Virtual Book Tour & Review: "Play Dead" by Ryan Brown

Play Dead
Author: Ryan Brown
Publisher: Gallery Books
ISBN: 9781439171301
Genre: Fiction, horror

Synopsis (from publisher):

"Today’s #1 New York Times bestselling thriller writers agree: Ryan Brown’s compulsively readable first novel is unbeatable—a darkly humorous, rich and pungent zombie shocker that melds our national obsession with football and the newest wave of fascination with the undead.

For the first time in Killington High School history, the Jackrabbits football team is one win away from the district championship where it will face its most vicious rival, the Elmwood Heights Badgers. On the way to the game, the Jackrabbits’s bus plunges into a river, killing every player except for bad-boy quarterback Cole Logan who is certain the crash was no accident—given that Cole himself was severely injured in a brutal attack by three ski-masked men earlier that day. Bent on payback, Cole turns to a mysterious fan skilled in black magic to resurrect his teammates. But unless the undead Jackrabbits defeat their murderous rival on the field, the team is destined for hell. In a desperate race against time, with only his coach’s clever daughter, Savannah Hickman, to assist him, Cole must lead his zombie team to victory

. . . in a final showdown where the stakes aren’t just life or death—but damnation or salvation. Boundlessly imaginative and thrillingly satisfying, Play Dead gives small-town Texas an electrifying jolt of the supernatural, and is unquestioningly The Zombie Novel of the Year!

The Comeback Story of the Season . . ."

My Thoughts

When I read the synopsis for this novel, how could I resist? Take a kid from the wrong side of the tracks, throw in a football team of zombies, add some dark humor and it promises to be an entertaining read. I was certainly not disappointed.

"Play Dead" had an interesting story line that held my interest and kept me in suspense. I found myself not only engrossed and wondering what would happen next, but chuckling and laughing out loud at times.

I found myself really liking the main character and his sidekick. Cole Logan was a tough kid that was strong, determined and would do whatever it takes to succeed. His "friend", Savannah, also has the same drive and toughness that makes the two of them work well together.

I really enjoyed "Play Dead" and look forward to seeing more books by Ryan Brown. His humor and playfulness made this book really work for me.

Parental note: Contains offensive language, sexual situations, steroid usage, death, dismemberment and witchcraft. I would recommend this for older teens to adult.

About the Author

Ryan Brown is an actor who has starred on the daytime dramas Guiding Light and The Young and The Restless, and has appeared on Law & Order as well as in feature films for Lifetime Television. PLAY DEAD is his first novel. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.

To learn more about Ryan (and find out who his mom is), please visit his website at: http://www.ryanbrownauthor.com/ 

"Play Dead" was provided by Gallery Books for me to honestly review.