REVIEW: Faith And The Undead by Benjamin Rogers
Benjamin Rogers’ first foray into the zombie genre, Faith &The Undead, is a welcome and entertaining entry. Throughout the first book in a rumored series of three, Mr. Rogers applies his own twist to our favorite flesh-eating monster. This is NOT standard fare, and that is exactly why the story, Faith &The Undead, works.
First, much like a market analyst, I feel it is important to offer full disclosure. This book, Faith &The Undead, is a title from the good folks at Library of the Living Dead Press. I am a member of that forum. It is for that reason that I have avoided, until now, reviewing any title from LotLDP. Partially because of a perceived bias on my part, and also, truthfully, because of the often vehement backlash that comes if praise (undeserved or otherwise) is not heaped upon any and all writers under the banner. Benjamin Rogers deserves praise for his book.
Let me get the bad part out of the way. Yes, the book needs some editing. Go in knowing that, and get over it. Read the story. I do hope that Benjamin Rogers will do a cleanup, or enlist somebody to help, because it will shut up those who are looking for a reason to pick apart his work (and I can attest that they are out there).
Faith &The Undead is the first book in our genre that I’ve felt could be shared with certain friends of mine who are more strict with their practice of Christianity than I am. A few alterations of choice exploitive, and Rogers could tort the audiences of Jerry Jenkins, Tim LaHaye, and Randy Alcorn. However, fear not, this is fine zombie fiction with a twist.
Rogers exhibits a very conversational story-telling style. At times, it felt as if he was sitting across from me, sharing his tale over a campfire. Every once in a while, he over explained or told rather than showed, but I believe the foundations are there and he will only grow stronger in voice and style.
Faith &The Undead pits the two greatest icons of good and evil: God versus Satan. As is the case in the best stories in this vein, man is caught in the middle and used as a pawn. Toss in a bit of Americana, and a Templar-esque society waiting for the apocalypse, and all the pieces are in play.
I did feel that this book was a bit short, closer to novella length, and hope that future installments will be a bit meatier. Still, the foundation has been laid, and I will invest in the next installment. The story is a worthy read and I recommend it. I don’t believe in stars or number ratings, I simply say, pick up faith…and enjoy.
Available at Amazon.
