Review: Pride &Prejudice Dawn Of The Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith

Dawn of the Dreadfuls is a prequel to Pride & Prejudice with Zombies. This book was kind of a mixed bag for me. On the one hand I thought Hockensmith did a good job catching the narrative feel of the Bennet family. When the dreadfuls begin to make an appearance in their local village Mr. Bennet decides to educate his daughters in the way of the warrior. Bennett also reaches out to his connections in the military and warrior realms and soon the sisters have a new martial arts master who shows more than a teacherly interest in Elizabeth.

Elizabeth also stumbles upon  upon (literally) the scientist Dr. Keckiplenny, who is studying the Dreadfuls and experimenting on them scientifically. It is interesting to watch Elizabeth in these situations since she finds her self drawn to both of them. Jane as well is tested as she is sent as a bodyguard to a questionable Lord and wonders about what her future as a warrior will cost her personally. All this leads up to a battle that will test the mettle of all the Bennet sisters and determine the fate of the town.

The zombie scenes are interesting and there is also some great dark humor.  Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a real purpose for this book. Hockensmith makes this a stand alone novel and though I really loved the training scenes and watching the girls embrace the warrior life but parts of the book were a little sluggish.