Title: The Dead
Author: Charlie Higson
First published September 1, 2010
485 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781484721452 (ISBN10: 1484721454)
Rating: 4.3
Overview
In Charlie Higson’s thrilling second book of the zombie horror series for teens, The Dead, the world has been plagued by a deadly virus that only affects those over the age of fourteen. Death is everywhere, and the only hope for survival rests in the hands of the remaining kids.
Maxie, Blue, and their crew from Holloway are not alone in their fight against the savage adults. Best friends Jack and Ed are forced to put their friendship to the ultimate test as they join forces with a group of misfits, fighters, and nerds, including the butcher, Greg, who claims to be immune to the disease.
Together, they must navigate the treacherous streets of London and fight to stay alive. But when a new disaster threatens to wipe them out, they realize that not everyone will make it out alive.
Can they beat the odds and survive in this terrifying new world? Find out in The Dead.
About the Author
Charlie Higson attended Sevenoaks School and the University of East Anglia where he met Paul Whitehouse, David Cummings, and Terry Edwards. Together, they formed the band The Higsons, and Higson was the lead singer from 1980 to 1986, releasing two singles on the Specials’ 2-Tone label.
Higson became a plasterer before turning to writing and performing comedy with Whitehouse. He gained public attention as a writer and performer on the BBC Two sketch show The Fast Show.
He has worked on various television projects, including producing, writing, directing, and occasionally guest-starring on Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) and writing and starring in BBC Three’s Fast Show spin-off sitcom Swiss Toni. He has also appeared as a panellist on QI.
Higson has published four novels with a dystopian look at everyday life, including characters on the margins of society spiraling out of control. He was described by Time Out as “The missing link between Dick Emery and Brett Easton Ellis.” In 2004, he announced a series of James Bond novels aimed at younger readers, focusing on the character’s school-days at Eton.
The first novel, SilverFin, was released in 2005.
Higson has signed a deal to pen a new series of children’s books for Puffin with action adventures and a horror angle.
Editoral Review
Charlie Higson’s novel The Dead is a gripping and intense addition to the horror genre. Higson, known for his work as a comedian and actor, seamlessly shifts into the realm of horror with this novel.
The Dead was first published on September 1, 2010, and is the second installment in Higson’s Enemy series. The Enemy series is a young adult post-apocalyptic series set in London.
The Dead picks up where the first book left off, with an unknown illness killing all the adults and leaving the children to fend for themselves against infected individuals known as “sickos.” The Dead follows a group of children as they navigate the dangers of this new world and battle to survive the sickos and rival groups of children. Higson’s writing style is compelling and fast-paced, making it impossible to put the book down.
The way he details the lives of these children as they try to navigate a world without adult supervision is both terrifying and captivating. The characters are well developed, and their relationships with one another create a sense of urgency and high stakes.
One of the strengths of The Dead is that the story is told from multiple points of view. This allows the reader to gain a broader understanding of the world Higson has created and the struggles that the characters face.
Higson has chosen to focus on the darker side of humanity, highlighting the cruelty and ruthlessness that can arise when there is no one around to regulate behavior or hold people accountable. One of the only criticisms of the book is that some of the characters are reminiscent of stereotypical horror movie tropes.
While this may turn off some readers who are tired of seeing these archetypes, others may find comfort in these familiar characters and their familiar arcs. Despite this minor limitation, the book is a standout in the horror genre.
Higson’s ability to create a believable post-apocalyptic world full of danger and terrifying situations is impressive. The themes of the novel focus on survival, sacrifice, and morality, all of which are incredibly relevant in today’s society.
The Dead is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys horror, post-apocalyptic settings, and coming-of-age stories. The writing is top-notch, and the characters are relatable and engaging.
As a book reviewer for the Washington Post, I highly recommend The Dead by Charlie Higson, and I give it a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The Dead’s masterful blend of horror, suspense, and emotional depth make it a must-read for anyone looking to be scared and entertained in equal measure.
