This was likely one of the most awaited sophomore efforts for horror aficionados in 2012. Jacobs SOUTHERN GODS had blown away nearly all of the competition last year and many thought should have taken home the Stoker for first novel (not to slight the winner Alison Byrd’s ISIS UNBOUND one bit). The combination of blues and evil in post war deep south bit deep with lyricism in storytelling and originality – something lacking in many contemporary novels.
That being said, what should that author do for an encore? If someone were to suggest a zombie novel, this reviewer would’ve shook his head and asked “why bite off the same flesh as a million others have done – to death?” This is a zombie novel for people who either love OR hate zombie novels as like the popular THE WALKING DEAD, doesn’t focus on the dead as much as it does the decay of the living.
After all, zombies themselves aren’t fascinating. Unlike other well-worn tropes, they simply don’t have personalities (but will never sparkle, either!).
This is all a moot point though as Jacobs is writing this novel and the smooth prose that propelled his debut on the Stoker finalist drives THIS DARK EARTH. His southern setting in Arkansas breathes a little drawl into the “shambler”-populated world.
The story begins in the usual way: a pathogen infects a city hospital while a nurse and trucker escape the initial bloodbath and help build Bridge City, a haven and fortress to ensure the survival of the human race. Their savior, Lucy, the nurse’s son, Gus, is earmarked for being the next leader of men. Just as he feels up for the challenge, their new world is threatened by a horde of slavers, survivors who wish to rule what is left of living earth in primitive manner, with humans shackled and destined to serve their masters.
Much more about people than action, although there is plenty of that, blood, gore, and all that typically accompanies a good apocalyptic novel, this novel focuses on the darkness that resides within hearts that still beat.
Jacobs may not have won the Stoker yet, but if he keeps up storytelling of this caliber, he will be around long enough build his own dynasty.
Very much recommended.
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- Black Static #44-45 - April 11, 2015
- The Halloween Children - February 12, 2015
- Darkness Ad Infinitum - November 24, 2014
- Fear City - October 5, 2014
- The Boneyard - July 24, 2014
- Double Feature: A Novel - July 24, 2014
- Never Alone - July 24, 2014
- Blind Vengence - July 24, 2014
