Feed

The Newsflesh Trilogy, Book 1

By: Mira Grant

Narrated by: Paula Christensen, Jesse Bernstein

Length: 15 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Feed is an electrifying and critically acclaimed novel of a world a half-step from our own that the New York Times calls “Astonishing” a novel of zombies, geeks, politics, social media, and the virus that runs through them all - from New York Times best seller Mira Grant.

The year was 2014. We had cured cancer. We had beat the common cold. But in doing so we created something new, something terrible that no one could stop. The infection spread, virus blocks taking over bodies and minds with one, unstoppable command: Feed.

Now, 20 years after the Rising, Georgia, and Shaun Mason are on the trail of the biggest story of their lives - the dark conspiracy behind the infected. The truth will out, even if it kills them.

More from Mira Grant:

Newsflesh

• Feed
• Deadline
• Blackout
• Feedback
• Rise

©2010 Mira Grant (P)2010 Hachette

Critic reviews

"It's a novel with as much brains as heart, and both are filling and delicious." (The A.V. Club on Feed)

“Feed is a proper thriller with zombies.” (SFX)

"Gripping, thrilling, and brutal... McGuire has crafted a masterpiece of suspense with engaging, appealing characters who conduct a soul-shredding examination of what's true and what's reported." (Publishers Weekly - starred review)

Looking forward to the sequel

I almost didn't get this book based on previous reviews. I'm glad I decided to anyway. Fast action and a good story to back it up. Regardless of what others said, I thought the ending was excellent. I also liked the tribute to Steve Irwin—Crikey!

Zombies and politics go together naturally

Feed by Mira Grant is book 1 of her Newsflesh series. The tale takes place around 2040 with the US in the middle of a presidential campaign. At the same time, since 2014, the world has been living in the shadows of an evolving zombie apocalypse where everyone is a carrier waiting for amplification to set them off. The main characters are a brother and sister news team that operate a popular website with blogs as they report on zombie related news. They are selected to follow a candidate and stumble into a conspiracy of ever growing dimensions.

The sci-fi elements are restricted to an intriguing biological origin of the zombie infection related to the interaction of two unrelated viruses. The idea that everyone is infected, but waiting for amplification to occur as from the bite of a true zombie is quite creative. The digital and electronic world is about the same as today.

The narration is quite well done with a tag team for male versus female perspective aligned with the story, although the sister dominates most of the narration.

A fun listen

Very enjoyable. My only issue was it was quite predictable. I still enjoyed the situations playing out. Will suggest this book to my friends.

Zombies? I'm reading about ZOMBIES?

What did you love best about Feed?

Mira Grant's ability to build interesting enough characters that I could love a book that's both a political thriller and about zombies - both genres I hate.

Which character – as performed by Paula Christensen and Jesse Bernstein – was your favorite?

I didn't have a favorite character, but I love how the two narrators switch off. There's a pivotal moment near the end of the book that wouldn't have had the same impact with one narrator.

Any additional comments?

I never thought I'd read a zombie book. I hate zombies. But - Mira Grant has a way of telling a story, and I'm addicted.

Literally the worst narration I've ever heard.

Would you consider the audio edition of Feed to be better than the print version?

No.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Feed?

When the primary narrator wasn't talking.

Would you be willing to try another one of Paula Christensen and Jesse Bernstein ’s performances?

Jesse Bernstein's yes, Paula Christensen's no.

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

No.

Any additional comments?

Christensen's attempts at Shaun's voice killed whatever atmosphere she was trying to create. And we GET IT, main character. Journalistic integrity. Couldn't finish the book.

Starts slow but ends beautifully

It's slow at the start but hang in there it's so worth it. Great story. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Loved it

Intresting take it took a chapter or two to grow on me but I thoroughly it this book

Well done

So much better than I anticipated. I don't often expect greatness, so it's a pleasant surprise when I experience it. This story proved the point.

A good opening novel and a fun twist on the zombie apocalypse.

I enjoyed the story quite a bit. I had read the short stories before this one, so I actually identified fairly strongly with the parents. It was interesting to see it all from this angle though. My only gripe is with the different "voices" for Sean. The female narrator's "Sean voice" accent is very different from the male narrator's (Sean's). Otherwise I really enjoyed it and will likely seek out the next installment.

Not your average zombie book

Which character – as performed by Paula Christensen and Jesse Bernstein – was your favorite?

The central character of the book has stayed with me months after I read the book and a few months after I read book two. I dont want to reveal too much, but this is a thoughtful book about the rle of media in society, the lack of incestigative journalism, and the lack of truth in the media and other institutions. I keep searching looking for book 3. The use of two narrators was exceptional, but Ms. Christensen's does a particularly engaging job.