The Zombie Project

The Zombie Project provides a fresh take on this genre where zombies might not just be a threat, but also a necessary part of the ecosystem. In a world where bees are extinct, zombies have become essential hosts for death flies to help with pollination and food production.

From the very first page I was drawn into the action as Alice Nuttall introduces us to Merian, a strong and capable main character. Instead of killing zombies, we see Merian trying to live alongside them. This shift in perspective is one of the books most intriguing aspects, as it invites us to consider how humanity might adapt to survive in such challenging circumstances. The stakes are high and the situation is dire but there is a sense of hope as Merian and the others try to survive this action-packed adventure.

The pacing of the novel is spot-on, maintaining a steady build of tension, while still delivering plenty of action and excitement. It is a gripping read. A very well-paced book that held my interest from the start. The Zombie Project is action-packed and holds an environmental message at its core. Not one to read whilst you are eating your lunch; the descriptions of maggots etc might be a little off putting! Suitable for younger readers, this is the perfect introduction to the horror genre. I would highly recommend it.

272 pages / Reviewed by Clair Bossons, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+

A brave young female protagonist and an action-packed zombie adventure, what a page turner! The Zombie Project is the debut novel of Alice Nuttall and is a 'must read' for any middle grade reader who loves a thrill, although perhaps not for the faint hearted!

Since the 'Outbreak', which you learn more about as the story progresses, when a person dies, death-fly eggs hatch inside their body, releasing a larval toxin which then turns them into a zombie. The life cycle of the death-fly must be completed, allowing the adult fly to leave the body before its host can finally be at peace.

The main character of this story, Merian, and her mum, scientist Dr Gwen Hope, live outside the city in the forest, where Gwen studies and protects the zombies. The family is safe as long as they both adhere to a set of rules: 1. Never take your eyes off them for a second. They're faster than you think. 2. Long sleeves, trouser legs tucked into socks, no exposed skin. Glasses clean and on. Stout boots. Gloves. Cat. 3. No direct contact with the dead on less than six hours' sleep. 4. Don't travel after dark. 5. Always have a back up plan, even if you never intend to use it.

Dr Hope is certain that since the extinction of bees more than 30 years earlier, without the zombies, there would be no death-flies, and that would ultimately put food production at risk. However, the Unilateralis - the corporate body that now controls everything, doesn't share this view and its leaders are prepared to go to extreme lengths to stop other people finding out about her theory. Can Merian and her scientist mum convince others to save the zombies? Or will the Unilateralis succeed in convincing people to kill them?

I would recommend this exciting adventure for anyone looking to keep those less enthusiastic readers hooked on books. The Zombie Project is not only a thrilling read but it also explores issues such as the work of bees as pollinators and the existence of the human race; an ideal choice to initiate Year 6 or 7 class discussion or debate. Just one little niggle about this action packed story that I need to share: death-flies bite, bees sting!

272 pages / Reviewed by Sam, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 11+