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Dec 05, 2016JCLChrisK rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
What to do when zombies and other huge horrors take over the world and you're forced to survive alone in a world of monsters? If you're 13-year-old orphan Jack Sullivan, you take an optimistic approach: "That's pretty much the plot of a video game, right?! So I said, y'know what, I'll treat life like a video game." Jack moves into and fortifies his tree house, gathers supplies, and creates a list of "Feats of Apocalyptic Success." They include challenges such as: - Mad Hatter: Steal the hats off five zombies - Say Cheese: Take a photo with someone you knew before they got zombified - House Hunter: Explore 50 different abandoned houses. "There are like 106 Feats to still be completed. And if I start running low, I just create more." And Jack's story reads much like a video game, with breezy, witty narration, lots of action, excellently integrated illustrations, and just enough danger and tension. There's also just enough character development and understated emotion to keep things from being shallow, as Jack reflects on his isolation and works to gather missing friends--and enemies--into his tree house-dwelling team. Definite fun, with tons of appeal.