Multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author Jonathan Maberry's Rot & Ruin is his debut work for young readers. Fifteen-year-old Benny Imura lives in a world infested with zombies where, when a kid turns 15, he must get a job to continue receiving food rations. Benny has no interest in the family business of zombie killing, but figures he doesn't have much of a choice. He's tried out a bunch of other jobs, and hasn't found anything he likes. But as Benny starts training with his brother, he learns things about being human that he never expected.
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"I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed the characters and the story line of the book. The characters were well developed and very likable. The story also had a good flow to it. Even though this is a YA, I think any zombie fan would enjoy the story of Benny and Tom. Will def read book 2!"
— Tabatha (4 out of 5 stars)
“An action-packed, thought-provoking look at life—and death—as readers determine the true enemy.”
— Kirkus Reviews" I wasnt used to Sci-fi, I don't think I should've started reading Sci-fi with this book. I Just didn't like it... I probably would have gotten the book a bit more if i had started with another book but maybe not. "
— Donn, 2/19/2014" I liked this book, especially the character of Tom Imura. In fact I wish a story was told from his perspective. However, I also really liked the growth and experiences of Benny. It was a good book and I am looking forward to the next one in the series. "
— Mindy, 2/13/2014" A nice sit down and read book,but it has some language "
— Luca, 2/10/2014" I liked this book. The zombie twist on the apocalyptic plot was different and interesting. I liked it enough that I will probably read the second in the series to see how things develop. "
— Selena, 2/3/2014" I have to say that I enjoyed this story. I suppose its meant more for the YA group, but I enjoyed the characters. Certainly nothing deep or complex, but....human. There is also lots of zombie action and I felt that the landscape was well thought out. On to the next one! "
— Jennifer, 1/6/2014" A zombie apocalypse book that is not about zombies. "
— Bonnie, 1/3/2014" The First Night. More destructuive than 100 nukes. The thing that crumbled the world. The zombie apocalypse. "
— Austin, 12/17/2013" Recommended by my husband for the great characters and storyline in the post apocalypse. He said it has a sort of Hunger Games feel to it and I agree. This is what FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH wishes it could have been. "
— Tracy, 12/16/2013" Scary. I can't imagine living in a world overrun by zombies. It's just really creepy. But I really liked the plot. I found myself biting my lip and biting my nails as I turned every page. It was witty too, and I loved the main character. "
— Daniela, 12/15/2013" Excellent Teen Distopian Zombie Novel! Nuff Said. "
— Crystal, 11/29/2013" I honestly wasn't sure I could get into a Zombie novel, especially one obviously written for teenage boys not long out of puberty but I found that I have barely been able to put this down. Im so thankful I have an adorable teenage cousin to recommend books to me. lol "
— Cerrah, 9/5/2013" Brilliant. These zombies will smoke vampire books anyway. Great storyline. I love the characters and you never know who will die next. Riveting, fun, must read!! "
— Jody, 4/11/2013" I don't like zombies. I don't like zombie stories. But I want to read more of this series. THIS zombie book indeed has heart just as it said. Even if most of them aren't beating anymore.... "
— Kristine, 12/29/2012" Could. Not. Put. It. Down. This is the book that sparked my zombie obsession. Love the characters, love Maberry's story. I've read other zombie books, but this is my favorite. "
— Kristi, 10/2/2012" Super good great story and characters "
— Jose, 5/20/2012" This is the first zombie book I have read and I love it! It takes a completely different approach to dealing with a world of zombies! Very good read!!! "
— Rachael, 12/22/2011" This one took a bit to get into, but once into it, it was a great ride. The story was interesting and fun. "
— La, 11/19/2011" This is a book for everyone because it's a beautiful story of how a fifteen-year-old boy comes to understand his older brother. It just happens to be set in a world where the dead becomes zombies. "
— J., 5/23/2011" Benny doesn't much like his brother Tom, even though he is a well-known Zom fighter. He finds out Tom is so much more than that when he becomes his apprentice. He also starts seeing Zoms as more than flesh eating zombies and his character matures in front of us. Looking forward to the next story. "
— Sharon, 5/19/2011" Very quick and fun read! Coming of age in a post-apocalyptic world where the walking dead are everywhere is not as easy as it sounds, but Benny Imura steps up. "
— Justin, 5/18/2011" In the midst of a zombie apocalypse, what if the most frightening thing were us? Just who are the monsters here anyway? <br/> "
— Michael, 5/14/2011" This was one was really good. It took a different take on zombies which I liked. Can't wait for the second book! "
— Chelsea, 5/9/2011" When Benny turns 15 he must become an apprentice to a job or his rations get cut in half. After trying a couple jobs he turns to the family business, zombie hunting. His older brother is the best around but entering the family business might be too much for Benny to handle. "
— Danie, 5/9/2011" Love the covers but...probably won't read the next one. "
— Chandra, 5/4/2011" (I'll write it soon. xD ) "
— Auston, 4/30/2011" I realize I've probably used the rating system wrong. I love the books I've given 5 stars to, but I would give this one a six. Not your average zombie thriller, though plenty of those. Real story of a boy and his brother, and what it means to be family, and a good man. "
— Kristin, 4/28/2011" This is a good book if you are into books that are descriptive. This book had me hooked from the first page. While i was reading it, i felt like i was there. I also like how the author took Benny and made him learn the lessons of life. Personally i liked this book. "
— Mateusz, 4/25/2011" Well done, Maberry! Not only did he manage to get me to care about a bratty fifteen-year-old narrator whom I hated at the beginning, but he got me to love everyone Benny Imura loved, too. I laughed and I cried. What a surprisingly compelling and gripping book! I was very impressed. "
— Rachel, 4/20/2011" A zombie book that stands up above the rest. It was dark, but the real evil was found in the living this time. The zombies took a back burner to alot of drama that happens in a town. I loved the characters. Can't wait for the sequel! "
— Jessica, 4/18/2011Jonathan Maberry is a New York Times bestselling author, five-time Bram Stoker Award winner, four-time Scribe Award winner, Inkpot Award winner, and comic book writer. His vampire apocalypse book series, V-Wars, became a Netflix original series. He writes horror, science fiction, epic fantasy, thriller, and more. He is the president of the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers and the editor of Weird Tales magazine.
Brian Hutchison is an Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator and a professional theater actor who has appeared in numerous Broadway, off Broadway, and regional plays.