My Two Cents: FENEK THE SURVIVOR by Nicholas Grady

Zombies are a pretty standard trope in horror fiction, one that you could argue has been overdone. How many ways can the living dead be reimagined? You'd think that well had been mined bone dry, but over my past few reads, I've discovered that's definitely not the case. Between "Where the Tide Leaves Its Dead" by Bray Matheson, the new anthology "Zombies" from KJK Publishing, and most recently, "Fenek the Survivor" by Nicholas Grady, it seems fresh ideas, innovative takes, and creative twists on this familiar subgenre remain gruesomely abundant.

The title character in "Fenek the Survivor" isn't human. He's an Eastern cottontail rabbit, and while you might not have previously given much thought as to how a zombie apocalypse might effect the animals living in our midst, the author clearly has. The end of the world for Fenek begins in his own back yard, as he witness his littermates being mauled to death by a dog after they venture beyond the safety of their nest one fateful day. The dog's owner discovers Fenek in his hiding place and takes pity on him, and begins leaving food out for the frightened rabbit. A hesitant bond forms between them, as all the while Fenek waits for his mother to return to the nest. Before that can happen, however, he notices changes in his new human friend, as well as the world beyond the back yard fence. Strange sounds, like screams, gunfire, explosions, and groans become commonplace, and when the man who's been caring for Fenek one day attacks him instead, bloodthirsty and deranged, Fenek fears something terrible has happened. And he's right.

The story chronicles Fenek's journey both from kit to adulthood, as well across Minnesota, while he tries to stay one step (or hop) ahead of the relentless horde of the undead. In this zombie apocalypse, it's not just people who become infected. Animals can suffer the same fate, and for Fenek, that means enemies can come from any and all sides. He encounters friends as well as unexpected foes as he treks across the state in search of a safe haven they can all call home.

Any story with rabbits as central characters is bound to bring comparisons to "Watership Down." As with Richard Adams's novel, "Fenek the Survivor" definitely isn't for kids. There's some strong language, sexual situations, and the obligatory blood and gore you'd expect given the zombie theme. Fenek goes to some dark places (often literally) and demonstrates an earnest tenacity that makes him a likable, if not idealistically noble hero. Saslu, a young female rabbit he meets along the way, is mistrustful of him at first, but slowly warms as she realizes his good intentions. Another female, Tuzi, takes Fenek in after he flees his home nest, and while she's abrasive, she also teaches Fenek the skills he needs to survive, and becomes very much a second mother to him. The main antagonists in the story (besides the undead) are other rabbits, but there's also a scene early on in which Fenek encounters a tribe of sewer rats that's truly chilling. I wish we'd learned more about them.

Overall "Fenek" is enjoyable, and a clever new take on the zombie outbreak scenario. These aren't your cute and cuddly Easter Bunny variety rabbits, but you'll grow to love them nonetheless, and cheer them on until the last page.

"Fenek the Survivor" is available here.