Reviewed by Dee
TITLE: Circle Z
AUTHOR: Brandon L. Summers
PUBLISHER: Less Than Three Press
LENGTH: 19,000 Words
RELEASE DATE: December 28, 2016
BLURB:
Lacey, an ambitious college student, is worried about her future with her girlfriend, wily and unambitious Dylan. As if that’s not enough to stress a woman out, suddenly the dead are walking and killing all who cross their path. Lacey and Dylan now have to escape the city, find out what is causing this disturbing anomaly, and hopefully survive to sort out their relationship.
REVIEW:
This is the second story I’ve read by this author, something I didn’t realize upon picking it up to review. I saw lesbian romance and zombies, two things I’m a huge fan of, and said count me in.
While the idea behind the story sounded great, I found the story lacking. I’m not sure if it was due to the length or what, but I didn’t become invested in the plot or the characters. I’m not a huge fan of Young Adult stories and this came across as one. Even though Dylan and Lacey are in their twenties, on page they come across as much younger.
As per the blurb, Dylan is wily and unambitious, she’d much rather laze around gaming than join in real life. But alas, her gaming skills come in handy when life is turned upside down and they have to fight for their lives.
And when Dylan isn’t gaming her mind is on sex, even in the midst of the chaos. While I’m no prude and am rather partial to the F-word, I lost count of how many times the f-bomb and similar words were dropped. Although some might say the quoted dialogue was fitting given the circumstances? “Because I’m dainty like a motherfucker.” “Saving your life, bitch.” “Fuck off!” she spat.”
The biggest disappointment for me was the relationship between the main characters. Their bickering came across like a teenage girl and boy. With a few minimal changes this story could easily pass as mainstream.
There were a few errors and some odd punctuation, but I received an ARC so hopefully those will be ironed out. If you love exclamation points, you’re in for a treat!!
So what did I like? Lacey and her uncle. I also appreciated the idea behind the plot and that the author took the time to pen the story, which I’m sure many others will get more out of than I did.
RATING: 
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