Title: The Fallen
Author: Charlie Higson
First published September 12, 2013
502 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780141336145 (ISBN10: 0141336145)
Rating: 4.42
Overview
In Charlie Higson’s The Fallen, a sickness has ravaged the world, leaving behind only the undead who hunt for human flesh. The survivors of Holloway have made it to the Natural History Museum but the Enemy is still out there.
The kids at the museum have hope for a cure, but they need medical supplies that can only be found on a perilous journey down unknown roads. As they travel, they realize that they are not only fighting against the sickos but also against themselves.
Suddenly, the lines between friend and foe are blurred, and the true battle begins.
About the Author
Charlie Higson’s education began at Sevenoaks School and continued at the University of East Anglia, where he met Paul Whitehouse, David Cummings, and Terry Edwards. Together with Cummings and Edwards, Higson formed The Higsons band, of which he was the lead singer from 1980 to 1986.
The band released two singles on the Specials’ 2-Tone label. Higson then worked as a plasterer before turning to writing for Harry Enfield with Paul Whitehouse and performing comedy.
Higson gained public attention as one of the main writers and performers of the BBC Two sketch show The Fast Show from 1994 to 2000. He worked with Whitehouse on the radio comedy Down the Line and is set to collaborate with him again on a television project, a spoof of celebrity travel programs.
Higson worked on Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) as a producer, writer, director, and occasional guest star from 2000 to 2001. He has written and starred in BBC Three’s Fast Show spin-off sitcom, Swiss Toni, and is currently starring in Tittybangbang series 3 on BBC Three.
Higson has also appeared as a panellist on QI.
Higson published four novels in the early to mid-1990s, which take a slightly dystopian look at everyday life and have a considerably more adult tone than his other work. The characters in his novels are on the margins of society and find themselves spiraling out of control.
Time Out described him as “The missing link between Dick Emery and Brett Easton Ellis.”
In 2004, Higson announced that he would pen a series of James Bond novels aimed at younger readers, focusing on the character’s school days at Eton. He himself was educated at Sevenoaks School, where he was a contemporary of Jonathan Evans, the current Director General of MI5.
The first novel, SilverFin, was released in the UK on 3 March 2005 and in the US on 27 April 2005. The next three novels in the series, Blood Fever, Double or Die, and Hurricane Gold, were also released.
His final Young Bond novel, By Royal Command, was released in hardcover in the UK on 3 September 2008.
Higson has signed a deal to write a new series of children’s books for Puffin, which will be action adventures with a horror angle.
Editoral Review
Charlie Higson’s “The Fallen” is a thrilling addition to the young adult dystopian genre. Published on September 12, 2013, it is the fifth book in The Enemy series.
The author is known for his notable work as a comedian, actor, and screenwriter. His foray into young adult fiction has been well-received by readers and critics alike for its unique take on the post-apocalyptic world.
Set in post-apocalyptic London, the story follows a group of children, who are struggling to survive amidst a world overrun by adults infected by a virus that turns them into zombie-like creatures. The protagonist is a teenage boy named Sam, who has lost everyone he once loved to the virus.
Sam, along with his allies, is on a mission to find a cure for the virus and reclaim the world from the clutches of the infected. Higson’s storytelling skills are impeccable, and he artfully creates an immersive world filled with tension and danger.
The vivid descriptions of the characters’ surroundings, the creatures they encounter, and the internal struggles they face, make the readers feel as if they are a part of the story. The characters are well-rounded and relatable, and their struggles are authentic and identifiable.
Higson explores themes such as sacrifice, loyalty, resilience, and the human will to survive, making the book a nuanced commentary on human nature in crisis situations. The pacing of the book is excellent, with non-stop action and suspense, which keeps the readers engrossed until the very end.
The cliffhanger ending sets up the stage for the next book in the series, leaving readers with a thirst for more. One of the strengths of “The Fallen” is its cultural significance.
Higson effortlessly weaves in references to contemporary issues such as climate change, political polarization, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. He holds a mirror up to society, making readers think deeply about the regression of humanity and the importance of preserving our world.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Higson spends a considerable amount of time recounting the events of previous books, which might be tedious for readers who are already familiar with the series.
Additionally, a few of the characters’ actions seem illogical and out of character, which can be jarring and take readers out of the story. Overall, “The Fallen” is an engaging, action-packed, and thought-provoking addition to the young adult dystopian genre.
Higson’s exceptional storytelling, well-developed characters, and imaginative world-building make it an enjoyable and worthwhile read. The book would appeal to fans of the Mortal Engines series by Philip Reeve and the Maze Runner series by James Dashner.
Therefore, I would highly recommend “The Fallen” to young adult readers who enjoy action and adventure, intertwined with the deeper themes of human nature and social commentary. I rate the book a 4.5 out of 5.
