Book review by Corey
City of Stin
City of Stin picks up after the battle for Monk’s Island, with Murphy helping Zed recover in a remote house by the lake. When they keep seeing helicopters flying back and forth, Zed becomes convinced that some kind of organized civilization may still be operating nearby, and the two decide to find out where the helicopters are going.
What they discover gives the series a fresh direction and introduces a new kind of danger beyond the infected. The book still has the same fast, rough survival feel as the earlier entries, but there is also more hope here, along with the question of whether rebuilding society might actually be possible.
The Goods
- Good new direction for the series
- Strong chemistry between Zed and Murphy
- Interesting mystery around the helicopters
- Adds more hope to the story
- Moves quickly
The Bads
- Some action feels familiar
- New characters take time to connect with
- A few parts feel repetitive
- The new threat may not work for everyone
- Depends heavily on knowing the earlier books
My Recommendation
This is a solid entry for anyone already invested in the Slow Burn series and wanting to see the story move in a new direction. The mystery around the helicopters gives Zed and Murphy something different to chase, and the book starts opening up the world beyond just surviving one day at a time. If you enjoy zombie fiction with strong character chemistry, quick pacing, and a mix of danger and hope, City of Stin keeps the series moving nicely.