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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

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
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    3 out of 5 stars

Outstanding performance, Book Meh

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The book is headed to one place. It takes them forever to end up where we want them to be. The authors didn't use the principal of In late and Out Early.

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

Instead of a road book I would have centered on Woodburry

Have you listened to any of Fred Berman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't. Though he is the best thing about this audiobook. He was a pleasure to listen to.

Did The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor inspire you to do anything?

It taught me how good writing doesn't mean good book.

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

Just a really good Zombie book

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

Yes, if you love just really good zombie books this is for you. Also, if your a fan of the show you will love it as well

Who was your favorite character and why?

Brian, his development threw out the hole book.

Which scene was your favorite?

The final scene.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Just a great movie for the zombie fan!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Highly recommend The Walking Dead:Rise of The Gov.

I enjoyed this book very much, it was well written and kept my attention from beginning to end. Several parts even causing my hand to rise to my mouth in either fear or shock, like When the zombie almost got Penny from the back of the motorcycle. Or when Phillip tortured the couple out in the barn... But mostly how the book ends. (I won't give THAT away). I love this narrator, he puts himself into the story and you can actually feel the emotions of characters. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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

Good book

it was a little slow, but as soon as it got going it will definitely keep any die harder horror reader's interest.

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

Interesting story

Great character development! Enough action to keep you going. I live in the Atlanta area so the references to places in Atlanta we're very accurate! recommend to any walking dead fan.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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now I need them all. I like the narrator. he remin

the narrator reminded me of Merl. my favorite character in the series. I will get them all

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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New perspective

I've read the graphic novels and watched the show. Both great. This is also great - and yet a slightly different perspective in my opinion -so far. I am enjoying the experience.

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

No Zombies in Walking Dead world

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

I might, but really anyone who reads the comics or watches the show knows that the word "Zombie" just does not happen or exist in the Walking Dead universe! They are biters, walkers, lame brains among other names used .

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

Do not stray from the main rules and principals of the walking dead world.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Fred Berman?

Yes

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it while on a long drive (8 hours) and found that I did not want to stop, so yes I would listen to it in one sitting if I could.

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

Great pacing just like the show.

Great read with the pace like the show. Fred Berman’s vigor made it very poignant about the reality of the Zombie Apocalypse.

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

First off, I'm NOT a fan of the TV show...

For starters, I HATE the Walking Dead tv show. Of course, I have VERY high standards for my zombie entertainment, and I feel that the tv show is lacking in MANY ways... HOWEVER, this book is FANTASTIC! A truly original zombie tale, through and through. I couldn't appreciate the tie in to the comics or the tv show, BUT what I did appreciate is one darn good zombie story. Believe me, if you like this genre, get this book!!

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8 people found this helpful