Cherie Priest's Boneshaker is the only zombie book that I have ever read. As such, I can't comment on the genre subset. But let me say this. I love, love, loved this book. It was creepy, but not scary, and was driven by a plot, with all setting descriptions working towards enhancing and carrying the plot. I was so enthralled with it. I read it as I went to and from work and completed it within a few days. It was just so amazing. I never felt confused by the storyline, but at the same time, it was not as though the plot went exactly where I expected it to.
In general, I am fascinated by books that can be characterized as answering a question. In this case, "What if all Seattle became infected with disease and had to be walled off?" I found the answer to be not only entertaining, but to mostly meet with recognizable logic. It dealt with not only those who are walled in, but those who were walled out. What did both the inside and the outside societies have to do in order to survive? How were they affected by the illness (zombiefication)? So compelling. Plus! The names and clothes, etc. were so steampunk awesome. The world it's set in is referred to as "The Clockwork Century" and at this point Cherie Priest is in the midst of writing a 4th novel in this alternate-history world. I have finished Boneshaker, Clementine is currently out in hardback, Dreadnought will be out at the end of September, and Ganymede is in progress. These are standalone novels, so I don't have to worry about series fatigue on the part of the author being a problem. I believe most of the fantasy world is looking at you, George RR Martin.
Anyway, fabulous, awesome, lovely, and totally compelling book. Cherie Priest is now definitely on my must-read list.
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