Braaaiiins…
Probably one of the worst single-syllable words you’d ever want to hear croaking out from around the corner, right? And you’re not alone. Let’s paint a picture here, shall we? Empty streets, not a soul in sight, cars parked at awkward angles next to shops with shattered windows and a fire hydrant spewing water like a geyser. And just as you’re standing there, wondering what the hell went wrong, you hear the gentle shuffle of someone (or something) that looks like it’s been dead for ages. Did that make you smile?

Then you’re just as enamored by the idea of a good zombie apocalypse as we are. These undead figments of our nightmares have been the frenzy of every great horror lover out there. Ever since Mary Shelley brought us Frankenstein’s Monster, readers have been drawn to the undead like a moth to the flame. From Stephen King’s Pet Sematary to Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead, nothing beats crawling up in a comfy chair with a hot cup of coffee (or tea) and a good zombie apocalypse book.
And here, we’re going to introduce you to some of our favorites.

World War Z

Max Brooks’ masterpiece is a classic, and no real zombie-lover could possibly claim they are a fan of the genre without having read this one. Sure, the movie adaptation has left us feeling like we got the short end of the straw, but the book more than makes up for it. Brooks acts as a documenter during the zombie apocalypse that almost wipes out all of humanity, and keeps us on the edge of our seats. The best thing about the book is that it takes a broad look at how humanity copes with its imminent doom, and what kind of relationships build up in the worst of situations.

The Girl With All The Gifts

One of the most beautiful things about this one is how M. R. Carey really throws a curveball at readers with one the best modern zombie books you’ll ever get your hands on. The story is about a very special girl, Melanie, who goes to a school with other special children. Why are they special? Well, while the whole world has been infected by a fungus turns them into zombies, Melanie and the others are affected differently. Sure, they still eat human flesh, but they are smart, can think and reason, and even fall in love.

Patient Zero

One of the highly-rated, fast-paced zombie books, Patient Zero follows detective Joe Ledger as he tries to stop a zombie virus from spreading. Joining a secret team that is tasked with stopping bio-weapon armed terrorists, the book takes you on a fast-paced journey of action and thrills. The main idea might seem quite ‘heard that before’, but if you really like action, and love the idea of following a series, then this is definitely the book for you. Jonathan Maberry writes a tale that is both intriguing and captivating, and will keep you hungry for more!

Newsflesh (the Series)

In Mira Grant’s trilogy, readers are in for one hell of a ride. The world has been able to cure cancer, but in return, a new disease has risen. One that makes people crave those who have been cured. The intrigue? Where did this virus come from? The trilogy follows two bloggers as they try to uncover the conspiracy behind the disease that is taking the world by storm. Beware, there are instances when the book gets a little too technical on the world of online blogging and journalism, but stick it out, and you’ll be awarded gore-galore and zombies tearing through the pages.

Zombie, Ohio

When you get an author like Jessica Meigs weaving her magic into the pages, you’re destined to end up with a book that keeps you wanting more. Zombie, Ohio follows Peter Mellor, a highly intelligent professor who just happens to be a zombie as well. As the narrator of the story, we follow this intriguing character as he tries to solve the mystery of his death (or un-death if you prefer). Throw in a little comedy, and you’re in for a great treat!

Braaaaaaaaaaaains!

And there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of the undead or just dipping your toes in the murky waters of spilled guts and maggots, we’ve given you a nice collection of some of the best books out there. Sure, you might have read some of them (and who says they can’t be read again?), but there are probably a few that you’re already salivating to get your hands on. If that’s the case, our job here is done. Just make sure you lock your doors and keep a machete close by.