Friday, September 4, 2009

Zombie Queen of Newbury High by Amanda Ashby

Zombie Queen of Newbury High
by Amanda Ashby

Published: 2009
Genre: Zombies
Paperback: 208 pages
Rating: 4

Inspiration: September Zombies Week
August 29 - September 6, 2009
- check out daily events for this week


Description from the amazon.com:
In a welcome break from the current trend in vampire romances, Ashby here offers a lighthearted skewering of the genre. High-school senior Mia inadvertently casts a spell that turns her entire senior class into flesh-eating zombies who believe that she is their especially tasty queen.

Fortunately, the new kid at school, Chase, is actually an agent from the Department of Paranormal Containment, and it's his job to make sure such things never come to pass. It takes four days for the spell to fully evolve, so Mia; her best friend, Candice; and Chase spend that time romping through truly funny predicaments while desperately seeking to reverse the spell.

Ashby's clever dialogue and familiarity with all things Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) combine to create a light and addictive tongue-in-cheek homage to both standard romance novels and all things Goth.

Characterization is minimal, but that's not what will keep readers turning pages; Ashby's deft, light tone and appreciation for the confining rigidity of high-school class structure drive this predictable yet highly entertaining tale.

Zombification: after a (supposed) love spell is cast (voodoo related I'm guessing) those in the vicinity of the spell start the zombie process

Zombie mode: feral, although didn't get to see it happen

My thoughts:
In-a-word(s): Viral Zombaticus

I think it's time for me to start watching some Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I've watched and loved Joss Whedon's Firefly TV series, so I have a feeling I may like it. What does Buffy have to do with this story? Well, the main character is a fan-girl of the show and references it enough times to peak my interest.

Hardly any zombie action in this tale as the zombification occurs in 4 stages. We barely get to stage 4 where feral-ness occurs. So, the story may be disappointing for some of you wanting some good zombie brain eating.

There are some funny moments and a touch of romance.

I enjoyed the zombification twist in this story. Instead of zombies re-animating from death, they are turned into drone-like creatures with the sole purpose of caring for their Queen. Caring for the Queen is not out of loyalty, but for other reasons... bwah ha ha

Ah yes, mother nature makes an appearance. Insect metaphors play a part in the storyline, specifically the jewel wasp and cockroach. You'll find the Zombie Queen's zombies aren't too far off from cockroaches.

Favorite zombie term: zombie lemmings

Zombie fashion:


Zombie Prom Queen long or short dresses available at amazon.com!

Who woulda thunk?

 
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Images from: Lovelytocu