Flesh Without Soul is the debut novel of author Pochassic. The book is different than many of the books I’ve reviewed here on ZADF because unlike many in our beloved sub-genre of zombie fiction, this novel is complete. It doesn’t attempt to jump start a series, it’s a stand alone story which is incredibly unique.
Book Description:
What would you do to save the world? Eliminate racism? End Religious intolerance? Or simply destroy evil all together?
Michael Kerr, a recent drop out from his PHD program in bioengineering, is sure he can save the world. It’s a simple plan. Kill everyone on the planet who doesn’t believe in God. Problem is Michael’s unfaltering belief that he is the one and only true God. Now that his plan to cleanse the world has been unleashed all he needs to do is tie up a few loose ends. First save his sister Kara, who runs a small pizza joint in town, and second kill his other sister Jane, a Lt Commander in the Navy SEALS. As for the rest of the world, the zombie infection Michael released will kill every last human on Earth in six weeks, or less.
Then Paradise begins… One world united under one God… Michael, hallowed be His name.From the exciting beginning as a commercial airliner is battered by a thunderstorm above Tokyo, to the unexpected ending in a small town nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, Flesh Without Soul, delivers a rarity in the crowded zombie genre, a story with a beginning, middle, and end. No sequels, no trilogies, no stringing you on forever. So sit back and sink your teeth into the zombie book you’ve been waiting for.
Originality: 5/5
In the originality department, Flesh Without Soul is king. The zombie apocalypse in this tale isn’t the product of some government conspiracy, a super bug created by the over-prescription of antibiotics and evolution, or the result of some catastrophic accident. Instead, the virus is created by an insane cult leader who wants to rid the world of its evil nature. “Flesh without soul” is the ultimate sin, and to Michael, there is only one cure – total destruction. The tale is also unique because from the beginning the reader is given a peek into the mindset of the enemy and offered insight into the devastation he has created. There are also portions of the story told from other perspectives, but to start out in a position that isn’t based on surviving is completely unique.
Entertainment: 4/5
This novel offers something that is completely different from books I’ve read before. Although it could use another run through with a professional editor, overall the book was a very entertaining read. The story was in itself novel enough to carry it along. The characters were definitely wholly unique and were enjoyable to read, though the subject matter was often dark. One comment I would make is that the authors word choice was questionable at times, and some formatting choices were perhaps not the best, but overall it didn’t influence the readability or entertainment value of the book. There are moments of intense action, intense emotion, and there aren’t words for the ending. (Which is, without a doubt, an ending as the description promises.)
Writing Style & Writing Flow: 3/5 & 3/5
There were parts of the book and sentences which were somewhat difficult to understand or needed to be re-read. I won’t lie to you, there were several moments when I had to look up words that were used because they were unfamiliar to me and seemed excessively elevated, given the subject matter and the personality of the character which was being described in that particular section. The transitions between characters were also often sudden and not as cohesive as I would have liked.
Overall: 4/5
Although the book does have some weaknesses which are common in independent/self-published titles which lack a strong editing presence, this is still a highly enjoyable book. If you aren’t interested in reading a complete series and instead would like a book with a finite ending, this is the book for you. If you’ve ever wanted to know how a zombie apocalypse may end, but didn’t want to read thirty volumes to do it – check out Flesh Without Soul!
