Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls -- A Review

5:28 PM

Before I begin, I have a confession: The first time I saw Quirk Classics' Pride and Prejudice and Zombies my response was "What the...?" I picked the book up, looked at it, looked at it again, and put it back down because I couldn't wrap my mind around the weirdness. Fortunately, I changed my mind because it so turns out that zombies go with Jane Austen like Havarti goes with pears.

Because Pride and Prejudice and Zombies ended up being such a rollicking good time, I jumped at the opportunity to acquire and review an advance reader's copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith (release date: 3/23/2010). And lo, I was not disappointed.

Unlike the original Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, this prequel is a completely original work rather than a mash-up featuring the work of Jane Austen. Never fear! Hockensmith captures the essence of Regency Literature, only better! I found this read faster while still including the descriptions of British country social life that one expects from Ms. Austen.

The book answers several questions which readers may have following a reading of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: How did England come to be overrun by foul unmentionables? Where did the Bennet Girls acquire their mad martial arts skills? Is it possible to be both a lady and a warrior? It includes excellent discussions of balls (ahem), the stresses connected with coming out during Times of Troubles, and life and love prior to the arrival of Messrs Darcy and Bingley in Hertfordshire.

Who would benefit from this book? Anyone adventurous enough to experience the daring mix of Regency literature and violent zombie mayhem, ballgowns and nunchucks, courtship and warrior maidens! The book contains a fair amount of violence, dismemberment, and the consumption of humans living and dead. So, if reading about jellied brains and rotting flesh causes you to vomit like many of the fine residents of Meryton, you may want to hold off on this one, or at least keep a basin handy. Otherwise, an exceptionally fun, tongue-in-cheek read well-suited to reluctant readers.

Is your interest piqued? Quirk Books is running a contest in preparation for the release of Dawn of the Dreadfuls! Up for grabs are prize packages which include:

o A Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Journal
o Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Postcards
o Audio Books of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies and Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters
o An advance copy of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls
o A password redeemable online for sample audio chapters of Dawn of the Dreadfuls
o A Dawn of the Dreadfuls Poster

Click here to enter, and let them know I sent you!

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