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Z7 #1
The Reanimation of Edward Schuett
Fifty years have passed since the so-called Zombie Uprising. The coasts of the United States have recovered to become thriving metropolises while the interior still struggles with the day to day zombie problem.
The last thing Edward Schuett remembers was a zombie attack on his family on the Fourth of July. When he wakes up, things are different. He is different. He can once again think and talk, but he still carries the zombie virus in his system. While some react to him with curiosity, the rest act with hostility.
Now Edward is on the run across the country, searching for his answers with a series of unlikely allies. His journey will take him from futuristic scientific labs to the burned-out ruins of small-town America, looking for the people who can tell him why he is different. But there are those who will not stop until he is destroyed—especially when it is discovered that Edward possesses a unique ability that may just make him the most powerful biological weapon in history.
The last thing Edward Schuett remembers was a zombie attack on his family on the Fourth of July. When he wakes up, things are different. He is different. He can once again think and talk, but he still carries the zombie virus in his system. While some react to him with curiosity, the rest act with hostility.
Now Edward is on the run across the country, searching for his answers with a series of unlikely allies. His journey will take him from futuristic scientific labs to the burned-out ruins of small-town America, looking for the people who can tell him why he is different. But there are those who will not stop until he is destroyed—especially when it is discovered that Edward possesses a unique ability that may just make him the most powerful biological weapon in history.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 22, 2012
With the massive glut of zombie novels on the market, it's often difficult to weed out the best from the mundane. It's even more difficult to find a fresh new take on the genre. Derek Goodman delivers on both points. The Reanimation of Edward Schuett delivers a unique take on the genre and is one of the best zombie novels I've had the pleasure of reading. It's now one of my absolute favorites.
The characters are well-developed, the world building is fantastic, the scenario is heart-breaking, yet excitingly fresh, and the suspense that builds over the course of the story will keep readers anxiously flipping pages to find out what happens to poor Edward.
The characters are well-developed, the world building is fantastic, the scenario is heart-breaking, yet excitingly fresh, and the suspense that builds over the course of the story will keep readers anxiously flipping pages to find out what happens to poor Edward.
September 27, 2012
As an avid reader of zombie-based novels, I was incredibly thrilled to read "The Reanimation of Edward Schuett" (TROES, as I will refer to it as in this review). The title itself was intriguing and seemed almost positive. Plenty of zombie novels use the words "dead" "zombie" "rot", etc. in their titles, but reanimation? That was certainly a new one.
After overcoming the initial excitement I had in regards to the title, I began to read what could quite possibly be one of the most positive zombie books I have ever read. Sure this book had it's "downer" moments, as any book does, but it truly gave hope for the eventual downfall of mankind.
TROES is about a zombie named Edward who appears to be coming back to life after being zombified for quite some time. Throughout the the book you learn, in great detail, what has happened to the world since Edward was last alive. Derek Goodman does an excellent job describing each scene in a great detail which allowed me to visual the towns and people. TROES is an easy ready and moves along smoothly. I finished it in just a few days time during breaks at work, I just simply could not put it down. I also felt quite sorry for Edward and was eager to learn what would come of his future.
Despite the amazing detail and well written story, one part of the book bugged me a bit. At first I didn't see the point in including such a scene but after a couple more chapters, it made sense. After you read TROES, you might be able to pick out which scene I'm referring to. I do not want to describe it on here as that would be a spoiler, which I try not to do in my reviews. After reading it, you may want to call me a prude of sorts, but I am what I am.
I feel honored to be able to have read TROES. I feel this book is certainly a revelation in the zombie genre and I have my fingers crossed for a sequel!
After overcoming the initial excitement I had in regards to the title, I began to read what could quite possibly be one of the most positive zombie books I have ever read. Sure this book had it's "downer" moments, as any book does, but it truly gave hope for the eventual downfall of mankind.
TROES is about a zombie named Edward who appears to be coming back to life after being zombified for quite some time. Throughout the the book you learn, in great detail, what has happened to the world since Edward was last alive. Derek Goodman does an excellent job describing each scene in a great detail which allowed me to visual the towns and people. TROES is an easy ready and moves along smoothly. I finished it in just a few days time during breaks at work, I just simply could not put it down. I also felt quite sorry for Edward and was eager to learn what would come of his future.
Despite the amazing detail and well written story, one part of the book bugged me a bit. At first I didn't see the point in including such a scene but after a couple more chapters, it made sense. After you read TROES, you might be able to pick out which scene I'm referring to. I do not want to describe it on here as that would be a spoiler, which I try not to do in my reviews. After reading it, you may want to call me a prude of sorts, but I am what I am.
I feel honored to be able to have read TROES. I feel this book is certainly a revelation in the zombie genre and I have my fingers crossed for a sequel!
October 21, 2012
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! Another editing project is now a published book!
Fifty years have passed since the so-called Zombie Uprising. The coasts of the United States have recovered to become thriving metropolises while the interior still struggles with the day to day zombie problem.
The last thing Edward Schuett remembers was a zombie attack on his family on the Fourth of July. When he wakes up, things are different. He is different. He can once again think and talk, but he still carries the zombie virus in his system. While some react to him with curiosity, the rest act with hostility.
Now Edward is on the run across the country, searching for his answers with a series of unlikely allies. His journey will take him from futuristic scientific labs to the burned-out ruins of small-town America, looking for the people who can tell him why he is different. But there are those who will not stop until he is destroyed—especially when it is discovered that Edward possesses a unique ability that may just make him the most powerful biological weapon in history.
Fifty years have passed since the so-called Zombie Uprising. The coasts of the United States have recovered to become thriving metropolises while the interior still struggles with the day to day zombie problem.
The last thing Edward Schuett remembers was a zombie attack on his family on the Fourth of July. When he wakes up, things are different. He is different. He can once again think and talk, but he still carries the zombie virus in his system. While some react to him with curiosity, the rest act with hostility.
Now Edward is on the run across the country, searching for his answers with a series of unlikely allies. His journey will take him from futuristic scientific labs to the burned-out ruins of small-town America, looking for the people who can tell him why he is different. But there are those who will not stop until he is destroyed—especially when it is discovered that Edward possesses a unique ability that may just make him the most powerful biological weapon in history.
September 6, 2016
This books is a clever twist on the zombie theme. A zombie wakes up and returns (heals up) to normal appearance, but he retains the virus, which is a very quick activing strain (almost instant death and transference upon biting someone).
This book is a fun read, mainly to me because I thought it was a clever way to tell the story. It’s not perfect, but I still recommend it. For example, wouldn’t it cross your mind that if the zombie virus was transferable through saliva that it might also be sexually transmitted? Some scientist lost her life because this never crossed her mind. When you think “zombie sex” you have to think about “safe sex.” I’m just sayin.
I wasn’t that crazy about the ending, but it was a fun trip getting there. I’d recommend it.
This book is a fun read, mainly to me because I thought it was a clever way to tell the story. It’s not perfect, but I still recommend it. For example, wouldn’t it cross your mind that if the zombie virus was transferable through saliva that it might also be sexually transmitted? Some scientist lost her life because this never crossed her mind. When you think “zombie sex” you have to think about “safe sex.” I’m just sayin.
I wasn’t that crazy about the ending, but it was a fun trip getting there. I’d recommend it.
December 30, 2012
The Reanimation of Edward Shuett is a zombie tale for folks who are looking something that injects something entirely new and different into the genre. Edward is an average guy from Wisconsin who wakes up one day in an abandoned WalMart dazed, dirty, and confused by the fact that he has maggots crawling out of rotten holes in his arm. He sees a couple of other people in the store who scare him. They are clearly not normal-shambling looking dead things that have no reason to still be upright. Despite his fears of them, they don’t seem very interested in him, and when a truck pulls up outside and a couple of men step out looking for some undead to capture, Edward begins to realize what he is…or at least what he used to be.
There have been, by my reckoning, a handful of novels that are told from the viewpoint of the zombie. We’re even going to be seeing a movie with this slant in early 2013 with “Warm Bodies”. Some just dance lightly around the subject of trying to grasp what is going on inside the brain of a zombie, while others plunge in head first, making their whole focus about the life and times of the undead. I would have to say that TRoES is the first story I’ve read that caused me to not only identify with a particular zombie but caused me to feel sympathy and empathy for their plight. But of course, Edward Shuett isn’t your average, garden variety zombie.
Edward is definitely a zombie-of that there is no doubt. While the realization comes as a shock to him, there is another more striking realization for both him and the living, breathing humans that surround him. Unlike the rest of the undead, he can reason, speak, and is even starting regenerate the fifty years of damage he suffered as a mindless eating machine. His memories as a full blown flesh eater are vague-stuck within his dreams and nightmares. Sadly, he has no idea what has happened to his wife and daughter, and to him it seems like time stood still since he was originally bitten and transformed. But now he is stuck in a world of survivors who have lived with the threat of the undead for half a century.
Like the author even says within the tale, this is sort of a zombie Rip Van Winkle, with a man searching for his past while trying to adjust to the new world around him. While zombies are still a threat, the human race has conquered them for the most part-at least those who live within the city limits and not out in the wastelands. In another way, this book and likely any follow-ups the author creates, remind me of the classic Planet of the Apes movies, as strange as that may sound. A creature different than all the rest of its kind is to be feared for the danger it may or may not represent and there will always be those who want to destroy it for that reason alone.
The Reanimation of Edward Shuett certainly serves up a unique zombie tale, but one that retains what makes stories in this genre worth reading: solid characters put into tremendously difficult situations that feature monsters both human and inhuman. As is the case with the best of the genre, it is pretty clear that the human monsters are by far the worst. This story is heartfelt and touching, but retains that blood-drenched razor sharp edge that should keep most zombie fans satisfied.
There have been, by my reckoning, a handful of novels that are told from the viewpoint of the zombie. We’re even going to be seeing a movie with this slant in early 2013 with “Warm Bodies”. Some just dance lightly around the subject of trying to grasp what is going on inside the brain of a zombie, while others plunge in head first, making their whole focus about the life and times of the undead. I would have to say that TRoES is the first story I’ve read that caused me to not only identify with a particular zombie but caused me to feel sympathy and empathy for their plight. But of course, Edward Shuett isn’t your average, garden variety zombie.
Edward is definitely a zombie-of that there is no doubt. While the realization comes as a shock to him, there is another more striking realization for both him and the living, breathing humans that surround him. Unlike the rest of the undead, he can reason, speak, and is even starting regenerate the fifty years of damage he suffered as a mindless eating machine. His memories as a full blown flesh eater are vague-stuck within his dreams and nightmares. Sadly, he has no idea what has happened to his wife and daughter, and to him it seems like time stood still since he was originally bitten and transformed. But now he is stuck in a world of survivors who have lived with the threat of the undead for half a century.
Like the author even says within the tale, this is sort of a zombie Rip Van Winkle, with a man searching for his past while trying to adjust to the new world around him. While zombies are still a threat, the human race has conquered them for the most part-at least those who live within the city limits and not out in the wastelands. In another way, this book and likely any follow-ups the author creates, remind me of the classic Planet of the Apes movies, as strange as that may sound. A creature different than all the rest of its kind is to be feared for the danger it may or may not represent and there will always be those who want to destroy it for that reason alone.
The Reanimation of Edward Shuett certainly serves up a unique zombie tale, but one that retains what makes stories in this genre worth reading: solid characters put into tremendously difficult situations that feature monsters both human and inhuman. As is the case with the best of the genre, it is pretty clear that the human monsters are by far the worst. This story is heartfelt and touching, but retains that blood-drenched razor sharp edge that should keep most zombie fans satisfied.
December 3, 2012
EDWARD SCHUETT is one of those zombie novels for people who don’t like zombie novels. It’s heartfelt, honest, sometimes sexy, and tinged with heartache. There isn’t much in the way of carnage, save for a scene towards the end. This is a book that deals primarily with character development, and what it means to be human. The pace is steady without being overly slow. The characters, Edward specifically, are well developed and real. You feel for Edward’s plight, and the situations he finds himself in are real, and the characters (and their motives) respond accordingly. It’s a great change of pace from your typical zombie fare.
Any drawbacks are few and minor. I was really disappointed in the fate of the one of the supporting characters, and I would have liked the second act of the book to be drawn out a bit more, but these do not take away from the overall quality of the book.
THE REANIMATION OF EDWARD SCHUETT is a good book. It’s definitely different than most of what you will find in the genre, and that alone warrants a read. It’s another notch in Permuted Press’ impressive library, and it’s wholly recommended.
Any drawbacks are few and minor. I was really disappointed in the fate of the one of the supporting characters, and I would have liked the second act of the book to be drawn out a bit more, but these do not take away from the overall quality of the book.
THE REANIMATION OF EDWARD SCHUETT is a good book. It’s definitely different than most of what you will find in the genre, and that alone warrants a read. It’s another notch in Permuted Press’ impressive library, and it’s wholly recommended.
January 21, 2014
The Reanimation of Edward Schuett could be called The Reanimation of the Zombie genre since it brings new life I to a genre that has been done to death, not just in books, games and movies. With exceptions like The Walking Dead and the Mira Grant novels the zombie genre has become very stale and boring. Not so this novel with the introduction of Edward Schuett, a zombie that has the intelligence and emotions as a normal living person does. It brings something fresh to the genre as we read about Edward coming to terms with the fact he is a zombie. Of course it would not a zombie book with out a touch of zombie uprising, experiments gone wrong and the munching of human flesh which the novel does have. It's the main story line though that brings a breath of fresh air and something new to the whole zombie idea. The novel ended a little to abruptly for my liking but does leave the story open for a sequel, a pleasure to read and easily recommendable to fans of zombies and horror novels in general.
October 7, 2013
I'm now aware that a book about zombies reanimating back to live humans, isn't a new thing. It's kinda new to me in the way that I hadn't read a book about it.
(At the time of this review, I have not read WARM BODIES, which deals with the same theme. Saw the movie, but that doesn't count.)
Anyhow, the book starts out strong and interesting slowly detailing with Edward Schuett's reanimation. I like how questions aren't answered right away.
How did he get into a Walmart? Why and how did he become a zombie? How does a zombie reanimate?
I liked that many of the characters in authoritative positions are women, and most aren't portrayed as bitches.
The different zombie levels are a nice touch. (Has that been done before?)
Not too fond of the thankfully, very short romantic and sexual interlude. It made me roll my eyes.
The answers to the questions and the ending was satisfying enough. I'd probably read the upcoming rest of the series.
(At the time of this review, I have not read WARM BODIES, which deals with the same theme. Saw the movie, but that doesn't count.)
Anyhow, the book starts out strong and interesting slowly detailing with Edward Schuett's reanimation. I like how questions aren't answered right away.
How did he get into a Walmart? Why and how did he become a zombie? How does a zombie reanimate?
I liked that many of the characters in authoritative positions are women, and most aren't portrayed as bitches.
The different zombie levels are a nice touch. (Has that been done before?)
Not too fond of the thankfully, very short romantic and sexual interlude. It made me roll my eyes.
The answers to the questions and the ending was satisfying enough. I'd probably read the upcoming rest of the series.
September 7, 2013
This book was quite enjoyable overall. My only real complaint is that it wasn't longer, but the author has mentioned the possibility of sequels, so that will have to do. The writing style is engaging, and the reader does feel genuinely concerned with the fate of all the characters, especially, of course, Edward. The joy is that even the secondary characters feel like people, and the reader likes or hates them as they like or hate people who behave like that character in reality. That kind of writing is rare, and for that, you get 4 stars.
December 13, 2014
Surprisingly an interesting read. Not your typical zombie book. And bonus it starts off taking place in Fond du Lac, WI! I'm really hoping for a sequel as I'm not done learning about Edward.
April 10, 2020
A different take on the Zom Appoc..Told from the zeds perceptive and his return to normality/human kind we learn of his life before and after. Other characters come and go but leave their mark on him as he reanimates.
This book was excellent and I hope there is a follow up to it but I’ve subtracted a star as there a particular chapter which beggars belief especially when common sense should have been used! Listen to it and you will see what I mean (no spoilers here!)
Narration was excellent
This book was excellent and I hope there is a follow up to it but I’ve subtracted a star as there a particular chapter which beggars belief especially when common sense should have been used! Listen to it and you will see what I mean (no spoilers here!)
Narration was excellent
April 11, 2018
Maybe not the best zombie book I've read so far, but a pretty good start to one.
I love zombie books from the PoV of a zombie main character. In fact I really don't like stories told by survivors, those just make me lose faith in man kind.
I liked the zombie mythology, but I didn't much like how the male zombie character was either fighting evil women or was the reason why his female sidekicks were dying around him. Maybe it was just a coincidence but this was a pretty misogynistic story.
I'm curious how the next book will go, especially with the female title character.. Who is causing problems for Edward. Shocking.
I love zombie books from the PoV of a zombie main character. In fact I really don't like stories told by survivors, those just make me lose faith in man kind.
I liked the zombie mythology, but I didn't much like how the male zombie character was either fighting evil women or was the reason why his female sidekicks were dying around him. Maybe it was just a coincidence but this was a pretty misogynistic story.
I'm curious how the next book will go, especially with the female title character.. Who is causing problems for Edward. Shocking.
January 31, 2022
Well paced and well read, but there's a plot point so absurd that I laughed aloud when it happened.(Trust me: you'll know it when it comes.) Otherwise, a fine effort - if silly.
November 29, 2014
Won in the Goodreads book giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
This book could possibly be the best Zombie themed novel because it has originality and raw emotion. Seriously, the emotion in this book is amazing and I don’t like to admit it but you feel bad for our enemies, AKA, the zombies. This story is about Edward, a man who had a good life before the Uprising took place. He had a wife and even a kid but all that got taken away...50 years ago. Have you ever wondered if a person could somehow change from a zombie into a human?
This is exactly what happens in the beginning and it was pretty gruesome. Just think of the body problems that surface from being a zombie. You have the skin issue where your body is covered in holes with maggots included. You have the contents in your stomach that just needs to escape since a change is occurring. And then you have the “accidents” that occurred after all these years and need to be changed. Doesn't sound like fun at all and Edward had to experience this himself with confusion as his brain came back to normal.
So we have our Zombie man Edward here figure out how to use his limbs and slowly ventures out of the Walmart until he almost gets killed. A creative idea that Goodman has come up with is that people in this novel go and gather zombies for money and then take them to places where people pay to watch them get killed. Of course Edward doesn’t know that as he spooks two humans by his looks and not to mention that he can speak and think like a human, resulting in punishing ways. To be honest, I would be pretty freaked out by him as well.
Not everyone is scared of him though and time to introduce Rae, who is another character that is equally as important. She wants to help him out with her trusty riffle, Spanky, and together they find people who will be able to tell him what he is. The only way they’ll tell is that he comes with them however and he is pretty desperate to know answers.
These people are scientists and (some, not all) are power hungry for status and experiments. These people are who zombies fear because they would gut you just for the pure joy of science. Edward understands that he needs to do as he is told or else. These people don’t care about his feelings and refer to him as a “Thing” because as a zombie, he has no soul. When Liddie, a CRS worker, gets ordered to be his friend so he will cooperate she helps him understand that he is human.
After learning what is to come of Edward, Liddie helps him escape and are both on the run. After their escape, Edward gets a very important call that can give his life purpose and with Liddie by his side, they head to the source and finally find out how he became a zombie who could talk and act human. As they get to know each other better, their feelings develop into something more. At one point, a little something something happens but came with dire consequences. So here is an important question: can zombies feel emotion?
Edward here is highly capable of that because he can love, fear, laugh, cry and feel anger. The lesser ones give off scents that indicate how they feel. I really like that Goodman explored this depth and gave the zombies emotion because we have known these vicious nightmares to be ruthless and emotionless (which they usually are.)
There were times that I truly felt sorry for him because all he wanted was to be treated with respect. I believe this quote that Edward says really made me think about zombies and had me thinking “Damn it, Liddie, stop thinking like you’re still in the CRS just for one second and think about who this man was. Because that’s what he was. A man. With a family, probably. Look at all that stuff in his wallet. Don’t you see any story there? Can’t you picture this man maybe going on vacation to Las Vegas or something? Maybe he had his girlfriend with him. Maybe they were going to elope, get married in some cheesy little chapel where the guy doing the ceremony is an Elvis impersonator. Anything like that, because whether any of that is true or not, this man had a story. It’s a story that got cut short. But what if this guy in Illinois is the reason I became a Z7? What if he can do that again? That means this man’s story could have started up again, but now it won’t. And because of that, excuse me if I’m going to take a moment to mourn him, because this man could have just as easily been me"-Pg 178
The only problem with this novel was the grammatical errors for there were quite a lot and most chapters were about two pages long so it was an annoyance. I have found that some words were missing to make a sentence and that made me reread the sentences to figure out what was actually being said.
4.5 stars
This book could possibly be the best Zombie themed novel because it has originality and raw emotion. Seriously, the emotion in this book is amazing and I don’t like to admit it but you feel bad for our enemies, AKA, the zombies. This story is about Edward, a man who had a good life before the Uprising took place. He had a wife and even a kid but all that got taken away...50 years ago. Have you ever wondered if a person could somehow change from a zombie into a human?
This is exactly what happens in the beginning and it was pretty gruesome. Just think of the body problems that surface from being a zombie. You have the skin issue where your body is covered in holes with maggots included. You have the contents in your stomach that just needs to escape since a change is occurring. And then you have the “accidents” that occurred after all these years and need to be changed. Doesn't sound like fun at all and Edward had to experience this himself with confusion as his brain came back to normal.
So we have our Zombie man Edward here figure out how to use his limbs and slowly ventures out of the Walmart until he almost gets killed. A creative idea that Goodman has come up with is that people in this novel go and gather zombies for money and then take them to places where people pay to watch them get killed. Of course Edward doesn’t know that as he spooks two humans by his looks and not to mention that he can speak and think like a human, resulting in punishing ways. To be honest, I would be pretty freaked out by him as well.
Not everyone is scared of him though and time to introduce Rae, who is another character that is equally as important. She wants to help him out with her trusty riffle, Spanky, and together they find people who will be able to tell him what he is. The only way they’ll tell is that he comes with them however and he is pretty desperate to know answers.
These people are scientists and (some, not all) are power hungry for status and experiments. These people are who zombies fear because they would gut you just for the pure joy of science. Edward understands that he needs to do as he is told or else. These people don’t care about his feelings and refer to him as a “Thing” because as a zombie, he has no soul. When Liddie, a CRS worker, gets ordered to be his friend so he will cooperate she helps him understand that he is human.
After learning what is to come of Edward, Liddie helps him escape and are both on the run. After their escape, Edward gets a very important call that can give his life purpose and with Liddie by his side, they head to the source and finally find out how he became a zombie who could talk and act human. As they get to know each other better, their feelings develop into something more. At one point, a little something something happens but came with dire consequences. So here is an important question: can zombies feel emotion?
Edward here is highly capable of that because he can love, fear, laugh, cry and feel anger. The lesser ones give off scents that indicate how they feel. I really like that Goodman explored this depth and gave the zombies emotion because we have known these vicious nightmares to be ruthless and emotionless (which they usually are.)
There were times that I truly felt sorry for him because all he wanted was to be treated with respect. I believe this quote that Edward says really made me think about zombies and had me thinking “Damn it, Liddie, stop thinking like you’re still in the CRS just for one second and think about who this man was. Because that’s what he was. A man. With a family, probably. Look at all that stuff in his wallet. Don’t you see any story there? Can’t you picture this man maybe going on vacation to Las Vegas or something? Maybe he had his girlfriend with him. Maybe they were going to elope, get married in some cheesy little chapel where the guy doing the ceremony is an Elvis impersonator. Anything like that, because whether any of that is true or not, this man had a story. It’s a story that got cut short. But what if this guy in Illinois is the reason I became a Z7? What if he can do that again? That means this man’s story could have started up again, but now it won’t. And because of that, excuse me if I’m going to take a moment to mourn him, because this man could have just as easily been me"-Pg 178
The only problem with this novel was the grammatical errors for there were quite a lot and most chapters were about two pages long so it was an annoyance. I have found that some words were missing to make a sentence and that made me reread the sentences to figure out what was actually being said.
October 15, 2012
The Reanimation of Edward Schuett finds the world fifty years removed from a zombie uprising which claimed 3/4 of the world’s population. The coasts of the United States have recovered but the rest have yet to fully remove the zombie problem and are dealing with it as a somewhat natural part of existence. Edward Schuett wakes up one day in a Walmart having no recollection of the last fifty years, his last memory being of the day the zombies attacked, and has an unfortunate realization, he’s one of them. Unlike the rest of the zombies that remain Edward is able to think and speak at the level of a normal human, and even crazier, he’s actually healing. As Edward hunts for any knowledge of what happened to his family, and to himself, he finds that most people he comes across either want to study him or worse, kill him. When Edward meets some unlikely allies is there any chance they can help him find a way to help others to heal like he is? Can he survive all of those who would have him killed?
The start of the book dragged a bit with Edward not thinking at 100% efficiency and trying to figure out what the heck is going on with him. However, once he runs into the first humans in the book things take off very quickly. Without spoiling the book I will say that the government is involved, not that this is a surprise, we have “hicks” who don’t even care about the details of the zombie uprising and some irritating scientists who view Edward as nothing more than something to experiment on and study. The characters are diverse and vibrant, and though Edward certainly isn’t the brightest bulb when it comes to main characters his personality is one that will grow on you as you read.
The setting isn’t the stereotypical barren wasteland across the board that you might envision if a zombie uprising caused the world to lose 3/4 of its population. The coasts have rebuilt and there are some areas there that were even more developed and advanced then their real modern day counterparts. You do have settlements in the middle of the United States that are barely more than basic houses with a wall around it to protect the people within from the zombies that still roam around the area. The government seems to have taken care of the coasts quite well but if you live in the center it is all on you to protect yourself and those you care about. The Reanimation of Edward Schuett doesn’t dwell on depictions of how the world looks, but that doesn’t detract from the story, instead it allows for your imagination to run a bit wild which is so important when reading a book concerning zombies and the like.
This was a relatively quick read for me and I did enjoy the experience throughout. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good zombie tale, especially those who are looking for a different perspective on how it could play out. I won’t go as far as to say it is a must read, but when it is released (expected to late this month) I definitely think you should go and get yourself a copy! Oh, and read it at night, that always makes it more fun! ^.^
Rating: 3/5
The start of the book dragged a bit with Edward not thinking at 100% efficiency and trying to figure out what the heck is going on with him. However, once he runs into the first humans in the book things take off very quickly. Without spoiling the book I will say that the government is involved, not that this is a surprise, we have “hicks” who don’t even care about the details of the zombie uprising and some irritating scientists who view Edward as nothing more than something to experiment on and study. The characters are diverse and vibrant, and though Edward certainly isn’t the brightest bulb when it comes to main characters his personality is one that will grow on you as you read.
The setting isn’t the stereotypical barren wasteland across the board that you might envision if a zombie uprising caused the world to lose 3/4 of its population. The coasts have rebuilt and there are some areas there that were even more developed and advanced then their real modern day counterparts. You do have settlements in the middle of the United States that are barely more than basic houses with a wall around it to protect the people within from the zombies that still roam around the area. The government seems to have taken care of the coasts quite well but if you live in the center it is all on you to protect yourself and those you care about. The Reanimation of Edward Schuett doesn’t dwell on depictions of how the world looks, but that doesn’t detract from the story, instead it allows for your imagination to run a bit wild which is so important when reading a book concerning zombies and the like.
This was a relatively quick read for me and I did enjoy the experience throughout. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good zombie tale, especially those who are looking for a different perspective on how it could play out. I won’t go as far as to say it is a must read, but when it is released (expected to late this month) I definitely think you should go and get yourself a copy! Oh, and read it at night, that always makes it more fun! ^.^
Rating: 3/5
November 24, 2016
If you hadn't already noticed, I read and review a lot of zombie novels. As much as I love the genre though, I'm aware of its limitations. I go into most zombie books looking for decent characters, lots of action, a reasonably plausible survival story and of course a hefty dose of bloody violence. What I don't expect is the kind of heart and honest emotion I got from Derek Goodman's The Reanimation of Edward Schuett, which is easily one of 2012's best zombie novels.
The story begins when the main character - one Edward Schuett - wakes up filthy and nauseous on the floor of an abandoned store. His memory is fragmented, and he's not really sure what's wrong with his body. A quick series of handoffs from bounty hunters to private security forces to a government science agency soon reveals that Edward is a zombie who - after 50 years of wandering and devouring - has regained consciousness and started to heal. He also discovers that he can control other, more traditional zombies. Edward's eventual flight from the government reveals some heartbreaking truths about what happened to his family and shows how a zombie could show more humanity than the living humans who pursued him.
It's rare to find a novel where a zombie is the protagonist, let alone one so human and easy to identify with (Zombie, Ohio is another, as is Breathers: A Zombie's Lament to a lesser extent), but Goodman pulls it off brilliantly here. You can't help but feel for Edward and want him to succeed in his quest to find some meaning in his (after)life, and you definitely will shed a tear or two as his personal tragedies occur. The book also benefits from some memorable supporting characters, an excellent sense of pacing, (mostly) believable dialogue, and just enough action to spice up a story that's otherwise geared towards intellect and emotion.
If you're looking for the typical "lone survivor leads ragtag band to safety against incredible odds" zombie story, this isn't it. If you're interested in an unforgettable story that works on your heart as well as your head, and challenges the zombie genre's conventions, you don't want to miss The Reanimation of Edward Schuett. I know I'll be counting down the days until a follow-up novel is released.
The story begins when the main character - one Edward Schuett - wakes up filthy and nauseous on the floor of an abandoned store. His memory is fragmented, and he's not really sure what's wrong with his body. A quick series of handoffs from bounty hunters to private security forces to a government science agency soon reveals that Edward is a zombie who - after 50 years of wandering and devouring - has regained consciousness and started to heal. He also discovers that he can control other, more traditional zombies. Edward's eventual flight from the government reveals some heartbreaking truths about what happened to his family and shows how a zombie could show more humanity than the living humans who pursued him.
It's rare to find a novel where a zombie is the protagonist, let alone one so human and easy to identify with (Zombie, Ohio is another, as is Breathers: A Zombie's Lament to a lesser extent), but Goodman pulls it off brilliantly here. You can't help but feel for Edward and want him to succeed in his quest to find some meaning in his (after)life, and you definitely will shed a tear or two as his personal tragedies occur. The book also benefits from some memorable supporting characters, an excellent sense of pacing, (mostly) believable dialogue, and just enough action to spice up a story that's otherwise geared towards intellect and emotion.
If you're looking for the typical "lone survivor leads ragtag band to safety against incredible odds" zombie story, this isn't it. If you're interested in an unforgettable story that works on your heart as well as your head, and challenges the zombie genre's conventions, you don't want to miss The Reanimation of Edward Schuett. I know I'll be counting down the days until a follow-up novel is released.
February 13, 2014
Numa altura em que é complicado dar um pontapé numa pedra, sem aparecer um livro de zombies, tenho que destacar a lufada de ar fresco, que foi este "The Reanimation of Edward Schuett".
Estive para lhe dar 5 estrelas, mas fiquei-me por 4.5, sem arredondar para cima, visto que o livro não tem um final fechado, tendo em conta que é o primeiro de uma série. É nos dada a conhecer a história deste zombie reanimado, mas muitas questões ficam por responder.
Claro que sabendo que vai ter continuação, compreendemos que é uma espécie de introdução da personagem principal e do mundo pós-apocalipse zombie, onde desperta (literalmente!) para uma segunda vida.
Este conceito de um zombie que começa a tornar-se uma pessoa quase normal, é muito interessante e, não tendo a certeza se é inovador, não deixa de ser diferente do habitual cenário de sobreviventes num mundo devastado, que geralmente ocupa as páginas dos livros com esta temática.
Mesmo assim, podia rapidamente tornar-se numa história cheia de lugares-comuns, o que não acontece, visto que o autor surpreende-nos com revelações e momentos inesperados, ao longo da obra.
Tal como o protagonista principal, não é um livro perfeito, faltando alguma descrição do mundo em que se desenrola, mas quero acreditar que isso estará guardado para livros futuros, assim como o desvendar mais detalhado, da verdadeira história deste Z7 (zombie categoria 7). No entanto, tal como já referi, quem quiser ler algo diferente com zombies, este é o livro ideal.
Estive para lhe dar 5 estrelas, mas fiquei-me por 4.5, sem arredondar para cima, visto que o livro não tem um final fechado, tendo em conta que é o primeiro de uma série. É nos dada a conhecer a história deste zombie reanimado, mas muitas questões ficam por responder.
Claro que sabendo que vai ter continuação, compreendemos que é uma espécie de introdução da personagem principal e do mundo pós-apocalipse zombie, onde desperta (literalmente!) para uma segunda vida.
Este conceito de um zombie que começa a tornar-se uma pessoa quase normal, é muito interessante e, não tendo a certeza se é inovador, não deixa de ser diferente do habitual cenário de sobreviventes num mundo devastado, que geralmente ocupa as páginas dos livros com esta temática.
Mesmo assim, podia rapidamente tornar-se numa história cheia de lugares-comuns, o que não acontece, visto que o autor surpreende-nos com revelações e momentos inesperados, ao longo da obra.
Tal como o protagonista principal, não é um livro perfeito, faltando alguma descrição do mundo em que se desenrola, mas quero acreditar que isso estará guardado para livros futuros, assim como o desvendar mais detalhado, da verdadeira história deste Z7 (zombie categoria 7). No entanto, tal como já referi, quem quiser ler algo diferente com zombies, este é o livro ideal.
April 28, 2013
I never thought I'd be able to find another zombie book as kick ass as World War Z was but then this little beauty came along! The Reanimation of Edward Schuett is what I've been waiting for for years - a fresh, totally unique zombie story that actually has a brain. Nothing like your traditional been-there-done-that, 'let's see who can create the most gory brain-eater' type of thing, The Reanimation of Edward Schuett reinvented the way we look at the undead. It actually gave them a soul. And I loved it!
This novel had it all - gore, action, science, emotionally-engrossing characters, and yes, even a bit of romance (that didn't make me want to puke!). It was everything I ask for in a novel. I just wish there were more of it.
I never even considered that any other book would take over the top spot over WWZ as my favorite zombie novel but I think Derek Goodman may have managed to do it here. It's a close call but they are so different from each other that I don't even feel like I have to choose! This is a zombie novel that anyone could swallow!
This novel had it all - gore, action, science, emotionally-engrossing characters, and yes, even a bit of romance (that didn't make me want to puke!). It was everything I ask for in a novel. I just wish there were more of it.
I never even considered that any other book would take over the top spot over WWZ as my favorite zombie novel but I think Derek Goodman may have managed to do it here. It's a close call but they are so different from each other that I don't even feel like I have to choose! This is a zombie novel that anyone could swallow!
October 22, 2014
Enjoyed the story, except one scene majorly detracted for me. How many of us wish we had half stars or a ten point scale available? Have to give this about 3.5 stars.
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Spoiler
June 28, 2014
Definitely one of the better zombie books I've read. Very clever with a subtle sense of humour, which are two qualities that are often, sadly, missing from this genre.
Derek Goodman takes a great alternative view of the near future, past the worst of the zombie outbreak, or 'uprising' as it's described in The Reanimation of Edward Schuett, by having the main antagonist a surprised, self-aware zombie with the ability to control his impulses and communicate as a 'human'. It's a very refreshing break from the mindless, evil monsters that often shamble the halls of zombie fiction.
Derek Goodman is not alone in telling the zombie's point of view in a sympathetic way. Diana Rowland does a pretty good job of it in My Life As A White Trash Zombie but The Reanimation etc. has more depth and an extra star from me.
Derek Goodman takes a great alternative view of the near future, past the worst of the zombie outbreak, or 'uprising' as it's described in The Reanimation of Edward Schuett, by having the main antagonist a surprised, self-aware zombie with the ability to control his impulses and communicate as a 'human'. It's a very refreshing break from the mindless, evil monsters that often shamble the halls of zombie fiction.
Derek Goodman is not alone in telling the zombie's point of view in a sympathetic way. Diana Rowland does a pretty good job of it in My Life As A White Trash Zombie but The Reanimation etc. has more depth and an extra star from me.
January 5, 2015
When a friend offered to loan me this book, all it took was a glace at the back showing a recommendation from the amazing Peter Clines and I was sold.
This book caught me from the start. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one go, even, at one point, holding it in one hand and continuing to read as I made myself a cup of coffee.
Its an original story-line which takes the zombie genre in a wholly engrossing direction. Goodman fleshes out Edward and the world he awakens to in every imaginable way. The layers he's built into the story and its inhabitants is the perfect platform from which to launch what I hope is the first in many books.
Original, fast-paced, well-written and now one of my favorite zombie reads.
This book caught me from the start. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one go, even, at one point, holding it in one hand and continuing to read as I made myself a cup of coffee.
Its an original story-line which takes the zombie genre in a wholly engrossing direction. Goodman fleshes out Edward and the world he awakens to in every imaginable way. The layers he's built into the story and its inhabitants is the perfect platform from which to launch what I hope is the first in many books.
Original, fast-paced, well-written and now one of my favorite zombie reads.
November 1, 2012
This is a great book. Very exciting and new Possibilities. We all know that zombies are dead. There is no cure they all died, and there is no hope for the world once they start walking around again and chomping on hapless victims. This we all know to be true about zombies, or is it? Is there really a cure? How Did this creepy zombie come back to sentient thought or is it a clever zombie trick..hehe clever zombie, thats funny. The book is very fascinating with humor, tragedy, suspense, you name it. If you thought you have read every kind of zombie book, think again!!!! You will not regret reading this and you will finish it very quickly as you won't be able to put it down.
January 5, 2013
One word to describe this: Wow. I recommend this to any and all zombie fans. I sampled this first on kindle and immediately had to buy it when the sample ended. I finished the entire book in less than one day, and that really says something.
The idea of a zombie regaining its memories and humanity is still a relatively new idea. Goodman did a really good job in giving us insights as to how a zombie could regain consciousness and how it may react. The story had feeling, depth, and plenty of gore to keep me intrigued throughout.
I would have given it five stars, but the grammatical errors throughout were a bit distracting for me. Other than that, perfection.
The idea of a zombie regaining its memories and humanity is still a relatively new idea. Goodman did a really good job in giving us insights as to how a zombie could regain consciousness and how it may react. The story had feeling, depth, and plenty of gore to keep me intrigued throughout.
I would have given it five stars, but the grammatical errors throughout were a bit distracting for me. Other than that, perfection.
May 21, 2013
Got a copy of The Reanimation of Edward Schuett from a Goodreads giveaway.
I found this book to be a refreshing take on the zombie genre.
I found this book to be a refreshing take on the zombie genre.
August 5, 2023
I remember thinking, "how are they going to pull this off?" and then guessing all the ways, none of which were right. That made me sit back and just read, and that is something what doesn't happen very often.
The language is tight, the story is well written, and the crazy premise is crazy enough to work. I don't want to give anything away—even though the title does a lot of the heavy lifting there, ha—so I won't say too much more, other than if you're happy with the zombie subgenre, but want something with some effervescence, this is the read for you. Your next read. READ IT NOW.
The language is tight, the story is well written, and the crazy premise is crazy enough to work. I don't want to give anything away—even though the title does a lot of the heavy lifting there, ha—so I won't say too much more, other than if you're happy with the zombie subgenre, but want something with some effervescence, this is the read for you. Your next read. READ IT NOW.
August 23, 2015
It was good. A little slow at times. Different from most zombie books. It didn't have that frantic, survival feel to it (but it wasn't supposed to.) it had quite a few editing errors that makes me feel bad for the author. As an editor, any typo or error that slipped by me made me cringe and bleed inside. If that's their only job ...
Anyway, the reason I only gave it four stars was because of the ending that wasn't an ending. Disappointing. I do like the way it explained stuff about the virus.
Anyway, the reason I only gave it four stars was because of the ending that wasn't an ending. Disappointing. I do like the way it explained stuff about the virus.
January 3, 2014
I enjoyed this one. There are a lot of very typical zombie stories out there but this one deviates and I really enjoyed Edwards journey to figure out what has and what is happening to him and to his loved ones as well as to the world. Ended a bit abruptly but I'm sure that's because a sequel is on the way. It will be on my list. I recommend it especially if you're ready for a change in perspective on this type of genre.
June 11, 2013
A new take on the zombie genre. The characters were relatable and the book gave a more realistic look at the world post zombie apocolypse. I have read several of Mr. Goodmans books - and this is his strongest work yet. Very complete story that can stand alone - or work in a series if he chooses to persue a sequil - or perhaps prequil.
August 6, 2016
I wasn't too sure what I was expecting when I started this book, but it blew me away. For a while I was reminded a bit of Mira Grant's Feed series but it offers so much more and I absolutely loved it. I laughed, got mad and even almost teared up a few times. In the end I would recommend anyone who is interested to just go ahead and read it, I'm glad I did.
June 17, 2013
The idea of a zombie regaining consciousness was very interesting. Initially, I had trouble getting into this story. Either it wore me down or it got better. By the time I finished I was glad that I had read the book and would probably give the author another chance.
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