During his westward journey, exile Finnegan (aka Finn) encounters a large sign that says, “The world takes.” It’s a fitting summary for the post-apocalyptic world he traverses, a world full of zombies and even more dangerous predators of the human variety.
Finn and his boisterous younger friend Ike are part of a “second generation” living in Manhattan. Though their parents survived a zombie apocalypse years ago, the boys have never actually seen one of the creatures. When a family member becomes a zombie, first person narrator Finn gets identified as “Positive” and has the mandatory plus-sign tattooed on his hand. Those who see it know that he could have a dormant zombie virus, which could surface at any time until he turns a certain age. His fellow Manhattanites ship him off to a camp in Ohio. So begins a perilous journey in which the protagonist discovers his strengths, finds love, and attempts to crack the code for strong leadership.
During his ordeal, Finn will confront adversaries both savage and conniving. These include looters, pirates (who steal from looters), stalkers, and a US Army that may or may not be an ally as it seeks to maintain order by whatever means necessary. A violent and almost reckless woman named Red Kate weaves in and out of the novel and causes Finn more than a little trouble, while word is spreading about a growing, death-worshipping cult headed by a mysterious leader named Anubis.
Another obstacle that Finn must face is hunger. Wellington captures the physical and psychological tolls of starvation as Finn and his allies wait out winter or travel aimlessly. This lack of destination and day-by-day existence causes the book to sag a bit in the middle.
Early in the novel, Finn encounters a ruffian named Adare, who nicknames Finn “Stones” because of his boldness. Finn will learn from and observe the leadership style of this well-respected and even feared member of the looter community. Though he serves as a source of protection, Adare is also doing something appalling that will trigger Finn’s moral compass.
One of the characters who will have a major influence on Finn is Kylie, the de facto matriarch of a crew of girls who travel with Adare. Her emotionless, zombie-like disposition stems from her being a victim of a world that does nothing but take. She compares herself to a reed – it bends and survives during a storm, unlike an oak that stands strong and gets knocked over. Despite her iciness, Kylie triggers reader emotions.
Some leaders use rigid hierarchies and an iron fist to force their followers into submission. Finn, however, relies on compassion and a willingness to hear those who agree and those who disagree with him. He befriends all who support his humanitarian objectives and makes enemies with those only out for themselves. Eventually, the symbol that Finn and his castaway brethren bear comes to mean something much more positive. Douglas J. Ogurek ****
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