ZOMBIES: Book Review 'Doll Parts' by Wayne Simmons

SIMMONS SKILLFULLY BUILDS ON BIZARRE ALL-GIRL ZOMBIE OUTBREAK IN 'DROP DEAD GORGEOUS' SEQUEL
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

Irish author Wayne Simmons delivers yet again in his sequel to his first outstanding and bizarre take on the zombie apocalypse, 'Drop Dead Gorgeous', with 'Doll Parts'.

The story builds on the previous title of the strange mass death in Belfast and the survivors who tried to maneuver their way around it, only to be attacked by an all-female rising of the people who had dropped dead.

In 'Doll Parts', the story continues with a diverse group of scrappy survivors holing up in an airport amid the strange living dead girls.  As per the zombie apocalypse, the folks do their best to continue living, but things fall apart.

The book is constructed in 'bite-size' episodes, lasting only a few pages long.  That pattern serves to propel the story forward, adding necessary development without being weighed down by unnecessary clutter.  Each small chapter quickly builds on relationships between the characters and advances the story at a good clip.  And Simmons efficient use of words and writing style is different and fun.

The characters are diverse and imperfect, creating great emotional dynamics between the characters as the pressure gets turned up.  Everyone is good at something, which eventually helps the community they've created.  But like Arn Anderson once said, 'Adversity introduces a man to himself.'  That is definitely the case at the climax of the book.

Like 'Drop Dead Gorgeous', Wayne Simmons is in no rush to get to the end.  He builds the story at a steady and great pace, with good peaks and valleys that build to the disastrous finish.  And when it comes to zombie apocalypse stories, the strange revelation at the end really packed a punch that no other z-day story can match, a true product of the cruel world of living dead 'bitches' Simmons created running roughshod over his beloved Belfast.

'Doll Parts' is one part human cruelty, one part human frailty, and all emotional and outstanding read.  This book will creep you out quick.  "Doll Parts' is completely ZombieBloodFights.com approved.  Pick it up today in paperback here.  Also, pick up his zombie book 'Flu' as well here.

And if you need some more zombie horror goodness, support this blog by picking up some ZombieBloodFights.com titles today in paperback or Kindle.   Down the Road, Down the Road: On the Last Day, and Down the Road: The Fall of Austin.  Pick them up in paperback or Kindle today.

 

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA earned his BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com today.

ZOMBIES - RECAP: Late Wild Speculation and 'Infected' notes

EPISODE 2 GETS BRUTAL
by
Bowie V. Ibarra

As we got into week 2, my weekend got busy before I had a chance to do some 'Wild Speculation'.  Good thing my buddy and fellow Permuted Press author R Thomas Riley, writer of If God Doesn't Show, pitched in before the show.  Here's what he predicted would go down:

--  So we're one episode into season 4. How was it, an incremental improvement over last season. We're still at the prison, though.
1) we're gonna see what's left of Woodbury and how those survivors are going to interact with the core group
2) obviously the walker virus has jumped species, not an original idea, granted, but it definitely expands the danger
3) Carl isn't a boy anymore and he's going to clash with his father and the rest of the group in the coming issues.
4) as the group gets bigger, definitely expect Rick to want to break away because he misses the Ricktatorship days  --

Not a bad prediction for the next show and the rest of the season.  Here's some notes from 'Infected'.

ARE THE WRITERS OF 'THE WALKING DEAD' READING WAYNE SIMMONS OR JACKIE DRUGA BOOKS?

It was kind of funny to see some of the people in the prison developing 'flu-like symptoms' on the onset of the killer bug everyone might be getting.  It immediately reminded me of the outstanding zombie horror title Flu by Wayne Simmons that takes place in Ireland.  There's even another zombie-themed book with a  sickness-first theme called 'The Flu' by Jackie Druga from Permuted Press.

Look who is ahead of the curve!  Both are highly recommended and were doing 'flu' based zombie horror before flu-based zombie horror was cool.
LOOKS LIKE THAT WHOLE BLOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN/BODILY FLUIDS THING IS THE NEW HOTNESS

Not like blood-borne pathogens are anything new, but it seems like they've been emphasized this episode.  The pig blood splashing on Rick made me really, really nervous.

There's been lots and lots of kissing, too, sharing some saliva.  Now I don't anticipate any kind of 28 Weeks Later craziness, but its time to take some time out and not make out anymore.  I'm going to have to follow up on some predictions with the 'Wild Speculation' later this week.

We'll see how this continues to build next week.  See you then.

Need some more Zombie Horror?  These books are chock full of great zombie horror and excellent story-telling.  Down the Road, Down the Road: On the Last Day, and Down the Road: The Fall of Austin.  Pick them up in paperback or Kindle today.

 

 

 

BOWIE V. IBARRA earned his BFA in Acting and MA in Theatre History from Texas State University.  Network with Bowie at his official website, ZombieBloodFights.com today.

ZOMBIES: Wild Spec. for 'Prey', The Walking Dead

By Bowie Ibarra

This week, the always capable Jackie Druga takes the Wild Speculation helm.  Here are her thoughts:

JACKIE DRUGA, author of the Permuted Press title 'Flu'

My speculation for the first of the final three.

I’m gonna extend my speculation to episode 15 as well, because if I am wrong, I can change it next week.

Merle rocks. He does. The people in the prison need to listen to him.  He makes sense. Look for Merle to really shine, to get on our good side.

Michonne will find out via Herschel that she is the trade for peace and she’ll turn herself in. Not without a plan. Merle will go with her.

Remember the episode where Andrea rallied the town of Woodbury. Has anyone considered instead of the cliché good verses bad war, that Andrea is able to rally Woodbury and secretly turn the town against the Governor. I am going to make that speculation.

Look for the first of Andrea conversions to take place. She will rally the town, we as viewers won’t see it until the last episode. This episode will be about preparation. Watching Merle rise to the occasion, Tyrese turning to the prison, and Andrea doing an inside job. (Not a sexual reference). Again, watch for clues that she is going to have the town turn.

Did anyone else but me notice that Andrea didn’t know about Shane’s baby and to know that Rick’s weapons were combat ready takes an insider. Milton also gave the Governor a walkie talkie a few episodes back, that never was mentioned again. Insider at the prison … Maggie.

ZOMBIES: Wild Speculation for The Walking Dead - Clear

by Bowie Ibarra

After considering last week's episode, 'I ain't a Judas', zombie fans chime in with their wild speculation for next week's episode, 'Clear'.

JACKIE DRUGA, author of Flu from Permuted Press

My, my, my, how I love Merle even more each episode. I though last night’s episode really showed how he was a valuable part of the group. Leading the pack when Andrea showed up. Love it.
Like many of you, I saw the sneak peek where the survivor chases the car, screaming for Rick to stop, but they don’t, that pissed me off. I mean, seriously, The prison group thinks only of their immediate survival and doesn’t think about the future. They should. They have three young people in their group.. Their future thoughts are with food for tomorrow instead of a world for Carl, Judith and Beth.

Onward to my speculation. I am basing this on the three TV previews I saw. This will be an episode where we only see, Rick, Michonne, and Carl. Aside from the running man on the road and the guy on the roof, they lead you to believe it is Woodbury, but it isn’t. I’m gonna say the guy on the roof is Morgan (From season 1 Episode 1), we know this from the comics. This is one of those episodes (IMO) that do not advance the storyline. Only character development for next season. Nothing pivotal will happen. Just some good visual PA stuff and twisted sickness (Like piles of burnt bodies). And while I am at it, can someone tell me why now Walker Blood is suddenly bright red? Even when they are severely decomposed? Why is blood so fresh? Grr.


MICHAEL S. GARDNER, horror writer and blogger from Virginia. His short story collection, Death in the Times of Madness, is currently available on Amazon for cheaper than a candy bar. You can check out his reviews and interviews at: www.atasteofterror.blogspot.com

My predictions for next week’s episode are as follows:

1.  We finally have Merle (re)integrating with his former survivor pals and newcomers alike. The tension is, of course, obvious. This, to me, means must-see television. We all know Merle is a racist prick, but we’ve finally seen some of the caring side (like that was possible, right?) when Daryl took off his shirt and revealed the scars from his abuse as a child – note the tattoo shifting sides. Near the end of the episode, we see him trying to bury the hatchet with Michonne. Yeah, yeah, this could just be another ploy to stir the pot, but I’d like to see less of this stereotypical backwoods bigot archetype. And this is my first prediction: In next week’s episode, we’ll start to see Merle’s character develop. Hell, who knows? Maybe he and Michonne might find out that their not so different after all? Possible love interest, maybe? Either that or he gets offed.

2.  We’ve finally seen Carl growing into the man he’s going to be (barring he doesn’t get shot on accident again – or on purpose). He made a good judgment call on the previous episode in pointing out Rick wasn’t fit for the Ricktatorship due to obvious stuff and things. Next week I think we’ll see him taking up more responsibility, possibly even starting or stopping a major conflict with the Governor.

3.  I do believe it is time for Daryl to get him some. Sorry, ladies, but I’m going with Carol for this one. (My girlfriend’s probably gonna punch me when she reads this!)

4.  Fourth, but FAR from final, I think we’ll see more horrible shots on the stationary living and more crack shots on the ambling dead. Seriously, WTF is up with that?

5.  This should have been my first prediction: Andrea will FINALLY die. And if it’s not on the next episode, count this prediction as “active” until someone just says screw it and puts one in her forehead. Every time I see her lately, I can only think of Peter Griffin saying: “Shut up, Meg.” I get that they’re trying to show her as the strong female lead - and the series needs one – but not her. Andrea just seems like she’s unable to what has to be done – note how she couldn’t kill the Governor, which will probably come back and bite her in the rear next episode or soon after. She should have just stayed at the CDC. I’d rather have Lori at this point (not in the form of a ghost, mind you).

GARETH WOOD, author of the 'Rise' series from Permuted Press

Wild Speculations on The Walking Dead! Well, kids, we've had a wild ride
this season so far. I think it's only about to get worse for Our Heroes.
My top 5 predictions, in no particular order, for the next episode:

1- Merle will misbehave, and Daryl will have to set him right.

2- Rick, with something to focus on other than the ghost of his dead wife, will make threats and state boldly that something "will not happen..."

3- Andrea will continue to be the most clueless character ever, in the history of everything. I mean really, the writers have done such a dis-service to a fine actress, giving her such terrible material to work with.

4- Michonne will kill something, and then snarl or be surly. Her default expression of mistrust and bat-shit-crazy will me replaced with one of confusion. Here is another character that the writers appear to have not one clue how to write properly.

5- There will be zombies. They will eat someone. Possibly a minor
character like Herschel's Other Daughter Who Is Not Maggie.

And there it is!  We'll see how right I am!

ARMY ED, Weapons and Tactics advisor to ZBF.com

For one, Tyrese might be ready to throw in with Woodbury, but he is going to see something or experience something that's going to change his mind about the place.  More idealistic than Andrea and is going to see Woodbury for what it is.  It might be at the cost of that female. 

Merle will carve out a niche for himself in the group and make himself indispensable.  He knows he's the first on the Governor's list, so he knows what side his bread is buttered on.

Andrea is also clearly going to regret not cashing the Governor out when she had the chance.  More people will die because of her inaction.

ZOMBIEBLOODFIGHTS.COM

From the teasers, it seems like Rick's going to make that run with Carl and friends, but it's not going to play out like he'd hoped.  He'll be captive in Woodbury, forcing the hand of the WD Crew in the prison.

That's it for this week!

If you enjoy this blog, The Walking Dead, or zombie smashing in general, please give the Down the Road zombie horror series a go.  Great action, great horror, and a great storyline.  Help support this blog by pitching in a few bucks to buy a book or two.

===========

BOWIE IBARRA is the author of the 'Down the Road' zombie horror series from Permuted Press and Simon and Schuester.  His latest zombie story, The Fall of Austin, tells the story of military, police, convicts, and citizens of the Texas capitol as they deal with the zpoc.  It is available in Kindle and Paperback.

Enjoy the blog?  Share it with your friends using the 'Facebook', 'Blogger' and 'Twitter' buttons below.

Leave a comment below using your Google+ or Blogger account.

Follow Bowie on Twitter @wingback20

Follow Bowie's Facebook page.

You can network with Bowie and read about his Tex-Mexploitation stories and check out his book trailers at his personal website, ZombieBloodFights.com.