The Rising

by Brian Keene

Review by Stephen Clark
 

The dead are rising ‘apocalyptic stylee!’ from the aftermath of a botched nuclear experiment. And not just people – wildlife join the invasion/dominant takeover in an all out strike to stamp out every other living soul.

The story begins with Jim. He’s surviving in his underground shelter but is so dejected over the passing of his second wife (and unborn daughter), and of her attempts to reunite once more, that suicide seems like the only sane option. That is until his mobile records a message from his son (from first marriage) begging to be rescued. He’s hiding out in an attic, his stepfather has turned, his mom is sick…and he wants his dad. It’s all the motivation Jim needs to escape his prison cell and direct his despair into something positive. But this is no easy rescue…the dead aren’t the slow, stumbling, pathetic creatures he’s seen in numerous films. Reality is much more interesting as the dead can think, they can trap, operate weapons, drive vehicles, and strive to allow as many ‘brethren’ over as possible (they can only occupy a body after the soul has departed). The distance between father and son is a twelve-hour car journey but this was before the rising.

The Rising is a very exciting read that pulls you in from the opening page. There are many interesting characters spaced throughout the book, and many dire situations to make you cringe in your chair. I don’t usually read novels this quickly but I was hooked and desperate to discover the final outcome. Brian Keene displayed great confidence in ending the tale where he did and although there is a sequel I think it works well as a stand-alone novel.

Publisher: Leisure Books (2004)

ISBN: 0-8439-5201-6  - Paperback (336 pages)