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Dust of the Dead
Reboot the apocalypse!
For a while, it looked like the living had won. The war against the walking dead lasted almost a decade, but it’s mostly over. There are only a few straggling zombies left to take care of. Los Angeles has returned to its lattes and long commutes. It’s up to a small Reclamation Crew to clean up the Zoms left behind. But when the undead dry up, their skin turns to dust. Now the hot Santa Ana winds deliver a new threat…because the Zoms were only the beginning of something far worse.
For a while, it looked like the living had won. The war against the walking dead lasted almost a decade, but it’s mostly over. There are only a few straggling zombies left to take care of. Los Angeles has returned to its lattes and long commutes. It’s up to a small Reclamation Crew to clean up the Zoms left behind. But when the undead dry up, their skin turns to dust. Now the hot Santa Ana winds deliver a new threat…because the Zoms were only the beginning of something far worse.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
9 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
John Palisano
103 books163 followersOne evening when I was only a small boy, my father allowed me to stay up late with him and watch NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD on television. He fell asleep, but I waited for the end. I couldn’t believe they’d let the lead guy die after all that. I was horrified. Later that summer we went to the drive-in, which was a big deal in Norwalk, Connecticut in the 1970s. Everyone went. We all piled into the Bomb, our old station wagon, and saw lots of movies there. There was a swing set right up front where a many of the little kids congregated. We got a kick out of that, especially during GREASE, because there was a similar set-up in the movie. One night, though, there was a double-feature that I’ll never forget.
Demon Seed scared me, and the unforgettable images still haunt me. The film that followed, though, ruined me for good. ALIEN. I don’t think I walked past my attic door after dark that entire summer for fear the alien would snatch me up and away.
Soon I couldn’t even go to the beach. JAWS waited for us. Of course, this was also the time I discovered my father’s treasure trove of old horror comics, most of which I still have safe and sound. My imagination was on fire. We went to some of the early science fiction conventions in New York. I found Fangoria, and used Tom Savini’s Grande Illusions book in an attempt to make my own monsters at home, and experimented with that for several fake-bloodstained years. Eventually, though, I realized my favorite part was in dreaming up the ideas. In all truth, I was better in that regard than in any of my make-ups.
During middle school I put out a xeroxed fanzine Castle Gore that I sold to my classmates for a quarter an issue. Inside, alongside my reviews of whatever movies were coming out, I put some of my own short stories.
By the time I was thirteen I’d completed my first novel . . . novella, really . . . about a time-traveling teenager who saves the world from a monster bred in a Victorian scientist’s lab. He used a flying go-kart to do so.
Songwriting found me. For years I toured with rock n’ roll bands, opening for national acts, and all the while, writing lots of lyrics, poems, and short stories. Winding up at Emerson College, I truly found myself. My short stories were finally professionally published in some of the local academic literary magazines, and also my script He’d Hoped For Mars won the Latent Image Magazine screenwriting contest, but was turned into a successful short film, scored by Aaron Logan at nearby Berklee College of Music.
After college I moved to Los Angeles, taking an internship with Ridley Scott. That was a phenomenal time in my life, and I learned so much. I worked on many big budget films, and got to see how those films I grew up with really came together. Of course, being in that hotbox, I wrote lots of scripts. Had an option or three, and produced a couple of low-budget films while I was at it. Something happened, though.
The movies of the scripts often came out so differently than the original ideas. Budget compromises. With writing stories, well, the only limit is your imagination. You’re not limited to how much money you have, or time, or your location, or the skill of the CG artists on your team.
Shifting gears to prose has not been easy. I had hundreds of rejections from top markets until I began to place my stories. That is not an exaggeration. It was harder to place a pro-level fiction piece than find financing for my first film. I love the challenge, and few things have been as satisfying.
My journey continues, of course. All these years later, we finally have the release of my novel NERVES from Bad Moon Books in the winter of 2012. In the meantime, there’s lots of short stories appearing soon, and several movie projects, too.
Thanks for reading.
Best,
John Palisano
Demon Seed scared me, and the unforgettable images still haunt me. The film that followed, though, ruined me for good. ALIEN. I don’t think I walked past my attic door after dark that entire summer for fear the alien would snatch me up and away.
Soon I couldn’t even go to the beach. JAWS waited for us. Of course, this was also the time I discovered my father’s treasure trove of old horror comics, most of which I still have safe and sound. My imagination was on fire. We went to some of the early science fiction conventions in New York. I found Fangoria, and used Tom Savini’s Grande Illusions book in an attempt to make my own monsters at home, and experimented with that for several fake-bloodstained years. Eventually, though, I realized my favorite part was in dreaming up the ideas. In all truth, I was better in that regard than in any of my make-ups.
During middle school I put out a xeroxed fanzine Castle Gore that I sold to my classmates for a quarter an issue. Inside, alongside my reviews of whatever movies were coming out, I put some of my own short stories.
By the time I was thirteen I’d completed my first novel . . . novella, really . . . about a time-traveling teenager who saves the world from a monster bred in a Victorian scientist’s lab. He used a flying go-kart to do so.
Songwriting found me. For years I toured with rock n’ roll bands, opening for national acts, and all the while, writing lots of lyrics, poems, and short stories. Winding up at Emerson College, I truly found myself. My short stories were finally professionally published in some of the local academic literary magazines, and also my script He’d Hoped For Mars won the Latent Image Magazine screenwriting contest, but was turned into a successful short film, scored by Aaron Logan at nearby Berklee College of Music.
After college I moved to Los Angeles, taking an internship with Ridley Scott. That was a phenomenal time in my life, and I learned so much. I worked on many big budget films, and got to see how those films I grew up with really came together. Of course, being in that hotbox, I wrote lots of scripts. Had an option or three, and produced a couple of low-budget films while I was at it. Something happened, though.
The movies of the scripts often came out so differently than the original ideas. Budget compromises. With writing stories, well, the only limit is your imagination. You’re not limited to how much money you have, or time, or your location, or the skill of the CG artists on your team.
Shifting gears to prose has not been easy. I had hundreds of rejections from top markets until I began to place my stories. That is not an exaggeration. It was harder to place a pro-level fiction piece than find financing for my first film. I love the challenge, and few things have been as satisfying.
My journey continues, of course. All these years later, we finally have the release of my novel NERVES from Bad Moon Books in the winter of 2012. In the meantime, there’s lots of short stories appearing soon, and several movie projects, too.
Thanks for reading.
Best,
John Palisano
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 6, 2022
Huge thanks to Marco from Seildelman & Company for sending me a digital copy to read!
‘Dust of the Dead’ is my third or fourth release from John that I’ve read and it’s been great to see just how wide and varied his storytelling scope is.
With this one, Palisano gives us his take on the zombie trope, and while I’m the first to admit I’ve struggled to enjoy much zombie literature (or screen based stuff) over the last number of years, I’m always up to give something a go if they’re trying something new or something I find exciting.
That is the case here.
What I liked: The story follows Mike, a member of the Reclamation Crew, a team sent in to dispatch those who’ve crossed over and come back to life. At first, Mike is a nervous wreck, unsure of where he fits in with the more experienced team members, but as his time with them increases, he becomes ‘one of the boys’ and Palisano makes sure to keep the mood light and banter-filled.
But, this is a horror book and things take a turn. This comes in the form of the dead drying out and turning to dust and much to the dismay of those living, the dust can now infect and transform you.
The first few transformations were great, giving the readers some startling moments and John doesn’t hold back with the gore and brutality. We get to connect with the crew and as they begin to die off, you do feel a sense of loss and sadness over characters who you’ve come to root for.
The ending does a worthy job of acting as an ending, but also keeping things open for a sequel and that is something John discusses in the foreword of this new edition.
What I didn’t like: The biggest issue here for readers will be how well your shelf life for zombie based fiction is. If you’re completely off the enjoyment train of the undead, you’ll most likely not be jumping on this one, but if you still love zombie stuff or are even on the fence, I’d suggest you give this one a go.
Why you should buy this: Palisano is an easy writer for readers. I don’t mean that in a bad way, what I mean is that he tells a story with a capable and friendly writing voice, one that sucks you in quick and makes you feel familiar. It’s like snuggling up with a warm blanket and knowing you have no distractions for hours ahead. ‘Dust of the Dead’ is a really engaging reimagining of a familiar narrative and John does a great job of making this one his own.
‘Dust of the Dead’ is my third or fourth release from John that I’ve read and it’s been great to see just how wide and varied his storytelling scope is.
With this one, Palisano gives us his take on the zombie trope, and while I’m the first to admit I’ve struggled to enjoy much zombie literature (or screen based stuff) over the last number of years, I’m always up to give something a go if they’re trying something new or something I find exciting.
That is the case here.
What I liked: The story follows Mike, a member of the Reclamation Crew, a team sent in to dispatch those who’ve crossed over and come back to life. At first, Mike is a nervous wreck, unsure of where he fits in with the more experienced team members, but as his time with them increases, he becomes ‘one of the boys’ and Palisano makes sure to keep the mood light and banter-filled.
But, this is a horror book and things take a turn. This comes in the form of the dead drying out and turning to dust and much to the dismay of those living, the dust can now infect and transform you.
The first few transformations were great, giving the readers some startling moments and John doesn’t hold back with the gore and brutality. We get to connect with the crew and as they begin to die off, you do feel a sense of loss and sadness over characters who you’ve come to root for.
The ending does a worthy job of acting as an ending, but also keeping things open for a sequel and that is something John discusses in the foreword of this new edition.
What I didn’t like: The biggest issue here for readers will be how well your shelf life for zombie based fiction is. If you’re completely off the enjoyment train of the undead, you’ll most likely not be jumping on this one, but if you still love zombie stuff or are even on the fence, I’d suggest you give this one a go.
Why you should buy this: Palisano is an easy writer for readers. I don’t mean that in a bad way, what I mean is that he tells a story with a capable and friendly writing voice, one that sucks you in quick and makes you feel familiar. It’s like snuggling up with a warm blanket and knowing you have no distractions for hours ahead. ‘Dust of the Dead’ is a really engaging reimagining of a familiar narrative and John does a great job of making this one his own.
April 27, 2015
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is published by Samhain Publishing.
The only thing I have read previously by John Palisano was his short story in Widowmakers, Splinterette and his novel Nerves. I absolutely loved both of them so I was really excited to get the opportunity to review this one early with NetGalley. I can’t help but feel a little bit robbed and disappointed.
Mike has just recently started working for the Reclamation Crew in Los Angeles. It’s been 5 years since the first outbreak of the “zoms”. His job now is to work with his fellow crew members and investigate reports of “undead” that may be going through the process of coming back. Generally things have settled down and LA is getting back to normal. The undead are getting fewer.
Mike and his team have noticed a change in the zoms though. They are getting smarter. Smarter to the point of actually being intelligent and being able to interact with society. This causes new problems for the world and it doesn’t take long for a new outbreak that threatens man’s very existence again.
A zombie apocalypse tale with a difference. That’s how I, and many others see this book. Not your normal run of the mill “zombies running around eating everything in their path” type book. Refreshing. Opportunities to make this an epic, new zombie genre possibly? It has all the ingredients for it. Sadly for me it just doesn’t deliver. I’m really sad about this. I loved Mr Palisano’s previous stuff I have read. They were also “different”. Different styles which were, again, refreshing. It seems to be a trademark of his to write stuff within a genre but challenging the very boundaries of the genre and not conforming to the normal “rules” if you like.
A few things let this one down for me. The characters were pretty nondescript. Our “hero” Mike was no more a hero than I would have been in the story. He was ordinary, but the ordinary normally become the extraordinary in these types of stories, getting you totally behind them and rooting for them till the very end. He was none of this. In fact in some parts of the story I was shouting “what are you doing man” at him. When the chips were down he sort of hid away in a cowardly fashion and shied away from things that normal decent people would have jumped to do. I ended up not really liking him very much.
I almost felt the other characters were there just to make the numbers up. None of them stood out as either capable allies or adversaries.
In terms of action in the story I didn’t feel it either. It more or less trundled along. There were no big epic scenes that took your breath away or left you gasping for more, scrambling to turn the pages to see what happened next. The horror was there but nothing that scared the pants off you or made you hide behind a cushion while you were reading it. It had potential for so much more.
To summarise: I feel guilty and a bit bad for giving purely negative feelings on this one because I have loved John Palisano’s previous work but it just didn’t have “it” for me. It had the exciting “difference” in how the normal zombie story is approached but I felt it didn’t take advantage of that difference and exploit it to its full potential. It felt rushed to me. Needs more action. Needs more horror. Needs to expand on a new take on the genre.
General rating:
★★.5 It held my attention but, for me, could have been a lot better.
Horror rating:
★★ Not very scary at all I'm afraid.
The only thing I have read previously by John Palisano was his short story in Widowmakers, Splinterette and his novel Nerves. I absolutely loved both of them so I was really excited to get the opportunity to review this one early with NetGalley. I can’t help but feel a little bit robbed and disappointed.
Mike has just recently started working for the Reclamation Crew in Los Angeles. It’s been 5 years since the first outbreak of the “zoms”. His job now is to work with his fellow crew members and investigate reports of “undead” that may be going through the process of coming back. Generally things have settled down and LA is getting back to normal. The undead are getting fewer.
Mike and his team have noticed a change in the zoms though. They are getting smarter. Smarter to the point of actually being intelligent and being able to interact with society. This causes new problems for the world and it doesn’t take long for a new outbreak that threatens man’s very existence again.
A zombie apocalypse tale with a difference. That’s how I, and many others see this book. Not your normal run of the mill “zombies running around eating everything in their path” type book. Refreshing. Opportunities to make this an epic, new zombie genre possibly? It has all the ingredients for it. Sadly for me it just doesn’t deliver. I’m really sad about this. I loved Mr Palisano’s previous stuff I have read. They were also “different”. Different styles which were, again, refreshing. It seems to be a trademark of his to write stuff within a genre but challenging the very boundaries of the genre and not conforming to the normal “rules” if you like.
A few things let this one down for me. The characters were pretty nondescript. Our “hero” Mike was no more a hero than I would have been in the story. He was ordinary, but the ordinary normally become the extraordinary in these types of stories, getting you totally behind them and rooting for them till the very end. He was none of this. In fact in some parts of the story I was shouting “what are you doing man” at him. When the chips were down he sort of hid away in a cowardly fashion and shied away from things that normal decent people would have jumped to do. I ended up not really liking him very much.
I almost felt the other characters were there just to make the numbers up. None of them stood out as either capable allies or adversaries.
In terms of action in the story I didn’t feel it either. It more or less trundled along. There were no big epic scenes that took your breath away or left you gasping for more, scrambling to turn the pages to see what happened next. The horror was there but nothing that scared the pants off you or made you hide behind a cushion while you were reading it. It had potential for so much more.
To summarise: I feel guilty and a bit bad for giving purely negative feelings on this one because I have loved John Palisano’s previous work but it just didn’t have “it” for me. It had the exciting “difference” in how the normal zombie story is approached but I felt it didn’t take advantage of that difference and exploit it to its full potential. It felt rushed to me. Needs more action. Needs more horror. Needs to expand on a new take on the genre.
General rating:
★★.5 It held my attention but, for me, could have been a lot better.
Horror rating:
★★ Not very scary at all I'm afraid.
May 13, 2015
Mike Lane came to LA to be an actor but the zombie apocalypse got in the way. After a decade of walking dead, things are calming down. There are a few stragglers to take care of. However Los Angeles, as with the rest of the world, has returned to a slightly fragile form of normalcy. Mike, now working on the Los Angeles Reclamation Crew, is responsible for finding the straggling zombies and “reclaiming them”, putting them at rest. But the last few are pretty rotted and dried up. The dust from their bodies seem to be affecting those who breathe it in and it just happens to be the season for Los Angeles’ notorious Santa Ana winds. This new dust problem is especially affecting Mike’s crew except for Mike himself who is left to wonder what is happening and is desperate to find out if there is anything he can do about it.
This is the beginning of John Palisano’s refreshingly different zombie novel Dust of the Dead. With the glut of undead books and movies out there with mindless brain-eaters, Palisano gives us something a little different. The author‘s creatures aren’t interested in brains and are not exactly mindless. They appear more disoriented and angry at first but, as the dust unsettles, seem to be developing a speed and strength not inherent in the first zombies. The author goes over the first zombie apocalypse rather quickly giving us the background through Mike Lane’s eyes. Mike is the center of this story and his first person narrative is dead on, letting us experience the carnage, sense the inevitable societal breakdown, and know what we need to know in a nicely revealing and steady pace. The first zombie invasion as Mike describes it is treated rather casually. It is described as more of a major inconvenience. This is a good decision as it moves the tension and our expectations directly to what is to come. Without giving any spoilers. I will just say that zombie dust becomes a whole different matter and makes the protagonists a little nostalgic for the day of zap, bash and kill.
Even with all the surprises in store, the book mainly works because it is seen through the eyes of Mike Lane. Mike is pretty average. He is doing a job, has a girl friend who he likes more than he lets on, and develops a bond with his fellow colleagues. Mike has adapted to some hard times yet is seeing his world fall apart due to something that was previously unimaginable to him. It is that viewpoint that makes Dust of the Dead so interesting and worthwhile. It is brash, involving and full of thrills and scares. But we also feel for our narrator and share his emotions as the world and his friends changes.
Mostly set in the San Fernando Valley, Palisano has a great sense of locale, taking us on a little tour of The Valley in Zombieland. The novel has a good regional feel and is especially entertaining for someone who loves Los Angeles yet enjoy it reading it being destroyed, such as your fellow native Valley Dude reviewer. Novels with a good regional setting, even if you are not familiar with the locale, are always interesting when the area takes on its own character and meaning. Mike is a Valley Guy and feels like it. I appreciated that in the tale.
But even and you don’t “feel” the environment, there is no getting around that Dust of the Dead brings something new to the long suffering and more than slightly worn zombie legacy. It is good to see something new in this sub-genre. There is room for a sequel as the ending is intentionally open-ended. This is one of those rare times I would welcome a sequel.
This is the beginning of John Palisano’s refreshingly different zombie novel Dust of the Dead. With the glut of undead books and movies out there with mindless brain-eaters, Palisano gives us something a little different. The author‘s creatures aren’t interested in brains and are not exactly mindless. They appear more disoriented and angry at first but, as the dust unsettles, seem to be developing a speed and strength not inherent in the first zombies. The author goes over the first zombie apocalypse rather quickly giving us the background through Mike Lane’s eyes. Mike is the center of this story and his first person narrative is dead on, letting us experience the carnage, sense the inevitable societal breakdown, and know what we need to know in a nicely revealing and steady pace. The first zombie invasion as Mike describes it is treated rather casually. It is described as more of a major inconvenience. This is a good decision as it moves the tension and our expectations directly to what is to come. Without giving any spoilers. I will just say that zombie dust becomes a whole different matter and makes the protagonists a little nostalgic for the day of zap, bash and kill.
Even with all the surprises in store, the book mainly works because it is seen through the eyes of Mike Lane. Mike is pretty average. He is doing a job, has a girl friend who he likes more than he lets on, and develops a bond with his fellow colleagues. Mike has adapted to some hard times yet is seeing his world fall apart due to something that was previously unimaginable to him. It is that viewpoint that makes Dust of the Dead so interesting and worthwhile. It is brash, involving and full of thrills and scares. But we also feel for our narrator and share his emotions as the world and his friends changes.
Mostly set in the San Fernando Valley, Palisano has a great sense of locale, taking us on a little tour of The Valley in Zombieland. The novel has a good regional feel and is especially entertaining for someone who loves Los Angeles yet enjoy it reading it being destroyed, such as your fellow native Valley Dude reviewer. Novels with a good regional setting, even if you are not familiar with the locale, are always interesting when the area takes on its own character and meaning. Mike is a Valley Guy and feels like it. I appreciated that in the tale.
But even and you don’t “feel” the environment, there is no getting around that Dust of the Dead brings something new to the long suffering and more than slightly worn zombie legacy. It is good to see something new in this sub-genre. There is room for a sequel as the ending is intentionally open-ended. This is one of those rare times I would welcome a sequel.
June 29, 2015
A perfect mix of action, horror, and dark humor, John Palisano’s second novel is a fast paced thriller set after the zombie apocalypse has been thwarted and thought to be contained. The first person narration is smooth and effortless to follow.
The story takes place after the zombie apocalypse petered out or was contained by the humans. The narrator is part of the reclamation crew, a team tasked with dealing with new zombies to prevent flare ups from becoming a new problem. Like all important services, the team finds themselves understaffed and without the resources they really need, especially as things change and the reanimation disease evolves.
Palisano’s dark sense of humor is brilliant throughout. There’s this perfect moment where the narrator wonders how a human assailant has a fire poker when there’s no fire place in her apartment. It’s one of those absurdities that just rings true. By using these fitting truisms, Palisano makes the larger fiction his twisting of this very developed genre feel completely real.
I do hope that this is the start of a series. If I had a complaint, it’s that while I love endings that show that the story goes on even after the last page is turned, I desperately want to know what happens next in this one.
5 stars for the action, writing, and humor. And here’s hoping that there’s more to this story in the future.
The story takes place after the zombie apocalypse petered out or was contained by the humans. The narrator is part of the reclamation crew, a team tasked with dealing with new zombies to prevent flare ups from becoming a new problem. Like all important services, the team finds themselves understaffed and without the resources they really need, especially as things change and the reanimation disease evolves.
Palisano’s dark sense of humor is brilliant throughout. There’s this perfect moment where the narrator wonders how a human assailant has a fire poker when there’s no fire place in her apartment. It’s one of those absurdities that just rings true. By using these fitting truisms, Palisano makes the larger fiction his twisting of this very developed genre feel completely real.
I do hope that this is the start of a series. If I had a complaint, it’s that while I love endings that show that the story goes on even after the last page is turned, I desperately want to know what happens next in this one.
5 stars for the action, writing, and humor. And here’s hoping that there’s more to this story in the future.
August 29, 2015
If asked, I would admit that I’m not really a fan of the onslaught of zombie novels out there now, but Dust of the Dead isn’t the typical, rehashed story of an apocalyptic world with humans running, hiding, or killing zombies simply to survive. John Palisano’s fresh approach starts out in Los Angeles AFTER the zombie plague where life has returned to normal. Mike Lane and other members of the Reclamation Crew, deal with the few remaining zombies that hide in the shadows or reawaken in their graves. However, unknown to this small band of government employees, as well as the rest of the populace, the decaying bodies of the living dead and the re-dead (those reclaimed) have a dramatic and terrifying effect on the living.
I was very happy to find that this isn’t really a zombie story--it’s more of a creature feature. Sure, there are zombies poking up here and there, but the altered humans instead become ugly, vicious, strength enhanced monsters. Dust of the Dead is skillfully written, filled with twists and turns, as well as believable characters that grow and change to meet the challenges thrust upon them by this new terror. In this world created by John Palisano, are these monsters a new type of zombie or a new type of human. I look forward to the next book. The adventure continues.
I was very happy to find that this isn’t really a zombie story--it’s more of a creature feature. Sure, there are zombies poking up here and there, but the altered humans instead become ugly, vicious, strength enhanced monsters. Dust of the Dead is skillfully written, filled with twists and turns, as well as believable characters that grow and change to meet the challenges thrust upon them by this new terror. In this world created by John Palisano, are these monsters a new type of zombie or a new type of human. I look forward to the next book. The adventure continues.
February 11, 2015
I loved this book, yes, yes, yes.
This genre is so underrated, there's not only brain eaters, dumb zombies, regular girls or boys that were normal and then became super ass kickers...And THIS book proves it!! Yes, there are zombies, but not your typical "I only want brains", the world is not in chaos nor the humans in extinction, this is far scariest...like in nature everything evolves, and the zombie virus is evolving!
The author is giving us a master piece, is fast paced, full of action, suspense, and it's excellent written.
Extremely recommended!!
*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange of an Honest Review*
This genre is so underrated, there's not only brain eaters, dumb zombies, regular girls or boys that were normal and then became super ass kickers...And THIS book proves it!! Yes, there are zombies, but not your typical "I only want brains", the world is not in chaos nor the humans in extinction, this is far scariest...like in nature everything evolves, and the zombie virus is evolving!
The author is giving us a master piece, is fast paced, full of action, suspense, and it's excellent written.
Extremely recommended!!
*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange of an Honest Review*
July 24, 2015
With the novel Dust of the Dead, author John Palisano takes on zombies with some new ideas, but also some mixed results. The premise is a solid, interesting take on traditional zombie lore. The spreading of the disease is mainly done through the inhalation of “dust” of the reanimated dead, the portions of the dead that have grown old and dry and has been sloughed off like dead skin. Don’t worry, the dead still want to attack and feast on the living, but the main threat turns out to be their “dust”. It’s an interesting idea taken, likely, from the fact that bone dust from corpses is very dangerous to real human beings and can carry all sorts of diseases. When the story zeros in on this idea the story is a success.
For the first half of the book, the idea of the “dust” gets lost among some other ideas that don’t have the same impact. The narrator of this first-person tale is Mike Lane, a believable and authentic character, though his motivation is questionable until almost exactly midway through the story. At that time the character of Jenny is introduced and Mike’s priorities become clear and finally make sense. Jenny is a strong supporting character, as is Adam late in the book, but they are the only two supporting players that ever get fleshed out.
The story begins with it’s focus on the Reclamation Crew, a group of federal employees whose job it is to kill, or reclaim, those people who have been reanimated after death. Often this entails digging up buried caskets, in which those already interred have reawakened. The Crew is an interesting idea, though one wonders why such a job would so underfunded and providing so little in the way of support or training. One answer is possible that it has been a number of years since the plague started and was controlled and people seem to want to act like it never happened. There are still Zoms, short for zombies, of course, but society has returned to normal for the most part.
And then things start to go crazy. The Zoms are changing, becoming more and more like normal humans, and harder to tell apart from them. This presents a great dilemma for the characters: How do we know if someone is a Zom and how sure do we have to be to reclaim them? The morality play is sharp, though it doesn’t last through the whole novel. The character’s journey through the second half of the novel is high on action and more traditional zombie elements, but still manages to amp up the tension. Once the 50% make is passed the story begins to take a much tighter hold on the reader. The ending is fairly standard for a horror survival tale, though it comes at exactly the right moment. What starts out as an average zombie story manages to build up some real momentum into an ending that will leave you wanting more.
For the first half of the book, the idea of the “dust” gets lost among some other ideas that don’t have the same impact. The narrator of this first-person tale is Mike Lane, a believable and authentic character, though his motivation is questionable until almost exactly midway through the story. At that time the character of Jenny is introduced and Mike’s priorities become clear and finally make sense. Jenny is a strong supporting character, as is Adam late in the book, but they are the only two supporting players that ever get fleshed out.
The story begins with it’s focus on the Reclamation Crew, a group of federal employees whose job it is to kill, or reclaim, those people who have been reanimated after death. Often this entails digging up buried caskets, in which those already interred have reawakened. The Crew is an interesting idea, though one wonders why such a job would so underfunded and providing so little in the way of support or training. One answer is possible that it has been a number of years since the plague started and was controlled and people seem to want to act like it never happened. There are still Zoms, short for zombies, of course, but society has returned to normal for the most part.
And then things start to go crazy. The Zoms are changing, becoming more and more like normal humans, and harder to tell apart from them. This presents a great dilemma for the characters: How do we know if someone is a Zom and how sure do we have to be to reclaim them? The morality play is sharp, though it doesn’t last through the whole novel. The character’s journey through the second half of the novel is high on action and more traditional zombie elements, but still manages to amp up the tension. Once the 50% make is passed the story begins to take a much tighter hold on the reader. The ending is fairly standard for a horror survival tale, though it comes at exactly the right moment. What starts out as an average zombie story manages to build up some real momentum into an ending that will leave you wanting more.
February 16, 2015
I received this book via NetGalley to give an honest review.
I love anything zombies and it is always hard to find a really decent book that deals with them in a way that makes you want to read about 'em. With Dust of The Dead things are not the same as it would be in other zombie books. The author thought out of the box on this one. The world is not going crazy it is not every person of themselves, after about five years of the world dealing with zombies or zom's everything is just about normal. There seems to be a team of people called the Reclamation Crew and they deal with the undead. Which I think is actually pretty cool. that would be a decent and cool job to have.
We follow Mike as he works the crew that he just joined, we see what he sees on a daily basis. When they get a call about a sick man as his neighbor is concerned about him they get more than they bargained for. People are seeming to turn into something different and what it is caused by is the dust. Yes dust but not your average dust this is dust from the undead. These new things are called Twitchers and you will find out why as you read are stronger, harder to take down and talk just like normal. The only thing is they look horrible.
Now as the story progressed we saw some action but I felt the story lacked at times or maybe it was just the character. He seemed to act like a coward. There is a scene where he is getting calls to come in when one of these newly turned is in a train car. He chooses not to go out there. Which in a way I could understand but I figured he would want to at least help.
I did enjoy the small twist that came to Mike but I wondered about the ending. I wouldn't say it was a cliffhanger but I felt some things were left unanswered. Would he go and get the cure? Will he be shot on site because of what he looks like? Will the world be rid of these twitchers? What about the guy that saved him did he turn into one of them or is he still "normal"? What about the possible "sonic noise" that was heard I would have liked more information on that.
Overall a good story, something that I enjoyed and it did feel fresh being as I have never read a story where the dust of the undead cause something else entirely.
March 18, 2015
Normally you wouldn’t get me anywhere near a zombie story, but there was something about this story that drew me to it (apart from the great cover). From the blurb, I knew I wasn’t just dealing with predictable tale of the living undead. I was right, Dust of the Dead is so much more than a zombie story. Mike Lane is a member of the Reclamation Crew – a select group who are responsible for clearing up LA’S remaining zombies. This then is essentially Mike’s story, told by him. He is someone we can relate to. Human, with all the shortcomings and qualities that entails. He’s a guy who always wanted to be an actor, but somehow got caught up in apocalyptic events and now has to do the best he can to get the job done, and survive.
John Palisano draws the reader into Mike’s scary world. Just when it seems things might be getting better, they take a sudden turn for the worst. There’s a new breed in town, and this lot need more than a ZAPP to bring them down.
I loved the cliffhangers, the way the pace and the original take on a well worked theme. The ending was spot on. Definitely one to read and an author whose next book I am already looking forward to reading. If you love zombie stories, you will love this but if, like me, you usually don’t, you’re in for a most welcome surprise. Either way, for the reader, this is a win-win.
John Palisano draws the reader into Mike’s scary world. Just when it seems things might be getting better, they take a sudden turn for the worst. There’s a new breed in town, and this lot need more than a ZAPP to bring them down.
I loved the cliffhangers, the way the pace and the original take on a well worked theme. The ending was spot on. Definitely one to read and an author whose next book I am already looking forward to reading. If you love zombie stories, you will love this but if, like me, you usually don’t, you’re in for a most welcome surprise. Either way, for the reader, this is a win-win.
June 3, 2015
Just when you thought the walking dead were on their way out along comes the dust...
Mike Lane came to L.A. to be an actor. When his marriage and his acting "career" die out, he ends up as the newest member of the Los Angeles Reclamation Crew. He and his fellow workers work at putting the living dead - Zoms - down for their eternal rest.
But the Zoms are falling apart, turning into dust and Mike finds he's not ready for the Santa Ana winds and the next happenings.
There was a GHOSTBUSTER feel to the first part of this story, which is a good thing. I liked the Reclamation Crew - a different look at zombies - and the story continues with an unusual storyline.
Mike was well drawn and was the main focus of the story. He wasn't the most sympathetic of characters. But he was interesting and I liked how he "evolved" as a character.
If you like zombie tales, this one has some different twists and I think you'll enjoy the story.
NOTE: I received a free advance copy of this book from Samhain Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
Mike Lane came to L.A. to be an actor. When his marriage and his acting "career" die out, he ends up as the newest member of the Los Angeles Reclamation Crew. He and his fellow workers work at putting the living dead - Zoms - down for their eternal rest.
But the Zoms are falling apart, turning into dust and Mike finds he's not ready for the Santa Ana winds and the next happenings.
There was a GHOSTBUSTER feel to the first part of this story, which is a good thing. I liked the Reclamation Crew - a different look at zombies - and the story continues with an unusual storyline.
Mike was well drawn and was the main focus of the story. He wasn't the most sympathetic of characters. But he was interesting and I liked how he "evolved" as a character.
If you like zombie tales, this one has some different twists and I think you'll enjoy the story.
NOTE: I received a free advance copy of this book from Samhain Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review.
June 3, 2015
Mike Lane went to LA to become an actor. But, the walking dead got in the way of that happening. With a failed acting career and a failed marriage, Mike joins the Reclamation Crew – they find the loose zombies and put them down. Since the zombie apocalypse has lasted ten years, the last few are very decayed and full of dust. This dust has been making Mike’s crew sick, but Mike isn’t affected. He is determined to find out why and what can be done.
This book is a fun read, but that is about it. The characters are entertaining and the plot, while about the ever popular zombie apocalypse, was not stale or boring. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and entertained. The view point through Mike, and every day average guy, is refreshing.
While I wasn’t wowed by this book, I did like the plot and the writing a lot. If you enjoy zombie or horror stories, I think you will enjoy it a lot more than I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.
This book is a fun read, but that is about it. The characters are entertaining and the plot, while about the ever popular zombie apocalypse, was not stale or boring. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and entertained. The view point through Mike, and every day average guy, is refreshing.
While I wasn’t wowed by this book, I did like the plot and the writing a lot. If you enjoy zombie or horror stories, I think you will enjoy it a lot more than I did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review.
April 16, 2015
Think this is another "zombie" tale? Well it isn't. Far from it. This is one of those novels that a zombie fan and a non-zombie fan (horror fan) can enjoy. Usually, it's one or the other, but not with this one. I really enjoyed Dust of the Dead. It's FUN (which is important), a rollicking adventure, funny at times and down right action-packed. It starts off one way and grows into something more, something larger. A pseudo zombie, horror, action-movie with plot, and then a touch of superhero. If you're looking for an adventure type of book, survival type of book, but much more than a typical zombie book, then grab this one now.
July 14, 2015
I met this author at the World Horror Conference in Atlanta this spring. He's original and inspiring. I read his take on the zombie apocalypse in a day, and it was a day well spent. He does a believable job creating a post apocalyptic Los Angeles without being mundane or cliche. He blends suspense, horror, and dark comedy into a whirlwind of a novel. This harrowing odyssey is a must read for all fans of the zombie genre, and many people will want to read it twice. I can't wait for his next thriller.
May 25, 2020
I almost never leave reviews but wow! This book sure was.....something! The book was full of typos, some required me to re-read the sentence because the typo changed the meaning. Aside from typos the author used the phrase “cool my heals” at least 4 times. Heals?.
I also felt that a lot of the sentences were the same length which can make reading monotonous. Varying sentence length helps it flow better imo.
Some of the book was interesting. The end was probably my favorite part in terms of reading enjoyability.
I also felt that a lot of the sentences were the same length which can make reading monotonous. Varying sentence length helps it flow better imo.
Some of the book was interesting. The end was probably my favorite part in terms of reading enjoyability.
September 9, 2015
Dust of the Dead
John Palisano
Mike Lane, classic failure of the LA actor wanna be, thrown into a very interesting job that follows a recent zombie apocalypse. Twists and turns, crazy situations seem to be drawn to him.
This is a well written, not your typical zombie story. It is a great read, and you will not be disappointed.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
John Palisano
Mike Lane, classic failure of the LA actor wanna be, thrown into a very interesting job that follows a recent zombie apocalypse. Twists and turns, crazy situations seem to be drawn to him.
This is a well written, not your typical zombie story. It is a great read, and you will not be disappointed.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2015
An interesting take on the zombie genre
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/zombie... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/zombie... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
March 25, 2016
Outstanding!
Palisano Rocks! This is a thoughtful, well-written zombie novel. Intelligent entertainment with a relatable lead character, this story will definitely open your mind to ... what ifs ...
Palisano Rocks! This is a thoughtful, well-written zombie novel. Intelligent entertainment with a relatable lead character, this story will definitely open your mind to ... what ifs ...
June 11, 2020
Interesting variation on the zombie theme. The Santa Anna winds begin blowing undead dust among the living, causing a whole new mutation of "zoms." Fast paced and highly recommended.
July 4, 2022
Zombies are overdone these days, no doubt about it. I went into John Palisano's DUST OF THE DEAD expecting tired old clichés and tropes that have been explored all the way to the last twitching tendrils of their rotted guts. Because I don't like to go into a novel expecting to hate it, I figured my review would be more about Palisano's storytelling or writing skills, a natural thing to focus on when you're not expecting to be surprised.
Fortunately, I was surprised. DUST OF THE DEAD is a different enough take on the zombie apocalypse in that it the apocalypse is already well underway when the story begins. The reader tags along with a Reclamation Crew, a group of individuals charged with dispatching the undead back to the dead. Along the way, we come to understand that even though the apocalypse has been ongoing long enough to have formed government-backed crews that are tasked with dealing with the zombies, not enough time has yet passed for scientists to precisely understand the cause of the rising.
As the story unfolds, we learn more about the nature of the zombies and even begin to question whether the undead are truly the zombies of THE WALKING DEAD or more an infection-created evolution like THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS or the The mysteries were enough to keep me interested as members of the Reclamation Crew find themselves falling thanks to the dust of the dead.
As for the storytelling and writing: if I'm not mistaken, what I read (which was supplied to me by Marco from Seildelman & Company) is a reprint/rerelease of DUST OF THE DEAD, which might have been Palisano's first attempt at a novel. In some ways, it reads like a first novel. There's occasional awkwardness in metaphor/simile and language usage, but it's not enough to tear you away from the story. And every writer grows in craft with time and work.
Overall, I recommend DUST OF THE DEAD for anyone who has never read a Palisano book before and desires a solid entry point.
Fortunately, I was surprised. DUST OF THE DEAD is a different enough take on the zombie apocalypse in that it the apocalypse is already well underway when the story begins. The reader tags along with a Reclamation Crew, a group of individuals charged with dispatching the undead back to the dead. Along the way, we come to understand that even though the apocalypse has been ongoing long enough to have formed government-backed crews that are tasked with dealing with the zombies, not enough time has yet passed for scientists to precisely understand the cause of the rising.
As the story unfolds, we learn more about the nature of the zombies and even begin to question whether the undead are truly the zombies of THE WALKING DEAD or more an infection-created evolution like THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS or the The mysteries were enough to keep me interested as members of the Reclamation Crew find themselves falling thanks to the dust of the dead.
As for the storytelling and writing: if I'm not mistaken, what I read (which was supplied to me by Marco from Seildelman & Company) is a reprint/rerelease of DUST OF THE DEAD, which might have been Palisano's first attempt at a novel. In some ways, it reads like a first novel. There's occasional awkwardness in metaphor/simile and language usage, but it's not enough to tear you away from the story. And every writer grows in craft with time and work.
Overall, I recommend DUST OF THE DEAD for anyone who has never read a Palisano book before and desires a solid entry point.
February 17, 2015
A really engaging take on the zombie genre, where we experience the leading edge of an ominous second wave of a newer, scarier infection. Vivid locations, detailed characters and a lightning-fast plot makes this novella fly by as you read it. If you love tales of the walking undead, this is the next book you should be reading.
November 12, 2017
Great read! Easy to read-enjoyed this book. When I finished the book, wanted to read more, more, more! Love to read other books by this author!
July 13, 2022
Could have really benefited from spell check and a good editor
July 17, 2025
I kept expecting it to get better but it just kept being the same level of fine. creepy idea
October 31, 2015
John Palisano is a very talented horror writer. His last novel NERVES from Bad Moon Books showed off his strengths both with interesting emotional/metaphysical/philosophical concepts in his work, and also a great sense of action and pacing. Palisano continues to develop his unique style in DUST OF THE DEAD, only this time… with zombies… and other ‘stuff.’
Mike Lane, who proves an interesting character in his own right, joins the Los Angeles Reclamation Crew to help clean up after the zombie apocalypse—naturally, as any good citizen would do, right? The dead zombies are turning to dust, causing a whole new kind of horror to emerge, but the problem has got to be dealt with, and it’s really a civic problem, which makes the scenario feel all the more real; this realism Palisano uses to great effect in the book.
There is an interesting, cinematic vibe as the storyline unfolds, and definitely different, as Palisano’s ideas usually are. Once you get into the reanimating Twitchers, you’re suddenly back in a zombie story, but coming from a whole new angle. So the best part of this is that if you like zombies, or don’t like them, there’s something of interest for you here. The book has an action-film style to it, but that doesn’t mean it lacks depth, especially with the changes the main character undergoes, and it’s pretty funny at times too.
This book is recommended for zombie fans and horror fans looking for something a little unique and interesting. And judging by the ending, it’s got to be part of a larger upcoming series. So come on and give it a read!
Mike Lane, who proves an interesting character in his own right, joins the Los Angeles Reclamation Crew to help clean up after the zombie apocalypse—naturally, as any good citizen would do, right? The dead zombies are turning to dust, causing a whole new kind of horror to emerge, but the problem has got to be dealt with, and it’s really a civic problem, which makes the scenario feel all the more real; this realism Palisano uses to great effect in the book.
There is an interesting, cinematic vibe as the storyline unfolds, and definitely different, as Palisano’s ideas usually are. Once you get into the reanimating Twitchers, you’re suddenly back in a zombie story, but coming from a whole new angle. So the best part of this is that if you like zombies, or don’t like them, there’s something of interest for you here. The book has an action-film style to it, but that doesn’t mean it lacks depth, especially with the changes the main character undergoes, and it’s pretty funny at times too.
This book is recommended for zombie fans and horror fans looking for something a little unique and interesting. And judging by the ending, it’s got to be part of a larger upcoming series. So come on and give it a read!
September 3, 2015
2.5 (goodreads, can you PLEASE get on this .5 stuff!?)
i was along for the ride til about the last 50 pages. a few small discrepancies i couldn't let go and then the latter part of the story changed and i fell off. the digital edition needs a new proofreader.
i was along for the ride til about the last 50 pages. a few small discrepancies i couldn't let go and then the latter part of the story changed and i fell off. the digital edition needs a new proofreader.
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