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izaklights's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
levi892's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
katricia's review against another edition
2.0
Felt a bit like a bridge book between Part 1 and the rest of the series. Still enjoyable enough that I plan on continuing the series, and Emma's narration of the audiobooks continues to be fantastic, but this book felt more like an NC-17 version of the early chapters of The Girl With All the Gifts than anything.
evanok's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
'Zom-B: Underground' is even clumsier than the first entry in the series as Shan plows through exposition after exposition in trying to establish this world.
To do so, he sets the plot in an isolated location, putting the wider story on pause. In a way, it feels like a deep breath before the plunge (knowing what comes next). Unfortunately it is thematically underdeveloped and B suffers for this, her main moral dilemma just doesn't make that much sense, especially in comparison to what she faced in the first novel.
That being said though, there is a lot to like. Some pretty witty dialogue, wince worthy body horror and good inner monologues from B carry the story. Plus we get an introduction to an extreme but definitely memorable villain, Mr. Dowling. Him and Owl Man, who was introduced in the previous novel, are both intriguing and disturbing.
There are more questions than answers at this point in 'Zom-B'. I'm looking forward to continuing the reread, diving into the wider world of this odd post-apocalypse in the next entry.
To do so, he sets the plot in an isolated location, putting the wider story on pause. In a way, it feels like a deep breath before the plunge (knowing what comes next). Unfortunately it is thematically underdeveloped and B suffers for this, her main moral dilemma just doesn't make that much sense, especially in comparison to what she faced in the first novel.
That being said though, there is a lot to like. Some pretty witty dialogue, wince worthy body horror and good inner monologues from B carry the story. Plus we get an introduction to an extreme but definitely memorable villain, Mr. Dowling. Him and Owl Man, who was introduced in the previous novel, are both intriguing and disturbing.
There are more questions than answers at this point in 'Zom-B'. I'm looking forward to continuing the reread, diving into the wider world of this odd post-apocalypse in the next entry.
christajls's review against another edition
4.0
This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic
I am constantly amazed by how much content Darren Shan can fit into so few pages. Zom-B Underground comes in under 200 pages yet, once again, I feel as though I’ve been on this crazy, emotional ride that I can’t stop thinking about.
Zom-B Underground picks up not long after Zom-B left off. B has been bitten and she is now a zombie herself. She’s found herself locked in a cell and doesn’t quite understand how she got there, why she still has all her same thoughts and memories and what they’re planning on doing with her. I found this a really neat approach to your standard zombie novel fare. The reader actually gets to see what’s going on in the mind of someone who has been turned. I’ve read a lot of zombie novels and I can honestly say Zom-B Underground was unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
I was kind of disappointed, however, that Zom-B Underground didn’t have the same level of commentary regarding racism as Zom-B did. B isn’t the same immature brat that we met in the first book. In a way this was a good thing – we really got to see her grow as a character and I am all for character development. But that being said, that commentary was what made the first book such a stand out for me. I guess that’s the trade you have to make in this sort of situation but I’m still hoping Darren Shan will come back to it in book three.
Finally, I feel it is necessary to add a warning of sorts for those who are considering this book. There is this incredibly creepy new character called Mr. Dowling. He is probably the most terrifying clown ever. I’m normally not scared of clowns but I’m reasonably sure he will haunt my nightmares. If you are at all afraid of clowns you have been warned.
Recommendation: A great continuation of the series. B is still an interesting and complex character and I truly enjoy reading about her journey. Recommended.
I am constantly amazed by how much content Darren Shan can fit into so few pages. Zom-B Underground comes in under 200 pages yet, once again, I feel as though I’ve been on this crazy, emotional ride that I can’t stop thinking about.
Zom-B Underground picks up not long after Zom-B left off. B has been bitten and she is now a zombie herself. She’s found herself locked in a cell and doesn’t quite understand how she got there, why she still has all her same thoughts and memories and what they’re planning on doing with her. I found this a really neat approach to your standard zombie novel fare. The reader actually gets to see what’s going on in the mind of someone who has been turned. I’ve read a lot of zombie novels and I can honestly say Zom-B Underground was unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
I was kind of disappointed, however, that Zom-B Underground didn’t have the same level of commentary regarding racism as Zom-B did. B isn’t the same immature brat that we met in the first book. In a way this was a good thing – we really got to see her grow as a character and I am all for character development. But that being said, that commentary was what made the first book such a stand out for me. I guess that’s the trade you have to make in this sort of situation but I’m still hoping Darren Shan will come back to it in book three.
Finally, I feel it is necessary to add a warning of sorts for those who are considering this book. There is this incredibly creepy new character called Mr. Dowling. He is probably the most terrifying clown ever. I’m normally not scared of clowns but I’m reasonably sure he will haunt my nightmares. If you are at all afraid of clowns you have been warned.
Recommendation: A great continuation of the series. B is still an interesting and complex character and I truly enjoy reading about her journey. Recommended.
chaosstrolling's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
**Spoilers for my review!!**
Mini blurb: experimentation facility for zombies, learning how zombies function in this world
I enjoyed this more than the first book because the racism is nearly gone. B still slightly struggles with it but is actively trying to be better, so much so that she’s willing to die to stay morally good. She’s now the one viewed as a monster just as she and her dad viewed anyone not white as expendable.
I love learning about how zombies function in fictional worlds so this was a perfect book for me. The main focus of this book was teaching the differences between 2 types of zombies and then briefly introducing us to what seems to be our main villain. They don’t explain any main story elements which I’m perfectly fine with. These books are incredibly short so I’m enjoying how they’re being broken up story wise.
The gore is excellent, especially Mr.Dowling. It may be over the top and maybe a little silly, but bug stuff with always get to me, so I very much enjoy this villain. I also love the zom-heads giving into their urges, it’s surprisingly sad and gives exposition at the same time. The artwork is of course also great, even if not very detailed (especially in Mr.Dowling’s case), it still helps solidify some descriptions.
Maybe I’ll bump this up to a 5 star after reading more of the books, but for now I wanna give space for the future ones to blow me away.
Mini blurb: experimentation facility for zombies, learning how zombies function in this world
I enjoyed this more than the first book because the racism is nearly gone. B still slightly struggles with it but is actively trying to be better, so much so that she’s willing to die to stay morally good. She’s now the one viewed as a monster just as she and her dad viewed anyone not white as expendable.
I love learning about how zombies function in fictional worlds so this was a perfect book for me. The main focus of this book was teaching the differences between 2 types of zombies and then briefly introducing us to what seems to be our main villain. They don’t explain any main story elements which I’m perfectly fine with. These books are incredibly short so I’m enjoying how they’re being broken up story wise.
The gore is excellent, especially Mr.Dowling. It may be over the top and maybe a little silly, but bug stuff with always get to me, so I very much enjoy this villain. I also love the zom-heads giving into their urges, it’s surprisingly sad and gives exposition at the same time. The artwork is of course also great, even if not very detailed (especially in Mr.Dowling’s case), it still helps solidify some descriptions.
Maybe I’ll bump this up to a 5 star after reading more of the books, but for now I wanna give space for the future ones to blow me away.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
trisha_thomas's review against another edition
3.0
still keeping with the same theme, B is now a zom-b and is trying to understand this new world. On the wrong side of prejudice now, she is the one judged to be just an animal based entirely on what she appears to be.
but she's made a promise to Tyler that she intends to keep. She won't be bullied and won't do what everyone else wants her to do - even if it's what keeps her safe.
Although I did enjoy this book, I thought the clown bit was really odd. And we don't really have any additional questions answered then we did in book 1 - but there sure are a lot more questions.
these are really easy (and relatively light) zombie books.
The pictures, as always, are just awesome
but she's made a promise to Tyler that she intends to keep. She won't be bullied and won't do what everyone else wants her to do - even if it's what keeps her safe.
Although I did enjoy this book, I thought the clown bit was really odd. And we don't really have any additional questions answered then we did in book 1 - but there sure are a lot more questions.
these are really easy (and relatively light) zombie books.
The pictures, as always, are just awesome
jjarthur's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
justinebt2114's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
starknits13's review against another edition
3.0
This book was very interesting I really liked B in this story!