Zom-B is the first book of a twelve-book series. It begins with a zombie invasion in the town of Pallaskenry in Ireland, already throwing you into a bit of action, which is just what we need because the true action doesn't really occer until about half-way/two thirds of the way through the story (but, please, don't let that put you off!).

We then get to know B Smith, the protagonist of the story. B's father, Todd, is an abusive father and husband and a diabolical racist. We also come to find that Todd isn't the only racist B's life. Shan has done a wonderful job of seeing Todd through B's eyes, who is only a teenager. B is confused: is Todd in the right, or are B's instincts to go against dad in the right, especially where B's coloured and foreign friends are concerned?

I absolutely love that Shan is exploring these issues in a book that, when you pick it up, you think is just going to be another Darren Shan horror story, simply about zombies. But when is anything in life simple (when is anything in a Shan book simple!?) It's something new and, in many ways, darker. Despite being best-known for young adult fiction, Shan has made this story a great learning tool for youngsters and adults alike (as I, an adult, have discovered), for social and personal problems. It definitely puts the series to come in good stead.

Then, we come to the horrific zombie invasion of B's home town of London. B is in school when the zombies attack, and they go in hard. No one is safe, which is typical of Shan's writing - not even the most important of characters is immune to death, not even his protagonists.

I would say more, but that would involved a lot of spoilers! All I'll say is it gives plenty of shocks. And I'll leave you with a question: is B and boy or a girl?

Something to think about as you read the book.

Read this review in full (with spoilers!)here: http://watchreadandsee.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/darren-shan-lends-his-brains-to-zombies/