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The Enemy #5
The Fallen
The Fallen by Charlie Higson is the fifth awesome book in The Enemy series. First the sickness rotted the adults' minds. Then their bodies. Now they stalk the streets, hunting human flesh.The Holloway crew are survivors. They've fought their way across London and made it to the Natural History Museum alive - just. But the fight will never end while the Enemy lives, unless there's another way. . . The kids at the museum are looking for a cure. All they need are medical supplies. To get them means a journey down unknown roads. Roads where not only crazed, hungry sickos hide in the shadows. SUDDENLY IT'S NOT SO CLEAR WHO - OR WHAT - THEY'RE FIGHTING.The fourth terrifying part of Charlie Higson's bestselling Enemy series. The Enemy is among us. . . ** 2013 is the year of zombies, with Brad Pitt's World War Z and Nicholas Holt's Warm Bodies films hitting cinemas.** 'Lord of the Flies with zombies' - Rick Riordan, creator of the Percy Jackson series. ** Charlie Higson is the bestselling author of Young Bond, and creator of The Fast Show. ** Perfect for bloodthirsty fans of 28 Days Later and Darren Shan's Zom-B series.
545 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2013
240 people are currently reading
5502 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Higson
84 books1,512 followersHigson was educated at Sevenoaks School and at the University of East Anglia (where his brother has taught since 1986 and is now a professor of film studies) where he met Paul Whitehouse, David Cummings and Terry Edwards. Higson, Cummings and Edwards formed the band The Higsons of which Higson was the lead singer from 1980 to 1986. They released two singles on the Specials' 2-Tone label. Higson then became a plasterer before he turned to writing for Harry Enfield with Paul Whitehouse and performing comedy. He came to public attention as one of the main writers and performers of the BBC Two sketch show The Fast Show (1994-2000). He worked with Whitehouse on the radio comedy Down the Line and is to work with him again on a television project, designed to be a spoof of celebrity travel programmes.[1:]
He worked as producer, writer, director and occasional guest star on Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) from 2000 to 2001. Subsequent television work has included writing and starring in BBC Three's Fast Show spin-off sitcom Swiss Toni. He is currently starring in Tittybangbang series 3 on BBC Three and has appeared as a panellist on QI.
He published four novels through the early to mid 1990s which take a slightly dystopian look at everyday life and have a considerably more adult tone than his other work, with characters on the margins of society finding themselves spiraling out of control, leading him to be described by Time Out as 'The missing link between Dick Emery and Brett Easton Ellis' [2:]
In 2004, it was announced that Higson would pen a series of James Bond novels, aimed at younger readers and concentrating on the character's school-days at Eton. Higson was himself educated at Sevenoaks School where he was a contemporary of Jonathan Evans, current Director General of MI5. The first novel, SilverFin, was released on 3 March 2005 in the UK and on 27 April 2005 in the U.S. A second novel, Blood Fever, was released on 5 January 2006 in the UK and 1 June in the U.S. The third novel, Double or Die, was published on 4 January 2007 having had its title announced the day before. The next, Hurricane Gold, came out in hardcover in the UK in September 2007.[3:]In this year he also made a debut performance on the panel show QI. His final Young Bond novel, By Royal Command, was released in hardcover in the UK on the 3 September 2008.[4:]
Charlie has signed a deal to pen a new series of children's books for Puffin. According to the author, "They are going to be action adventures, but with a horror angle
He worked as producer, writer, director and occasional guest star on Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) from 2000 to 2001. Subsequent television work has included writing and starring in BBC Three's Fast Show spin-off sitcom Swiss Toni. He is currently starring in Tittybangbang series 3 on BBC Three and has appeared as a panellist on QI.
He published four novels through the early to mid 1990s which take a slightly dystopian look at everyday life and have a considerably more adult tone than his other work, with characters on the margins of society finding themselves spiraling out of control, leading him to be described by Time Out as 'The missing link between Dick Emery and Brett Easton Ellis' [2:]
In 2004, it was announced that Higson would pen a series of James Bond novels, aimed at younger readers and concentrating on the character's school-days at Eton. Higson was himself educated at Sevenoaks School where he was a contemporary of Jonathan Evans, current Director General of MI5. The first novel, SilverFin, was released on 3 March 2005 in the UK and on 27 April 2005 in the U.S. A second novel, Blood Fever, was released on 5 January 2006 in the UK and 1 June in the U.S. The third novel, Double or Die, was published on 4 January 2007 having had its title announced the day before. The next, Hurricane Gold, came out in hardcover in the UK in September 2007.[3:]In this year he also made a debut performance on the panel show QI. His final Young Bond novel, By Royal Command, was released in hardcover in the UK on the 3 September 2008.[4:]
Charlie has signed a deal to pen a new series of children's books for Puffin. According to the author, "They are going to be action adventures, but with a horror angle
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
April 27, 2017
guys this series has majorly fucked me up AND I REALLY WANT MORE OF Y'ALL TO READ IT ITS SO GOOD AND CLEVER
So here we have a complete list of why you should!
But before I get into that some quick facts.
1: the series is about a future world where all the adults are either dead or zombies who want to eat children!
2: it's set in London
3: the series covers different groups around London and each books intertwines with the others so neatly
4: It's got some great diversity
5: IT WILL LITERALLY FUCK YOU UP SO GOOD AND YOU WILL CRINGE BECAUSE THERE IS SOME SERIOUSLY HORRIBLE AND DISGUSTING THINGS GOING ON
ok. Here is my list of why you should read The Enemy series
• Charlie Higson is very clever. What I mean is, the way this series is intertwined together is honestly just really clever writing. Let me explain, book 1 follows a group called the Holloway Crew. Book 2 jumps back in time a little and follows a group called the Tower of London kids - when book 2 is midway through, the beginning of the events of book 1 begin. Book 3 follows another crew, who are doing something at the same time as the final events of book 2 are happening. Book 4 follows the crews from 2 and 3 when their stories clash together. Book 5 follows the Holloway crew again - the end of their story in book 1 begins when the events at the end of book 4 start.
Confused? YOU SHOULD BE. But the way these books are written is their greatest strength. It gives this world incredible depth and complexity and makes it feel very real. Even tho events are happening in a logical order, they're also happening at the same time and it definietely gives you that feeling of the butterfly effect - like things are happening because of these characters consequences to the other characters you've met in different books.
Also, it's just really fun when you see the actions of character and know what they're doing is going to effect others. For example, book 1 is basically about a boy called Jester coming to see the Holloway Crew. In book 3, one of the characters sends Jester to go "find other kids", thus setting off the events that will lead to the beginning of book 1.
It's kind of hard to explain, but you need to know these books are not simple zombie stories they are really really clever
• Diverse! There are so many characters who are diverse and strong good characters. Many of the leaders of the groups of kids, who are in great power positions, are poc! or have disabilities ! or are lgbt+ ! It's great !! There is black characters, hispanic characters, brown characters, fat characters, mentally ill characters, characters with learning disabilities, characters with physical disabilities, characters who are gay, characters with no gender, and much much more. It's GREAT
• IT'S BRUTAL. Seriously, you never know who's going down next. And that keeps you on your toes, but also some of the things that happen to these characters are genuinely horrifying and I've been shocked by some of the scenes of horror. I'm not shocked by horror in books much!!! But honestly you never know who's gonna get rekt next it's like rickroll just when u think someone is safe they dead.
• Very clever society building. So, one of the premises of this story is that the kids have banded into different crews. You got the Buckingham Palace Kids, the Holloway Kids, the Museum of Natural History Kids, the Parliament House Crew, the Squatters, the Ascot kids, the Tower of London Crew, the Cathedral Kids and SO MANY MORE. Each different group has it's own unique culture -- they call the zombies different things (ranging from sicko, to grown-up, to oppoe) they have their own goals and ambitions (some just want to be fair to the kids, some want to hunt zombies, some want to create democracies, some want to study science and cure the disease) and this all makes each different unique and interesting to follow. The groups are all separate, but they are also all forced to mingle, interact and see things from each others perspective. The groups are also all aware of each other and that creates some fun conversations about characters from other crews and books which are just really fun to read.
• Good balance of themes. Action doesn't overshadow trauma and horror, and there are good deep conversations about things like the human condition which make it feel more deep. There is also relationships that aren't annoying or overbearing, there is cute friendships and familial relationships. There is a good balance of the current plot, like what each crew it up to - and the overarching plot pertaining to the disease and why people got sick and are now zombies.
• Basically. It's good,,,,, it's all good. I couldn't rec them harder they are so fucking clever and well thought out why won't more people read them !!!!!!!!!
READ THIS SERIES OKAY. READ IT AND CRY WITH ME I'M SO FUCKED UP
So here we have a complete list of why you should!
But before I get into that some quick facts.
1: the series is about a future world where all the adults are either dead or zombies who want to eat children!
2: it's set in London
3: the series covers different groups around London and each books intertwines with the others so neatly
4: It's got some great diversity
5: IT WILL LITERALLY FUCK YOU UP SO GOOD AND YOU WILL CRINGE BECAUSE THERE IS SOME SERIOUSLY HORRIBLE AND DISGUSTING THINGS GOING ON
ok. Here is my list of why you should read The Enemy series
• Charlie Higson is very clever. What I mean is, the way this series is intertwined together is honestly just really clever writing. Let me explain, book 1 follows a group called the Holloway Crew. Book 2 jumps back in time a little and follows a group called the Tower of London kids - when book 2 is midway through, the beginning of the events of book 1 begin. Book 3 follows another crew, who are doing something at the same time as the final events of book 2 are happening. Book 4 follows the crews from 2 and 3 when their stories clash together. Book 5 follows the Holloway crew again - the end of their story in book 1 begins when the events at the end of book 4 start.
Confused? YOU SHOULD BE. But the way these books are written is their greatest strength. It gives this world incredible depth and complexity and makes it feel very real. Even tho events are happening in a logical order, they're also happening at the same time and it definietely gives you that feeling of the butterfly effect - like things are happening because of these characters consequences to the other characters you've met in different books.
Also, it's just really fun when you see the actions of character and know what they're doing is going to effect others. For example, book 1 is basically about a boy called Jester coming to see the Holloway Crew. In book 3, one of the characters sends Jester to go "find other kids", thus setting off the events that will lead to the beginning of book 1.
It's kind of hard to explain, but you need to know these books are not simple zombie stories they are really really clever
• Diverse! There are so many characters who are diverse and strong good characters. Many of the leaders of the groups of kids, who are in great power positions, are poc! or have disabilities ! or are lgbt+ ! It's great !! There is black characters, hispanic characters, brown characters, fat characters, mentally ill characters, characters with learning disabilities, characters with physical disabilities, characters who are gay, characters with no gender, and much much more. It's GREAT
• IT'S BRUTAL. Seriously, you never know who's going down next. And that keeps you on your toes, but also some of the things that happen to these characters are genuinely horrifying and I've been shocked by some of the scenes of horror. I'm not shocked by horror in books much!!! But honestly you never know who's gonna get rekt next it's like rickroll just when u think someone is safe they dead.
• Very clever society building. So, one of the premises of this story is that the kids have banded into different crews. You got the Buckingham Palace Kids, the Holloway Kids, the Museum of Natural History Kids, the Parliament House Crew, the Squatters, the Ascot kids, the Tower of London Crew, the Cathedral Kids and SO MANY MORE. Each different group has it's own unique culture -- they call the zombies different things (ranging from sicko, to grown-up, to oppoe) they have their own goals and ambitions (some just want to be fair to the kids, some want to hunt zombies, some want to create democracies, some want to study science and cure the disease) and this all makes each different unique and interesting to follow. The groups are all separate, but they are also all forced to mingle, interact and see things from each others perspective. The groups are also all aware of each other and that creates some fun conversations about characters from other crews and books which are just really fun to read.
• Good balance of themes. Action doesn't overshadow trauma and horror, and there are good deep conversations about things like the human condition which make it feel more deep. There is also relationships that aren't annoying or overbearing, there is cute friendships and familial relationships. There is a good balance of the current plot, like what each crew it up to - and the overarching plot pertaining to the disease and why people got sick and are now zombies.
• Basically. It's good,,,,, it's all good. I couldn't rec them harder they are so fucking clever and well thought out why won't more people read them !!!!!!!!!
READ THIS SERIES OKAY. READ IT AND CRY WITH ME I'M SO FUCKED UP
September 17, 2019
Book five in the Enemy series and I'm totally engrossed in this.
This is a YA seven book series on the end of the world as we know it. Everyone over the age of 14 has turned into a zombie and the kids are battling it out for their lives.
This book has been particularly interesting, whereas the other books have focussed on the kids and their survival, this book has introduced the twisted kids and we start to get some background information on how this disease of the adults came about to start with.
I just love how consistent this series is, another solid four star read.
Looking forward to book six, especially after the cliffhanger Charlie Higson has just left me on!
This is a YA seven book series on the end of the world as we know it. Everyone over the age of 14 has turned into a zombie and the kids are battling it out for their lives.
This book has been particularly interesting, whereas the other books have focussed on the kids and their survival, this book has introduced the twisted kids and we start to get some background information on how this disease of the adults came about to start with.
I just love how consistent this series is, another solid four star read.
Looking forward to book six, especially after the cliffhanger Charlie Higson has just left me on!
September 6, 2016
"Nothing’s real until it happens. And this has happened and we’ve got to get on it. We’ve got to solve the problems it’s given us before it’s too late.”
It’s time for my All-Hail-Higson chant again. Higson, Higson, Higson! The man pretty much owns my happy horror heart right now.
The Fallen brings us back around to the Holloway crew—Maxie, Blue, Achilleus, Lewis, Ollie, and so many more. The kids that kicked this whole gory, pus filled, bloody SHEBANG off way back in book one. The kids that securely embedded themselves in my head and heart. I’ve missed them, but at the same time feel like they never left me at all. You know ya found something or someone special when you can pick right back up with them as if no time has passed.
Okay, okay…enough of this mushy stuff. Let’s get to it! We jump right back in with the Holloway gang as they arrive at the Natural History Museum just in the nick of time. Worlds and kids meet, collide, and blend on the pages here. Justin, Einstein, and all the “geeks” mix it up with the fighters of Holloway. Haha….I absolutely loved how they tried to communicate. Achilleus trying to understand and hang with the geeks was priceless. But you can also feel how much they want to trust each other, work together, and maybe band together. Everyone feels worn down though. Tempers, patience, and tears are so close to the edge. It could all blow up at the first misunderstanding or shove. The responsibility, constant fear, and decision making has obviously taken a toll on everyone. These kids want a home. Some place to stop, rest, and build. Can they really call the museum home though with all the dangers inside the walls?
A big part of my heart and this series is the history embedded in the action. Mr. Higson brilliantly twists history lessons around a zombie tale. These survivors and fighters are running the streets of London and holing up in the city’s towers, museums, and castles. Even Buckingham Palace! I love it! Every dark, dusty historical corner inspires me to jump on a jet plane to London and explore. And just when I think Higson can’t get any better, he notches up his kickass level to whole new heights. The Fallen pulls the actual writing of history into play. Historians, note taking, and journals. For me, it was thought provoking and painful to hear the action being documented. No matter what “they” say—history cannot be captured without a bit of the writer’s personality and emotions seeping in. It just can’t be done in my opinion. So it was hard to watch the young writer leave a kid out or portray someone in a certain way because she didn’t like or understand someone or something. Haha..If that made sense at all. I’m trying not to spoil here. :) The journal entries were hard to read, but bloody brilliant as well. Always keep in mind who writes the history.
Sorry, I can Higson ramble. But I cannot leave without throwing out some love for my favorite characters. As much as I love Maxie and Blue’s power and united force, if I was forced to pick just one favorite in the bunch—it would be Achilleus. How to describe Achilleus? Haha…Hmm….well here’s how Maxie described him:
“She hadn’t always liked the boy – he was rude and a bully, a show-off, and he had a bad mouth on him – but he was the best fighter she’d ever seen, utterly fearless in battle and clever with it.”
After those words of love, you’re probably wondering how and why Achilleus found a spot in my heart. It was the size of HIS heart. Every once in a while his heart peaks out from behind the curtain and surprises me. He squeezes my heart to bits! Plus he can make me snort laugh! :D
Just like in any other group of kids there were show-offs, jokers, quiet ones, clever ones, thick ones, cool ones and arseholes. It made no difference what they looked like, or how they spoke, whether they were in wheelchairs or had neck braces or whatever – kids were kids.”
All of these kids squeeze the hell out of my heart. So many voices and personalities coming together. These characters fill my heart with huge love and pride. Their courage and strength sits right alongside their fear, pain, and loss. It’s a brutal and bloody ride that hits you right in the heart. One moment that really stuck with me from this book was Paddy playing with his action figures before bed. On one hand he wants and needs to be a killer, but still plays with his toys. *shakes head in sadness* All of these kids will leave a mark on your heart.
So….I know I didn’t tell you much about the plot, but we are at book five here, people! I’m not spoiling the ride now! :) We get some new faces and beloved ones. Lots of action, running, fear, and humor. AND even some answers in this book. I draaagged my feet at the end of this story because I just didn’t want it to end. I don’t want to let go. I find myself daydreaming and wondering about all the possibilities and twists….
Read, read, read this series! It will never let you go!
Just one of my favorite “Ew” lines:
There was a stink of blood in here, and human waste, rotting flesh and fresh meat all mingled in a foul stew.”
Favorite Words: krutters, piff, and tosser.
Warning: Series spoilers in comments below. If you have not read the previous books, please look away. :) I don’t want to spoil anything.
December 2, 2013
Who's the Holloway crew? Is that like Ed's and Small Sam's and The Kid's lot? I WANT MY WAITROSE KIDS DAMMIT. MAXIE AND BLUE, WHERE ARE YOU? Then again, if they were to have another book, they'd probably die. Damn Higson.
EDIT:
Oh my god. It's Maxie and Blues crew. Oh shit. I love them so so so so so much. CHARLIE HIGSON I KNOW YOU'RE INTO KILLING CHARACTERS BUT COULD YOU JUST SETTLE DOWN AND LET THEM LIVE?
EDIT:
Oh my god. It's Maxie and Blues crew. Oh shit. I love them so so so so so much. CHARLIE HIGSON I KNOW YOU'RE INTO KILLING CHARACTERS BUT COULD YOU JUST SETTLE DOWN AND LET THEM LIVE?
June 17, 2014
This series is like Game of Thrones; there are so many characters, and no one is safe.Very nervous for my favorites, such as; Achilleus, Blue, Ed, Kyle, Shadow Man, The Kid, Justin....
April 24, 2015
Another amazing book in an amazing series. Ugh, I can't even write a proper review. That ending was SO UNEXPECTED and I WANT BOOK 6 NOW!
October 27, 2015
*No spoilers*
I cannot cope with how The Fallen ended. This was the most cliffhanger of an ending that the series has given yet and it was just heart-stopping and scary as hell and I cannot cope without knowing if the person survives or not :-O
From I think it was chapter 2, The Fallen just throws action at you. As well as the frantic pacing however, you also get some moments that are endearing or funny or that just provide great insight into a character.
I did finally get my explanation for how the whole disease thing started, and - out of all the things that I tried to think of - that reason never crossed my mind. I'm intrigued to see if there will be any way to cure it as I really can't see how the series will end at all (other than with a freaking high death toll!)
We were introduced to an eclectic bunch of new characters and while they do seem to be very strange, I like them. I think they'll be a good addition to the already massive group.
I'm actually contemplating jumping straight into The Hunted (book 6) and normally I wouldn't finish and start a book in the same day, but I really need to know what happens next?!?!
I cannot cope with how The Fallen ended. This was the most cliffhanger of an ending that the series has given yet and it was just heart-stopping and scary as hell and I cannot cope without knowing if the person survives or not :-O
From I think it was chapter 2, The Fallen just throws action at you. As well as the frantic pacing however, you also get some moments that are endearing or funny or that just provide great insight into a character.
I did finally get my explanation for how the whole disease thing started, and - out of all the things that I tried to think of - that reason never crossed my mind. I'm intrigued to see if there will be any way to cure it as I really can't see how the series will end at all (other than with a freaking high death toll!)
We were introduced to an eclectic bunch of new characters and while they do seem to be very strange, I like them. I think they'll be a good addition to the already massive group.
I'm actually contemplating jumping straight into The Hunted (book 6) and normally I wouldn't finish and start a book in the same day, but I really need to know what happens next?!?!
September 27, 2024
Wow 🤯 well things are really ramping up! 😲 I’m really enjoying all the twists and turns that the author is putting in the story! The Twisted Kids are fantastic! This series is non stop action even five books in! Five stars!
October 1, 2013
I'm a huge fan of The Enemy series by Charlie Higson but I'm sad to say that this is my least favourite out of all the books so far. I'd really like to be able to give this 3 1/2 stars if I could. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, but there was just something missing for me. I felt that it was hit and miss in parts. I thought I'd have been really excited to have Waitrose kids back but they weren't anywhere near as interesting as the characters we've met since that first book.
I did enjoy meeting the Twisted Kids, but it felt like a detour. Most of the book felt as though it was lost; you could almost tell that this series was originally only intended to be three books, as it felt like Higson was almost killing time until he could wrap the plot up in the last few books.
Please don't be put of by my review. This is a very good book, the ending is fantastic and frustrating at the same time, but, for me, there was something missing.
I did enjoy meeting the Twisted Kids, but it felt like a detour. Most of the book felt as though it was lost; you could almost tell that this series was originally only intended to be three books, as it felt like Higson was almost killing time until he could wrap the plot up in the last few books.
Please don't be put of by my review. This is a very good book, the ending is fantastic and frustrating at the same time, but, for me, there was something missing.
February 21, 2014
If u ask me I think that Charlie higson should bring back dognut because in the fear it never really said that dognut was actually dead and in the enemy wen the holloway crew found Brooke and felt for dognuts pulse blue could have felt in the wrong place and I would think that most readers would love dognut to return. Ik I would. I like dognut. He was very cool. I would like for Arron to come back too but knowing he got shot with an arrow and if I remember right I think he got burned too so that takes him out the conversation. But all in all I think dognut should make an excellent comeback. Like I said earlier. In the fear it never really says that dognut had died. Plus he wasn't Jordan horderns second in command for nothing. Jordan is a tough guy who we find out is lossing his vision in the sacrifice. But I think I speak for most ppl that Charlie higson should bring back dognut in one of the later books in the series. His readers would love it I can almost guarantee it
April 28, 2016
"that's what happened to you. You grew hard and cold. All that mattered was survival."
Man, I'm always surprised by this series. You just never know who is going to live. When someone is a MC for most of a book, you just can't count on them making it through - even if they've been around all 5 books.
It's surprising but I'm still really enjoying this series. The green mold, the different types of zombies and now this new revelation. You can feel the tension is working towards an end. Amazing. I can't wait to see where it goes.
Man, I'm always surprised by this series. You just never know who is going to live. When someone is a MC for most of a book, you just can't count on them making it through - even if they've been around all 5 books.
It's surprising but I'm still really enjoying this series. The green mold, the different types of zombies and now this new revelation. You can feel the tension is working towards an end. Amazing. I can't wait to see where it goes.
August 29, 2014
I read about 30 books a year, and this is the first one I have read that was published this century that doesn't have any mistakes in it. I don't know who proofed it, because they are uncredited, but all other publishers should hire him or her immediately.
September 12, 2015
What the hell?? EXCUSE ME BUT WHAT KIND OF ENDING WAS THAT? Oh man, I'm nervous to find out what's going to happen next in The Hunted! D:
May 24, 2025
4.5
60% super
70-80% strasznie się ciągnie
90-100% znowu super ale mega dołująco
Gdyby nie ta środkowa warstwa to byłoby 5
Pełna emocji, różnych bohaterów i mimo iż dzieje się przez większość czasu w jednym miejscu to wcale nie jest nudno.
*spoilerowo*
Jeden z lepszych tomów w tej serii (trochę to zawdzięczam Maxi której nie widziałam od pierwszego tomu i myślałam że się popłacze kiedy w końcu mamy zderzenie światów z różnych części Londynu!) i chciałoby się powiedzieć że drużyna nareszcie jest razem ale końcówka całkowicie rozwala (kiedy Ella i Sam po długiej rozłące się mijają a było już tak blisko!)
No i myślałam że nie będzie mi smutniej przy końcówce bo myślałam że to sen ale przeczytałam pierwsze 3 rozdziały następnego tomu i TO NIE BYŁ SEN XD i jest mi koszmarnie smutno.
60% super
70-80% strasznie się ciągnie
90-100% znowu super ale mega dołująco
Gdyby nie ta środkowa warstwa to byłoby 5
Pełna emocji, różnych bohaterów i mimo iż dzieje się przez większość czasu w jednym miejscu to wcale nie jest nudno.
*spoilerowo*
Jeden z lepszych tomów w tej serii (trochę to zawdzięczam Maxi której nie widziałam od pierwszego tomu i myślałam że się popłacze kiedy w końcu mamy zderzenie światów z różnych części Londynu!) i chciałoby się powiedzieć że drużyna nareszcie jest razem ale końcówka całkowicie rozwala (kiedy Ella i Sam po długiej rozłące się mijają a było już tak blisko!)
No i myślałam że nie będzie mi smutniej przy końcówce bo myślałam że to sen ale przeczytałam pierwsze 3 rozdziały następnego tomu i TO NIE BYŁ SEN XD i jest mi koszmarnie smutno.
October 12, 2013
Having read the other books in almost one sitting, I found this one to be rather tedious. Yes, the plot moves along (slightly) but in between this nothing much else happens that hasn't already in the other books ... zombies attacking children, children fighting zombies. And I'm beginning to get a bit bored with it all plus I have lost total track of the sequence of events. We are told that these events happen just after the end of The Enemy but all the other books have sort of merged into one story in my head. There also hasn't been as much interest in this, the fifth book, as I would have expected. I guess if you had the whole series in front of you to read you'd be fine but now we have to wait for another year or so for the next episode ... yawn ....
The other thing that really grated on me was the constant use of the word "bare" as an adjective; it was bare scary, it was bare big, it was bare cold, I was bare hungry ... it's almost as though Mr Higson has heard some students saying this and decided he'd include it in his next book. But the problem with doing this is that you can't guarantee that it will be in use by the time the book is published (and I can't say that I've heard any of my students really use this word) plus it is really going to date the book ....
The other thing that really grated on me was the constant use of the word "bare" as an adjective; it was bare scary, it was bare big, it was bare cold, I was bare hungry ... it's almost as though Mr Higson has heard some students saying this and decided he'd include it in his next book. But the problem with doing this is that you can't guarantee that it will be in use by the time the book is published (and I can't say that I've heard any of my students really use this word) plus it is really going to date the book ....
May 31, 2020
According to my library records I've read this book twice but I honestly have no idea what happened in it. The entire Enemy series is a masterpiece of storytelling. A sprawling seven-book series that follows several different groups of kids, all of whom have intertwining stories of adventure, courage, horror and bucketfuls of spirit. It's cleverly plotted—a true Gordian knot of a story if I've ever read one—and perhaps the coolest part of it is that it uses real-world locations. You can actually plot the journey of the characters on Google maps and that's so cool.
I'm sad I didn't finish reading this series back in the day. I had to wait for my library to get book 6 and 7 (I'm pretty sure they weren't even out when I started the series) and when they finally bought it for me (yes, they really did buy it just for me😂 I practically lived in that library and the librarian loved me; she was the sweetest) I had forgotten everything that happened in the previous books because it'd been a while and I'd read a lot of books inbetween.
I hope one day I go back and reread the whole series...
I'm sad I didn't finish reading this series back in the day. I had to wait for my library to get book 6 and 7 (I'm pretty sure they weren't even out when I started the series) and when they finally bought it for me (yes, they really did buy it just for me😂 I practically lived in that library and the librarian loved me; she was the sweetest) I had forgotten everything that happened in the previous books because it'd been a while and I'd read a lot of books inbetween.
I hope one day I go back and reread the whole series...
July 25, 2022
Trigger warnings: death, violence, gore, body horror, death of a child, animal death, cannibalism, blood
25/7/2022
On reread, I'm bumping this up to 4 stars. The introduction of a whole host of new characters is more than a little intriguing, and while I agree with Past Me that I could have done with less of Paul's perspective (because ew), this was tense as hell and extremely fast paced and I had one hell of a good time reading it.
28/8/2016
3.5 stars.
Man, this series just keeps getting more and more brutal... I'm a little less than thrilled with some of the slightly peculiar events that take place in this book, and I definitely could have done with far less of Paul's perspective. But on the whole, it maintained a fast pace and a good level of tension, and I'm suuuuuuuper interested to see how the final two books of this series wrap things up.
I mean, there are so many threads! And this book left out some of them completely!! How can he possibly wrap everything up from this point?!?! ARGH.
25/7/2022
On reread, I'm bumping this up to 4 stars. The introduction of a whole host of new characters is more than a little intriguing, and while I agree with Past Me that I could have done with less of Paul's perspective (because ew), this was tense as hell and extremely fast paced and I had one hell of a good time reading it.
28/8/2016
3.5 stars.
Man, this series just keeps getting more and more brutal... I'm a little less than thrilled with some of the slightly peculiar events that take place in this book, and I definitely could have done with far less of Paul's perspective. But on the whole, it maintained a fast pace and a good level of tension, and I'm suuuuuuuper interested to see how the final two books of this series wrap things up.
I mean, there are so many threads! And this book left out some of them completely!! How can he possibly wrap everything up from this point?!?! ARGH.
September 23, 2013
Death death and more death! How much death can you have in a book?
ROLL ON THE NEXT BOOK Shadowman BETTER have a BIG part hes my favourite character, a survivor!
Awww MAN
Seriously tho?
Sam goes ALL that way and JUST gets there AFTER Ella set of? like come on man. And then she has to go (probably) get killed but then again that probably wont happen
ROLL ON THE NEXT BOOK Shadowman BETTER have a BIG part hes my favourite character, a survivor!
Awww MAN
Seriously tho?
Sam goes ALL that way and JUST gets there AFTER Ella set of? like come on man. And then she has to go (probably) get killed but then again that probably wont happen
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2025
Although I still really enjoyed this entry, it didn't grip me in quite the same way as the others. The introduction of the warehouse kids was such a huge new dynamic that left more questions than answers, but not in a wholly satisfying way - I'm not sure how best to describe the feeling, but it felt like for the first time the series veered into an area which didn't allow me to suspend my disbelief.
I do, however, love that all of the characters are together at long last. I'm very excited to see how the story develops from here, how the groups at Buckingham Palace and the House of Commons will be reincorporated into the story, and how the story of the disease will continue to develop.
I really enjoyed Paul's descent into madness, yet - and I don't mean to sound sadistic - I feel like he should have claimed a couple more victims before he fled.
I can't wait to see what will happen in the final two installments of The Enemy, a series I have thoroughly enjoyed so far!
I do, however, love that all of the characters are together at long last. I'm very excited to see how the story develops from here, how the groups at Buckingham Palace and the House of Commons will be reincorporated into the story, and how the story of the disease will continue to develop.
I really enjoyed Paul's descent into madness, yet - and I don't mean to sound sadistic - I feel like he should have claimed a couple more victims before he fled.
I can't wait to see what will happen in the final two installments of The Enemy, a series I have thoroughly enjoyed so far!
August 23, 2016
The Fallen is the perfect 5th installment of the enemy series. This sounds a bit over the top, but this review is heavily biased and as a huge fan of the other books of the series I also loved The Fallen.
In this part of the story we mainly follow the Holloway gang once again – A thing that had me really hyped as we lost track of them for quite some time (more or less). It felt nostalgic to have all those lovable characters back in the main focus. We also get the kids from the National History Museum as the focus in this part is clearly on research and finding a cure to the sickness.
The beginning of the story felt a bit thick and boring even though it started with a lot of action right away. That part wasn’t the problem as it has you all motivated and you dive right into the story again. It dragged on a bit after the action was gone though. I guess it was due to setting everything up. The kids of the two parties had to get to know each other which simply needs some time. After this obstacle was overcome it became interesting and never got boring again.
I’m going to keep this short as I don’t want to spoiler: The Fallen confirms some things the reader already expects/knows, but it also reveals new information about the disease and everything involving it. It sums the information up nicely and gives you additional stuff as well. The Fallen is the perfect continuation to The Sacrifice which started to finally be more revealing while The Enemy, The Dead and The Fear were set ups for the whole world and it’s characters. The Fallen also is the missing connection to The Sacrifice as all parts of the story are nicely summed up now. As of now (right after the end of the book) I feel like The Hunted will be an exciting set up for The End.
There are some new characters, but most of the important ones are already well-known. The newest characters are rather strange, but a nice addition and a great twist to the main story. As usual no one seems unnecessary. I found myself interested in every single group involved in this story part and hardly wanted to skip chapters due to boring characters.
No book is perfect. The Fallen also has it’s flaws – Those mainly being the story happening in the Natural History Museum. It’s not overall boring as there is an interesting factor in it, but some scenes were a bit boring and feel like they are just there to make the story/book as a whole a bit longer. Those chapters are rather short and there aren’t many so it’s still easy to get through them. I never felt like putting the book down just because a chapter was too boring. If you hope for a lot of character development you will be disappointed. The Fallen focuses on information instead of character development which isn’t a bad thing at all!
I’m sure that every fan of the series will love The Fallen.
In this part of the story we mainly follow the Holloway gang once again – A thing that had me really hyped as we lost track of them for quite some time (more or less). It felt nostalgic to have all those lovable characters back in the main focus. We also get the kids from the National History Museum as the focus in this part is clearly on research and finding a cure to the sickness.
The beginning of the story felt a bit thick and boring even though it started with a lot of action right away. That part wasn’t the problem as it has you all motivated and you dive right into the story again. It dragged on a bit after the action was gone though. I guess it was due to setting everything up. The kids of the two parties had to get to know each other which simply needs some time. After this obstacle was overcome it became interesting and never got boring again.
I’m going to keep this short as I don’t want to spoiler: The Fallen confirms some things the reader already expects/knows, but it also reveals new information about the disease and everything involving it. It sums the information up nicely and gives you additional stuff as well. The Fallen is the perfect continuation to The Sacrifice which started to finally be more revealing while The Enemy, The Dead and The Fear were set ups for the whole world and it’s characters. The Fallen also is the missing connection to The Sacrifice as all parts of the story are nicely summed up now. As of now (right after the end of the book) I feel like The Hunted will be an exciting set up for The End.
There are some new characters, but most of the important ones are already well-known. The newest characters are rather strange, but a nice addition and a great twist to the main story. As usual no one seems unnecessary. I found myself interested in every single group involved in this story part and hardly wanted to skip chapters due to boring characters.
No book is perfect. The Fallen also has it’s flaws – Those mainly being the story happening in the Natural History Museum. It’s not overall boring as there is an interesting factor in it, but some scenes were a bit boring and feel like they are just there to make the story/book as a whole a bit longer. Those chapters are rather short and there aren’t many so it’s still easy to get through them. I never felt like putting the book down just because a chapter was too boring. If you hope for a lot of character development you will be disappointed. The Fallen focuses on information instead of character development which isn’t a bad thing at all!
I’m sure that every fan of the series will love The Fallen.
November 15, 2014
Ah this was so good oh my god it's so nice to get back with the Holloway kids and oh my god I can't believe I have to wait so many months for Book Six to come out in the US because OH MY GOD .
I'll try to keep this coherent because I really, really enjoyed this installment. I do think that The Dead is still my favorite. Not as much amazing character development in this one, but there was a lot of action that I really enjoyed, and there was also a lot of Achilleus which I really enjoyed, and we did see Ed at the end, which was nice, because he's my favorite of favorites.
This book takes place at the same time as The Sacrifice, so it is the books moving in a vaguely linear fashion, and I think the next one should push the story more forward? Now that
It was also cool to see the Holloway kids, who have spent almost the entire little problem times scavenging and fighting, interact with the Museum kids, who have been leading a lot nicer of a lifestyle. You don't think about people like Maxie being super aggressive, especially when all you have to look at her against is, like, Achilleus, but compared to people like Justin? She is almost savage.
Also, I am growing very fond of Jackson. That is all.
Now, spoilery section because I have a lot to say.
Overall, I really love this series and I really want Book Six and I am super excited for where this story goes next.
I'll try to keep this coherent because I really, really enjoyed this installment. I do think that The Dead is still my favorite. Not as much amazing character development in this one, but there was a lot of action that I really enjoyed, and there was also a lot of Achilleus which I really enjoyed, and we did see Ed at the end, which was nice, because he's my favorite of favorites.
This book takes place at the same time as The Sacrifice, so it is the books moving in a vaguely linear fashion, and I think the next one should push the story more forward? Now that
It was also cool to see the Holloway kids, who have spent almost the entire little problem times scavenging and fighting, interact with the Museum kids, who have been leading a lot nicer of a lifestyle. You don't think about people like Maxie being super aggressive, especially when all you have to look at her against is, like, Achilleus, but compared to people like Justin? She is almost savage.
Also, I am growing very fond of Jackson. That is all.
Now, spoilery section because I have a lot to say.
Overall, I really love this series and I really want Book Six and I am super excited for where this story goes next.
July 22, 2014
After The Enemy Higson drifted the action of the series all over the place in a rather confusing manner. Finally though things come together here as this is set after the previous four books (like a normal series!). It mainly focuses on Blue, Achilleus, Ollie and Einstein (and a few others) heading to a unit at Heathrow to pick up equipment to help attempt to come up with a cure for the disease. Meanwhile, Maxie, Brooke, Justin and the Natural History Museum gang are being picked off by now diseased Paul.
Unfortunately this is the worst book of the series so far. That's not to say it's bad but whilst the others were really rather excellent, this is just average. The two things that make this a great series are the Lord of the Flies feel and the dramatic zombie (or sicko as they are in this world) attacks. The Lords of the Flies element is almost entirely absent in this book with the politics of the new world making only cameo experiences. And whilst there is sicko action here its only ever as a minor plot point, a chapter here and there and the ongoing tension and massive fights just aren't here.
The expedition plotline also disappointed me, mainly due what the group find on arrival. I won't spoil it here but Higson throws a bit of a curveball by pretty much explaining the causes of the disease. I actually thought the cause itself is pretty good, and really original but then the new characters the group meet are bonkers. Up to this point I thought the series did a really good job of making the sickness and the "science" behind it all fairly good but here Higson gives us something silly and frankly impossible.
The Natural History museum side of things is better, with Paul creeping around the museum talking to his hallucinations and trying to kill the kids there. There is one scene when we know he is on the prowl but there are several potential victims and it is really tense. The plotline filters away into nothing though without a decent conclusion.
I still love the ideas and characters of this series but after four really excellent books this was a disappointment. I really hope Higson can match the quality of the first books in the final two of the series that are still to come.
Unfortunately this is the worst book of the series so far. That's not to say it's bad but whilst the others were really rather excellent, this is just average. The two things that make this a great series are the Lord of the Flies feel and the dramatic zombie (or sicko as they are in this world) attacks. The Lords of the Flies element is almost entirely absent in this book with the politics of the new world making only cameo experiences. And whilst there is sicko action here its only ever as a minor plot point, a chapter here and there and the ongoing tension and massive fights just aren't here.
The expedition plotline also disappointed me, mainly due what the group find on arrival. I won't spoil it here but Higson throws a bit of a curveball by pretty much explaining the causes of the disease. I actually thought the cause itself is pretty good, and really original but then the new characters the group meet are bonkers. Up to this point I thought the series did a really good job of making the sickness and the "science" behind it all fairly good but here Higson gives us something silly and frankly impossible.
The Natural History museum side of things is better, with Paul creeping around the museum talking to his hallucinations and trying to kill the kids there. There is one scene when we know he is on the prowl but there are several potential victims and it is really tense. The plotline filters away into nothing though without a decent conclusion.
I still love the ideas and characters of this series but after four really excellent books this was a disappointment. I really hope Higson can match the quality of the first books in the final two of the series that are still to come.
October 26, 2013
Stars Rank: 5 *****
“..He said if a tree fell down in the forest, there was nobody there to hear it, would it make a sound? …
…Well, I’ve been thinking about this book I’m writing and I have a thinkazoid of my own. If you write a book and nobody reads it, does the book exist? Stories in books, characters and things, you know, like places and monsters or whatever the writer has made up and written down, they only really came alive when we read them. Otherwise it’s just a jumble of squiggles on bits of paper. …”
One word description of this book: Human
Charlie Higson definitely does not shy away from the blood, gut and gore of this series but he also gives so much life to the characters. Making you feel as though you are there living in the museum with them, running the streets with them, killing adults/grownups/strangers with the others kids and feeling the loss of friends as though they were yours in real life. Most interesting of this series is that somehow Higson gets you to feel for the ones who have become The Enemy, The Fallen. He gives you their perspective, as the hunters chasing the children and feeling their pain, hunger and needs. It’s a change from other “Zombie” books (although they aren’t technically Zombies) by showing what is going on inside their heads and the process of the sickness.
The Fallen is the book in the series that kicks off telling us the most about what is really going on with the virus, parasite, disease, whatever you may call it and let me tell you… twists and turns, it does stick to slight “traditional” (in a way) zombie-ish stories but also has its own little spins that definitely allow it to be its own fantastic story.
If your preferred genres of books are: Horror, Zombies, Young Adult, Apocalyptic/ Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Thriller, Adventure, or Survival then this is definitely a book for you, it really is an amazing series that will make you never want the story to end. Believe, I know far too well.
“..He said if a tree fell down in the forest, there was nobody there to hear it, would it make a sound? …
…Well, I’ve been thinking about this book I’m writing and I have a thinkazoid of my own. If you write a book and nobody reads it, does the book exist? Stories in books, characters and things, you know, like places and monsters or whatever the writer has made up and written down, they only really came alive when we read them. Otherwise it’s just a jumble of squiggles on bits of paper. …”
One word description of this book: Human
Charlie Higson definitely does not shy away from the blood, gut and gore of this series but he also gives so much life to the characters. Making you feel as though you are there living in the museum with them, running the streets with them, killing adults/grownups/strangers with the others kids and feeling the loss of friends as though they were yours in real life. Most interesting of this series is that somehow Higson gets you to feel for the ones who have become The Enemy, The Fallen. He gives you their perspective, as the hunters chasing the children and feeling their pain, hunger and needs. It’s a change from other “Zombie” books (although they aren’t technically Zombies) by showing what is going on inside their heads and the process of the sickness.
The Fallen is the book in the series that kicks off telling us the most about what is really going on with the virus, parasite, disease, whatever you may call it and let me tell you… twists and turns, it does stick to slight “traditional” (in a way) zombie-ish stories but also has its own little spins that definitely allow it to be its own fantastic story.
If your preferred genres of books are: Horror, Zombies, Young Adult, Apocalyptic/ Post Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Thriller, Adventure, or Survival then this is definitely a book for you, it really is an amazing series that will make you never want the story to end. Believe, I know far too well.
November 1, 2015
At A Glance
Genre: Young Adult; Horro
Love Triangle/Insta Love?: nope.
Cliff Hanger: yes!!!!
Rating: 4.5 STars
Score Sheet
All out of ten
Cover: 8
Plot: 8
Characters: 9
World Building: 8
Flow: 8
Series Congruity: 8
Writing: 8
Ending: 9
Total: 8.5
In Depth
Best Part: EVERYTHING!!!
Worst Part: NOTHING!!!
Overall Feels Felt: OMG; Shit is going down; NOT ELLA!!!
Conclusion
Continuing the Series: YES!
Recommending: yes!
Misc.:
Short Review: Wow. Another amazing book in this series. Every one seems to be going down hill health wise. Going crazy from isolation and getting sick from not having all their vitamins. I missed Saint George thou :( Greenman was pretty neat thou. I just am loving this series, and i'm extremely upset that there is only 2 more to go.
Review In GIF Form
Genre: Young Adult; Horro
Love Triangle/Insta Love?: nope.
Cliff Hanger: yes!!!!
Rating: 4.5 STars
Score Sheet
All out of ten
Cover: 8
Plot: 8
Characters: 9
World Building: 8
Flow: 8
Series Congruity: 8
Writing: 8
Ending: 9
Total: 8.5
In Depth
Best Part: EVERYTHING!!!
Worst Part: NOTHING!!!
Overall Feels Felt: OMG; Shit is going down; NOT ELLA!!!
Conclusion
Continuing the Series: YES!
Recommending: yes!
Misc.:
Short Review: Wow. Another amazing book in this series. Every one seems to be going down hill health wise. Going crazy from isolation and getting sick from not having all their vitamins. I missed Saint George thou :( Greenman was pretty neat thou. I just am loving this series, and i'm extremely upset that there is only 2 more to go.
Review In GIF Form
June 22, 2015
3.4 stars
I have mixed feelings about this one. The plot and characters felt real enough but I just felt the style of writing wasn't really exciting.
spoilers
In this book we're introduced to a few new characters while catching up on the first lot and we're also introduced to more problems. I also liked how we're told a bit more about the disease and it's source as that has intrigued me right from the start. Turns out the deformed kids at the warehouse think the disease comes from a lost tribe of deformed people from the amazon rainforest. Also that's how they became deformed too because their parents went to visit this tribe.
I really don't have much to say on this one only it could've been delivered better and even the cliffhanger ending doesn't really leave me desperate for the next book. But I've given this a decent rating for characters and description of how the characters cope with their losses and the world around them. Also I've got to say I like the ideas behind these books. I'll definitely see this series through.
I have mixed feelings about this one. The plot and characters felt real enough but I just felt the style of writing wasn't really exciting.
spoilers
In this book we're introduced to a few new characters while catching up on the first lot and we're also introduced to more problems. I also liked how we're told a bit more about the disease and it's source as that has intrigued me right from the start. Turns out the deformed kids at the warehouse think the disease comes from a lost tribe of deformed people from the amazon rainforest. Also that's how they became deformed too because their parents went to visit this tribe.
I really don't have much to say on this one only it could've been delivered better and even the cliffhanger ending doesn't really leave me desperate for the next book. But I've given this a decent rating for characters and description of how the characters cope with their losses and the world around them. Also I've got to say I like the ideas behind these books. I'll definitely see this series through.
March 2, 2015
This book was well written and overall very exciting. Throughout the story the children must survive while in a "zombie apocalypse" all the grown ups have become ill with an unknown disease that make them want to eat kids and now they are left to defend themselves. I think that this book was difficult to follow at times because of the many different characters but it was still very engaging! This book covers many different genres from romance, to adventure, to comedy and I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is interested in reading a long and adventure filled series with lots of upsetting plot twists. I can't wait for the next book to come out!
March 31, 2016
At the start, I didn't think I was going to like this one much, but as it got nearer to the end I started enjoying it more. It was a different kind of book, with more new characters, journal entries and new types of creatures. I liked it. It also continued on nicely from the other books. I was so glad when yet so pissed off when And then at the end, when I've read this series so quickly, I feel like I can't differentiate the books in it. That's why I don't normally read books so close together, but I had to for a challenge. And I suppose it means I don't forget things.
Good book :)
Good book :)
November 26, 2015
It didn't take me long to get into this book, I got hooked straight away just like with the other books in this series. It had me on the edge of my seat all the time and I couldn't stop reading once I started. The ending was infuriating, I need to read the next one.
Re-read 2015- Well this book invoked just as much anxiety as all the others. It was great following the Holloway crew again and having them team up with Brooke and co at the natural history museum was great. I did miss Ed and his team but he did show up for the infuriating ending where small Sam misses Ella and then everyone who went with Ella to the countryside dies and we are left wondering if she did. I did really enjoy learning more about the origins of the disease in this book and I hope that continues in the next
Re-read 2015- Well this book invoked just as much anxiety as all the others. It was great following the Holloway crew again and having them team up with Brooke and co at the natural history museum was great. I did miss Ed and his team but he did show up for the infuriating ending where small Sam misses Ella and then everyone who went with Ella to the countryside dies and we are left wondering if she did. I did really enjoy learning more about the origins of the disease in this book and I hope that continues in the next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2014
Another solid installment in The Enemy series. Charlie Higson is a talented writer and I love this zombie series. I personally can't wait for the next one. I only wonder how Higson himself doesn't get confused with the characters. They're a LOT! It is so difficult to keep track. However, Higson does a wonderful job to revive their characteristics in every book. You are not left confused and you will love the characters again.
September 21, 2013
This book was amazing! I love the Holloway crew and we're slowly learning more about the disease. What I love about his books is they're so unpredictable, you never know who will die next :(
But the cliffhanger is horrible! The worst yet, know I can't wait for the next book...!
But the cliffhanger is horrible! The worst yet, know I can't wait for the next book...!
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