Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Civil War era America derailing the War Between the States and changing the nation forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children to attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society s expectations.
An interesting alternative history, if zombies had suddenly shown up during the Civil War. Where blacks are sent to schools run by the government to become those who kill the "shamblers", since they are not only seen as inferior (and so less worrisome if they die), but also somehow are believed to have some sort of resistance to being turned. Note as explained by the author - these schools are based on the very real schools where the Native Americans children were taken from their families and sent to schools, in order to attempt to completely erase all of their history, language, customs, etc.
It was a readable book, though I did feel that it could have been cut a bit shorter. Without any spoilers, it felt like another book might be a possibility? The characters felt a bit hollow to me at times, but obviously I didn't have enough issues with the book to stop reading it (and I absolutely would, if it came down to it). Overall, it was a quick, enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys zombie tales.
