Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Dread Nation (Dread Nation, #1)

by Justina Ireland

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.

Reviewed by layawaydragon on

5 of 5 stars

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Social commentary zombies DONE RIGHT.

I borrowed this from the library so I don't have pages and pages of notes to share unfortunately. I will however be getting a copy for my shelf!

So amazing I don't know how to review it right, TBH.

I loved it from the forward to the title chapters & letter snippets to the after notes. I couldn't put this book down. I don't understand how anyone could say it's boring. Or that the villains were flat. Or that the social commentary was ham handed. Or the world building was just infodumping. When Jane talked about her world, I learned about her. I honestly didn't notice any infodumping while reading. It all flowed so well and I was so hooked.

I was honestly surprised to see any negative reviews besides the whiny white ppl. I appreciate the inter-community conversations about colorism and being multi/biracial. All the other low stars? Eh.....

That thing I'll say is if ya'll have a problem saying ain't or if you think being queer in an all girls school should "come up" before the end: go fuck yourself.


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  • 22 December, 2017: Reviewed