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RATING: |
Date of Release: May 2003 |
Publisher: Delirium Books |
Review Source: |
In a world devastated by disease and violence, the dead are returning to
life as intelligent zombies, beings far more capable and cunning than the
traditional zombies of film lore. Jim Thurmond has escaped the ravages of
the new world within the confines of his underground bunker and seems
content to live his life trapped...but alive. Then Jim discovers his young
son, hundreds of miles away, is alive and in desperate need of his rescue.
Despite overwhelming odds, Jim vows to find him or die trying. During his
embattled mission, Jim finds himself crossing paths with an elderly
preacher, a guilt-ridden scientist, an ex-prostitute and junky, and a host
of other beings both good and sinister, alive and dead.
THE RISING's
characters are truly the lifeblood of the novel, and Keene's passion for
their plight and
history shows. No cardboard characters these -- Keene's characters are
fully-fleshed beings of poignant regret, familial ties and stirring
determination. The novel may have a couple shortcomings: lack of true
contextual explanation of the origin of the evil, almost Lovecraftian, force
at the core of the Rising; and a military slant that somewhat overwhelmed
and dominated the second half of the book. Yet even these two concerns were
never at the expense of its characters. Keene knows the narrative thrust of
a survival novel depends primarily on the personality and peril of its
characters, and he never sways from this wise focus. Be warned, however,
THE RISING has none of the beautified mysticism of McCammons's SWAN SONG or
King's THE STAND; this street-smart, gritty work of nightmarish brutality
wears its emotions and violence on its tattered, bloody sleeves and never
lets sentiment slow its Mack truck pacing nor distract from its ugly,
horrific subject matter.
With THE RISING, this then is how the world ends...not with a whimper, but with a bang -- the best damn bang for your small-press buck so far in 2003. Miss it at your own peril.
-- Ron Clinton, USA
