The Living Dead Anthology

The Living Dead Anthology Edited by John Joseph Adams

While gathering stories for his latest anthology, The Living Dead, John Joseph Adams chose only the best from the best in modern horror and sci-fi literature. The names are obviously a major marketing decision, as the book features titles by Clive Barker, Laurell K. Hamilton, Stephen King, Poppy Z. Brite, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, George R. R. Martin and a host of other huge names. While one would expect quality from these literary dynamos, I found myself enjoying the stories by the lesser known writers far more than those written by the more well-known cast that seems to get featured in every horror and sci-fi anthology on the market.

Adams did well providing a wide range of stories about those who walk long after their bodies have decayed, but if you’re looking for a book full of traditional zombie horror, this compilation won’t satisfy your cravings. Many of the stories are more character driven, rather than splattered in gore and guts in a quest for brains. With all of the bases covered, the zombies in this book are the result of Romero style plagues, Voodoo curses, alien invasions and even a public service provider who offers loved ones a little more time with their dead relatives.

Among my personal favorites in the anthology were Neil Gaiman’s “Bitter Grounds,” the story of a man who drives away from his life and straight into a strange encounter with the living dead in New Orleans after picking up a hitchhiker. Nina Kiriki Hoffman’s “The Third Dead Body” follows a young woman from the grave back into the arms of the serial killer she was cursed to fall in love with. “This Year’s Class Picture,” by Dan Simmons tells the story of a teacher who hangs onto all she’s ever known, keeping a classroom full of undead children shackled to their desks while she tries to teach them. Susan Palwick’s “Beautiful Stuff” finds politicians bringing the dead back to try and make a statement, but all the dead care for are the shiny trinkets of the world. Hannah Wolfe Bowen’s “Everything is Better with Zombies,” leads two young friends on a hunt for a zombie girl who’s walked out of her grave against the backdrop of one child’s terminal illness.

With over thirty stories to choose from, the majority of these tales plunk the reader right down in the middle of a life and situation so easily identifiable that it becomes necessary to put the book down for a moment and recoup your surroundings. If you’re a fan of horror and zombies, be sure to check out The Living Dead anthology. The majority of the stories are well worth the $15.95 cover price.

Find out more about the anthology by visiting John Joseph Adams personal website:

Review by Llewellyn McEllis

The Living Dead Anthology

Edited by John Joseph Adams

Night Shade Books

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