Zom-B Underground
Gr 7 Up-After the events that ended not only the first book but also her life, B Smith is surprised to wake up in the middle of a deadly fight between zombies and heavily armed figures. The figures turn out to be just like B: zombies who have regained their consciousness and intellect. These Revitalizeds are kept prisoner in a top-secret military complex and are subjected to experimentation and observation. B tries to fit in as best she can, but that was not her strong suit even when she was alive, and she finds herself at odds with both her captors and her fellow prisoners. An outside attack gives her a chance at freedom, which she takes, along with her fellow Revitalizeds, and she once again finds herself on the run and trying to get answers for what she has become. The story starts off a little slowly with B sorting out and giving readers her thoughts and perceptions on her situation, but once the action starts, it doesn't let up. This sequel is not about action alone, however, as it focuses primarily on B as she tries to come to terms with what she has done and find her place in the world. Shan has done a good job of balancing this angst with B's more physical situation, and it is the strength of this installment. The other characters are not as fully developed, but they are all interesting in their own way. The story should leave readers eager for the next book and the continuation of B's journey.-Erik Knapp, Davis Library, Plano, TXα(c) Copyright 2011.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.