I Would Have Liked More Zombies

TITLE: Dread Nation
AUTHOR: Justina Ireland
PUBLISHER: Balzer & Bray
PUBLISHING DATE: April 3, 2018

FROM GOODREADS:  Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.

MY THOUGHTS: Part of the fun of reading "Dread Nation" for me was that I did it as a buddy read with a fellow blogger who is not a fan of horror. Now while for me, this was "horror-lite," I am proud of Maria for taking the plunge and I know that both of us are now anxious for the next installment which unfortunately doesn't come out until next year. 

So "Dread Nation" centers around Jane, an African American who has been sent to a type of "finishing school" except that it is for minorities and their primary goals are learning how to kill zombies and protect the wealthy Caucasians. Some things happen and in order to "get rid of Jane," she and some of her friends are sent out West to a new settlement. They soon discover how seedy a situation they are in and Jane gets in more trouble as the book progresses.

So first I have to say that "Dread Nation" is full of despicable characters. In fact, if you look at the weekly discussions Maria and I posted on our blog, you will see that we use that word quite a lot. However, I also think Ireland has created a gem of a character in Jane. She is strong, opinionated, and stubborn. She sets her sights on something and doesn't give up. She's also extremely smart. Although Jane doesn't always make decision I backed while reading, I felt her heart and soul were in the right places. I also loved her developing friendship with another girl at the finishing school - Katherine. Or as Jane loves to call her (because she hates it) - Kate. Early on the reader can see that despite not liking each other, these two are destined for friendship. 

I know there has been a lot of controversy regarding some aspects of this book. My rating doesn't reflect those because to be honest, I primarily read it for enjoyment. Also, I have to add that another friend of mine read and ARC of this and usually we are on the same page with books. However, she didn't like "Dread Nation" as much as I did and I think it's because initially, we were both expecting more horror and zombies. Since she warned me there wasn't a lot present, I do think it paved the way for me enjoying the book more. With all that said, I definitely want to see what is in store next for Jane and her friends. And secretly, I'm hoping for a few more zombies!

RATING: 4 PAWS