Best Zombie Books
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Best Books About Zombies Ever - Constantly Updated With New Zombiezzz
If you're looking for some of the best zombie books, you've come to the right place! I'm a big fan of zombie books, zombie movies, zombie games and everything related to zombies (I even have zombie fridge magnets!). I think I've read all books on zombies that were published the last few years and some even from many years ago.
If you don't like zombies, I hope with these books I can transfer my passion for these lifeless and otherworldly creatures and the heroes that raise them, slain them and save the world from them.
Zombies have appeared in quite a lot of different fictional genres: from your typical horror novel, to post-apocalyptic novels, to paranormal romance and mysteries, zombies are everywhere. Let's face it, they have ingrained themelves in our lives, so all we can do now is learn about them and have fun with them.
Enjoy these books (the best and the newest) and if you know some novels that I haven't mentioned here, please add it to the list below, or let me know about it it in the Comments section at the bottom.
Also keep coming back as I'll constantly add and review newly published books.
Contents at a Glance
My Favorite Zombie Book Of All Time
World War Z - My Favorite Zombie Novel
by Max Brooks

I've already reviewed this book here in relation to post-apocalyptic novel themes, but I have to mention this book again because it's simply my very favorite zombie novel of all times (and I've read quite a few so far).
This book has become a true classic both in the post-apocalyptic and the zombie novels genre. The story is quite interesting in that it's written in a rather journalistic style (that is truly engaging) in that if follows and talks to people who have survived the zombie war. The world has been overtaken by zombies, and but merely a handful of people have survived.
If you're scared of zombies per se, don't worry as this book doesn't really features them. They are instead mentioned by the interviewee so that the horrors of what zombies inflicted to humanity are given to you second hand.
It is such a wonderful book that I can only warmly recommend it, it's seriously good!\

The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead
by Max Brooks
Written by the same author who also wrote World War Z, The Zombie Survival Guide is another awesome books on .. you guessed: zombies. Specifically about the zombie apocalypse. If the zombies took over the world, how prepared are you to survive?
Written in a rather humorous tone, this book makes many people think: oh boy, I'm not so prepared for a zombie attack as I thought I were!. It is funny, entertaining and left me really chuckling a few times. Some readers discarded the book because it scares people into believing zombies really exist. What I say instead is just forget about the reality for a few hours, immerse yourself in the book and enjoy it for what it is: a highly entertaining, funny look at an alternate world where zombies could indeed, take over the world. What would YOU do to protect yourself?

"Often, a school is your best bet-perhaps not for education but certainly for protection from an undead attack."
~Max Brooks, The Zombie Survival Guide
More Zombie Books By Max Brooks
The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye

If you're a zombie fan, you must have seen The Walking Dead TV show (it's already on Season 2). As with any good Tv series, the graphic novels have already been written and they can be bought online. Being a zombie fanatic, of course I had to buy them (all 15 of them and the Survivors' Guide), and let me tell you, if you get them, you won't be disappointed.
Not only the books are fabulous, but the art is also excellent. Any comic book collector is proud to own this entire series. If you get it, I suggest you get the whole series in one go, else you'll be left salivating for the rest of the books while waiting impatiently for them to arrive...at some point (like me - big mistake!)

Check Out More Of The Walking Dead Comic Book Series
Monster Island: A Zombie Novel
by David Wellington

Manhattan is taken over by zombies after an epidemic has all but killed the human population. The story takes place 6 weeks after the epidemic.
The book is highly original (which is refreshing, considering the many books on zombies that have popped up recently) and I think you'll really enjoy it. While I don't want to give the plot away, let's just say that not all zombies are alike. Some can think and even speak.
This is the very first book in his zombie series, followed by Monster Nation and Monster Planet, each of them worthwhile reading, especially if you're fan of the new emerging Zompocalyptic genre.

More Zombie Books by David Wellington
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
by Seth Grahame-Smith, Jane Austen
If you think that zombie novels should be all grim, full of horror and bad tension, you're way behind the times. Fact is, zombies can be fun - and ARE fun in this truly hilarious book. It is just so out there that there's no way that you wont' feel something very strong about it: either love it or hate it with a vengeance.
Basically the plot is pretty much the same as in the original Jane Austen book. With a couple of exceptions, of course. Afterall, it's a zombie novel. Many things that were kind of puzzling in the original novel make much more sense now. The way people acted, the hidden agendas, all will be revealed in this truly enjoyable novel that doesn't take itself too seriously. And you shouldn't do it either.

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains."
~Seth Grahame-Smith, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Pet Sematary
by Stephen King

A true classic by now, this book by Stephen King really does his writing justice. I loved it (but then I love all Stephen King's books). It is about a family moving to a small town, about dead children and a pet cemetery, and a scary atmosphere that will really give you sleepless nights unless you're already used to Stephen King's writing - and maybe even then. I can safely say that this is one of his scariest books to date. It's truly a horror book of the classic type.
If you own a cat, you might want to skip reading this book. You'll definitely never look at cats the same way again.
Oh and if you're a goth, as someone over at Goodreads so well said 'you'll become 5% gother'. Nuff said.

More Scary Books By Stephen King
Feed (Newsflesh, Book 1)
by MIra Grant

Written in 2010, this book is about the year 2040. It is not a horror book as the book cover might make you think. It's about how zombies - and bloggers have infiltrated politics (scary thought, especially the second one).
Because I don't really like politics, I couldn't place this book as high up on my top list as I wanted. But I know that many people loved it. However, to its credit, it's quite tense, a keep-you-at-the-edge-of-your-seat type of book. If you thought politics is boring, think again - after you read this book.
Also the book is rather sad. It's a very sad look at humanity, one that we could actually live without. But all in all, it's a good book, worthwhile reading.

Deadline (Newsflesh, Book 2)
Deadline (Newsflesh, Book 2)
Amazon Price: $4.97 (as of 05/30/2012)![]()
If you're read the first book in the series, here is Book 2 to keep you company. Don't pick up to read this book unless you've read the first, else a couple of things might not make sense, or you'll feel out of order with it all. The book follows the brother and sister Georgie and Shawn Mason a few months after the story in the first book ended.
Book 3 in the trilogy, apparently called Blackout) is not published yet.
Day by Day Armageddon
by J.L. Bourne
Here is a great zombie thriller that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The book is written in a journal style writing, written by a military guy (a US combat pilot) who is stuck in the burbs of the living dead. It's a rather quick read at around 200 or so pages, but quite engaging. The time will fly very fast when reading this book, especially if you like thrillers and zombies.
I personally like to read diaries (I'm a nosy person) so this book really spoke to me. I was right there along with the main character who wrote about his encounters with zombies every single day. Not as gory as a horror novel, still scary enough to keep you interested until you finish the last page.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth
by Carrie Ryan
This is the first book in a new zombie horror series, one that I really enjoyed reading. Mary is a teenager with her typical problems, down at the river, when the sirens go off. The zombies, also called the Unconsecrated, are kept outside of the village by a chain-link fence that keeps the last part of non-infected humanity still intact. Unfortunately Mary doesn't want to live forever within the confinements of the fence in the village, so she and a few of her friends get out and...then the horrors start...
It's strange that this is one of those books that you either love or hate. It got lots of mixed reviews at Amazon and I had fun reading them all - because those who loved the book, were right. But also those who hated the book, were tight as well. Read it for yourself and see what I mean.

Read The Entire The Forest of Hands and Teeth Series
"Blood is really warm,
it's like drinking hot chocolate
but with more screaming."
~Ryan Mecum, Zombie Haiku: Good Poetry for Your...Brains
Patient Zero (Joe Ledger #1)
by Jonathan Maberry

So far we've talked about post-apocalyptic books, about horror novels, even romantic novels. How about a police action thriller for a change?
When I read this book, I had a visual image in my mind of Jack Bauer playing this (Kiefer Sutherland from 24). The main role of this book fits the character of Joe Ledger perfectly, in my opinion. It's full of action and suspense, so the plot never gets boring.
There is everything in it: a global terrorist thread, zombies, bio weapons, a secret agency from the government, and of course the irresistible action hero who will kick some serious zombie butt. Recommended if you like this cookbook of plot and suspense.

More Great Zombie Books by Jonathan Maberry
I Zombie I
by Jack Wallen

I Zombie I is another great zombie apocalypse novel Relatively recently published (in 2011), it has quickly picked up in popularity as more and more people got to read it.
Jacob Plummer is a reporter who (I do have to give that much away) turns into a zombie. And he is the one to tell the story. It's an awesome one, let me tell you. The book genre is a thriller that never gets really boring. And this is why I urge you to buy the next two books in the series as well, as if you start reading this, you'll want to continue without even one day of delay in between.
I actually had a few giggles throughout as well, something that broke at times the suspense and let me breath out as well. Great read(s).

Read The Entire I Zombie Trilogy by Jack Wallen
Book 3 was published December 2011.
Breathers: A Zombie's Lament
by S. G. Browne

This book is a zombie story with a twist. It is fun, (hilarious at times) and if you like the dark comedy genre (and zombies of course), you'll be in great company! The story is about a newly created zombie who feels alienated in a world that don't consider zombies human (how dare they!).
But it's not all comedy. You have romance, action, more action, gore, pretty much everything you want tin a good zombie read to keep you occupied for hours. And if you don't like zombies, maybe this book will change your mind about them.

Dead Sea
by Brian Keene

Dead Sea is the latest zombie novel written by Brian Keene - and dare I say the best so far. The action starts right from the beginning and keeps on throughout the book. The plot is rather typical: something (or somebody) turns people into zombies who turn others into their fellows as well. But not only humans turn into zombies - also animals. And this is where the plot thickens...
Read it, it's good. And if you've read the previous two zombie novels by Brian Keene, let me know in the comments section which one was your favorite (mine was this book).

More Zombie Novels By Brian Keene
Hollowland
by Amanda Hocking

This book is both a zombie novel and a dystopia novel. I have to warn you, this book is mostly for YA (young adults) who love romances, paranormal fun and stories with zombies. However that doesn't mean that you shouldn't read it. It's really a fun read, and while i haven't read the rest of the series yet, I will pick them up soon.
The first in The Hollows series, this book is about Remy, a young heroine who really kicks some butt. She is strong headed and determined to find her small brother, Max King.
If you've loved The Hunger Games (while that one is not about zombies), I have a feeling you will like this one as well.

"This is the way the world ends; not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door."
~Amanda Hocking, Hollowland
More Awesome Zombie Novels That You Will Enjoy
New Zombie Books Published 2012
Looking For More Zombie Books?
If you're still looking for more undiscovered zombie books, here are some not so well known but well worth exploring scaries for you.
Do You Like To Read Zombie Books?
Leave Your Comments About The Best Zombie Books That You Loved
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theprez
May 11, 2012 @ 6:08 pm | delete
- zombie World Fortress, Zombie World Island,and Zombie World Escape are 3 of my top favorites. The author Mike Brown really touches on the day to day life struggles that those who haven't been turn zombie have to go though. He really went out of his way to put great detail into each book. Excellent work of ART!
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Shelly1322
May 10, 2012 @ 12:23 am | delete
- Love all of them. If you get a chance deff check out zombie world fortress, island, and escape they were truly great. The plot and the idea are nothing like any other zombie books I have read.
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Scott
May 9, 2012 @ 12:32 pm | delete
- Here's another for you: Double Barrel by Grey West. It's a serialized thriller. It's described on Amazon as The Walking meets True Grit. Cowboys and zombies...different in all the right ways.
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cinefile
May 8, 2012 @ 7:01 pm | delete
- solid lens.
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stefanruse
May 3, 2012 @ 4:43 am | delete
- I really found here some of the Best Zombie Books. Thanks
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Danielle
May 1, 2012 @ 2:07 am | delete
- Honestly, I think that Z Strain by Rutger Klamor is one of the best zombie books I've read to date. A new twist to the genre that kept me guessing. Breathers was really lacking for me and am surprised it's here. Alas, to each there own but you should really check out Z Strain. You'll not regret it!
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JoyfulReviewer
Apr 27, 2012 @ 6:00 pm | delete
- This is quite the list you have here. Enjoyed your enticing reviews. ~~Blessed~~
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Chimp_with_a_keyboard
Apr 13, 2012 @ 12:37 pm | delete
- Just reading the Zombie Haiku alone was enough to make me 5% goth-er.
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bechand
Apr 12, 2012 @ 8:23 pm | delete
- 1. Are the Walking Dead Books - the same as the Comic Books? My husband has already read all 115+ of those ... been reading for years ...
2. I am so bookmarking this page !!!!! It is a list of presents for hubby for years to come :O) THANKS SO MUCH !!!
3. Zombies for Zombies is pretty funny - great toilet reading !!! LOL - even I (the non zombie fan) thinks it is pretty funny ...
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Drymonema
Apr 5, 2012 @ 10:39 am | delete
- Great list here! May I recommend the Zombies: Encounters With The Hungry Dead anthology edited by John Skipp. He compiled a great collection of short stories, from classics to Stephen King to new bizarro stories...it's a seriously diverse collection.
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Carter Baker
Mar 3, 2012 @ 2:25 pm | delete
- Thanks for the zombie book info. I'm always on the hunt for a good zombie novel. Someone left a copy of a book I'd never heard before called the united states of armageddon special edition in the locker room of my gym so I read it and loved it. Sounds like it should be on your list. The European Union and its allies dispatch millions of genetically altered mosquitoes to the U.S. that bite the people and turn them all into flesh-eating zombies. It's a sy-fi zombie type of read. Really different and thought provoking. Gurantee it'll be a movie or tv series someday if we're still here after December 2012.
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girlfriendfactory Jan 31, 2012 @ 1:39 pm | delete
- I bought my son a great Zombie book for Halloween...some sort of awesome survival guide! He loved it! The Forest of Hands and Teeth might be worth trying...great title either way! A great reference of Zombie books for sure and it can be found among the other blessed lenses for today at Flyby Wingings! They may call me an aimless wanderer, but not all who wander are aimless and I'm glad I wandered upon this. ~Ren
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WildFacesGallery
Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:19 am | delete
- I love a good zombie book ... or vampire ... or werewolf. :)
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WriterJanis
Jan 23, 2012 @ 11:10 am | delete
- These are definitely great for someone going for a creepy night at home. Excellent work!
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