A chaotic bisexual woman navigates a queer community in Arizona amidst a zombie outbreak, teaming up with a diverse group of friends to fight corporate greed, political corruption, and the undead. The story blends humor, horror, and social commentary, exploring themes of found family, queer identity, and survival in the face of a zombie apocalypse.

Reader Review Summary

"The Z Word" is a delightfully campy and unabashedly queer novel that takes the familiar zombie horror trope and infuses it with tons of heart, humor, and social commentary. Right from the start, the story hooks you with its irresistible premise - a zombie outbreak strikes during Pride weekend in a small Arizona town.

One of the book's biggest strengths is its wonderfully vibrant and diverse cast of queer characters. From the relatable bisexual protagonist Wendy, struggling to find herself after a tough breakup, to the magnificently over-the-top personalities like drag queen Logan and sword-wielding lesbian Aurelia, every character is bursting with life and authenticity. Their dynamics and interpersonal drama provide the dramatic heartbeat that drives the narrative forward just as compellingly as the escalating zombie danger.

Despite being set against the backdrop of an apocalyptic scenario, the novel never loses its deft, darkly humorous touch. The dialogue crackles with wit and comedic insights into modern queer culture. Lindsay King-Miller strikes just the right balance between satire and sincere representation. The queer characters are realistically flawed but always treated with empathy and affection by the author.

While the novel is an absolute riot from start to finish, it also has surprising emotional depth. The themes of found family and banding together against adversity resonate powerfully. King-Miller doesn't shy away from earnest tenderness amidst all the zombie mayhem and social commentary about corporate greed. The relationships, particularly Wendy's fraught dynamic with her ex Leah, are explored with nuance.

From a technical perspective, the snappy chapter structure and propulsive pacing keep the momentum going full throttle. There are plenty of shocking twists and pulse-pounding action setpieces. However, the book remains grounded in its fully-realized characters that you can't help but root for and invest in emotionally.

Overall, "The Z Word" is a bloody good time - a brazenly unique genre mashup that blends sexuality, scares, satire, and celebration of queer identity into an unforgettable read. With its razor-sharp humor, engaging characters, and unrelenting entertainment value, King-Miller's debut is an LGBTQ literary zombie apocalypse for the ages. Don't miss this wild, depraved, and surprisingly poignant thrill ride.