Darren Shan tackles zombies along with the current event issue of immigration, especially the tensions that exist in Britain. His depictions of zombies and their attacks are pretty gruesome, very graphic. These zombies are a little weirder than most, have characteristics you won't find in the usual zombie novel, with good reason. Their apocalypse has been unleashed by an unknown group.

I thought that Shan did a decent job of portraying the conflicting emotions of B, her desire for her father's approval and love in spite of his abuse and his clear and overt racism. She toggles back and forth in that world even though she doesn't really believe and feel as he does. Shan takes up most of the novel setting the stage for her decision at the end, which of course sets up novel #2.

Fans of Shan's earlier vampire series will like this. There are even some very creepy B/W illustrations sprinkled throughout that serve to heighten the drama and hook the reader on the mystery figures surrounding the zombies. Some attention must be paid to the Britishisms; while most will be understandable, some are not. But it doesn't detract too much from the story.