Zombie Season 3: Rise of the Ancients

What worked:

Disclaimer: I’ve not read the previous two books so keep that perspective in mind as you read on. The Prologue opens with a battle between humans and a giant zombie that escapes from its frozen prison up in the waters of Alaska. This presumably happened in book two. The main conflict pits humans against zombies that have risen worldwide for many years. They typically become active during warmer months and things calm down again in Autumn. However, something’s changed and there are fears that the zombie attacks will continue longer than they ever have before. Plus, they seem more organized this time. Readers will learn the giant zombie has the mental power to control other zombies and it’s discovered that it can manipulate some humans too.

The other big twist is a revelation that humans can become zombies without dying first. Some characters are aware that they’re changing, some are in denial, and some have no idea what’s happening to them. Regina is one of the main characters and she’s dealing with this problem. Oliver is the only member of her team who knows and he’s helping to keep it secret. Luckily, the chapters focusing on Regina allow readers into her mind so they can see how hard she struggles to suppress the urge to gorge on meat. She knows if she slips up she’ll finally fully transform into a full-on zombie. The fact that there are others like her living among humans means there is the potential for the humans to start fighting themselves.

Stuxville is a haven for humans so refugees flock there from all over for safety. However, living in a protected, enclosed area for a long time means resources will become scarce. There’s a feeling growing among the people that they need to stop accepting new refugees before Stuxville can no longer support everyone living there. Readers may make connections between the story and the real world. Humans are so concerned about their own survival that they become desensitized to the needs of others. The are several areas in the story where the characters compare and contrast human hoarding with the hordes of attacking zombies.

What didn’t work as well:

Different chapters focus on different characters and it’s okay when it’s the four main characters. However, some chapters switch to minor characters which tends to move the attention away from the main personalities. Also, people new to the series will feel like they’re missing the backstory so I recommend you read the first two books before this one.

The final verdict:

The story builds to an exciting climax where it seems all is lost, although the resolution may not be fully satisfying. Overall, the zombies may not be what readers are used to but there are exciting, suspenseful moments. I recommend you give it a shot starting with the first book in the Zombie Season series.