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The Rising

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The Rising

By: Brian Keene
Narrated by: Joe Hempel
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About this listen

Since its 2003 debut, Brian Keene's The Rising is one of the best-selling zombie novels of all-time. It has been translated into over a dozen languages, inspired the works of other authors and filmmakers, and has become a cultural touchstone for an entire generation of horror fans.

The Rising is the story of Jim Thurmond, a determined father battling his way across a post-apocalyptic zombie landscape, to find his young son. Accompanied by Martin, a preacher still holding to his faith, and Frankie, a recovering heroin addict with an indomitable will to survive, Jim travels from state to state and town to town facing an endless onslaught of undead hordes and the evils perpetrated by his fellow man.

©2003 Brian Keene (P)2017 David N. Wilson Horror Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Scary Fiction Zombie

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All stars
Most relevant

Listener received this title free

This has to be one of the best books I have heard in the genre it deals with the brutal end of anything human but yet still shines a torch of hope for mankind,I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it

A fantastic novel

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Normally would not go for a book with low ratings, however I really enjoyed it. I got a bit of a King vibe from the book so that did help.
However I do feel that it could have been twice as long to flesh out the story and characters.the book got me thinking and I am left wondering how would I survive this with a few more questions on the current situation they are in.

All in worth a listen if you are a zombie fan.

I don't understand people commenting about the foul and racist language from the characters, it's more than likely how the world would revert in that situation.

Ieft me thinking how would you survive.

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Listener received this title free

The horror fiction market has a plethora of books about zombies, most of which follow the now tired old tropes established by the genius George A. Romero in his ‘Living Dead’ films (RIP George, you are much missed). However, I think this audiobook ranks just below Max Brooks’ ‘World War Z’ as a fine example of original, inventive, well-written zombie literature.

The thing that sets this book apart from others in the genre is Keene’s unique take on the zombies themselves. I mean, zombies that are intelligent? Can talk? Drive? Use weapons? Count me in! And I’m sorry but coming up with the idea of zombie birds and even zombie goldfish is utter genius. Beware the flying dead and the swimming dead!

Alongside these different and dangerous zombies is a large cast of engaging, interesting and (mostly) likeable characters who you root for and want to survive. Although character description and development do not appear to be Keene’s major concerns in this book, I did like that he switched between different viewpoints to give the reader at least some depth and insight into each character.

I do have some reservations about the book. This is a zombie novel and so some blood, guts and brain munching are obviously expected. However, Keene does not hold back on the violence and gore. It was almost too much for me, so readers with weak stomachs should approach with care. Even more disturbing were the extremely violent and intense scenes with female characters. These were unpleasant, gratuitous and very uncomfortable to listen to.

The pace never flagged and it was gripping throughout. This was in part due to Keene’s writing, but also because of the effective narration. The narrator never once pulled me out of the story, so I have no hesitation in giving the performance five stars.

Finally, the book ends on a rather abrupt cliff-hanger, which is frustrating as it means I have no choice but to buy the next in the series to find out what happens next…

Breathes new life into the walking dead

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Listener received this title free

This is good; it grabs hold of you from the start and doesn't let go. The story is well balanced and proceeds without boring passages or unexplained jumps. The narrator does a good job of keeping you on board. I really enjoyed this; the follow-up is next in my Library to listen to and I really can't wait to get stuck in.

You can't beat a good Zombie Apocalypse

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Listener received this title free

I read this book back when it was first published in paperback in 2004 and loved it. 17 years later and I've rediscovered just how much I truly enjoy Brian Keene's writing style. Out of the myriad zombie novels I've read/listened to over the decades this one really stood out (along with the sequel). Joe Hempel's narration is exemplary and his characterisations wonderful.

A zombie apocalypse with a twist

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