Monster Island

by David Wellington
Monster Island cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic
Technical
  • ID: 4966
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781480495517
  • Publisher: Open Road Media
  • Published: 2014-04-01
  • Reviews: 3

Monster Island plunges readers into a post-apocalyptic New York City overrun by zombies. The power grid has collapsed, and the city is a wasteland of darkness and decay. Dekalb, a father determined to secure a future for his daughter, leads a team of teenage soldiers on a dangerous mission to retrieve medical supplies from the UN building. Meanwhile, a medical student named Gary returns from the dead with his mind intact, leading a growing army of zombies with a sinister plan. As Dekalb and Gary's paths collide, the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, leading to a thrilling and gruesome showdown. /n/n The novel is praised for its intricate layers and gripping narrative, offering a unique twist on the zombie genre with a blend of action, suspense, and dark humor. The author's vivid descriptions and complex characters make this a standout in the post-apocalyptic landscape.

Reviews
The Book Beard · 2017-04-08
good 3.00

The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of the human cost of survival in a zombie apocalypse, but finds the pacing to be uneven and some characters underdeveloped.

The Book Beard's review of 'Monster Island' emphasizes the book's strength in delving into the emotional and psychological toll of surviving in a world overrun by zombies. They appreciate the way the story goes beyond mere action and gore to explore the deeper implications of such a scenario. However, they also note that the pacing can be uneven, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag. Additionally, they find some of the characters to be underdeveloped, which can make it difficult to fully invest in their stories. Despite these criticisms, the reviewer acknowledges that the book has a lot to offer for fans of zombie fiction who are looking for something with a bit more depth and substance.

Quick quotes

    Like all good zombie fiction, Monster Island isn't just about cracking skulls and drinking toilet water to stay alive; it's about the cost of survival.

    The pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag.

    Some of the characters feel underdeveloped, which can make it difficult to fully invest in their stories.

Reddit - r/zombies · 2014-01-01
good 3.50

The reviewer appreciates the book's unique take on the zombie genre, which blends classic horror with Lovecraftian elements, but notes that the execution can be uneven.

Reddit user's discussion of 'Monster Island' highlights the book's unique and imaginative take on the zombie genre. They appreciate the way the story blends classic horror with Lovecraftian elements, creating a fresh and intriguing premise. However, they also note that the execution can be uneven, with some parts feeling more compelling than others. They suggest that readers who enjoy unconventional and imaginative horror will likely find 'Monster Island' to be a worthwhile read, but may also find some parts to be less satisfying. Overall, they recommend the book for its originality and daring approach to the genre, but caution that it is not without its flaws.

Quick quotes

    It has a unique take on the zombie genre in which it is virus, but it enters both classic horror, fantasy horror, and Lovecraftian Eldritch.

    The execution can be uneven, with some parts feeling more compelling than others.

    Readers who enjoy unconventional and imaginative horror will likely find 'Monster Island' to be a worthwhile read.

Bright Meadow · 2008-01-23
mixed 3.50

The book's concept is praised for its originality and daring, but it is noted that it has some flaws and can feel uneven at times. The reviewer appreciates the unique take on the zombie genre but finds the execution somewhat lacking.

Bright Meadow's review of 'Monster Island' highlights the book's ambitious and unique concept, which blends classic horror with Lovecraftian elements. They appreciate the fresh perspective on the zombie genre, particularly the way it explores the virus's impact on both humans and the environment. However, they also note that the execution is not flawless, with some parts feeling uneven or rushed. Despite these flaws, the reviewer finds the book engaging and worth reading for its originality and daring approach to the genre. They suggest that readers who enjoy imaginative and unconventional horror will likely find 'Monster Island' to be a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Although utterly magnificent in its concept and daring originality, 'Monster Island' isn't without its faults.

    At times it does suffer from a feeling of unease, as if the author is struggling to maintain the momentum.

    The book's unique take on the zombie genre is both its greatest strength and its greatest weakness.

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