The Walking Dead: The Road to Woodbury

Profound! Sadistic! Ruthless! Twisted! SURVIVAL! Fear humankind and the zombies!

I could not put this book down. I wish they would have incorporated more elements of The Road to Woodbury in the TV series. Elements that do appear in the series are: Penny, Philip, the heads in jars, and the town. I may be forgetting a couple more.

This book explains the Philip and penny storyline and how Philip came to power. The book is fast paced, filled with teeth gritting, breathe holding, horror.

....Short Answer....

The book is awesome. It picks up right after the Governor takes power, with a small group of refugees entering Woodbury.

....Medium Answer....

This book adds to the series perfectly. Following a group that finds their way to Woodbury a few weeks after The Governor took control of Woodbury. The group does not know the history in which The Governor came to rise to power, but they start to see the rot under the veneer. Eventually the group is thrown into situations far deadlier than the Walkers.

....Long Answer....

The Walking Dead series is a genre in its own. Character development is a crucial aspect to these books. The listener can empathize with at least one character. Everyone who listens or reads zombie fact/fiction books has the “I know what I would do.” quote, but what would you do if your first and typically only plan didn’t pan out as expected. You would eventually end up like characters in these books. Would you be an Alpha or a Follower? These books give an insight into how the world would be if civilization crashed and an ever eminent threat loomed over them. This installment follows a group of unsuspecting individuals that are welcomed into Woodbury where the Governor has risen to power. They know all is not as it seems, but a safe place to sleep. The entrance of this new dynamic help start in motion the events change the future of all the characters and Woodbury.

I always like the interactions between characters. The way these authors build them into people and not just "characters," and put them into real world situations.

That would be Josh, although the Governor is pretty tempting too.

Awesome series. There were a few zombie twists/scenes that were unexpected and nothing was really cliche. Characters were believable. I swear I'm still laughing at the exchange between Sara & her stoner boyfriend in the back of the pickup truck. "Dude you totally farted and it was girl fart" I'm telling you Fred Berman could be on a stage somewhere. He's good!

I mean I swear I listen to alot of books and this is the first one where the material, the scene setup & the presenter made me laugh outloud!

I actually liked both of the books in the series and was pleasantly surprised by that. I LOVE the way the authors set up a chapter so you know what's going to happen but you do NOT know the outcome. Talk about suspense! LOVE it!!!

If you're a walking dead, zombie, apocalypse or syfy fan you HAVE to get these books. I just wish there were more!

Ok, first let me rebut my first review of the Rise of the Governer. I complained somewhat that the author was "trying too hard to make as detailed and analytical " & "It just distracted me to much from the storyline". Boy was I ever wrong. I just loved the detailed in this book. It was just in aw how he kept using these adjectives and they were just spot on! I have read all the comics and I have recently re-read just past the prison in Comic books. Let me tell you there are charactors in this book that tie into that series of issue of the prison and Woodbury. And it's just cool to seem them in both. So I give a 10 out of 10 for this audio book!


**Semi Small Spoiler Alert**
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-Big Art

Story not very good. Suppose to be a zombie book. Too much time spent on characters lives and activities. First book was better held my interest. Most likely will not purchase another book of this series without some great rating.

Only if it gets great rating from a lot of readers or listeners.

Narrator was not this books problem. Did very good job.

Wow scenes and sections I would cut would be at the sections I can't remember what the heck happen. Lost my interest.

No a horrible book, but not what I was looking for in an adventurous zombie story. Too many slow, no action sections.

Who thinks they can pitch a tent in the middle of a field and think they're safe during a zombie apocalypse!?

Apart from one or two quibbles, this book is otherwise very good, a must read if you are into zombie literature. I think the previous book, "Rise of the Governor" is better, or at least even more gut wrenching and dramatic. Both books are pretty sad and depressing, although that's the style of the series, I wish it had at least some upbeat parts.

But at least in this book there is a character to like, Lilly. Tragic things keep happening to her and she is just trying to survive. Lilly is someone you can relate to and keep hoping that she pulls through each time.

There are a whole bunch of complex gray morality issues going on throughout the book and all of it well handled by the author. In times like these, what are you supposed to do? Survive.

Listened for Fun!
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.25
Character Rating: 3.75

Audio Rating: 3.25

First thought when finished: The Road to Woodbury was much better than The Rise of the Governor! Also proved that the humans are scarier than the zombies!

What I thought of the story: The Road to Woodbury was really the journey of Lily and her experience with The Governer and Woodbury. To me, this is where the story shines because you really want to know how it works out for her. When she is the focus, the story is fantastic!

What I thought of the characters: I am going to be honest, I don't think you are supposed to like or relate to any of the characters in Woodbury. They are a little less one dimensional in this 2nd installment but still not a lot of character development. Lily was a fantastically flawed character with many dimensions and you wanted to root for her!

What I thought of the audio: Narrated by Fred Berman and at a running time of 9 hrs and 56 mins, The Road to Woodbury (or actually the series) is one I would suggest you read not listen too. I just don't think the story plays as well in audio.

Final thought: I have heard that this is a trilogy so I am hoping the final book has more character development. The story was solid and entertaining though and zombie lovers should not pass it up. Though my theory that the people are way scarier than the zombies still stands!

Poorly written storyline that used an absurd amount of adjectives and adverbs creating a much longer story than necessary. Not only did it feel long but it also did not develop the characters properly leading to large leaps in relationships that were unbelievable.

It has not turned me off from this series because I am addicted to the "The Walking Dead" series as a whole, but I will admit to reading this book as a guilty pleasure and feel a little ashamed.

Outstanding performance by Fred Berman. With out his strong performance I would not have made it through this book.

Wow what a great read/ listen. Can not wait to listen to the next book.

The second half of the story is boring, but great acting. Not as much back story as I thought there'd be.