Title: Wanted: Dead or Undead
Series: The Zombie West Series
Author: Angela Scott
Published: 2012
Format: Ebook provided by author for review
Trace Monroe doesn’t believe in luck. He never has. But when a fiery-headed cowgirl saunters through the saloon doors, wielding shotguns and a know-how for killing the living dead, he believes he just may be the luckiest man alive.
Trace wants to join Red’s posse, but she prefers to work alone—less messy that way. In order to become her travelling companion, Trace has to agree to her terms: no names, no questions, and if he gets bit, he can’t beg for mercy when she severs his brain stem.
He agrees, knowing only that Red is the sharpest shooter he’s ever encountered. The fact she’s stunning hasn’t escaped his attention either.
What he doesn’t know, is that Red has a very good reason to be on top of her game. She not only has the answer for how they can all outlive the plague taking over the wild, wild west, she IS the answer.
I wasn’t too sure of what to make of this book before I began reading it. A zombie book – love. The fact I might pick up some more tips for survival – love. A…western? I didn’t know if I would love that. Seriously… historical western zombie story? But somehow Angela Scott pulls it off fabulously.
This book starts with a gruesome and zombie-beautiful prologue. It is the stuff the zombie nightmares – or dreams! – are made of. And it sets up the book perfectly. But it doesn’t really tell us too much other than we should be scared for our flesh!
Then we meet Red. Red comes into a saloon and saves the day while everyone else was trying to shoot a zombie like it was the first time they ever held a gun. Good thing Red was there, right? Especially since Red is a woman. Yeah, not so heard of in the 1800s.
Red is a young woman with fiery red hair. She is tough and a loner. But that’s until Trace “finds” her. See, he saw her in that saloon and decided he needed to see her some more. So he tracked her down. They became travel companions, each with their own secrets. Big secrets. Game changing secrets. But no names. So he is Cowboy and she is Red. And then they are on their way.
And then they meet Wen, who is also on his own. And the duo becomes and easy trio. I really loved how this woman, who was a loner, morphed herself into part of a group. Sure, she fought it. But sometimes you can’t fight destiny. And together, Wen, Cowboy and Red have terrific chemistry. And then their group grows some more.
Meet Lasso. And Rivers. And Fisher. And maybe even a few others. I’m a firm believer when the apoc comes we will need to group up. I mean, you can’t stay awake 24 hours a day. You will need someone to watch your back. And a few more. So the fact that this group formed and grew was a pleasant surprise.
Red began to show more and more signs of tenderness. See, Rivers and Fisher are orphaned children. And she turns out to have somewhat of a motherly touch. And her instincts kick in. She is definitely a strong heroine and she’s earned my admiration. Sure, there are a few steps along the way where she stumbles. But that’s what I like to see in my heroines. I also like them to find a man. Or love. I found myself hoping that Red would find that, because sometimes when you are taking down zombies it helps to have a warm touch to help ground you. But you will have to read the book to find out if that happens.
Like other reviewers I expected some humor in this story. I am not sure why! I was concerned, I admit it. Once again, I’ve proven I’m often wrong about a lot of things. This book is an emotional and strengthening tale of survival. Its about hope and love, not necessarily romantic love but more of a camraderie/familial love. It might have taken place a century ago, but the heart of the survivor's story is there. There was some great action, and definitely some great zombie gore. So if you are looking for something a little different as far as zombies go – give it a try!
ACTUALLY, as part of the zombie walk I am offering up a copy of this book! So enter in the Rafflecopter (it’s an easy one!) Good luck! Giveaway ends 10-23-12, and is open internationally. Prize will be awarded through B&N or Amazon, ebook format.
PLUS: WANTED was the winner of The Kindle Book Review Best Indie Books 2012, Young Adult and awarded the League of Utah Writers Golden Quill 2012, Young Adult. Also, SURVIVOR ROUNDUP, book #2 will be released on November 26th - Congratulations, Angela!
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And be sure to check out the rest of the websites taking part in the ZOMBIE WALK!
Not everyone is having giveaways - but if you want to engage in some super-riffic zombie fun, this is the walk to follow!
Not everyone is having giveaways - but if you want to engage in some super-riffic zombie fun, this is the walk to follow!
