What do you think?
Rate this book
Zombie Inc. #1
Zombie Inc.
WELCOME! To Zombie, Inc. The United Five State Republic's leading manufacturer of zombie defense systems! In business since 2027, Zombie, Inc. puts YOU first. YOUR safety is our MAIN GOAL! Our many home defense options - from Ze Fence® to Ze Popper® to Ze Shed® - fit every need and every budget. Use Scan Code "TELL ME MORE!" for your FREE, in-home*, no obligation consultation! *Schedule your appointment with the confidence that you will NEVER HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR HOME! It isn't safe out there and we know it better than most! Our sales staff is FULLY TRAINED to handle any and all adversarial encounters with the living and the undead. __________ Twenty-five years after the deadly plague, the United Five State Republic's most successful company, Zombie, Inc., is in trouble. Will a simple case of dwindling supply and lessening demand be the end of them or will Zombie, Inc. find a way, however unpalatable, to survive?
*Severed Press; Second edition (October 9, 2014)
*Severed Press; Second edition (October 9, 2014)
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2012
100 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
About the author
Christine Dougherty
26 books51 followersChris Dougherty writes from a secluded haven in southern New Jersey at the edge of the Pine Barrens.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
October 17, 2013
This is an INCREDIBLY difficult one to review. Part of that is because I am being chased by T-rex riding nuns right now (long story). Mostly, though, it's because of the mixed feelings I have for this book.
I cracked this bad boy open and immediately fell in love. It was a different view of "the zombie story." Which is rare. Set in a post-zombie-apocalyptic world, the threat has been largely contained - even commercialized - by the world's most successful business venture, Zombie, Inc.
The tone of the book was great. Each chapter begins with excerpts from the ZI employee handbook, and they add a wonderfully satirical tone. The story itself follows the adventures of two ZI employees, Carl and his trainee, Dill, as they go about the daily grind of dealing with zombie problems.
It took a good fifty percent of the book for me to figure out what the "story" part of the story was, and I didn't really care. The tone and the setup was that marvelous. I was enjoying the ride for the ride's sake, and didn't care about the destination.
Unfortunately, however, the destination was, for me at least, extremely wanting. The book was a five-star book until the last twenty percent or so. Great tone, incredibly inventive. Lots of opportunity for adventure and social commentary mixed with extraordinary aptitude. And then....
Have you ever seen a relationship where one person just quit? Just threw up his or her hands and basically screamed, "I don't love you anymore!" and walked out for no discernible reason? I almost feel like that's what the author did here. There is NO question in my mind she is incredibly talented. The setup was all there.
But where it had been a tightly-crafted plot in a wonderfully realized world, the last fifty pages devolved into what I perceived as a Hollywood shoot-'em-up. And don't get me wrong! I like those movies, too! But this ending just didn't belong with this book. This book deserved another two hundred pages, I thought. The finale could have been an apocalyptic showdown, but the way it all went down just seemed to come out of left field.
Worse, for me it left me cold. The characters were ones I appreciated and enjoyed. But the way they were dealt with failed to resonate. It, again, turned from a tremendously inventive story into a paint-by-numbers ending. And I was irritated. Not because this author is a bad writer, but because I thought she was a GREAT writer. And by the end I expected MUCH MUCH more.
So a five-star book brought down to three stars by the last quarter or so.
Would I recommend it? I don't even know. I'm that conflicted. Great tone, great setup. A lot of fun, an inventive take.
And a story that fell apart.
Sigh. Why can't life be easy?
Still, I have to thank the author for the good stuff, and for showing that there are different ways to do the "same ol', same ol'."
I cracked this bad boy open and immediately fell in love. It was a different view of "the zombie story." Which is rare. Set in a post-zombie-apocalyptic world, the threat has been largely contained - even commercialized - by the world's most successful business venture, Zombie, Inc.
The tone of the book was great. Each chapter begins with excerpts from the ZI employee handbook, and they add a wonderfully satirical tone. The story itself follows the adventures of two ZI employees, Carl and his trainee, Dill, as they go about the daily grind of dealing with zombie problems.
It took a good fifty percent of the book for me to figure out what the "story" part of the story was, and I didn't really care. The tone and the setup was that marvelous. I was enjoying the ride for the ride's sake, and didn't care about the destination.
Unfortunately, however, the destination was, for me at least, extremely wanting. The book was a five-star book until the last twenty percent or so. Great tone, incredibly inventive. Lots of opportunity for adventure and social commentary mixed with extraordinary aptitude. And then....
Have you ever seen a relationship where one person just quit? Just threw up his or her hands and basically screamed, "I don't love you anymore!" and walked out for no discernible reason? I almost feel like that's what the author did here. There is NO question in my mind she is incredibly talented. The setup was all there.
But where it had been a tightly-crafted plot in a wonderfully realized world, the last fifty pages devolved into what I perceived as a Hollywood shoot-'em-up. And don't get me wrong! I like those movies, too! But this ending just didn't belong with this book. This book deserved another two hundred pages, I thought. The finale could have been an apocalyptic showdown, but the way it all went down just seemed to come out of left field.
Worse, for me it left me cold. The characters were ones I appreciated and enjoyed. But the way they were dealt with failed to resonate. It, again, turned from a tremendously inventive story into a paint-by-numbers ending. And I was irritated. Not because this author is a bad writer, but because I thought she was a GREAT writer. And by the end I expected MUCH MUCH more.
So a five-star book brought down to three stars by the last quarter or so.
Would I recommend it? I don't even know. I'm that conflicted. Great tone, great setup. A lot of fun, an inventive take.
And a story that fell apart.
Sigh. Why can't life be easy?
Still, I have to thank the author for the good stuff, and for showing that there are different ways to do the "same ol', same ol'."
September 30, 2013
This book was well written and an interesting, different take on the traditional zombie story. I was really into it in the beginning but it kind of lost me about 70% in. Right around when the action started. I don't know why. Maybe because the novelty wore off and it stopped being a different sort of story and turned into true zombie hunt/fight gore. Still, well written and different. Just not my favorite.
September 5, 2013
The premise of this book is interesting. The basic theme is that corporations that don’t take the needs of their employees into account are more evil than zombies during a zombie apocalypse.
The two main characters work as threat assessors for just such a company. The company has the apropos name of ‘Zombie, Inc.” Known through the book as ZI, they provide home protection measures against zombies. Lately, with the dwindling zombie population, they have branched out into home protection against human threats, by selling zombies as leashed guard dogs.
Throughout the book, short snippets of the ZI company manual are included. These are almost too well written, containing huge blocks of dense legalese. Although they are pretty entertaining, they don’t add much in my opinion and can be easily skipped in favor of diving right back into the narrative.
The story is engaging, with the main mystery of the plot revolving around the identity of a person who, near the start of the book, lets loose one of the zombies from the R&D section of the building. The two main characters, Carl and Dill, both feel very real, and each have their own demons they have to master during the course of the novel. Carl in particular is very moving. I liked Dill overall, but it almost seemed like the author couldn’t decide on her personality, as she could go from tough girl to crying girl breaking down over nothing/fainting at the drop of a hat.
The rest of the characters were a bit more like cardboard cutouts. Candy’s past, as it comes out near the end, feels tacked on. In particular, the main villan’s motivations were very foggy to me. I didn’t understand what he stood to gain or even thought he stood to gain, by his actions. This soured the experience of the book, especially towards the end.
The two main characters work as threat assessors for just such a company. The company has the apropos name of ‘Zombie, Inc.” Known through the book as ZI, they provide home protection measures against zombies. Lately, with the dwindling zombie population, they have branched out into home protection against human threats, by selling zombies as leashed guard dogs.
Throughout the book, short snippets of the ZI company manual are included. These are almost too well written, containing huge blocks of dense legalese. Although they are pretty entertaining, they don’t add much in my opinion and can be easily skipped in favor of diving right back into the narrative.
The story is engaging, with the main mystery of the plot revolving around the identity of a person who, near the start of the book, lets loose one of the zombies from the R&D section of the building. The two main characters, Carl and Dill, both feel very real, and each have their own demons they have to master during the course of the novel. Carl in particular is very moving. I liked Dill overall, but it almost seemed like the author couldn’t decide on her personality, as she could go from tough girl to crying girl breaking down over nothing/fainting at the drop of a hat.
The rest of the characters were a bit more like cardboard cutouts. Candy’s past, as it comes out near the end, feels tacked on. In particular, the main villan’s motivations were very foggy to me. I didn’t understand what he stood to gain or even thought he stood to gain, by his actions. This soured the experience of the book, especially towards the end.
October 2, 2013
I enjoyed the story quite a bit. A refreshing take on a post-zombie apocalypse situation. There are also some very unique and humorous characters.
However, the world in which Zombie, Inc. exists makes no sense. So I classify this as the equivalent of a "popcorn" movie. Just enjoy the story and don't think about it too much.
However, the world in which Zombie, Inc. exists makes no sense. So I classify this as the equivalent of a "popcorn" movie. Just enjoy the story and don't think about it too much.
March 25, 2019
Im Rahmen einer meiner Jahres-Challenges, entschied ich mich dafür dieses Buch zu lesen. Ich hatte schon länger daran gedacht und nun tat ich es endlich.
Mich zog es zu diesem Buch, da es endlich mal eine andere Thematik als den Ausbruch einer Zombie-Invasion hatte.
Willkommen in der Zeit, in der Zombies zwar immer noch eine Gefahr sind, mittlerweile aber sogar als Abwehr im Garten verwendet werden. Zu verdanken haben wir dies Zombie Inc., einer Firma welche es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht hat, die Menschen vor den herum laufenden Untoten zu schützen. Gäbe es da nur nicht das Problem, das es kaum mehr Zombies gibt. Was also tun? Zombie Inc. lässt sich da schon etwas einfallen oder?
Der Start ins Buch ist etwas holprig, da man sich erst einmal zurecht finden muss. Wir lernen zwar Carl kennen, der im weiteren Verlauf der Geschichte sehr viel Bedeutung für uns hat, aber ich konnte zuerst nicht klar erkennen was er da überhaupt machte. Erst so nach und nach erfährt man was eigentlich los ist. Hier fängt dann auch die Spannung an, da wir die ersten Zombies erleben dürfen. Wer das Genre öfter liest, wird allerdings feststellen, das man sich sehr gewählt ausdrückt, und nicht jede Einzelheit bis ins Extreme beschrieben wird. Dies macht es allerdings verdaulicher für die weniger hart gesottenen.
Tatsächlich wirkt die Welt sehr traurig, da Angestellte der Zombie Inc. gerade zu ausgenutzt werden. Man bekommt stetig das Gefühl, das es mit dieser Firma etwas nicht stimmt. Dies zeigt sich auch in Gruppierungen, die gegen die Ausnutzung der Zombies sind. Hier musste ich allerdings oftmals den Kopf schütteln, da diese jungen Bewohner der neuen Welt, nicht verstehen wollten, das von den geliebten Vätern, Müttern, Kindern oder Enkeln nicht mehr viel übrig ist.
Der Schreibstil, war eine Achterbahnfahrt der Empfindungen. Jede Reaktion eines Charakters legte sich sofort auf mich und sorgte damit für ein intensiveres Leseerlebnis. Die Idee zum Buch und auch sein Inhalt heben sich stark von bereits bekannten Zombie-Romanen ab. Ich fühlte mich sehr wohl in dieser Welt, wobei ich am Ende jedoch froh war das Buch einfach schließen zu können und nicht gegen jemanden kämpfen zu müssen. Den Kämpfe gibt es reichlich.
Fast schon rührend fand ich die Darstellung von Festtagen wie Ostern, Weihnachten usw., da diese abgeschafft wurden. Hier ist es schön zu erlesen wie ältere Bewohner der Welt sich an diese Feste erinnern und jüngeren Generationen erklärten warum und wie man sie feierte.
Nur das Ende störte mich sehr, da ich hier das Gefühl bekam, das gewaltig geschludert wurde. Ich fand innerhalb kürzester Zeit viele Fehler und die Geschichte nahm einen Verlauf den man nicht mehr verfolgen konnte. Ich war zusehends verwirrt und bekam dann auch noch ein offenes Ende, obwohl dies ein abschließendes Buch war, oder?
Gleich zu Anfang möchte ich mit Carl anfangen, mit dem wir auch in die Geschichte einsteigen. Er ist Gutachter bei Zombie Inc. und kümmert sich um Probleme von Kunden. Er ist schon etwas älter und hat die Zombie-Apokalypse nicht nur erlebt sondern musste auch Opfer beklagen, welche ihn nachts immer noch heimsuchen. Er ist etwas grob, aber hat auch seine guten Seiten, die er aber nicht jeden zeigt.
Dill ist junge 26 und hat nun endlich den Sprung zur Gutachterin geschafft, nachdem sie jahrelang in der Wartung tätig war. Für sie ist Leben außerhalb der gesicherten Mauern von Zombie Inc. etwas besonderes, da sie z.B. noch nie einen echten Zombie sah. Sie ist sehr emotional, was man auch jederzeit versteht, da sie schlimmes erlebt hat. Man erlebt im Buch wie sie von einem unreifen Mädchen zu einer starken Frau mit enormen Durchsetzungsvermögen wird. Dabei wird sie immer charismatischer.
Neben den beiden Hauptprotagonisten lernen wir sowohl viele tolle Charaktere kennen, als auch welche die man hasst. Dabei gilt allerdings ein gewisses Gleichgewicht, so das von beiden ausreichend vorhanden ist.
Die Beschreibungen der einzelnen Personen waren ok, hätten aber zwischendurch wirklich ausgeprägter sein können, denn ein richtiges Bild wollte sich nachhaltig einfach nicht einstellen. Trotzdem fand ich die Vielfalt sehr gut, da man genug Persönlichkeiten wählte, so das jeder jemanden für sich findet.
Das Cover war nicht ganz mein Geschmack, da irgendwie etwas fehlte. Klar man sieht einen Zombie, aber ich hätte es irgendwie ansprechender gefunden wenn man z.B. das Logo der Zombie Inc. gezeigt hätte.
Der Schriftstil war mir zudem zu verspielt. Das Buch hat durch aus Unterhaltungswert, aber auch einen sehr ernsten Hintergrund der dadurch nicht wirklich reflektiert wurde.
Manchmal kann das Ende eine Apokalypse genau so spannend sein wie der Ausbruch. Unterhaltsamer Zombie-Thriller mit vielen emotionalen Momenten, die wirklich bewegen.
Mich zog es zu diesem Buch, da es endlich mal eine andere Thematik als den Ausbruch einer Zombie-Invasion hatte.
Willkommen in der Zeit, in der Zombies zwar immer noch eine Gefahr sind, mittlerweile aber sogar als Abwehr im Garten verwendet werden. Zu verdanken haben wir dies Zombie Inc., einer Firma welche es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht hat, die Menschen vor den herum laufenden Untoten zu schützen. Gäbe es da nur nicht das Problem, das es kaum mehr Zombies gibt. Was also tun? Zombie Inc. lässt sich da schon etwas einfallen oder?
Der Start ins Buch ist etwas holprig, da man sich erst einmal zurecht finden muss. Wir lernen zwar Carl kennen, der im weiteren Verlauf der Geschichte sehr viel Bedeutung für uns hat, aber ich konnte zuerst nicht klar erkennen was er da überhaupt machte. Erst so nach und nach erfährt man was eigentlich los ist. Hier fängt dann auch die Spannung an, da wir die ersten Zombies erleben dürfen. Wer das Genre öfter liest, wird allerdings feststellen, das man sich sehr gewählt ausdrückt, und nicht jede Einzelheit bis ins Extreme beschrieben wird. Dies macht es allerdings verdaulicher für die weniger hart gesottenen.
Tatsächlich wirkt die Welt sehr traurig, da Angestellte der Zombie Inc. gerade zu ausgenutzt werden. Man bekommt stetig das Gefühl, das es mit dieser Firma etwas nicht stimmt. Dies zeigt sich auch in Gruppierungen, die gegen die Ausnutzung der Zombies sind. Hier musste ich allerdings oftmals den Kopf schütteln, da diese jungen Bewohner der neuen Welt, nicht verstehen wollten, das von den geliebten Vätern, Müttern, Kindern oder Enkeln nicht mehr viel übrig ist.
Der Schreibstil, war eine Achterbahnfahrt der Empfindungen. Jede Reaktion eines Charakters legte sich sofort auf mich und sorgte damit für ein intensiveres Leseerlebnis. Die Idee zum Buch und auch sein Inhalt heben sich stark von bereits bekannten Zombie-Romanen ab. Ich fühlte mich sehr wohl in dieser Welt, wobei ich am Ende jedoch froh war das Buch einfach schließen zu können und nicht gegen jemanden kämpfen zu müssen. Den Kämpfe gibt es reichlich.
Fast schon rührend fand ich die Darstellung von Festtagen wie Ostern, Weihnachten usw., da diese abgeschafft wurden. Hier ist es schön zu erlesen wie ältere Bewohner der Welt sich an diese Feste erinnern und jüngeren Generationen erklärten warum und wie man sie feierte.
Nur das Ende störte mich sehr, da ich hier das Gefühl bekam, das gewaltig geschludert wurde. Ich fand innerhalb kürzester Zeit viele Fehler und die Geschichte nahm einen Verlauf den man nicht mehr verfolgen konnte. Ich war zusehends verwirrt und bekam dann auch noch ein offenes Ende, obwohl dies ein abschließendes Buch war, oder?
Gleich zu Anfang möchte ich mit Carl anfangen, mit dem wir auch in die Geschichte einsteigen. Er ist Gutachter bei Zombie Inc. und kümmert sich um Probleme von Kunden. Er ist schon etwas älter und hat die Zombie-Apokalypse nicht nur erlebt sondern musste auch Opfer beklagen, welche ihn nachts immer noch heimsuchen. Er ist etwas grob, aber hat auch seine guten Seiten, die er aber nicht jeden zeigt.
Dill ist junge 26 und hat nun endlich den Sprung zur Gutachterin geschafft, nachdem sie jahrelang in der Wartung tätig war. Für sie ist Leben außerhalb der gesicherten Mauern von Zombie Inc. etwas besonderes, da sie z.B. noch nie einen echten Zombie sah. Sie ist sehr emotional, was man auch jederzeit versteht, da sie schlimmes erlebt hat. Man erlebt im Buch wie sie von einem unreifen Mädchen zu einer starken Frau mit enormen Durchsetzungsvermögen wird. Dabei wird sie immer charismatischer.
Neben den beiden Hauptprotagonisten lernen wir sowohl viele tolle Charaktere kennen, als auch welche die man hasst. Dabei gilt allerdings ein gewisses Gleichgewicht, so das von beiden ausreichend vorhanden ist.
Die Beschreibungen der einzelnen Personen waren ok, hätten aber zwischendurch wirklich ausgeprägter sein können, denn ein richtiges Bild wollte sich nachhaltig einfach nicht einstellen. Trotzdem fand ich die Vielfalt sehr gut, da man genug Persönlichkeiten wählte, so das jeder jemanden für sich findet.
Das Cover war nicht ganz mein Geschmack, da irgendwie etwas fehlte. Klar man sieht einen Zombie, aber ich hätte es irgendwie ansprechender gefunden wenn man z.B. das Logo der Zombie Inc. gezeigt hätte.
Der Schriftstil war mir zudem zu verspielt. Das Buch hat durch aus Unterhaltungswert, aber auch einen sehr ernsten Hintergrund der dadurch nicht wirklich reflektiert wurde.
Manchmal kann das Ende eine Apokalypse genau so spannend sein wie der Ausbruch. Unterhaltsamer Zombie-Thriller mit vielen emotionalen Momenten, die wirklich bewegen.
March 31, 2021
On My TBR List since October 9, 2016. Read as part of the Horror Aficionado's 2021 Mt. TBR Challenge.
This was a very different take on the zombie apocalypse. I was reminded of the movies Shaun of the Dead and Fido. Not because of the plot, but because in this post zombie virus world, the zombies have become a commodity used as a form of protection against house break-ins. Zombie, Inc. is the largest company in this world. Most if not all of the people work for Zombie, Inc. So of course there is an evil plot and the company may or may not be evil. This was just an overall great read, although I would really like to take off 1/2 a star for the abrupt ending.
This book should not have taken me this long to start or to read. There is something about reading a book on my Kindle paperwhite that seems to slow my reading speed down. Just one of those great mysteries never to be solved by science or man.
This was a solid 3.5 star read rounded up to 4 because Goodreads won't let us do 1/2 stars.
This was a very different take on the zombie apocalypse. I was reminded of the movies Shaun of the Dead and Fido. Not because of the plot, but because in this post zombie virus world, the zombies have become a commodity used as a form of protection against house break-ins. Zombie, Inc. is the largest company in this world. Most if not all of the people work for Zombie, Inc. So of course there is an evil plot and the company may or may not be evil. This was just an overall great read, although I would really like to take off 1/2 a star for the abrupt ending.
This book should not have taken me this long to start or to read. There is something about reading a book on my Kindle paperwhite that seems to slow my reading speed down. Just one of those great mysteries never to be solved by science or man.
This was a solid 3.5 star read rounded up to 4 because Goodreads won't let us do 1/2 stars.
May 7, 2013
Prolific horror/paranormal author Christine Dougherty has already achieved an Editor’s Choice accolade from me – and this was no mean feat, given she had to lure this particular curmudgeonly editor into a topic that I would normally shy away from: God – or the devil to be more precise – is a subject that I avoid like the plague. So I invited her over for a Q&A session following my being entranced by her uncompromising story The Devil Stood Up.
So when Christine disclosed that she and her muse had contrived a new storyline during a visit to a burger bar, I was interested in what the premise would be – until after publication – when I learned the title of the novel was Zombie, Inc.
Zombies? … and me? Not exactly my preferred reading subject – and that’s an understatement: like, you’d have to pay me to read a zombie novel or watch a zombie movie, and I told the author as much in advance mitigation that I wouldn’t get on with it. You see, horror is not really my bag at all and were it not for my reading “Devil” I would not have given it a second look.
But it soon became apparent that this talented writer has a kind of tractor beam that pulls in the reader, be it their genre or not. I was wholly engrossed from start to finish by the premise, presentation and style of this hilarious satire. Top marks yet again, Christine!
So when Christine disclosed that she and her muse had contrived a new storyline during a visit to a burger bar, I was interested in what the premise would be – until after publication – when I learned the title of the novel was Zombie, Inc.
Zombies? … and me? Not exactly my preferred reading subject – and that’s an understatement: like, you’d have to pay me to read a zombie novel or watch a zombie movie, and I told the author as much in advance mitigation that I wouldn’t get on with it. You see, horror is not really my bag at all and were it not for my reading “Devil” I would not have given it a second look.
But it soon became apparent that this talented writer has a kind of tractor beam that pulls in the reader, be it their genre or not. I was wholly engrossed from start to finish by the premise, presentation and style of this hilarious satire. Top marks yet again, Christine!
August 12, 2017
For some reason, I thought this was going to be a lighthearted read. Not so much lol. Once I switched my mindset over, though, I was pleasantly surprised. I was easily drawn into the world and found myself reading as quickly as possible to find out what would happen next and how it all would end. I really enjoyed the snippets from the ZI employee handbook that began most every chapter. They gave a nice setup for what I would be experiencing in the coming pages.
All in all, a great find for a freebie. I'm going to be checking out more by this author!
All in all, a great find for a freebie. I'm going to be checking out more by this author!
February 17, 2017
The business of zombies....
I really liked this book, it surprised me. Another take on the zombie trope, but very original and nicely done. I liked the characters, a big plus, even for a casual read.
And this went by quickly. You meet Carl and Dill, members of the Assessment team for Zombie Inc. It's 30 years post apocalypse, and the government is now synonymous with Zombie Inc. ZI keeps the world safe,for at least the 5 state republic, by coming up with defense mechanisms only the rich can afford. They employ almost everyone, with 7 day work weeks, no time off, and time docked for mandatory meetings. They even keep people from marrying so there will be no heirs to inherit benefits. It's a capitalists dream, except for one thing: they are running out of zombies.
This causes Aaron, a zealot, to plot how to get new ones....you can guess how. The story builds to a satisfying Andrew's tragic climax with the two main characters joined by Candy and the Floyds, wild man Wranglers (they call each other Floyd and everyone else Abby). Even the zombie names are different, Menzies, womzies, and even a Zombie defense league...Zombies are People Too (ZAPT).
The zombies really don't show up until the end, the main part of the book is taken up in getting there. Not everyone makes it, so it's realistic too. I have read a lot of zombie books, some fair, some, like the Awaken series, are some of my favorite books. This book edges to the latter, I am going to try the next one in the series, I'll let you know....
I really liked this book, it surprised me. Another take on the zombie trope, but very original and nicely done. I liked the characters, a big plus, even for a casual read.
And this went by quickly. You meet Carl and Dill, members of the Assessment team for Zombie Inc. It's 30 years post apocalypse, and the government is now synonymous with Zombie Inc. ZI keeps the world safe,for at least the 5 state republic, by coming up with defense mechanisms only the rich can afford. They employ almost everyone, with 7 day work weeks, no time off, and time docked for mandatory meetings. They even keep people from marrying so there will be no heirs to inherit benefits. It's a capitalists dream, except for one thing: they are running out of zombies.
This causes Aaron, a zealot, to plot how to get new ones....you can guess how. The story builds to a satisfying Andrew's tragic climax with the two main characters joined by Candy and the Floyds, wild man Wranglers (they call each other Floyd and everyone else Abby). Even the zombie names are different, Menzies, womzies, and even a Zombie defense league...Zombies are People Too (ZAPT).
The zombies really don't show up until the end, the main part of the book is taken up in getting there. Not everyone makes it, so it's realistic too. I have read a lot of zombie books, some fair, some, like the Awaken series, are some of my favorite books. This book edges to the latter, I am going to try the next one in the series, I'll let you know....
September 23, 2013
I want to say that this is an entertaining zombie read.
However it reminded me of the 1997 movie StarShip Troopers a great deal.
Zombies Inc had clips of the Zombie Inc manual which were similar to the propaganda commercials for joining the Army that were frequently played in the StarShip Troopers movie.
The Narration of the settings in the book Zombie Inc had the same feel as the movie narration which was done through the commercials and the filming the characters actions.
The dystopian world rules was also pretty similar; serve to "earn" you life/rights.
The differences between Starship Troopers: the Federation Mobile Infantry and elite troopers teams (Roughnecks) and military research teams reminded me of Zombies Inc: Assessment team and Wranglers and Research and Development departments.
In fact, if I close my eyes while my kindle is reading this story to me, I can see the characters and scenes of the book Zombie Inc overlapping the the characters and scenes of Starship Troopers.
As for the Main characters, I would compare Carl (of Zombies Inc) to Lt. Jean Razak (of Starship Troopers).
And Dill (of Zombies Inc) to Johnny Rico (of Starship Troopers).
There are of course differences.
Zombies Inc takes place on future Earth, while StarShip Troopers takes place in the future in space/alien planets.
That and in the book Zombies Inc, it is a big corporation rather than the military that controls the lives of the surviving citizens.
And let us not forget that Zombies Inc contains Zombies, not alien bugs.
There are plot differences as well. I am not saying that this is the same story rather pointing out some striking similarities that echoed in my mind as I read this book.
Having said all that, I would like to repeat that I did enjoy this book. It was an entertaining read.
Lovers of Science Fiction and Zombies may enjoy this story.
However it reminded me of the 1997 movie StarShip Troopers a great deal.
Zombies Inc had clips of the Zombie Inc manual which were similar to the propaganda commercials for joining the Army that were frequently played in the StarShip Troopers movie.
The Narration of the settings in the book Zombie Inc had the same feel as the movie narration which was done through the commercials and the filming the characters actions.
The dystopian world rules was also pretty similar; serve to "earn" you life/rights.
The differences between Starship Troopers: the Federation Mobile Infantry and elite troopers teams (Roughnecks) and military research teams reminded me of Zombies Inc: Assessment team and Wranglers and Research and Development departments.
In fact, if I close my eyes while my kindle is reading this story to me, I can see the characters and scenes of the book Zombie Inc overlapping the the characters and scenes of Starship Troopers.
As for the Main characters, I would compare Carl (of Zombies Inc) to Lt. Jean Razak (of Starship Troopers).
And Dill (of Zombies Inc) to Johnny Rico (of Starship Troopers).
There are of course differences.
Zombies Inc takes place on future Earth, while StarShip Troopers takes place in the future in space/alien planets.
That and in the book Zombies Inc, it is a big corporation rather than the military that controls the lives of the surviving citizens.
And let us not forget that Zombies Inc contains Zombies, not alien bugs.
There are plot differences as well. I am not saying that this is the same story rather pointing out some striking similarities that echoed in my mind as I read this book.
Having said all that, I would like to repeat that I did enjoy this book. It was an entertaining read.
Lovers of Science Fiction and Zombies may enjoy this story.
May 10, 2013
This was an excellent read. I'm not normally one for the zombies (prefer vampires and werewolves, but there you go), but I was intrigued enough to give this a go.
The great Zombie plague hit the US approx. 26 years before, where a single bite can turn people into shambling monsters with coffee grounds for blood. The great company of Zombie Inc has worked with the government to protect those who are left...to the point that they are now using the zombies themselves as home security systems. But then things start to go wrong...and some things don't quite add up, until the whole story turns into a kind of Night of the Living Dead scenario (pretty much as expected).
The writing was fast-paced, and made me want to keep reading - in fact, it cost me some sleep because I didn't want to put it down (not because of the scary zombies, I hasten to add!) The characters were well written, and I really liked the role that the Wranglers played. Well worth the time to read.
The great Zombie plague hit the US approx. 26 years before, where a single bite can turn people into shambling monsters with coffee grounds for blood. The great company of Zombie Inc has worked with the government to protect those who are left...to the point that they are now using the zombies themselves as home security systems. But then things start to go wrong...and some things don't quite add up, until the whole story turns into a kind of Night of the Living Dead scenario (pretty much as expected).
The writing was fast-paced, and made me want to keep reading - in fact, it cost me some sleep because I didn't want to put it down (not because of the scary zombies, I hasten to add!) The characters were well written, and I really liked the role that the Wranglers played. Well worth the time to read.
November 8, 2013
The novel is set in 2054 over 25 years after the plague that started the first zombie outbreak. Now society is ruled by corporate giant Zombies Inc and the outbreak has been under control for some years. To maintain safety, Zombies Inc installs and maintains zombie security systems. The main characters in this story are Carl, a forty something Assessor, who is given a new trainee Dil to show the ropes. A series of incidents soon has them both wondering how far the company will go to turn a profit.
I really enjoyed this novel. I don't think I've read anything this engaging in the zombie genre this year. It was also clever enough to be more than just a zombie story and successfully takes a few swipes at big business and their practises. The characters are really well developed and there's some nice back story on Carl and Dil that gives their perspective of the initial outbreak.
I highly recommend this to zombie lovers, you won't be disappointed.
October 6, 2015
This was a kindle book that I would read in between other books. I've been chipping away at it for several months now. It didn't hold my attention for more than a chapter or so at a time but I refuse - I REFUSE - to not finish a book. They always haunt me until I feel the relief of turning the last page.
It was just ok. Character development was ok. There were some predictable plot twists but a couple good surprises. Lots of awkward dialog that was just not convincing. Story line was ok.
It was an interesting spin on how, if everything broke down, people would rise up and establish corporations to govern within a couple decades. That doesn't seem very plausible to me but it is interesting how, in this case, they used the zombies as a commodity to help put people back to work and create order.
Would I recommend this book? Probably, if you were a die hard Zombie-book fan.
It was just ok. Character development was ok. There were some predictable plot twists but a couple good surprises. Lots of awkward dialog that was just not convincing. Story line was ok.
It was an interesting spin on how, if everything broke down, people would rise up and establish corporations to govern within a couple decades. That doesn't seem very plausible to me but it is interesting how, in this case, they used the zombies as a commodity to help put people back to work and create order.
Would I recommend this book? Probably, if you were a die hard Zombie-book fan.
October 16, 2013
I have read many books on the subject of zombies some good and some bad!
Zombie inc is very different take on this genre that the author seems to have a vision of the future that is as unique as it is possible.
Set in a future America where a plague has caused the dead to rise etc but in the years after a company called zombie inc uses the undead as home defense systems keeping residents homes safe from possible intruders but things aren't well in zombie inc and 2 employees stumble on a plot that threatens to ruin the world they live in and cause another zombie apocalyptic nightmare.
The books focuses more on the characters that the zombies but all this said this is still a brilliant vision of an apocalyptic nightmare.
Zombie inc is very different take on this genre that the author seems to have a vision of the future that is as unique as it is possible.
Set in a future America where a plague has caused the dead to rise etc but in the years after a company called zombie inc uses the undead as home defense systems keeping residents homes safe from possible intruders but things aren't well in zombie inc and 2 employees stumble on a plot that threatens to ruin the world they live in and cause another zombie apocalyptic nightmare.
The books focuses more on the characters that the zombies but all this said this is still a brilliant vision of an apocalyptic nightmare.
October 15, 2013
I picked this up when it showed up for free. My expectations weren't high, but it was a zombie novel, so I wanted to give it a shot. I was very impressed and entertained. Much more well written than any of the other free kindle novels I've come across. I didn't want to put it down. (Some of those free novels I've felt like I was forcing myself to slog through it to see if there was something to make it worth the time I'd already spent reading it.)
I'd have purchased it in a heartbeat if I had seen a recommendation by one of my friends that knows how much I enjoy the genre. I might actually have to pick up a physical copy to add to my shelves.
In short, if you like the Zombie genre, give it a shot.
I'd have purchased it in a heartbeat if I had seen a recommendation by one of my friends that knows how much I enjoy the genre. I might actually have to pick up a physical copy to add to my shelves.
In short, if you like the Zombie genre, give it a shot.
April 11, 2015
Not a dull moment
Well written and quite a different approach to a zombie. At first I was sceptical of this book but after just a few pages I was reading so fast I couldn't put it down. Fell asleep several late nights with my kindle in hand....I just couldn't quit reading kept trying to hold my eyes open to read.......as I usually only read after I'm in bed, I have already purchased the second book in this series. Recommend to all Zombie Fans , If you want a different story this is IT!
Well written and quite a different approach to a zombie. At first I was sceptical of this book but after just a few pages I was reading so fast I couldn't put it down. Fell asleep several late nights with my kindle in hand....I just couldn't quit reading kept trying to hold my eyes open to read.......as I usually only read after I'm in bed, I have already purchased the second book in this series. Recommend to all Zombie Fans , If you want a different story this is IT!
June 27, 2013
I thought this book was brilliantly written. It wasn't the dystopian, apocalyptic, depressing society I was looking for in a zombie apocalypse book, but I'm also glad that it wasn't.
Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a thriller.
Definitely would recommend to anyone looking for a thriller.
November 10, 2013
Enjoyable story, well defined characters. A dozen or so years after a zombie plague the threat is contained, is it too well contained? I haven't read many zombie stories but expect this one will stand out for those that have. Seems like a very original take on the genre.
August 13, 2013
Very clever book; a very different take on the world resulting from a zombie apocalypse. My only wish for this book is that the story gets continued in a sequel.
April 2, 2020
cookiereads Zombie Inc by Chris Dougherty 🧟♀️
Zombie Inc is a company that makes money off you guessed it Zombies!! The zombie plague is over but life will never be the same again. No holidays, seven days work weeks, constant looking behind your shoulders. 🧟♀️
Carl is long time employee of Zombie Inc Assessment Department. He lived survivor of the zombie plague remembers life before the zombies. Dill is a young female in her 20s. She is just starting her training at Zombie Inc Assessment Department. Carl trains her for the new job. He sees potential in her to be successful. However both have secrets that can put their lives in danger. And along the way they learn secrets about their employer Zombie Inc. 🧟♀️
There are so many themes in this book. Old generation vs new generation. The old generation remembering holidays and the younger saying all these holidays involve eating food. Carl is wanting a daughter to confide in and Dill is longing for the father she lost. Political beliefs (and yes there are here in this book). People who are willing to keep the company alive by any means necessary. 🧟♀️
Three paws out of four paws. #zombieapocalypse #zombieinc #corgireads #dogsreadingbooks #booksofinstagram #postapocalypticworld
Zombie Inc is a company that makes money off you guessed it Zombies!! The zombie plague is over but life will never be the same again. No holidays, seven days work weeks, constant looking behind your shoulders. 🧟♀️
Carl is long time employee of Zombie Inc Assessment Department. He lived survivor of the zombie plague remembers life before the zombies. Dill is a young female in her 20s. She is just starting her training at Zombie Inc Assessment Department. Carl trains her for the new job. He sees potential in her to be successful. However both have secrets that can put their lives in danger. And along the way they learn secrets about their employer Zombie Inc. 🧟♀️
There are so many themes in this book. Old generation vs new generation. The old generation remembering holidays and the younger saying all these holidays involve eating food. Carl is wanting a daughter to confide in and Dill is longing for the father she lost. Political beliefs (and yes there are here in this book). People who are willing to keep the company alive by any means necessary. 🧟♀️
Three paws out of four paws. #zombieapocalypse #zombieinc #corgireads #dogsreadingbooks #booksofinstagram #postapocalypticworld
December 21, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Zombie Inc is set in a world after the Zombie Plague. The United Five State Republic's company Zombie Inc is in trouble with the decrease of Zombies. This story follows two Assessments Dill and Carl as they help keep things normal.
Dill is a member of a group of people that believe the Zombies are still human. Carl is the 'old' guy that was around during the first Zombie Plague. They are a good match as they grow to know each other.
I now want to read the next book to see what happens.
Dill is a member of a group of people that believe the Zombies are still human. Carl is the 'old' guy that was around during the first Zombie Plague. They are a good match as they grow to know each other.
I now want to read the next book to see what happens.
September 30, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a novel (pun intended) take on the zombie apocalypse theme. I really liked some of the "what if" questions that the author posed - we have all these zombies laying around, what do we do with them? What does an economy built on zombies look like? What happens when we run out?
The characters were believable, maybe just a little bit flat. Solid world building and a neat twist at the end that sets up future books in this world.
Based on this book, I would read other titles by this author.
This was a novel (pun intended) take on the zombie apocalypse theme. I really liked some of the "what if" questions that the author posed - we have all these zombies laying around, what do we do with them? What does an economy built on zombies look like? What happens when we run out?
The characters were believable, maybe just a little bit flat. Solid world building and a neat twist at the end that sets up future books in this world.
Based on this book, I would read other titles by this author.
April 6, 2021
A fresh take on the zombie story
Really enjoyed this. Not usually a fan of all things zombie, but this had me gripped from the start. Funny at times but always with an underlying darkness the developing relationship between Carl and Dill got me thinking they were real people 🤣 Brilliantly written, with an ending I totally didn't see coming, when I turned the final page I was a little disappointed and wanted to find out more.
Really enjoyed this. Not usually a fan of all things zombie, but this had me gripped from the start. Funny at times but always with an underlying darkness the developing relationship between Carl and Dill got me thinking they were real people 🤣 Brilliantly written, with an ending I totally didn't see coming, when I turned the final page I was a little disappointed and wanted to find out more.
March 26, 2023
Well done Flyod
Today with so many distractions it really enjoyable to Find a story that holds your attention. I found the characters interesting and I was actually rooting for them. It also is a nice commentary on greed and humanity self destructive nature. I would recommend it to any who likes apocalyptic stories.
Today with so many distractions it really enjoyable to Find a story that holds your attention. I found the characters interesting and I was actually rooting for them. It also is a nice commentary on greed and humanity self destructive nature. I would recommend it to any who likes apocalyptic stories.
March 22, 2021
Kein normales Zombie Buch!
Ein Buch über ein Leben nach, mit und durch die Zombie Plage. Spannend, lustig und mitreißend geschrieben. Das war mein Einstieg ins Dystopie Genre. Schade dass der zweite Teil nicht au Deutsch erschienen ist...
Ein Buch über ein Leben nach, mit und durch die Zombie Plage. Spannend, lustig und mitreißend geschrieben. Das war mein Einstieg ins Dystopie Genre. Schade dass der zweite Teil nicht au Deutsch erschienen ist...
April 21, 2021
Wasn't sure at beginning but turned out not bad
This was definitely a different take on the zombie genre. Interesting incorporation of company town, war profiteering, social protests, etc all wrapped up in a zombie tale.
Didn't exactly end the way I thought it would either.
This was definitely a different take on the zombie genre. Interesting incorporation of company town, war profiteering, social protests, etc all wrapped up in a zombie tale.
Didn't exactly end the way I thought it would either.
May 21, 2021
Zombie literature!
So many zombie books are very poorly written—not this one! A great premise with well drawn characters. Very good! It could almost act as a satire of our current world.
So many zombie books are very poorly written—not this one! A great premise with well drawn characters. Very good! It could almost act as a satire of our current world.
July 6, 2021
In a refreshing new direction for the genre zombies take a backseat to character development, plot, and setting. The ZI snippets provided a good laugh to my friends in the HR and payroll business, too. Good stuff.
August 19, 2021
Can read
I really enjoyed this book.It was a twist on the traditional zombie story as it goes from a post apocalypse world into a second wave. Great characters and the story moved along at a good speed
I really enjoyed this book.It was a twist on the traditional zombie story as it goes from a post apocalypse world into a second wave. Great characters and the story moved along at a good speed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews