Title: Zom-B
Publication: October 16, 2012
Publisher: Little Brown for Young Readerse
Genre: Horror
Rating: 3 out 5
Source: Borrowed
Synopsis
When news reports start appearing of a zombie outbreak in Ireland, B's racist father thinks it's a joke-- but even if it isn't, he figures, it's ok to lose a few Irish.
B doesn't fully buy into Dad's racism, but figures it's easier to go along with it than to risk the fights and abuse that will surely follow sticking up for Muslims, blacks, or immigrants. And when dodging his fists doesn't work, B doesn't hesitate to take the piss out of kids at school with a few slaps or cruel remarks.
That is, until zombies attack the school. B is forced on a mad dash through the serpentine corridors of high school, making allegiances with anyone with enough gall to fight off their pursuers.
Thoughts:This takes the cake; I can honestly say I have never ever in my life read anything like this. As my first introduction to this author, who I would learn later has a tendency to kill at will, my jaw stay on the floor a lot throughout my reading experience. Forgive me if I'm still in a state of jumbled shock. Wow! Gory, gruesome, cutthroat...so many words, yet I am speechless. The writing is well paced and story is weird with unexpected twists. The zombies in this book are more calculating and seem to be organized for some purpose but no one believes it's real. They think it some kind of hoax until one is severing their head in two and devouring their organs. Though this is about zombies, the main focus seems to fall onto B's parental relationship. The father in this book is extremely racist and physically abusive to his wife and child. B struggles with trying to please him and doing what's right but the simmering anger and hatred seems to win out each time. Overall, okay read for zombie lovers and if I can get past the creepiness of it, I will be reading the next one.
I just heard about this book and read some reviews that say it's slow but picks up quick at the end. I like zombie books and it sounds pretty good so I think I'll be adding this to my wishlist. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I would have to agree with that now that I think about it. The beginning was shocking and the ending was when all h*** broke loose. The middle was where it lagged with all the B's family issues.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love zombies but not sure if I should put this on my list. Maybe just for the shock factor:p Thanks for your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThinking back on it...his writing seems to do that. It starts out ok, slows in the middle, and BAM! the ending leaves you saying, "WHAT!? It's 2 A.M.! I cannot start the next book." As I said, I read all the Cirque Du Freak books about three or four years ago, and I spent many nights finishing one book and starting the next. His writing is gritty and gruesome. I'm not a zombie fan so I'll pass, but thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteI read this book, as well as Darrens other Teen Fiction work, and I have to say I love it. Yes, the start was a little slow, but since it will be a 12 book series, I reckon that a slow start is in order. I find the main character not particularly likeable, but then again, I have a feeling B will grow on us. Loved the story. So many great twists! And as Darren Shan said himself; 'To assume makes an ASS of U and ME'. So only trust what you KNOW! Have fun reading it! I know I did! Can't WAIT for the next one !! XD
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was in high school everyone was reading Darren Shan's books at the height of their popularity. I never did for some reason, but it's never too late to start! I felt kind of zombied out after I read World War Z and found it lacking. This one might just get me to read another one :)
ReplyDeleteI like Darren Shan, I like zombies, I like awesome covers. I like a good review of a book that I have been anticipating. So, thank you!
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