Honestly, I've never heard of The Zombicide games. I'm more a reader than a player, but when I saw a book about Zombies, I couldn't resist.
And what a book this is. No word of a lie, I can easily see this as a movie. The level of the description sets the scenes. The imagery, especially when say, stabbing a zombie in the head with an ice pick, it's enough to make you scrunch up your face and internally say "Ewww" This is an awesome, badass book.

A criminal, FBI Agent, A guy who kills zombies with his bare hands, and a sweet, loyal dog are just a few of the extraordinary characters you get to survive the zombie apocalypse with.
As this band of unlikely allies makes their way through the mountains in search of "The Villa" not only must they fight the onslaught of zombies, but deal with the mistrust within their crew. Can a band of misfits work together or are the dangers lurking closer to home?

I can't tell you who my favourite character is because I adore them all. They all have their unique traits & quirks that add to the dynamics of the group, but I will say that I do like how the relationship between Westlake (the criminal) & Ramirez (FBI Agent) changes.
Rivalries put aside, humanity shines through. Yes, this is a little sappy for a zombie novel, but I am forever the dreamer that clings to the tiniest beacon of hope.
And let's not forget the zombies. They are impressive. From the different kinds i.e Walkers, Runners, Brutes, etc .. to their evolution. They have adapted to survive the ever-changing environment thus making it harder to kill them. This is awesome.

There is nothing left to say other than, if you love Zombies you've got to read this! I will be checking out this Zombicide world. Just like a zombie needs brainssss, I need more! lol

Thank you thebooknetwork.co.uk & Aconyte for gifting me the ebook.

Huge fun! Like the others in this series/setting, approach with a good idea of what you're getting in for. This isn't serious at all, but it's an enjoyable and clever zombie adventure. Better than 'Dead Island', for my money!

As always I want to thank Netgalley and Aconyte books for giving me an e-ARC of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review. I also want to thank Josh Reynolds for writing this.

I feel I should preface this review by saying I had very high expectations and was excited for this title as soon as I saw it. From first seeing the original Dawn of the Dead and playing Resident Evil 1 on PS1 I have had a slight obsession with Zombies. Some may question my parents for letting me do this but honestly I’ve turned out fine, maybe a little nerdy but no worse for wear! In my younger years it was just the horror, threat and good old action. As I got older, I realized that it wasn’t just that but the psychology that interested me. This obsession as grown with me from movies, comics, books and games. I have spent countless hours playing alone or with friends. In fact, Zombicide is one of my favourites to play – now if we survive or not is another matter but it’s good fun all around – especially when you add in a bit of role-paying! See, just a BIT nerdy.

So as I said I had to reign myself in to ensure I gave a fair review. Only a chapter in and I knew I didn’t need to bother. Let’s start with an overview of the novel. Zombies now roam the world, threaten to wipe out all of mankind. Several survivors have been driven up into the Airondacks trying to make a stand. Enter our main protagonist, Westlake, an hardened career criminal (a very nice touch!) on the path for ‘the Villa’. A legendary Mafia hideout where he can escape devastation and maybe find some closure. Unfortunately, things never go the way they are planned, especially with zombies involved and he’s soon ambushed by the undead. Just when things seem dire an old FBI ‘friend’ and their team (including a dog!) rescue him.

Stuck between a rock and enclosing hordes of dead, Westlake is forced to reveal his secret. The myth of the Villa suddenly becomes a real possibility of salvation for the settlers and settlements set up around Saranc Lake. Reluctantly, Westlake is saddled with an oddball team who have to learn to work together, or maybe not, and navigate a plethora of dangers including navigating mine fields, trip wires, and to top it all off flesh-eating zombies at every turn. Hope seems to be on their side – only when they find the mythical Villa it seems someone is already there.

Now without going into too many spoilers I want to say the characters were fantastic, that is not to say all were likable, but the mix match of contrasting personalities and skills gave the novel a real feel of realism and also added in a nice touch of conflict. As I said above this is what I’ve come to love of the zombie genre. Even when danger is mounting some people just won’t get along, some even going out of their way to cause trouble and it adds so much to a story when these are portrayed well and Josh Reynolds does just that!

By keeping the characters true to their own personality and traits Reynolds brings these characters to life, you can see bits of yourself, friends, family or co-workers in some of the traits and I found myself becoming more invested than normal in the characters. The mixture of backgrounds and personalities create a fantastic group dynamic that is sometimes strained and sometimes amazing. I don’t want to spoil anything but there is one badass Grandma character in here that I one) loved and two) would like to think my own nan would have been just like that.

That isn’t to say this is all character driven. Reynolds has some fast-paced and nerve-wrecking action in here as well. Not to mention some brilliant, albeit sometimes gory detail that you are sure to find something for everyone. By no means does Reynolds describe everything but he gives enough detail that you can easily and vividly imagine just what the characters are seeing, hearing and refreshingly smelling! I have found in some zombie related media the idea of smell is never mentioned, while it’s not every two minutes we do get reminded that not only is our oddball team facing natural dangers, flesh-eating zombies and each other but they are also putting up with a series of less than pleasant smells. It may seem like a little thing, but I truly appreciated these added details in creating a more succinct and real feeling.

In conclusion this book has everything you could want from a novel featuring zombies and so much more besides. Even characters you might not like you end up invested in their wellbeing. The writing is fantastic, fast-paced and engaging. The dialogue is natural and flows, matching each character perfectly. The only downside is it was not long enough! But if you are like me, it will definitely cure that zombie and Zombicide itch!

The ebook will be available from October 12th 2021 along with the paperback in the US, the UK paperback will be released in November 25th 2021 (which I have already preordered!)

Aconyte books is based in Nottingham, UK and the publishing department of Asmodee entertainment.
JOSH REYNOLDS is the author of over thirty novels and numerous short stories, including the wildly popular Warhammer: Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40,000. He grew up in South Carolina and now lives in Sheffield, UK.

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review

The world is overrun by the undead. Everyone alive is trying to survive as the zombies are adapting. When news of a villa arrives with a criminal, the survivors are forced to trust in him and find this safe haven

The Last resort is enjoyable and the scenes are descriptive to help you experience the apocalyptic world overran by zombies

It was interesting to see how surviving made each Character develop and become different people

A classic zombie tale. Nothing that really stood out to me, but it was entertaining.

I could see it being the start of a series, I feel like it would have benefitted from a little more in depth insight to at least some of the characters. 3/5

This was fun. I can see it as a backstory to continue a series for sure. Loved the mob tie ins and the crazy classes of zombies. Very creative.

This was a fun fast paced adventure that adds to an already thrilling game! 

Josh Reynolds has created a fun and adventurous tale. I really enjoyed this story and I think that most thriller and horror readers will enjoy it too! The characters are fun and fleshed out keeping you invested in every move that they make. 

Things I loved: 
-Westlake’s character arc from criminal mastermind to misunderstood antihero was a great ride start to finish. 
-The description of the zombies was graphic and gory. Exactly what I live in my zombie stories. 
- Sayers is a fun character that I want to know more about now. Her motives are so unique and fun. 


All in all this story is a quick and even scary story. Give it a read!