zombie-mania was really ‘grabbing’ the mainstream media a few years ago. This is due in part to the runaway success of The Walking Dead and World War Z. since then, things have calmed down a bit, perhaps due to the hype of the genre. however, true zombie fans like you and me will never get sour on the walking dead. So just for you wonderful people, here are some of the best books on the zombie apocalypse written in recent years.
one thing to note:I’ll be focusing on the list of lesser known zombie books. therefore, I’ve omitted twd and wwz (and warmbodies too), since most of the you have already heard of them. I also exclude the older classics in favor of slightly more recent releases.
You are reading: Best books about zombie apocalypse
Also, this list is based on my personal taste. if you would like specific zombie books added feel free to email me. I’ll be happy to add them![this list was last updated on May 22, 2020]
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my favorite books about the zombie apocalypse
1. patient zero
I thought the movie kind of sucked. However, Patient Zero as a book had me hooked from start to finish, thanks to a strong cast of characters and well-written action scenes.
I think fans of military-themed zombie apocalypse books will thoroughly enjoy author jonathan maberry’s release. The plot centers on legendary Joe Ledger, a hardened Baltimore detective, who joins a secret response team to stop terrorists. the mission: stop the bad guys from infecting people with a terrible biological weapon that basically turns them into zombies.
I’ll be honest. the initial setup sounds a bit generic. and there are quite a few moments of dialogue from would-be alpha males that will blow your mind. however, I encourage you to stick with it. you’ll be rewarded with tons of incredibly intense cliffhangers and, of course, a generous splash of zombie-slaying action.
Overall, I find Patient Zero to be one of the best zombie books in recent years, told in a fast-paced military style.
2. aftertime (zombie book series)
as an anthropologist, i really appreciate author sophie littlefield’s attention to underlying cultural issues, explored amid the grim setting of a zombie apocalypse. Through its protagonists, Aftertime tackles questions of self-esteem, love, self-sacrifice and more, without neglecting the brain-thirsty action that we zombie fans love.
Cass, the main character of this series, comes off the page as a very relatable character. she is a mother who wakes up to find herself a zombie who mysteriously turns human. Cass then embarks on a perilous search for her daughter, seeking help in a world filled with flesh-hungry Thumpers (aka zombies).
In the version I read, I found some editorial errors here and there. there is also some inconsistency in the scene descriptions. Overall, though, Littlefield’s releases are among the best zombie apocalypse books in recent years. aftertime is a thrilling survival journey based on a solid premise.
3. as the world dies (zombie book trilogy)
oddly enough i met the author rhiannon frater online many years ago on an obscure forum for horror fans. she was a fresh writer back then; a passionate, self-published lover of vampire and zombie fiction.
Fast forward a decade later and Rhiannon is now an accomplished author published by Tor Books. many of her horror titles have also been critically acclaimed. Among her most celebrated releases is the zombie apocalypse trilogy as the world dies, which begins with the early days.
This survival series begins with Katie, a woman preparing for her day in court, and Jenni, a stay-at-home mom taking care of her family. however, hours later, both women are brought together by a harrowing circumstance, namely the apocalyptic rise of the undead. The two soon become a powerful zombie-slaying duo, traveling to rescue Jenni’s stepson.
it is true that the first book has a bit strange rhythm in some points. there are also times when political views seem oddly included in the dialogue.
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regardless, for the most part, rhiannon manages to create a very accessible and exciting series that is sure to please anyone looking for the best zombie books ever published. this was a very nice read for me.
Also check out our list of the 15 Best Fiction Books on Pandemics!
4. news (series)
newsflesh is a very unique series of zombie books. on the one hand, it offers speculative commentary on the potential power of online bloggers, hence the pun title. on the other, it doesn’t stop at developing the gruesome impact of a full-fledged zombie apocalypse.
The blogger/zombie theme combination may initially put off some purists of the genre. And, yes, there are sections of the book where the author looks grant she goes too far into the technicalities of online journalism.
However, zombie fans looking for something new in the midst of a saturated subgenre will be delighted. the newsflesh series offers a lot of character and emotional depth, wrapped up in a largely satisfying ending. There’s also a lot of high-octane action, except for a few middle sections where things meander a bit.
Overall, I enjoyed this zombie series a lot more than I thought I would. give it a try and you’ll probably feel the same way!
5. the extinction cycle (series)
if you’re looking for clever, nonsensical zombie books (not an oxymoron), look no further than the cycle of extinction. From the horizon of extinction and beyond, author Nicholas Smith brings you a mouthwatering helping of frenetic zombie action.
This military story follows Sergeant Major Reed Beckham who, as the leader of his Delta Force team, has lived through his fair share of nightmarish missions. however, his worst hell begins when his team is sent to investigate a super-secret research facility that has gone dark. An epic catastrophe soon unfolds when they discover that infected zombies have begun to spread through the cities, threatening human extinction.
While it sounds like a basic thriller, you’ll be surprised to find a plethora of intriguing characters woven into an addictive narrative fabric. the plot is brimming with solid dialogue, along with attention to military & amp; scientific detail. the series even offers a plausible explanation for the zombie apocalypse, which is always a welcome bonus.
Overall, Extinction Cycle is one of my favorite zombie series on this list, and one you should definitely watch!
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6. the endgames
In his first book, Michael Martin tells the story of brothers Michael and Patrick who struggle to survive in a world ravaged by bellows, vicious zombie-like creatures. Much like the Extinction Cycle, the Endgames offer their ghastly thrills. however, it also takes time to nurture the human bonds between the characters. there’s even a bit of romance, though this thread never gets too overbearing.
What I really loved about this book was its sensitive handling of certain topics. the deep relationship between patrick, who lives with a learning disability, and his older brother is very well managed. Michael makes the entire zombie apocalypse an imaginative “game” for Patrick, making for an endearing and clever device for creating real tension.
Overall, you can’t go wrong with Endgames, a strong entry into the zombie fiction genre that many have overlooked.
7. emerged (series)
want to invest your time in a long-running zombie series? then arisen will fit your needs. Packed with tense military action, these zombie apocalypse books see Fortress Britain as the last hope for 50 million survivors trapped in a world of 7 billion undead. Humanity’s only chance for survival rests with the Alpha Team, a band of skilled commandos who set out to find an elusive cure.
The most compelling quality of this series is its intricate balance of fast-paced action with deep characterization. the main characters maintain their core identities, but also evolve in their relationships with one another. furthermore, the authors are masters at building nail-biting stories. you will find yourself completely immersed in this addictive zombie storyline, thanks to the strong narrative work established by each book.
8. the girl with all the presents
Recently adapted for film, The Girl With All The Gifts revolves around Melanie, a young student with an incredible aptitude for learning.
However, things are not what they seem, as this young woman is trapped in a military compound. she every day she lives in a tiny cell, strapped to a wheelchair whenever she is allowed out.
The guards are afraid to approach her, but Melanie doesn’t quite understand why. that is, until a wave of zombies suddenly invaded the complex. this opens his eyes to the outside world for the first time; an existence plagued by a zombie apocalypse in which, unknown to her, she has a part to play.
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I think what I liked most about the book is m. r. tortoiseshell’s art of slow revelation. At first, you’re not fully informed of what Melanie’s “gifts” really are, which leaves you guessing. furthermore, most of the characters are multifaceted with dialogues between people well written. the book also veers between a sense of hope and hopelessness, building tension throughout.
All in all, The Girl with All the Gifts is a must-read for anyone who loves zombie books.
some other good zombie books worth reading:
9. rot & ruin (series)
some of the best zombie books are by jonathan maberry (patient zero). great cast of characters, excellent world-building, and tons of action-packed fun. highly recommended.
10. the reapers are the angels
a zombie book less about direct action and more focused on fostering a genuinely creepy atmosphere. much loved by fans. the omission of quotes for dialogue is also an interesting stylistic choice.
11. the uprising
Older than most of the books on this list, the uprising traces a father’s journey through a zombie apocalypse in an effort to rescue his son. both emotionally heavy and brilliantly graphic. the uprising is credited with partially helping kick off the new wave of zombie survival fiction.
12. this is not a test
As forceful as it is sincere, this is not a test that explores issues of depression and identity. the plot centers around a group of students who find themselves trapped in school, with a horde of zombies beating their way into it. a great setup that delivers for the most part.
13. cell (zombie-like maniacs)
I don’t think this is stephen king’s best work. however, I still thoroughly enjoyed its alternative take on the zombie genre. On the cell phone, a zombie-like virus known as the pulse can spread through cell phone reception, turning people into hungry, angry monsters. the book is worth reading, but skip the movie please. it’s terrible.
14. the forest of hands and teeth (series)
In addition to the amazing name of the series, the forest of hands and teeth offers some of the best zombie books out there. As for the setting, the plot unfolds a bit like me. night shyamalan is the town, except there are real undead waiting outside to rip the humans apart. In addition, the characters go through a lot of existential struggle, oscillating between hope and despair.
I’ll be honest. the first book in the series wasn’t quite my cup of tea. however, things really pick up in the second book as you become more familiar with the intricate relationships between the characters.
15. the apocalypse crusade (series)
peter meredith is a master of zombie apocalypse fiction. what starts out as a possible cure for lung cancer goes terribly wrong, and soon enough, we have an undead catastrophe on our hands.
I highly recommend it to anyone who loves exciting series with lots of heartwarming stories, without sacrificing character depth. is a fairly realistic military-style read (with a bit of plausible science thrown in) that explores just how woefully unsuspecting we might be in the face of an actual zombie horde.
In short, the apocalypse crusade is tense, intelligent and addictive in every way.
16. sirens of the zombie apocalypse (series)
Another series of home runs for fans of zombie apocalypse books. In sirens of the zombie apocalypse, things start out a little differently. We are introduced to a teenager and his 104-year-old great-grandmother, an unlikely couple suddenly caught in the middle of a hungry horde. the heart of the story is about family ties and how they can be strained and strengthened during a social breakdown.
In general, these books are clearly aimed at younger readers. however, I think the strong plot and surprisingly charming characters will definitely find an audience with adults alike.
17. the duel
This is the only book on the list that I haven’t personally read. however, as far as zombie novels go, the duel seems to be a hugely overlooked gem of the genre (based on the many five-star reviews I’ve read).
Fans have praised the book for its rich characters and unique speculative insight into possible events and people that could realistically lead to an apocalypse. Author Huck Walker’s pacing is deliberately prolonged, intended to create a slow but building sense of dread, followed by a maddening plunge into chaos.
the duel serves as book 1 for the rest of this zombie series which is still in development.
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