World War Z Author Max Brooks is Writing a Minecraft Novel

Max Brooks, the author of World War Z, is writing a Minecraft novel. Say what?

Minecraft: The Island will be the first of several Minecraft novels planned by publisher Del Rey. It’s described as a “cuboid Robinson Cruesoe, but madder: a hero stranded in an unfamiliar land, with unfamiliar rules, learning to survive against tremendous odds.”

Odd, indeed. Brooks, who’s no stranger to zombies, is expected to have a lot of zombie-related stuff in the book. The game does, after all, have zombies.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with the fantastic team at Mojang on what will be the first ever official Minecraft novels,” publisher Del Rey wrote in a press release, “and we’re so fortunate to have someone of Max’s incredible talent and passion on board for the launch of the series.”

“Finally I can justify all those hours I’ve spent playing Minecraft,” Brooks said.

It won’t be the first time that Mojang’s blocky world has been given a story. Telltale Games is just now concluding its own narrative-driven take on Minecraft through its adventure games.

In related Minecraft news, the game is getting a new update next week that adds a bunch of new content to the game including polar bears and support for a Chinese Mythological Character pack.