I just have to say that I couldn't have been more wrong about this book. It is a serious fiction book.
World War Z is present as a series of recollections and interviews of people that survived through the rise of zombies across the globe. The people that are "interviewed" come from many walks of life and nations. From a celebrity bodyguard to a Chinese admiral to a USAF pilot to people whose families fled to zombie swarm to an astonaut that was stuck in the International Space Station for the duration of the war.
The book covers the initial emergence of the zombies to the panic that engulfs the world as the undead increase in numbers. From the turning of the tide to the war to retake all the lost territories. And finally to the end of the war and after.
Some of the most memorable tales include the failed Battle of Yonker (yes, the one in New York); the survival of a pilot downed in a zombie infested bayou who is guided to safety ala Bat 22; underwater battles with the undead; the use of canines in the zombie war; and the clearing of the catacombs and tunnels under Paris. There are many more stories, all of which kept my interest.
The zombies are classic, George Romero, slow moving types. Their bites cause infection, as well as getting any of their gore into open wounds. The infected die and reanimate. They may only be killed by destroying the brain.
The stories are written in an easy to read style. Each chapter of the book covers a period of the war with numerous viewpoints and stories. The tone of the book is as realistic as you can get in a book about the dead rising. None of the stories seem far fetched, beyond the intial idea of zombies.
As a gaming resource, this book abounds with ideas. The entire book could be used as a campaign setting for AFMBE or similar games. The ideas presented in this book range from military responses, both failed and successful, to the zombie threat; and how life changes in relation to zombie hordes overtaking the world.
It presents some interesting terms and concepts such as:
The Standard Infantry Entrechment Tool aka Lobotomizer or Lobo: a fusion of shovel and double-bladed battle-axe. Invented by the USMC as their war-time melee weapon.
Quislings: named after the Norwegian puppet put into power by the Nazis during WWII. The nickname for humans that overidentify with the zombies and act just like zombies, flesh-eating and all.
LaMOE pronounced "Laymoh": military jargon for Last Man On Earth. This term was coined by grunts while retaking occupied areas. These are loners that have survived in occupied territory on their own. The more friendly ones were referred to as Robinson Crusoes.
NATO 5.56 "Cherry PIE": the standard weapon round used by the US army during the reclamation of the US. Pyrotechnically Initiated Explosive. Shatters on entry into the head and fries the brain.
Zacks (USA) or Zed Head (British): military references to zombies.
This is just to name a few.
If you love zombie movies and/or love to play AFMBE, then you should find a copy of this book. Not only is it a good read, but it is extremely gamer friendly.
