Dread Nation by Justina Ireland is a gripping alternative history novel set in post-Civil War America, where the dead rise and roam the land following the Battle of Gettysburg. The story follows Jane McKeene, a young African American girl trained as a skilled zombie hunter at Miss Preston's School of Combat. While navigating a society still plagued by racism and prejudice, Jane finds herself entangled in a conspiracy that threatens to upend the fragile balance of power. As she fights to protect herself and her friends, Jane grapples with questions of identity, freedom, and the true meaning of survival in a world teetering on the edge of destruction. Dread nation consists of many themes that are all tied around history.
The most compelling aspect of the book, in my opinion, was how it fearlessly confronted the issues of racism and discrimination within the backdrop of a zombie-infested alternate history. Justina Ireland's writing was powerful and unapologetic, immersing me in a world where the struggle for survival was intertwined with the struggle for equality and justice. The main character, Jane McKeene, was an absolute force to be reckoned with—a fierce and intelligent protagonist who challenged the norms and fought for her right to exist on her own terms. The book was a unique one that could be more interesting to teenagers, because of the zombie apocalypse theme. The only thing I was disappointed with was some of the pacing. Some secondary characters weren’t explored enough or had given their backstories. They still were very helpful regarding the book. I would recommend “Dread Nation” if you enjoy historical fiction with a unique twist, strong protagonists, and social commentary that's relevant even in our time, then "Dread Nation" is perfect for you. It's the kind of book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page. It is a very good book with many plot twists and a unique sense of antagonists. I give this book a 4 out of 5.