ZOMBIE WEEK! REVIEW : THE ENEMY
The Enemy by Charlie HigsonMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
"A devastating disease has struck everyone over the age of sixteen. Those who don't die have turned into decomposing, brainless creatures that survive by feeding on anything that's still alive -including children" Cover Blurb
I recently read the Graphic Novel adaption of SilverFin, a Young James Bond adventure. I really enjoyed Charlie Higson's writing style. When I heard about The Enemy I immediately picked it up, I wasn't disappointed!
This book is action packed. I found myself holding my breath through many of the action scenes. The book begins with the abduction of Small Sam. He is a member of the Waitrose crew a group of kids living in a Supermarket.The grown-ups have abducted Sam and his fate is assumed sealed since the grownups keep the children for only one purpose. Food.
The children of Waitrose have formed a family of sorts. They have scavenger crews, a medic, babysitters for the young ones and warriors. They have survived for nearly a year but supplies are running low for them as well as another group of children that live near them : The Morrison's.
Food becomes scarcer every day and a strange new grown-up has appeared, organizing the Mothers and Fathers into increasingly violent and coordinated attacks.
A mysterious teen called the Jester comes among them promising them a life of safety and abundance at Buckingham Palace. Soon the Morrison gang and the Waitrose kids combine forces on this trek. Through great loss and sacrifice they reach The Palace only to find thing's aren't completely as promised.
The action of the book also follows Small Sam who has survived his time with the grownups and fights his way back to his friends and this sister.
The fear and danger of a London overwhelmed with murderous Adults is palpable in this book. Higson stunningly captures the personality and language styles of the group of children. Despite the abundance of characters each one stands out with small personal touches and nuances.
I quickly became attached to the characters and experienced genuine fear and sadness for them. Small Sam's journey especially is thrilling and horrible. Higson does not shy from violence and the unspeakable terrors this new world holds for the children.
In addition there is the question of what will happen to the teens as they age. Are they immune to the condition of their parents? Or will they become them. There are some open ended threads in this book that I would love to see materialise into a sequel. A great read!
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