FLU

Author(s): Wayne Simmons

Type of Book: Novel

Publisher: Snowbooks

Publication Date: 2010

Name of Reviewer: JD Gillam

Review: As with any good zombie fiction, the true cause of the zombie virus in Wayne Simmons' book, FLU , is never made entirely clear. It is clear that the outbreak is due to exactly that, a virus – a deadly strain of flu that has mutated. But then, the title pretty much gives that away on the front cover. Instead, what we have is a well structured and character driven novel that follows a small band of individuals coming at the outbreak from different sides. There is the army; the last vestiges of authority left to try and stop the carnivorous undead. There are anti-heroes (of all different shades of grey) and do-gooders mingling and trying to help each other stay alive, whilst at the same time all looking out for number one.

Amongst the characters, there are a few back stories that surface, connecting some of them in very clever little ways. Simmons shows us the dark sides of each and every character, proving once again that the dead may not be our worst enemy in the result of a real-life attack. The prologue alone sets a breathless tone as we, the reader, are thrown directly into the middle of a virulent flu-like outbreak in full swing. Like most ghoul infested stories, no-one really knows what is actually going on until it is too late, but you feel that the opening pages are a punch in the gut. Even though you know what's coming, you can't stop reading. The victims are quarantined for the safety of them and others The characters themselves are an interested blend from different backgrounds, and they make for strong anchors to reality. So much so that when the inevitable happens, you really do care that they no longer appear. Also, you can understand the reasoning and mentality behind some of the decisions they make, stupid or otherwise.

Set in the Belfast area, where the author hails from, you get a real sense that the locations involved actually exist, that if you paid a visit to Northern Ireland, you'd be able to spot that petrol station (which is home to a wonderful set piece) or block of flats. It's an incredible skill that such mundane and everyday environments can be given a fresh impetus to create settings that are realistic and plausible for the real action to unfold in. Of course, being set in Belfast, there are direct connections to the troubles that the area has suffered through for the last few decades, and these types of background plots interweave wonderfully to create a strong tapestry that will reel you in from page one, right through until the epilogue, which although nothing particularly new, is a lip moistener until we find out what happens next. There is a rich vein for the author to continue in, with the surviving characters having to steel themselves for some harsher situations than they've already found themselves in. The good news is that there is a sequel already planned.

Overall, I enjoyed the novel a lot. It has some fantastic set pieces, some great twists and double crossings going on, including some whose ramifications may not be felt fully until the next part.

 

Zombie Fear Factor: 3 Brains out of 5

As stated in the review, the real fear is how human beings react to the situation rather than just the expected actions of the zombies. However, the dead are always there, be it the other side of a front door or out on the street, far below a block of flats. The sense of doom, that humanity may be over, is always there. Zombies are the easiest way of showing a force of slow, creeping horror, that can be easily outrun, but at the same time can easily overcome you. Maybe the sequel will up the ante, but feel the fear that the characters have to go through to even achieve the most basic of tasks to stay alive.

Zombie Behaviour: 4 Brains out of 5

Pretty much as expected. These are the slow moving dead that Romero originally invented. They shuffle. They shamble. They WILL catch you if you pause to take a breath. The viral cause of the outbreak is sold well, with victims reanimating after they have passed away. As per usual, if you get bit, you will join their ranks. Headshots take them down. Their moans announce their arrival before you see them. They can climb stairs, but they struggle to achieve any other basic motor skills. They haven't seemed to have learnt anything or kept their residual human traits, just an unending hunger for human flesh. But that's how we like them isn't it?

Zombie Threat: 4 Brains out of 5

Apocalypse time people. The epidemic has pretty much wiped the human population off the planet. The infected have risen from the dead and woe betide any living person who comes into contact with them. They follow the usual rules of moving towards noises, a few stragglers turning into a mass crowd in minutes. But, if they can't find anything, they disperse, only you don't know where to so the characters have to keep their wits about them. As a character driven novel, you get to care for the individuals and find yourself rooting for them when a set piece comes along, be it in a warehouse or a petrol station.

Gore Content: 3 Brains out of 5

Simmons is not whimsical about providing the blood and guts – when they are needed. It's not always the undead that provide the viscera either. In-fighting between human characters provides the reader with plenty of bloodshed as well as the usual biting and gnawing of flesh and bone. But it is not laid on thick. A good horror novel provides it's terror in waves, cranking up tension rather than laying on literal waves of the red stuff. Gore hounds may be slightly disappointed, but this novel is more about mankind's fight for survival.

Overall Quality: 3.5 Brains out of 5

FLU is not Simmon's first book. That honour belongs to Drop Dead Gorgeous, which is being re-released in Feb 2011 and is, although still zombie related, unconnected to this tale. I would strongly recommend this to anyone who likes a thinking mans, character driven zombie tale. I'm looking forward to the sequel to see what happens to the survivors. A few friends have already bought this on my recommendation and not been disappointed. Grab yourself a copy as soon as possible, this guy is going places.

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