Blackout - the much anticipated final instalment of the Newsflesh series. This is a spoiler free review. 
 Once again, Grant cast her zombie voodoo spell and I devoured this book - just as I did with Feed and Deadline - in less than 24 hours. Blackout is a stunning finale to a series that isn't so much about zombies, but the way in which society reacts to the zombie threat. Feed was a political thriller, Deadline had a more scientific bent, and in Blackout Grant masterfully combines the two. 
 There is a distinct feeling of the story closing the full circle - characters (and 'forces' unknown) from the first book make a welcome return as answers finally fall into place. I think this is what impressed me the most - instead of heading right off into final-instalment-tangent mode, Grant pulls it all back in, right back to the political level where this adventure all began. 
 In true Newsflesh style, Grant also delivers plenty of action - and accompanying angst (after all, it wouldn't be a newsflesh book if everyone were to make it out alive) - from zombie bears to an outbreak in the crazy scientist's lab. There's no relenting from the danger as the team attempt a daring rescue, all the while deadly forces loom in the background, a constant threat that wants to silence them forever. 
 Feed broke my heart, and Deadline stomped all over the broken bits. Blackout delivers plenty of emotional punch but my heart feels a little less bruised. The ending of the series leaves enough questions for those who like to make up their own minds about what the future entails, while still tying up most of the loose ends. Perhaps this aspect will be fodder for the critics, but I found it satisfying, and can't think of a better way to end this compelling and multi-layered story. 
 ~Rise up while you can~.