Reviewed by Kana
Who it's for, and whether it holds up.
My Thoughts on When I Became a Zombie
"When I Became a Zombie" is a quick and quirky read that I found myself enjoying despite its flaws. It's a shounen ai story set in a zombie apocalypse, and the premise alone grabbed my attention. The story follows a zombie protagonist who, against all odds, retains some semblance of his former self and develops a connection with a human.
First Impressions
The initial chapters are intriguing, throwing you headfirst into the zombie's perspective. The author does a decent job of portraying the world through the eyes of a being who is slowly regaining his cognitive abilities. The "Warm Bodies" inspiration is definitely there, and while some might find it derivative, I thought it added a familiar foundation to build upon.
What Works Well
I appreciated the fast-paced nature of the story; it's perfect for a quick and easy read when you don't want to commit to something long and drawn out. The romance between the zombie MC and the human ML is sweet, and I found myself rooting for them despite their unconventional circumstances. The author explores the evolving relationship between the two characters and the zombie's gradual return to humanity is heartwarming.
Areas of Concern
The writing, while not terrible, can be a little confusing at times. There are moments where the transitions between scenes feel abrupt, and it's not always clear whose perspective you're reading from. This can make it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the story. The world-building, while interesting, could have been more fleshed out.
⚠️ Spoiler Warning
The ending sees the MC eventually regaining his humanity, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
Final Verdict
Overall, "When I Became a Zombie" is a decent read. While it has its flaws in terms of writing and world-building, the heartwarming romance and fast-paced plot make it an enjoyable experience. If you're looking for a quick and lighthearted shounen ai story with a unique premise, this might be worth checking out. I'd give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.
