REVIEW: The Dead by Charlie Higson

The Dead

Charlie Higson

496 pages

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Release Date: June 14th 2011

Source: ARC from Publisher

THE DEAD begins one year before the action in THE ENEMY, just after the Disaster. A terrible disease has struck everyone over the age of sixteen, leaving them either dead or a decomposing, flesh-eating creature. The action starts in a boarding school just outside London where all the teachers have turned into zombies. Together they begin a terrifying journey to find safety, and home.

   What would you do if everyone you knew over 16 became a zombie? Sure we all have our fantasies of how we'd fight them without a second thought. But what if the zombies fight back and do something worse, like, try to eat you? Maybe there's a few kids who'll stand up and take control, but what about the rest of us?

   That's how life is for the kids in The Dead, they're always having to fight, always on the run. Ed, Bam, and Jack, along with their fellow students at Rowhursts Academy have to live this life every day. At first its okay, there's enough food and water, and they have shelter. But when the teachers start attacking they know its time escape and head to the city.

   Because surely its gotta be better in London.

   Or will it be worse?

   The Dead was everything the Enemy was, and more. With a whole new cast of characters, Charlie Higson sets out to entrance his readers with this great thriller. It was so good I finished it in two days and couldn't stop thinking about it afterwards. I've read some of Mr. Higsons other books like Silverfin (The Young Bond Series) and I really like this series better. There were grownups attacking on almost every page and it was impossible to put it down. Since there's a lot of gore in the book I wouldn't really recommend it to younger ages, maybe 12 and up. The book doesn't really have any main character and keeps switching to different people. So it's a perfect read for both boys and girls who enjoy apocalypse or situation.

   I usually write bad things about books in the third paragraph. But I'm glad to say that I liked everything about this book. Mr. Higson has done a wonderful job and I cant wait for the next installment.

I like how it relates to the first book's cover and it does a good job of setting the scene of the book. All in all, it's definitely one of my favorites.

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This review was written by my 12 year old brother, Calidude :)