First off, I would like to thank the publisher and author for providing me this ARC to review. Please note that the version I read was an advanced copy, and certain events/language may be changed in the published edition.

“You shouldn't jump to conclusions about people, Mr. Gideon. I contain multitudes."

Stars (Out of 10): 9/10 Stars

Favorite Character: Jane!

Spoiler Free: When I first heard about this book last year, I was already super excited. I was in a mood of Hamilton and American History, having just found one and come out of an AP US History class.

Even though that phase has very much died down now, this book still exceeded any expectations I had for it. It was brutal at points, heartbreaking at others, and unbelievably honest at all times. It took the hidden secrets (or not so hidden secrets) of America’s history in the 1880’s and before, and aired it out for all to see. But it did so in a way that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. Yes, the Civil War was interrupted by zombies, but that did not erase the differences that provoked that Civil War, and the common enemy did not unite the people.

I also really love how Justina Ireland played with history while still sticking with it. She gave the prominent members of post-Civil War America new stories that fell in line with the world, while still relating their new tales to their old ones. Additionally, the zombies/undead only added to the tale Ireland spun, rather than take away from it/make it unrealistic. I also loved the spin she did on the “reformation” Americans forced on the Native Americans, and spun a whole tale on that being spread to other minorities.

The voice of the main character was also extremely unique, and extremely fitting. It wasn’t the style of how we speak today, but rather adapted more to the style of speech back then. It added another layer of realism to the story overall, and stole me deeper into the story. Additionally, the narrator herself, Jane, was just an amazing mind to be in. No, I couldn’t necessarily connect with the pain she faced on a daily basis just due to her skin color (I’m a white person, after all), but the way that pain was narrated and thought on was something I could almost understand, could empathize with. And it made me see her as an even stronger person.

In terms of plot, I was also amazed at every twist and turn the book took, the secret reveals and parallels between past and present. Additionally, the hidden thoughts between every word spoken and every letter written was amazingly fun to untangle and follow. I cheered for our protagonists every step of the way, which is not something I find myself doing often.

Lastly, I loved the parallels this book had to today. From the white Survivalists fighting to “go back to the glory of the days before the dead,” and the focus on a religion that outcasts people based on differences they cannot control, it felt oddly like the political situation today in America. Because of this, I am really hoping this book is one of the big releases this year, and garners all the love and attention it deserves.