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Walking Dead Challenge
Marla ‘Zombie Killer’



Start Date: October 1, 2024
End Date: Open Ended
Sign-ups Open Through the Month of October

Watch out for those zombies!! LOL

October, that spooky month, seems like a good time to tackle a challenge based on the uber popular, post apocalyptic tv series, ‘The Walking Dead’. Even if you haven’t seen the show, you can join the fun.

And you don’t have to read Horror, if you don’t want to.

This is a mini challenge. You’ll read 20 books to complete the challenge.

How to play

1. After you have signed up you will receive your own thread. This is where you will post your completion posts and get your next task and be awarded your buttons.

2. Complete one task to get your button and your next set of tasks. Please fill out your completion posts in the format below. And be sure to also post a link to your completion post in the I Killed a Walker! (Completion Thread)

3. You may only use books that you have completed AFTER you have received your tasks.

4. This is an open-ended, go at your own pace challenge.

5. I will post your first set of tasks around September 30th. Please remember your books cannot be finished before October 1st.

6. Please read through the General Challenge Guidelines.

Please make your completion posts using the format below:

Current Prompt:
Book & Author:
Date Read:
Task:
How it Fits:

For page restrictions and other challenge rules, please see our
Challenge Guidelines section.

For any questions please post them in the How Do I Kill a Zombie? (Q & A Thread)

Need help finding the right book to complete a task? Check out our
Challenge Help thread.

If you would like a place to show off your buttons you can request a thread at Tracking and Collecting Thread Sign-Ups

Struggling with a task? You get 1 Skip for this challenge. Just read a book that meets TOAP’s general guidelines and say you are using a Skip.

Use it wisely!

1. About the Series



The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror drama television series developed by Frank Darabont, based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book with MPG Post Apocalyptic.
2 Read a book that has been turned into a tv series.
3 Read a book where the first initial of the author’s name is either F, R, T or C.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 1. About the Series
Book & Author: Clockwork Boys by T. Kingfisher
Date Read: 10/7/24
Task: Read a book where the first initial of the author’s name is either F, R, T or C.
How it Fits: author's first initial is T
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

2. About the Series



The series features a large ensemble cast as survivors of a zombie apocalypse trying to stay alive under near-constant threat of attacks from zombies known as "walkers".

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book that features zombies.
2 Read a book with a large cast of characters. (at least 6 main characters)
3 Read a book with a title that ENDS with a letter in WALKERS

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 2. About the Series
Book & Author: Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman
Date Read: 10/10/24
Task: Read a book with a large cast of characters.
How it Fits: Mommy, Daddo, Grandma, Lois Anthony, Other Mommy & Bella
Task: Read a book with a title that ENDS with a letter in WALKERS
How it Fits: E - housE
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

3. About the Series



With the collapse of modern civilization, these survivors must confront other human survivors who have formed groups and communities with their own sets of laws and morals, sometimes leading to open conflict between them.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book where conflict of any type is important to the plot.
2 Read a book where the MC’s first initial can be found in SURVIVAL.
3 Read a book with the word ‘civilization’ in the text. (exact word, no variations)

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 3. About the Series
Book & Author: The Cutting Edge by Jeffery Deaver
Date Read: 10/8/24
Task: Read a book where the MC’s first initial can be found in SURVIVAL.
How it Fits: L-Lincoln & A-Amelia
Task: Read a book where conflict of any type is important to the plot.
How it Fits: Diamond industry vs. Diamond find, Diamond protector vs. Diamond industry, Diamond cutter vs his father, Serial killer vs Lincoln Rhyme
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

4. About the Series



The Walking Dead premiered on October 31, 2010. It was exclusively broadcast on cable channel AMC in the United States and internationally through the Fox Networks Group and Disney+.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book that was published in October any year.
2 Read a book with all the letters AMC in the title. (any order)
3 Read a book with an X in the title.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 4. About the Series
Book & Author: The Galaxy, and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
Date Read: 12/2/24
Task: Read a book with an X in the title
How it Fits: galaXy
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

5. About the Series



The series concluded on November 20, 2022, after eleven seasons and 177 episodes.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book that was published in 2020.
2 Read a book that is #11 in a series or has at least 11 books in the series.
3 Read a book that has a 1 and 7 in the publication date.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 5. About the Series
Book & Author: The Maze by Catherine Coulter
Date Read: 12/13/24
Task: Read a book that is #11 in a series or has at least 11 books in the series
How it Fits: #2 of 27 books in FBI Thriller series
Task: Read a book that has a 1 and 7 in the publication date
How it Fits: Published in 1997
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

6. About the Series



The Walking Dead was produced by AMC Studios in the state of Georgia, with most filming having taken place in the outdoor spaces of Riverwood Studios near Senoia, Georgia.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book with a compound word in the title.
2 Read a book with an outdoor scene on the cover.
3 Read a book set in a southern state of the U.S.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 6. About the Series

Book & Author: A Billionaire Wolf for Christmas by Terry Spear
Date Read: 12/20/24
Task: Read a book with an outdoor scene on the cover
How it Fits: outdoor cover
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

7. About the Series



The Walking Dead became known as AMC's flagship series and as a ratings juggernaut. Beginning with its third season, The Walking Dead attracted the most 18- to 49-year-old viewers of any cable or broadcast television series.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book with an MC that is 18-49 years old.
2 Read a book with a high rating. (4.0 or higher)
3 Read a book with a boat or ship on the cover.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 7. About the Series
Book & Author: Winter's Redemption by Mary Stone
Date Read: 1/15/25
Task: Read a book with an MC that is 18-49 years old.
How it Fits: Winter is 20-something
Task: Read a book with a high rating.
How it Fits: 4.48 rating
Completion post:

8. About the Series



The series was positively received by critics. It was nominated for several awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series – Drama and Writers Guild of America for New Series.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book that has been nominated or won any book award. (Please let us know which award)
2 Read a book where the first letter of every word of the title can be found in the words WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA (3 word minimum)
3 Read a book with gold or yellow text on the cover.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 8. About the Series

Book & Author: City of the Lost
Date Read: 1/22/25
Task: Read a book where the first letter of every word of the title can be found in the words WRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA
How it Fits: wriTers guiLd Of ameriCa
Task: Read a book with gold or yellow text on the cover.
How it Fits: author's name is in yellow
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

9. Cast & Characters - Rick Grimes



NOTE: I won’t be able to spotlight all the long standing characters in this mini challenge. But here are a few important cast members that are continuing the Walking Dead story in sequel series listed later in the challenge. I will feature them.

Andrew Lincoln played the lead character of Rick Grimes until his departure from the show in the ninth season. He was the series' protagonist and a former sheriff's deputy, Rick is the leader of a group of survivors who becomes the leader of the Alexandria Safe-Zone.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book where the MC’s first name starts with a letter in RICK
2 Read a book where the MC is in law enforcement.
3. Read a book where the author’s first and last initials can be found in ALEXANDRIA.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 9. Cast & Characters - Rick Grimes
Book & Author: The Naked Eye by Iris Johansen
Date Read: 1/29/25
Task: Read a book where the MC’s first name starts with a letter in RICK
How it Fits: K-Kendra
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

10. Cast & Characters - Darryl Dixon



Norman Reedus played Darryl Dixon. The group's primary hunter, Daryl becomes a key member of the group and Rick's trusted lieutenant.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book where the author’s first and last initials are the same.
2 Read a book where two words in the title start with D.
3 Read a book with a character you would consider a ‘hunter’.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 10. Cast & Characters - Darryl Dixon
Book & Author: The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima
Date Read: 2/27/25
Task: Read a book with a character you would consider a ‘hunter’
How it Fits: Demonai hunters
Task: Read a book where the author’s first and last initials are the same.
How it Fits: CC - Cinda Chima
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

11. Cast & Characters - Carol



Melissa McBride played Carol Peletier. Originally a meek housewife, Carol overcomes domestic abuse to become a skilled, resourceful fighter capable of making difficult decisions.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book where the MC is a housewife.
2 Read a book where a character grows into a strong person, overcoming a difficult past.
3 Read a book that starts with a letter in CAROL.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 11. Cast & Characters - Carol
Book & Author: Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine
Date Read: 3/3/25
Task: Read a book where a character grows into a strong person, overcoming a difficult past.
How it Fits: Gwen
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

12. Cast & Characters - Maggie



Lauren Cohan played Maggie Rhee. The eldest daughter of the Greene family, Maggie marries Glenn, becomes pregnant with their child and becomes the leader of the Hilltop Colony.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book with a green cover.(at least 50%)
2 Read a book with a character who is pregnant at any time in the book.
3. Read a book with hills or mountains on the cover.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 12. Cast & Characters - Maggie
Book & Author: Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See
Date Read: 3/15/25
Task: Read a book with a character who is pregnant at any time in the book.
How it Fits: Lady Tan & many characters were pregnant throughout book
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

13. Cast & Characters - Michonne



Danai Gurira played Michonne. A fierce, kkatana-wielding woman who joins Rick's group. Michonne eventually becomes Rick's romantic partner and a mother-figure to his son, Carl. She is also the mother-figure to Judith, daughter of Lori and Shane.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book with a strong, powerful heroine.
2 Read a book where the MC is a mother.
3 Read a book where the series name starts with a letter in MICHONNE.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 13. Cast & Characters - Michonne
Book & Author: Legal Tender by Lisa Scottoline
Date Read: 3/28/25
Task: Read a book with a strong, powerful heroine.
How it Fits: Bennie Rosato
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

14. Cast & Characters - Negan



Jeffrey Dean Morgan played Negan. The totalitarian, sociopathic leader of the Saviors. (seasons 7–11; special guest star season 6)

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book where the author uses 3 separate names. (NOT a hyphenated last name)
2 Read a book with a character you would consider a sociopath.
3 Read a book with a 6, 7 or 11 (intact) in the page count.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 14. Cast & Characters - Negan
Book & Author: Dexter Is Delicious by Jeff Lindsay
Date Read: 4/16/25
Task: Read a book with a character you would consider a sociopath.
How it Fits: Dexter & Brian (& Astor & Cody) are sociopaths
Task: Read a book with a 6, 7 or 11 (intact) in the page count.
How it Fits: 370 pages
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

15. Spin-off Series - Fear TWD



AMC has created a franchise of related media, including the spin-off series: Fear the Walking Dead (2015–23)

Fear the Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror drama television series created by Robert Kirkman and Dave Erickson for AMC. It is a spin-off to The Walking Dead. It is also the second television series within The Walking Dead franchise. The first three seasons serve as a prequel, focusing on a blended family who experience the start of the zombie apocalypse. Subsequent seasons run concurrently to the original show, with Morgan Jones (Lennie James) from The Walking Dead crossing over into the series.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book that is part of a spin-off series or a prequel to another book.
2 Read a book with MPG Horror.
3 Read book #2 in a series.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 15. Spin-off Series - Fear TWD
Book & Author: Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews
Date Read: 4/21/25
Task: Read a book that is part of a spin-off series or a prequel to another book.
How it Fits: Spin-off from Kate Daniels series
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

16. Spin-off Series - TWD: World Beyond



The Walking Dead: World Beyond (2020–21)

The Walking Dead: World Beyond is an American post-apocalyptic horror drama television limited series created by Scott M. Gimple and Matthew Negrete that premiered on AMC on October 4, 2020. It is a spin-off series to The Walking Dead, and is the third television series within The Walking Dead franchise.

Premise
The series, set in Nebraska ten years after the zombie apocalypse, features four teenage protagonists and focuses on "the first generation to come-of-age in the apocalypse as we know it. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. In the end, all of them will be changed forever. Grown-up and cemented in their identities, both good and bad."

The second and final season premiered on October 3, 2021.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book with MPG Coming of Age.
2 Read a book with a rock cliff on the cover.
3 Read a book where the author’s first and last initials are in NEBRASKA.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 16. Spin-off Series - TWD: World Beyond

Book & Author: The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Date Read: 6/2/25
Task: Read a book with a rock cliff on the cover.
How it Fits: Cliff on the cover
Task: Read a book where the author’s first and last initials are in NEBRASKA.
How it Fits: nebRaSka
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

17. Spin-off Series - Tales of TWD



Tales of the Walking Dead (2022)

Tales of the Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror drama anthology television series created by Scott M. Gimple and Channing Powell. It is the fourth television series within The Walking Dead franchise.

Tales of the Walking Dead aired on AMC between August 14 and September 18, 2022. It is set to be followed by a series titled More Tales from the Walking Dead Universe.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book that is an anthology.
2 Read a book published in August or September of any year.
3 Read a book from a series that still has more books to be published.

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 17. Spin-off Series - Tales of TWD
Book & Author: Storm's Heart by Thea Harrison
Date Read: 8/12/25
Task: Read a book published in August or September of any year.
How it Fits: published 8/1/11
Task: Read a book from a series that still has more books to be published.
How it Fits: Book #10 is expected out in 2025, this year
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

18. Spin-off Series - TWD: Dead City



The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023–present),

The Walking Dead: Dead City is an American post-apocalyptic horror drama television series created by Eli Jorné for AMC, based on The Walking Dead characters Maggie and Negan. It is the first sequel to The Walking Dead television series, and the fifth series in The Walking Dead franchise, sharing continuity with the other television series. Jorné serves as showrunner.

Premise
The series follows Maggie and Negan traveling into a post-apocalyptic Manhattan cut off from the mainland in search of Maggie's kidnapped son, Hershel. The crumbling city is filled with the dead and denizens who have made New York City their own world full of anarchy, danger, beauty, and terror.

In July 2023, it was renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere in 2025.

Please complete ONE of the tasks below
1 Read a book with a cityscape on the cover.
2 Read a book set in New York City.
3. Read a book where someone has been kidnapped or gone missing

Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
Current Prompt: 18. Spin-off Series - TWD: Dead City
Book & Author: Nyxia Unleashed by Scott Reintgen
Date Read: 8/19/25
Task: Read a book where someone has been kidnapped or gone missing
How it Fits: Emmett is kidnapped & Anton disappears from planet surface
Completion post: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

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Marla ‘Zombie Killer’
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