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21 Best Zombie Books of All Time


Our goal: Find the best Zombie books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion).

    Here's what we did:
  1. Type "best zombie books" into our search engine and study the top 5 pages.
  2. Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
  3. Rank the results neatly for you here! 😊
    (It was a lot of work. But hey! That's why we're here, right?)

(Updated 2023)

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  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 5
  5. 6
  6. 7
  7. 8
  8. 9

    The Rising

    Brian Keene

  9. 10
  10. 11

    Handling the Undead

    John Ajvide Lindqvist

  11. 12

    Zone One

    A Novel

    Colson Whitehead

  12. 13
  13. 14

    Cell

    Stephen King

  14. 15
  15. 16
  16. 17
  17. 18
  18. 20

    The End Games

    T. Michael Martin

  19. 21

    Devil's Wake

    A Novel

    Steven Barnes

FAQ

  • What can you tell me about the best zombie books to read?

    For a book clear of cliches and full of thrilling zombie action, you might want to consider "World War Z" by Max Brooks. This book takes the zombie genre to a global level, portraying the zombie apocalypse as a world war. It's a series of accounts from people all over the world dealing with the zombies. The book refreshes the genre with its unique format and realistic approach to how different nations would handle a zombie apocalypse.

  • Why are there so many books about the dead coming back to life?

    Zombies elicit a unique kind of fear. The idea of the dead rising again to haunt the living is a staple in horror fiction. But more than that, zombies often represent a deeper fear of epidemic, loss of control, and the collapse of human society. In a way, zombie books provide a medium to explore these deep-seated fears in a safe and controlled environment.

  • Can you provide any specific information about popular zombie apocalypse books?

    Absolutely! One title that has become iconic in the zombie genre is "The Walking Dead" series by Robert Kirkman. More than just a story about surviving a zombie apocalypse, this series delves into the human drama and ethical dilemmas that can arise in such a world. Our privacy policy doesn't allow us to provide you storage details for each title, but you can always view fullsize on a bookstore's website or on Audible.

  • How has the zombie genre evolved over time?

    The zombie genre has come a long way from its early days. Originally, zombies were a product of Voodoo science in horror novels. Over time, the genre shifted towards the apocalypse theme, with zombies often being the result of some sort of epidemic. This gives the stories a sense of realism and immediacy. Now, the best zombie books often combine elements of horror, science fiction, and post-apocalyptic survival.

  • What are some of the unique storytelling elements in zombie books?

    Zombie books often use the apocalypse as a backdrop to explore human nature. The threat of zombies shifts the world into a survivalist mode, and character development often revolves around this. It's not just about the zombies but also about how humans react to the world being turned upside down. The stuff of life becomes about more than just survival – it's about maintaining humanity in a world overrun by the dead.

  • How often do zombie books launch new series?

    Zombie books launch new series quite frequently, tapping into a legitimate interest in the genre. Notable series like "The Day by Day Armageddon" by J.L. Bourne or "Zombie Fallout" by Mark Tufo have multiple books, providing readers with a longer, ongoing story of life during a zombie apocalypse. Remember, the duration resets with each new book, so you have plenty of time to dive into these worlds.

  • Do I need to give any consent legitimate to get a list of the best zombie apocalypse books?

    No, you don't need to give any specific consent legitimate to get a list of the best zombie books. We're here to share that information freely. You can view fullsize lists on various literary review websites or check out the Audible bestsellers for great zombie audiobooks narrated by top voice talents.

  • How do zombies in books compare to those we see in movies or games?

    The depiction of zombies can vary from book to movie to game. Some stick to the classic slow-moving, brain-craving zombies, while others introduce zombies that can run, think, or even retain some human qualities. In zombie novels, the focus is often more on the human characters and their development rather than the zombies themselves.

  • Are there any upcoming zombie books to look forward to in September?

    Absolutely! Keep an eye on the upcoming book releases. Authors are always adding new stories to the zombie genre. Check out book reviews and lists, stay connected with your favorite authors, and you'll always be in the loop for your next zombie apocalypse literary adventure.

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