I wanted to love this but I just really, really did not. I was sucked in by the cover and description, but this story failed in excecution for me. The pacing was completely inconsistent, and the writing lacked any sort of nuance. I also despised every single character, and the description of Bernie is concerning if the author herself is not Jewish. I would not have finished this book if it wasn't an ARC.

To compare this book to Fleabag and Shaun of the dead is WILD imho. I adored Fleabag and I felt like it was a complete bait-and-switch to compare this 2D story with a show that is full of 3D, complicated, lovable characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for ARC in exchange for my honest thought and opinions.

I honestly really loved this book for all that it was. I didn't know what it was going to be about going into it and I loved every bit of it. The insufferable main character was probably my favorite part because she's genuinely a terrible person and doesn't change which I thought made the story unique. It was really fast paced so there was never a dull moment. The only problems that I had were the ending which fell a little flat for me, it was a bit repetitive at times, and the fight scenes did get a bit excessive at points.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for giving me an early copy of this book!

DNF at 25%

I love a zombie apocalypse story but unfortunately this one just wasn't right for me. The main character, Joan, was rather unbearable and the humour didn't land for me at all. Instead of funny I found it all a bit grating and over-the-top. I loved the idea, but the execution unfortunately didn't work for me, however I can see why others would enjoy this story.

** with thanks to the author and the publisher who provided a free copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review **

I really wanted to love this one. The cover is amazing and i am a sucker for zombie apocalypse books.

But i really struggled. It was refreshing, different but Joan was insufferable and while it was most likely on purpose, i couldn’t find her funny.

Entertaining but not memorable

This was a fresh and dark humor filled take on one of my absolute favorite genre, zombies! This was more action-packed than I expected. I pictured Chappell Roan as the MC, very confident and badass. I was entertained the whole way through. Love the cover as well.

Thank you NetGalley & Chloe Lukas for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Joan of Apocalypse is a story following the craziest heroine ever, the weirdest apocalypse and a love story you'll never quite understand.

I... don't even know where to start with this book. Joan is insufferable at every single part of the book, but in some ways, that's refreshing. I love apocalypse novels, and the heroine is always so tough and perfect and cool. Joan is none of those things, and I guess it's kind of admirable that she just is herself, overt narcissism and all.

With that said, this book is probably not for everyone. It is a parody with a lot of bizarre moments that will leave you somewhere between "what is she doing?" and "WHY WOULD SHE DO THAT?" It was fun, though, and I do recommend it for anyone into comedy-apocalypse stories.

1 star

Oh, i didn't like this one at all. The heroine is one of the most annoying self-centered girls I've ever read about. She was awful from start to finish. The number of times I rolled my eyes and just wanted to banged my head to the wall... countless!
This had everything to be amazing, but the execution was not it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Joan....kind of the worst?

This is a dark comedy, with an insufferable main character. Joan is a struggling actress who is finally getting her chance at stardom, when a zombie apocalypse takes over.

And that's where it lost me. I HATE a cheap gimmick and a zombie takeover is the cheapest. Maybe it's my own inability to submit to the idea of the dead rising. I'm saying this as some who is currently wearing a dracula t-shirt. Zombies are just...dumb to me.

Regardless, people are going to like this, just not me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Think of the most unhinged, absurd, maddening, yet hilarious story you can imagine - now add zombies, Hollywood celebrities, and a main character so self-absorbed she definitely has a personality disorder ending in “-path” and “-ist.” That’s this book, and honestly, I had a blast with it.

It’s completely unrealistic (in the best way), but it leans so hard into its chaotic, satirical nature that it just works. I flew through it in a couple of sittings, shaking my head half the time but laughing out loud the other half.

If you can’t stand books with “unlikeable” characters (more like unredeemable here), this one might drive you up the wall. But if you’ve read every zombie story under the sun and want something wildly different - or if, like me, you just enjoy watching pure chaos unfold - this might be exactly what you’re looking for.

3.75/5 ⭐

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

this was such a perfect mix of comedy, a bit of action and horror with just enough romance to keep me going throughout this story! i felt so entranced by this read, i think the mix of genres and absurdity of the story. would definitely be interested to see more from this author!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc.

I recently attempted to read Joan of Apocalypse by Chloe Lukas but had to stop around the 30% mark. While the plot had potential, the execution just didn’t work for me.

The cover and title immediately caught my attention, and the comparisons to Fleabag and The Last of Us made me excited to dive in. I was expecting something sharp, darkly funny, and self-aware. Unfortunately, I found the writing style grating and the humor fell flat. The main character, Joan, was frustrating to read about—her personality made it impossible to connect with her, and rather than being charmingly flawed, she just felt exhausting.

The concept itself wasn’t bad, and I could see how others might enjoy it, but the unlikable protagonist overshadowed any strengths the book had. With stronger character work and a more engaging style, this could have been a hit for me, but as it is right now, I just couldn’t push through.

Joan of Apocalypse is a hilarious mix of horror, action, romance, and dark comedy. I actually was shocked by how much I enjoyed this book! The cover was so gorgeous I had to give it a go, and I’m glad I did! It felt like watching the Zombieland movies for the first time again.

Joan is a struggling (and failing) actress trying to prove herself in Hollywood and deal with her deadbeat boyfriend. When she finally gets a callback for her dream role, the zombie apocalypse hits. Joan has to team up with Ryan to survive and make it to the studio for her callback.

I’ll be honest, the entire time I was reading this I couldn’t decide if I wanted to throw the book because I hated Joan so much, or laugh out loud because she is the funniest character I’ve read in a while. The humor and chaos of this book were so much fun. I laughed and groaned and rolled my eyes the whole time. I was so invested in what happened next. The only part I struggled with was the end/epilogue, but I also don’t see any other way I would’ve done it. It’s such a unique story it’s kind of hard to nail the ending. I think I would’ve preferred it be left open. Overall if you need a good laugh this book is excellent. So over the top and genuinely funny!


Read this book if you like:
•Unlikeable characters (no seriously they are all awful. I think only one person is even kind of redeemable 😂)
•Zombie Apocalypse
•Poking fun at Hollywood culture
•Explosions, chase scenes, and chaos
•Unserious romance

Thank you to Chloe Lukas and NetGalley for the ARC 🩷

This book is hilarious and full of action. Our heroine is probably the most self obsessed, funny, delusional characters that I’ve ever had the pleasure to read about. She’s horrible but has moments of humanity,… fleeting moments. She’s single minded to a fault and she’s determined to make it big in Hollywood even though she’s not that talented!
The world is under attack by zombies and Joan has to survive the apocalypse in order to make it to her big audition. Joan and her very sexy partner, Ryan, travel around LA killing zombies and making their way to safety. Joan is not as helpless as you might think especially when she is 48 hours away from her possible big break. This book is soooo funny, has nonstop action, and is very entertaining. There are a lot, maybe too many, action scenes with more and more outlandish rescues but this is an apocalypse book so why not go over the top. And a lot of these action scenes are laugh out loud funny with the craziest outcomes. I will say Joan’s selfishness and one track mind does get annoying at times.
Thank you very much to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author Chloe Lukas for allowing me an advanced copy of this book to review.

3.5 🌟

Absolutely ridiculous but entertaining! I read it in 24 hours!

🧟🧟‍♀️🧟🧟‍♀️
Premise:
Joan is a failed actress and narcissist still clinging to her glory days as head cheerleader.

She’s dragged to the listening party of an aging metal band, just as a zombie apocalypse kicks off and as she finally gets a call back for a role.

Desperate to make it to the callback, she ventures through an undead riddled LA, willing to use anyone to succeed in her mission. Including the hot, but aloof Ryan, who may just be as deadly as her!

🧟🧟‍♀️🧟🧟‍♀️

It is so over the top, but so so fun! And also really takes the mick out of all things Hollywood, even making digs at the craziness of fandoms, with a Taylor Swift-like fandom who want to switch from the Gregorian calendar to the ‘eras’.

And don’t get me wrong the main character has no morals. But like some books, where you’d likely see character development, I kind of love that Joan just drags everyone down to her level. Her corruption of Ryan was rather fun! (And her little minion she gains at the end!)

And there is a romance plot, although more of a lust plot at times (note: it is fade to black). But I did love how well Ryan and Joan’s feral natures matched up by the end! I’m kind of intrigued if there will be a book 2, based on the ending??

And finally the action. This definitely had me reminiscent of Shaun of the Dead with the comedic zombie killing. From her first weapon being a guitar to the dropping of grenades for lols. It was really entertaining, especially as it took us all over LA.

All in all, a really fun read! Is it the most thought provoking book? No. But will it have your laughing out loud? Yes!

I really wanted to like this book, I was so excited about the idea and the story. Unfortunately it was not for me. I found the FMC to be generally unlikable and not my cup of tea

This was definitely something! This was ridiculous in a mostly fun way - it was at least pretty unique and absolutely chaotic.

It's at its best when it's schlocky zombie killing and blowing things up. The characters are all unlikable in one way or another. I understand what the author was trying to do with Joan, and I do actually enjoy books full of terrible people, but there was absolutely nothing redeeming about anyone. Joan was over the top awful all the time and it got tiresome.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Overall, it was a likable story. There were moments where it got too repetitive, which made me partly want to DNF but the concept was so interesting that I pushed through. The ending left a little to be desired. Joan isn’t supposed to be a tolerable narrator, however there were parts where she was just a little too insufferable. The premise was good.

If it's possible that there is a category if dark comedy horror this book is it. It's corny as hell and seriously funny so be prepared for a book completely out of the ordinary.
Joan, the main character, finds herself trapped underground with her horrible boyfriend and crush while a zombie apocalypse rages above ground.
Go into this book, knowing it's goofy, the main character is awful and it's all in good fun and you'll be just fine.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for giving me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had to DNF it about half way through. I couldn't stand the main characters egotistical ways and manners. She never changed or grew or developed during half the book so I grew tired of reading about her.

This book was not what I was expecting unfortunately. DNF at 70%

*review contains spoilers*

Joan of Apocalypse follows a self-absorbed aspiring actress trying to make her big break in Hollywood. After yet another audition, she gets some of the best news of her life: a callback. Unexpectedly giddy despite feeling dragged down by her metalhead low-life boyfriend, Joan decides to attend an event of his favourite band with him. Once in the the Vault, an underground hideaway for the band's lead singer, something terrible happens on the surface: a zombie apocalypse. This new and looming terror is threatening Joan's first chance at an actual gig. Determined, she won't let a simple apocalypse stop her from landing one of the biggest roles of her career. The reader then follows Joan on her violent journey to seize her starring role with the help of an aloof and handsome stranger.

The first few chapters, I was so on board with the story and the writing. Joan is a HORRIBLE person, but she is also a riot to read about. The characters felt campy, and the storyline was extremely outlandish. The idea that she not only wants to go back to the lot where she auditioned to claim her role during a literal zombie apocalypse but then becomes an actual coordinated deadly zombie assassin was fun to think about. The origin story of the virus was also in my opinion, pretty strong. I loved the idea.

However, what did not work for me, was the lack of character development. I was really expecting some sense of self-awareness around the mid-way point. That moment never came though. She continued to be selfish and vapid and hyper-focused on being hot and famous. I think because she was never actually actualized as a character, this also contributed to the lack of chemistry with the main love interest. On that note, the main love interest was the plainest character I have ever encountered in any piece of media. Genuinely, he lacked so much personality, and I know that the author was potentially doing this intentionally to make him seem more mysterious, but it was to the point where he was just a blank slate.

I also recognize that this book is written from the first-person-perspective, and therefore we can't really trust anything that happens because Joan is so egotistical, she warps every interaction and encounter that happens. The story became a big mess of action with zero character development. Which is just not for me.

If you like fast-paced plot focused books with little character development this may be for you. It's also quite funny if you can look past all the horrible things the main character does and puts others through.

Thank you NetGalley, Chloe Lukas and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.