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)

One of the best of the genre

I am an avid fan of zombie fiction and this was a huge surprise for me. Fantastic story and one of the best performances from a narrator that I have ever heard - I was literally brought to tears at one point. As I said this is one of the best of the genre. Wow - well done.

I expected so much better!

What did you like best about The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor? What did you like least?

I felt the writing to be pretentious. The story was okay…

What was most disappointing about Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga ’s story?

As an avid Walking Dead fan I felt a huge disconnect with this book. I felt that the writers there in a few $10.00 words to make them selves seem smarter and felt the story to be a bit unbelievable.

Could you see The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

No I don't, However I do hope that after reading it I will get a better sense of “The Governor” when he is introduced in Season three of the series. If not then I fear this purchase would have been a total waste.

Any additional comments?

I felt that this book could have been a bit better. I found myself having to force myself to listen to the story just to finish the book.

More, MOre, MORe, MORE!!!!!!

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

Any fan of zombie Genre will enjoy the work and especially the way the words are used in such a descriptive way as to almost enter your mind, pick up a paint brush, dip it deep into the can of Red paint and slap it on the canvas of the minds eye just before taking the entire can and throwing it across the room!! The type of writing that will leave you feeling what the characters feel, hearing things in the other room, and even possibly shedding a tear for people you've almost come to know as Real! Please Keep It Coming!!

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

To not be a spoiler I'd say to many to list!

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

The whole crew!

If you could take any character from The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The Little Girl, because she was so strong & brave for Her age! Being a father of four it bothered me how cheated this child was from loss of her mother to not having a decent meal running for her life from the dead! I think to provide her a great meal and desert would make my wife and I very happy! Children suffering pulls at the heart strings of your basic person!

Any additional comments?

Please
More
Soon!

Can't get enough walking dead?

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

Had quite a few elements that need hindsight to fully grasp from the first listen.

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

The bloodthirsty characters when put in dangerous situations.

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

A smooth storyteller.

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

The story made me want more.

Great backstory!

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

While part of me wished David Morrissey was the reader, this was really well done! I couldn't read the book, because it was a little too scary for my imagination, but I could listen to it just fine and the story is fantastic.

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

No, but he's on my list of preferred narrators now.

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

The ending stayed with me for days.

OMFG

I just have to say I will never look at the Governor the same again. The rest of the story of course was good. But his becoming I'm breathless. Great job you two! Awesome job to the narrator as well!

Excellent

Your not a true Walking Dead fan until you finish this book. If you think you know all there is to know about Phillip Blake your wrong. This book was ten times better than I thought it could be and the narrator did a great job of giving you the feeling that you are fighting for life against the walking dead

Well done, maybe sometimes too overwhelming

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I'd reccomend it to anyone who likes the TV show in particular and the comics too. The book evokes the world of despair and

Who was your favorite character and why?

Brian, its "descent" into villainy. Philip is just a tad too crazy.

What three words best describe Fred Berman’s performance?

His performance as Philip was too much "cooked", if you get my meaning. He seems always on the point of breaking, it's just too much. Well done as for Nick and the Chalmer sisters. The Penny-Brian relationship too.

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

No, please... I'd be seriously worried if it had!

Any additional comments?

OK the southern accent: marked but still understandable for us not US residents. Berman's a professional, of course, and he does his job with a certain skill. His Philip was really annoying, sometimes too much.

all around great

a must listen for any walking dead fan with descriptions so immersive you feel like you're right there along the characters

Amazing

First off, the narrator was amazing! it really sounded like different characters! I loved it so much!