Book Review: Flesh and Bone by Jonathan Maberry

Throughout this book, the gang makes some really shocking discoveries.  The reader is given a lot of information on the origin of the outbreak and what’s left of the country.  Unfortunately, we lose one and possibly two members of our group, while making a very powerful and resourceful friend (who will be familiar to any of you who have read some of Jonathan’s other series).

It doesn’t matter how many zombie/post-apocalyptic books I read, there is just something about the way Jonathan Maberry writes them that makes me grateful zombies haven’t eaten my brains and left me incapable of reading. This is probably one of the most “grown-up” YA series I’ve read, and with the inclusion of the deep, religious fanaticism and the desperation of the group after losing so much, this is certainly the most adult book of the series.  The only thing that wore on me was the dialogue between Nix and Benny and the feeling that every conversation was going to turn into an argument, but I looked past it because they’re trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic, zombie, wasteland…so I’m sure tensions are high.    For me at least, it had the right amount of “feeling”, with relationships forming and relationships being torn apart without becoming melodramatic.  (The zombies may have left my brain, but they certainly took my heart…in more ways than one.)

Overall, a great addition to a great series and I recommend it whole-heartedly.  I can’t wait to finish off the series with Fire & Ash next year. – Chris

Karen’s Take: I too am a HUGE Rot & Ruin series fan and was waiting anxiously to read book 3, Flesh and Bone.  As Chris said, there is just something about Maberry and his ZA books that speak to the heart – erm – the brains of us.  Book 3 introduces a lot of new characters and twists, explores our weary gang of survivors a little more deeply, and brings in some fun crossover from another popular Maberry series.  As someone who has studied religion (in my case, the Christian faith), I always find it interesting how survivors in a post apocalyptic world twist the nuances of faith to fit their ever change needs and knowledge, it seems to come up in almost every ZA book I read.  Meeting the new players slows down the front matter of the book a little, but rest assured that there is plenty of action and insight to keep series readers invested and hanging on for the final book, Fire & Ash.  Flesh & Bone is also, interestingly enough, a great book that looks at dealing with grief.  I thought this aspect of the story was handled incredibly well and rang true, especially in light of the fact that fans of the series are grieving just as much as the main characters. 

If you read the Ledger novels (written for adults), you know that Maberry does action really well.  But if you read the Rot & Ruin novels you know that he also does character development really well and somehow finds the perfect balance between the two.  Also, the Rot & Ruin series will fit nicely into your multicultural book displays as well as your dystopian and zombie book displays.  I, personally, am hoping they are made into movies.

I give Flesh & Bone 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The Rot & Ruin series is one of my go to series for readers of all ages when doing one on one reader’s advisory, and it is a great read for guys.

Looking for more zombie books? Here are some of our favorite zombie books.  Tell us yours in the comments.