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The Last Mailman: Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Zombies
Four-year degree in business. Trained in hand-to-hand combat.
Works well with zombies.
This is the resume of the last mailman on Earth. It is the near future, and the modern world we knew has been overrun and destroyed by reanimated corpses who hunt humans for food. Mankind has retreated to small pockets of civilization and practically surrendered to the walking dead. But one man routinely leaves behind the safety and comfort to find the people and things we’ve long abandoned. He battles the elements. He battles his own brewing insanity.
But mostly, he battles zombies.
Works well with zombies.
This is the resume of the last mailman on Earth. It is the near future, and the modern world we knew has been overrun and destroyed by reanimated corpses who hunt humans for food. Mankind has retreated to small pockets of civilization and practically surrendered to the walking dead. But one man routinely leaves behind the safety and comfort to find the people and things we’ve long abandoned. He battles the elements. He battles his own brewing insanity.
But mostly, he battles zombies.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2011
10 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 29, 2014
Until now the primary association with post apocalyptic mail delivery service has been a very heroic (self directed to look so) Kevin Costner. Burke gives us D(don't call him Donald)J(don't call him Jeremy) and DJ is awesome. This is his story. Nowadays, it is with great reluctance that I read zombie novels, the genre has been overdone to (pun alert)death. This one however was surprisingly refreshing. And no, Burke, didn't turn the genre upside down or spun it into something incredibly unique, he merely did the formula well and with a sort of joy to it, as in the book maintained a certain degree of levity and humor consistently throughout despite the prerequisite amount of gore, guts and zombies. Having charismatic compelling cast or miscast of characters certainly helps too. There were some abrupt perspective changes toward the end, slightly confusing because of the maintained first person narration, but overall the book was tons of fun to read. Very entertaining quick read. Recommended.
January 3, 2014
I thought this book started out well in the prologue and establishing the character, what he does, and the walled in city. Unfortunately I had to drop it soon after that when I realized the main character could choose any woman he wanted to have sex with to propagate the species, and that the woman was not a part of the decision. I guess if we need babies so humans don't die out then the women are just offered up as baby-making machines? And there's more. The woman he's chosen is not available because she's being shipped to another city as barter for a zombie vaccine that has been created in that city. So she is basically being sold into some kind of sex slave situation. Then even more! The woman who comes in place of the first woman basically already has her pants down the second she walks in his door. She immediately grabs his crotch and says something sexual I can't remember off hand. It was like a prostitute situation she was so ready for it. After this it seemed to me that the place of women and attitudes toward them in this zombie apocalypse were not going to improve.
January 23, 2012
The Last Mailman is, as others have discovered, not a really accurate title for this book, given what actually happens in this tale, but it does introduce us to the main character and what his job essentially is, with some caveats. DJ is the hero of his world, which is four years past the onset of the zombie apocalypse. He lives in a walled in, protected city that is a stand-in for New York. Other stand-ins are out there for other cities-the real cities fell to the undead and the survivors that managed to get to the barricaded bases nearby named them in honor of the fallen. So new-New York has a population of a little over 800 people. DJ has been nicknamed the mailman, though he doesn't deliver packages between cities, as you might suspect. Instead, he is the guy who goes out into the wilderness (which is everything beyond the walls) and searches for people that were left behind, as well any mementos for the survivors who made it to New York and left those others behind. He brings closure, because the majority of the time he finds no survivors, just their corpses or the zombie versions of them, and gives them their final rest. The story leaps from this concept, which would have been an interesting one on its own, to a mission the President of New York has called DJ in to be involved with: Atlanta has indicated that they have discovered a cure for the plague, and they are willing to swap several women for doses of the cure. That is another key element of this story: women are asked to volunteer to breed so the human race can continue to grow. They are not forced to; it seems that most women are willing to do so, at least in New York, and apparently in Atlanta as well, though not everyone is happy with the concept. Despite his better judgment about trading women for a cure, DJ is willing to hop the flight to oversee the trade. The plane ends up crashing, and the survivors land out in the wilderness, which is DJ is at his best. Together, those that survive the crash decide that they'll try to make the trip to Atlanta instead of heading back to New York, with the hope of somehow completing the mission. The book tells the tale of DJ and the other survivors and their adventures out in the wild, facing both zombie and living perils along the way.
Overall, this was an entertaining zombie read, with ample gore and action. DJ is a man's man, but he makes plenty of mistakes along the way, which lends a human quality to him, along with the fact that he always seems willing to do what he can for his friends and other survivors. It was hard not to like him as a character. This story is told in first person from DJ's perspective, and for the most part, that works in this tale. Overall, the story was fun, though I felt that some scenes were sped through that could have been drawn out with more detail and more nuance, but that is a minor complaint. As to other concerns I had with the story, there were a few I feel it only fair to point out. One is that the author swaps perspectives briefly-for about the length of a chapter or two, to two characters besides DJ. It is a bit disorienting in a first person tale, and I don't think it was necessary here (the author could have figured out another way to share that same information we get from these other people). I also felt that one particular character changed their personality late in the game in a way that didn't really make sense to me. It felt forced-an attempt to make things more interesting, I suppose.
Even with these quibbles, this was a fun, enjoyable zombie tale with an interesting take on what the future might hold for the long term survivors of the zombie apocalypse.
Overall, this was an entertaining zombie read, with ample gore and action. DJ is a man's man, but he makes plenty of mistakes along the way, which lends a human quality to him, along with the fact that he always seems willing to do what he can for his friends and other survivors. It was hard not to like him as a character. This story is told in first person from DJ's perspective, and for the most part, that works in this tale. Overall, the story was fun, though I felt that some scenes were sped through that could have been drawn out with more detail and more nuance, but that is a minor complaint. As to other concerns I had with the story, there were a few I feel it only fair to point out. One is that the author swaps perspectives briefly-for about the length of a chapter or two, to two characters besides DJ. It is a bit disorienting in a first person tale, and I don't think it was necessary here (the author could have figured out another way to share that same information we get from these other people). I also felt that one particular character changed their personality late in the game in a way that didn't really make sense to me. It felt forced-an attempt to make things more interesting, I suppose.
Even with these quibbles, this was a fun, enjoyable zombie tale with an interesting take on what the future might hold for the long term survivors of the zombie apocalypse.
December 18, 2011
Not quite four stars, but more than three, so I rounded up.
Not bad, and is even rather humorous. Well written, engaging and mostly complete, but too short, and slightly ridiculous adventures abound. It's hard to tell if this is supposed to be serious or a comedy, which is why I am unsure how to gauge it.
Have you ever read this? http://www.amazon.com/Go-Go-Girls-Apo...
The Last Mailman was a lot like that. It was not a wonderful surprise like Gischler's book, but it was written a lot like Go Go Girls. It was funny, the universe was set well, and the story line was easily followed.
Basic plot: Set four years after zombie apolalypse. A number of survivor groups have gathered in different parts of the country in survivor compounds known by the names of former large U.S. cities, and each one has a president. The two "cities" we deal with in this story are Atlanta and (I think) Los Angeles.
The "mailman" is actually not a mailman. He's a loner type who works for the "city" going out into "the wild" (anyplace outside the city's gates) to search for the loved ones of the city's residents. Like, if a newcomer shows up and wants to know what ever happened to people he or she left behind, the mailman would go out and find out, and bring back mementos if he could - photos, family albums, clothing, etc.
The story begins when he's finishing up a run and heads back to Los Angeles. The city's policy is that all fertile females sleep with as many men as possible so that babies can be born (This is not exploited in any way, and the women are convinced, not coerced.) The mailman spends a day at home with a woman, and then the next day the mailman's boss, Bill, and he are asked by the president to go to Atlanta to bring back a cure for zombieism. The mailman does not agree with the trade terms, but agrees to go on the mission, thinking he'd change the game plan when he got there.
On the plane, of the four other men sent along with them as guards ends up wreaking holy havoc, resulting in an unplanned landing for the group. There is a strange series of adventures while they try to get to Atlanta.
Anything more starts to run into spoiler territory, so I'm gonna shut up now.
Just know, though, that the story doesn't end on some lame cliffhanger, but it's not finished being told.
EDITED 12/18/11: So, I wound up editing Permuted Press' edition of this book, and I think this is a great one to add to your zombie stack!
Not bad, and is even rather humorous. Well written, engaging and mostly complete, but too short, and slightly ridiculous adventures abound. It's hard to tell if this is supposed to be serious or a comedy, which is why I am unsure how to gauge it.
Have you ever read this? http://www.amazon.com/Go-Go-Girls-Apo...
The Last Mailman was a lot like that. It was not a wonderful surprise like Gischler's book, but it was written a lot like Go Go Girls. It was funny, the universe was set well, and the story line was easily followed.
Basic plot: Set four years after zombie apolalypse. A number of survivor groups have gathered in different parts of the country in survivor compounds known by the names of former large U.S. cities, and each one has a president. The two "cities" we deal with in this story are Atlanta and (I think) Los Angeles.
The "mailman" is actually not a mailman. He's a loner type who works for the "city" going out into "the wild" (anyplace outside the city's gates) to search for the loved ones of the city's residents. Like, if a newcomer shows up and wants to know what ever happened to people he or she left behind, the mailman would go out and find out, and bring back mementos if he could - photos, family albums, clothing, etc.
The story begins when he's finishing up a run and heads back to Los Angeles. The city's policy is that all fertile females sleep with as many men as possible so that babies can be born (This is not exploited in any way, and the women are convinced, not coerced.) The mailman spends a day at home with a woman, and then the next day the mailman's boss, Bill, and he are asked by the president to go to Atlanta to bring back a cure for zombieism. The mailman does not agree with the trade terms, but agrees to go on the mission, thinking he'd change the game plan when he got there.
On the plane, of the four other men sent along with them as guards ends up wreaking holy havoc, resulting in an unplanned landing for the group. There is a strange series of adventures while they try to get to Atlanta.
Anything more starts to run into spoiler territory, so I'm gonna shut up now.
Just know, though, that the story doesn't end on some lame cliffhanger, but it's not finished being told.
EDITED 12/18/11: So, I wound up editing Permuted Press' edition of this book, and I think this is a great one to add to your zombie stack!
February 16, 2012
This book was provided for review for free by permuted press. Originally reviewed on Incaseofsurvival.com
Well, now, this is a bit more like it.
First things first, the story was immediately gripping, which was an improvement on the last book I reviewed. I actually finished this one!
That’s not to say the book is without it’s problems, however.
The first thing I noticed, problem wise, was that The Last Mailman could have done with a stronger edit. The tense dances around a lot, which doesn’t seem to be a deliberate style choice, and is instead confusing.
Secondly, while the post-apocalyptic world is very well drawn (I saw it in my minds eye immediately. Impressive work) and realistic, I found myself irritated by the treatment of women. As we have discussed, women are at increased danger in a post apocalyptic world, especially when children are required, but the good guys have a system that is- and let’s not beat around the bush here- systemised rape in order to increase offspring. Not that I have a problem with a post-apocalyptic novel examining the awful things good people may need to do in order to survive, but Burke doesn’t allow it the sensitivity such a morally off-putting and difficult subject requires. This is ignoring the fact that for a good proportion of the book women are functionally useless except for their wombs – whining, screaming, wailing, over-emotional victims.
Yeah, it bothered me, but if dodgy gender politics were enough to stop me liking a book, I wouldn’t have a library.
What really redeemed these problems for me was the quick plot, the likeable main character and the healthy dollops of dark humour. As you’ve probably guessed from this site, we love those things. Looooove them. We want to marrry them and have little mutated babies.
Over all, a good book. Not without it’s problems, but well worth a read.
Well, now, this is a bit more like it.
First things first, the story was immediately gripping, which was an improvement on the last book I reviewed. I actually finished this one!
That’s not to say the book is without it’s problems, however.
The first thing I noticed, problem wise, was that The Last Mailman could have done with a stronger edit. The tense dances around a lot, which doesn’t seem to be a deliberate style choice, and is instead confusing.
Secondly, while the post-apocalyptic world is very well drawn (I saw it in my minds eye immediately. Impressive work) and realistic, I found myself irritated by the treatment of women. As we have discussed, women are at increased danger in a post apocalyptic world, especially when children are required, but the good guys have a system that is- and let’s not beat around the bush here- systemised rape in order to increase offspring. Not that I have a problem with a post-apocalyptic novel examining the awful things good people may need to do in order to survive, but Burke doesn’t allow it the sensitivity such a morally off-putting and difficult subject requires. This is ignoring the fact that for a good proportion of the book women are functionally useless except for their wombs – whining, screaming, wailing, over-emotional victims.
Yeah, it bothered me, but if dodgy gender politics were enough to stop me liking a book, I wouldn’t have a library.
What really redeemed these problems for me was the quick plot, the likeable main character and the healthy dollops of dark humour. As you’ve probably guessed from this site, we love those things. Looooove them. We want to marrry them and have little mutated babies.
Over all, a good book. Not without it’s problems, but well worth a read.
April 1, 2014
Well written but terrible.
If the only way to advance the plot is to have someone do something soooo stupid, you actually hope they and everyone else dies, then you do not have a book worth reading.
If the only way to advance the plot is to have someone do something soooo stupid, you actually hope they and everyone else dies, then you do not have a book worth reading.
July 14, 2012
A fun, tongue-in-cheek, Zombieland style comic romp through the undead world! Not what I expected at all and highly recommended for those looking for a deviation from traditional apocalyptic fare!
February 5, 2015
not very good. stupid plot, 2 dimensional characters, no tension or dread, total lack of realism
July 13, 2018
Interesting take on the regular zombie story
This was an interesting book. It pulled me into the story immediately and I could not read it quickly enough.
This book is different from most zombie books because it just isn’t about run from zombies, kill zombies, zombies kill all the hero’s, etc.
Great vet his book a shot. You will be glad you read it.
C
This was an interesting book. It pulled me into the story immediately and I could not read it quickly enough.
This book is different from most zombie books because it just isn’t about run from zombies, kill zombies, zombies kill all the hero’s, etc.
Great vet his book a shot. You will be glad you read it.
C
February 12, 2022
I only gave this two stars because I actually finished it. I only finished it because it was short. The hero of this book is presented as this badass zombie slayer and then every major crisis is caused because he insists on doing something incredibly stupid that gets a bunch of people killed, over and over again.
May 24, 2017
Heck of a story
My respect for post men and women just went up even higher. This world post men bring more than resolutions, then bring resolution and finality. Recommended
My respect for post men and women just went up even higher. This world post men bring more than resolutions, then bring resolution and finality. Recommended
January 31, 2019
One of my first Audible.com reads and just dug it . Now I’m over 300+ post apocalyptic books later and still check for sequels every couple weeks or so . Really liked it!
July 4, 2023
It ends the fast zombie slow zombie issue, lets have both!
November 27, 2016
In Kevin Burke's The Last Mailman: Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Zombies, we're introduced to DJ Haddox, the "mailman" of the survivor colony of New York. In a world overrun by the undead, Haddox's role as mailman is to travel the wastelands to determine what happened to the family and friends the survivors left behind. Often all he delivers is closure, but sometimes that's all people need. Haddox is charged with a diplomatic mission to Atlanta when the plane his group is on crash lands in hostile territory. Now he has to get his fellow survivors safely to their destination so they can reach their ultimate goal - a cure for the zombie virus.
Zombie 411 - The zombies in this book stick pretty close to the archetype that Romero perfected right out of the gate. There is a twist later in the book that introduces sprinters to go with the shamblers, but it's handled pretty well.
The good - Even though there's a good degree of familiarity to this kind of first person, surviving the apocalypse kind of tale, The Last Mailman has a lot going for it. I like that it's set a few years after the initial outbreak, so we don't have to go through the whole predictable cycle of events and can jump straight to life in the new America. Burke also has a knack for offering very memorable characters that, love `em or hate `em, seem like real people. He also strikes a good balance between the flight and fight aspects of the story, allowing just enough time to catch a breath and reveal a little bit more about what makes these characters tick. It's also nice that in a fairly conventional zombie story he comes up with just enough new ideas to keep things fresh.
The not so good - The dialogue gets pretty...I don't want to say bad, but it sounds like something out of a comic book rather than something actual people would say. There are also some situations where you want to yell at these characters out of sheer frustration. Another issue I had is that while first person narration is pretty typical for the genre, it's not a good idea to use it when shifting to other characters. It's hard to mentally change gears when "I" is always the one you're reading about.
It's not perfect, but The Last Mailman is such an enjoyable story overall that I can let a few issues slide. It was a fast-paced, blood-drenched race to the finish, and when I got there I was definitely left wanting more. It's an impressive showing for a first-time author, and hopefully this won't be the last time we see DJ Haddox and company.
Zombie 411 - The zombies in this book stick pretty close to the archetype that Romero perfected right out of the gate. There is a twist later in the book that introduces sprinters to go with the shamblers, but it's handled pretty well.
The good - Even though there's a good degree of familiarity to this kind of first person, surviving the apocalypse kind of tale, The Last Mailman has a lot going for it. I like that it's set a few years after the initial outbreak, so we don't have to go through the whole predictable cycle of events and can jump straight to life in the new America. Burke also has a knack for offering very memorable characters that, love `em or hate `em, seem like real people. He also strikes a good balance between the flight and fight aspects of the story, allowing just enough time to catch a breath and reveal a little bit more about what makes these characters tick. It's also nice that in a fairly conventional zombie story he comes up with just enough new ideas to keep things fresh.
The not so good - The dialogue gets pretty...I don't want to say bad, but it sounds like something out of a comic book rather than something actual people would say. There are also some situations where you want to yell at these characters out of sheer frustration. Another issue I had is that while first person narration is pretty typical for the genre, it's not a good idea to use it when shifting to other characters. It's hard to mentally change gears when "I" is always the one you're reading about.
It's not perfect, but The Last Mailman is such an enjoyable story overall that I can let a few issues slide. It was a fast-paced, blood-drenched race to the finish, and when I got there I was definitely left wanting more. It's an impressive showing for a first-time author, and hopefully this won't be the last time we see DJ Haddox and company.
November 9, 2014
This is a hate-to-put-down, straight-up fun book. It took me months to actually get to sit down and read this book, but once I did, it didn't take long to tear through it. I devoured this thing in the best way possible.
I'm a big fan of escapism, humor, and characters who speak for themselves. This book has all of that. Our narrator DJ comes off like a young Bruce Campbell circa 90 something (a la Ash Army of Darkness), all sass and snark tempered with enough self-deprecating awareness to lend this narrator the humility to make him not just readable, but share a beer with likeable. He's a good guy, but he's no Ned Flanders- nice but not too nice.
No one likes a Mr. Perfect.
The story is a classic zombie journey and though I love a good undead thrill-ride, this story has the added bonus of great characters. Pardon the pun, but they really bring this book to life. I found myself hoping for the best outcome for all of them, even the ones I wasn't supposed to like because Burke taps into that vein of humanity. He writes characters a reader can connect with.
Burke writes with dry and sometimes slapstick humor that puts MAILMAN up there in my zombie pantheon right next to SHAUN OF THE DEAD. I was rooting for his motley group of survivors just as fervently as I've rooted for Rick, Shaun, and even my beloved Ash.
I give this two thumbs up. If I were in the apocalypse right now, I'd run outside and steal a spare so I could give more. (This is not because Kevin Burke and I were in the smart kid classes together in grade school. This comes from a nerdy place, but not that one. This review is purely based on a writer who knows how to write in the zombie realm sweet spot; a place where the undead, humor, and great characters coexist.)
Don't get too attached to any of them though. Burke's not squeamish when it comes to killing off favorites. Fair warning.
I'm a big fan of escapism, humor, and characters who speak for themselves. This book has all of that. Our narrator DJ comes off like a young Bruce Campbell circa 90 something (a la Ash Army of Darkness), all sass and snark tempered with enough self-deprecating awareness to lend this narrator the humility to make him not just readable, but share a beer with likeable. He's a good guy, but he's no Ned Flanders- nice but not too nice.
No one likes a Mr. Perfect.
The story is a classic zombie journey and though I love a good undead thrill-ride, this story has the added bonus of great characters. Pardon the pun, but they really bring this book to life. I found myself hoping for the best outcome for all of them, even the ones I wasn't supposed to like because Burke taps into that vein of humanity. He writes characters a reader can connect with.
Burke writes with dry and sometimes slapstick humor that puts MAILMAN up there in my zombie pantheon right next to SHAUN OF THE DEAD. I was rooting for his motley group of survivors just as fervently as I've rooted for Rick, Shaun, and even my beloved Ash.
I give this two thumbs up. If I were in the apocalypse right now, I'd run outside and steal a spare so I could give more. (This is not because Kevin Burke and I were in the smart kid classes together in grade school. This comes from a nerdy place, but not that one. This review is purely based on a writer who knows how to write in the zombie realm sweet spot; a place where the undead, humor, and great characters coexist.)
Don't get too attached to any of them though. Burke's not squeamish when it comes to killing off favorites. Fair warning.
October 21, 2016
Oh man, where to start with this one? I really, really wanted to love this book. A lot,a whole lot in fact. The idea of a man who travels from the safe zones into the zombie infested old neighborhoods in an attempt bring closure to survivors, either in the form of personal knickknacks or rescued loved ones, just sounds neat.
You get about a chapter of that, then it is gone.
In it's place comes some of the most unbelievable character interactions I have ever read. One dimensional "always hot and always on" baby making machines or as the book calls them, women. Grown men and women who sit and pout out in the open surrounded by hoards of the undead and must be treated like children acting up by the main character ("I'll turn my back and walk away from them, then they will come running to me and be grateful for my stern actions."-actual thing that happened)
Speaking of the main character, it is a real disconnect when you can't bring yourself to like the guy. He is such a, and I hate using this term but it fits so perfectly here, Gary Stu. The man is practically worshiped by everyone he meets and if a person doesn't like him he must be some jerk who everyone must then hate. As is the case with the only person whose actions you can understand (the husband who had his wife impregnated by the main character and wasn't over the moon about it) "You don't want your wife seeded by such a man! What is wrong with you?" -Every single person's opinion on the situation.
I could also add something about zombie muscle memory and how that is not how muscle memory would work but honestly that scene was hilarious and I won't take that from the book. Really gave me a smile. It was like something you might hear as an explanation in "Plan 9 From Outer Space"
You get about a chapter of that, then it is gone.
In it's place comes some of the most unbelievable character interactions I have ever read. One dimensional "always hot and always on" baby making machines or as the book calls them, women. Grown men and women who sit and pout out in the open surrounded by hoards of the undead and must be treated like children acting up by the main character ("I'll turn my back and walk away from them, then they will come running to me and be grateful for my stern actions."-actual thing that happened)
Speaking of the main character, it is a real disconnect when you can't bring yourself to like the guy. He is such a, and I hate using this term but it fits so perfectly here, Gary Stu. The man is practically worshiped by everyone he meets and if a person doesn't like him he must be some jerk who everyone must then hate. As is the case with the only person whose actions you can understand (the husband who had his wife impregnated by the main character and wasn't over the moon about it) "You don't want your wife seeded by such a man! What is wrong with you?" -Every single person's opinion on the situation.
I could also add something about zombie muscle memory and how that is not how muscle memory would work but honestly that scene was hilarious and I won't take that from the book. Really gave me a smile. It was like something you might hear as an explanation in "Plan 9 From Outer Space"
June 10, 2024
A compelling and cleverly titled novel that offers a unique twist on the zombie apocalypse genre. Burke's take involves a protagonist who upholds the venerable tradition of postal service, even in the midst of a world overrun by the undead. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a story that is both thrilling and full of heart.
It's blend of humor and horror, creating a narrative that manages to be both light-hearted and deeply suspenseful. The protagonist, a steadfast mailman, brings a sense of normalcy and duty to a world that has lost all semblance of order. His commitment to his role adds a fascinating layer to the typical survival story, making it about more than just living through another day—it's about preserving some semblance of civilization.
The characters in "The Last Mailman" are well-developed, with backstories and personalities that make them stand out in a crowded field of zombie narratives. Burke’s skill in character development ensures that readers care about the fate of these characters, adding emotional weight to the action-packed plot.
The setting of the novel is vividly depicted, with descriptions that paint a stark picture of the desolation caused by the zombie apocalypse. Yet, amidst the desolation, there are moments of beauty and resilience that shine through, thanks to the human connections that persist.
Overall, it's a refreshing and imaginative take on the post-apocalyptic narrative. It is a story that will captivate fans of the genre and might even win over some who are weary of zombies, thanks to its unique hero and uplifting undercurrents. This book promises action, emotion, and, surprisingly, a good dose of postal humor.
It's blend of humor and horror, creating a narrative that manages to be both light-hearted and deeply suspenseful. The protagonist, a steadfast mailman, brings a sense of normalcy and duty to a world that has lost all semblance of order. His commitment to his role adds a fascinating layer to the typical survival story, making it about more than just living through another day—it's about preserving some semblance of civilization.
The characters in "The Last Mailman" are well-developed, with backstories and personalities that make them stand out in a crowded field of zombie narratives. Burke’s skill in character development ensures that readers care about the fate of these characters, adding emotional weight to the action-packed plot.
The setting of the novel is vividly depicted, with descriptions that paint a stark picture of the desolation caused by the zombie apocalypse. Yet, amidst the desolation, there are moments of beauty and resilience that shine through, thanks to the human connections that persist.
Overall, it's a refreshing and imaginative take on the post-apocalyptic narrative. It is a story that will captivate fans of the genre and might even win over some who are weary of zombies, thanks to its unique hero and uplifting undercurrents. This book promises action, emotion, and, surprisingly, a good dose of postal humor.
April 9, 2012
With a title like this I kinda expected it to be like Kevin Costner’s ‘The Postman’ but with zombies. In a way it is, the character of DJ, The Last Mailman of the title does indeed fill that role somehow and the book starts off with him doing what every good post-apocalyptic postman should be doing, delivering good news and bad, to the last bastions of humanity.
Burke ups a gear by having DJ delivery a human cargo to the outpost that makes up the survivors of Atlanta, who want fertile young women in exchange for a supposed cure for the ever-present zombie virus.
All seems to be going well until a disaster put our hero and his motley crew out amongst the ‘Wilds’ of North America. From here the action really kicks off.
I really enjoyed this, Burke injects some genuinely funny moments that had me smiling as well as apt homage’s to The Evil Dead series as well as alluding to the typical Romero Zombieverse. With more than enough inventive deaths to sate the thirst of the gore fan and some nice one-liners there is no reason this should sit of the zombie lovers shelf. But my only gripe would be after a while, the endless zombie killing grew tiring and if a good 20-30 pages had been trimmed off of the ending I would have easily awarded this 5/5 for what it could have been; a fantastically paced zombie action novella. Not quite first class, but not entirely lost in the post.
Burke ups a gear by having DJ delivery a human cargo to the outpost that makes up the survivors of Atlanta, who want fertile young women in exchange for a supposed cure for the ever-present zombie virus.
All seems to be going well until a disaster put our hero and his motley crew out amongst the ‘Wilds’ of North America. From here the action really kicks off.
I really enjoyed this, Burke injects some genuinely funny moments that had me smiling as well as apt homage’s to The Evil Dead series as well as alluding to the typical Romero Zombieverse. With more than enough inventive deaths to sate the thirst of the gore fan and some nice one-liners there is no reason this should sit of the zombie lovers shelf. But my only gripe would be after a while, the endless zombie killing grew tiring and if a good 20-30 pages had been trimmed off of the ending I would have easily awarded this 5/5 for what it could have been; a fantastically paced zombie action novella. Not quite first class, but not entirely lost in the post.
October 13, 2013
DJ is a mailman. He doesn't work for the US Postal Service, though. He works for the Country of (New) New York. His job as a mailman is to go to back for the family members left behind in the places where residents of New York stayed before arriving in the new city. Why? To give the residents of New York closure. Oftentimes, their family members are dead (or living dead as the case may be).
However, this is to be DJ's last mission. He is to fly to New Atlanta with his boss and others to retrieve what promises to be a cure. The CDC has created a cure for a zombie bite. Oh happy day! Of course things don't go well for our hero and his motley crew. If it did, this book would be much less interesting.
Burke does a fine job writing characters and dialogue. DJ is a fantastic main character and I think Burke allows him to develop very well throughout the course of the story. Obviously, Shakespeare this book is not, but if you love zombie fiction, this is a good book to put on your list to read.
However, this is to be DJ's last mission. He is to fly to New Atlanta with his boss and others to retrieve what promises to be a cure. The CDC has created a cure for a zombie bite. Oh happy day! Of course things don't go well for our hero and his motley crew. If it did, this book would be much less interesting.
Burke does a fine job writing characters and dialogue. DJ is a fantastic main character and I think Burke allows him to develop very well throughout the course of the story. Obviously, Shakespeare this book is not, but if you love zombie fiction, this is a good book to put on your list to read.
January 21, 2013
Let me get a few puns out of the way first:
The Last Mailman Delivers
I put my stamp of approval on this one.
A postal apocalypse masterpiece.
A first class read...
Etc. Etc.
Anyway, I had never read a book on zombies before, so I'm not exactly an expert on Zombie literature. (Do those two words belong together?) All I wanted was something entertaining to cleanse my reading palate between heavier fare. The Last Mailman provided that. The two things I liked the most: The protagonist got things wrong--a lot, and some of the zombies could actually reach speeds above a slow amble. That has always bugged me, and I was happy to find someone who could accelerate them a little. What's the fun if everyone can outrun the bad guys?
I agree with another reviewer who wished the female characters were a little stronger, but that's like wishing Taco Bell served its food on china plates. In this genre, that would be a little picky.
The Last Mailman Delivers
I put my stamp of approval on this one.
A postal apocalypse masterpiece.
A first class read...
Etc. Etc.
Anyway, I had never read a book on zombies before, so I'm not exactly an expert on Zombie literature. (Do those two words belong together?) All I wanted was something entertaining to cleanse my reading palate between heavier fare. The Last Mailman provided that. The two things I liked the most: The protagonist got things wrong--a lot, and some of the zombies could actually reach speeds above a slow amble. That has always bugged me, and I was happy to find someone who could accelerate them a little. What's the fun if everyone can outrun the bad guys?
I agree with another reviewer who wished the female characters were a little stronger, but that's like wishing Taco Bell served its food on china plates. In this genre, that would be a little picky.
August 14, 2012
The last mailman doesn't really deliver. He gathers, leftovers, souvenirs of those deceased and left behind by the zombie apocalypse. He delivers these to the survivors that are living inside the walls of New York. A bittersweet job, some people are grateful, some are despondent. He risks his life among the zombies in 'the wild' for little reward. But it is his nature.
His assignment in the plot is to go to Atlanta and get the 'zombie bite cure' for the residents of New York. As you may suspect, things go wrong, and there is the fight against the zombies and the crazies to return to New York. And is the cure really a cure?
Pretty good story, characters are fleshed out only as much as they need to be. The usual bad decisions are made and people are lost. An interesting ending, not so much a twist but satisfactory.
His assignment in the plot is to go to Atlanta and get the 'zombie bite cure' for the residents of New York. As you may suspect, things go wrong, and there is the fight against the zombies and the crazies to return to New York. And is the cure really a cure?
Pretty good story, characters are fleshed out only as much as they need to be. The usual bad decisions are made and people are lost. An interesting ending, not so much a twist but satisfactory.
January 10, 2015
The reason for the 2 stars is that I had a bit of trouble half way through the book and at some point just had to give up (so I couldn't really finish the book) It started of very interesting and I didn't have an issue with Zombies or how that part of it played out. I think what got me was that it felt like a never ending circle in that they get into trouble and then get out of it again (over and over). The fact that women are only good for one thing was a bit irritating .. but not the main reason I stopped reading.
Overall it didn't start off bad .. but I just couldn't finish it. The name is a bit misleading as the mailman piece only applies to the first chapter or so.
Overall it didn't start off bad .. but I just couldn't finish it. The name is a bit misleading as the mailman piece only applies to the first chapter or so.
December 19, 2015
Possibly the worst book I've ever read. It was a tour through the kind of wretched adolescent power fantasy that's barely tolerable when envisioned by actual teenagers, but becomes something much more sinister and odious when held by someone who has theoretically grown out of that age.
That teenagers haven't quite gotten the hang of the notion that other people are people, too is something we're used to. But it's actually repulsive when you find that attitude among adults.
This book was so, so actually offensively terrible. However terrible you are imagining it to be, it is not terrible enough.
That teenagers haven't quite gotten the hang of the notion that other people are people, too is something we're used to. But it's actually repulsive when you find that attitude among adults.
This book was so, so actually offensively terrible. However terrible you are imagining it to be, it is not terrible enough.
October 15, 2014
Pretty good book - first one I've listened to by this author. I liked his no-nonsense style and this helped the story flow along well without getting boring or running into slow spots. There were some pretty stupid things the main character did but for the most part the story was refreshing in its unpredictability and efficient pacing. Recommended for anyone who enjoys the zombie/horror genre.
August 9, 2016
This book reminds me of those campy, slightly humorous afternoon sci fi shows I used to look at as a small boy. The action is there and centered around a slightly reluctant hero who ties to do the right thing only to have it somehow gone belly up. The characters are funny and play off of each other well, but sometimes the twist appear to be thrown together to further the story instead of just letting the story develop. An interesting book to read though.
February 7, 2013
The Last Mailman was an enjoyable zombie novel. Lots of action and some fun moments. I liked most of the characters and was entertained by the different situations they were put in throughout the book.
Overall The Last Mailman is a pretty well written zombie novel. It is one of the better zombie stories I have read as of late.
Overall The Last Mailman is a pretty well written zombie novel. It is one of the better zombie stories I have read as of late.
January 15, 2013
Great book that kept me entertained from start to finish. Love the way the author explains each character, where they started from to their end. Would not necessarily class this as a horror, certainly wont scare the pants off you but will keep your attention throughout. Another brilliant amazon freebie.
March 28, 2013
An enjoyable mixture of Walking Dead, 28 Days/Weeks Later and Shaun of the Dead. Enter DJ Haddox, the "crazy" hero who took on the job as zombie handlers/mailman. The story is a little slow at the beginning but things picked up very quickly after a little unfortunate incident involving a plane crash. The author's style is easy to follow, and good character development throughout.
May 6, 2013
With all of the post apocalyptic zombie books I've read (and complain about), I expected this book to be more of the same. It began simply enough as a your standard zombie survival book but grew into something more: a good read. I enjoyed the spins and twists that were played throughout the story; as well as Burke being able to nearly kill off everyone!
June 9, 2014
This book was okay until the end but then it kind of went off the interesting and more towards the mundane. If it had stayed with the zombie cure and added to that it would have been s much more interesting book. Instead it ended up basically where it began, nothing changed and none of the characters developed. I didn't care for the main character after a while either.
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