Content levels
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
The world has come to an end. It doesn't go out with a bang, or even a whimper. It goes out in an orgy of blood and the dead rising from their graves to feast on living flesh. As democracy crumples and the world melts into anarchy, five families in the U.S. rise to protect the survivors. The undead hate a humid environment, so they are migrating westward to escape its deteriorating effects. The survivors are constructing a wall in North Platte to keep the zombie threat to the west, while tyranny rules among the humans to the east. Capable but naïve Krista is 15 when the first attacks occur, and she loses her family and barely escapes with her life. She makes her way to the wall and begins a new life. But, as the undead threat grows and dictators brainwash those she cares about, Krista must fight not only to survive but also to defend everything she holds dear: her country, her freedom, and ultimately those she loves.
Is Life After the Undead appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
Parents should know this is a zombie apocalypse novel with strong violence including blood, death, and the undead feeding on living flesh. The protagonist loses her family in the opening attacks and witnesses mass death. Dystopian themes of tyranny and brainwashing are present.
What to know going in
This book has strong violence, no sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include graphic violence, gore, death, death of parent, and mass death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to Krista's journey from naïve survivor to capable defender fighting both zombies and human tyranny in a post-apocalyptic America.