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Fun World: A Zombie Tale
They say Fun World is the most wonderful place on Earth, and most people agree. Bewitched by Fun World's magical allure, most people devour its every movie, buy all the latest merchandise, and head to the theme park mecca at every opportunity. Eric Durst isn't like most people, however, and his opinion of the multi-billion dollar corporate machine isn't quite so rosy. Now, six months after failing to convince his family that a Fun World vacation is a bad idea, Eric and his daughter, Lila, are waiting to ride one last mindless attraction. Having spent the week surviving every kind of hell the theme park could throw his way; he can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Unfortunately that light turns out to be an apocalyptic train barreling down on him at full speed. Given everything he's seen at Fun World, Eric isn't all that surprised when catastrophe ravages the park. He only wishes it could've waited just one more day. Now he must fight tooth and nail to save his family from the monsters that have overtaken Fun World. Magic becomes mayhem, happiness becomes horror, and tourists become zombies. Fun World has it all, and it's all trying to kill him.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2019
7 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Kirk Withrow
7 books24 followersKirk Withrow is the author numerous books and short stories. Often dark, dystopian affairs, his writings possess a realistic slant owing to his scientific and medical background. In addition to writing, his many other creative endeavors include music, luthiery, and painting. Whenever possible, he enjoys martial arts training including jiu-jitsu, muay thai, and kali.
His first novel, Four, is a psychological/military/medical thriller. The Redivivus Trilogy—Threnody, Riposte, and Miasma—is a post-apocalyptic survival horror series about mankind's fight against a deadly pathogen. His work took a comedic turn with Barrage, a sci-fi dark comedy that begins with a transplanetary miscommunication and careens dangerously toward intergalactic annihilation. Most recently, Fun World: a Zombie Tale, explores the inevitable zombie apocalypse which just so happens to start in the middle of one of the world's most beloved theme parks.
For more information about Kirk Withrow's books, art, music, and musical instruments, go to http://www.kirkwithrow.com.
His first novel, Four, is a psychological/military/medical thriller. The Redivivus Trilogy—Threnody, Riposte, and Miasma—is a post-apocalyptic survival horror series about mankind's fight against a deadly pathogen. His work took a comedic turn with Barrage, a sci-fi dark comedy that begins with a transplanetary miscommunication and careens dangerously toward intergalactic annihilation. Most recently, Fun World: a Zombie Tale, explores the inevitable zombie apocalypse which just so happens to start in the middle of one of the world's most beloved theme parks.
For more information about Kirk Withrow's books, art, music, and musical instruments, go to http://www.kirkwithrow.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 11, 2019
A fun tale of zombie breakout in a very Disney-esque park. It seems like the author has issues with Disney, as the main character sure expresses his opinions about Fun World. Zombies aren't really my thing, but this was a fun read. Received through Goodreads giveaway.
April 15, 2020
Y'ALL I FINISHED A BOOK.
For the first time in forever. Almost literally.
Was it the best book ever? No. Was it the best zombie book set at "Disney" World I've ever read? Also no. But am I glad to have read it? Maybe? But not because of the book, just because I managed it! I miss reading, this covid-slump is killing me.
I was so excited to read 'Fun World's by Kirk Withrow because: 1. I'm a Disney Fanantic
2. Zombie books are my (not so) guilty pleasure
3. Winning books on Goodreads is exciting.
Unfortunately 'Fun World' was anything but fun. The author clearly has some hatred towards "fat" people, as he frequently describes and insults them as rudely and graphicly as possible. Even when there isn't a reason, he finds ways to bring it up, like a zombie falling into water ("like a fat guy doing a belly flop"), the description of zombie moans ("gluttonous, sloppy and unapologetic - like a fat guy with nasal obstruction chewing with his mouth open at an all you can eat buffet"), and even when his character became tired ("as though weighed down by the fat lady herself, Eric's eyelids grew increasingly heavy."). Unsurprisingly the government containment plan was also named Operation Fat Lady. 🙄. He was also pretty disparaging towards the theme park and everyone who enjoys it, accusing character actors of being sinister and borderline pedophilic, princesses as a "harem of second-rate nymphs disguised as damsels in distress" and "smoking hot, anorexic model types" with too much cleavage. On top of ALL THAT the writing wasn't that good, there were also multiple instances where he used almost the exact sentence in different chapters, describing different events. Overall I am giving this one a generous two star rating because I managed to finish it and I did like the ending.
For the first time in forever. Almost literally.
Was it the best book ever? No. Was it the best zombie book set at "Disney" World I've ever read? Also no. But am I glad to have read it? Maybe? But not because of the book, just because I managed it! I miss reading, this covid-slump is killing me.
I was so excited to read 'Fun World's by Kirk Withrow because: 1. I'm a Disney Fanantic
2. Zombie books are my (not so) guilty pleasure
3. Winning books on Goodreads is exciting.
Unfortunately 'Fun World' was anything but fun. The author clearly has some hatred towards "fat" people, as he frequently describes and insults them as rudely and graphicly as possible. Even when there isn't a reason, he finds ways to bring it up, like a zombie falling into water ("like a fat guy doing a belly flop"), the description of zombie moans ("gluttonous, sloppy and unapologetic - like a fat guy with nasal obstruction chewing with his mouth open at an all you can eat buffet"), and even when his character became tired ("as though weighed down by the fat lady herself, Eric's eyelids grew increasingly heavy."). Unsurprisingly the government containment plan was also named Operation Fat Lady. 🙄. He was also pretty disparaging towards the theme park and everyone who enjoys it, accusing character actors of being sinister and borderline pedophilic, princesses as a "harem of second-rate nymphs disguised as damsels in distress" and "smoking hot, anorexic model types" with too much cleavage. On top of ALL THAT the writing wasn't that good, there were also multiple instances where he used almost the exact sentence in different chapters, describing different events. Overall I am giving this one a generous two star rating because I managed to finish it and I did like the ending.
June 3, 2020
Ok, so it took me a while to finish this book but not because of the book. life took me away from being able to read as much as I like to. On to the book review.....
I love Zombie stories and this was a good one! It had a lot of the typical bits an pieces in and throughout the book but plenty of differences too. Love that it takes place in an amusement park!! Always been curious about how that would play out. Now I know. I also found that this book was about the bond between a father and daughter. How strong it can be and the things each will do to protect each other.
The end of the book was not what I expected in 2 ways!! I liked both of the endings!! Good idea Kirk!
I will pass this book along to anyone interested in Zombies. Thanks for letting me read it!!
I love Zombie stories and this was a good one! It had a lot of the typical bits an pieces in and throughout the book but plenty of differences too. Love that it takes place in an amusement park!! Always been curious about how that would play out. Now I know. I also found that this book was about the bond between a father and daughter. How strong it can be and the things each will do to protect each other.
The end of the book was not what I expected in 2 ways!! I liked both of the endings!! Good idea Kirk!
I will pass this book along to anyone interested in Zombies. Thanks for letting me read it!!
February 26, 2020
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway for my honest opinion. This is my first book by this author, but won't be the last. From the start of this book, everyone can relate to the long line and mass people at places like Disney Land....and the main characters have a humorous attitude about them. It really show cases the father/daughter love and the length he is willing to go through to protect her. This book is zombies and more zombies and very action packed. Not a dull moment, easy read, and entertaining from start to finish. Can't wait to read more by this author.
September 29, 2019
Reminded me of the last time I went to Disney
This was a good zombie read & I enjoyed the fact that when the outbreak begins, it's in a theme park named Fun World that ironically mimics Disney. A dad & daughter are stuck trying to make their way back to their on site hotel where the mom had stayed back sick with a cold. Where I had to dodge selfie obsessed rude tourists with no consideration for any of the other people around them, this dad & daughter team are trying to survive hordes of zombies, while trying to figure out why the military there is being less than helpful to the few survivors left alive in the park. Kind of started off slow but after the first quarter was read, I just couldn't put it down. Thus the reason I am writing my review at 3:11 in the morning. Do yourself a favor & don't wait until close to bedtime to start this one as you might find yourself up a lot later than you'd intended.
This was a good zombie read & I enjoyed the fact that when the outbreak begins, it's in a theme park named Fun World that ironically mimics Disney. A dad & daughter are stuck trying to make their way back to their on site hotel where the mom had stayed back sick with a cold. Where I had to dodge selfie obsessed rude tourists with no consideration for any of the other people around them, this dad & daughter team are trying to survive hordes of zombies, while trying to figure out why the military there is being less than helpful to the few survivors left alive in the park. Kind of started off slow but after the first quarter was read, I just couldn't put it down. Thus the reason I am writing my review at 3:11 in the morning. Do yourself a favor & don't wait until close to bedtime to start this one as you might find yourself up a lot later than you'd intended.
October 7, 2019
Note: I won this as part of a goodreads giveaway. My review is in no way influenced by such.
Alright. I am flabbergasted that I have given a zombie novel 5 stars. I didnt think I'd ever give a zombie novel even 3 stars but here we are. This zombie tale features the ultimate test of survival for a father and his child. What was supposed to be a place of wonder was instead a place of horrors and death. To find out the ultimate ending of this book- well i was floored.
This is a quick read. Nothing too gory. Bit wow can you picture it. I'm wondering when the movie rights will be acquired. Bc I would pay to see that. I'd definitely recommend this book.
Alright. I am flabbergasted that I have given a zombie novel 5 stars. I didnt think I'd ever give a zombie novel even 3 stars but here we are. This zombie tale features the ultimate test of survival for a father and his child. What was supposed to be a place of wonder was instead a place of horrors and death. To find out the ultimate ending of this book- well i was floored.
This is a quick read. Nothing too gory. Bit wow can you picture it. I'm wondering when the movie rights will be acquired. Bc I would pay to see that. I'd definitely recommend this book.
June 26, 2025
An attraction that promised a lot, but squandered its potential. I won't be riding this one again.
I love zombie stories, and I love horror stories that subvert innocent institutions, like Christmas, or theme parks.
The premise of Fun World was solid: While vacationing at a Disney-like theme park, a father and daughter are caught up in the horror of a virus that turns park guests and staff into ravenous zombies.
Whether it's a novel, a film, or a comic book, the number one rule for a protagonist is that ideally you should like them, and if not like them 100%, you should be able to like enough about them to want to dedicate the time to find out if they survive the challenges the author pits them against.
Fun World's leading protagonist is Eric Durst, a medic and a former soldier, who has travelled to the theme park with his eight-year-old daughter Lila (the book's deuteragonist), and his wife Melanie.
Beyond having combat and medical experience, and having a determined drive to get his daughter to safety, Eric's characterisation is largely summed up by his continued and offputting disdain for Fun World, and all it represents... Even to make horrid judgements of the park's staff (such as describing the costumed princesses as "a harem of second-rate nymphs", and speculating that someone wearing a costume of the park's mascot, Larry the Lion, as probably being a child molester), even though he knows his daughter and wife greatly enjoy Fun World's characters and media.
While a little griping might've added a bit of flavour to the character, the extent to which it is depicted in the novel results in it being a major character trait, where causes Eric to become irrationally irritable.
Eric is Lila witness the start of the outbreak while riding Fun World's equivalent of It's a Small World, and quickly make their way towards the ride exit in order to avoid the slaughter that's just started, setting off the first of several (I believe I counted seven in total) sequences where they stumble blindly through the dark in various parts of the theme park, fortunately managing to not get eaten by the park's undead guests and staff.
There are some good moments of gore as Eric and Lila make their escape, but they're fleeting, with more time being spent hiding, stumbling through power-cut parts of the park, and Eric making his aforementioned critiques of the park and the company that owns it.
In addition to Eric's flaws, Lila's resolve during the events of the book might be more likely for someone older than her eight years. While she does display plenty of fear at times, she appears to recover quickly, and Eric and Lila don't really seem to spend too much time reflecting on the things they've seen that surely should inspire a lot of questions from someone as young as his daughter is described to be.
Eventually, Eric and Lila manage to escape the park after taking five whole days to navigate the zombies , and the survivors put Fun Land and its horrors behind them .
The novel ends with an epilogue, I personally felt this plot development to be a little lazy... While I appreciate the story
Sadly, while the book had plenty of potential, I just don't feel it lived up to it. My biggest issue with the book was just how cynical it was, from its depiction of the theme park industry (which does deserve criticism for some issues that are widely-known), to Eric's complaints through the story, to the depiction of most of the non-main characters featured in the story as either selfish, unprofessional, or self-serving...
I expect to encounter some inconsiderate/arrogant/selfish/thoughtless characters in a zombie book, but when one of the usual themes of a zombie book is trying to find hope and humanity amongst the charnel carnage, it's disappointing when the author makes it difficult to find the hope the protagonists are fighting for.
Ultimately, I feel that Kirk Withrow's views on humanity and the theme park industry coloured the story too much.
Beyond that, I felt like there were a lot more opportunities for commentary on park culture, or to subvert the innocent ideals of the park that Withrow could've featured, corrupting the familiar iconography and events that parks like Disneyland are famous for... But sadly, he didn't take the opportunity to develop Fun World further.
Even one of the book's substantial emotional developments, the felt underdeveloped because .
As a zombie novel, Fun World is an average adventure, and one I'd suggest you skip for other scare rides.
I love zombie stories, and I love horror stories that subvert innocent institutions, like Christmas, or theme parks.
The premise of Fun World was solid: While vacationing at a Disney-like theme park, a father and daughter are caught up in the horror of a virus that turns park guests and staff into ravenous zombies.
Whether it's a novel, a film, or a comic book, the number one rule for a protagonist is that ideally you should like them, and if not like them 100%, you should be able to like enough about them to want to dedicate the time to find out if they survive the challenges the author pits them against.
Fun World's leading protagonist is Eric Durst, a medic and a former soldier, who has travelled to the theme park with his eight-year-old daughter Lila (the book's deuteragonist), and his wife Melanie.
Beyond having combat and medical experience, and having a determined drive to get his daughter to safety, Eric's characterisation is largely summed up by his continued and offputting disdain for Fun World, and all it represents... Even to make horrid judgements of the park's staff (such as describing the costumed princesses as "a harem of second-rate nymphs", and speculating that someone wearing a costume of the park's mascot, Larry the Lion, as probably being a child molester), even though he knows his daughter and wife greatly enjoy Fun World's characters and media.
While a little griping might've added a bit of flavour to the character, the extent to which it is depicted in the novel results in it being a major character trait, where causes Eric to become irrationally irritable.
Eric is Lila witness the start of the outbreak while riding Fun World's equivalent of It's a Small World, and quickly make their way towards the ride exit in order to avoid the slaughter that's just started, setting off the first of several (I believe I counted seven in total) sequences where they stumble blindly through the dark in various parts of the theme park, fortunately managing to not get eaten by the park's undead guests and staff.
There are some good moments of gore as Eric and Lila make their escape, but they're fleeting, with more time being spent hiding, stumbling through power-cut parts of the park, and Eric making his aforementioned critiques of the park and the company that owns it.
In addition to Eric's flaws, Lila's resolve during the events of the book might be more likely for someone older than her eight years. While she does display plenty of fear at times, she appears to recover quickly, and Eric and Lila don't really seem to spend too much time reflecting on the things they've seen that surely should inspire a lot of questions from someone as young as his daughter is described to be.
Eventually, Eric and Lila manage to escape the park after taking five whole days to navigate the zombies , and the survivors put Fun Land and its horrors behind them .
The novel ends with an epilogue, I personally felt this plot development to be a little lazy... While I appreciate the story
Sadly, while the book had plenty of potential, I just don't feel it lived up to it. My biggest issue with the book was just how cynical it was, from its depiction of the theme park industry (which does deserve criticism for some issues that are widely-known), to Eric's complaints through the story, to the depiction of most of the non-main characters featured in the story as either selfish, unprofessional, or self-serving...
I expect to encounter some inconsiderate/arrogant/selfish/thoughtless characters in a zombie book, but when one of the usual themes of a zombie book is trying to find hope and humanity amongst the charnel carnage, it's disappointing when the author makes it difficult to find the hope the protagonists are fighting for.
Ultimately, I feel that Kirk Withrow's views on humanity and the theme park industry coloured the story too much.
Beyond that, I felt like there were a lot more opportunities for commentary on park culture, or to subvert the innocent ideals of the park that Withrow could've featured, corrupting the familiar iconography and events that parks like Disneyland are famous for... But sadly, he didn't take the opportunity to develop Fun World further.
Even one of the book's substantial emotional developments, the felt underdeveloped because .
As a zombie novel, Fun World is an average adventure, and one I'd suggest you skip for other scare rides.
November 26, 2019
Really Awesome Zombie Apoc In FunLand!
Omg! Loved this one! Read Beginning to End! On my list of favorite books about people trapped in a amusement park.. this is No 1! (I have read a bunch lately) The characters were amazing, I loved Eric’s attitude towards FunLand as well, could totally relate! It was sad yet scary and hopeful, it had a bit of everything but the author really made the story come alive and I could picture it while reading! This is a must read!
Omg! Loved this one! Read Beginning to End! On my list of favorite books about people trapped in a amusement park.. this is No 1! (I have read a bunch lately) The characters were amazing, I loved Eric’s attitude towards FunLand as well, could totally relate! It was sad yet scary and hopeful, it had a bit of everything but the author really made the story come alive and I could picture it while reading! This is a must read!
September 30, 2019
This was a good zombie story. I especially liked the effort to tell parts of it from the daughter's point of view. I suspect the outbreak would be harder to contain than even this story shows.
October 13, 2019
Wasn't sure about a zombie story, but this one was truly a fun read. Loved the fathers dedication to his family. It was hard to put down.
October 19, 2019
A thoroughly entertaining book. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I predicted part of the ending well ahead of time.
November 1, 2019
I LOVE Zombie books and really enjoyed this book! It was a great read, even if someone is not the biggest fan of Zombie books, I believe that they would enjoy this one. It was a fun book to read!
January 30, 2020
Won in a Goodreads giveaway.
Hard to believe it took me over a month to finish this book! There were many times I truly felt like chucking it in but I guess a book has to stink on ice for me to not finish it. I'm sorry but the book offered nothing aside from the typical zombie goings-on.
Hard to believe it took me over a month to finish this book! There were many times I truly felt like chucking it in but I guess a book has to stink on ice for me to not finish it. I'm sorry but the book offered nothing aside from the typical zombie goings-on.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews