Lions & Lambs: Book Review: Fatal by T.A. Brock

Title: Fatal

Genre: YA Zombie Romance

Release Date: February 14, 2013

Spoilers: Homie Don't Play That

Note: If you’re looking for a gore-filled Zombie novel Fatal ain’t it, Buttercup. I do not place an age limit on readers, but there is very very very mild violence in this story. So if you’re easily offended by such things, Fatal is not your bowl of bran flakes.

Synopsis:

Grayson became a zombie at 17. He hates what he has become, and his only wish is to find his Save to become human again. The problem? The Save must die for him to live. A life for a life. Will he take the life of his Save in order to save himself from staying an abomination? Or will killing her truly make Grayson the kind of monster he fears he’s becoming?

Shy introvert, Cori, is dealing with the death of her father and the emotional death of her mother. Her mom has moved them from the Midwest to the Northwest for a new start. What Cori finds is a mom who works all the time in order to deal with the sadness of losing her husband and a school that isn't very welcoming, especially a moody guy who stares at her like he hates that she's breathing his air.

I know what you're thinking: Maria, a zombie romance? Really? What about the apocaly--whoa whoa whoa . . . Slow down there, Cupcake. No need to grab your shovels and katanas and whatnot. I mean, unless you read with those things. Which would be awesome.

Attention Please: This book is not about the Zombie Apocalypse. We now return to our regularly scheduled book review. Thank you.

Everything you thought you knew about zombies is wrong. Well, almost. Mostly. Maybe if we just talk about what you think you know we can get through this. No? Okay. Moving on.

Grayson was frustrated at his situation, and at times I found him to be frustrating. One of the notes I made was "Are there bipolar meds for zombies to chill this guy out?" I just wanted to tell him to suck it up, drink some water and walk it off. (You will understand this reference when you read Fatal) As frustrating as his emo tendencies appeared, I understood his torment. Grayson was torn about what he should do, say, and feel. His secret needed to remain a secret, and not telling Cori was killing him. Not literally. Maybe a little literally. Confusion is a helluva thing. Especially for a zombie. Or so I assume.

As for Cori, I can see where a lot of people who are not timid would think, "What the h is wrong with her? Why would she act like a kicked puppy?" But that's what happens sometimes with timid introverts. Trust me, I am one. I know these things. We choose our battles carefully. It doesn't mean Cori is weak. It just means she knows when to stay out of the game and when to fold a crappy hand. Wait. Did I really just use a Poker metaphor for a zombie romance?

Fatal grabbed my attention pretty early. It's a rare occasion to find a zombie story told from the POV of a zombie. Maybe it has to do with the whole zombies-only-moan-and-eat-you stigma, but I was pretty excited to see a zombie’s side of the story. I also saw pretty early where the story was going, so I was a bit skeptical of what was going to happen to keep it entertaining. Guess what? The author delivered. Some of the characters who were a bit suspicious turned out to be quite upstanding citizens. Well, except for Rex. He doesn't play a huge role, but I really dislike that kid. On the other hand, the characters I should have kept my eye on came from out of the woods and BAM! I’m hiding behind a tree trying not to get bitten.

I like the author’s writing style. The sentences are short and to the point, not overly descriptive. The story moves. There's no lagging with "the walls were painted the vividly dark color of wild boars digging for truffles deep in the woods of west Texas on a sunny afternoon in June" descriptions. She gives detail when it matters. For example, when she gives an in-depth description of the mausoleum, those details are very symbolic of the mood of the characters and overall storyline.

There weren't a ton of cons for me. I feel like it ended abruptly. In the author's defense it may or may not be because I didn't want it to end. I am hoping in the next book the author will give us more of a background on the zombie contagion (or if it is even considered a contagion). I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Aiken, as well. Oh you don’t know about Aiken? Well you should pick up this book and find out. It’s worth it. Trust me. I’m a pro. At least that’s what the voices tell me.