Exist for Now is the fourth installment in Bob Howard’s thrilling Infected Dead series. This time, Howard propels readers into the action right away, immersing us in the grim realities of a zombie-ridden world. A band of survivors eke out an existence in a fortified shelter off the South Carolina coast, constantly faced with risky choices in their fight for survival.
Howard strikes a skillful balance between exhilarating action sequences and quieter moments of humanity. During an expertly-paced raid on Charleston, the plot speeds along, leaving you breathless. But Howard slows down when the survivors encounter an abandoned dog, allowing us to connect with their struggle to retain compassion.
The characters are multidimensional, their motivations and relationships complex. Protagonist Jake Weber comes into his own as a leader, while secondary characters like Annabelle also get compelling treatment. The tensions between Jake and newcomer Marcus add intriguing edges to the group dynamics.
With its vivid, cinematic scenes, high stakes, and evocative details of life in a zombie wasteland, Exist for Now delivers an addictive read. Horror fans will devour this book, but the sturdy prose, empathetic characters, and fascinating social commentary gives the series crossover appeal. This accessible page-turner sucks you in, serves up spike-your-adrenaline action, and leaves you eager for Book 5.
