2.5. It's not that I disliked this book. On the contrary, I got a kick out of it, however, it lacked ambience, historical details and character development for me to completely be absorbed by the story. Despite the near 300 pages, it felt rushed. Mayhap because it lacked substance? I was not expecting the love story which dominated and was a little more than disappointed that there weren't more historical references to give it some "bite". The last 40 pages did manage to delight with action, political intrigue and an appearance by Queen Elizabeth herself. She always liked a good play. If the rest of the book were in that vain, it would have been more good drama and less parody. William Shakespeare as the vampire, zombie killing fiend who could barely contain his lust for a female zombie hunter might have been more than I bargained for. I don't know what I was expecting. For what it was worth, and it only cost me $2, the book was an enjoyable, campy read. "Off with their heads"! This book was fabulous. Well paced and balanced between gore/thrill and love story. The way Handeland weaves together Shakespearean plots, current movie story lines, and her own story is both brilliant and amusing. The strong heroine, the vampires, the zombies, and the play. Read carefully to find allusions to modern stories as the Sixth Sense and Star Wars. Shakespeare lives and continues to write to this day.
What do You think about Shakespeare Undead (2010)?
Basically Shakespeare in Love with vampires and zombies. Entertaining, but not terribly original.
—pinky
Trashy book with Zombies, Shakespeare and Elizabeth I making a cameo. What isn't there to love?!
—Liz17
Easy read. Light & fun with a unique twist on the undead.
—yuli
Not what I expected....but Wow...what a great book.
—Blahhhhhh
