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Dumb White Husbands vs. Zombies
Dads vs. Zombies
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00FMI4GJG
It used to be a quiet neighborhood.
John, Chris and Erik are neighbors in the quaint subdivision of The Creeks of Sage Valley Phase II. The three men happily live the typical suburban family life. Their only real problems have been with each other and the draconian rules of the HOA. But, that all changes when the dead rise from their graves and walk the Earth. Now, they must reluctantly join together to survive the spreading apocalypse and find their families. Personal fears, long buried secrets and their own personalities threaten to tear the group apart as they make their way across the zombie ridden landscape in Dads vs. Zombies.
Will they find their families? Will they survive the thing that wasn’t Bill? Who or what is Captain Awesome? Find out in Dads vs. Zombies, a laugh-out-loud look at family, fatherhood and the living dead. If you like action, adventure and hilarious, quick-witted banter, you’ll love Dads vs. Zombies.
It used to be a quiet neighborhood.
John, Chris and Erik are neighbors in the quaint subdivision of The Creeks of Sage Valley Phase II. The three men happily live the typical suburban family life. Their only real problems have been with each other and the draconian rules of the HOA. But, that all changes when the dead rise from their graves and walk the Earth. Now, they must reluctantly join together to survive the spreading apocalypse and find their families. Personal fears, long buried secrets and their own personalities threaten to tear the group apart as they make their way across the zombie ridden landscape in Dads vs. Zombies.
Will they find their families? Will they survive the thing that wasn’t Bill? Who or what is Captain Awesome? Find out in Dads vs. Zombies, a laugh-out-loud look at family, fatherhood and the living dead. If you like action, adventure and hilarious, quick-witted banter, you’ll love Dads vs. Zombies.
378 pages, ebook
First published October 3, 2013
79 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Benjamin Wallace
67 books394 followersBenjamin Wallace lives in Dallas, Texas where he complains about the heat—a lot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 12, 2023
Audiobook Review
Not gonna lie, the beginning of this book was rough going. But once you hit the 50% mark it got a lot better.
So in here we have three middle aged guys who were forced to join a bowling league by the HOA and the same day, a zombie outbreak started.
While trying to get back to two of the dudes families, they bond together and become real friends.
Then the ending happened and it was so bad I dropped a whole star.
Spoilers for the end ahead.
So once they get to where they thought the families were, they risk everything to save the head of the HOA who they knew was bitten.
The ones still going ran out (one of the dudes was shot) and of course the pres was a zombie. One gets hurt really bad and another gets bitten.
Then one of them woke up in the hospital and it was all a dream, and we are supposed to think "but was it really?"
And it ends.
I hated the ending, it made no sense and was a cheap way to do it.
The narration however, was awesome and I will read more by this narrator.
Not gonna lie, the beginning of this book was rough going. But once you hit the 50% mark it got a lot better.
So in here we have three middle aged guys who were forced to join a bowling league by the HOA and the same day, a zombie outbreak started.
While trying to get back to two of the dudes families, they bond together and become real friends.
Then the ending happened and it was so bad I dropped a whole star.
Spoilers for the end ahead.
So once they get to where they thought the families were, they risk everything to save the head of the HOA who they knew was bitten.
The ones still going ran out (one of the dudes was shot) and of course the pres was a zombie. One gets hurt really bad and another gets bitten.
Then one of them woke up in the hospital and it was all a dream, and we are supposed to think "but was it really?"
And it ends.
I hated the ending, it made no sense and was a cheap way to do it.
The narration however, was awesome and I will read more by this narrator.
August 8, 2024
I really like the zombie apocalypse subgenre. I read the spectrum of them from the very serious to the spoofs and from the science-based virus-style infection to the supernatural cause. So it is with some authority that I state that this was one of the best zombie apocalypse novels I have ever read. It has a solid plot that would fit in nicely with any book in the genre (three men trying to reunite with their families as the world falls apart around them) but it’s the extraordinary level of humor that lifts this book to the top of the ladder.
The novel opens with our three dads (John, Chris and Erik) at the bowling alley where they have been forced to join a league by the much-hated president of their Home Owners Association. The three men don’t appear to like each other very much and it’s fairly clear that at least one of them (John) probably isn’t liked by much of anyone. The laughs start early in the chapter and continue to the end of the book. The banter between these three men is superb as Wallace draws out each man’s very distinctive character. Forced to walk home because they’ve been drinking, the zombie apocalypse comes to unlife around them and they don’t notice. By morning, the world has gone to hell and our three dads are trying to figure out how to find their families and reconnect with them.
Then the mistakes begin. In many of these novels the heroes are super smart and physically capable. They kill zombies better than Rambo. That does not describe our dads. John, especially, has an almost superhuman ability to do something stupid. And these blunders both add to the tension and create extraordinarily funny situations. Laugh out loud funny. Grab your sides funny. Rip yourself a new hernia funny. Get your eighteen-year-old son to start listening to the book with you funny. It’s that good.
It also took me in directions I didn’t expect several times. Part of this is because John continually does such comically stupid things. But many are also just good plot twists. I was sorry when the book came to an end because I just wasn’t done listening to it yet. Fortunately, I see on Audible that Dads vs. the World is coming so the humor will continue.
I received this book free from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
The novel opens with our three dads (John, Chris and Erik) at the bowling alley where they have been forced to join a league by the much-hated president of their Home Owners Association. The three men don’t appear to like each other very much and it’s fairly clear that at least one of them (John) probably isn’t liked by much of anyone. The laughs start early in the chapter and continue to the end of the book. The banter between these three men is superb as Wallace draws out each man’s very distinctive character. Forced to walk home because they’ve been drinking, the zombie apocalypse comes to unlife around them and they don’t notice. By morning, the world has gone to hell and our three dads are trying to figure out how to find their families and reconnect with them.
Then the mistakes begin. In many of these novels the heroes are super smart and physically capable. They kill zombies better than Rambo. That does not describe our dads. John, especially, has an almost superhuman ability to do something stupid. And these blunders both add to the tension and create extraordinarily funny situations. Laugh out loud funny. Grab your sides funny. Rip yourself a new hernia funny. Get your eighteen-year-old son to start listening to the book with you funny. It’s that good.
It also took me in directions I didn’t expect several times. Part of this is because John continually does such comically stupid things. But many are also just good plot twists. I was sorry when the book came to an end because I just wasn’t done listening to it yet. Fortunately, I see on Audible that Dads vs. the World is coming so the humor will continue.
I received this book free from Audiobook Boom in exchange for an honest review.
If you liked this review, you can find more at www.gilbertstack.com/reviews.
November 28, 2021
For the genre, this is a full 5 stars.
May 12, 2016
These Fathers don't know best
I very much enjoy both the tone and style of this author's writing. Nomadic Warriors had me in stitches. This has a lot of the same feel in places, but in other places it had the sensibility of a straight up zombie apoc story. These Fathers don't know best. They stumble and bumble through one ill conceived plan to another. As I say though, this is not a one joke book. The action gets intense at times and the zombie action is fast and furious. The author never leaves you hanging and soon, our heroes are once more on their way, if not by their wits then at least by dumb luck. A good book and a fun read.
I very much enjoy both the tone and style of this author's writing. Nomadic Warriors had me in stitches. This has a lot of the same feel in places, but in other places it had the sensibility of a straight up zombie apoc story. These Fathers don't know best. They stumble and bumble through one ill conceived plan to another. As I say though, this is not a one joke book. The action gets intense at times and the zombie action is fast and furious. The author never leaves you hanging and soon, our heroes are once more on their way, if not by their wits then at least by dumb luck. A good book and a fun read.
May 4, 2023
My husband and I had the honor of meeting and talking with Mr. Wallace at Pensacon in Feb.
The title while talking to Mr. Wallace caught our eye I mean Zombies vs Dads, what could possibly be better than that right....ok well throw in the HOA and some undead guinea pigs and you have yourself a wild ride.
This was such a fun book, I have not laughed out loud from a book in a long time my only regret is that I flew through it and before I knew it, I was turning the last page.
Highly recommend this book, you won't regret it.
The title while talking to Mr. Wallace caught our eye I mean Zombies vs Dads, what could possibly be better than that right....ok well throw in the HOA and some undead guinea pigs and you have yourself a wild ride.
This was such a fun book, I have not laughed out loud from a book in a long time my only regret is that I flew through it and before I knew it, I was turning the last page.
Highly recommend this book, you won't regret it.
October 27, 2014
I was not sure if I would like this book because of the title. The reason I read it was the title, it made me curious. I usually don't like anything to do with zombies, but this book was thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish. It made me laugh out loud several times and was very entertaining. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to read something lighthearted and excuse the pun, brainless.
May 2, 2020
Not certain how this story will continue but I’d like an answer to that....
Phil did a great job narrating.
It’s a good quick listen. I did feel like there should be something ‘before’ this story begins.
Zombies are my thing so I will definitely be looking for the next one.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Phil did a great job narrating.
It’s a good quick listen. I did feel like there should be something ‘before’ this story begins.
Zombies are my thing so I will definitely be looking for the next one.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
March 24, 2022
Hilarious but I really should dock some stars for that ending. You just can't do that anymore!
December 7, 2024
First off, the cover used here is not the same as the one I read. I don't understand why the title reads 'Dumb White Husbands' instead of 'Dads'. The characters are in fact white, dumb, and married but that is not a focal point of the story. Seems weird.
Anyway...the beginning chapters left me with more questions than answers. After an HOA organized bowling event unbelievable circumstances force the three dads to walk home. None of their families are home, they apparently left knowing danger was coming. So, did their wives not know about the bowling event? Later two of the dads, after figuring out something was wrong, run at least a block to the third dad’s house. They were yelling the whole time, no one answered. So, the whole neighborhood either evacuated or turned into a zombie while they were bowling? What about the neighbors who were bowling with them?
Another oddity is that the main characters do not like each other. So why did they choose to group together? This dynamic was obviously created for comedic effect but often comes across as annoying.
I know this book is a comedy but I can’t help constantly asking myself questions or wondering at the protagonists’ decisions. It was very frustrating to read at times.
As the book moves forward it does improve but most of the characters remain unlikable and unrelatable.
Anyway...the beginning chapters left me with more questions than answers. After an HOA organized bowling event unbelievable circumstances force the three dads to walk home. None of their families are home, they apparently left knowing danger was coming. So, did their wives not know about the bowling event? Later two of the dads, after figuring out something was wrong, run at least a block to the third dad’s house. They were yelling the whole time, no one answered. So, the whole neighborhood either evacuated or turned into a zombie while they were bowling? What about the neighbors who were bowling with them?
Another oddity is that the main characters do not like each other. So why did they choose to group together? This dynamic was obviously created for comedic effect but often comes across as annoying.
I know this book is a comedy but I can’t help constantly asking myself questions or wondering at the protagonists’ decisions. It was very frustrating to read at times.
As the book moves forward it does improve but most of the characters remain unlikable and unrelatable.
December 4, 2024
Bloody fantastic.
Unfortunately some of the ideas I had for my dream of one-day-writing-a-zombie-book have been used in this series. In spite of that, I have to give credit where it is due. The sense of humour is fantastic. This is an author that does not take himself too seriously. He trolls his characters and has fun with the writing process. There's not much plot, which I don't think we really expect as a zombie audience, but there is a lot of character and a lot of dark humour. Every scene is an experience in wit. Some of the wit may be juvenile, I admit.
Pros:
1. Comedy
2. Zombies that do things differently
3. Easy writing style
Cons:
1. If you're looking for something new, out of the ordinary or intellectually deep, this may not be for you.
There are short stories attached to this series that had me and my hubby rolling.
Mr Wallace has become one of my favourite authors.
Unfortunately some of the ideas I had for my dream of one-day-writing-a-zombie-book have been used in this series. In spite of that, I have to give credit where it is due. The sense of humour is fantastic. This is an author that does not take himself too seriously. He trolls his characters and has fun with the writing process. There's not much plot, which I don't think we really expect as a zombie audience, but there is a lot of character and a lot of dark humour. Every scene is an experience in wit. Some of the wit may be juvenile, I admit.
Pros:
1. Comedy
2. Zombies that do things differently
3. Easy writing style
Cons:
1. If you're looking for something new, out of the ordinary or intellectually deep, this may not be for you.
There are short stories attached to this series that had me and my hubby rolling.
Mr Wallace has become one of my favourite authors.
October 16, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
i read the first and immediately went and bought the series.
as someone who is absolutely terrified of zombies, this novel made me SWEAT at certain points but the dynamic between John, Erik, and Chris kept things light enough that it only gave me a FEW nightmares at night. this is one of those books that read like a movie and i read it in a little over 24 hours. comedy, horror, no third-act bro-breakup (but SOME tough love) and some really sweet heartfelt moments made dads vs. zombies extremely memorable. one of my favs this year. (i might also be getting novelty bowling shirts with “Split Happens” embroidered on the side 🎳)
i read the first and immediately went and bought the series.
as someone who is absolutely terrified of zombies, this novel made me SWEAT at certain points but the dynamic between John, Erik, and Chris kept things light enough that it only gave me a FEW nightmares at night. this is one of those books that read like a movie and i read it in a little over 24 hours. comedy, horror, no third-act bro-breakup (but SOME tough love) and some really sweet heartfelt moments made dads vs. zombies extremely memorable. one of my favs this year. (i might also be getting novelty bowling shirts with “Split Happens” embroidered on the side 🎳)
April 6, 2023
I mean, yeah! This book was fun! Judging by the title, it would seem like a generic zombie apocalypse story. And it totally is. But instead of generic gushy affection and “let’s stick together and get through this” characters, it’s 3 dudes who hate each other. Really. The amount of times I read “Shut up, ___” really shows the different dynamic of this story.
The ending was interesting. I guess it has to be, since there are 3 more stories after this one. I’ll tell you that much.
This book was very easy and fun to read, I recommend it!
The ending was interesting. I guess it has to be, since there are 3 more stories after this one. I’ll tell you that much.
This book was very easy and fun to read, I recommend it!
May 6, 2017
HOAs, the bane of outside the box thinkers. Add in three dads who are friends/hate each other and the zombie apocalypse, you get this funny, insane and gory book.
I loved it and hated it at the same time, which is slightly odd. John was the most annoying of the bunch and I'd have been tempted to throttle him. Great story, full of disasters, monsters and utter havoc.
I enjoy these books from Benjamin Wallace just for the sheer amount of times they make me laugh out loud.
I loved it and hated it at the same time, which is slightly odd. John was the most annoying of the bunch and I'd have been tempted to throttle him. Great story, full of disasters, monsters and utter havoc.
I enjoy these books from Benjamin Wallace just for the sheer amount of times they make me laugh out loud.
January 21, 2020
My introduction to Benjamin Wallace, and it was great. The story and his style of writing were exactly what I was looking for.
As sick of zombie stories as I am, this was a breath of fresh air. I loved the three friends and their interactions with one another. I liked that most of the zombies were easily dealt with so that the story really focused on the friends. Now I'm on to more by Wallace.
As sick of zombie stories as I am, this was a breath of fresh air. I loved the three friends and their interactions with one another. I liked that most of the zombies were easily dealt with so that the story really focused on the friends. Now I'm on to more by Wallace.
March 12, 2020
Brilliant
Honestly thought this book would be so-so, how wrong was I. If you like your humour dark, and calling your friends idiots or worse is your way of showing you care, then you will love this book. Not going to give anything away, but this book stays brilliant all the way to the end, there is no let up. Seriously, READ THIS BOOK
Honestly thought this book would be so-so, how wrong was I. If you like your humour dark, and calling your friends idiots or worse is your way of showing you care, then you will love this book. Not going to give anything away, but this book stays brilliant all the way to the end, there is no let up. Seriously, READ THIS BOOK
October 4, 2020
It’s definitely different!
Different? Yes. Funny? More like a lot of belly laughs as well as perhaps slapstick. Sad in places too. After all it is a zombie apocalypse. Incredibly well written by an author with a twisty sense of humour. My favourite quote? “Shut up, John”. Read this book, don’t miss out on the best laugh!
Different? Yes. Funny? More like a lot of belly laughs as well as perhaps slapstick. Sad in places too. After all it is a zombie apocalypse. Incredibly well written by an author with a twisty sense of humour. My favourite quote? “Shut up, John”. Read this book, don’t miss out on the best laugh!
August 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this.
This was an enjoyable book with a gripping plot and fun characters. I could have strangled the more stupid of the characters several times but his character growth was satisfying.
The narration was on point too. This is never going to be a literary classic but I think it's a fun read for anyone.
This was an enjoyable book with a gripping plot and fun characters. I could have strangled the more stupid of the characters several times but his character growth was satisfying.
The narration was on point too. This is never going to be a literary classic but I think it's a fun read for anyone.
September 3, 2025
LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY! This is one of those books that when you read it, you cannot help but laugh out loud. Then when people give you side eye because you look weird sitting in a chair laughing, you have to read whatever passage to them so they can laugh! Highly recommend if you are a zombie buff like I am!
September 5, 2025
the book was fun with a very Shaun of the dead feel....the main characters were funny and really fed off of each other well...the ending scared me a little bit because I thought they were going to go a very cheap way out..but the author held true to is guns with the story and really delivered a fun and touching story!!!
July 21, 2017
Everything I have read from this author has been excellent.
Keeps your attention. Never drags. Did not have to force myself to finish it. I highly recommend this book and his others.
Keeps your attention. Never drags. Did not have to force myself to finish it. I highly recommend this book and his others.
December 3, 2019
Laugh out loud
I never read funny books, usually mystery books. But this book was so fun! I love John!! It's a laugh out loud fun book that makes me want to start the next one right away! I hope they keep coming.
I never read funny books, usually mystery books. But this book was so fun! I love John!! It's a laugh out loud fun book that makes me want to start the next one right away! I hope they keep coming.
June 21, 2021
He delivers once again
Benjamin Wallace is one of my favorite authors. His stories are action packed with a campy hilarity. As expected Dad's vs Zombies doesn't disappoint. Great characters with a fast paced plot, a fun romp through the zombie apocalypse.
Benjamin Wallace is one of my favorite authors. His stories are action packed with a campy hilarity. As expected Dad's vs Zombies doesn't disappoint. Great characters with a fast paced plot, a fun romp through the zombie apocalypse.
May 25, 2020
Excellent!
Those "unexpected" friends certainly aren't the team you'll want in a zombie apocalypse! Fun to read, that book needs a lot of sequels! I loved each minute of it!
Those "unexpected" friends certainly aren't the team you'll want in a zombie apocalypse! Fun to read, that book needs a lot of sequels! I loved each minute of it!
November 25, 2024
FUNNY!!!!
I really enjoyed this story. A very funny take on the Zombie apocalypse! I grew to become very invested in the three main characters and loved the ending!
I really enjoyed this story. A very funny take on the Zombie apocalypse! I grew to become very invested in the three main characters and loved the ending!
March 7, 2025
Overall the book was an enjoyable listen. The title is terrible and made it sound more of kids book. The ending was a bit of a let down too. Top marks go to Phil Thron for the narration.
June 12, 2014
John, Chris, and Erik live in the typical suburban neighborhood where their biggest problems are the HOA and it's ridiculously strict rules and whether or not they should get along. But all that changes when these husbands return home from a night of bowling to find the neighborhood taken over by zombies. In Dumb White Husbands vs. Zombies: The Zomnibus we follow these husbands as they learn to accept the fact that the dead have indeed returned and that their suburban lifestyles are no longer safe.
John, Chris, and Erik are pretty much the stereotypical middle-aged, suburban, white, husbands, they work 9-5, Monday through Friday so that they can stay home on the weekends and work on their beautifully landscaped yards, BBQ with the family, and complain about the newest HOA rules. Each of them thinks their house is the best, their job is the hardest, and their families are better than your families. But when the zombie apocalypse comes knocking on their door all become pretty equal.
They all become zombie food, rather they all find themselves trying to prevent themselves from becoming zombie food. But like any sane person, it takes them a little while to accept the fact that the zombie apocalypse is in fact happening. Each one of the husbands has their own way of dealing with the living dead, but the one thing they all agree on, is the fact that they are better off together.
Dumb White Husbands vs. Zombies: The Zomnibus is a beautiful and hilarious look into what the zombie apocalypse would actually look like. Benjamin Wallace does a great job of not only giving us zombies in all their horrid glory, but giving us real life as these men are faced with a reality they thought would never happen. In this week long tale they face more than zombies. They face crazy humans, their own pasts, their weaknesses and their bleak futures. The story is captivating and kept me laughing from page one to page 349!
With the way that Benjamin Wallace approaches this book you can't help but fall in love and feel personal attachment to each of his characters. In fact I can see John, Erik and Chris as some of my friends. And I think it's that connection that makes this book so freaking awesome. You can't help but live it, see it, feel it, this life could be yours.
Benjamin Wallace painted such a vivid picture that I saw the story as a movie in my mind. If you are a fan of Zombieland or Shaun of the Dead then this is an absolute must for you. Dumb White Husbands vs. Zombies: The Zomnibus has it all, comedy, action, story, great characters, and of course fantastic zombies.
John, Chris, and Erik are pretty much the stereotypical middle-aged, suburban, white, husbands, they work 9-5, Monday through Friday so that they can stay home on the weekends and work on their beautifully landscaped yards, BBQ with the family, and complain about the newest HOA rules. Each of them thinks their house is the best, their job is the hardest, and their families are better than your families. But when the zombie apocalypse comes knocking on their door all become pretty equal.
They all become zombie food, rather they all find themselves trying to prevent themselves from becoming zombie food. But like any sane person, it takes them a little while to accept the fact that the zombie apocalypse is in fact happening. Each one of the husbands has their own way of dealing with the living dead, but the one thing they all agree on, is the fact that they are better off together.
Dumb White Husbands vs. Zombies: The Zomnibus is a beautiful and hilarious look into what the zombie apocalypse would actually look like. Benjamin Wallace does a great job of not only giving us zombies in all their horrid glory, but giving us real life as these men are faced with a reality they thought would never happen. In this week long tale they face more than zombies. They face crazy humans, their own pasts, their weaknesses and their bleak futures. The story is captivating and kept me laughing from page one to page 349!
With the way that Benjamin Wallace approaches this book you can't help but fall in love and feel personal attachment to each of his characters. In fact I can see John, Erik and Chris as some of my friends. And I think it's that connection that makes this book so freaking awesome. You can't help but live it, see it, feel it, this life could be yours.
Benjamin Wallace painted such a vivid picture that I saw the story as a movie in my mind. If you are a fan of Zombieland or Shaun of the Dead then this is an absolute must for you. Dumb White Husbands vs. Zombies: The Zomnibus has it all, comedy, action, story, great characters, and of course fantastic zombies.
February 15, 2017
Surprisingly good buddy/comic/zombie novel
The original Everyday Crap was pretty average. I liked the characters but the situations they were placed in seemed a bit pat and cliche. The same characters forced to work together to survive a zombie apocalypse made for a much more entertaining novel. Rarely draggy, often tense, and very funny. This novel should be filmed.
The original Everyday Crap was pretty average. I liked the characters but the situations they were placed in seemed a bit pat and cliche. The same characters forced to work together to survive a zombie apocalypse made for a much more entertaining novel. Rarely draggy, often tense, and very funny. This novel should be filmed.
April 3, 2020
I was hesitant about listening to a Zombie audio book, as I am bored of the zombie concept at this point, but a book by Benjamin Wallace and narrated by Phil Thron, there was no chance I was going to miss it.
So the book is about 3 guys, who are forced to spend time together but don't particularly like each other. This spills into the zombie apocalypse, with hilarious results. The zombies take a back seat to the rest of the book, the Apocalypse is the setting for the story, rather than the plot. It isn't about the zombies, or the lack of power, food, etc. The story is all about these 3 guys trying to get along with each other long enough to survive.
It is, in Wallace's style, sarcastic, blunt, and bitingly whitty. It is, in Thron's style, brilliantly timed and narrated with the comedic passion. This team has the ability to bring a story to life in a way that is rare, especially, a bleak subject like an apocalypse and loss of life and make it side splittingly funny.
My only criticism of the book is that it is a little long, caused by too many Gillian moments. Moments caused by one character acting like Gillian, from Gillians Island, ruining best laid plans and keeping the story from progressing.
A couple of these moments are funny, repeated use gets tiring.
Other than that, the book is great. I hope more are on the way.
So the book is about 3 guys, who are forced to spend time together but don't particularly like each other. This spills into the zombie apocalypse, with hilarious results. The zombies take a back seat to the rest of the book, the Apocalypse is the setting for the story, rather than the plot. It isn't about the zombies, or the lack of power, food, etc. The story is all about these 3 guys trying to get along with each other long enough to survive.
It is, in Wallace's style, sarcastic, blunt, and bitingly whitty. It is, in Thron's style, brilliantly timed and narrated with the comedic passion. This team has the ability to bring a story to life in a way that is rare, especially, a bleak subject like an apocalypse and loss of life and make it side splittingly funny.
My only criticism of the book is that it is a little long, caused by too many Gillian moments. Moments caused by one character acting like Gillian, from Gillians Island, ruining best laid plans and keeping the story from progressing.
A couple of these moments are funny, repeated use gets tiring.
Other than that, the book is great. I hope more are on the way.
December 28, 2015
I fully expected the humor that abounds in Dads vs. Zombies; it's Benjamin Wallace's stock in trade, and he handily brings the hilarity as he always does. What took me entirely by surprise were the genuinely moving moments that carried MCs John, Erik, and Chris (and even fourth-wheel Austin) beyond being mere foils for comedy and elevated them to true examples of how devoted husbands and fathers would respond to their families being thrown into life-threatening disaster. His characters bond wonderfully and touchingly throughout their adventures, though they never lose the snark or their dude-ish antagonism...the poker party scene is an amazing moment, as are moments when the boys find themselves recognizing the gravity of their dire situation and what it means for their wives and children. And the horror-action is thoroughly pulse-pounding and sometimes dissolves into the uproarious as the ill-equipped Dads fight their way to survival. Bravo, Mr. Wallace, for creating such a complex and entirely satisfying genre-bending read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews