Episode Details

You think you know zombie apocalypse stories? The Rising by Brian Keene might have a few surprises waiting for you.

In this spoiler-lite review, Jim dives into the 2003 Bram Stoker Award-winning novel that helped kick off the modern zombie-fiction resurgence—and somehow escaped his attention for more than two decades.

These aren’t your typical shambling, mindless undead. Keene’s zombies can think, communicate, strategize, and use the knowledge they possessed while alive. And that’s only the beginning of what makes this apocalypse different.

Jim breaks down:

• Why The Rising stands apart from traditional zombie fiction

• The surprisingly deep supernatural mythology behind the apocalypse

• Why nobody seems to have plot armor

• The father-and-son story that gives the novel its emotional core

• Multiple POVs that expand the scope of the catastrophe

• Keene’s relentlessly effective pacing

• Plenty of gore—without becoming gore simply for gore’s sake

• Three reasons this version of the zombie apocalypse still might NOT work for you

Plus, Jim explains why the supernatural elements—both dark and surprisingly hopeful—may have been his favorite unexpected aspect of the entire novel.

If you’ve read The Rising, tell us what you thought! And without spoilers, which Brian Keene novel should Jim tackle next?

And the really important question:

Are zombies scarier when they can THINK?

Thanks for watching Fantasy for the Ages! If you enjoy conversations about fantasy, science fiction, and horror, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and ring that notification bell.

And a huge THANK YOU to our Patreon supporters for helping us keep the channel going!: https://patreon.com/FantasyForTheAges

#therising #BrianKeene #ZombieHorror #ZombieApocalypse #HorrorBooks #BookReview #FantasyForTheAges

Want to purchase books/media mentioned in this episode?

The Rising: https://t.ly/SxgE5

Ways to connect with us:

Follow Jim/Father on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13848336-jim-scriven

Join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/jMWyVJ6qKk

Follow us on "X": @Fantasy4theAges

Follow us on Blue Sky: @fantasy4theages.bsky.social

Follow us on Instagram: fantasy_for_the_ages

Follow us on Mastodon: @FantasyForTheAges@nerdculture.de

Email us: FantasyForTheAges@gmail.com

Check out our merch: https://www.newcreationsbyjen.com/collections/fantasyfortheages

Jim’s Microphone: Blue Yeti https://tinyurl.com/3shpvhb4

Jim’s Camera: Razer Kito Pro https://tinyurl.com/c873tc2n

0:00 - Opening

1:49 - Book Details

3:00 - Why Jim Read This

4:11 - Spoiler-Lite Summary

5:50 - Seven Reasons You May Want to Read This

11:37 - Three Reasons This Won’t Work for You

13:42 - Jim’s Final Thoughts

15:20 - Closing & Wrap-Up

————————————————————————————

Music and video elements licensed under Envato Elements:

https://elements.envato.com/