Daniel Fife

A zombie novel YA readers can sink their teeth into!!!

Author, Ann Logsdon, has truly created a good read in the short novel, Viral Dawn. Although nothing new has been introduced into the zombie mythos, Ms. Logsdon has succeeded in merging just about every traditional zombie aspect that I have encountered, either through literature or film. However, this fact does not take away from the reading experience but instead enhances it. The main character, Casey, is a strong female lead, supported by a well-developed cast of characters. Casey finds herself thrust into a world of flesh-eating zombies that tend to only come out at night. However, there are a few subtle hints in the story that there is simply more to them than that. Perhaps they are evolving? If you wish to know more, I suggest you read the book.

The work is well written and flows at a nice pace, with a few slow parts that seem to coincide with what Casey is experiencing and feeling. I would have liked a little more action in the story, but it is enough to get you through, connected with bouts of drama and intelligent dialogue. For a zombie novel, the blood and gore are kept to a tasteful level, just right.

The end of the story leaves the reader with a heavy cliff hanger, keeping you wanting more. I would most definitely be interested in experiencing more of the world in which Viral Dawn takes place and would recommend this book to the average young adult reader and older audiences.