The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor

By: Robert Kirkman, Jay Bonansinga

Narrated by: Fred Berman

Length: 10 hrs and 46 mins

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)

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.

Editor didn't do his job...

Is there anything you would change about this book?

There are several silly technical mistakes in this book that should have been caught and corrected before it was published. Just a few examples, Ford doesn't make the S10... Try Chevy... Glock Handguns don't have a manual safety. The safety is incorporated into the trigger. Oh, and a mistake made by so many writers... CORDITE... Bullets haven't contained Cordite as a propellant since 1945. It's production stopped at the end of WWII, yet writers continue to refer to the air hanging heavy with the smell of Cordite. Unless your shooters are using Vintage WWII bullets, it's not Cordite they are smelling :-)

If you are fan of the TV series or not - listen!

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

Yes. I plan on listening to it again before the fall premiere of season 3, now that I know who the governor is. I have never read the graphic novels, so I haven't seen the governor in action but everyone says he is most evil. After experiencing his survival story in this audiobook, I just might have a little sympathy for him because he is not so different than you or I at the beginning of the walker apocalypse.

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

The big twist at the end. The early struggles shortly after the outbreak. Being grossed out by an audiobook.

Which character – as performed by Fred Berman – was your favorite?

All of them.

If you could rename The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor, what would you call it?

Survival of the Fittest: How I learned to love walkers and hate other people.

Any additional comments?

Definitely a must listen going into season 3. Since this story is parallel to Rick's and starts around the beginning, you don't need to have seen the show or read the graphic novel. Something that I found funny was they managed to put in product placement. I see great potential for in audiobook advertising for zombie books -

They took out the first dead in the parking lot with the Craftsman cordless nail guns that fortunately Philip had bought a month before for only 79.99 each at Sears. Penny was popping heads with her titanium blended Wilson metal softball bat that she had scavenged from the extensive sporting goods department at the abandoned Target store. Leaving a trail of twice dead rotting corpses across the parking lot, the group made their way to the sliding glass doors and smashed them in. Upon entering, Philip quickly scanned the horizon of the enormous store. "Doesn't look like any biters are around! Thank God we found this Lowe's superstore! We can get everything we need here! Stock up!"
"They have Coke Zero. Omigod, I have been craving a Coke Zero since the s--t hit the fan!", Penny squealed with delight.
"We don't have time for that!", barked Philip."Go grab those stainless steel Maglites! Penny, fill a cart up with all those Energizer batteries and Aquafina bottles of water!". But it was too late, Penny was already guzzling the sweet-as-sugar Coke Zero. "Philip I don't give a crap what you say! I needed that refreshment, even warm! I . . ." , Penny's speech trailed off as she noticed a limited edition Swatch wrapped around a dead hand fall on her. She screamed as the corpse of a friendly Lowe's employee dragged her back and down into a rack of Snickers. Delicious Mars candy bars spilled across the floor with Penny's blood as the walker began to munch . . .

One of the best zombie books ever!!

Any additional comments?

I have over 200 books in my Audible library and this is only the 2nd review I have written. I feel that strong about this book. The story was absolutely captivating. I could not sleep some nights wondering what would happen next. I won't tell any spoilers, but there are a few extremely shocking plot twists. They left me rewinding to see if I heard the story right. I hated when it ended and can't wait until the next one comes out!!

Hard for me to Rate!

Bought for Myself
Overall Rating 3.00
Story Rating 3.00
Character Rating 3.00
Audio Rating 2.00

NOTE: The Walking Dead: Rise of the Governor is a hard one to really rank as there were parts that totally rocked but the constant changing of POVs really distracted from the story. I haven't read the comic books so I had no connection to these characters in advance.

Audio Review: I wouldn't recommend listening to this on audio--the narration was a little flat. Fred Berman did a decent job but with all the switching POVs, I think it would have been better suited to multiple narrators.

What I Loved: I am finding that I am really loving watching the Zombie Manifestation through the children's eyes. In this case, it was Penny. Whether the story was from her POV or just the adults watching her--it was very chilling. It is amazing how a kid can change your strategy at any given time. All of the men (her dad and "uncles") really do try to make this as easy for her as possible. Unfortunately, this is not an easy time. Her journey directly effects each of the characters and really does bring a level of emotional endearment to the story.

What I Liked: I am always fascinated in Zombie stories at what the point is of surviving. The emotions that one must go through: fear, anger, perseverance, giving up, and finally acceptance. It is what happens after the acceptance that always just gets me. How do you live in a world where this is now the norm? Rise of the Governor did a fantastic job of going through everyone's acceptance and their reactions.

Complaints: To many POVs for me and it was darn right distracting.

Why I gave it a 3.00: This is mostly due to the POVs. However, I think I would have felt more connected to the story had I read the comic books.

language is harsh but the story is awesome

the language is hard but I felt like I was walking step by step with them

Great audio book!!!!!!!

Amazing! never wanted to stop listening. Fantastic narration, fantastic storyline. Will be listening to next...

Starts off strong, but fizzles in the middle.

What made the experience of listening to The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor the most enjoyable?

The narrator did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. Each personality sounded unique and he was capable of translating the emotional turmoil the characters experience within storyline perfectly!

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The storyline became a little overwhelming at times, to the point that all their great escapes and small victories felt hurried & un- impressive after a while.
It truly is a good story, but if you are looking for a book that will leave you with any kind of fondness for the characters that you stared of the journey with; this book is not for you!

What does Fred Berman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I believe that the audiobook brings a new depth in the characters,specially that of Phil's brother. The audio book narration gives you a even deeper concept of the emotional disarray & confusion this character go's thru, even from before the zombies started to hit the fan.

If you could rename The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor, what would you call it?

The walking dead; Death of all hope.
(corny, but I bet that once you read it; you will understand)

Intensely exhilarating

Any additional comments?

This was a truly enjoyable book. As a fan of the TV show, the story of the Governor prior to Woodbury was never really told. It was great to see into his mind, into his experiences, and bring about understanding to why he acted the way he did. Insight is always key with complex character, and this book starts to give it. I am in the midst of book two, and enjoying it immensely.

10 out of 10

10 out of 10. Would listen to again. Love the Story and overall, the performance.