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The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor  By  cover art

The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor

By: Robert Kirkman, Jay Bonansinga
Narrated by: Fred Berman
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Publisher's summary

Following in the footsteps of the New York Times best-selling graphic novels and the record-breaking new television show, this debut novel in a trilogy of original Walking Dead books chronicles the back story of the comic book series' greatest villain, The Governor.

In the Walking Dead universe, there is no greater villain than The Governor. The despot who runs the walled-off town of Woodbury, he has his own sick sense of justice: whether it’s forcing prisoners to battle zombies in an arena for the townspeople’s amusement, or chopping off the appendages of those who cross him. The Governor was voted “Villain of the Year” by Wizard magazine the year he debuted, and his story arc was the most controversial arc in the history of The Walking Dead comic book series. Now, for the first time, fans of The Walking Dead will discover how The Governor became the man he is, and what drove him to such extremes.

©2011 Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga (P)2011 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“If the comic book writer Robert Kirkman were a superhero, his name might be the Midas Touch.” ( The New York Times)

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What listeners say about The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor

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Just like T.V.

Just as awesome as watching TWD on AMC!!! Great story & great performance! Good thing there's 4 more books, because I can't get enough!!!

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I want more......

I have to say I can't get enough. The story and performance are excellent.i love the back stories!
More please!

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Wonderfully done

Greatly enjoyed the narration. I had read the book previously saw on audible and decided to give it a chance. Very well done

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wow! Definitely one of the best in its genre....

Would you listen to The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor again? Why?

Definitely! There was so much going on throughout the entire story. I will definitely be listening to this again.

What did you like best about this story?

The surprises. I thought I pretty much knew what was going to be the outcome of this book. I was completely wrong!!!

What about Fred Berman’s performance did you like?

Narrator was excellent. He did a really great job with the volatile Phillip.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Anger, so many characters infuriated me in this story.... Other characters made me feel so sad! This is a well written book! Can't wait to read part 2.

Any additional comments?

I put off reading this book, because I watch the show. I didn't want to waste a credit if they were exactly the same. But the book is so much better than the show. (as usual)

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Starts of slow but then gets really good

If you like The Walking Dead you will like this book. It took me a while to get through it, but after the first few chapters the story definitely speeds up and gets very good and intense.

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Ah ha!

Wow! This explains a lot. Drew me in & kept me going. Listened to it again as soon as it was finished.

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Backstory Phillip Blake

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Great story. We learn more about the Govenor and how he evolves

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor?

Penny Blake

What about Fred Berman’s performance did you like?

Great. Really brings characters to life

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire story

Any additional comments?

Love all these books. Will read again!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Really enjoyed this book!

As a fan of the comic and tv show, I loved this book and the background story of the governor character. Although there are some similarities between the three storylines, the differences keep you listening and not knowing what to expect next. Would definitely recommend to others. For fans, this is a must read! The production was well done and easy to listen to. 5 Stars

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Blew me away at the end.

As a fan of the tv series I just had to listen to this one. The story line is rather what you would expect from a zombie story but with a few surprises. Like the ending, made my jaw hit the floor, but it stopped short sadly. I was expecting a little more of his time in Woodbury and how he came to be called "Governor". Overall, this was a great listen. Soon as I finished it I had to start listening again haha.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

If you like the Walking Dead...

Where does The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It is a great book. I would rank it in the top half of the books that I have listen too.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor?

Without saying to much that would give the story away it is most defenently the ending. To see how the characters evolve is awesome.

Which scene was your favorite?

It is when the Governor takes his stand at the end.

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