Feedback

August 29, 2016
In this tense thriller, Grant returns to the zombie-infested setting of the Newsflesh series. In Feed, the first book, the superstar Mason siblings blogged about politicians competing for the presidency in a near-future U.S. that had more or less come to terms with the ongoing zombie apocalypse. This adventure takes place concurrently and follows an all-new blogger team, this one accompanying Democratic candidate Susan Kilburn. Irish thrill-seeker Aislinn “Ash” North; her husband (for green card purposes only), Benjamin Ross; her girlfriend, Audrey; and gender-fluid makeup blogger Mat leap at the chance to hit the big time by joining the political circuit. After numerous zombie attacks, they uncover an organized conspiracy to manipulate the electoral process through fear and assassination. When Ash digs a little too deep, her team is targeted for elimination. Grant fleshes out the setting and adds depth to the events of the original series, but this is still familiar territory, even when seen from a different angle; the characters’ voices read much like those of the Masons, and the conspiracy angle comes as no surprise to longtime fans. The strength of this tale lies in the diverse cast, their deep ties to one another, and Grant’s ability to surprise the reader with emotional gut punches. Agent: Diana Fox, Fox Literary.

A U.S. presidential campaign set in a zombie-infested future bears an eerie resemblance to the way we live now.Aislinn "Ash" North and her housemates hope to hit the big time with their blogging skills when they apply to manage media for a Republican presidential candidate. Not surprisingly, "an Irish expatriate, a black man, a lesbian, and a techie who didn't want to be nailed down to a gender" prove to be a bad fit for the GOP, but the friends are shocked when the Democratic nominee, a woman in possession of a blue pantsuit, reaches out. Things get complicated when zombies start disrupting campaign stops. It's clear they've been planted--literally in one case, in Portland's famous rose gardens--by someone out to affect the election. Author Grant juggles multiple themes in this addition to the Newsflesh series. The virus that spread to create zombies was designed to cure cancer and succeeded; flesh-eating monsters are no fun at a picnic, but they help with population control. The story is steeped in paranoia, be it between rival news factions or individuals versus the invasive and unending security procedures in place to preserve the uninfected. And the fear is warranted; secrets are revealed, people are betrayed, and terrible losses result. The diversity of Ash's chosen family, not just in terms of race and gender but in their varied blogger castes, makes their discussion of the issues that arise substantive and deep. Readers new to the series may worry that they're missing things, but the action comes so hard and fast it's best to simply jump in and enjoy. Set in 2040, this story feels very current. This mashup of medical and media ethics, politics and the living undead, is a whip-smart thriller overflowing with sharp ideas and social commentary. COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

May 15, 2016

Grant's "Newsflesh" novels--Feed, Deadline, and Blackout--have jointly sold more than 300,000 copies. So even if Grant does excel at creeping out readers, don't shy away from this new "Newsflesh" entry, which overlaps with the series opener. With a 75,000-copy first printing.

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2016

Twenty years after the Rising, the world struggles to maintain a "normal" life despite the flesh-eating zombies and those newly infected in its midst. Online reporting has become the journalistic standard, and young Newsies, Irwins, and Fictionals band together to be the first to bring the headlines to the masses. The Masons, a famous brother and sister blogging team, are already covering one of the Republican presidential nominees, and Aislinn, her husband, Ben, and their techie Mat surprise themselves by being selected to follow Democratic nominee Gov. Susan Kilburn. On the campaign trail the team navigates politics, personal relationships, and the rising dead, always striving to report the truth. Such knowledge, however, is more dangerous than ever, and it's not only the infected the trio has to be worried about, but the living, too. VERDICT The events in this sf thriller overlap with the first book in the series, Feed, offering a fresh take on the Newsflesh world, with diverse characters, exciting plot twists and pacing. A definite win for fans of the Masons and an excellent entry point for new readers. [See Prepub Alert, 5/15/16.]--KC

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 15, 2016

Twenty years after the Rising, the world struggles to maintain a "normal" life despite the flesh-eating zombies and those newly infected in its midst. Online reporting has become the journalistic standard, and young Newsies, Irwins, and Fictionals band together to be the first to bring the headlines to the masses. The Masons, a famous brother and sister blogging team, are already covering one of the Republican presidential nominees, and Aislinn, her husband, Ben, and their techie Mat surprise themselves by being selected to follow Democratic nominee Gov. Susan Kilburn. On the campaign trail the team navigates politics, personal relationships, and the rising dead, always striving to report the truth. Such knowledge, however, is more dangerous than ever, and it's not only the infected the trio has to be worried about, but the living, too. VERDICT The events in this sf thriller overlap with the first book in the series, Feed, offering a fresh take on the Newsflesh world, with diverse characters, exciting plot twists and pacing. A definite win for fans of the Masons and an excellent entry point for new readers. [See Prepub Alert, 5/15/16.]--KC

Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.