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Z-Burbia #3
Estate Of The Dead
Jace Stanford has lost family, friends, and his arm to the zombie apocalypse that hit his subdivision of Whispering Pines. But he’s also gained something he never in a million years would have thought would be a plus: the cannibal savant known as Elsbeth.
Now Jace needs Elsbeth’s help more than ever. But is she up to the task when her past is revealed? A past that is possibly more shocking than the zombie apocalypse itself? Jace is gonna find out the hard way.
And, as everyone knows, in Z-Burbia the hard way usually means a whole lot of people are going to die!
Welcome back to Z-Burbia, y’all!
Now Jace needs Elsbeth’s help more than ever. But is she up to the task when her past is revealed? A past that is possibly more shocking than the zombie apocalypse itself? Jace is gonna find out the hard way.
And, as everyone knows, in Z-Burbia the hard way usually means a whole lot of people are going to die!
Welcome back to Z-Burbia, y’all!
Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2014
44 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Jake Bible
157 books365 followersJake Bible, Bram Stoker Award nominated-novelist, short story writer, independent screenwriter, podcaster, and inventor of the Drabble Novel, has entertained thousands with his horror, sci/fi, thriller, and adventure tales. He reaches audiences of all ages with his uncanny ability to write a wide range of characters and genres.
Jake is the author of the bestselling Z-Burbia series set in Asheville, NC, the bestselling Salvage Merc One, the Apex Trilogy (DEAD MECH, The Americans, Metal and Ash) and the Mega series for Severed Press, as well as the YA zombie novel, Little Dead Man, the Bram Stoker Award nominated Teen horror novel, Intentional Haunting, the ScareScapes series, and the Reign of Four series for Permuted Press.
Find Jake at jakebible.com. Join him on Twitter @jakebible and find him on Facebook.
Jake is the author of the bestselling Z-Burbia series set in Asheville, NC, the bestselling Salvage Merc One, the Apex Trilogy (DEAD MECH, The Americans, Metal and Ash) and the Mega series for Severed Press, as well as the YA zombie novel, Little Dead Man, the Bram Stoker Award nominated Teen horror novel, Intentional Haunting, the ScareScapes series, and the Reign of Four series for Permuted Press.
Find Jake at jakebible.com. Join him on Twitter @jakebible and find him on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 28, 2018
Actual rating - 3.5
March 31, 2014
Holy.. WOW. What an ending. I did NOT see that coming which makes an awesome ending to an even more awesome book 3. The author warns us in the beginning that book 3 is a little darker than the other 2 books, but there are some things that must get taken care of and there just isn't any other way around it. He was so right. I love it when people get what they have coming to them in the ZA. I have grown to love Bible's style of kick-assery and humor. I can't wait to see what he dishes up for book 4!
September 13, 2014
I'm not sure why I had this on the kindle edition! At any rate I'm doing another review on the paperback that I own!
I love this series of books! I'm so looking forward to more in this series. Keep them coming Mr. Bible :)
Once again, I love Elspeth, she is my fav. And Jace is still his witty, smart @ss self! He keeps me cracking up!
I do miss some of the ones that had to die, but I keep hoping my favs don't get killed off.. one never knows in a zombie apocolipse right? I think I spelled that wrong :)
I love this series of books! I'm so looking forward to more in this series. Keep them coming Mr. Bible :)
Once again, I love Elspeth, she is my fav. And Jace is still his witty, smart @ss self! He keeps me cracking up!
I do miss some of the ones that had to die, but I keep hoping my favs don't get killed off.. one never knows in a zombie apocolipse right? I think I spelled that wrong :)
February 21, 2017
There's something to be said about making it 3 books into a series. Usually, if a series has been interesting enough to keep me reading to book 3, then by this point I've grown attached to the characters and overarching story enough to ignore any issues that arise. At this point, a series has to work hard to make me turn away from it, rather than having to try hard to keep me reading.
The Z-Burbia series has reached this sweet spot. I have grown attached to Jason, Elspeth, and the rest of the cast to the point where I will keep reading even though enough happened in this book that would turn me off if it had happened one novel earlier.
Sadly, what I felt were the strengths of the first novel, have been turned on their head. I liked the first book because even though this is a Zombie series, it seemed to promote the concept of mankind trying to find a way to survive, or maybe even thrive again. It never fails to amaze me that with a built-in antagonist (zombies) these books always turn into a large-scale human on human drama. I get that some people would go bad in a post-apocalyptic society, but I have to believe that the majority of people would try to keep hold of their humanity. This book takes a step off the deep end in terms of this subject matter and once again what could have been a story of humanity's joint struggle for survival becomes a human war in the face of extinction.
The other thing I liked about this series was that the protagonist was not the usual kick-ass, ex-military protagonist as in most Zombie books. Jason was a thinker and he was prized by the other characters for his mind, it was what made him a good protagonist. It's a shame that the thinking hero has vanished and for the last two books most of Jason's story is about him trying to battle zombies with brawn and no brain.
My final issue was one with POV jumping. I don't know if it was because I was frustrated with other aspects of the book so I was overly sensitive to it, but I found myself getting annoyed with the constantly jumping POVs. We seemed to spend a lot less time with Jason than normal. I wouldn't mind if the scenes with each POV weren't so short. It felt like I was just getting into one storyline before being whisked off to another. I never got comfortable or into the story because I never got the chance.
Overall this isn't a bad novel. It's fast paced, there's enough to keep me interested and, like I said at the start, 3-books in I am involved enough to keep reading. However, it's a definite down step for the series. I hope it picks up a little in the next book, but considering where this one left off, I doubt it.
The Z-Burbia series has reached this sweet spot. I have grown attached to Jason, Elspeth, and the rest of the cast to the point where I will keep reading even though enough happened in this book that would turn me off if it had happened one novel earlier.
Sadly, what I felt were the strengths of the first novel, have been turned on their head. I liked the first book because even though this is a Zombie series, it seemed to promote the concept of mankind trying to find a way to survive, or maybe even thrive again. It never fails to amaze me that with a built-in antagonist (zombies) these books always turn into a large-scale human on human drama. I get that some people would go bad in a post-apocalyptic society, but I have to believe that the majority of people would try to keep hold of their humanity. This book takes a step off the deep end in terms of this subject matter and once again what could have been a story of humanity's joint struggle for survival becomes a human war in the face of extinction.
The other thing I liked about this series was that the protagonist was not the usual kick-ass, ex-military protagonist as in most Zombie books. Jason was a thinker and he was prized by the other characters for his mind, it was what made him a good protagonist. It's a shame that the thinking hero has vanished and for the last two books most of Jason's story is about him trying to battle zombies with brawn and no brain.
My final issue was one with POV jumping. I don't know if it was because I was frustrated with other aspects of the book so I was overly sensitive to it, but I found myself getting annoyed with the constantly jumping POVs. We seemed to spend a lot less time with Jason than normal. I wouldn't mind if the scenes with each POV weren't so short. It felt like I was just getting into one storyline before being whisked off to another. I never got comfortable or into the story because I never got the chance.
Overall this isn't a bad novel. It's fast paced, there's enough to keep me interested and, like I said at the start, 3-books in I am involved enough to keep reading. However, it's a definite down step for the series. I hope it picks up a little in the next book, but considering where this one left off, I doubt it.
December 12, 2019
Again a strong story told by a great narrator and written by a good author but I. this one like the previous 2 audiobooks you have 1 character named Jason who telling the atory as he lives it I am sorry to say an idiot and I wonder if he a little off in the head he seems he can not stop talking to himself as a babbling fool. If there was another character who take his place the story would be much better.
In this book you see how they try to start working together to start a new beginning and rebuild Ashville but as in all good stories you always have a person orca group of persons who must come in and try to destroy the good and process of other but in doing this Ashville is totally wiped and so many if the people are killed by fighting for what the want and have or by the zombies.
Also you meet the sister which at one time Els was part of and trained to be killers.
oh the three I really enjoyed this book and you can expect a lots of talking, fighting and killing.
In this book you see how they try to start working together to start a new beginning and rebuild Ashville but as in all good stories you always have a person orca group of persons who must come in and try to destroy the good and process of other but in doing this Ashville is totally wiped and so many if the people are killed by fighting for what the want and have or by the zombies.
Also you meet the sister which at one time Els was part of and trained to be killers.
oh the three I really enjoyed this book and you can expect a lots of talking, fighting and killing.
September 1, 2021
I am digging on this series so hard. I've been binge listening on scribd. I'm finding myself caught up in the story so much that I'm audibly reacting to moments. I would like to go into great detail about my favorite moments but I feel like it has to be experienced. Spoilers would do this book a disservice. I still can't believe this isn't a tv show at this point.
July 20, 2023
The same corny jokes you loved (or not) so much in books one and two are here as well. As in most series the story is becoming bigger and bigger as that is what it takes to move the interest along. This plot line is on the brink of being too wild, and that is something to say for a book based on zombies.
January 9, 2020
Nobody’s safe as things heat up with Atlanta
We also learn more about everybody’s favourite ex cannibal
Excellent narration from Andrew as always
Highly recommended to all zombie fans
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
We also learn more about everybody’s favourite ex cannibal
Excellent narration from Andrew as always
Highly recommended to all zombie fans
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
October 8, 2020
I couldn't put this book down, it was compelling and addictive, and revealed Elspeth's past, and more about Whispering Pines latest enemy, The Consortium. Desperate to start book 4! I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2023
still exciting, lots of laughs and wtf's
more laughs
zombie killing
big trucks
farmers the size of trucks with shotguns and mosbergs and m4s
a dozen killer sisters
a mad scientist
more killing
hell breaks loose and im here for it
more laughs
zombie killing
big trucks
farmers the size of trucks with shotguns and mosbergs and m4s
a dozen killer sisters
a mad scientist
more killing
hell breaks loose and im here for it
June 13, 2022
Don't think I'll read the next one
December 6, 2022
Funny zombie books. Fun quick reads. 🧟♀️
September 3, 2023
It has been fun following Jace "Long Pork" and this group and their battle agains zombies a corrupt government, and the HOA.
August 1, 2024
Books are so damn good I didn’t realize I was on to book five. Master piece!
October 15, 2025
4.7 stars
Almost non-stop action, kept me devouring the book and waiting to see what happened next!
Almost non-stop action, kept me devouring the book and waiting to see what happened next!
May 15, 2014
Better and better!
We find ourselves picking up the pieces a few months after the devastation. Have and crew have made more friends and unseen Enemies, things are about to get a lot worse before they get better. This story has many twists and turns and action sequences that make it a thrill ride of a read. Many new obstacles to overcome and enemies that come out from the shadows they weren't a lot more about the world they thought was destroyed and finally have some hope, unfortunately many of the characters we have come to care about meet their end, and a few you would like to see die, but that does not mean that the residence of whispering pines give up. Many secrets revealed that you did not even think we're secrets, overall this is a very good read and can't wait to see what the future brings. In my opinion it is a must read.
We find ourselves picking up the pieces a few months after the devastation. Have and crew have made more friends and unseen Enemies, things are about to get a lot worse before they get better. This story has many twists and turns and action sequences that make it a thrill ride of a read. Many new obstacles to overcome and enemies that come out from the shadows they weren't a lot more about the world they thought was destroyed and finally have some hope, unfortunately many of the characters we have come to care about meet their end, and a few you would like to see die, but that does not mean that the residence of whispering pines give up. Many secrets revealed that you did not even think we're secrets, overall this is a very good read and can't wait to see what the future brings. In my opinion it is a must read.
January 22, 2023
I just can't give five stars to a zombie series book even though Estate of the Dead was the best of the ones I've read so far-I really did enjoy the other two. This series gets progressively darker with each book but the sharp wit of the protagonist Jace remains the same. This time around, the story centered on Elsbeth, the cannibal girl introduced on the first book that saved Jace's life from the undead AFTER she and her "Pa" tried to eat him.
This book is really Elsbeth's story - who she was before Z-day and why. There's also a little more given away about why the undead began to walk the earth. I really did enjoy this one and I'm interested in what happens next to the survivors.
This book is really Elsbeth's story - who she was before Z-day and why. There's also a little more given away about why the undead began to walk the earth. I really did enjoy this one and I'm interested in what happens next to the survivors.
June 17, 2016
Awesome Zombie Series!
Great apocalyptic zombie thriller! I have really enjoyed this series, and Z-Burbia 3: Estate of the Dead did not disappoint. It was cool to finally get a few answers on Elsbeth's past - where she came from and how she became the badass she is today.
With lots of laughs, killing, and of course...zombies, this is a great series for anyone into apocalyptic thrillers. There may be a few swears here and there, but honestly it is minimal and is placed in just the right places to make some of those off-colored jokes even funnier.
I can't wait to start book four! 5 stars for a great storyline; characters that you can't help but care about; and a great flow, with few grammatical errors.
Great apocalyptic zombie thriller! I have really enjoyed this series, and Z-Burbia 3: Estate of the Dead did not disappoint. It was cool to finally get a few answers on Elsbeth's past - where she came from and how she became the badass she is today.
With lots of laughs, killing, and of course...zombies, this is a great series for anyone into apocalyptic thrillers. There may be a few swears here and there, but honestly it is minimal and is placed in just the right places to make some of those off-colored jokes even funnier.
I can't wait to start book four! 5 stars for a great storyline; characters that you can't help but care about; and a great flow, with few grammatical errors.
March 8, 2015
I like Jace. I do, I want him to live. But... why does he have to be so annoying? Why is he so obnoxious and "oh, look at me, I'm thinking about random stuff and OMG A ZOMBIE ALMOST KILLED ME BECAUSE I WAS THINKING ABOUT RANDOM STUFF oh, man, I need to stop thinking about random stuff, speaking of which, more random stuff".
Anyway. Lots of people died. It was interesting, in a way, cause it sure felt like a war. That said... the people who died aren't all that important. Platt? I already forgot who he was. Julio? Okay, he had sex with El. And...? That's kinda it?
The "real" main characters are all alive. There's no way the kid would've survived. And yet...
Anyway. Lots of people died. It was interesting, in a way, cause it sure felt like a war. That said... the people who died aren't all that important. Platt? I already forgot who he was. Julio? Okay, he had sex with El. And...? That's kinda it?
The "real" main characters are all alive. There's no way the kid would've survived. And yet...
September 22, 2017
More craziness unfolds. Jace has lost his arm, but not his sarcasm, humour, or ability to space out at the most inappropriate times. With his family and friends he fights enemies new and old.
It's good to see the characters develop and to find out where some of them came from. I cannot fault this book, it was impossible to put down until I had read every word.
Funny, gross, with vivid descriptions, it's ideal for zompoc fans.
It's good to see the characters develop and to find out where some of them came from. I cannot fault this book, it was impossible to put down until I had read every word.
Funny, gross, with vivid descriptions, it's ideal for zompoc fans.
February 15, 2014
Did it again
another fantastic book! I'm into to this book like no other! he did a good job of closing this arc of the story and given us a little something for the new story arc just awesome!!!!!
another fantastic book! I'm into to this book like no other! he did a good job of closing this arc of the story and given us a little something for the new story arc just awesome!!!!!
March 21, 2015
Jace was not up to his usual level of inappropriately timed humor, but the non-stop action really didn't leave much need for it. There were a lot of new characters introduced in this book and I am looking forward to the next installment of zombie mayhem.
June 20, 2015
Amazing
This series gets better with every book.The action grabs you from the start and doesn't let up.Unlike a lot of zombie books these characters feel well rounded and believable.I can't wait to start on the next book.
This series gets better with every book.The action grabs you from the start and doesn't let up.Unlike a lot of zombie books these characters feel well rounded and believable.I can't wait to start on the next book.
February 17, 2017
This series is awesome. I don't even know what to say at this point. Book 3 is a bit darker than the first 2, yet still manages to pull off some rather irreverent humour. It's a perfect blend of laughs, action, and gore.
April 23, 2014
Good continuation of the series. Lite reading. From a zombie story perspective. lol
April 8, 2014
If you haven't read any of Jake Bible, you're missing out. Hilarious characters, terrifying suspense and a 'can't put it down' pace make for a very entertaining read. Can't wait for #4!!!
April 18, 2014
Cant wait for the next book. It ended to soon
September 26, 2024
I felt like we were left hanging with this book and so I hope there is a book four. As always I love Elspeth and her Long Pork
March 1, 2015
Well this was all action from start til stop!!! Loved it, Really enjoying the series!!
January 15, 2016
I read this book today, all of it. It kept me gripped the whole time.
I've started book 4 today, as well
It was interesting to find out more of Elsbeth's story.
I've started book 4 today, as well
It was interesting to find out more of Elsbeth's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews