A review by whimsicalish
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

adventurous dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Let me start off with the good: the main character and her friend are interesting and well written. They have a great relationship and both grow individually. I was surprised how much I really enjoyed the friend by the end of the book. She did not flop into a dull character. Also, bonus for bi and ace representation.

While I'm not interested in historical fantasy, this book does add more interest with zombie apocalypse and racial/political discussion.

Not so great: my main disappointment might be the little direction in the second half of the book. The first half is interesting in a large city with schools teaching teen girls to fight zombies. We know the main character wants to go back home but she doesn't actively do much to follow that through. She's bossed around.

In the second half, there's a shock reveal but it never goes anywhere past that. I don't remember if it's even mentioned much after. Sadly the plot falls more disjointed with the climax leaving you underwhelmed and puzzled. I'm left with many questions and no answers. I was much more interested in the previous city any time it was mentioned.

Great characters and I love to see them grow. I only wish the plot was more fleshed out.
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