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)

I luv The Walking Dead & thse pre-stories are grt!

Where does The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I truly loved this book. I don't care what anyone else says.I was interested in the story about this character. I was surprised how it ended. Way different then I expected. This book kept my interest just as well as a book I would read myself. I was thrilled with the narrator chosen for this book. His version of the voices were great and I don't think it would have come across this way if it was someone else. Fred is perfect for this story. And because of this I would truly want to listen to more books that he has read.

What other book might you compare The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor to and why?

I've been on the zombie kicked for many years now. Way before "The Walking Dead" TV show came out. I'm a fan of the TWD comics that started off the TV show. Because of this I could say I would compare this book to many of the other zombie books I've read. But because of Fred it was so great to listen to and I wanted to keep going and not "put it down".

Which scene was your favorite?

All of the book was my fav but the best was the end (which I won't give out for those who've not read it yet) when Brian introduced himself.

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

YES...it was so difficult to stop ready when I was sleepy or have something to do..it took me a week to listen to it for these reasons when it should have taken one day.

Any additional comments?

I became a member of Audible because I'm disabled now and sitting around all the time so i'm always reading and it's nice to just liten once in awhile...I've always reading the descriptions and trying to find great books to listen too. I am on a big zombie kick right now so that's how I roll at the minute...

Riddled with stupid technical mistakes

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

Probably, its a pretty good story, but the terrible editing take away from it alot

If you’ve listened to books by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga before, how does this one compare?

I have not

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

NA

Was The Walking Dead: Rise of The Governor worth the listening time?

Yes, but barely

Any additional comments?

Tons of really stupid technical mistakes. Not just the annoying little stuff that fanboys love to point out, but stuff that a lot of everyday people would pick up on. For examples, Ford doesn't make the S-10 pickup, Chevy does and The Delta Force is not part of the Marine Corps. These are just two GLARING examples. There's a lot more subtle stuff two, things that any 5th grader with an internet connection could have check on and corrected. One or two of these is understandable, but this book is LOUSY with them! It really takes away from the experience.

Every bit as outstanding as the TV series

The Walking Dead TV series was the first thing that got me into the zombie genre. The Walking Dead was not at all what I expected and I had no expectations that this genre would be so extremely addictive. The outcome in this story & who would actually develop into 'the Governor' totally caught me by surprise until the last 1/4 or so of the story. It is definitely filled with lots of suspense and surprises.

This would have to be my 3rd favorite zombie story. Only J.L. Bourne's "Day By Day Armageddon" series tops it in my opinion. Hopefully more of TWD series will be made into audio book version with the huge success of the TV show proving that TWD is something that people want more of.

Not having any familiarity with the comic book series, I keep wondering & waiting for when the Governor will cross paths with the group that is displayed on the TV series.

great book

if your a fan or The Walking Dead it is a must. time to look into another book

Loved it, loved it, loved it - Kirkman is a God

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

Yes, edgy story line. Great suspence. I couldn't wait to get back to it every time I had to put it down.

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

The whole Penny dying part, I knew Philip was going to lose and Brian would pay the price.

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

Philip

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

If I could have I would have.

Any additional comments?

This should be made into a movie - I can't wait to listen to the next one, The Road to Woodbury. I hope it's just as good.

Enjoyable, but already a fan

I have been a fan of the series since it began on AMC. So, the book was an easy sell for me. I was fascinated by the back story, or prequel, giving some insight to the governors pschykey.

i loved this book

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

yes and man its super intense i tell you

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

at the begining when he was in the closet hiding with the little girl

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

no not yet but whew intense

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

idk i really wanna meet darrel from the show or rick or all of the them

Any additional comments?

i have a problem reading i have adhd so i cant focusing and i get bored but i listen to music and its basically the same thing i love listening to books on my phone and this is perfect i recommen this to everyone

Great aide for my zombie fix

I am a huge huge fan of the tv show and this was just a great book(s) to feed my addiction!
Gives insight into the governor and just gives great food for the zombie hunger!

Jaw dropping

I loved it! Its every thing The Walking Dead needed . Amazing , raw , and tear dropping . Kirkman and associated with is masters of detail.

Second listen

I had actually heard this book before but did not realize it until after starting it. The book was ok. By the end, I was ready for it to be over, though. On to another.