The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor by Jay Bonansinga and Robert Kirkman

8/10

Based on The Walking Dead graphic novels/comic books and the series starring Andrew Lincoln (Teachers, This Life and Love, Actually) and written/produced by Frank Darabont whose previous credits include The Shawshank Redemption and The Green Mile, this is a new trilogy of books written by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga, author of Perfect Victim and Shattered. Set in the world created by Robert Kirkman this standalone trilogy is fast-paced, action-packed storytelling about the lengths some men will go to survive. With new characters, new storylines and with the same in-depth character-based plotting that has made the television series such an immediate hit, this trilogy of novels is sure to be a hit with those who love zombies and those who have loved the TV series and comic books.

This novel comes after the graphic novels of the same title and is based in the same background as these novels.

The novel delves in to the background of the Governor who is an established character in the previous stories. Fans of the original series and zombie/gore filled drama will enjoy this book. It is engaging and is a page turner.

Philip Blake is the focus of the story as he fights through mean streets teeming with the walking dead. Blake has to expend all of his energy protecting his family as his journey heads for Atlanta to find some sanctuary. Although the walking dead have other ideas…

The story of Phillip’s many tribulations and the choices he faces is engaging and kept me wanting to reach the climax of the novel. There is also plenty of zombie slasher/hacker action for those who are fans of the genre.

The book does have some minor flaws but the pace and the development of the back story to a popular character more than makes up for these.

The ending is also well worth the wait and the build up. If you are fan of the Walking Dead series then this book is easy to read and can be consumed in a short sitting.