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In an otherworldly time period, the United Federation of Sectors is under terrorist attack by rabid zombies. And who better to restore peace among the Other World Beings (OWBs) but Joe V. Al (Yes, you pronounced it out correctly—"jo-vi-al"). Known by his peers as Vic, the "part police officer, part detective, and part politician" who acts more like a gumshoe in his role as a peace-keeping Senior Serenity Ambassador, works with his tightly knit crew to find out the truth about the warlike zombies. When the DNA test results from the "turning" victims are in, Vic learns that protocol has been broken since the zombie attackers are not natural born, but instead originated from humans.
Rising humor author Timothe Davis combines fantasy, fairy tales, all things monstrous—including prevalent U.S. issues—within a noir fiction-like setting. Davis' first person narrative may appear to concentrate on Vic's horrific and dysfunctional background, as well as his love life. But in a relatively civil world replete with OWBs—essentially every mythical, legendary, and fairy tale being imaginable, readers should expect a ride into a parallel universe. Amid a plethora of tongue-in-cheek lines and scenes laced in parody, Davis draws attention to real issues of racism and violence. While alluding to specific topics, such as open carry and equal rights, Davis creates scenes that mimic diehard Civil Rights activism and reminders of peacemakers, such as MLK and Gandhi. Davis' ability to incorporate so many elements into one story is truly a gift, considering this is his second novel. Flowing seamlessly from Vic's life (past and present), the investigation, and other character scenes, Davis' plot is one book that is hard to put down. Going beyond the typical monster tale, this is a thoroughly engaging and provocative book, as well as the next best fantasy read.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review