Review: Zom-B

Title: Zom-B
Author: Darren Shan
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's
Year published: 2012
How I got this book: Bought it through BookDepository (affiliate link)
My rating: 3 stars

Goodreads synopsis:
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 forved on a mad dash through the serpentine corridors of high school, making allegiances with anyone with enough gall to fight of their pursuers.

My thoughts:
I have always loved Darren Shan, and that's why I figured I should give this series a try as well. I am not a big fan of zombies, as I find them terrifying, but I wanted to give them a chance. And, honestly, I was a bit disappointed. 

The characters were awful, as well as the main character. Everything B did annoyed me, and because B is the narrator we read the thoughts justifying the actions. I had a problem with the racism in this book, even though it is made clear that racism isn't okay. I also had some issues with the abuse in the book, but I am hopeful that both of these problems will be solved in the next books. 

Even though the book is called Zom-B, you don't really meet them until the end of the book. When we did meet them, everything happened so quickly, and before I knew it the book was over. I don't know if this is a series I will finish, but I want to pick up the next one to see how it evolves.

If you are a fan of Darren Shan other series, or a fan of zombies, you should give this book a chance. But, if this doesn't sound like something you'll enjoy, you might want to pick up something else instead. 

Buy this book?
Amazon (US)
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BookDepository (worldwide, affiliate link)
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