Review: Dread Nation by Justine Ireland

Title: Dread Nation

Author: Justina Ireland

Publisher: Balzer + Bray 

Publishing Date: April 3rd, 2018

Pages: 455
Audio Length: 11 Hours and 56 Minutes

Genre: YA Zombie Historical Fiction 

Series: Dread Nation

Source: Audio

 

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.
But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.

What made me pick this book up: 

I had been seeing it all over goodreads and several blogs. The cover looks great, and the title definitely makes it sound like a good read.

What did I like about the cover: 

I think the girl on the cover is beautiful. I like how dark it is, and also the background with the American flag is great. And I love that she's holding a sickle. 

What made me read this book: 

Like I said, I had seen it everywhere. I will read anything zombies, and I had heard such good things. I was actually really excited about this one.

What did I like the most: 

The story itself was okay. It's set in the early 1900's, or somewhere around there. And basically instead of blacks being slaves, they're protectors. But they aren't held high and they don't get any praise for their jobs. Even though they are protecting the whites.

So that was a really interesting thing to read about, from the perspective of someone who is black and has to live that way. 

The writing was well done, and it definitely kept me wanting to read it. I think the author did a great job of describing how the characters were feeling and what they were seeing. 

Kate and Red Jack were definitely my two favorite characters

What didn't I like: 

This book was so different than I thought it was. I thought this was going to have much more zombie much less political. 

I feel like this book just dragged on forever. It took me way too long to finish this book. 

Would I read the rest of the series/more from this author?
I haven't decided. I don't think I will. 

Kind of disappointed in this one. It wasn't at all what I was expecting.

“See, the problem in this world ain’t sinners, or even the dead. It is men who will step on anyone who stands in the way of their pursuit of power.” 
― Justina Ireland, Dread Nation

Justina Ireland enjoys dark chocolate, dark humor, and is not too proud to admit that she’s still afraid of the dark. She lives with her husband, kid, and dog in Pennsylvania. She is the author of Vengeance Bound and Promise of Shadows.
Website: http://justinaireland.com/