Saturday, August 11, 2012

Review: Feed by Mira Grant

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Feed
Mira Grant
Series: Newsflesh, #1
Publication date: May 1st 2010
by Orbit

 

The year was 2014. We had cured cancer. We had beat the common cold. But in doing so we created something new, something terrible that no one could stop. The infection spread, virus blocks taking over bodies and minds with one, unstoppable command: FEED.  NOW, twenty years after the Rising, Georgia and Shaun Mason are on the trail of the biggest story of their lives-the dark conspiracy behind the infected. The truth will out, even if it kills them.

“The zombies are here, and they’re not going away, but they’re not the story. They were, for one hot, horrible summer at the beginning of the century, but now they’re just another piece of the way things work. They did their part: They changed everything.”
-Quoted from finished copy of Feed

If you’re looking for a simple zombie book, this ain’t it. Filled with political intrigue, conspiracies, and a long, tedious political campaign — amidst a zombie-filled post apocalypse world, of course — Feed is intelligent, it’s intense, and though some may find the first half a little long winded, it’s completely worth it! A few things I learned once I started reading is 1) this is not a young adult novel; and 2) it’s not about the zombies.

The very first thing I noticed going into this book was the exquisiteness of the writing. The narration being notably mature and quick-witted makes it an exceptionally smart novel that is just a breath of fresh air. I felt intelligent just by reading Mira’s words. This fantastic prose comes together with outstanding world building and amazing characters that become so real you can’t help but get emotionally invested. Mira proves, via generous scientific details and infinite facts, that she has done her research through and through, bringing about a world filled with science and technology that turns this zombie apocalypse into a real threat with push beneath it, making it plausible and indefinitely scary. As it’s a more technical and political novel especially during the first half, this “info-dumping” — for lack of a better term — could be a bit dry for some tastes, however, as someone who loves to absorb all this geeky information that essentially makes it one of the most realistic zombie novel I’ve ever read, I was kept thoroughly engaged in it from the start. Howbeit, I wasn’t disappointed when we hit that half way mark and the shit hit the fan! Because once the ball starts rolling on this one, it rolls non-stop until we arrive at one of the the most shocking endings I’ve read, making me idolize Mira for this daring conclusion.

Working a political campaign that turns deadly, the team of bloggers (aka news media) selected to travel with a candidate find themselves in the midst of it all. The leader of this group, Georgia, is our resourceful protagonist who can slap someone silly with her indestructible retorts, and shimmy her way into finding out any and all answers. She wants justice, and she’s determined to get it! I loved every single thing about this girl. She has such vibrancy no matter if she’s dealing with the campaign, her relationship with her adoptive brother, or writing her blog posts. Her voice oozes out this aptitude that makes her a warrior through and through. Her adoptive brother and best friend, Shaun, is also an incredible character who has the more silly, down to earth side of the coin that will make you chuckle, but he also shows his multi-layered personality through his blog postings from his perspective that we get at the end of several chapters. Working with this duo is a whole team of bloggers that — even those we only glimpse at regularly — all become strong players in this dangerous game.

In the end, as the quote at the beginning states, it’s not really about the zombies, it’s a political thriller set in a post apocalyptic future where zombies run rampant. Still, the zombies do heighten the intensity of the plot, making is constantly exhilarating as you never ever feel safe. There are a million ways to die in a zombie novel, and this one is no exception.

It’s all just sort of unbelievably amazing.

5 Hot Espressos
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Giselle

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

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39 Responses to “Review: Feed by Mira Grant”

  1. Melliane

    Ok I know I need to read this one. And I think now I need to do it soon! I read all her other series but I confess not this one, I don’t know why when I think I just love the others. Thanks for the review!

  2. Mel - Thedailyprophecy.

    I like an intelligent writing, but I do hope that it’s not too difficult for me to understand (since English is not my native language.) The characters and world building sound great. This book has been on my list for a while now, but I might give it a shot earlier than I thought ^^

  3. Sam

    a political thriller set in a post apocalyptic future where zombies run rampant – I REALLY like the sound of that! I’ve been meaning to read this book for a while now. This series seems to be a really popular one and I’m glad to see you enjoyed it, Giselle. I think we have similar tastes in books so I can’t wait to start this! Awesome review! 🙂

  4. Amy

    I bought this one last year for my nook and still haven’t gotten around to it. It sounds awesome!! I grew up reading adult thrillers so this sounds like a book I would really enjoy. The characters seem really great too. Fantastic review babe!!

  6. Sarah E.

    I need to make sure this one is on my to-read list. It sounds awfully familiar, but sometimes I forget what I add to my list 😛

    Great review!

  9. Mandroid

    Isn’t it?! I just reviewed it on Thursday. It was my book club’s July read and I was the only one to finish it! I had no one to emphasize with me that, after such an interesting, exhilarating read, it suddenly took a turn that left me crying unexpectedly. It’s such a good book.

    Great review!
    Leslie
    Working for the Mandroid

  14. kimbacaffeinate

    Wahoo! Yeah I had a feeling this would rock your face off and Deadline is going to blow your mind cupcake!!! Not sure if you know this by Mira Grant is actually Seanan McGuire she writes the awesometastic fantasy series Rosemary and Rue.
    Lovely review Giselle

  15. Renae

    Aww, yay! So glad you loved this book. I’d never read a zombie novel until this, and I really think I got the lucky end of the deal, since as you said, it’s not just a “zombie book” by any means.

  19. Suzanne @ Paranormal Book Fan

    Great review Giselle, glad you enjoyed this one so much. Don’t really think that it would be my taste though. I like simplicity when I’m reading, to relax and not have to think too much lol, so I think the info dumping and political campaign would be a turn off for me.

  20. Danielle D

    I’ve been dying to get my hands on this series, and every time I go out ot buy it, it’s out of stock. It’s good to know that it’s that good, and I can see why everyone is picking this one up.

  21. Smash Attack!

    I have yet to move on to book 2 because of the ending, but I really want to read the rest of the series. I think once I am able, I am going to read them all back to back. SO GOOD! It was way more than I expected. I loved the technical and political pieces, and the characterization and plot were excellent. WIN!

  23. Lisa Mandina

    I knew this wasn’t a YA, but that’s because I work at a bookstore and know where we shelve it. 🙂 I have wanted to read it for awhile now, and your review just reinforces that! Great review.

  24. Rachel

    I need to pick this up sooner, rather than later! I hear nothing but rave reviews for this one so I’m not surprised by your 5 star review. I didn’t know this wasn’t a YA until reading your review. Wonderful review Giselle. 🙂

  26. Kelly @ Dandelion Dreams

    This sounds so good! I went straight to goodreads and added it to my TBR list as soon as I read this review. I have yet to read a zombie novel, but this one sounds like the perfect choice for my first. Great review!

  28. Camille Picott

    Wow, this sounds really good! I am a little worried about the techie “info-dumping” you describe at the beginning. I’m not a big fan of hard science. I’m pretty happy when the writer gives me a plausible reason and moves on without lots of data to back it up. :0 Guess you can tell I wasn’t a science major!

  29. Bea

    This is such an excellent book and series. So intelligent, deep, yet with a sharp dry wit. The book was so frightening because of how plausible it is. Can’t wait to see what you think of the other two books and the novellas.

  30. Jenni @ Alluring Reads

    Wow I think I would REALLY like this novel. It seems like there is so much going on amongst the apocalypse, and we all know, I don’t like to focus on just the zombies. Awesome review Giselle!

  31. Meg K.

    I’ve been into zombie books a lot lately, so I’m pretty sure I’ll enjoy this! Plus, doesn’t it have an awesome cover? 😀 I don’t care that it’s not really a zombie book. With a character like Georgia, I’ll love it.

    Great review, Giselle!

  32. Christina

    Right? Right?

    Mira Grant is an evil genius. I do agree that the info dumping and politics could for sure bore a lot of readers. I really just love the voice to Mira’s writing. She’s so sarcastic and judgmental of humanity. I eat that up!

  33. Alexa

    This actually sounds pretty interesting. I think it’s the fact that it doesn’t sound like your usual zombie book that really gets my attention.

  35. Nina @ Death Books and Tea

    I remember when this came out I thought I’d want to read it…two years later and I still havent XD Your review makes me really need to read it soon though. The fact that there’s a lot of politics sets it apart from the other stuff I read. Great review as always.

  37. Chrystal

    I love zombie books that aren’t really about the zombies. So much more terrifying. I have this on my wishlist, but might need to pick up a copy soon. Amazing review!

  38. Tarah Schaeffer

    When I saw it on you bought list the other week I went and picked it up and am reading it now and omggg it rocks! I am glad to see that your enjoyed it as well. She seriously answered every question I had almost before I formed it.

  39. Nickis Rant

    This book is by far one of the best books I’ve read this year. Anyone who likes politics,zombies, and blogging will instantly fall in love with this book.