Review: Zom-B by Darren Shan

Title: Zom-B
Author: Darren Shan
Publication Date:  October 16th, 2012
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Source: Bought it
Where to find: Goodreads / Amazon / Book Depository

Summary: 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.

“Life's complicated. Answers rarely come wrapped up nice and simple. There are plenty of people out there ready to tell us what we should and shouldn't believe. We always need to be skeptical, to look for the sting in the tale.” - pg. 46

This book, while it had really intriguing writing and I loved the artwork, was very slow. I feel like way too much time was spent setting up the zombie attack and then once the zombies did attack it seemed rushed. There were only about 20-30 pages of actual zombies. For a "zombie" book that was disappointing. I also loved the black and white pictures throughout the book and how chapters started with the white text on black background. It was a small thing, but it was unique and fit in with the story. And that prologue was fantastically done. That scene is clearly important to the series as a whole, but it threw you right into the zombie attack and had you on edge.

I know that the book is written so that we hate B. B is not supposed to be a protagonist we cheer for or even one we want to be like. B has basically been brainwashed by an absolutely deplorable father. He is racist, abusive, manipulative, and down right nasty to everyone. I hated all the interactions between Mom, Dad, and B. They were horrible to read as B's Dad abused and forced his beliefs on everyone else. And I hated B for not standing up to Dad and not doing the right thing. B was constantly second guessing actions based on what Dad had said or would do as a result.

As for the action, once the plot picked up, I was utterly engrossed. This is a very quick read between the short, succinct writing style, the short chapters, and the short length of the novel as a whole. I have so many questions about the zombies and what this means for the future. That ending has left me with even more questions and I definitely need to get my hands on the 2nd book to find out what happens next.

That being said, this book definitely intrigued me to the point of wanting to continue with the series and find out what happens to London after the zombie attack. 

Have you read this series? What are your thoughts?