Zombie Apocalypse Running Club by Carrie Mac
Published by Crown Books for Young Readers on August 13, 2024
ISBN: 152477104X
Genres: Horror
Format: Fiction
Goodreads

For twins Eira and Soren, life at their survivalist compound is getting uncomfortable thanks to their science-shunning, bigoted, territorial father. The twins know that in order for them to be their true, queer selves, they must leave the homestead and find their own way. Though they have a plan for this, it gets complicated when a zombie epidemic caused by toxoplasmosis sweeps through the world. Their homestead seems safe from zombies, but not safe enough from their father, so they take off, finding new family and acceptance as they make their way to safety.

From the cover Zombie Apocalypse Running Club looks like it will be a goofy zombie romp, but it’s much more serious than it appears. Eira and Soren are truly torn about leaving their family and the idea of loving someone you don’t like is handled well. Eira is a well developed character, but minor characters would have benefited from more attention. Racer, in particular, deserved more detail as the Special Olympics champion turned running coach who trains the survivors to run for their lives. A rushed ending is a disappointment in what is otherwise a well-paced novel. Recommend to fans of LGBTQIA romance and fast-zombie action as there is plenty of both.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath