and his sister. Sadly, there were so many half-developed characters that were on the brink of being explored and then...it kind of cuts off and drops a lot of character-building things.
Plot: 3/5 I loved the concept. LOVED. It was the execution that flunked for me...in places. This was a fairly long book, all things considered. The Infects don't even show up until around page 100, which means we have 100 pages of Nick working, being at home, getting arrested, etc. 100 pages to get to zombies...in a zombie novel. Had the beginning been cut down to 30-50 pages, it would've made the pacing so much better.
There were parts that were awesome...parts not-so-awesome and a little hard to follow. The idea that a company has gone through this contamination problem not once, but MANY times, is fascinating, and that it spreads so quickly via a fast food chain everyone loves. (Imagine if the beef at McDonald's got contaminated. How fast would that spread in a single day??)
Writing: 3/5 THE INFECTS has very entertaining writing. I loved the voice of it, the poeticness of the narration...but sometimes it could be a bit hard to follow. Especially in the mountains, and again in the house trying to fend off the Infects, I felt sort of lost as to who was where and what kind of room they were in. The writing wasn't terribly clear. But, again, great voice and some of the phrasing, Nick-to-Nero and back again, was lovely.
Overall: 3/5 This was a fun book. A heavier read than, say, THE OTHER LIFE, or other zombie novels I've read, but still fun and worth the time to read. I do wish the e-galley hadn't screwed up so much, and I wish some parts had a little more clarity and explanation. But if you want a good male POV book with gore, zombies, and plenty of typical-teenaged-boy humor, you'll enjoy this one.
joyousreads132's review
5.0
So, check it.
This book is far from perfect. There are ambiguities in the story itself that the author chose to leave unexplored for whatever reason he deemed necessary. Even so, I gave this book five stars and I am going to attempt my very best to tell you why. The ratings for this book here puzzles me; but for once, I see a role reversal of some sort. Usually, I'd be scratching my head because of a book's history of high rating in which I disagree. This time, however, I'm on the flip side of the coin.
The Gist: Troubled teens serving 3-6 months in a reform camp. Genetically enhanced, chemically induced chicken. Zombie apocalypse. Think - Lord of the Flies with zombies killing kids and no (human) kids killing kids. Think - Zombieland but funnier. Think - This is Not a Test without the angst of a suicidal teenager. Makes sense?
The Review: Well, shit. I think I’ve touched my last KFC original recipe fried chicken. Scrap that. I think I've touched my last piece of chicken EVER. Sean combined humor and gore in a way that you'd realize you're not supposed to be laughing at the sad circumstances in which people - both young and old - were dying in the most bloodied, spectacular way. But hey, I've never been one for normal reactions anyway.
There is a subtle brilliance in Nick's wry, more often, sarcastic voice. It was full of mockery and potshots against the society as a whole. If I were an intelligent reviewer or a much deeper reader, I’m sure I can connect the bee hive mentality of the zombies to those of the teens roaming the caf, quad and hallways of their education establishment. But because I’m not, I think I’m gonna go with what I know here and just give you some highlights (in bullet form, no less) why this book DID NOT SUCK.
* Nick/Nero. Socially awkward, quiet but bad-ass. An unassuming hero who only ever wanted what other sixteen year-old boy would: to finally man-up and speak to a girl he’s been jonesing with for a while. To not have to work the night shift at a chicken slaughter house so they won’t get evicted…or to not have to worry about his little sister who prefers the company of a hand-held game and to have her speak normally. Lastly, for The Dude to finally act like The Dad.
* There is something unequivocallydisturbing intelligent about Nick’s outlook on things. I could literally fill this review up with musings and observations that are most often funny, quirky and true.
* The build-up to the gore-fest was genius. You’ll more than likely get bored with the first fifty pages of the book because you’d think nothing is happening. But I digress; all the events that lead up to the contagion and its source is like background noise as you read through Nick’s banal, boring, and cumbersome life. Chances are, you'd probably ignore the signs if you're not paying attention.
* Violence, blood, gore, brain matter, exposed intestines, creative ways of killing zombies, seemingly hormonal zombies (see Swann) and even more hormonal boys (humans).
* The Rock. Yes, the wrestler…”If you smell-el-el-el-elllll what The Rock is cooking…” appearing as the inner voice of reason and kick-assery in Nero’s head. Just imagine how freaking awesome this book would be in FILM. And seriously? As I read through The Rock’s parts, I was imagining the flare of his nose and the waggles of his brows while he more or less called on every single one of Nero’s bullshit.
*The opening went like this:
The neighborhood was trashed, funeral pyres in the distance burning against a raw pink sky. Half the street was in rubble, from Thompkins all the way to Main. The high school was gone.
Sounds like a nice set-up for a post-apocalyptic party, eh? Well, it is and it isn’t.
Verdict: Reminiscent of Shaun of the Dead, the Infects is fun as it is gory, funny as it is thought provoking. If you’re a fan of zombies in literature, this offers just enough change (humor) in the long line of books with similar subject matter. It was like watching a dark comedy with zombies in the co-starring role.
This book is far from perfect. There are ambiguities in the story itself that the author chose to leave unexplored for whatever reason he deemed necessary. Even so, I gave this book five stars and I am going to attempt my very best to tell you why. The ratings for this book here puzzles me; but for once, I see a role reversal of some sort. Usually, I'd be scratching my head because of a book's history of high rating in which I disagree. This time, however, I'm on the flip side of the coin.
The Gist: Troubled teens serving 3-6 months in a reform camp. Genetically enhanced, chemically induced chicken. Zombie apocalypse. Think - Lord of the Flies with zombies killing kids and no (human) kids killing kids. Think - Zombieland but funnier. Think - This is Not a Test without the angst of a suicidal teenager. Makes sense?
The Review: Well, shit. I think I’ve touched my last KFC original recipe fried chicken. Scrap that. I think I've touched my last piece of chicken EVER. Sean combined humor and gore in a way that you'd realize you're not supposed to be laughing at the sad circumstances in which people - both young and old - were dying in the most bloodied, spectacular way. But hey, I've never been one for normal reactions anyway.
There is a subtle brilliance in Nick's wry, more often, sarcastic voice. It was full of mockery and potshots against the society as a whole. If I were an intelligent reviewer or a much deeper reader, I’m sure I can connect the bee hive mentality of the zombies to those of the teens roaming the caf, quad and hallways of their education establishment. But because I’m not, I think I’m gonna go with what I know here and just give you some highlights (in bullet form, no less) why this book DID NOT SUCK.
* Nick/Nero. Socially awkward, quiet but bad-ass. An unassuming hero who only ever wanted what other sixteen year-old boy would: to finally man-up and speak to a girl he’s been jonesing with for a while. To not have to work the night shift at a chicken slaughter house so they won’t get evicted…or to not have to worry about his little sister who prefers the company of a hand-held game and to have her speak normally. Lastly, for The Dude to finally act like The Dad.
* There is something unequivocally
* The build-up to the gore-fest was genius. You’ll more than likely get bored with the first fifty pages of the book because you’d think nothing is happening. But I digress; all the events that lead up to the contagion and its source is like background noise as you read through Nick’s banal, boring, and cumbersome life. Chances are, you'd probably ignore the signs if you're not paying attention.
* Violence, blood, gore, brain matter, exposed intestines, creative ways of killing zombies, seemingly hormonal zombies (see Swann) and even more hormonal boys (humans).
* The Rock. Yes, the wrestler…”If you smell-el-el-el-elllll what The Rock is cooking…” appearing as the inner voice of reason and kick-assery in Nero’s head. Just imagine how freaking awesome this book would be in FILM. And seriously? As I read through The Rock’s parts, I was imagining the flare of his nose and the waggles of his brows while he more or less called on every single one of Nero’s bullshit.
*The opening went like this:
The neighborhood was trashed, funeral pyres in the distance burning against a raw pink sky. Half the street was in rubble, from Thompkins all the way to Main. The high school was gone.
Sounds like a nice set-up for a post-apocalyptic party, eh? Well, it is and it isn’t.
Verdict: Reminiscent of Shaun of the Dead, the Infects is fun as it is gory, funny as it is thought provoking. If you’re a fan of zombies in literature, this offers just enough change (humor) in the long line of books with similar subject matter. It was like watching a dark comedy with zombies in the co-starring role.
fearoflung's review
2.0
What on earth did I just read?! I can't decide if I liked it or not. XD Very interesting and a nice, easy read! Just what I needed in between the morbid books I've been reading.
chadstep's review
2.0
Overly machismo and "ouch"-inducing hipness by adults to appeal to youth. Sorry.
bobbiejowoo's review
This was a DNF in the first chapter for me- as an adult that loves reading YA and MG books, I just couldn’t get past the writing in the first few pages of this one. Which is as extremely disappointing because this book sounded like a ton of fun.
Just personal preference.
Just personal preference.