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The Zombie Knight #1
The Zombie Knight Saga - Volume One: Elegy for an Immortal
A young man dies, and a grim reaper offers to revive him in exchange for servitude. Responsibilities include saving other people’s lives and occasionally fighting unspeakable horrors. But this particular young man already has a few problems of his own, such as crippling shyness. No, seriously. He can barely even speak to people. It's really bad.
Takes place in the modern fantasy world of Eleg.
This book includes the first three story arcs of the ongoing serial novel. You can read the entire story (as much as has been written) for free at http://thezombieknight.blogspot.com
Word count: ~88,000
Takes place in the modern fantasy world of Eleg.
This book includes the first three story arcs of the ongoing serial novel. You can read the entire story (as much as has been written) for free at http://thezombieknight.blogspot.com
Word count: ~88,000
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2014
177 people are currently reading
479 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 9, 2017
One of the best books I've ever read!
I read (and am still currently reading) The Zombie Knight Saga as a web serial over at http://thezombieknight.blogspot.ca/20... where the author posts one page a day -- so the format was a bit different
Nonetheless this book is a real gem.
Characters:
The characters are all incredibly well written. Even background characters have clearly been given a lot of thought by the author and are well developed. As for the main characters you can't help falling in love with them the more you read. They are likeable without being unrealistically accomplished or flawless and without falling into any cardboard cutout stereotypes.
Plot:
The plot moves quickly and is action packed. It can get pretty violent but the author avoids falling into torture porn and overly graphic descriptions - instead focusing on what is actually happening in each fight and crime scene. There isn't much in the way of romance - although there are some really great relationships between married couples (Like the Queen and the King or Mrs. and Mr. Goffe) that we get a look at.
Humour:
There is a lot of witty banter between characters (most often between best friends). This helps to lighten the mood considering how serious some of the content is. I burst out laughing a lot while reading this book, despite the more depressing scenes and themes. The jokes can get a little morbid (which is perfect for my sense of humour as it so happens).
This is a mature read and I would not recommend it to younger readers. There is a lot of profanity, violence, and mature content (like suicide and depression). For me the more serious tone just made the book richer and more realistic - but I know that not all readers would enjoy it.
Edit: This isn't about mindless zombies -- It's called the Zombie Knight because the main character is revived after dying. Not because there are any zombies in the story.
I read (and am still currently reading) The Zombie Knight Saga as a web serial over at http://thezombieknight.blogspot.ca/20... where the author posts one page a day -- so the format was a bit different
Nonetheless this book is a real gem.
Characters:
The characters are all incredibly well written. Even background characters have clearly been given a lot of thought by the author and are well developed. As for the main characters you can't help falling in love with them the more you read. They are likeable without being unrealistically accomplished or flawless and without falling into any cardboard cutout stereotypes.
Plot:
The plot moves quickly and is action packed. It can get pretty violent but the author avoids falling into torture porn and overly graphic descriptions - instead focusing on what is actually happening in each fight and crime scene. There isn't much in the way of romance - although there are some really great relationships between married couples (Like the Queen and the King or Mrs. and Mr. Goffe) that we get a look at.
Humour:
There is a lot of witty banter between characters (most often between best friends). This helps to lighten the mood considering how serious some of the content is. I burst out laughing a lot while reading this book, despite the more depressing scenes and themes. The jokes can get a little morbid (which is perfect for my sense of humour as it so happens).
This is a mature read and I would not recommend it to younger readers. There is a lot of profanity, violence, and mature content (like suicide and depression). For me the more serious tone just made the book richer and more realistic - but I know that not all readers would enjoy it.
Edit: This isn't about mindless zombies -- It's called the Zombie Knight because the main character is revived after dying. Not because there are any zombies in the story.
April 21, 2015
This is a great opening few arcs to the series.
It contains my favorite arcs in the story so far.
The dialogue is witty and funny.
Characters, both protagonists & antagonists, have motivations that are understandable and have their own stories.
At this point in the story, the action scenes are interesting & entertaining. An immortal fighting some low level crime whilst trying to deal with his 'normal' life as well.
This level of combat manages to give the 'boss' fights some sense of impressiveness.
The protagonist is understandable and really makes me wanna root for him.
The ending is fantastic. Good emotional level. Good scene. Good conclusion to the first 3 arcs. (Although I did feel it really changed the entire series in a negative way for me going forward, going forward past this wonderful conclusion is hard)
Finally, let's face it, this book is free! The enjoyment/cost ratio is straight up impossible. Dividing by 0 error. The barrier to entry is non-existent.
Personal Note: The name confuses me. It feels misplaced. I don't remember the words 'zombie' or 'knight' ever being used in this story. The MC is referred to as the 'Darksteel Soldier' instead. Wouldn't it make sense for that to be the title?
It contains my favorite arcs in the story so far.
The dialogue is witty and funny.
Characters, both protagonists & antagonists, have motivations that are understandable and have their own stories.
At this point in the story, the action scenes are interesting & entertaining. An immortal fighting some low level crime whilst trying to deal with his 'normal' life as well.
This level of combat manages to give the 'boss' fights some sense of impressiveness.
The protagonist is understandable and really makes me wanna root for him.
The ending is fantastic. Good emotional level. Good scene. Good conclusion to the first 3 arcs. (Although I did feel it really changed the entire series in a negative way for me going forward, going forward past this wonderful conclusion is hard)
Finally, let's face it, this book is free! The enjoyment/cost ratio is straight up impossible. Dividing by 0 error. The barrier to entry is non-existent.
Personal Note: The name confuses me. It feels misplaced. I don't remember the words 'zombie' or 'knight' ever being used in this story. The MC is referred to as the 'Darksteel Soldier' instead. Wouldn't it make sense for that to be the title?
October 29, 2014
This novel deserves a special place in my top 10 favorites.
I normally read Japanese, Korean, and Chinese Light novels (translated of course) but decided to give "The Zombie Knight" a try because of heavy recommendations from several sources and let me tell you it starts off a little slow but gets better and better and it just doesn't stop getting better, chapter after chapter all the way through!
The beginning where the main character is just a normal person makes the story seem kind of normal and when he turns into a zombie it still seems normal but THAT'S when all the twists start coming in and the uniqueness of this story start showing. This author is very talented at conveying his unique world and you will not regret jumping into it!
I would highly recommend this to anyone (over 13 years old), it's definitely worth reading.
I normally read Japanese, Korean, and Chinese Light novels (translated of course) but decided to give "The Zombie Knight" a try because of heavy recommendations from several sources and let me tell you it starts off a little slow but gets better and better and it just doesn't stop getting better, chapter after chapter all the way through!
The beginning where the main character is just a normal person makes the story seem kind of normal and when he turns into a zombie it still seems normal but THAT'S when all the twists start coming in and the uniqueness of this story start showing. This author is very talented at conveying his unique world and you will not regret jumping into it!
I would highly recommend this to anyone (over 13 years old), it's definitely worth reading.
December 11, 2016
A novel and imaginative story-line, which moves along at a good pace. Good character building and a well written yarn. In my humble opinion the author has definitely got talent and should be encouraged. Its a book i'll remember and will get the next in the series sometime.
Now for the picky critical bit. I'm not entirely sure whey the story couldn't have been played out on Earth. I think it would have given it a bit more 'reality' almost. Secondly the action parts (and there were plenty) occasionally lacked a bit of a 'cutting edge'. I didn't feel the emotions of the characters coming through as much as I would have liked, but that could have been purely my lack of imagination.
Overall an excellent and very entertaining read, which I would highly recommend. Definitely amongst the better free books I've read.
Now for the picky critical bit. I'm not entirely sure whey the story couldn't have been played out on Earth. I think it would have given it a bit more 'reality' almost. Secondly the action parts (and there were plenty) occasionally lacked a bit of a 'cutting edge'. I didn't feel the emotions of the characters coming through as much as I would have liked, but that could have been purely my lack of imagination.
Overall an excellent and very entertaining read, which I would highly recommend. Definitely amongst the better free books I've read.
October 2, 2014
the story was interesting and detailed the comtemporary fantasy world being well done
i really liked it and would reccomend it to anyone liking fantasy
i really liked it and would reccomend it to anyone liking fantasy
August 12, 2021
This is a great series, I love the story.
January 2, 2018
This Smashwords freebie (the full serial to date is also free on the author's site, it says) would be an Amazon 3.1, about 2.6 on Goodreads. It's not really quite my thing, story-wise, but it's far from the typical zombie tale. I read the whole thing "accidentally" via their online reader function when I'd intended just to decide whether it was worth downloading.
The story involves many casualties, including several failed "saves", numerous destructive action scenes, and (being a serial) ends on a fairly downbeat intermediate conclusion, with a number of elements not yet resolved.
The writing isn't bad, and though I didn't have the ability to mark errors, I don't recall many at all, but it's nothing special, style-wise. Not all of the scenes are told from Hector's PoV, and they're not labeled, so there's the occasional sentence or two of, "Wait, who are we now?" adjustment, but again, not that bad. Some of the wisecracks are pretty lame, as are some of the learning methods (e.g., crashing the motorcycle), and it's a bit odd that a being thousands of years old would sound so thoroughly modern.
Some gray areas are unexamined, e.g. re. Colt, and we've apparently barely gotten into the centuries-old conflict among reaper factions yet.
Also, though I'm not (for instance) an explosives expert, I wonder whether some of the things Hector does with his elemental iron abilities wouldn't actually cause more harm (shrapnel? suffocation?) than good.
Anyway, I didn't hate it, but although I felt bad for Hector's neglected and isolated youth, my curiosity about what will happen now is not enough for me to bother reading the next volume when I've got many better things in my Mount-Everest-sized (no, make that Olympus-Mons-sized) Kindle queue.
The story involves many casualties, including several failed "saves", numerous destructive action scenes, and (being a serial) ends on a fairly downbeat intermediate conclusion, with a number of elements not yet resolved.
The writing isn't bad, and though I didn't have the ability to mark errors, I don't recall many at all, but it's nothing special, style-wise. Not all of the scenes are told from Hector's PoV, and they're not labeled, so there's the occasional sentence or two of, "Wait, who are we now?" adjustment, but again, not that bad. Some of the wisecracks are pretty lame, as are some of the learning methods (e.g., crashing the motorcycle), and it's a bit odd that a being thousands of years old would sound so thoroughly modern.
Some gray areas are unexamined, e.g. re. Colt, and we've apparently barely gotten into the centuries-old conflict among reaper factions yet.
Also, though I'm not (for instance) an explosives expert, I wonder whether some of the things Hector does with his elemental iron abilities wouldn't actually cause more harm (shrapnel? suffocation?) than good.
Anyway, I didn't hate it, but although I felt bad for Hector's neglected and isolated youth, my curiosity about what will happen now is not enough for me to bother reading the next volume when I've got many better things in my Mount-Everest-sized (no, make that Olympus-Mons-sized) Kindle queue.
October 22, 2015
Recommended for: People who like superheros, urban fantasy and unconventional heroes with funny moments.
Story: Hero commits suicide, meets reaper, wakes up as said reaper's servant and warrior ~ ony problem besides not being capable dying he hasn't much changed (yet).
Special thing: The boy is SHY. Seriously shy with a hint of trauma and a whole bag of repressed problems, but a gentle soul. Not exactly the one human a reaper should choose as his bodyguard, but... this one did. And Hector tries his best.
Enemies: Deep black, black with grey, grey, grey with white spots, we have probably every kind of enemy somewhere. Best thing - enemies are always human, or very similar to humans. No nameless, bodyless monsters that make things easy for the hero.
Review:
Mmh, frankly, it's a pity it doesn't have a cover, because that would be epic. And second, the title isn't the best as well. I think in the whole thing I haven't read the word zombie a single time.
Maybe "Epic warrior of death" would have been more fitting - but also a lot more cheesy. ;)
The beginning was a bit slow and... well, bland. There was this feeling that the author was not quite sure where he was going, and simply went with his imagination.
But the moment Colt and Geoffrey really came into the play, the final battle (it's beautiful, epic and tragic!) and the wonderful shown impact of neglect shoved it into the 4-star category.
Story: Hero commits suicide, meets reaper, wakes up as said reaper's servant and warrior ~ ony problem besides not being capable dying he hasn't much changed (yet).
Special thing: The boy is SHY. Seriously shy with a hint of trauma and a whole bag of repressed problems, but a gentle soul. Not exactly the one human a reaper should choose as his bodyguard, but... this one did. And Hector tries his best.
Enemies: Deep black, black with grey, grey, grey with white spots, we have probably every kind of enemy somewhere. Best thing - enemies are always human, or very similar to humans. No nameless, bodyless monsters that make things easy for the hero.
Review:
Mmh, frankly, it's a pity it doesn't have a cover, because that would be epic. And second, the title isn't the best as well. I think in the whole thing I haven't read the word zombie a single time.
Maybe "Epic warrior of death" would have been more fitting - but also a lot more cheesy. ;)
The beginning was a bit slow and... well, bland. There was this feeling that the author was not quite sure where he was going, and simply went with his imagination.
But the moment Colt and Geoffrey really came into the play, the final battle (it's beautiful, epic and tragic!) and the wonderful shown impact of neglect shoved it into the 4-star category.
April 9, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised in many ways by this book.
Lots of books portray immortal characters (the grim reapers in this case) as super serious "all-knowing" types. Not this book! The immortal characters in this book are hilariously funny. It's obvious that, despite being thousands of years old, they're just as clueless as the protagonist in many ways. Some of them are downright crazy! It makes for hilarious dialog between characters.
On top of the dialog, this book is action packed, progresses well, and had a really unique system for super powers. I also liked that the system still left room for serious weaknesses in characters.
The thing that surprised me the most was that, despite the hilarious and light hearted dialog, it still made me emotionally invested in what the protagonist went through. Color me impressed!
Lots of books portray immortal characters (the grim reapers in this case) as super serious "all-knowing" types. Not this book! The immortal characters in this book are hilariously funny. It's obvious that, despite being thousands of years old, they're just as clueless as the protagonist in many ways. Some of them are downright crazy! It makes for hilarious dialog between characters.
On top of the dialog, this book is action packed, progresses well, and had a really unique system for super powers. I also liked that the system still left room for serious weaknesses in characters.
The thing that surprised me the most was that, despite the hilarious and light hearted dialog, it still made me emotionally invested in what the protagonist went through. Color me impressed!
September 19, 2020
I think if this book's title is "elegy for an immortal" rather than "zombie knight saga", more people will read it.
It's a well written book with decent characters, decent world building, decent magic system and more decent to go around. If you like fantasy action and don't mind that it's set in a fictional modern world then you'd definitely like this one.
It's a well written book with decent characters, decent world building, decent magic system and more decent to go around. If you like fantasy action and don't mind that it's set in a fictional modern world then you'd definitely like this one.
September 17, 2015
Amazing
The book is amazing. Hector being a servant of the grim reaper saving people from getting killed. That's what the book is about. But it's good.
The book is amazing. Hector being a servant of the grim reaper saving people from getting killed. That's what the book is about. But it's good.
June 21, 2017
A good series
I am a fan of the series who bought this book to support the author. I recommend this book for young adult readers who like vigilante/superhero books
I am a fan of the series who bought this book to support the author. I recommend this book for young adult readers who like vigilante/superhero books
August 18, 2021
One of the best novels out on the Web.
It also has a unique power system which is really well thought out and balance if I must say.
From Wikia: Magic System
It has a slow start and the MC also is not like the other MC from other novels where they become powerful in just 10 or so chapters.
I am up to date up to the latest pages(on the official site), and I must say the story is really good and been a fan for over seven years.
If you have the time, give it a try and you might find yourself in a story unlike any other.
It also has a unique power system which is really well thought out and balance if I must say.
From Wikia: Magic System
It has a slow start and the MC also is not like the other MC from other novels where they become powerful in just 10 or so chapters.
I am up to date up to the latest pages(on the official site), and I must say the story is really good and been a fan for over seven years.
If you have the time, give it a try and you might find yourself in a story unlike any other.
July 10, 2023
3.9 stars.
Loved the writing and the characters, the latter of which were definitely the highlight, though the hints of more elements of the world waiting to be explored are definitely interesting.
Optimistically hope this doesn't fall down the classic serial novel pitfall of angst and tragedy and constant misery, which this has avoided thus far~. Is a bit of a letdown in terms of action, as those scenes could be written much better and weren't always engaging. Fortunately, I read these for characters in the first place, so I don't mind too much!
Rather enjoyed the first book, and looking forward to the rest! :3 Would recommend to fans of urban fantasy paranormal stuff with a greater intersection between fantasy and paranormal, at least in feel at times.
Happy reading~. v-v
Loved the writing and the characters, the latter of which were definitely the highlight, though the hints of more elements of the world waiting to be explored are definitely interesting.
Optimistically hope this doesn't fall down the classic serial novel pitfall of angst and tragedy and constant misery, which this has avoided thus far~. Is a bit of a letdown in terms of action, as those scenes could be written much better and weren't always engaging. Fortunately, I read these for characters in the first place, so I don't mind too much!
Rather enjoyed the first book, and looking forward to the rest! :3 Would recommend to fans of urban fantasy paranormal stuff with a greater intersection between fantasy and paranormal, at least in feel at times.
Happy reading~. v-v
September 22, 2021
I'm used to web fiction writing being not that good, but this one was quite the exception to the rules. Things start out pretty normal only hinting at the insanity to come. Overall fun read recommend.
December 1, 2021
MC is an imbecile… did not read past first chapter
Author did a horrible job in creating a main character. The death reaper chose the wrong person to be immortal. A rock or a stick maybe even a newt would have been a better choice for an MC. This story was DUD on Arrival.
Author did a horrible job in creating a main character. The death reaper chose the wrong person to be immortal. A rock or a stick maybe even a newt would have been a better choice for an MC. This story was DUD on Arrival.
September 3, 2021
love its very interesting
Currently reading
September 13, 2021I love it. I read the first 2 pages and I knew I was in for a treat.
August 19, 2022
Instantly captured my focus with easy and interesting writing and the main character isn't stupid and asks all the right questions 👍🏻
January 27, 2024
SOOO GOOD!!! hector my precious boy ;-; he becomes an undead and progressively gets stronger. garvoel is also super funny. love the interactions!!
January 14, 2019
wow. This is quite simply an amazing book. It has been a long time since I found anything with so compelling characters, such amazing humor and such an interesting plot. I cannot recommend this book enough. If you have not read it yet hurry up and get going! (DON'T get tricked by the title it has nothing to do with zombies.)
October 27, 2025
Thoughts
I wasn’t sure what to think of this book at first. The character building in this book is similar to how I feel a DnD campaign would build their characters over time. I really enjoyed it.
I now know I need to read the rest of this saga.
I wasn’t sure what to think of this book at first. The character building in this book is similar to how I feel a DnD campaign would build their characters over time. I really enjoyed it.
I now know I need to read the rest of this saga.
April 20, 2020
Recently did a reread of this series and thought I would jot down my thoughts. This is for the series as a whole, not just book one; I read these all at once and honestly can't remember what is the delineating line between each volume.
The setting is sort of an urban fantasy alternate Earth where some people have super powers. The absolute highlight of the story is the ability system that Frost has come up with. The powers all have interesting use cases and make for some fantastic fights. I personally love the progression aspect of this system as well. The characters are interesting, have good progression, and are generally distinct. I do have one nitpick there though: while the characters all behave differently, I feel like many times when we get a character's point of view they seem to think the same way as the main character does. I'm not sure that's a great explanation; the actions they take will be different, but the manner of their thoughts and the things they think about all tend to feel similar. I'm not sure that is a great description either, but since I can't describe the problem you can see that it isn't a huge issue.
The plot is, on the whole, interesting, and it tends to move forward in a progressively escalating fashion. There are a few issues where sometimes something new pops and it seems like the characters really should have known about it before (I'm going to attribute this to this being a webnovel where Frost can't go back and edit as needed), but there aren't any massive plot holes. Another minor gripe is the extensive use of ellipses, but that does get better fairly quickly. I also enjoy the humor that Frost frequently uses, but since humor is very subjective ymmv. On the whole the series is a good read and absolutely one of the better webnovels out there.
The setting is sort of an urban fantasy alternate Earth where some people have super powers. The absolute highlight of the story is the ability system that Frost has come up with. The powers all have interesting use cases and make for some fantastic fights. I personally love the progression aspect of this system as well. The characters are interesting, have good progression, and are generally distinct. I do have one nitpick there though: while the characters all behave differently, I feel like many times when we get a character's point of view they seem to think the same way as the main character does. I'm not sure that's a great explanation; the actions they take will be different, but the manner of their thoughts and the things they think about all tend to feel similar. I'm not sure that is a great description either, but since I can't describe the problem you can see that it isn't a huge issue.
The plot is, on the whole, interesting, and it tends to move forward in a progressively escalating fashion. There are a few issues where sometimes something new pops and it seems like the characters really should have known about it before (I'm going to attribute this to this being a webnovel where Frost can't go back and edit as needed), but there aren't any massive plot holes. Another minor gripe is the extensive use of ellipses, but that does get better fairly quickly. I also enjoy the humor that Frost frequently uses, but since humor is very subjective ymmv. On the whole the series is a good read and absolutely one of the better webnovels out there.
September 18, 2015
kindle - death and his sidekick - but very strange and compelling nevertheless.
August 14, 2023
Makes me smile a lot
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews