A review by rgoth
The Enemy by Charlie Higson

adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book was a pleasant surprise that exceeded my expectations. It took an unconventional approach to the "zombie" theme, presenting a clever premise that set it apart from other books in the genre.

The story revolves around an epidemic that has spread throughout the UK, affecting all adults. While their symptoms resemble those of zombies, they are not actually undead. As a result, the children who aren't affected by this illness are left to fend for themselves, forging unexpected alliances and friendships as they struggle to survive against the adult population, who now pose a deadly threat.

I particularly appreciated the detailed descriptions and the natural way in which the children interacted with one another, adding to the realism of the story. Despite its accessibility, the book didn't shy away from exploring some darker and more brutal elements, which I found compelling.

Overall, this book was an unforeseen treasure, and I'm delighted to have come across it.