Fire & AshAuthor: Jonathan Maberry
Series: Benny Imura #4
Published by: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: August 13, 2013
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
Benny Imura and his friends have found the jet and Sanctuary, but neither is what they expected. Instead of a refuge, Sanctuary is a hospice, and the soldiers who flew the plane seem to be little more than bureaucrats who have given up hope for humanity's future. With Chong hovering between life and death, clinging to his humanity by a thread, Benny makes a startling discovery: A scientist may have discovered a cure for the zombie plague. Desperate to save Chong, Benny and his friends mount a search and rescue mission. But they're not the only ones on the hunt. The reapers are after the cure too, and they want to use it turn all the zombies into superfast shock troops and wipe humanity off the face of the earth.
In this riveting conclusion to the Rot & Ruin series, the battle to end all battles is just beginning.
Wow! Bravo, Mr. Maberry. Bravo! Fire & Ash was an absolutely perfect ending to a brilliant series. My son and I read the first book, Rot & Ruin, when he was thirteen; he’s now sixteen. That was the first book he truly felt a connection with and didn’t complain about having to read. He immediately asked for the next book when he finished, but it hadn’t been released yet. I purchased every book after that on release day and he finished them either the same day or the next. I know this sounds normal to many of you avid readers, but this was completely new with him. He’s always been an advanced reader, but it took a lot of coaxing to get him to do it. Even though he now devours Maberry’s Joe Ledger series, I’m sad for both of us that this one is over.
There is always a tiny bit of trepidation when it comes to the final book in a series, because everything before it all comes down to this point. No one wants to finish a series on a bad note because the author couldn’t bring it all together. Maberry, though, did an exceptional job with Fire & Ash. There wasn’t a dull moment within those 500+ page. There’s plenty of action and big questions are answered. Any fan will be left feeling satisfied.
Benny, Chong, Nix, Lila, and all of the others are a great set of characters, but Lila and Chong will always be my favorites. It’s amazing thinking back at all they have been through in such a short amount of time, and how much they evolved into smart, strong young adults. They are all characters I was thrilled to have my son connect with.
Even those of you who aren’t necessarily zombie fans need to give this series a try, because it’s so beyond your run-of-the-mill zombie story. This is about the characters … their love, forgiveness, loss, compassion, and growth. It’s also about humanity and living in world full of monsters, where sometimes the monsters are the people themselves.
I’ve loved this series consistently from the very beginning, and Fire & Ash was everything I could want in an ending. If you haven’t started reading the Benny Imura Series, then you are missing out on a fantastic story.
I’m a collector of Mr. Maberry’s work; but sadly, I haven’t read a single one of them. I’m really going to have to make the time for these books. Lovely review, Christy. It’s always fun to read a zombie book that shifts its focus to something other than bloody gore. 🙂
I am so glad this series rocked..i really need to play catch up on this. I know exactly what you mean about your son, and being sad to see this series end. We read all of the Potter books and went to release day for all of the movies, and it was such a tradition and a huge part of their growing up..even my hubby read the books.
I think it is awesome that this is something that you both were able to do together. It is hard now days to be able to find that connection with your kids and reading with them is such a great way to do it.
I am so glad you are happy with the way this one ended.
I need to get this series and soon. Sounds so good. Great review.
Aw, Christy! I love this series SO MUCH!
I really look forward to reading this one. Part of me doesn’t want to, because as you say, it’s so much more than a zombie book. The thing is, when I read the first book, I didn’t even notice. I didn’t seem that special. I only knew I had found something to stay when I found myself thinking of the characters and their story way after finishing the book.
And, well, book two. No average book can make me cry that much.
So, while I’m really looking forward to this one, part of me is scared to say goodbye to the series. I’m glad to hear the ending is perfect… otherwise, I’m not sure I’d bring myself to get on with it! (limbo and “lalalala” world could be better than a bad ending…)
Thanks for sharing!
I was scared too. My son read it before I did and was happy with the ending, so I felt a little better. 🙂
Gosh, I wish I were braver. Even the cover of these scares me. I’m a total zombie-phobe!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
I tried to read the first book in the series and it was definitely not for me! I scare easily though and it was definitely terrifying for me. I’m glad they work so well for you though!
Oh no, really? Aw, that’s too bad. 🙁
Okay, I wasn’t interested until I read your review! I love that you said it’s all about characters because I LOVE characters, well-done ones, I mean 🙂
There has been a lot of people who tried this not thinking they’d like it, but end up loving it. It’s very much about the characters. Read it!
I’ve been wanting to read this series forever!