White Trash Zombie Apocalypse

By: Diana Rowland

Narrated by: Allison McLemore

Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's Summary

Our favorite white trash zombie, Angel Crawford, has enough problems of her own, what with dealing with her alcoholic, deadbeat dad, issues with her not-quite boyfriend, the zombie mafia, industrial espionage, and evil corporations. Oh, and it’s raining, and won’t let up.

But things get even crazier when a zombie movie starts filming in town, and Angel begins to suspect that it’s not just the plot of the movie that's rotten. Soon she's fighting her way through mud, blood, bullets, and intrigue, even as zombies, both real and fake, prowl the streets.

Angel’s been through more than her share of crap, but this time she's in way over her head. She’ll need plenty of brainpower to fit all the pieces - and body parts - together in order to save herself, her town, and quite possibly the human race.

©2013 Diana Rowland (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Absolutely loved it!

Would you consider the audio edition of White Trash Zombie Apocalypse to be better than the print version?

Yes, the audio edition is better than the print version. I love audiobooks. There is so much you can get done while listening to an audiobook unlike a regular book that you have to have time to sit down and read. The only thing that can ruin an audiobook is the voice and/or performance ability of the person reading the book. I like Allison McLemore, she does a very good job.

What did you like best about this story?

It's hilarious, gross, and good fun. There were parts of this book were I literally laughed out loud; got some funny looks let me tell you. Plenty of action, intrigue, and personal drama for those that like those aspects as well.

What about Allison McLemore’s performance did you like?

Allison McLemore has an enjoyable voice to listen to and does a decent job of distinguishing between different characters by making her voice sound different when each character is speaking. Those are two important skills that unfortunately not all audiobook performers have though you would think they would be the first thing you look for before hiring someone for that job. I have bought audiobooks in the past that I absolutely could not stand to listen to because the persons voice was just so annoying or I couldn't tell which character was speaking because they all sounded the same. My point is, that is not the case when Allison McLemore is narrating an audiobook. She's very good at her job.

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

The movie extras aren't the only Zombies wondering the streets.

Any additional comments?

Hope this is not the end of the series and there will be many more books to enjoy.

15 of 15 people found this review helpful

Corporate espionage on steroids and brains!

I’ll be honest, I was concerned whether I’d like this installment after having found the previous one a tad too over-the-top in the zombie conspiracies department, and also lacking in classic Angel moments because—let’s face it—I read this series mainly for her crass humour. WHITE TRASH ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE has a nice mix of both, so even though I found the story slow to start off, I ended up really enjoying it. Allison McLemore’s Southern twang is always a joy to listen to, and Diana Rowland’s character development skills are out in full force which made me exceedingly happy—or as Crawford would say: “props to stubborn bitch willpower for saving the day.”

Marcus has been Angel’s on-again-off-again boyfriend for three books now, and even though the author has explained why he acts like a giant tool most of the time, I’m still not convinced that he’s “the one” for her; especially now that there are some new contenders! I hope Rowland will either love him or leave him in the next installment (even though there are strong hints that that won’t be the case) because I prefer a story’s action to revolve around the plot rather than a couple’s issues. But, that’s just me. There’s also the whole zombie aspect to consider because even though I like Nick’s character, I’m not convinced a relationship with him would be possible. Now Brian on the other hand…

Crawford’s love life aside, I was thrilled that her trailer trash-edness was the focus of this novel because I’d noticed its absence in EVEN WHITE TRASH ZOMBIES GET THE BLUES. There’s still plenty of outlandish zombie drama in book 3, but it felt like Angel maintained her sense of self through it all instead of becoming one of Pietro’s minions. She makes her own decisions and doesn’t let the “more experienced zombies” boss her around. Crawford also doesn’t try to hide who she is; I like that she acts the same whether she’s talking to a senator or her deadbeat dad.

New plot threads are introduced as well as some additional secondary characters which makes me excited about the future of this series. Heck, Allison McLemore’s narration alone makes these audiobooks worthwhile listens because just hearing her talk Angel-speak is wildly entertaining. On top of nailing the main heroine, she also does a mean Marcus, Philip, Nick, Derrell, Brian, Pietro… well, you get the idea. McLemore transitions easily between POVs, and each character has a distinct voice that stays consistent from one installment to the next.

WHITE TRASH ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE combines the fun tone of book 1 with the mafia aspect of 2 to deliver the best of both worlds. Or, as Angel would say, it’s “corporate espionage on steroids and brains!”

13 of 13 people found this review helpful

I Devoured This Book

Having completely enjoyed the first two White Trash Zombie books I was delighted when I saw that a third book in the series was on its way.

I was a bit skeptical that Diana Rowland could continue the White Trash Zombie series with a third volume that would hold up the the level of entertainment of the first two. I needn't have worried.

Although the plot lines of Apocalypse are more complex than the first two books the entertainment value is absolutely first rate. If you're a fan of Angel and her motley band of friends / enemies / and co-workers you're going to enjoy Apocalypse. Excellent character development continues in Apocalypse, with wonderful insight into the human (and Zombie) condition as well as laugh out loud humor.

Rowland also does a very good job of back-tracking the events of books 1 and 2 for listeners who may not be familiar with Angel Crawford and the other primary cast of characters.

That said, if you're reading this review and have are considering buying this audiobook and have not listened to the earlier books in this series I really recommend you start with book 1 (My Life as a White Trash Zombie) as it sets up everything that follows.

Can't wait to see what Angel and the rest are going to be up to next.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Good series

I really like this series, but did not love this book as much as the first two. But, it was still really good. I love the narrator too. But, she sounded a bit congested in the second part. Did not take away from the book at all.
Totally worth a credit. I will continue with this series.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Love the story and the audio!

Angel develops personally as well as in her zombie-hood. She’s come a long way from her drug addict “loser” origin, and it shows. Is she cultured and refined? Hell no! But she growing in all the ways that count. She’s determined to pass the GED and even has a fantasy of community college someday. It seems this book lays the groundwork for future books/stories, so there are some issues that go unresolved, but overall the story is satisfying. Not quite sure how I feel about part of the last scene in the story, but I'm sure more will open up on that in future.

This story is well-written and the audio performance rocks. It offers corporate intrigue, humor, a touch of romance, bullets, biting, baseball bats, natural disaster, violent retaliation, feeding frenzy, zombie labs, murder, mayhem, and yes, braaaaaiiiiiins. What’s not to love?! Can't wait for the next one.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

An Awesome 3rd Book!!!

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

Yes, because its funny, action packed, and for adults.

What other book might you compare White Trash Zombie Apocalypse to and why?

Married With Zombies By Jesse Peterson. Mostly for the adult feel to the stories. But I would say this White Trash Zombie Series is most similar to the TV show True Blood. But for zombies instead of Vampires.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved every scene from this book and the entire book series.

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

Yes and I pretty much did.

Any additional comments?

This 3rd book was well worth the money and I enjoyed it very much. Its as good as the first 2 books in the series. Adult humor and graphic content.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Humor, Heart And A Real Story!

The third in the series, "White Trash Zombie Apocalypse" did not disappoint. Angel is a rich character with lots of room for growth in the storyline. The "silly" premise of zombies-hood falls away instantly because all of the characters are firmly grounded in real life. The writing is good, the plot moves forward and I very much look forward to #4.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Another solid entry in the WTZ series

What made the experience of listening to White Trash Zombie Apocalypse the most enjoyable?

The young female protagonist continues her journey to leave behind her past as a drug-using, abused, girl living in poverty. I love the way the author has not made this journey a simple, straight line. Angel has setbacks and not everyone around her is supportive of her attempts to get her life in order. Being turned into a zombie has helped her significantly improve her life (no more drugs, a steady job) but all is not perfect. As a book for young women, there are some very good messages in here. Keep studying. Don't settle for the first man who sweeps you off your feet. Hot sex is not the only reason to choose to spend your life with someone. Always take care of your family. Appreciate your friends. Oh, yeah, and if you happen to be a zombie, always keep a stash of brains in the freezer. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Couldn't finish due Actor's Stuffy Nose

Would you try another book from Diana Rowland and/or Allison McLemore?

Yes, just please, Get Well first, mrs. McLemore!

Would you be willing to try another book from Diana Rowland? Why or why not?

No, tried her Demon books, and they weren't for me.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Normally, she wouldn't have, but after waiting so long for this book only to constantly be distracted from the story by Allison's horribly stuffy nose, and ensuing icky noises, I just couldn't finish it. I have a serious weak stomach.

Could you see White Trash Zombie Apocalypse being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Maybe a tv series.

Any additional comments?

I could have waited another week or so for the voice actor to get over her cold; I wish the directors of the production thought the same way.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Love These Zombies!

It never failed to amuse me how completely I accepted the brain-eating nature of these zombies! A real tribute to Diana Rowland's writing to make it so believable with the whole parasite thing and the true nature of zombies.
One thing is so funny--- while I was listening to I think the entire middle section, I heard Allison McLemore's voice sounding all stuffed up and I thought either it was a problem with the audio or it was just me. I'm so glad others heard it too! It took me a little out of the story for a while, but then her voice cleared up towards the end.
Also, I just saw an article about a new upcoming series about a girl zombie who looks normal and who eats brains. I wonder if it might be based on these books.
Anyway, on to the next book.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fun but not as much fun as its predecessors

Angel Crawford is back, making progress with her "becoming a Zombie gave me a second chance" life.

She overcomes natural disasters, sinister plots and fiendish new weapons in a spirited romp through the consequences of being a new zombie with the talent and courage to do something about the bigger picture.

There was enough new in this book to add interest (zombie research labs - run by zombies? Movie zombies who may not actually be faking it) and enough that was familiar (Angel's witty if uncouth mouth, humour around the need for "BRAAAINS", and a continuing sense that there is still a great deal more to learn) to make the book a satisfying read.

Two things made the book a little less satisfying than its predecessors: the plotting and time-line are not as tight and Allison McLemore, who normally does a superb job performing the White Trash Zombie novels, read the last two-thirds of the book with a cold. She did a great job in the circumstance but I wish Audible had let her come back when she had recovered - I kept wanting to hand her a tissue.

I'm still a fan and I'm looking forward to book four: "How The White Trash Zombie Got Her Groove Back." I just hope that Allison McLemore is cold-free this time.

Even White Trash Zombies Get The Flu

Would you try another book written by Diana Rowland or narrated by Allison McLemore?

Sure. I'd probably at least read a review first, though.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

There was a certain inevitability to the story arc.

How could the performance have been better?

I got really fed up with listening from about half way through because the reader clearly had a bad cold and the entire second half was difficult to listen to because of it. Surely the recording process could have been paused until the reader recovered?

Could you see White Trash Zombie Apocalypse being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

Absolutely. There is a lot going on, there are thrills and spills, and plenty of action. Between the three books there would certainly be enough material, and it's ideal for an action movie or series of movies. With a female action lead, I have no idea whether it'd be taken up, but I think it would be quite popular. In my mind, I see the singer from Die Antwoord take the role, but of course, that'd never happen. It'd work, though!

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the first two books and had looked forward to listening to this third one as the first two were cracking romps and full of fun and drama. I am not entirely sure whether the annoying sound of the reader toiling through the second half with a cold was so distracting that I lost interest in the story or whether this third one simply ran out of steam. It's a shame, because I had really enjoyed the first two stories, and until the reader caught a cold half way through this one, I had enjoyed her delivery.