Phillip Tomasso

I loved this book, let me say that first. For once, the author comes up with a reason as to why there are zombies. But in this book, there are fast ones, there are slow ones. There are zombies with personalities.

Two problems I had: The first, whomever edited this book, missed just a few things. There was a "did" where there was supposed to be a "didn't." Sounds small, but makes a world of difference. "Heard" instead of "herd." Spelling errors, sentences that sound like words are in the wrong order, things like that. They got distracting after a while.

Secondly. Who the heck gave Chase a drivers license? The dude was in no less than 3 car accidents. All with stopped vehicles, meaning they were his fault. And oddly, no one got more than a concussion. Although, Allison apparently got 2 in a 2 day time frame.… (mere)

Ah, I really liked this series. It kept me wanting more, and what a fitting ending. In fact, I have even downloaded the next series by Mr. Tomasso, featuring Char. This series is a bit different than other Zombie books I have read in that there are different groups of Zombies, the fast ones, and the slow ones. And these zombies, are just a bit more chilling in that they are learning. They can come up with attack strategies and hunt in packs.

The only complaint that I have had throughout the entire series, is that the book is very badly edited. Missing words, punctuation, and a few other things. Other than that, a very good series.… (mere)

A routine flu season turns deadly when an adulterated batch of flu vaccine leads to an outbreak of walking dead. Enter Chase McKinney, a jaded, perhaps selfish divorcee who works as a 911 dispatcher and is among the earliest to understand the scope of Rochester’s “problem.” He has taken a confession from one of the key men involved in the outbreak, the call prophetic as a busy night on the phone lines escalates to all hell breaking loose.

In order to review this book, I feel the need to disclose a sort of kinship with the author who, while I don’t know him personally, has been in my cyber-sphere for years. We both write medical-inspired zombie fiction so the overlapping of our social circles seems inevitable.

Despite the familiarity, this review is one hundred percent objective.

Vaccination was in some way everything I had hoped. The highlight of the book for me was the time spent in the 911 call center (where the author actually works). Authenticity can’t be faked. I’d have liked more of the book to unfold here, but the crux of the story is Chase’s journey to his children. A father of two, Chase’s redeeming quality is his dedication to his son and daughter. Having some experience with split families, I identified with Chase who is an outsider in his former life with his children being raised by his ex-wife and new husband. There’s nobility in Chase’s unwavering loyalty.

As the story unfolds there are many close calls with both slow and fast zombies and car crashes galore. Chase and Allison’s casual relationship deepens into a genuine romance. Secondary characters are introduced, but the plot never veers from “Chase needs his kids.”

A good story overall. Engaging, page-turning, and told in a specific, stylistic voice. Where Vaccination lost me (and I absolutely hate to have to call this out) is the editing. I’ll forgive any author a handful of errors or omissions, but this novel needs a solid copyedit and proofread. The fact that I read the entire book in spite of the errors is a testament to how much potential the novel has. Even with its flaws, I still recommend it.… (mere)