Rot & Ruin
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Rot & Ruin is a science fiction work by American author Jonathan Maberry, released through Simon & Schuster. The narrative unfolds fourteen years following a zombie apocalypse, centering on Benny Imura’s pursuit of employment to prevent reductions in his food rations. Initially published in the United States in September 2010 and later in the United Kingdom in March 2011, it serves as the inaugural book in the Rot & Ruin collection. Subsequent titles include Dust & Decay (August 2011), Flesh and Bone (September 2012), Fire and Ash (August 2013), and Bits and Pieces (September 2015). Upon its debut, the novel was met with generally favorable critiques.
Setting
Set fourteen years after the zombie outbreak, survivors inhabit small communities that depend heavily on traders and modest farming. The story takes place in Mountainside, a settlement nestled within the Sierra Nevada range, adjacent to the perilous region known as the Rot and Ruin, where zombies freely roam. Most inhabitants hold the belief that nothing remains of the pre-apocalypse world beyond their borders, fostering a survivalist mentality steeped in fatalism among those who lived through the initial disaster. Nonetheless, some of the younger generation question this bleak perspective.
Plot summary
Following the apocalypse, humanity confines itself behind protective barriers, surrendering most land—the so-called Rot & Ruin—to zombies. At age 15, Benny Imura and his friend Louis Chong are eager to find work. Although Benny is initially reluctant to apprentice under his estranged older brother Tom—a professional zombie hunter known as a "closure specialist"—while Chong joins the local watch, Benny faces ration reductions if unemployed and ultimately agrees to Tom’s offer.
As Benny ventures beyond the safety of the fence, he discovers that zombies are not mere monsters but victims worthy of compassion. Tom differentiates himself from hunters who mutilate zombies for sport by "quieting" them at requests from family members seeking closure. They visit Sunset Hollow, their deserted former home, where Tom reveals he has been caring for their infected parents until Benny was old enough to assist in granting them peace—an emotional turning point that brings reconciliation between the brothers.
Zombie Hunters have gained celebrity status with collectible trading cards featuring notable figures. Benny becomes intrigued by a card depicting "The Lost Girl," a legendary survivor. When hunters Charlie Pink-eye and The Motor City Hammer confront Benny over possession of the card, Tom intervenes, revealing their aggressive tendencies.
Motivated by curiosity, Benny, Chong, Morgie, and Benny’s romantic interest Nix Riley embark on a search for The Lost Girl but instead uncover "Gameland," a cruel arena where abducted children are forced to battle zombies for sport—operated by Charlie and Hammer. They find that The Lost Girl is real: Lilah, a traumatized young woman living wild in the Rot and Ruin. Together with Lilah and Tom, they succeed in dismantling Gameland.
Upon returning home, Benny and Nix spot a large commercial jet overhead that abruptly changes course, prompting them to follow it in an attempt to learn its origin.
Awards
Rot & Ruin received the 2011 Eva Perry Mock Printz medal and was shortlisted for the 2010 Cybils Award before ultimately winning the 2011 Cybils Award. Additionally, it earned four Melinda Awards from eleven nominations, including honors for Best Plot, Best Character Development for Benny, Best First Kiss between Benny and Nix, and Best Literary Boyfriend awarded to Tom.