Mistress of the Undead

Mistress of the Undead by Isabelle Drake

Isabelle Drake

I have to start this review with the statement that this book was nowhere near what I expected. It was sent to me to review as a horror novel but, it’s much than that.  I was aware it would possibly have some erotica in it and though I’m not a fan of erotica, I gave it a shot.  Although I didn’t care for the actual content really, I thought the book as very well written.  It was a quick read.  And if I were into reading erotica mixed with horror this would probably be something I would rave over.  But, I will warn you, one has to have an open mind when approaching something like this.
 
Here’s the blurb on the back cover:
 
The book is set in city of Boston that is infected with zombies, roaming the streets and seeking human flesh—not to eat but to use as sexual servants. 
 
Mattie, one of the tribe, wants out. She’ll do anything—manipulate, cheat, lie—to get what she needs to break free from the sex cult. Hayden Thomas, a tabloid reporter, and wonderkid, knows firsthand how cruel and consuming Mattie can be. Book smart, a good writer, and willing to do anything to get the story that will take his career to the next level, he’s made some depraved enemies. 
 
“This is contemporary pulp horror that harkens back to the over-the-top Tales from the Crypt stories with a knowing wink to the present. I love that it’s set in the world of exploitive tabloid journalism!”
 
In a city that thrives on scandal and conspiracy, nothing is a coincidence.  Beware: once you’re in, you’re in.
 
For example: In the book there are zombies that turn humans into sex slave zombies, like toys or playthings, to service the master when beckoned and become invisible when the master has finished with them.  This applies to all of the slaves.  The master is a male but still takes female AND male sex slaves.  
 
Now, the sexual encounters described in this novel are not overdone, over exploited and fit the story in a fantastic manner.  It’s not like the detail is SO specific that it takes over the book but, it IS specific enough that it definitely has an impact.
 
If you are not a modern, forward thinker, don’t even bother with this book.
 
But, if you don’t mind the erotica and you like zombie stories, this one will be a nice fresh read for you.  The zombies have a more mystical and almost vampire-like essence, in the way they gather, the behaviors, the ownership of others below them…others they’ve turned. 
 
I enjoyed the magical and mystical aspect.  The zombies in charge are fantastic manipulators and eerily display an ability to use every bit of their sexuality and sensuality to get whatever they want. 
 
But, more importantly, the rest of the story was really good.  So, THAT part I DID enjoy.  AND Drake is a great writer, I can’t dispute that.  I thought the story itself was very thrilling and entertaining.  A good horror story.  Like I said though, it just wasn’t my thing.  I’m also not going to hold my my disinterest in erotic novels cloud the fact that this was a good book.  Even if it wasn’t my taste.  I try to be as objective as possible.  However, since I am a little conflicted, I’m not going to give a general target recommendation on this one.  You’ve read the review.  I’ve included the blurb.  You can decide for yourselves.
 
RATINGS
4/5 Stars
 
About the author:

Isabelle Drake got her start writing confession stories for pulp magazines like True Confessions and True Love. Since publishing those first few stories she has written in multiple genres, earned and MFA in Creative Writing and became an English & Writing Professor.
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When away from her keyboard, she watches films, especially classic noir, horror and romance, and reads (of course). An avid traveler, she'll go just about anywhere--at least once--to meet people and get ideas. 
 
Get your copy at the link below:
Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Isabelle-Drake/e/B002TD2YPK
 
Find Isabelle Drake on her social media sites below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabelle-Drake/262135373800722
Website: www.isabelledrake.com        
Instagram: http://instagram.com/isabelledrake/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/isabelledrake
Tumblr: http://isabelledrake.tumblr.com/
 

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