Title: Dust & Decay
Author: Jonathan Maberry
First published August 30, 2011
519 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781442402355 (ISBN10: 1442402350)
Rating: 4.28
Overview
Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry is a gripping tale of survival in a post-apocalyptic world crawling with zombies. Six months have passed since Benny Imura and Nix Riley decided to leave their home and search for a better future, accompanied by Benny’s zombie-hunter brother Tom, Lilah the Lost Girl, and Benny’s best friend Lou Chong.
But their journey is far from easy. The Rot & Ruin is filled with dangers at every turn, from zombie attacks to wild animals and insane murderers.
And then there’s Gameland, where teenagers are forced to fight for their lives in zombie pits. As if that wasn’t enough, the evil Charlie Pink-eye may still be alive and hunting them down.
In a world where everything wants to kill you, Benny and his companions must fight to survive. But not everyone will make it out alive.
Dust & Decay will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.
About the Author
Meet Jonathan Maberry, a highly accomplished author with an impressive list of accolades. He has been named a New York Times best-seller and Audible #1 bestseller, as well as a five-time Bram Stoker Award-winner.
Along with being an anthology editor, comic book writer, executive producer, magazine feature writer, playwright, and writing teacher/lecturer, he is also the editor of WEIRD TALES Magazine and president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers.
Jonathan’s books have been sold to over thirty countries, and he writes in several genres, including thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and mystery, for both adults and young adults. His young adult fiction includes ROT & RUIN, which has won several state Teen Book Awards and a Cybils Award.
Jonathan is the creator, editor, and co-author of V-WARS, a vampire anthology adapted into a NETFLIX series starring Ian Somerhalder. His popular Joe Ledger series includes PATIENT ZERO, winner of the Black Quill and a Bram Stoker Award finalist for Best Novel.
His many other works include horror novels such as The Pine Deep Trilogy and epic fantasy series KAGEN THE DAMNED, which debuts in May 2022. He has also edited several anthologies, including THE X-FILES, SCARY OUT THERE, and NIGHTS OF THE LIVING DEAD.
Jonathan has also been featured in several documentary series, including ZOMBIES: A Living History and TRUE MONSTERS. With his impressive body of work, Jonathan Maberry is a force to be reckoned with in the literary world.
Editoral Review
Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry is a gripping novel that explores the post-apocalyptic world through the eyes of two teenage brothers, Benny and Tom Imura. The book is the second installment of the Rot & Ruin series and was first published on August 30, 2011.
Maberry, a renowned New York Times bestselling author, is known for his exceptional skills in storytelling and his ability to create complex and well-rounded characters. Set in a desolate world that has been decimated by a zombie apocalypse, Dust & Decay offers a heart-warming tale of family, sacrifice, and redemption.
The book offers a unique perspective on the struggles of surviving in a world filled with danger at every turn. The themes of loss, betrayal, and love mesh seamlessly to create an emotional journey that will tug at the reader’s heartstrings.
The plot of Dust & Decay follows Benny and Tom’s journey as they search for a rumored jet that has been seen flying over the ruins of their home, Mountainside. The brothers are joined by their friends, Nix, and Lilah, as they set out on a perilous journey that takes them through the wasteland.
Along the way, they encounter a host of characters, some friendly, and others not so much. They also learn about their missing father and the truth about his life, which changes their perspective on the world.
Maberry’s writing style is impeccable, and his attention to detail is remarkable. His characters are vividly portrayed, and the dialogue is realistic and relatable.
The pacing of the story is well-balanced, and the plot twists are unexpected, keeping the reader engaged throughout. Maberry’s ability to create tension and suspense is commendable, and the action scenes are intense and thoroughly enjoyable.
One of the significant strengths of Dust & Decay is the character development. The growth of Benny and Tom’s characters is exceptionally well-done, as is that of the supporting characters.
The relationships between the characters are authentic, and their interactions with one another are believable. Additionally, the world-building is excellent, with many details that enhance the readers’ understanding of the post-apocalyptic world and its inhabitants.
However, the book could have been more concise in some areas, as there are a few lulls in the plot, which might bore some readers. Additionally, while Maberry’s writing is excellent in some parts, it can be slightly dense and wordy in others.
Overall, Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry is a thrilling read that will appeal to fans of the post-apocalyptic genre. The book’s emphasis on family, loyalty, and sacrifice is relatable and heart-warming.
The characters are well-developed, and the plot is suspenseful and thrilling. The book’s flaws are minor, and the strengths far outweigh them.
This is a must-read for fans of Rot & Ruin and those who appreciate a good coming-of-age tale set in a grim and dangerous world. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
