Twins Eira and Soren navigate a zombie apocalypse, fleeing their survivalist home to find safety and acceptance while honing their running skills with the help of new friends, including a champion Special Olympics runner. The story blends elements of LGBTQ+ representation, found family dynamics, and survivalist challenges in a post-apocalyptic world filled with fast-moving zombies.

Reader Review Summary

"Zombie Apocalypse Running Club" is a fresh and engaging young adult novel that deftly blends elements of horror, dystopia, LGBTQ+ themes, and coming-of-age storylines. From the clever title that grabs your attention right away, to the fast-paced plot centered around outrunning the undead, this book delivers an adrenaline-pumping reading experience.

One of the biggest strengths is the diverse and relatable cast of characters. Twins Eira and Soren are fantastic protagonists - queer teens forced to hide their true selves from their oppressively religious survivalist parents until the zombie apocalypse gives them a chance to escape and embrace who they really are. Their bond and individual voices shine through beautifully. The addition of Racer, a Special Olympics champion with Down syndrome, is an inspired choice that provides excellent representation while also being an integral part of the story through his creation of the eponymous running club to train survivors.

The novel deftly balances heavier themes like religious trauma, homophobia, and conspiracy theories with a healthy dose of humor, sarcasm and hope. Eira's narrative voice is delightfully snarky yet vulnerable. The fast-paced, high-stakes premise of evading zombies combines thrillingly with the tender journeys of self-discovery, blossoming romance, and found family. Readers are kept on the edge of their seats, desperate to see these lovable characters survive against the terrifying odds.

While a few reviews mention the ending feeling a tad rushed, the majority are in agreement that "Zombie Apocalypse Running Club" is an immensely enjoyable read that blends genres brilliantly. The quick-witted humor provides the perfect counterbalance to the grim realities of the zombie apocalypse setting. And at its core, it's a heartwarming celebration of identity, courage, and the unexpected opportunities that can arise even in the darkest of situations.

With its sharp social commentary, diverse representation, and wildly entertaining premise, "Zombie Apocalypse Running Club" is a phenomenal addition to the young adult horror/dystopia canon. Effortlessly blending thrills, chills, and tons of heart, Carrie Mac has crafted something really special that will leave readers clamoring for more adventures with this lovable, resilient crew.