Zombie-saurus RexAuthor: Mark Souza
Genre: YA Paranormal
Book Description:
Rex Morton, a seventeen year-old zombie, has arrived in the small farming town of Plain View, Nebraska; just another stop in a long string of small towns left behind in their rear view mirror. Unlike the zombie stereotype, Rex is bright and friendly - as long as he doesn't get hungry. He hopes this time he can manage to stick around long enough to get his diploma.
Rex’s fiercely protective mother has strong armed yet another school district into accepting her son by threatening a discrimination lawsuit. At Plain View High, a dismal pattern of fear, prejudice, and bullying steers Rex down a familiar path toward expulsion. The difference this time is that Rex has fallen for fiery Goth girl, Ariella Klopenstein, the daughter of the Police Chief, and decided he will make his stand in Plain View.
As the Z-virus spreads west and the country panics, Rex and Ariella must find a way to overcome Rex’s mother who wants to break them apart and flee town, a school principal who wants Rex expelled, Ariella’s father, the Police Chief, who thinks Rex is dangerous, and a government zombie round-up aimed at solving the zombie problem once and for all.
Zombie-saurus Rex is a story about perseverance, overcoming prejudice, stereotypes and adversity. What it isn’t is a story about dinosaurs. The title is inspired by a nickname a school bully hangs on Rex due to his size, posture, and slow plodding gate.
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MY REVIEW:
I
must say I've never been more undecided about rating a book than I have
been about rating Zombie-saurus Rex. From start to finish, I've been in
two minds about the book. Given this is my second zombie novel - the
first went down terribly - I didn't go into it with any expectations. I
just sat back and allowed the characters to pull me into their world.
I'm a big fan of the zombie genre (notably films) and I must say what I
liked about this book was that we jump right into the middle of things -
albeit it's the start of a new beginning for Rex and his mother,
Cecilia, as they just arrived in town. The z virus has already taken
form and people are aware of this pandemic. Rex isn't your typical
manic, flesh-eater who stalks the town seeking fresh meat. He's rather
laid back and friendly, except for when he gets hungry, then you have a
problem on your hands.
It took a rather long time for the story to actually kick into gear, and that's where I had a problem. We're introduced to Rex and his new found friends and get to see how the world views zombies from multiple POVs. This whole introduction went on for quite a bit and not much in the way of progression happened in this phase, so I wasn't jumping out of my seat with excitement. I liked the characters, but I didn't completely fall in love with the plot.
Cecilia came across as a very protective parent who would do anything to safeguard her son, so it's understandable when she wants Rex to have nothing to do with the more than eager Ariella, who appears to be on a rebellious streak, for what reason, I couldn't tell. Perhaps she was bored of her small town. What I couldn't understand was why Cecilia chose to move from town to town, enrolling Rex into school when his condition makes him such a threat, not only to society but also to himself. You're just asking for trouble and being so protective, it just didn't make sense to me. Just a simple scratch from Rex and you're toast. Take the frog scene, for example. You'll know what I'm talking about if you've read the book. What if Rex had been in English class instead of biology that day and there had been no frogs around? I just couldn't quite justify Cecilia's protective nature when her actions showed otherwise.
The story started to really kick into drive in the last few chapters where we see Rex making decisions and taking full control of his life as opposed to following his mother's orders. He really takes on more of a dominant role with the help of family and friends. I liked the theme of friendship that ran throughout the story. It was very motivating and was, for me, the highlight of the story. The way in which the community reacted to Rex when he first arrived in town was a good reflection of how the world we live in reacts to difference upon first instance. I found the reactions of the characters to be authentic and believable.
The execution wasn't altogether satisfying but, overall, this was a fun read.
VERDICT:
Award: Silver
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Source: Review copy via CBB Book Promotions
It took a rather long time for the story to actually kick into gear, and that's where I had a problem. We're introduced to Rex and his new found friends and get to see how the world views zombies from multiple POVs. This whole introduction went on for quite a bit and not much in the way of progression happened in this phase, so I wasn't jumping out of my seat with excitement. I liked the characters, but I didn't completely fall in love with the plot.
Cecilia came across as a very protective parent who would do anything to safeguard her son, so it's understandable when she wants Rex to have nothing to do with the more than eager Ariella, who appears to be on a rebellious streak, for what reason, I couldn't tell. Perhaps she was bored of her small town. What I couldn't understand was why Cecilia chose to move from town to town, enrolling Rex into school when his condition makes him such a threat, not only to society but also to himself. You're just asking for trouble and being so protective, it just didn't make sense to me. Just a simple scratch from Rex and you're toast. Take the frog scene, for example. You'll know what I'm talking about if you've read the book. What if Rex had been in English class instead of biology that day and there had been no frogs around? I just couldn't quite justify Cecilia's protective nature when her actions showed otherwise.
The story started to really kick into drive in the last few chapters where we see Rex making decisions and taking full control of his life as opposed to following his mother's orders. He really takes on more of a dominant role with the help of family and friends. I liked the theme of friendship that ran throughout the story. It was very motivating and was, for me, the highlight of the story. The way in which the community reacted to Rex when he first arrived in town was a good reflection of how the world we live in reacts to difference upon first instance. I found the reactions of the characters to be authentic and believable.
The execution wasn't altogether satisfying but, overall, this was a fun read.
VERDICT:
SILVER
Award: Silver
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Source: Review copy via CBB Book Promotions
About the Author
Author Mark Souza has always been a storyteller, whether explaining who filched the ice cream, or what happened to the cat’s tail. He learned most of life’s lessons from the business end of a wooden spoon, and the rest from public schools spanning the breadth of North America, all of which were overjoyed to be rid of him. He became an author of short stories and novels in the horror, mystery, thriller, and young adult genres later in life, after time and a desk job had softened his edges, transforming him into the round, doughy shape Big-&-Not-So-Tall shops crave.
Mark was the proud recipient of the 2013 Indie Reader Award for Best Science Fiction for his debut novel Robyn’s Egg.
He now resides in Western Washington with his wife (also an author), two daughters, and their dog of questionable heritage, Tater. Visit his website; http://www.marksouza,com. There you’ll find a multitude of ways to make contact. Mark enjoys cordial correspondence and will write back. He’s always on the lookout for that next victim reader.
Author Links:
***GIVEAWAY***
$50 Amazon Gift Card (INT).
Ends 5/21
Blog Tour Organised by CBB Book Promotions:
I think you make some good points about his mom. Interestingly I don't think I had seen anyone else mention that but it's a very good point. I'm glad that you enjoyed this for the most part. Thanks for giving it a try and reviewing it for the blog tour!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! This book sounds interesting, but I'm not into zombies at all. Thanks for the giveaway, my fingers are crossed!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review! I have not read any zombie books to date. I have only seen one of the new zombie comedy movies that my kids dragged me to in the last year or so. I have to say though that I would like to give it a shot. I am always open to new genres. Thank you for the post and the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review! =)
I am not into zombies, but I hope Mark finds an appreciative audience.
ReplyDelete