Zombie Abbey by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Genre: Young Adult, Historical
Source: ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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1920, England
And the three teenage Clarke sisters thought what they'd wear to dinner was their biggest problem…
Lady Kate, the entitled eldest.
Lady Grace, lost in the middle and wishing she were braver.
Lady Lizzy, so endlessly sunny, it's easy to underestimate her.
Then there's Will Harvey, the proud, to-die-for―and possibly die with!―stable boy; Daniel Murray, the resourceful second footman with a secret; Raymond Allen, the unfortunate-looking young duke; and Fanny Rogers, the unsinkable kitchen maid.
Upstairs! Downstairs! Toss in some farmers and villagers!
None of them ever expected to work together for any reason.
But none of them had ever seen anything like this.
Review:
Lauren Baratz-Logsted's books are typically very hit-or-miss for me. Sometimes I enjoy them while other times they simple aren't my cup of tea. I couldn't resist Zombie Abbey, however, as I wanted to see what a zombie flavored Downtown Abbey book would be like.
As it turns out, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a quirky read, relying on early dramatics, humor, and zombie gore to drive the story forward.
Zombie Abbey contains a surplus of perspectives - the sisters, the suitors, the staff, even the animals! It was interesting, and it tended to keep me on my toes. I never was quite sure who was going to be next! Some characters I liked better than others. The sisters, for instance, were an incredibly mixed bag. Kate, the eldest, was insufferable in most respects. I couldn't believe how selfish as well as entitled she acted, but I did enjoy seeing what would come out of her mouth next - it kept becoming more and more outlandish! Grace, the middle child, was my second favorite character. She was the complete opposite of Kate - kind and selfless. I enjoyed seeing her unexpected friendship with one of Kate's suitors unfold. Lizzy, the youngest, was by far my favorite. In some ways, she's the black sheep of her family - no one truly understands her and they also underestimate her. However, as the book progresses, she becomes the unexpected hero. I loved seeing her take on a bigger role, and I was cheering her on the whole way - I wanted her to prove her family (especially Kate!) wrong. The male suitors also provided laughs as well as heart. I appreciated how different they were. Also, Will Harvey? I. LOVED. him.
The plot in this reminded me slightly of Scary Movie. People keep dying and/or disappearing, but no one really wanted to take it seriously. They were too worried about their own lives! The Clarke family chalks it up to the villagers overacting - how can someone who is dead possibly come back to life? However, as the novel continues and the zombies get closer, the Clark family and their guests start to see just how serious it is. There were so many times at which I wanted to yell "Take it more seriously, it's not a joke," as I couldn't believe they just didn't have a care in the world, continuing on with their parties and hunting even though multiple people were missing. It was nutty!I also appreciated that no one was ever "safe;" there were some exciting twists that happened as the death total kept rising. I liked the little romances that popped up. None were incredibly well developed, but they still added a fun, romantic quality to the book.
Now for the few problems I had with Zombie Abbey. For one, I wish it was more developed. I had so many questions about the zombies, the unexpected cousin, etc. I wanted to know where the zombies had originated from and whether or not they were only in their area or others. Secondly, the transitions between POVs was sometimes choppy. A couple of times it took me a few seconds to realize who was talking, because it jumped so quickly. Last, I wish the ending had more resolution. In some respects, I did think it fit the story well, but as someone who loves resolution, I wish there had been more to it.
Regardless, Zombie Abbey is an eccentric little book. I'll be honest: it's not going to be for everyone; however, I think it will find its place with readers who love an interesting take on historical fiction (think My Lady Jane).
3.5 stars!!
This sounds like a weird, but fun story! Too bad the history of the zombies wasn't all that well fleshed-out. Glad you had fun with it though, Lauren!
ReplyDeleteIt’s too bad there isn’t more about where the zombies might have come from, but it does sound like it would be a pretty fun read. Great review!
ReplyDeleteOooo, I like this book's cover! And it's YA historical fiction? I love HR, both YA and adult. The humorous YA ones are always fun. Have you tried Cindy Anstey's books? So fun and adorable!
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Lauren! Have a wonderful day. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
This sounds really fun, even though it's not something I would normally pick up. I loved Downton Abbey.
ReplyDelete