Rating: 
Summary: Not worth it
Review: I am an all out horror fan, and have read many books that had me on the edge of my seat, but this is not one of them. I agree with another reviewer that says it has a lot to do with the writing, it just doesn't hold up. And another reviewer who had the audacity to mention this book in the same sentence as The Stand must be insane. It has none of the three dimensional characters that The Stand has and the writing again is not compelling enough to make you even want to finish the book. I have given this book two stars basically because I did find the pregnant wife part of the hero's story interesting and new, but that's about it. And before I go if anyone wants to see a good zombie movie rent 28 Days Later, unlike this book the zombies are not slow moving "sloughs", makes for a more interesting and scary ride.
Rating: 
Summary: A Zombie story like non-other, that I have come across.
Review: I found this book to be pretty amazing, though, you can expect it to stay true too how movies like 28 days later and Day of the dead portray Military's reactions to an uprising of the dead, which could become overused, but Keene carries the stereo type pretty well. Don't get me wrong though, the book is much more then just a Military's perspective, this book has many incredible story lines, following various peoples lives as they try and survive in a world overun with the dead. Brian Keene takes Zombies to an interesting level, and does it very well. Which is refreshing. This book is great for those looking for something different from your typical Zombie story line.
Rating:
Summary: A Unique Viewpoint
Review: With an idea that has been recycled to the point of extinction, Keene re-animates it and gives that baby 5500 watts. Pulling out all stops, the blood always flows and the fear only intensifies. The plot is concise, cheeky and never hesitates to take it where so few have attempted. The only fault was the never-explained-fully scientific angle, leaving questions in plenty. The pace in the book is hypersonic, going from 0 to 60 in a matter of sentences. Not one to play hard to get, Keene grabs you by the throat with no remorse. The atmosphere lingers with violence, isolation, and just a spoonful of dogma. The desperation is so thick; you can reach out and touch it. The style of writing is uninhibited, tight with a polished text.
Now, while I felt the intent of greatness, it fell short on the characters. Stirring about as much empathy as a hyena, the characters appeared only skin-deep, with no depth in sight. The obstacles were artificial, the escapes were improbable, and the dialogue was repetitive to the point of pain. Now, while I enjoy the homage to the greats, I need a little variety in my life.
Rating: 
Summary: Best Zombie Novel Ever
Review: Tired of the same old same old when it comes to zombies? Tired of the same themes explored by Romero twenty years ago? Then try this book. The Rising offers a totally original and refreshing take on the zombie mythos, updating it for the 21st century. Zombies get a much needed upgrade. Just as appealing to fans of Evil Dead as it is zombie fans. And the ending is slam bang GREAT and will leave you breathless!
Rating:
Summary: The Rising
Review: Not a bad read but the ending is such a train wreck that the rest of the story becomes meaningless. Having to adjust to zombie animals and thinking zombies was bad enough, but this story is leaning toward the fact that these zombies are not zombies at all. Save your money and get something eles
Rating: 
Summary: Flawed yet readable
Review: Mr. Keene has taken Zombies to a whole new level. The question is whether he should have or not. Classic zombie lovers beware. This is not your typical dead coming back to life zombie fare. They think, speak, plan ambushes and even drive cars and use firearms. While he hints at what is bringing the dead back to life I felt like I was never in on the whole secret. Are they demons from a void or souls banished to hell finally set free to return? Our heroes make it through impossible odds while EVERYONE around them dies. I also found the references to dead babies and children a little extreme. (There were three dead babies in the first four chapters.) While I find realism in horror a nice change I got the idea that babies would also come back to life the first time around. Also the graphic description of blowing dead children's brains out was a little extreme. I don't want to bash the entire book, as it was very good on some levels. I did like the idea of zombie animals. Mr. Keene also appears to have left the ending up to the imagination of his readers as it never really explains, well anything. There needs to be a sequel and it needs better editing than this book got. If you're an open-minded zombie buff then check it out, but if you're a classic zombie lover like myself pass it up.
Rating:
Summary: Ending!
Review: The ending has put many into a tizzy. I have a cure.... there will be a sequel to "The Rising" called "City of the Dead" due out in hardback in December and then in mass market in early 2005. It will start right off where "The Rising" left off. Go to Brian Keene's web site (type in Brian Keene/search).
Anyway, this book is amazing. It is up for a Bram Stoker award and I hope he gets it. I have contacted Keene through email and he has told me that the sequel will be special. It will rate among my highest in the horror genre. Go get this book and SEE FOR YOURSELF. And for all those out there, wait for the sequel!
Rating:
Summary: A NUCLEAR DEBUT NOVEL
Review: Outstanding debut from a future giant of the genre! And don't let the thoughts of the obviously illiterate fool you--the ending packs a solid, complete punch. This is what 28 Days Later should have been and where the DotD remake got their ideas. A sequel is not needed, but I'm looking forward to one anyway.
Rating: 
Summary: Zombius Interruptus
Review: I was sucked in. I was caught up. The lead character overcomes tremendously difficult hardships to get to his son in New Jersey. I was even amused by the zombie deer setting a trap for the poor hunters. Zombies with an intelligence. Great idea! Then comes the end. The moment we have been waiting for when Jim rescues his son... or does he? WE DON"T KNOW!!! The author chose to put financial concerns over story telling and set himself up for a sequal, never ending the original story. By the way, a sequal I will NOT read. I was cheated. I am now reading "The Dead". Much better book.
Rating:
Summary: OUTSTANDING
Review: Top-notch, multi-layered horror with a daring conclusion that really makes you think, regardless of the forthcoming sequel.
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