Zombies Don't Surrender

March 15, 2014
Life at the supersecret good-zombie headquarters, nicknamed Sentinel City by heroine Maddy, is complicated, unsatisfying and short. Stamp, Maddy's one-time love interest, has been badly damaged by his Zerker (bad zombie) infection from Zombies Don't Forgive (2013), and although he's partially recovered his old self, he's mentally delayed from the experience. As for Maddy's other love interest--broody, older zombie Dane--he's left her for a younger, fresher dead girl. But at least Maddy has her father, safe in Sentinel City, where he studies both Stamp and longtime antagonist Val to gather information on Zerkers. When Val escapes, Maddy, her father and Stamp are unjustly scapegoated. Maddy's father is too valuable to lose, but they expel Maddy and Stamp. Taking care of Stamp, Maddy ends up in a nearby town where she's identified by a local who's familiar with zombies. The local asks for Maddy's help--kids are disappearing, and a Zerker horde is growing. The romantic drama is all post-breakup awkwardness: Dane and his new flame are assigned by the Sentinels to handle the infestation, bringing them and Maddy together. The brainiest this book gets is in its delineation of delightfully disgusting zombie cuisine--brain smoothies, brain nuggets and cat food. Resolutely on her own, Maddy's storyline is surprisingly empowering, especially in the ending, which draws multiple storylines to a close. For readers craving lighter--yet still violent and gory--cannibalistic action with a side of self-discovery. (Horror. 13 & up)

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