The Living Dead

The Living Dead cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Technical
  • ID: 4971
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781405528825
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2013-06-13
  • Reviews: 3

The Living Dead is a comprehensive anthology of zombie short fiction that brings together some of the most celebrated authors in horror and speculative fiction. Featuring works from Stephen King, George R. R. Martin, Neil Gaiman, and many others, this collection spans the best zombie literature of the last three decades. The stories cover a wide range of themes, from heartbreak and drama to man's eternal struggle against himself, offering a nuanced look at the undead phenomenon beyond mere violence and horror. /n/n Praised as one of the best zombie fiction collections ever, The Living Dead includes contributions from notable authors such as Harlan Ellison, Robert Silverberg, and Poppy Z. Brite. The anthology has been lauded for its diverse storytelling, appealing to both zombie enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the genre, providing a rich tapestry of narratives that explore the broader implications of the zombie mythos.

Reviews
Joe's Book Blog · 2010-01-08
fantastic 4.50

With a wide variety of stories, this collection is a fantastic introduction to zombie literature. The stories are original and outstanding, showcasing the talent of modern horror writers.

The reviewer is impressed by the sheer variety and quality of the stories in this collection. They find it to be a fantastic introductory volume for anyone interested in zombie literature. The stories are praised for their originality and the outstanding contributions from talented horror writers. The reviewer enjoys the diversity of the narratives, making it a satisfying read for fans of the genre. The collection is seen as a necrotic meal to savor, offering a rich and varied experience.


Quick quotes

    With thirty-four stories to choose from, this is a necrotic meal to savor.

    The Living Dead is a fantastic introductory volume of zombie stories.

    The Living Dead is a fantastic introductory volume of zombie stories.

SFFWorld · 2008-10-27
intriguing 3.50

The collection is rich with black political humor, using zombies to clever effect. The stories are engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique take on the zombie genre.

This review highlights the political satire woven into the stories, where zombies are used as a tool for commentary. The reviewer appreciates the humor and the clever integration of zombies into various narratives. They find the stories to be engaging and thought-provoking, providing a fresh perspective on the undead. The collection is praised for its originality and the way it challenges conventional zombie tropes.


Quick quotes

    The story is pretty rich with (of course) black political humor as the two party nominees use the zombies to his advantage.

    The story is...

    The story is...

A Bookish Type · 2008-10-12
mixed 3.00

The stories with survival elements are particularly enjoyable, while those with non-violent zombies fall flat. The collection offers a mix of engaging and less interesting narratives.

The reviewer has a clear preference for stories that involve survival elements, finding them more compelling and enjoyable. They are less impressed with the stories featuring non-violent zombies, which they find less engaging. The collection is seen as a mixed bag, with some standout stories and others that do not resonate as strongly. Overall, the reviewer appreciates the variety but wishes for more consistency in quality.


Quick quotes

    I really liked the stories that involved some kind of survival element.

    The stories with non-violent zombies didn't interest me at all, and I...

    I really liked the stories that involved some kind of survival element.