What are the characteristics of good zombie novels?

One characteristic is the horror atmosphere. They often create a sense of dread with descriptions of zombies' appearance and their attacks. For example, zombies with rotting flesh and blood - thirsty eyes.

Most top zombie novels often have a post - apocalyptic setting. For example, in 'World War Z', the world has been overrun by zombies, and survivors are trying to find a way to rebuild. They also usually have strong characters who have to face not only the zombies but also other desperate survivors. In 'The Girl with All the Gifts', the main character is a girl who is different from the typical zombies, and her journey of self - discovery in a world full of danger is a key part of the story.

Well, new zombie novels can be really interesting. One characteristic is that they sometimes blend different genres like horror and science fiction in a more innovative way. They could also explore new settings, not just the typical urban decay, but perhaps post - apocalyptic wilderness or underwater habitats where zombies exist. Another aspect is that the characters in new zombie novels are often more complex, with their own moral dilemmas and backstories that add depth to the story.

Often, they have a darker tone. The settings are usually in desolate and dangerous places. For example, in many such novels, the cities are in ruins and filled with lurking zombies.

Many Chinese zombie novels feature a group of survivors. These survivors often have different skills and personalities. The novels explore how they cooperate or conflict with each other in the face of the zombie threat. Moreover, Chinese zombie novels may also introduce some unique supernatural powers or items related to Chinese mythology. For instance, a magical talisman that can repel zombies. The moral and ethical dilemmas that the characters face during the zombie apocalypse are also important aspects of these novels.

Typically, classic zombie novels often involve a post - apocalyptic setting. There's a breakdown of society as the zombies spread. For example, in 'The Walking Dead', we see how the survivors have to form new communities and deal with not only the zombies but also other groups of survivors.

Many of them have detailed and often gory art. For example, 'The Walking Dead' doesn't shy away from showing the brutality of the zombie attacks. The zombies are usually depicted with decaying flesh and a menacing look.

Good zombie fiction books often have intense action. Since zombies are a threat, there are usually a lot of fight - or - flight scenes. For example, in 'The Walking Dead', the characters are constantly on the run from zombies and other dangerous humans. Another characteristic is a well - thought - out apocalyptic setting. It should feel believable, like in 'World War Z' where the global spread of the zombie plague is described in detail. Also, interesting characters are important. In 'The Girl with All the Gifts', the main character is a girl who is different from the typical zombies, which makes her character very engaging.

They might also have unique personalities. Some are portrayed as evil and power - hungry, using their zombie hordes to dominate others. However, there are also those who are more complex, perhaps using their powers for a greater good or having been forced into this role. In many light novels, a Zombie Master's power level can vary greatly, from being able to control just a few zombies at first to amassing a large undead army as they grow in strength.

A lot of zombie novels in the list play with the idea of the transformation from human to zombie. For example, they might explore how the virus spreads and what it does to the human body and mind, which adds a lot of horror and mystery elements to the story. In some novels, the zombies are slow - moving and in others, they can be fast and more menacing, which also affects the overall tone and the challenges faced by the characters.