*SPOILER ALERT: Dread Nation*
Who would’ve thought that a book that largely consists of people running for their lives with zombies hot on their tails would move me THIS much?
Deathless Divide is the sequel to Justina Ireland’s New York Times Bestselling Book, Dread Nation. The book picks right back up where Jane and friends left off at the end of Dread Nation; escaping Summerland on their way to Nicodemus in the hopes of reuniting with previous comrades and, eventually, making their way to California to reunite with Jane’s mother. The stakes start off extremely high and only continue to get more intense as the motley crew finds themselves struggling to survive while the world around them falls to a zombie apocalypse. Allyships from the first book will be questioned, new perspectives will be introduced, beloved characters will be slain, Deathless Divide truly holds nothing back--which, I believe is what I love most about it.
Deathless Divide felt like a more fleshed out, personal, and dynamic version of Dread Nation, a privilege given to it thanks to the exquisite world-building of the book’s predecessor. While violence is quite (understandably) common in this book, the focus on the nuanced relationships between the characters are what really kept me turning the page. Jane and Katherine are posited as rivals throughout the first book, but here you begin to see the makings of a truly beautiful relationship between the two. While far from perfect, the love and camaraderie between the two women, particularly in the face of the boundless chaos and destruction marking the world around them, is a wonderful sight to see. More than that, an influx of new characters find their way into our hearts (I’m looking at you, Carolina Jones) while the crew makes their way to California. Deathless Divide just feels undeniably human. Everyone is trying their best to actualize themselves in the face of a bleak reality and it is only through their support of one another that they are able to make it through.
The book gave me much to think about regarding themes of love, friendship, grief, resilience, and mental health and it was as gripping and fast-paced a tale as it was a fleshed out and beautiful one. It helps to show that, despite our circumstances, a united group of individuals can, in fact, make it through. And given the times we are in amidst this pandemic, I felt this lesson to be well-timed and resonant. Please read this book everyone, it’s heavy, but so so worth it!
Also, we got the chance to talk to Justina Ireland (in a spoiler-free interview) about Deathless Divide. Be sure to check it out to hear more of our thoughts!