Do you know the idea that we toy with in the wildest of our dreams? Ok, let me try again. What is your worst nightmare? Well, the minute I ask such questions, the first image that possibly comes to mind is that of a zombie. So, right there you are, zombie fiction is what we are discussing today, one of the most indulging hybrids where horror meets science, and technology in a garb where emotions too interplay ravenously, their presence breeding upon the human existence amidst the presumable “zombie outbreak”. Surviving in a scenario where you are threatened not only for your life but for the survival of your entire species is always a terrific read.
So, what happens when you mix two genres that seem to be completely diverse yet have uncanny similarities interlinking them? Well, the resultant genre is bound to be something so phenomenal that you will be left smoking around the ears (figure of speech, you guys!) with the kind of intrigue and excitement it exudes.
I am referring here to a hybrid I enjoy immensely and have read time and again—science fiction plus horror. That is because there is too much that is happening in there; the story takes you on a whirlwind ride like no other; there is something possibly horror-like or gory happening in one nook while science, inclusive of all its quantum relativities, logic, and physics theories, is being blended and presented alongside it.
What I am referring to here is zombie fiction. Yes, zombies, according to folklore and pop culture, usually refer to a re-awakened corpse with a ravenous appetite or one who is infected by a zombie virus. Usually portrayed as strong, robotic beings with strange, rotting flesh, their sole mission happens to be to feed like cannibals on other beings.
So, then comes the question: zombie fiction? What is it that makes this so popular? Simple. The presence of science fiction and a bit of horror fused! Yes, I know you guys will be like, Zombies don’t exist, so why the excitement then? That is exactly my point, peeps. An imaginary line of thought, when backed up with scientific facts, makes for an awesome, refreshing, and loaded read.
So, today I thought to give you guys an apocalyptic awakening: 5 Zombie Science Fiction Adventures:
World War Z, by Max Brooks
An oral history of the great war between humans and zombies, this powerfully written narrative examines the depth of fear and horror, along with conveying the essence of eradication and the up-close personal experiences the victims as well as the survivors might come face-to-face with should such an apocalypse strike us. A pandemic-driven apocalypse, this one is richly intricate in detail, curiously penned down, and so replete with all emotions that you will witness hope, heartbreak, fear, and horror all at once. A phenomenal read.
The Girl with All the Gifts by M. R. Carey
A book worthy of fans of Stephen King and Neil Gaiman This one is a sensational thriller written in a refreshing tonality about the body horror genre that also tackles many moral questions instead of focusing only on zombie horror. The inclusion of the creepy kid plot laced with undead corpse horror makes for an outstanding read. I must also impress upon you how the scientific explanations of post-apocalyptic terror are brilliantly interwoven with literary tropes. A freaking, terrifying tale
Loop by William Kely McClung
What happens when imagination meets technology in the garb of terror and thrills, poised to sweep you off your feet? Yes, a tale where one gets to unravel the mysteries of AI along with psycho-thriller elements embedded in a breathtaking fusion of creativity and fusion, presenting a post-apocalyptic fiction never witnessed before. Writing in pain and the travesty of human insecurities, this unparalleled sci-fi/horror hybrid is an uncanny dystopia, taking you tantalizingly closer to stark reality. Fabulous world-building and powerful and evocative prose—this one is a wake-up call to the dangers lurking in our ever-advancing world. This is modern-day technological Frankenstein at its lethal best, rendezvousing with humanity at its most vulnerable, This is an epic read!
Cell by Stephen King
Imagine when a virus gets spread and carried by every cell phone operating in the world, and those receiving calls on it will get infected with it within hours! Sounds fantastically gory, right? Well, the tagline itself is a cannonball: You can run. You can hide. Just don’t pick up. Stephen King is a phenomenal writer, and this is possibly one of his “gizmo-lined” works, as I like to refer to it, with intriguing characters and a compelling and wonderful storyline, plunging one into a compulsively compelling dystopia of fear and horrific thrill. Pssst, this one is on my TBR!
The Rising by Brian Keene
Ok, first things first, this one helped start pop culture back then! Yes, in one of the bestselling zombie novels of all time, this is the story of a determined father battling his way across a post-apocalyptic zombie landscape to find his young son. Accompanied by a preacher and a heroin addict, he travels, facing an endless onslaught of undead hordes and evils perpetrated by fellow humans. Engaging and well-written, this one had rather strong characters, was written with precise perfection, and presented a rather unique, gory perspective on zombies.
So, these are five zombie fiction books that you must pick up today. If you ask me my personal favorite, well, I must admit I am somewhat smitten a tad bit more by Loop as compared to all others since the kind of labyrinthine roller coaster the narrative offers and the thrill the book gave me have been rarely rivaled by others before. Nevertheless, do let me know in the comments which one intrigued you more. Stay tuned with us right here at Booxoul, Asia’s leading book review and lifestyle website, to get the latest in the fields of entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, fun, finance, food, travel, tech, and gadgets, as well as all things bookish.
Adios Amigos!
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Keywords: Zombie Science Fiction Adventures, Zombie Science Fiction, Science Fiction Adventures
Confession: Zombie movies are a big no for me because they tend to haunt my dreams. However, the way this post discusses the fusion of science fiction and horror has me intrigued. Maybe I’ll give these a try with all the lights on! 💡📖 Who knows, maybe these books won’t haunt my dreams as much!
I avoid horror books, especially for my bookshelf. I would, however, borrow these from the Kindle library. That would help fulfill my curiosity. I would begin with The Rising by Brian Keene.
I love reading Horror specifically ghost themed books and also watch them but by Indian Authors and Directors respectively. Coming to Zombie themed book or movie … unfortunately its something I cant watch or enjoy. I find those books and movie very unrealistically executed yes I am talking about Hollywood movies and books by foreign authors. But my hubby do watch those movies and I wonder what’s the entertainment factor in it. So I always prefer to skip such books .
You’ve brilliantly explored the fascinating fusion of science fiction and horror in zombie fiction. Your engaging description of each book and their unique blend of terror and scientific intrigue is captivating. Your enthusiasm for this genre shines through, igniting curiosity for these thrilling reads.
The science fiction zombie genre is something new for me. I don’t read horror books but my daughter is going to love your recommendations. Thank you for sharing them.
I am not a horror movie fan, I feel they don’t let go of my head for sometime. By mistake some horror scene then my weeks night go for a toss. I sound like a chicken however I prefer not getting my brain exerted. Lol
I love horror films and books and enjoy the thrill it gives while reading. A sci-fic addition to it is even more enjoyable for me. Bookmarking this post as Its been a while I got my hands on some good horror reads and films..
Zombie is horrorible always. I wanted to watch but with kiddo I am unable. I don’t watch it on a Tab. because horror should be watched on big screen only. Your post is intresting read. specially your suggestion of fusion of science and horror intrigued me . Bookmarking this post.
I’m not much of a Zombie fan Neelam n I don’t watch them on TV too but my hubby is a hard-core watcher… if there’s a term like that… I remember how he had binge watched The walking dead. if he read books, I wouldv surely recommended these to him. That aside, love your writing style and choice of words as always💜
I love reading horror, specifically ghost-themed books, and also watching them, especially Hollywood movies. When it comes to zombie-themed books or movies, I love to watch or read them. Thanks for the recommendation. I would surely read these books.
I’m not usually into zombie sci-fi, but this list has me intrigued! I’ve never actually read any zombie fiction before, but your enthusiasm for Loop has me curious. The way you describe the narrative as a labyrinthine roller coaster and the thrill it gave you sounds captivating. Maybe it’s time for me to venture into this genre, and your recommendations are a great starting point. Thanks for sharing these picks; I’m definitely considering giving them a shot!
I’m not a sci-fi book reader. Which one would you recommend if I need to choose one among the 5 you’ve recommended?
what a scary post! loved every bit of it! I used to be a hardcore fan of horror and all during my college days but after I got pregnant, I had to stop watching. and I haven’t been able to re start yet. your list is kind of a signal to me!
Zombies thrill me, those flesh-eating, virulent half-dead creatures on a mission to convert everyone to their species!
Your suggested reads sound awesome for apocalypse fanatics like us!
I am yet to explore this genre to comment any further, But it was always at the back of my heart to read one.
loved the post fully. The way you have written the conclusion that imagination is backed by science makes the genre interesting. What a fab way of writing reviews. 🤩✨🤩🤩🤩
I love horror books although I am not a big fan of the zombie genre. That said, I am definitely adding these books to TBR. Sci-fi is a favorite. Thanks for sharing the recommendations.
I tried a couple of zombie flicks but never got hooked. but your recommendation seems interesting. I am trying the Stephen King one first
Looks like a perfect read! laways lookinf forward to your reviews Neelam
I am sorry, I cannot even read this review. This is just not my genre. I live alone and my life has seen so much horror that I just cannot watch even a slightly scary movie.
I never imagined myself watching zombie movies and even letting my daughters watch them at a tender age but being married to a man who loves watching them especially “World War Z”, me and my daughters almost memorise the script already and could follow the movie even when asleep. haha… to say the least, we love them as well now. haha
This genre doesn’t appeal to me personally but it was interesting to read the blurbs!