You know how it goes; sometimes you stumble upon a book that’s not exactly on your radar, but someone you trust swears it is a must-read. That’s how I found myself diving into This Is Not A Test. It wasn’t a book I’d normally pick up on a whim, but with a trusted recommendation in hand, I figured, why not give it a shot? I was looking for a palate cleanser anyway. And let me tell you, I am glad I did. But not in the way you’d expect. While I found This is Not a Test to be an enjoyable read, it didn’t quite capture my heart. However, I’m grateful for the journey it led me on, as it introduced me to its sequel novella, Please Remain Calm, which I loved. That one left a lasting impression.
While I’m not typically a fan of zombie stories, I found the approach in This is Not a Test refreshing. Maybe refreshing is not the right word because the book is definitely not unique, but it is an enjoyable and readable approach, let’s say. Rather than letting the zombies run the show, the story remained character-driven. The zombies served as a backdrop, adding tension and urgency to the plot without overwhelming the focus on the characters’ inner conflicts and relationships. This balance allowed for a more engaging and nuanced exploration of the human experience in the face of adversity.
However, despite the main focus being the characters, and they are the ones who run the show, the cast of characters in This is Not A Test didn’t exactly win me over at first. They seemed like they were straight out of a typical American high school movie – you know, the dark one, the smart one, the nice one, the athletic one, the fat one, and Josh Hartnett (I am old). I found it hard to connect with them for quite a while. Most of them came across as uninteresting and even whiny, which led to frequent eye-rolling moments instead of genuine rooting for their survival. However, as the story unfolded, I began to see more depth and complexity in at least one character, Sloan. Despite my initial reservations, Sloan’s journey and development throughout the narrative made her ultimately likeable. Getting to know her better allowed me to connect with her struggles and root for her survival amidst the chaos.
But in the end, This is Not a Test delivered a thrilling and intense climax that left me eager for more. The suspense and unpredictability of the final few chapters drew me in and heightened my interest in the characters’ fates. It was a testament to Courtney Summers’ ability to create gripping moments that kept me invested in the story until the very end.
Also, I have to add, this cover is really ugly. Really, really ugly.
PLEASE REMAIN CALM
Please Remain Calm picks up right where we left off in This Is Not A Test, continuing the harrowing tale of survival in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. This time, the perspective shifts from Sloan to one of the other characters, Rhys. As someone who was particularly drawn to Rhys in the first book, I was thrilled about this change. Sloan’s voice, while compelling, can be dark and grim, so Rhys’s perspective adds a refreshing dynamic to the story. Make no mistake, though – this is still a survival story through and through. Unlike the first book, there is no safety for the characters in Please Remain Calm.
Despite its shorter length, Please Remain Calm packs a punch with its intense and relentless storytelling. Rhys’s perspective offers a fresh lens through which to view the unfolding events, providing new insights into the characters’ struggles and motivations. The pacing is brisk, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the tension mounts with each turn of the page. This novella maintains the dark and gritty atmosphere established in the first book while delving deeper into the psychological toll of the apocalypse on its characters.
In summary, Courtney Summers’ duology offers a compelling exploration of survival in a zombie apocalypse. While the first book may not have completely won me over, its character-driven narrative laid the groundwork for a thrilling continuation in Please Remain Calm. Through intense storytelling, Summers crafts a tale that resonates with readers, delving into the psychological toll of the apocalypse on its characters. Despite its occasional flaws, the series delivers a suspenseful and emotionally charged experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next twist in the saga. With its dark atmosphere, nuanced characters, and fast pacing, the duology stands out as a notable addition to the zombie genre.
Have you read This is Not A Test and Please Remain Calm? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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