Title: Rot & Ruin
Author: Jonathan Maberry
First published September 14, 2010
458 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781442402324 (ISBN10: 1442402326)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
In the midst of a world overrun by zombies, Benny Imura is just like any other teenager trying to survive. However, in this post-apocalyptic America, every teen must find a job by age fifteen or suffer the consequences.
Benny’s fate is sealed when he’s forced to become a zombie hunter alongside his older brother Tom. Though he initially balks at the prospect of such a tedious job, Benny soon realizes that this vocation will teach him far more than just how to take down the undead.
As he navigates this dangerous new world, Benny will learn what it truly means to be human.
About the Author
Meet Jonathan Maberry, a talented writer and editor who has achieved great success in a variety of genres. He’s a New York Times and Audible #1 bestseller, and has won five prestigious Bram Stoker Awards.
But that’s not all – he’s also a comic book writer, playwright, magazine feature writer, executive producer, and writing teacher/lecturer.
Jonathan’s editorial work includes WEIRD TALES Magazine, and he’s currently president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers. He’s received many accolades for his writing, including the Inkpot Award, three Scribe Awards, and a spot on the Today’s Top Ten Horror Writers list.
His books have been published in over thirty countries, and he writes across several genres, including thriller, horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, and mystery, for audiences of all ages.
One of his most notable works is V-WARS, a shared-world vampire anthology that was adapted into a popular Netflix series starring Ian Somerhalder.
Jonathan has written several acclaimed young adult novels, including ROT & RUIN, which won numerous awards including the Bram Stoker Award and the Cybils Award. Another notable work is his Joe Ledger series, which features a tough-as-nails protagonist fighting against supernatural threats.
He’s also written horror novels such as The Pine Deep Trilogy and the Dead of Night series.
In addition to his fiction work, Jonathan is an accomplished editor, having edited several anthologies such as THE X-FILES and OUT OF TUNE. He’s also written nonfiction works such as VAMPIRE UNIVERSE.
Jonathan is a true master of his craft, and his work has been enjoyed by readers all over the world.
Editoral Review
In Jonathan Maberry’s ‘Rot & Ruin’, the author weaves an intricate and engaging story that will keep readers captivated. First published on September 14, 2010, Maberry’s novel offers a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre, blending horror, action, and drama into an enthralling narrative.
Maberry’s writing style is both concise and descriptive, which offers the reader a vivid picture of the world he has created. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies, and the writing masterfully captures the sense of despair and hopelessness that the characters feel.
The characters in Rot & Ruin are well-developed and dynamic, which makes them relatable and believable. The author’s use of flashback is another notable feature, which provides deeper insights into the characters and their motivations.
The plot revolves around a young bounty hunter named Benny, who lives in a fortified town with his stepbrother, Tom. Together, they venture out into the zombie-infested world in search of bounty, and as they do so, they uncover secrets, truths, and unexpected realizations that redefine their relationship with each other, the world, and themselves.
The narrative is both action-packed and emotionally charged, delivering an excellent balance of suspense, horror, and drama. Maberry’s exploration of human nature, morality and compassion are noteworthy, as he consistently probes the motivations of his characters, their drives and their yearnings.
He highlights the conflict between humanity and zombies, and skillfully shows how they both vary with time and conditions. The subtext of the book suggests that societal progress is a complex process, often involving moral choices and actions that carry far-reaching implications.
Overall, Rot & Ruin is an excellent novel for readers who are fans of post-apocalyptic and horror genres. The author’s writing style and thematic nuances keep readers engaged throughout, and the effective use of flashbacks provides an added layer of character development.
However, some readers might argue that the novel panders to common horror tropes, which could be a limitation for those looking for more original takes on the genre. In conclusion, Rot & Ruin is a well-crafted book with a compelling plot, developed characters, and appropriately creepy zombie action.
It is a recommended read for fans of the genre and those interested in philosophical explorations of society’s adaptation and survival when faced with disaster. The book is rated four out of five, based on its plot, character development, and theme exploration.
