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Eat, Brains, Love #2
Undead with Benefits
The living dead are living it up in this hilarious and surprisingly romantic sequel to Eat, Brains, Love, which Kirkus Reviews called “one hell of a road trip...funny, gross, and scary in equal, alternating measures."
Jake and Amanda are in love, on the run—and undead. They've teamed up with Cass, who’s ditched her former job as shady government psychic zombie-tracker, and they're headed across the border into Iowa, where there’s rumored to be a zombie cure.
Armed with a trunk full of guinea pigs (aka zombie snacks), they're ready to take on the Midwest’s first undead warlord, the psycho psychic out for their blood, and their own superawkward love triangle. But the virus is spreading faster than you can say "zombie apocalypse," and Jake, Amanda, and Cass have to find the cure—if it even exists—before the whole state of Iowa goes up in flames.
With its heartwarming blend of guts, romance, and spot-on teen humor, this road trip–ready paperback original is perfect for fans of Isaac Marion's Warm Bodies and AMC’s The Walking Dead. Readers will devour Jeff Hart's fresh, funny, and irreverent take on love and life (well, unlife) in an eat-or-be-eaten world.
Jake and Amanda are in love, on the run—and undead. They've teamed up with Cass, who’s ditched her former job as shady government psychic zombie-tracker, and they're headed across the border into Iowa, where there’s rumored to be a zombie cure.
Armed with a trunk full of guinea pigs (aka zombie snacks), they're ready to take on the Midwest’s first undead warlord, the psycho psychic out for their blood, and their own superawkward love triangle. But the virus is spreading faster than you can say "zombie apocalypse," and Jake, Amanda, and Cass have to find the cure—if it even exists—before the whole state of Iowa goes up in flames.
With its heartwarming blend of guts, romance, and spot-on teen humor, this road trip–ready paperback original is perfect for fans of Isaac Marion's Warm Bodies and AMC’s The Walking Dead. Readers will devour Jeff Hart's fresh, funny, and irreverent take on love and life (well, unlife) in an eat-or-be-eaten world.
416 pages, Paperback
First published August 26, 2014
16 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 16, 2016
When I read the first book, Eat, Brains, Love, I was not expecting a sequel. It seemed like a standalone until near the end. I am really happy that there is a sequel and Undead With Benefits is a very good one. It continuous this hilarious zombie story and takes us to the state of Iowa. It’s such a unique take on zombies. The zombies turn normal after they eat flesh and back into zombies when they are hungry. It’s like werewolves, but were-zombies.
Jake, Amanda and Cass are on the hunt for the cure to being a zombie. They have a lead that it’s in Des Moines. Once in Iowa things get rough. It’s pretty much a post-apocalyptic environment with all the body parts lying around and ghouls looking for food. Jake joked about the Midwest along the way and all that corn. He never expected Iowa to be so gruesome.
I love the twisted humor and the characters. Jake is a gamer like my brother, except Jake was a pot head. He’s lazy and nerdy and still sometimes act like his zombie life is a video game. He still can’t believe that Amanda likes him. The books start out with him and Amanda having sex and he calls it Jake Day. This book is pretty much a goofy comedy. I really wish this was a movie because it would be so fun and hilarious to see. Except for all the gory stuff.
Also, I like that the story includes a psychic as a main character. Cass can read mind and control people and dream walk. She worked for a government agency that tracked down zombie outbreaks and contained them. She joins up with Amanda and Jake; helps then steal some useful stuff before going into Iowa. Jake makes a gamer friend. Reggie is African American and has a place where he plays video games and hangs out. Reggie’s got a bit of an alter ego too. He and Jake become friends, and they get stoned with Jake’s pot. It’s weird guy bonding.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy anything zombie, especially funny zombie movies, like Zombieland, Warm Bodies, and Shawn of the Dead.
Cover Art Review: The title is made with food and on what looks like the hood of a silver car. Really creative and gross. The perfect cover for this funny zombie story.
~Haley G
My blog:
http://breathlessbookreviews.blogspot...
Jake, Amanda and Cass are on the hunt for the cure to being a zombie. They have a lead that it’s in Des Moines. Once in Iowa things get rough. It’s pretty much a post-apocalyptic environment with all the body parts lying around and ghouls looking for food. Jake joked about the Midwest along the way and all that corn. He never expected Iowa to be so gruesome.
I love the twisted humor and the characters. Jake is a gamer like my brother, except Jake was a pot head. He’s lazy and nerdy and still sometimes act like his zombie life is a video game. He still can’t believe that Amanda likes him. The books start out with him and Amanda having sex and he calls it Jake Day. This book is pretty much a goofy comedy. I really wish this was a movie because it would be so fun and hilarious to see. Except for all the gory stuff.
Also, I like that the story includes a psychic as a main character. Cass can read mind and control people and dream walk. She worked for a government agency that tracked down zombie outbreaks and contained them. She joins up with Amanda and Jake; helps then steal some useful stuff before going into Iowa. Jake makes a gamer friend. Reggie is African American and has a place where he plays video games and hangs out. Reggie’s got a bit of an alter ego too. He and Jake become friends, and they get stoned with Jake’s pot. It’s weird guy bonding.
I recommend this book to people who enjoy anything zombie, especially funny zombie movies, like Zombieland, Warm Bodies, and Shawn of the Dead.
Cover Art Review: The title is made with food and on what looks like the hood of a silver car. Really creative and gross. The perfect cover for this funny zombie story.
~Haley G
My blog:
http://breathlessbookreviews.blogspot...
July 10, 2017
I was so impressed with the first book but disappointed with this second book.
The way the book ends just left to many things unfinished. I thought for sure there would be a third book. But a tweet by the author says he isn't intending to write a third one. He said " I don't intend to but you never know." So I hope he realizes that some of his fans aren't too happy with the outcome of the book and writes another one.
Just not happy about being left hanging on so many different things in the book.
I try to be nice when I write reviews but this book though, I just couldn't help complaining.
I gave it a 2 star....up until the ending it was ok.
After I finished this book I read some of the other reviews for this book. Seemed like the majority also didn't like how it ends either. But by all means, please read it for yourself. Maybe you'll be fine with how it ends. Some people were ok with how it ended. To each his own lol.
As far as I know this series is the author's only books. I liked his writing style... just not how he left stuff unfinished. Please Mr. Hart, have a heart and continue this series!!!
The way the book ends just left to many things unfinished. I thought for sure there would be a third book. But a tweet by the author says he isn't intending to write a third one. He said " I don't intend to but you never know." So I hope he realizes that some of his fans aren't too happy with the outcome of the book and writes another one.
Just not happy about being left hanging on so many different things in the book.
I try to be nice when I write reviews but this book though, I just couldn't help complaining.
I gave it a 2 star....up until the ending it was ok.
After I finished this book I read some of the other reviews for this book. Seemed like the majority also didn't like how it ends either. But by all means, please read it for yourself. Maybe you'll be fine with how it ends. Some people were ok with how it ended. To each his own lol.
As far as I know this series is the author's only books. I liked his writing style... just not how he left stuff unfinished. Please Mr. Hart, have a heart and continue this series!!!
August 26, 2014
Why you should read it: I loved the first book, Eat, Brains, Love. This one is all right for me with some awesome parts. Jake has some awesome one-liners. I was laughing a lot, and the humor had me reading it quickly and in one sitting. I also feel like the third book will be really good since there was a lot of setting up and building up for an epic battle. I will say that you will either love or hate this love triangle. Cass and Amanda are so different, and Jake sometimes regresses in his character evolution, but I'm interested to see where the third book goes.
Head over to the HEA Blog to see more awesome recs!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
Head over to the HEA Blog to see more awesome recs!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
March 25, 2021
It was a great read and follow up from the first book. My biggest problem with this book is that it feels like the middle of a trilogy, not the end of a duology. This book just leaves so many plot lines up in the air that just feel unresolved. Honestly, this reminds me of when you watch a TV show that gets cancelled with a cliffhanger ending. If you have issues with closure, just know that you might end this book feeling frustrated or disappointed.
January 20, 2018
Again a very fun read! Took my a little time to get into but once I did I enjoyed it, there wasn’t as much action and I actually found myself disliking Cass in this book to be honest, I felt a little disappointed with her actually. Her behaviour was just ridiculous! I was still going for Jake and Amanda though! The ending was a little sad but who knows something might come from it.
March 24, 2021
I honestly don't hate the book it has an interesting concept. I think personally I didn't enjoy the way it was conveyed everything just felt dragged more so on cass's side of the coin. Her character wasn't really a favorite for me. I liked the way it all ended it seemed fitting. Nice read I wouldn't read it again though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2018
Its very nice, though quite sad and tragic around the end
July 10, 2018
Really needs to be a third one.. a open ending isn’t cool.
December 23, 2018
Engaging teen zombie book that meshed well with the original.
January 11, 2019
Funny, interesting..but the ending..mhm
it could ve been better
it could ve been better
December 23, 2020
Depressing ending
July 13, 2014
Undead with Benefits is the sequel to Eat, Brains, Love by Jeff Hart. The story picks up fairly close to where the first book left off with Jake and Amanda still undead and on the run trying to make a break for Iowa where a rumored cure exists.
When I started Undead with Benefits the first thing I noticed was how much Jake and Amanda were turning into an undead version of Bonnie and Clyde. In the first book I really rooted for them as a couple. Two zombies up against the world and all that but by the middle of the sequel I found myself liking them less and less and by the end that was cemented by the fact they actually turned into murderers vs being driven by undead hunger and thus not in control of their actions. Whether or not the intent was pure, I can't forgive Jake or Amanda for what they did and I think that is going to make reading the next book very hard unless they truly suffer some consequences for their actions.
Another thing that really had me struggling with the story was the pacing. One of things I really liked about the first book was it was fast paced and to the point (teenage Zombies unsure of their undead existence fleeing from a Government that wants them dead) but in the sequel every movement and decision they made was dragged out unnecessarily and covered in a layer of petty drama between Cass and Amanda. In all honestly, I felt that the characters were stuck in a rut the entire time they were fleeing to Iowa (move a couple miles then argue lather, rinse, repeat) and had they reached the destination sooner maybe I would've liked the overall arch more than I did.
Lastly, my biggest issue with Undead with Benefits was the fact that the whole journey seemed pointless. Sure, I guess I can see the bigger picture and how the Author is setting up an us vs. them scenario for the next book but it seemed like the cure and all its potential was lost in the need to keep Jake and Amanda being an undead couple on the run.
Now, although I did have plenty of issues with Undead with Benefits the story did get a few things right.
First off, this time around I really enjoyed the character Cass. Yes she's stubborn and a bit naive but that's what makes her enjoyable. Unlike Amanda whose comfortable being the center of attention and is a very take charge type woman, Cass is more reserved and quiet. She thinks with her head and not just her heart (or stomach in Amanda's case). Cass can see the bigger picture and if that means doing something she doesn't like to achieve her goal of stopping the undead virus than so be it.
Secondly, I did like seeing so many undead gathered together once the trio reached Iowa. It was interesting to see how those who are still in control of themselves, like Amanda and Jake differ from the ghouls who've lost all trace of their humanity. Yes, I'd be blind not to see the parallels between how this series handles the undead and that of another popular book called Warm Bodies but despite the similarities it still worked for me.
The last thing I really enjoyed about Undead with Benefits was the return of a certain character (whose name I won't mention) near the end of the story. I really thought that character would have ended up Zombie chow after the events of the first book so to see that person alive and still kicking made me happy.
Final Thoughts
Undead with Benefits might not have been the perfect sequel I was hoping for but I'm still happy to have read it. I look forward to whatever the next book might bring especially if it means Jake and Amanda being knocked down a peg or two. Seriously, that ending was messed up and made even me squeamish.
With that being said, I'll be rating Undead with Benefits by Jeff Hart ★★★.
Originally reviewed @Blood,Sweat and Books
*Copy reviewed provided by Publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any which way for providing them.
When I started Undead with Benefits the first thing I noticed was how much Jake and Amanda were turning into an undead version of Bonnie and Clyde. In the first book I really rooted for them as a couple. Two zombies up against the world and all that but by the middle of the sequel I found myself liking them less and less and by the end that was cemented by the fact they actually turned into murderers vs being driven by undead hunger and thus not in control of their actions. Whether or not the intent was pure, I can't forgive Jake or Amanda for what they did and I think that is going to make reading the next book very hard unless they truly suffer some consequences for their actions.
Another thing that really had me struggling with the story was the pacing. One of things I really liked about the first book was it was fast paced and to the point (teenage Zombies unsure of their undead existence fleeing from a Government that wants them dead) but in the sequel every movement and decision they made was dragged out unnecessarily and covered in a layer of petty drama between Cass and Amanda. In all honestly, I felt that the characters were stuck in a rut the entire time they were fleeing to Iowa (move a couple miles then argue lather, rinse, repeat) and had they reached the destination sooner maybe I would've liked the overall arch more than I did.
Lastly, my biggest issue with Undead with Benefits was the fact that the whole journey seemed pointless. Sure, I guess I can see the bigger picture and how the Author is setting up an us vs. them scenario for the next book but it seemed like the cure and all its potential was lost in the need to keep Jake and Amanda being an undead couple on the run.
Now, although I did have plenty of issues with Undead with Benefits the story did get a few things right.
First off, this time around I really enjoyed the character Cass. Yes she's stubborn and a bit naive but that's what makes her enjoyable. Unlike Amanda whose comfortable being the center of attention and is a very take charge type woman, Cass is more reserved and quiet. She thinks with her head and not just her heart (or stomach in Amanda's case). Cass can see the bigger picture and if that means doing something she doesn't like to achieve her goal of stopping the undead virus than so be it.
Secondly, I did like seeing so many undead gathered together once the trio reached Iowa. It was interesting to see how those who are still in control of themselves, like Amanda and Jake differ from the ghouls who've lost all trace of their humanity. Yes, I'd be blind not to see the parallels between how this series handles the undead and that of another popular book called Warm Bodies but despite the similarities it still worked for me.
The last thing I really enjoyed about Undead with Benefits was the return of a certain character (whose name I won't mention) near the end of the story. I really thought that character would have ended up Zombie chow after the events of the first book so to see that person alive and still kicking made me happy.
Final Thoughts
Undead with Benefits might not have been the perfect sequel I was hoping for but I'm still happy to have read it. I look forward to whatever the next book might bring especially if it means Jake and Amanda being knocked down a peg or two. Seriously, that ending was messed up and made even me squeamish.
With that being said, I'll be rating Undead with Benefits by Jeff Hart ★★★.
Originally reviewed @Blood,Sweat and Books
*Copy reviewed provided by Publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not compensated in any which way for providing them.
June 2, 2015
I'm relatively new to this zombie genre; I had never been a fan of gory, bloody, that kind of stuff so far. However, I received Undead With Benefits from Giveaway and thought maybe this is the time I should try new genre. So I read the first book before reading this to understand the story better. Surprisingly, even though still too gory and bloody, I liked the book. So I had kind of high anticipation about this.
However, I'm left with this mixed feeling after done reading it. I think I liked the first half of the book. The last half, I'm not so sure. There were some parts that I liked time to time, but it was mostly too painful to read because I could no longer become related to any of the characters even though entire book is written in perspectives of Jake, Cass, and a little bit of Amanda.
Overall, the story was interesting; I wanted to finish the book to figure out what will happen. However, the characters were not convincing enough.
I will give 2.5 for general and 1 for giving me the opportunity to read the new genre of a book. Therefore, I would say 3.5 star for the rating.
However, I'm left with this mixed feeling after done reading it. I think I liked the first half of the book. The last half, I'm not so sure. There were some parts that I liked time to time, but it was mostly too painful to read because I could no longer become related to any of the characters even though entire book is written in perspectives of Jake, Cass, and a little bit of Amanda.
Overall, the story was interesting; I wanted to finish the book to figure out what will happen. However, the characters were not convincing enough.
I will give 2.5 for general and 1 for giving me the opportunity to read the new genre of a book. Therefore, I would say 3.5 star for the rating.
August 15, 2015
The first book kind of left me hanging and left me wanting more, so I just had to read the second one right away. I couldn't leave off there, not after how te first one ended like it wasn't even finished. The first book made me like Jake from the start, but this book just made me love him even more. He is a pretty cool guy, even with all his gaming and comic book references. Those characteristics actually make him interesting because he isn't your typical popular dude; the fact that he is a zombie just adds to his cool factor. This made me think more of what a nice and cool guy he is from how he interacted with the other characters. It was interesting seeing what was going on in his head when it showed his pov, like how he was enjoying his roadtrip with his fellow zombie and girlfriend, Amanda, and ex-agent and human psychic, a.k.a at-risk-zombie-meal, Cass. Also, how he struggled with keeping his humanity and the guilt of when he zombies-out.
The povs on Cass made me think better of her because all I really knew about her was that she was a psychic, worked for the government, and her crush on Jake. I saw her as less of a psychic helping the bad guys in this book and more as a teenage girl that is crushing on a guy. Made me kind of root for them to get together or for Jake to feel more towards her.
As the book went on, my opinion on Amanda kind of plummeted. From the get-go of when Cass wakes up, she is a total b*tch towards her. I was like, what the hell. I know that she blamed her for the death of her ex, but that was totally not her fault. As time went on it was obvious that she was being that way towards Cass because she was jealous and felt her encrouching on her territory, a.k.a Jake, but I didn't think thta she necessarily had to be a b*tch all the time when Cass wasn't even hitting on him. In the only Amanda pov, I was shocked that there was one and wondering why it was there, at first. When the chapter was going, I was like, what the hell is going on when she was with the dude, Cody. I was at first wondering why the hell that was happening but then as the chapter went on, it started to make sense and my suspicions were confirmed in the later chapter.
Cody was a nice guy and all, but he was just sore thumb. I don't really know what I felt for him since there wasn't much to see of him to begin with.
The povs on Cass made me think better of her because all I really knew about her was that she was a psychic, worked for the government, and her crush on Jake. I saw her as less of a psychic helping the bad guys in this book and more as a teenage girl that is crushing on a guy. Made me kind of root for them to get together or for Jake to feel more towards her.
As the book went on, my opinion on Amanda kind of plummeted. From the get-go of when Cass wakes up, she is a total b*tch towards her. I was like, what the hell. I know that she blamed her for the death of her ex, but that was totally not her fault. As time went on it was obvious that she was being that way towards Cass because she was jealous and felt her encrouching on her territory, a.k.a Jake, but I didn't think thta she necessarily had to be a b*tch all the time when Cass wasn't even hitting on him. In the only Amanda pov, I was shocked that there was one and wondering why it was there, at first. When the chapter was going, I was like, what the hell is going on when she was with the dude, Cody. I was at first wondering why the hell that was happening but then as the chapter went on, it started to make sense and my suspicions were confirmed in the later chapter.
Cody was a nice guy and all, but he was just sore thumb. I don't really know what I felt for him since there wasn't much to see of him to begin with.
June 28, 2015
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars!
It has gore. It has hilarious moments. It has brains.
Undead with Benefits is a humorous teenage story about love and friendship in a world slowly filling with zombies. This is the sequel to Eat Brains Love. Although I enjoyed the first book better, this one still packed a punch.
The reader gets to see inside the head of the hormone filled Jake, also a zombie, and Cass, the girl who you can’t help but like, also someone with psychic type powers. Jake’s girlfriend, the snotty Amanda, also a zombie, is part of the three person crew on a road trip to Iowa, where they hope to find the zombie cure.
The book starts out a little slow considering who is in the weird trio of travelers. Not a lot starts to happen until you get about 70 pages in. At that point the plot really starts to move forward and at this time I finally felt like Undead with Benefits had a better chance of living up to its predecessor. I was relieved to finally be completely engrossed in the story. What I thought was going to be kind of a lame teenage book (which is saying something since it stars zombies and psychics) turned into a very cool and funny novel. I liked the amount of blood and guts there was mixed in with the funny one-liners. It’s always interesting when zombies try to live off of eating just genuine pigs. Later in the story when it picked up we also get to meet new characters and get a new setting, which made everything that much more entertaining and interesting.
Undead with Benefits is a good book, but the first book in the series, Eat Brains Love, was a great book. I still say you should give this series a try, especially if you like a good laugh given to you by some teenage zombies. I'm not sure if there is going to be a third book, but if there is that would be nice, if there isn't, the ending wasn't really all that bad.
Check out my review of the first book! My Four Star Review of Eat, Brains, Love
It has gore. It has hilarious moments. It has brains.
Undead with Benefits is a humorous teenage story about love and friendship in a world slowly filling with zombies. This is the sequel to Eat Brains Love. Although I enjoyed the first book better, this one still packed a punch.
The reader gets to see inside the head of the hormone filled Jake, also a zombie, and Cass, the girl who you can’t help but like, also someone with psychic type powers. Jake’s girlfriend, the snotty Amanda, also a zombie, is part of the three person crew on a road trip to Iowa, where they hope to find the zombie cure.
The book starts out a little slow considering who is in the weird trio of travelers. Not a lot starts to happen until you get about 70 pages in. At that point the plot really starts to move forward and at this time I finally felt like Undead with Benefits had a better chance of living up to its predecessor. I was relieved to finally be completely engrossed in the story. What I thought was going to be kind of a lame teenage book (which is saying something since it stars zombies and psychics) turned into a very cool and funny novel. I liked the amount of blood and guts there was mixed in with the funny one-liners. It’s always interesting when zombies try to live off of eating just genuine pigs. Later in the story when it picked up we also get to meet new characters and get a new setting, which made everything that much more entertaining and interesting.
Undead with Benefits is a good book, but the first book in the series, Eat Brains Love, was a great book. I still say you should give this series a try, especially if you like a good laugh given to you by some teenage zombies. I'm not sure if there is going to be a third book, but if there is that would be nice, if there isn't, the ending wasn't really all that bad.
Check out my review of the first book! My Four Star Review of Eat, Brains, Love
January 31, 2017
I absolutely love the alternating Jake and Cass – including one Amanda chapter – points of view. Even if it did take me a second to realize which point of view I was currently reading because I was engrossed in the story.
The duology that is the Eat Brains Love series is one of my favorites so far. We all know I love a good zombie story. This was refreshing to read, and didn’t follow the typical zombie apocalypse story that is overplayed these days.
Undead with Benefits immediately picks up where Eat Brains Love ended. Following Jake, Amanda, and Cass across country to Iowa in hopes to find the cure. Cass and Jake’s “relationship” is so . . . I don’t even know. A part of me had hope for them; that something would happen to Amanda, and then Cass and Jake would find the cure – then boom, happily ever after.
Things don’t always turn out the way you want them.
There weren’t as many gruesome scenes in Undead with Benefits as Eat Brains Love had, but I’m not complaining. For the sequel, it had a much different vibe than the first, despite there still being the zombie outbreak and all. This book felt more like The Walking Dead, with zombies just ambling around . . . then, of course, the risk of getting attacked by these zombies.
For once, however, there was an ending to a book that didn’t leave you in a cliffhanger. There really was no guessing what could happen after the last word. Everything was laid out and explained. I mean, of course there was the choice of using your imagination to fill in any “what ifs,” but it was basically finished. I like reading an apocalypse or dystopian where I don’t have to guess or wish there was more.
The duology that is the Eat Brains Love series is one of my favorites so far. We all know I love a good zombie story. This was refreshing to read, and didn’t follow the typical zombie apocalypse story that is overplayed these days.
Undead with Benefits immediately picks up where Eat Brains Love ended. Following Jake, Amanda, and Cass across country to Iowa in hopes to find the cure. Cass and Jake’s “relationship” is so . . . I don’t even know. A part of me had hope for them; that something would happen to Amanda, and then Cass and Jake would find the cure – then boom, happily ever after.
Things don’t always turn out the way you want them.
There weren’t as many gruesome scenes in Undead with Benefits as Eat Brains Love had, but I’m not complaining. For the sequel, it had a much different vibe than the first, despite there still being the zombie outbreak and all. This book felt more like The Walking Dead, with zombies just ambling around . . . then, of course, the risk of getting attacked by these zombies.
For once, however, there was an ending to a book that didn’t leave you in a cliffhanger. There really was no guessing what could happen after the last word. Everything was laid out and explained. I mean, of course there was the choice of using your imagination to fill in any “what ifs,” but it was basically finished. I like reading an apocalypse or dystopian where I don’t have to guess or wish there was more.
May 13, 2015
A fun follow up with a disappointing and strange ending.
This was every bit of a fun, funny, and breezy read as Eat, Brains, Love. We pick up right where we left off with Cass joining Jake and Amanda on their zombie road trip to Iowa to find the zombie cure. (Is there something really menacing about Iowa? Because between this and Grasshopper Jungle it seems to be full of unexpected monsters.) The trip is full of fun quips and interesting developments. It holds it's own with pace and doesn't peter out.
However, the end takes a dark and unexpected turn. Considering the overall light-hearted joking tone of this book, Jake's resolution is striking. He murders Cody to save Amanda's life by turning newly turned Cody back human so she can eat him. Then they watch the world burn atop a water tower with no seeming way out. Cass, still has to deal with Alistar, who, while not as powerful as he was, seems to be a force to contend with. It's like we introduced a big bad villain and he never seems his comeuppance.
The end leaves me with a feeling that there should be more to the story, or that the tone is all wrong. I still really enjoyed this book, but it falls short of being a potential zombie classic.
This was every bit of a fun, funny, and breezy read as Eat, Brains, Love. We pick up right where we left off with Cass joining Jake and Amanda on their zombie road trip to Iowa to find the zombie cure. (Is there something really menacing about Iowa? Because between this and Grasshopper Jungle it seems to be full of unexpected monsters.) The trip is full of fun quips and interesting developments. It holds it's own with pace and doesn't peter out.
However, the end takes a dark and unexpected turn. Considering the overall light-hearted joking tone of this book, Jake's resolution is striking. He murders Cody to save Amanda's life by turning newly turned Cody back human so she can eat him. Then they watch the world burn atop a water tower with no seeming way out. Cass, still has to deal with Alistar, who, while not as powerful as he was, seems to be a force to contend with. It's like we introduced a big bad villain and he never seems his comeuppance.
The end leaves me with a feeling that there should be more to the story, or that the tone is all wrong. I still really enjoyed this book, but it falls short of being a potential zombie classic.
July 26, 2014
I have to admit that I had trouble with the first 75 pages, or so, of this book. I didn't read the first book in the series and found that without that history, I wasn't able to immediately like the characters. There was just a blithe cruelty and adolescent male silliness that seemed meaningless. Then I was surprised. Things get hairy as Jake and Amanda (zombies) rely on Cass (ex-government psychic) to get them a cure for the zombie disease. In their journey, there is death and dismemberment galore, but also philosophy, love, and fun (fun for the reader, not so much for the protagonists). We see how each character deals with who they are, who they want to be, and what choices they are willing to make under difficult circumstances. And how ugly even the best intentioned people can become to get what they want. Ultimately, humanity can be found in the unlikeliest of places, and love is not just reserved for the living. There is a lot of callous death, so if you are feint of heart you may want to pass. But if you are curious, this book is well worth a go. Plus the very last part is romantically stunning.
September 2, 2014
I have a soft spot for zombies. I don't care if they are traditional zombies, or something in between like in Hart's novels; I just love them. This is a continuation of Hart's first book of his Eat, Brains, Love series, also titled the same. Jake, Amanda, and now Cass are on the run. Dealing with conspiracies, psychic abilities, zombie cravings, and a really demented love triangle, readers are in for a bumpy ride. The series still holds the quick teenage wit mixed in with the gallows humor. The conspiracies get murkier and goals seem to be changing almost every 10 miles. It will be interesting to see where Cass, Jake, and Amanda find themselves in the next installment.
Thanks Edelweiss.
Thanks Edelweiss.
January 25, 2015
I remember not loving or hating the first book. When I realized this was a continuation, I was interested and hopeful that I would see some progressed story line and characters.
Ugh, no. Now I remember what I wasn't a fan of in the first book. I think this is slapstick humor at best. Jake's constant one-liners and fake stoner-beach-guy played stupidity and attitude was nauseating. So many times I juggled between wanting to smack each character.
The "love" triangle was painful as I don't think anyone actually likes each other - except Jake who, of course, only wants one thing. Ugh, really? I thought this would be a more interesting zombie book. It just wasn't for me.
Ugh, no. Now I remember what I wasn't a fan of in the first book. I think this is slapstick humor at best. Jake's constant one-liners and fake stoner-beach-guy played stupidity and attitude was nauseating. So many times I juggled between wanting to smack each character.
The "love" triangle was painful as I don't think anyone actually likes each other - except Jake who, of course, only wants one thing. Ugh, really? I thought this would be a more interesting zombie book. It just wasn't for me.
July 7, 2016
I am going to admit that when I started this book, which is a sequel, it didn't seem to keep me as interested as the previous book. It wasn't until I forced myself to about halfway through that my interest in this story did pick up. That is when this so called "mission" started showing cracks throughout. The so-called love triangle gets more complicated and enemies thought to be dead really are not. I am glad that I did force myself to finish this. The ending of this is kind of a cliff-hanger and that kinda pissed me off but overall I would recommend this book.
October 19, 2014
The story continues with Jack and Amanda on the run, they saved psychic Cass (she is in the trunk of the car) on their way to Iowa where there are rumors about a cure.
Jack is still Jack a total idiot in love, Amanda is still a bitch, but nobody can win Cass she is a backstabbing mean selfish bitch.
The story is funny and has the same feeling as book one.
I like Jack: he’s trying to be a good Zombie. I loved the ending
Jack is still Jack a total idiot in love, Amanda is still a bitch, but nobody can win Cass she is a backstabbing mean selfish bitch.
The story is funny and has the same feeling as book one.
I like Jack: he’s trying to be a good Zombie. I loved the ending
February 1, 2016
This book, despite being well-written, only deserves 4/5 stars (I have yet to find a 5/5 star book). I did enjoy where Jake, Amanda, and Cass finally make it into Iowa; however, I don't like the whole "ghoul" zombie idea: if a zombie waits too long to sate its hunger, it never will. Again, 4/5. Despite all this, it is a very good book, and I also recommend reading the first book, "Eat, Brains, Love".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2015
I gave it a 4 stars because Jake's lines are hilarious and I like the first part of the book before they all went inside the wall. Amanda being a bitch and later on nice and sentimental annoys me, why can't she just be bitch and ruined her relationship with Jake.
I hope the third book will be on my liking.
[to be editted]
I hope the third book will be on my liking.
[to be editted]
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December 3, 2015Graded By: Poshdeluxe
Cover Story: Unappetizing Seconds
BFF Charm: Platinum, Sassy Gay Friend
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: He Said, She Said
Bonus Factors: Zombies, Quest
Relationship Status: Let's Take This to the Next Level
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Unappetizing Seconds
BFF Charm: Platinum, Sassy Gay Friend
Swoonworthy Scale: 3
Talky Talk: He Said, She Said
Bonus Factors: Zombies, Quest
Relationship Status: Let's Take This to the Next Level
Read the full book report here.
March 12, 2015
Undead With Benefits was a great sequel to Eat, Brain, Love and I loved all of the characters arcs and development from the first book into this one. Although I had struggled towards the end of the book in finishing it, when I finally did I was very satisfied in the ending. I would rate it at about 3.5 stars.
May 4, 2014
I loved this sequel to the first book. Loved all the one liners from Jake. Great to see Cass and Amanda again. They are on a mission , and there are twists and turns through out the book. I can't say what happens because that would be spoiling it.
November 27, 2014
The sequel introduced a few new characters that were really interesting. I don't know if this is the final book, but if it is, I'm ok with the way it ended. I would have liked a little more closure, but I'm ok with it. It wasn't better than the first book, but it wasn't worse.
January 22, 2015
I loved it, I only hope he makes a third book. Trilogy? I hope so.
August 8, 2016
Oh, another great book! I enjoyed it so much, and lots of things happened, and I'd love a 3rd book!
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