Okay, hear me out. Imagine you’re stuck in a sketchy residential treatment center, just trying to mind your business and work through your issues, when BOOM! The zombie apocalypse starts knocking on the front door with its crusty, undead fists. That’s where The Dead Weight by Jo Salazar kicks off, and honestly? It’s unhinged in the best way.
PLOT VIBES
Meet Quinn. She’s 16, antisocial AF, and not here for your hero arc expectations. After a whirlwind of foster homes and almost catching a juvenile record, she’s doing time in therapy. But surprise! Life says, “Nah, personal growth is overrated. Here, have a full-blown carrier plague instead!” Zombies breach the center, and suddenly, rehab turns into a do-or-die arena.
Quinn teams up with her bestie, Keisha, plus a random mix of other scrambling teens. But this isn’t just a “grab weapons and run” scenario. The title, The Dead Weight, starts hitting hard. Are they ditching literal zombies, or is the drama really about figuring out which humans aren’t worth the hassle? Spoiler alert: betrayal gets messy when survival’s on the line.
And Quinn? Oh, she doesn’t just aim to survive; she thrives. She’s got that morally gray, will-do-anything energy that makes you root for her even while thinking, “Should I be scared of her?” Watching her relationships get as tense as the apocalypse itself? Absolute chef’s kiss for the drama lovers out there.
WHAT’S THE THEME, BABY?
Forget your basic brain-eater zombie storylines. This book digs into the feels. It’s about trauma, trust issues, and trying not to snap while the world burns (literally). The people? Flawed. The relationships? Messy. The stakes? Through the freaking roof.
Also, girl power? Yeah, The Dead Weight serves it on a platter. It’s basically zombie feminism wrapped in gore. Gaslight, gatekeep, and girl boss energy get real as these young women step up while dodging carriers and toxic dynamics.
PLUS, there’s a queer love subplot. Quinn and Keisha? Whew. Their vibe is intense, complicated, and “I-don’t-trust-you-but-you’re-my-person” kind of deep. Salazar keeps it so raw; you’ll want to hug them (if they’re not, you know… fighting the undead).
THE WRITING? BITES (IN THE GOOD WAY)
Salazar doesn’t just write; she drags you into the chaos, with no warning. Her descriptions? Vivid. You’ll smell the decay, hear the gross squelching zombies, and definitely second-guess your survival instincts. It’s fast, it’s gripping, and it refuses to give you a breather.
And can we talk about how human the characters feel? Everyone’s carrying baggage, making dumb choices, and just trying. Quinn? She’s not your Pinterest main character. She’s salty, emotionally chaotic, and unapologetically flawed. Honestly, a relatable queen.
Oh, and plot twists? This book pulls no punches. Just when you think you know what’s coming, BAM! You’re emotionally sucker-punched. Keep the tissues handy, bestie.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Zombies, but Make It Deep
Yes, it’s full of gnarly zombie action. But it’s also serving introspection, big emotional punches, and those “ugh, same” moments. - Characters That Slap
Quinn will have you torn between rooting for her and being mildly terrified. None of the squad is perfect, but that’s what makes them so good. - Feminist Apocalypse Goals
Strong female leads running the show? Iconic. This isn’t your dad’s zombie book. - Vibes for Everyone
Don’t even like zombies? Same. But Salazar turns those shambling corpses into a backdrop for deep psychological drama, so you’ll just get it.
WHO SHOULD READ THIS?
If you binge The Walking Dead for the slow-burn character turmoil, or you love messy, morally gray protagonists, this book was basically written for you. Think Girl, Interrupted, except they’re dodging zombies and trust issues. Oh, and there’s queer romantic tension to keep you on edge. We love a multi-genre flex.
Final tip? Don’t read this at night unless you wanna second-guess every creak in your house at 3 AM. But for real, The Dead Weight is iconic, chaotic, and impossible to put down. Keep some snacks handy because, trust me, you’re not moving until you hit the last page.
The Dead Weight by Jo Salazar, published 2024.
Available in Kindle, Paperback and Audiobook.
Justine Castellon is a brand strategist with an innate ability to weave compelling narratives. She seamlessly blends her professional insight with her passion for literature. Her literary works include romantic drama novels—Four Seasons, The Last Snowfall, and Gnight Sara / ‘Night Heck. With her ability to tell stories that linger long after the last word, Justine leaves a mark not only in the world of branding but also in the hearts of her readers.
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