Zom-B

October 8, 2012
Shan, author of the Cirque du Freak and Demonata series, enters the zombie genre in a thoroughly bloody fashion with this slow-burning horror piece, which opens a planned 12-book series. This slim volume starts off quietly, introducing readers to narrator B Smith, an English teen who seems headed for a bad end, a born troublemaker following the example of a physically abusive, racist, and thuggish father. Struggling with violent impulses, a desire for paternal approval, and a lowbrow group of friends, B makes one wrong choice after another, leading up to the moment of truth, when a devastating zombie outbreak turns everyday existence into a life-or-death struggle. With the body count rising rapidly and everybody fending for themselves, B’s true colors finally show—at least one of the late revelations should catch readers off guard—setting the stage for the next entry. Character development is impressive for a relatively short book, and Shan executes the transition from normalcy to wholesale terror masterfully. It’s a strong start, but there’s a lot of story left to go. Ages 12–up. Agent: Christopher Little, Christopher Little Literary Agency.

March 1, 2013

Gr 7-10-In this compelling tale (Little, Brown, 2012), Shan tackles bullying, abuse, racism, and zombies. B is the son of an abusive father and a clueless mother living in London. He's also street-smart, tough, and a bit of a thug. His father's prejudice bothers him, but he finds it easier and safer to go along with his ideas rather than stand up against them. Together with his dad, B makes fun of zombie videos on the news until they discover that the zombies are real, and soon B must choose between survival or doing what's right. Emma Galvin does a fine job with the many accents and cultures included in this gory horror story, setting the moody tone of the violence, as well as capturing B's swagger and angst. Listeners will be captivated but might miss the symbolism of the zombies and the racists. This first title in a projected 12-volume series, is an excellent addition to library collections for teens.-Sandi Jones, Augusta High School, AR

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.