Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Book Review: Zom-B (Zom-B #1) by Darren Shan

Title: Zom-B (Zom-B #1)
Author: Darren Shan
Pages: 192
Publication: October 16, 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Summary taken from goodreads:
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. 
3.5 STARS - I REALLY LIKED IT

MY REVIEW: 

The first page of the book is a letter from the author asking readers to try to not spoil the ending of the book for it contains two twists that makes it extremely difficult to not talk about when trying to explain how awesome the book is.

Darren Shan was absolutely correct.

Before, when I was just reading the book, I was already enjoying it, musing over the psychological aspects of living with a racist, abusive dad and how it affects you. Then, when I got near the end, when the zombies were attacking and B was running around the school, slowly losing friends and acquaintances to their deaths...the first twist was revealed and I was in shock for the next few pages. And the ending was another shock that had me reeling for a while.

After that, I couldn't think about anything but the twists, and it's so hard trying to keep them to myself when I tell my friends about ZOM-B.

ZOM-B is a really quick read. With less than 200 pages and a tight, suspenseful plot, you can breeze through the book in one easy session. Nonetheless, ZOM-B is packed with issues such as racism, bullying, and abusive parents. And of course, since this is a series, the ending leaves many unanswered questions on where the twelve-book series is going (but seriously? TWELVE BOOKS???).

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