The Dead is the prequel to Higson’s book The Enemy. Unlike books in most series, this book can be read as a stand-alone. As a prequel, there are no references to Higson’s previous work, which is refreshing. The book is once again set in present day London, and follows a small group of survivors from a boarding school as they make their way across the city to safety. Ultimately, they become the Tower kids found in The Enemy.
Higson’s writing style is very simple and elegant. Paragraphs are kept short and easy to understand. He keeps the suspense going at every turn, making the reader unable to put the book down. With talk of more books in the series, Higson is destined to become a legend among zombie authors equal to Brooks and Matheson. I would highly recommend this book.
Contains: Violence, gore.
Reviewed by Denize Toms.