Dark Bloom by Molly Macabre – Book Review

It has been a long since I last read a “zombie” novel. I became completely and utterly burned out by what seemed like the easy way option for new authors and their debut novels. And to be fair, there are only so many ways you can read about someone getting their face bitten off or a zombie getting their head blown up or cut off.  

So why did I decide to break my nonofficial ban on “zombie novels”?

That’s a good question, and it wholeheartedly confirms my belief that the old adage “You can’t judge a book by its cover” is a complete and utter claptrap. When I first saw this amazing cover by Hampton Lamoureux of TS95 Studios I was captivated by the imagery, and I knew I had to read it.

Dark Bloom by Molly Macabre is a riveting post-apocalyptic horror novel set in a world devastated by a rampant disease that transforms people into cannibalistic horrors. The story follows the journey of two main characters. Kate and Nick, who strive to survive in a landscape overrun by zombies and hostile survivors. Having escaped harrowing captivity, Kate must navigate this dangerous world alongside Nick, forming an alliance rooted in survival and trust.

Dark Bloom’s protagonists, Kate and Nick, are portrayed as beautifully broken individuals, each carrying their trauma and struggles. Kate, for instance, grapples with the loss of her family and the horrors she endured in captivity, while Nick battles with guilt over past decisions. Their character development is central to the story. Providing depth and emotional resonance as they confront both external threats and personal demons.

The interplay between Kate and Nick is just wonderful.

I hesitate to call it a co-dependent relationship, as that is a toxic one. However, these two are lovingly dependent on each other. Nick is especially protective of Kate, who lacks almost any of the basic skills required to exist in a world filled with zombies.

Touching on themes of survival, resilience, and the search for human connection in a post-apocalyptic world. Dark, Bloom pulls no punches with its evocative-ration of life in this post-apocalyptic post-apocalyptic world. You are left pondering themes, as Macrbre cannot help but draw ideally into the Dark Bloom and the intricacies of fully fleshed letters.

Molly Macabre’s is filled with vivid and intense descriptions, effectively immersing the reader into a world of suspense and horror. Macabre’s gift of writing explosive action scenes and intense interlinking sections helps hold the story together beautifully.

With some clever and fun nods to specific critical works in this genre. Dark Bloom manages the difficult task of being new and fresh while maintaining a sense of familiarity that helps to keep the readers engaged.

Coming from someone who has read more zombie novels than the proverbial horse can produce. I say this with no sense of hyperbole. Dark Bloom is an intense, deeply satisfying, and gripping zombie novel that may well have done the impossible and rekindled my love of this genre.

Dark Bloom by Molly Macabre 

When a disease runs rampant, turning people into cannibalistic horrors, society comes to a halt. Kate manages to escape the sadistic captivity she has endured and collides with Nick, a Marine haunted by the scars of war.

They join forces to navigate a treacherous landscape, battling the undead and hostile survivors. But what happens when the monsters outside are the least of their worries?

Nick’s shame is crushing, and Kate’s distrust is swallowing her whole. Will they overcome the darkness that threatens to consume them from within? And what will become of a world overrun with creatures that cannot seem to stop…laughing?