Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Dread Nation

Justina Ireland

Civil war zombie fighters...I think that’s all we need to know right? No? Okay then, I’ll tell you more.

Jane is at Miss Preston’s School to learn to learn to be an Attendant--a girl who works for a white woman as protection from “shamblers” who have risen from the fields of war to overrun the country. Her training has her mastering fighting skills and various weapons, from swords to sickles and even guns. Jane is good at what she does. Unfortunately, she is not good at keeping her temper under control, her mouth shut, or herself out of trouble. Consequences are never a fun thing either.

I raced right through this one. It’s also my first five star for 2018. The social criticism is spot on, the injustice and ways that people will always find ways to stay in power, are sadly true, as are the distorted beliefs that misguide people.

My favorite quotes:

P. 101. “That’s the way is is when you fancy someone. Your heart starts doing the thinking, and your brain? Well, it get left out of the equation until too late.”

P. 156. “The perfect combination of gentleman and ruthless killer, just like the main character in some frontier adventure. He wears it like a costume, and I get the feeling Mr. Redfern also likes to use the low expectations of people to his advantage.

P. 158 “Momma always said a healthy serving of scorn before dinner keeps a girl slim.”