Rot and Ruin

Reviewed by Karin Librarian for TeensReadToo.com

Benny just turned fifteen. In his world, that means he must find a job in order to continue receiving his rations. The problem is, Benny can't find a job he likes. He and his best friend, Chong, waited too long to get one and all the easy jobs are gone. What's left isn't very appealing. He's tried being a locksmith, a fence tester, a fence technician, a carpet coat salesman, a pit thrower, a crank generator repairman, a spotter, a bottler, and an erosion artist. It seems like the only option left is to join the family business.

Benny's brother, Tom, is one of the most respected and successful zombie killers. The problem is, Benny doesn't know why people think Tom's that great. He's never seen Tom do anything especially exciting or impressive - in fact, he's actually turned away from violence, which makes Benny think Tom's a coward. Tom is nothing like the totally cool Zombie Killers like Charlie Pink-Eye and Motor City Hammer. Benny has never intended to do what Tom does. He's always said no every time Tom asked him to become his apprentice. But, his lack of success in any other job has left him no choice.

Benny learns a lot while out in the Rot & Ruin with Tom. He learns about his own past, what it is that Tom really does, and what separates man from monster. Benny's outlook on life completely changes as he begins to realize there might be more to life than just his small town of Mountainside.

ROT & RUIN is a perfect choice for readers who enjoyed THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH. Both books take place in a small town of survivors surrounded by fences that keep the zombies out. ROT & RUIN is set in a time when people still remember what happened when the zombies started rising, so the reader gets some first-hand accounts of First Night (the night the world changed). ROT & RUIN also gives us some of the blood and gore that we sometimes want in a zombie novel.

Jonathan Maberry did an excellent job developing the characters and creating an interesting setting. The reader can get lost in Benny's world. ROT & RUIN gets the Gold Star Award because I couldn't put it down. In fact, I stayed up until 3:30 A.M. one night to finish. This story caused me to cringe, gasp, chuckle, and cry. Absolutely amazing!

6 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

Highly Recommended-check it out!

I picked this book up at thinking it was going to be a scary zombie book but it wound up being much more. It was the coming of age story about a teenage boy growing up in a post-apocalyptic world. I couldn't put it down!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

An astonishing twist, on the classic zombie novel.

I first read this book in my town's public library. I was going to stop reading it, but after I passed chapter five, I was completly entranced by this novel. I ended up reading this book until the wee hours of the night following the adventure of the Imura family. I highly reccomend this to anyone.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Not Your Everyday Zombie Story

I listened to this as an audiobook, narrated by Brian Hutchison.

This story follows teenager, Benny Imura, who has lost both of his parents to the zombie infection. The story starts out with Benny's teenaged boy attitude and his need to find a job. He doesn't like his older brother, has no respect for him, and doesn't really understand what his brother does. He searches out all of the other jobs available and finally decides he has to go out with his brother into the place referred to as the 'Rot and Ruin' and learn the family trade.

Outside the walls of their city, zombies walk around in the Rot and Ruin and will go after anything that moves, makes loud noises, or smells good to eat. There are also some other people out there and they can be just as dangerous as the zombies. Benny starts getting real lessons in what his new zombie-infested world is all about.

I really enjoyed this story. I had some reservations when it started off and I got to know Benny a little, but once the story took off, I was hooked. These aren't your typical zombies and this isn't your typical zombie story. The world created by Jonathan Maberry was very well done and I was left wanting more!

Although this was the first book in a series, I was not left hanging with a giant cliff hanger. I was left with the feeling that I had just heard a really good story and wanted more. I will definitely be looking for the next book in the series, Dust and Decay!

The Narration Review
Brian Hutchison has a nice, clear story telling voice that is very easy to listen to. Although he didn't have a whole cast of character voices in his pocket, I could easily differentiate between people when they were speaking in dialog.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Zombies were people, too!

OMZ, Jonathan Maberry, you have truly outdone yourself - and while I wasn't in love with Patient Zero last year, I am tempted to camp out on your doorstep and beg you for more tales of the Imura brothers, the Lost Girl, and ye olde world of Rot & Ruin. I cannot believe I did not pick it up until now! This book is a MUST-READ. It reminds me of THE FIRST DAYS with a little touch of ZOMBIELAND and dash of The Forest Of Hands And Teeth. It was almost like Jonathan Maberry threw all the best things zombie and cooked up such a rich and brainy story to sink our teeth into. Delicious! f(0_o)f

THE GOOD BITS

{A dynamic love-hate relationship between brothers who lost their parents on the First Night.} Rot & Ruin chronicles the post-zombocalyptic world through Benny Imura's eyes as he reaches the age of "adulthood" (15). He blames his older brother for leaving their parents to die, and he has a blind hatred for zombies. When Benny is forced to shadow Tom to learn what happens in the Ruin, he has to face the possibility that all that he has been taught and heard may not be true - or humane.

{Tom Imura.} I wish there had been a little more about him because his story would definitely be phenomenal. He is a zombie samurai who has a lot of honor and heart. As an older sibling myself, I could relate to Tom and all his burdens/responsibilities. Not to mention living with a brother who makes no effort to hide his disdain for your very existence.

{Parts 3 and 4.} Holy fried brainz on a stick! LOVE LOVE LOVE. Action-packed, horror-filled, tear-jerked, surprise-ended, zombie-loaded :D Well worth the journey!


THE BAD BITS

{Misleading Zombie Trading Cards.} I don't know if the paperback version will have the awesome Zombie Trading Cards illustrations on the inside front and back cover, but I was looking forward to an encounter with "The Bride Of Coldwater Spring." She sounded delightful - and by delightful, I mean downright frightful! However, because of the cards, I had prepared myself for a completely different zombie story. Like Benny, I had imagined the glory days of zombie bounty hunters - taking down zombies like nobody's business! On the flipside, I am more than satisfied with the actual Rot & Ruin story!

{The deaths of certain characters} ...whom I shall not name here, but dearly wished that they had not gone the zombie way. However, I think that this also drove home what Jonathon Maberry wanted to get across. Yes, we all love our zombies getting blown to smithereens, but have we gone a little kill-kill-kill-crazy? Let's stop and remember that zombies had family who might still be human.

{The book ended.} Granted, I thought the ending was the most beautifully-crafted piece of work, but I was seriously distraught that the story ended there. So many questions, so many ties left undone, and so much more revolutionary changes to make! Thank goodness that DUST & DECAY has already come out because I don't think I can wait much longer to find out what happens next!

THE OVERALL
Absolutely a stunning piece of storytelling that shines a whole new light on zombies! I loved the way that Jonathan Maberry envisioned them and how that idea served as a way to bring brothers together after a tragedy that seems hard to forget and forgive. This would make an excellent movie with all the right sort of tension, excitement, romance, and humor! For a title like Rot & Ruin , this book has built such a strong, flavorful world

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

An Absoulte Joy from Start to Finish!

The story starts with Benny Imura, a 15 year old boy looking for a job to get his monthly rations in the small town of Mountainside. The town is surrounded by a giant wall to keep out the zombies. He goes from job to job and does not seem to find exactly what he wants. As a last minute decision he becomes an apprentice for his brother Tom Imura, who is a Zombie Hunter. He is a respected Zombie Hunter and Benny does not know why. Benny thinks his brother is a coward because his brother actually turns away from violence. Tom takes Benny out to the Rot and Ruin, which is the where the zombies free roam, and teaches him exactly what he does. Benny then learns about more about his brother and the world outside the walls. With some crazy twists and turns the story unfolds into a mesmerizing tale that that ends with a bang.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The great zombie adventure begins!

The book begins some years after 'first-night' where all the dead 'turned' into zombies. The town of Mountainside is fenced in which keep 'the walkers' outside of the town. The fence runs for hundreds of miles and encircles the town. What remains outside of town is known as 'the great Rot & Ruin' ("that stretched from California, all the way to the Atlantic"). This vast expanse of zombie wilderness is guarded and what I gathered from the book is that only bounty hunters are allowed in.

The town-folk would rather go about their normal existence (sans zombies) then venture in the Rot & Ruin. They'd soon enough forget there was a 'first night' then fight zombies (who wouldn't?). The bounter hunters either live in the rot & ruin or go into the rot & ruin on a daily basis to take care of business. Family members sometimes hire the bounty hunters to track down their loved ones and to finally have 'closure'.

An incident that happens about 3/4 the way through sets up the next adventure (book). The book kind of reminded me of 'lord of the rings' in the sense that there was a quest (can't give it away) and a journey. After finishing the book you kind of wanted Benny & his friends to continue on ... which they will (in DUST & DECAY)

Any good book will leave you wanting more* and that's what Jonathan Maberry has done with mostly all his books. I can't think of a recent author who has made me feel like wanting to read the next book like Maberry does. I can only imagine what it was like when JRR Tolkien put out 'fellowship of the ring'. There must have been much anticipation for the next one to come out (4 months later), and the third book (almost a year later).

I have to say I had no idea exactly what the book was about, except zombies, but it turned out to be a wonderfully written book with purpose, adventure, action & a great conclusion (to this book). The main characters are Benny, Nix, and Tom... and a colorful assortment of bounty hunters (mainly Charlie Pink-eye and the Motor City Hammer). Charlie Pink eye is described as "six-foot, six inch albino with one blue eye and one pink one that was milky and blind" - the Motor City Hammer is described as "he was bulldog ugly and had pistol butts sticking out of every pocket..."

There are many books, movies, video games on zombies but Maberry brings it to a new exciting level. The story flows as if Maberry was there writing it down as it happened (just what makes a great novel). He makes you believe that something like this could happen or that a place like 'the great Rot & Ruin' really exists (I would hope not).

I don't know why but I liked that there was hardly any talk of government involvement and the book didn't go into great detail to explain why things happened. The book was more focused on the adventure , Tom, Benny and his friends. Since it is categorized as young-adult fiction there is just good ole' zombie killing*. I would even read this to my 7 year old .. he'd think it was cool.

So, whether you are a young adult or an old adult (like myself) you will enjoy it just the same. You will not be disappointed.

And for those of you who aren't really into the zombie thing ... You have to pick up this book, there really is nothing to be scared of... just grab your katana and sprinkle on some Cadaverine ... you will make it out alive!

*Since ROT & RUIN is 'young-adult' fiction the violence is toned down a

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

B

B

Another suggestion by TheUnseelieNerd (clearly Dani I should jus

Another suggestion by TheUnseelieNerd (clearly Dani I should just give you my money and buy me these books. You're suggestions are always good)

This is my first Zombie-themed read and it was excellent. I can say that even though I did not read it in one sitting, so far this is the best I read this year. Also, the protagonist is also male. (Seriously, hooray for Male Protagonists!)

Lets start the list of all positives!

First thing I like about this book is the PACING. I think this was the major reason on why I really loved this book. The author really knows how to pace his story. From start to beginning you know the story is heading in the right track. The beginning starts with introducing the story the background of the place, the characters and the situation of the world (oh yeah this is a post-apocalyptic story). Then after that he takes you to the scary Rot and Ruin. Then goes back to the town then to the climax of the story. The transition of the story is perfect. He gives you something special every part without giving all the great parts in one go. He takes you to a ride without making you bored.

Second is the CHARACTERS themselves. Just the naming of the character. I really like the names. Very unique and it never hurts that there is some japanese blood and culture going with the main protagonist. Even the supporting characters and antagonist they have such cool names. Nix. Chong. Charlie Pink-Eye. Hammer. Lilah. Just some examples.

Third is how the author expresses the characters FEELINGS AND MOOD. The choice of words and phrasing is good. It really evokes what the characters are feeling. In turn you are also affected by their mood. When they're sad you can't help but be sad as well. When they are happy you can share with their happiness.

Fourth. I like everything is POSSIBLE. Both negative and also positive can happen even to the the good guys. They can die, they can get injured. They can also win and be powerful at the same time. What I mean is that they are not so godly like that everything will go in their way.

Fifth. Romance plays a little part in the story. Not unlike other books now that seems to inject too much love love.

Lastly, the LIFE LESSONS written in this book. It's been a while since I read something that teaches the value of life in this world. The value of each person no matter who it is. Whether it is someone you know or someone completely stranger to your eyes.

All in all it is a must read for everyone. One of the best books I've read lately. Look forward to my review of Book 2

I give this a glorious 5 whales :D

Great post z-apocalyptic society

A great read for zombie fiction lover & a really good book overall

WOW!!!

This book went far beyond my expectations. An unexpected twist o the zombie world totally worked toward the benefit of thisbook. A mut read! I can't wait to add the rest of the series to my library!

Very different from other zombie books. I thought that this book

Very different from other zombie books.
I thought that this book was going to have an immense amount of action in it, but it didn't. It had a lot more depth that that. I will say that there was action but that wasn't the main thing. it had a big plot to it as well.
i highly recommend this.

Awesome

It is not just blood and gore it is so much more

Not just gore

I really liked how this book didn't just have the zombie gore but it had a story line. I really liked how the author made the characters grow as a person. If you want a book about zombies but with a story line too, this book definitely gives you that.

LOVE IT SO FAR!!!!! :)

THIS IS SUCH A GOOD BOOK I CAN NOT PUT IT DOWN!!!! :))

A Book to Read

While I was reading this book, it was one that you would carry everywhere with you and try to read it every second you could get! It gives you a view in life differently even though it's in a zombie dimension. It has romance, humor, life, and badass action. You can relate to it, although it's a completely different world!

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Benny Imura needs a job. He's fifteen and his rations are going to be cut in half if he doesn't start contributing to society. Benny isn't picky. Any job will do as long as it requires minimal effort and doesn't involve working with his annoying, boring, completely irritating older brother Sam.

But being a locksmith apprentice is boring and involves carrying heavy tools all day. Fence testers have to walk the fence all day rattling it for loose spots that zombies might exploit. It also means possibly getting shot by the twitchy gun bulls because there is a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to infection. There's too much competition selling carpet coats. Pit thrower is too labor intensive. Not too mention it involves throwing quieted zombies into a burning pit and maybe getting infected. And pit raker, well, pit raker is exactly what it sounds like.

With no better options, Benny finds himself reluctantly apprenticed to his brother Tom, a zombie killer and "closure specialist"-whatever that means. Benny doesn't really care. At least he can keep his rations and has a job that sounds moderately cool.

But nothing about dealing with his brother, or the zoms, is anything like Benny expected. Out in the rot and ruin where the zombies run loose is different. Nothing is what Benny thought, not his heroes, not his friend Riley and her mother, and certainly not his hometown. Even Sam might be a lot more than Benny ever gave him credit for.

Soon Benny realizes the zombies are bad but they might not be the only monsters in Rot & Ruin (2010) by Jonathan Maberry.

Rot & Ruin far exceeded my expectations.

To understand why you have to understand that I'm on Team Unicorn.

I had heard about the book before it came out and was intrigued but after reading Zombies vs. Unicorns and struggling with the zombie stories, I started to think I wasn't a zombie person. I was worried about reading this one because not only did I expect it to drag but I also worried it would be too gross or too scary.

I was so, so, wrong to be worried about this book.

Rot & Ruin has everything I wanted from from a good book. It's the zombie book I've been hoping for.

Zombies are everywhere in young adult literature right now-throw a rock and you'll hit a book about the zombie apocalypse. What sets Rot & Ruin apart is the fact that Maberry's zombie interpretation (and story) is clever and original. Benny lives in a diverse world filled with shades of grey. Some of those greys happen to be zombies, some are not. Furthermore this isn't a story about surviving the zombie apocalypse or beating the zombies. That isn't happening, the humans lost. It's a fact. The really brilliant thing about Rot & Ruin is that the story starts with what happens after.

Everything about this book works. The story doesn't open with a lot of action but readers are immediately drawn into Benny's world and the bizarre and sometimes hysterical reality of his life after the zombie apocalypse. Rot & Ruin is serious, it's a page turner. But it's also really funny. Maberry's writing is clever throughout with the perfect blend of plot development, world building and character exposition.

Rot & Ruin was also selected as a finalist for the 2010 Cybils. AND it is also this year's winner! (Chosen by me and my other lovely panelists! I'm so excited I can finally tell you all, dear readers, how much I loved this book!)

Very good

I thiught that it was very good

Definite page-turner!

This was my first zombie book I've ever read though I've enjoyed that genre for several decades on tv and movies. Excellent read that had me interested in their world and what happened to each character. I'm looking forward to the next in the series!

I looove this book!!

This book, and the sequal Dust and Decay, are now by far my favorite books of all time!! With hear, roting, action, suprises and decaying, plus so much more. If you ever ask me for a good book, i would otimaticlly reply "Rot and Ruin and Dust and Decay" I will defanetly reread both of these books. loooooove there books! Maberry is the best!!