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Twice Shy #2
Special Dead
Shackled to her desk, Ani Romero has a hard time concentrating on her studies. One of eight zombie survivors of the Prompocalypse, she's back at school, but this time it's no secret. Locked in their room, flamethrower-toting soldiers watching their every move, they're tasked with homework and classes during the week, and macabre experiments on the weekend. When the courts rule they're not human, only an appeal keeps them alive long enough to discover a cure. College applications and SATs pale under the threat of incineration, and desperation turns them into lab rats... ...but the scientists helping them have ulterior motives, and the promised cure destroys more than the virus. Surviving high school has never been so hard.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2013
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Patrick Freivald
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July 14, 2013
Book Info: Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy (zombies)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: fans of darker urban fantasy, those searching for something a little different in the zombie genre, those who enjoyed the first book.
Trigger Warnings: murder, violence, ruthless and sociopathic behavior, assault, religious zealotry
My Thoughts: The first book in this series seemed a fairly main-stream young-adult urban fantasy, until the last few pages, which left me gasping like a fish out of water. So I was very excited to learn that a sequel was in the works.
Like the first one, this one has a twist ending I absolutely did not see coming that knocked me flat. Not as innocuous as the first one, this story is quite dark as those who survived Prompocalypse try to deal with their new (un)lives as the walking dead. The reactions of the world are fairly typical: frothing, spitting fundamentalists that want all the zombies sent to hell where they belong, and a strange death-worshiping cult that is enthralled with the whole idea of surviving beyond death.
This story is, in short, not for the faint of heart, but I really enjoyed it. I think those who like darker urban fantasy, those who are looking for something a little different in the zombie genre, and especially those who enjoyed the first book will want to read this one. It was only just released a couple days ago, so go check it out if this sounds like you.
Series Information: Twice Shy series
Book 1: Twice Shy, read and reviewed 10/19-20/2012, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 2: Special Dead
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Shackled to her desk, Ani Romero has a hard time concentrating on her studies. One of eight zombie survivors of the Prompocalypse, she's back at school, but this time it's no secret. Locked in their room, flamethrower-toting soldiers watching their every move, they're tasked with homework and classes during the week, and macabre experiments on the weekend.
When the courts rule they're not human, only an appeal keeps them alive long enough to discover a cure. College applications and SATs pale under the threat of incineration, and desperation turns them into lab rats... ...but the scientists helping them have ulterior motives, and the promised cure destroys more than the virus.
Surviving high school has never been so hard.
Reading Level: Young Adult
Recommended for: fans of darker urban fantasy, those searching for something a little different in the zombie genre, those who enjoyed the first book.
Trigger Warnings: murder, violence, ruthless and sociopathic behavior, assault, religious zealotry
My Thoughts: The first book in this series seemed a fairly main-stream young-adult urban fantasy, until the last few pages, which left me gasping like a fish out of water. So I was very excited to learn that a sequel was in the works.
Like the first one, this one has a twist ending I absolutely did not see coming that knocked me flat. Not as innocuous as the first one, this story is quite dark as those who survived Prompocalypse try to deal with their new (un)lives as the walking dead. The reactions of the world are fairly typical: frothing, spitting fundamentalists that want all the zombies sent to hell where they belong, and a strange death-worshiping cult that is enthralled with the whole idea of surviving beyond death.
This story is, in short, not for the faint of heart, but I really enjoyed it. I think those who like darker urban fantasy, those who are looking for something a little different in the zombie genre, and especially those who enjoyed the first book will want to read this one. It was only just released a couple days ago, so go check it out if this sounds like you.
Series Information: Twice Shy series
Book 1: Twice Shy, read and reviewed 10/19-20/2012, review linked here where formatting allowed.
Book 2: Special Dead
Disclosure: I received an ARC of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Shackled to her desk, Ani Romero has a hard time concentrating on her studies. One of eight zombie survivors of the Prompocalypse, she's back at school, but this time it's no secret. Locked in their room, flamethrower-toting soldiers watching their every move, they're tasked with homework and classes during the week, and macabre experiments on the weekend.
When the courts rule they're not human, only an appeal keeps them alive long enough to discover a cure. College applications and SATs pale under the threat of incineration, and desperation turns them into lab rats... ...but the scientists helping them have ulterior motives, and the promised cure destroys more than the virus.
Surviving high school has never been so hard.
July 20, 2013
After reading "Twice Shy" I was glad I had waited so long to do so, as "Special Dead" was just hitting the shelves, and after the 'killer' ending of "Twice Shy" I couldn't wait to see what happens next.
"Special Dead" is a great book that continues the well-thought-out story established in "Twice Shy." The sequel contains much less "high school drama" and teenage-girl angst than its predecessor; and much more action. I was already a big fan of Ani, the protagonist, and the sequel gives 7 more characters to root for. Warning, don't get too attached to all of Ani's new zombie friends. Because, while the author isn't quite as murderous as George R.R. Martin, these are after all zombies and while technically immortal, their life-expectancy isn't very high.
There's a lot more going on in this second book in the series (technically third, there's a prequel out.) Many surprises are had; and many questions are raised, and not all of them answered. Are the zombies cured? Are they in danger from themselves, or just the government? Are they actually in danger from the government, or did they made a clean get-away? At the end I found myself online looking for a release date for the third installment, so I could find out the answers to the rest. To my chagrin, I learned I must wait; I guess I'll have to settle for picking up the prequel for now.
Great read, if you liked the first book, this one is even better. I read it all in one sitting, and was up until 4am because I couldn't wait to see how it ended.
"Special Dead" is a great book that continues the well-thought-out story established in "Twice Shy." The sequel contains much less "high school drama" and teenage-girl angst than its predecessor; and much more action. I was already a big fan of Ani, the protagonist, and the sequel gives 7 more characters to root for. Warning, don't get too attached to all of Ani's new zombie friends. Because, while the author isn't quite as murderous as George R.R. Martin, these are after all zombies and while technically immortal, their life-expectancy isn't very high.
There's a lot more going on in this second book in the series (technically third, there's a prequel out.) Many surprises are had; and many questions are raised, and not all of them answered. Are the zombies cured? Are they in danger from themselves, or just the government? Are they actually in danger from the government, or did they made a clean get-away? At the end I found myself online looking for a release date for the third installment, so I could find out the answers to the rest. To my chagrin, I learned I must wait; I guess I'll have to settle for picking up the prequel for now.
Great read, if you liked the first book, this one is even better. I read it all in one sitting, and was up until 4am because I couldn't wait to see how it ended.
August 29, 2013
I am really enjoying this series. It has taken a direction I couldn't have guessed, lots of surprises. Anxiously waiting on the next one!
June 1, 2013
I will first start out by saying that I had not actually read the first book in this series. The good news is that it ultimately didn't matter. Ani is a teenage zombie that basically infects everyone at her prom by going on a complete rampage and we start the story a bit after the incident. The timeline confused me a bit, though, as a couple of the zombies were apparently in their late teens and early twenties, while some were 17 and were all attending high school.
The story starts off with Ani, our lead, and the other main characters getting fitted for bite guards as they are bussed back to their high school to attend classes. I'll be honest and state the I really wanted to stop reading at that point. There is a rampant virus ("ZV") that has affected many people, and they are worried about returning the infected children to high school? That would be the last thing on my mind, from either side of the fence.
We find out that one of the teenagers returning, Mike, had his brain eaten out at the prom and is a little mentally deficient. This is definitely awkward, if not funny. All he ever says is, "Hi," and asks if anyone wants to play Jenga. The others are angry or trying to cling to their teenage personas from before they were infected and have a hard time of it. Each of them have to sit in some sort of serum at night to heal themselves (or preserve themselves? I'm still unclear) and are required to take shots to get rid of their brain cravings.
I'm also unclear as to why Ani's mom, Sarah, holds the secret that she does from her daughter about her own health condition. Sorry, without putting a spoiler here, that seems very vague. Sarah knows a lot more than anyone else, but there are a lot of mysteries that are just thrown together in the end. I wouldn't even call these mysteries solved. They just confused me. Perhaps these issues were gone over in the first book, but I honestly doubt it as most things were disclosed to the reader in THIS book.
Overall, Special Dead does have it's humor and it's place in the young reader category, but I wouldn't quite call it a young adult novel. This would be more suited to those of the young teen age range. The book is well written and held some possibilities, despite the strange plot and some loose ends, but it was definitely rushed at the end. The whole tone of the book changed in the last sixty pages or so. It's worth an afternoon read, but not necessarily something that will tax your brain or challenge you in any way, I'm sorry to say. It's not so bad as to call it "bad," but it's definitely not a solid "good," either. With a bit of work, I think this could be a great novel, but it certainly needs some more added to it, if for nothing else than to wrap up those loose ends.
I was given this book complimentary from LibraryThing.com in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
The story starts off with Ani, our lead, and the other main characters getting fitted for bite guards as they are bussed back to their high school to attend classes. I'll be honest and state the I really wanted to stop reading at that point. There is a rampant virus ("ZV") that has affected many people, and they are worried about returning the infected children to high school? That would be the last thing on my mind, from either side of the fence.
We find out that one of the teenagers returning, Mike, had his brain eaten out at the prom and is a little mentally deficient. This is definitely awkward, if not funny. All he ever says is, "Hi," and asks if anyone wants to play Jenga. The others are angry or trying to cling to their teenage personas from before they were infected and have a hard time of it. Each of them have to sit in some sort of serum at night to heal themselves (or preserve themselves? I'm still unclear) and are required to take shots to get rid of their brain cravings.
I'm also unclear as to why Ani's mom, Sarah, holds the secret that she does from her daughter about her own health condition. Sorry, without putting a spoiler here, that seems very vague. Sarah knows a lot more than anyone else, but there are a lot of mysteries that are just thrown together in the end. I wouldn't even call these mysteries solved. They just confused me. Perhaps these issues were gone over in the first book, but I honestly doubt it as most things were disclosed to the reader in THIS book.
Overall, Special Dead does have it's humor and it's place in the young reader category, but I wouldn't quite call it a young adult novel. This would be more suited to those of the young teen age range. The book is well written and held some possibilities, despite the strange plot and some loose ends, but it was definitely rushed at the end. The whole tone of the book changed in the last sixty pages or so. It's worth an afternoon read, but not necessarily something that will tax your brain or challenge you in any way, I'm sorry to say. It's not so bad as to call it "bad," but it's definitely not a solid "good," either. With a bit of work, I think this could be a great novel, but it certainly needs some more added to it, if for nothing else than to wrap up those loose ends.
I was given this book complimentary from LibraryThing.com in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
August 9, 2015
Review Copy
Special Dead is a sequel to Patrick Freivald's debut novel, Twice Shy, the story of a High School student with the Zombie Virus. Twice Shy was not a book I was planning to read. When it was published in 2012 I had no idea what it was about, but then I was given an advance copy of Special Dead and thought it would be a good idea to read book one. I was pleasantly surprised. Great story, great read, and one of the best books I've read this year.
Following the Prompocalypse at the end of Twice Shy, Ani Romero is no longer the only non-living student at Ohneka Falls High School. It's a little more than a year since all hell broke loose at the prom and the courts are forcing the school to provide a classroom education to the Special Dead. They are essentially cut off from the rest of the school, forced to wear special helmets, leg-irons, guarded by men with flame-throwers and instructions to use them if needed. Yet, despite their situation, these kids struggle with the same desires, goals as issues as living high schoolers.
Freivald does an excellent job of using the Special Dead to expound upon current real world prejudices. "'I miss church,' Lydia whispered. She fiddled with the silver cross at her neck and looked at the clock. Ani followed her gaze. 11:00 am Sunday. It's hard to be a Baptist zombie. Especially when your preacher organized marches encouraging the government to send you to hell where you belong."
In the search for a permanent cure for the ZV, progress is being made, and then BANG. The writer provides more than a few, "Oh, WOW," moments and an ending I promise you won't see coming.
Special Dead is every bit as good as Twice Shy. The novel can stand on it's own, but I strongly recommend reading Twice Shy first. Both are available, right now, in multiple formats.
Highly recommended.
Special Dead is a sequel to Patrick Freivald's debut novel, Twice Shy, the story of a High School student with the Zombie Virus. Twice Shy was not a book I was planning to read. When it was published in 2012 I had no idea what it was about, but then I was given an advance copy of Special Dead and thought it would be a good idea to read book one. I was pleasantly surprised. Great story, great read, and one of the best books I've read this year.
Following the Prompocalypse at the end of Twice Shy, Ani Romero is no longer the only non-living student at Ohneka Falls High School. It's a little more than a year since all hell broke loose at the prom and the courts are forcing the school to provide a classroom education to the Special Dead. They are essentially cut off from the rest of the school, forced to wear special helmets, leg-irons, guarded by men with flame-throwers and instructions to use them if needed. Yet, despite their situation, these kids struggle with the same desires, goals as issues as living high schoolers.
Freivald does an excellent job of using the Special Dead to expound upon current real world prejudices. "'I miss church,' Lydia whispered. She fiddled with the silver cross at her neck and looked at the clock. Ani followed her gaze. 11:00 am Sunday. It's hard to be a Baptist zombie. Especially when your preacher organized marches encouraging the government to send you to hell where you belong."
In the search for a permanent cure for the ZV, progress is being made, and then BANG. The writer provides more than a few, "Oh, WOW," moments and an ending I promise you won't see coming.
Special Dead is every bit as good as Twice Shy. The novel can stand on it's own, but I strongly recommend reading Twice Shy first. Both are available, right now, in multiple formats.
Highly recommended.
August 15, 2013
Special Dead by Patrick Freivald Wow! I didn't know where this book could go after the ending of the first book but great job! I'm so curious if there could be more. I really liked the direction of the story. It gave a different take on the traditional zombie story. The scientific explanation and legal issues were interesting but not too complicated for the reader. The writing is very well done and I found it hard to believe this was a male author. The protagonist was female and very believable. I liked the characters and empathized with them. The people that were infected weren't "monsters" or hopeless cases but had a horrible medical condition. The different relationships was also complicated and interesting. Some people were torn between how they felt about those who were infected and how they are told to feel. Obviously there is extreme danger but the undead maintained their personalities, feelings and ambitions. How can they just written off so easily by those who love them? I was very impressed by the relationship between Ani and her mother Sarah. They had a fierce, unconditional love and would do anything to protect each other. As the leading authority on ZV (Zombie Virus), Sarah has made it her life's work to cure and save her daughter and holds many secrets. There are authorities happy to exploit them and their very life hangs in the balance. As in the first book I loved recognizing real places near where I live. It was creepy but exciting! This story also had plenty of action that led to another great cliff-hanger ending. Freivald has a talent for leaving the reader hungry for more. :D (Get it? I HAD to do it!) Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers for an arc ebook in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2013
Special Dead is the stellar follow-up to Patrick Freivald's debut novel, Twice Shy. The story picks up a year after the end of Twice Shy. Ani Romero is chained to her desk, one of several zombie students being educated while their legal status is debated in court. These Special Dead, as the community calls them, struggle with life and unlife, learning their lessons and undergoing tests to try and find a cure. When the courts rule that they do not have any legal status as living beings, the pressure intensifies to find a cure before the Special Dead are destroyed. Only there is another danger, one none of the Special Dead saw coming. One that could end everything they have worked for.
I gave this book four stars, though I would have given it four-and-a-half, had that been allowed. Mr. Freivald has once again created a charming, quirky and danger-filled story that thrills as much as it chills. With a bold hand, he weaves a tapestry of adolescent angst that is both familiar and new, making this a good read for older teens as well as adults. Several subplots keep the story moving briskly. And if you read carefully, you will note a subtle tongue-in-cheek irony that I found delightful.
Special Dead is a delightful novel. I look forward to more from Mr Freivald.
I gave this book four stars, though I would have given it four-and-a-half, had that been allowed. Mr. Freivald has once again created a charming, quirky and danger-filled story that thrills as much as it chills. With a bold hand, he weaves a tapestry of adolescent angst that is both familiar and new, making this a good read for older teens as well as adults. Several subplots keep the story moving briskly. And if you read carefully, you will note a subtle tongue-in-cheek irony that I found delightful.
Special Dead is a delightful novel. I look forward to more from Mr Freivald.
July 22, 2013
In case you didn't already know, Special Dead is the second book following teen Ani Romero as she and her scientist mom navigate the trials and tribulations of your typical zombie teenager.
There's no reason why I (a 42 year old hard rocker guy) should relate to and care about Ani (a 17 year old girl in a 14 year old zombie body) or her Zombie Virus (ZV) afflicted friends. yet somehow I do. Not only do I care about them, I'm angry on their behalf. Even though they're like, brain-eating undead that smell like the formaldehyde baths they have to take every night.
There's just enough attention to the science of what's happening to keep things moving in a plausible way – but what really makes this series work is Freivald's commitment to the teenage experience, and the intensity with which we feel...everything in those tender years.
The author (who just happens to be a teacher) treats Ani and her friends with heart, compassion, and - lucky for us - the kind of good humor that teenagers are so rarely able to find for themselves.
Plus there's plenty of disturbing, and frighteningly imaginative stuff to keep things weird.
The book cooks along at a healthy pace, and really picks up at the end.
Just read it and hope for a third installment!
There's no reason why I (a 42 year old hard rocker guy) should relate to and care about Ani (a 17 year old girl in a 14 year old zombie body) or her Zombie Virus (ZV) afflicted friends. yet somehow I do. Not only do I care about them, I'm angry on their behalf. Even though they're like, brain-eating undead that smell like the formaldehyde baths they have to take every night.
There's just enough attention to the science of what's happening to keep things moving in a plausible way – but what really makes this series work is Freivald's commitment to the teenage experience, and the intensity with which we feel...everything in those tender years.
The author (who just happens to be a teacher) treats Ani and her friends with heart, compassion, and - lucky for us - the kind of good humor that teenagers are so rarely able to find for themselves.
Plus there's plenty of disturbing, and frighteningly imaginative stuff to keep things weird.
The book cooks along at a healthy pace, and really picks up at the end.
Just read it and hope for a third installment!
May 9, 2021
I received "Special Dead" through Library Thing Early Reviewers. "Special Dead" by Patrick Freivald is the sequel to "Twice Shy" "Special Dead" picks up fourteen months after the end of "Twice Shy" when Annie attacked Mike at the the prom. Sever people turned into zombies after the Prompocalypse .
The eight zombies are now students in a "Special Dead" education program. They are isolated to one classroom and shackled to their desks. They are brought to school in leg irons and wear helmets and bite guards. At night they live in a lab where Ani's mom Sarah Romero and her colleagues work on a cure for ZV. As the book progresses it is revealed that people in the lab have ulterior motives and don't really care about a cure.
"Special Dead" has another surprise ending just like "Twice Shy" I wonder if there will be another book in the series? This book had some very sad moments in it. What the lab technicians put Ani through and how the zombie children were treated made me cry and feel angry at the same time. I could not put this book down, I had to know what happened in the end.
The eight zombies are now students in a "Special Dead" education program. They are isolated to one classroom and shackled to their desks. They are brought to school in leg irons and wear helmets and bite guards. At night they live in a lab where Ani's mom Sarah Romero and her colleagues work on a cure for ZV. As the book progresses it is revealed that people in the lab have ulterior motives and don't really care about a cure.
"Special Dead" has another surprise ending just like "Twice Shy" I wonder if there will be another book in the series? This book had some very sad moments in it. What the lab technicians put Ani through and how the zombie children were treated made me cry and feel angry at the same time. I could not put this book down, I had to know what happened in the end.
June 1, 2013
I was given this book complimentary from LibraryThing.com in e-book form in return for my honest review. Everything stated in this review is of my own opinion and I was not compensated monetarily for providing this review.
I normally do not read zombie books - after reading several cookie cutter stories (1 month the virus has spread worldwide, father goes coast to coast to find his son/daughter) I was also worried about how not having read the first in the series would make following the story line difficult.
I was surprised - I really enjoyed the story and if there were half stars this would be 4½ Stars. Hard to write this and avoid spoilers but I found myself more and more interested in the characters as the story progressed especially the girls (not so much the boys as they were more like padding) Ani's mom was another interesting one and the ending for once was totally unexpected.
I am pleased that the social/political/religious issues were only briefly touched on as I feel it would have detracted from the story
A good read - if there is a sequel I hope it does not degenerate into a romance
I normally do not read zombie books - after reading several cookie cutter stories (1 month the virus has spread worldwide, father goes coast to coast to find his son/daughter) I was also worried about how not having read the first in the series would make following the story line difficult.
I was surprised - I really enjoyed the story and if there were half stars this would be 4½ Stars. Hard to write this and avoid spoilers but I found myself more and more interested in the characters as the story progressed especially the girls (not so much the boys as they were more like padding) Ani's mom was another interesting one and the ending for once was totally unexpected.
I am pleased that the social/political/religious issues were only briefly touched on as I feel it would have detracted from the story
A good read - if there is a sequel I hope it does not degenerate into a romance
June 1, 2013
Ani Romero and her fellow ZV infected, Prom survivor classmates are now back to school, but are forced to go shackled, chained together, wear bright orange helmets and ride the short bus.
While Ani’s mother tries to find a cure and Dr. Banerjee experiments on them during weekends, the classmates must live in a lab and spend their nights in their special “baths” – a mix of formaldehyde, regeneratives and ice and get their homework done.
High school is no fun when you are locked in your classroom watched over by flamethrower toting guards, with a teacher unqualified to teach almost any subject and the possibility that the Courts will finally decide that you are not human any longer and your future might end in a pile of ashes on the ground.
With humour, horror and enough plot twists to keep me turning the pages to the end, I loved this sequel to Twice Shy and (hopefully) and third book will not be far behind.
While Ani’s mother tries to find a cure and Dr. Banerjee experiments on them during weekends, the classmates must live in a lab and spend their nights in their special “baths” – a mix of formaldehyde, regeneratives and ice and get their homework done.
High school is no fun when you are locked in your classroom watched over by flamethrower toting guards, with a teacher unqualified to teach almost any subject and the possibility that the Courts will finally decide that you are not human any longer and your future might end in a pile of ashes on the ground.
With humour, horror and enough plot twists to keep me turning the pages to the end, I loved this sequel to Twice Shy and (hopefully) and third book will not be far behind.
October 20, 2015
Ani Romero was born with ZV or Zombie Virus. She's been dealing with being dead for longer than the two years that she's claiming. Ani along with those that survived Prom are now called Special Dead. Nothing is what Ani thought it would be for herself and her fellow Special Dead classmates. Ani tries understand what is going on around her. The Special Dead attend high school in their own classroom but not everyone is happy to have them there. Ani doesn't like Dr. Banejere or his methods. Ani can't explain why she feels this way yet knows that it's true. Can Ani admit the truth? What is Dr. Banejere up to? Your answers await you in Special Dead.
This sequel picks up two years after Prom. I really enjoyed this book. The characters and story still had alot to say. Both were fascinating, compelling, intriguing, real, and raw. I'll definitely be reading more of this author in the future.
This sequel picks up two years after Prom. I really enjoyed this book. The characters and story still had alot to say. Both were fascinating, compelling, intriguing, real, and raw. I'll definitely be reading more of this author in the future.
July 18, 2013
I received an ARC of this book as a reviwewer for Library Thing.
Unique zombie tale!
Ari, a high school zombie girl, has wreaked a bit of havoc in the previous tale, Twice Shy. She, along with her undead friends, is now chained to her desk and forced to unlive under scrutiny, says the court's ruling, while science works on a cure.
This reminded me a bit of True Blood in that there were folks who hated them and then some who essentially worshipped them. A little slow-paced at first, but I was pleasantly satisfied by the midpoint. Great ending!
Unique zombie tale!
Ari, a high school zombie girl, has wreaked a bit of havoc in the previous tale, Twice Shy. She, along with her undead friends, is now chained to her desk and forced to unlive under scrutiny, says the court's ruling, while science works on a cure.
This reminded me a bit of True Blood in that there were folks who hated them and then some who essentially worshipped them. A little slow-paced at first, but I was pleasantly satisfied by the midpoint. Great ending!
June 7, 2013
I enjoyed this book but did not read the first book in this series. It was easy to know what was going on because of information given and references to the prior book. I did wish I had read the first book just so I can get a better idea of the background. Special Dead is a fine example of scientist gone wild! While some parts are descriptive in the "gross" way, it was good to imagine this as a movie. Zombies who are worshiped and attend school. Who woulda thought?
August 2, 2019
I didn't love this book but I didn't struggle with it in any way, it just failed to grab me the way the first book did. A lot of time dealing with interpersonal relationships while in zombie prison.
August 14, 2013
Review: Follow Ani through the zombie filled continuation of Twice Shy, where life as a zombie is not what it is cracked up to be.
With the event of prom fourteen months earlier, and Ani’s small slip up, her secret is partially out, and the zombie virus has been discovered. Leaving Ani and 7 of her classmates infected and known world-wide as the zombie survivors of, Prompocalypse.
Now acting like a new undead person, Ani must suffer with her classmates the horror of returning back to high school. If you call being chained to your desk, wearing helmets and metal bite guards, while surrounded by guards with flame throwers, a normal high school day. Luckily she has Mike, her partly brain eaten boyfriend, there with her. Although, Devon his ex girlfriend just happens to be there as well. Life could only get worse if they were all dead- wait they already are.
With a storyline that stretches through their days at school, medical testing, zombie virus injections you follow the trial and tribulations of not only being a teenager but being a zombie teenager.
With a realistic approach to how society might actually react to a zombie virus outbreak. This book highlights social disorder and raises the question of, “What do you do with the living undead?” Are they people with rights or subjects only to be kept around for medical experiments?
Special Dead highlights the fall of social structure at the dawn of a deadly virus and the challenges faced by those who are left to cope with the disease. Although teenagers themselves, they are faced with choices of which all have deadly consequences, as well as being emotionally charged. If you are a fan of zombie’s, sci- fi, or gory medical research this book taps into it all.
you can find more of my reviews and giveaways in my newspaper column For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice, or the online newspaper: http://dixon.patch.com/blogs/for-the-...
With the event of prom fourteen months earlier, and Ani’s small slip up, her secret is partially out, and the zombie virus has been discovered. Leaving Ani and 7 of her classmates infected and known world-wide as the zombie survivors of, Prompocalypse.
Now acting like a new undead person, Ani must suffer with her classmates the horror of returning back to high school. If you call being chained to your desk, wearing helmets and metal bite guards, while surrounded by guards with flame throwers, a normal high school day. Luckily she has Mike, her partly brain eaten boyfriend, there with her. Although, Devon his ex girlfriend just happens to be there as well. Life could only get worse if they were all dead- wait they already are.
With a storyline that stretches through their days at school, medical testing, zombie virus injections you follow the trial and tribulations of not only being a teenager but being a zombie teenager.
With a realistic approach to how society might actually react to a zombie virus outbreak. This book highlights social disorder and raises the question of, “What do you do with the living undead?” Are they people with rights or subjects only to be kept around for medical experiments?
Special Dead highlights the fall of social structure at the dawn of a deadly virus and the challenges faced by those who are left to cope with the disease. Although teenagers themselves, they are faced with choices of which all have deadly consequences, as well as being emotionally charged. If you are a fan of zombie’s, sci- fi, or gory medical research this book taps into it all.
you can find more of my reviews and giveaways in my newspaper column For the Love of Books-Dixon's Independent Voice, or the online newspaper: http://dixon.patch.com/blogs/for-the-...
September 15, 2014
I received this book from Good Reads First Reads.
Before reading this book I had previously read the first book in the series Twice Shy and I had quite enjoyed the balance of Zombie and everyday life but I found in this book I didn't enjoy it as much as there was much more focus on the Zombie than anything else. When I first started reading the book it took me a long time to get into the story and really begin to enjoy the book but from around half way on it was not a bad book after all.
The story follows Ani who has the Zombie Virus and after living life normally (or as normally as possible), it is discovered that she and some others are zombies and so are locked in a room and kept an eye on until they have been cured.
I found that the start of the book seemed to drag on a bit as I found myself wanting answers but when they began to find cures I really started to like the story and found myself wanting to find out what happened next. I was always interested in how Ani and her mum would manage to cure such a disease so when there experiments started to become successful I was left hoping that Ani could be cured and lead a normal life.
I think the last few chapters of the book were the best in the story and it was great to have answers and a conclusion to the Zombie Virus. I think the twist at the end was brilliant and was a nice surprise to end the book on.
Overall I don't think this book is as good as the first one but it is a good sequel nevertheless. If you have read the first book than this one is worth a read too.
Before reading this book I had previously read the first book in the series Twice Shy and I had quite enjoyed the balance of Zombie and everyday life but I found in this book I didn't enjoy it as much as there was much more focus on the Zombie than anything else. When I first started reading the book it took me a long time to get into the story and really begin to enjoy the book but from around half way on it was not a bad book after all.
The story follows Ani who has the Zombie Virus and after living life normally (or as normally as possible), it is discovered that she and some others are zombies and so are locked in a room and kept an eye on until they have been cured.
I found that the start of the book seemed to drag on a bit as I found myself wanting answers but when they began to find cures I really started to like the story and found myself wanting to find out what happened next. I was always interested in how Ani and her mum would manage to cure such a disease so when there experiments started to become successful I was left hoping that Ani could be cured and lead a normal life.
I think the last few chapters of the book were the best in the story and it was great to have answers and a conclusion to the Zombie Virus. I think the twist at the end was brilliant and was a nice surprise to end the book on.
Overall I don't think this book is as good as the first one but it is a good sequel nevertheless. If you have read the first book than this one is worth a read too.
July 11, 2013
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy from the author through Library Thing.
Have you ever read a novel and felt that you were missing something? Readers of this review will probably say, “You should have read the first novel.” I’m not talking about things that might have been explained in the first novel. There are elements in this novel that a reader thinks, “Okay that will eventually be explained” and those little mysteries never really are explained.
That said, Freivald has some great moments. Again, I hadn’t read the first book so when I’m reading Ani’s initial thoughts and she’s reminiscing longingly about the warm blood and taste of brains this reader was stopped and had to go back and read. Yes, she did say warm blood and brains. Okay. Most of the teens (and younger adults) are still pretty aware of whom they were and from that aspect “Special Dead” is pretty fascinating. Ani is well developed as a character with a history and the reader gets involved with Ani and her friends.
If you are a reader who enjoys a good zombie novel, you’ll find “Special Dead” a little out of the ordinary. Frievald’s take on zombies and their origin is interesting as is the way in which he treats them in the novel. “Special Dead” is geared to young readers and encourages them to explore within themselves issues outside of the realm of the novel.
I can't say that I would explore this series further but can see how it would appeal to younger readers.
Have you ever read a novel and felt that you were missing something? Readers of this review will probably say, “You should have read the first novel.” I’m not talking about things that might have been explained in the first novel. There are elements in this novel that a reader thinks, “Okay that will eventually be explained” and those little mysteries never really are explained.
That said, Freivald has some great moments. Again, I hadn’t read the first book so when I’m reading Ani’s initial thoughts and she’s reminiscing longingly about the warm blood and taste of brains this reader was stopped and had to go back and read. Yes, she did say warm blood and brains. Okay. Most of the teens (and younger adults) are still pretty aware of whom they were and from that aspect “Special Dead” is pretty fascinating. Ani is well developed as a character with a history and the reader gets involved with Ani and her friends.
If you are a reader who enjoys a good zombie novel, you’ll find “Special Dead” a little out of the ordinary. Frievald’s take on zombies and their origin is interesting as is the way in which he treats them in the novel. “Special Dead” is geared to young readers and encourages them to explore within themselves issues outside of the realm of the novel.
I can't say that I would explore this series further but can see how it would appeal to younger readers.
February 15, 2014
Note: I haven't read the previous book Twice Shy and tend to read more lighthearted books then Special Dead turned out to be.
Special Dead is the story Ani Romero and seven other teen zombies that managed to survive the disaster of a prom that occurred last year. It starts out with them going to school for the first time after being quarantined for several months. They're chained together and have helmets that act as a muzzle for fear they might decide to attack one of the guards. This is a good representation of how they are treated and the dark quality that overshadows the whole novel. Be prepared for a lot of death and a good bit of despair. Only handful of characters will actually live to see the end.
I feel like Special Dead is more suited for adults who like to read YA and not actual teens. The overall tone is of someone older and more sophisticated then the average seventeen to nineteen year old and this caused some problems for me when connecting with Ani since I do fall under the fifteen to eighteen category. Maybe I'm just immature for my age but I wasn't capable of getting as much out of Special Dead as I could've because of my age. But I could still see that if you have the right kind of mind for it, Special Dead is very good!
June 27, 2013
To be completely honest - I did not realize this was the second book in a series when I requested a copy. Had I known that I may not have requested it as I usually like to read a series in order.
However, since I did request it, I went ahead and read it and while the book was OK I realize that I might have liked it better if I had read the first book beforehand.
Taking all that into consideration - here is what I thought. I liked the premise although it take a little bit for me to realize what happened in the first book to be caught up. The characters kinda blurred together until I was about midway through. That is also when the pace picked up a bit better and the meat of the plot really gets going.
I found it hard to wrap my head around the mother/daughter dichotomy - again this may be better explained int he first book - and just had trouble relating to the main character on a personal level.
I did like the ending and thought it was well planned. So the first half of the book gets 1 star and the second half gets 4 stars for an average of 3 stars.
I would recommend reading the first book before tucking into this one as you'll at least know the players and the personalities much better.
However, since I did request it, I went ahead and read it and while the book was OK I realize that I might have liked it better if I had read the first book beforehand.
Taking all that into consideration - here is what I thought. I liked the premise although it take a little bit for me to realize what happened in the first book to be caught up. The characters kinda blurred together until I was about midway through. That is also when the pace picked up a bit better and the meat of the plot really gets going.
I found it hard to wrap my head around the mother/daughter dichotomy - again this may be better explained int he first book - and just had trouble relating to the main character on a personal level.
I did like the ending and thought it was well planned. So the first half of the book gets 1 star and the second half gets 4 stars for an average of 3 stars.
I would recommend reading the first book before tucking into this one as you'll at least know the players and the personalities much better.
July 6, 2013
Ani Romero has been infected with ZV, the Zombie Virus, and although her mom, Dr. Romero, Dr. Banerjee, and other scientists have it mostly under control (from attacking humans to suck their brains out), eight teenagers who were zombie survivors of the Prompocalypse are quarantined. However, they still have some rights as the Supreme Court ponders their fate...they still have the right to an education. So, although shackled and constricted by leg irons, they carry on.
Things start to go out of control when Ani and her mom hear whispered, secret conversations between Dr. Banerjee and newcomer, Dr. Freeman. They realized that their lives are in danger and they are being used and abused as lab rats. It is a race to see who finds the cure for ZV, but more importantly, what will they do with it once it is found?
Special Dead: Twice Shy, Book II keeps your attention as sinister forces are being played out. Yet, in order to get some of the background information, it would probably be wise to read Book I ahead of this one.
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, JournalStone, and Patrick Freivald for this ARC.
Things start to go out of control when Ani and her mom hear whispered, secret conversations between Dr. Banerjee and newcomer, Dr. Freeman. They realized that their lives are in danger and they are being used and abused as lab rats. It is a race to see who finds the cure for ZV, but more importantly, what will they do with it once it is found?
Special Dead: Twice Shy, Book II keeps your attention as sinister forces are being played out. Yet, in order to get some of the background information, it would probably be wise to read Book I ahead of this one.
Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, JournalStone, and Patrick Freivald for this ARC.
June 2, 2013
This was a good follow-up to Twice Shy.
(disclosure: I received an ARC of this ebook via librarything)
I was hesitant to read this after finishing Twice Shy, and that ending! Eesh. This book started out slow. Too slow, perhaps - I felt that the pace really dragged (no pun intended) for the first half or so. Then it picked up, and things started coming together and becoming really interesting. Freivald does like to drop the ending twist on you in the last page or so! There were a few cosmetic errors - missing words like 'that', an acronym that got mashed with 'a' when a space was removed. I forget what it was, but the change made it pretty funny and nonsensical. I liked how the faceless guards slowly developed personalities. The story was definitely well-executed. That said, zombie novels still definitely aren't my thing, and I won't read this again (and certainly wouldn't have bought it). That's a matter of personal taste though. Kudos to Freivald for keeping me as interested as I was in Ani and her friends for the two novels.
(disclosure: I received an ARC of this ebook via librarything)
I was hesitant to read this after finishing Twice Shy, and that ending! Eesh. This book started out slow. Too slow, perhaps - I felt that the pace really dragged (no pun intended) for the first half or so. Then it picked up, and things started coming together and becoming really interesting. Freivald does like to drop the ending twist on you in the last page or so! There were a few cosmetic errors - missing words like 'that', an acronym that got mashed with 'a' when a space was removed. I forget what it was, but the change made it pretty funny and nonsensical. I liked how the faceless guards slowly developed personalities. The story was definitely well-executed. That said, zombie novels still definitely aren't my thing, and I won't read this again (and certainly wouldn't have bought it). That's a matter of personal taste though. Kudos to Freivald for keeping me as interested as I was in Ani and her friends for the two novels.
July 2, 2013
*I received an ebook copy of "Special Dead" from Librarything*
I LOVED Twice Shy and after the way it ended I didn't think there would be anything else for Ani and friends. So I was surprised to see giveaways for "Special Dead" on various sites, and excited to win one.
However, I was really disappointed in this book. The whole thing just felt completely unnecessary. The story was boring and the ending kind of ridiculous. Plus there was the constant use of the world giggle in all its forms whenever Mr. Clark was mentioned. I found it incredibly annoying. Were there really no other words better than that?
If you enjoyed "Twice Shy" I would not recommend reading this book. If you haven't read it, then maybe you'll like this book, who knows.
I LOVED Twice Shy and after the way it ended I didn't think there would be anything else for Ani and friends. So I was surprised to see giveaways for "Special Dead" on various sites, and excited to win one.
However, I was really disappointed in this book. The whole thing just felt completely unnecessary. The story was boring and the ending kind of ridiculous. Plus there was the constant use of the world giggle in all its forms whenever Mr. Clark was mentioned. I found it incredibly annoying. Were there really no other words better than that?
If you enjoyed "Twice Shy" I would not recommend reading this book. If you haven't read it, then maybe you'll like this book, who knows.
July 22, 2013
Ok so I was obsessed with the first book and couldn't wait for the sequel, but I felt let down after finishing this book. I couldn't believe that Ani actually was the one who attacked people at the prom and what happened to Mike was killing me. On top of that it's two years later so it is a little bit confusing as to what has fully happened. Ani and Mike's relationship is very confusing in this book because of what happened after the attack to him and also what happens towards the end. The book was ok, but nothing like the first one, but it does end with a big bang and heartache for the characters you have bonded with in the first book and some new ones in the second.
June 8, 2013
I haven't read the first book, Twice Shy, in the series but it wasn't necessary to read it to understand the sequel. There were several tie-ins that made me interested in reading the first book so I can fully understand what was being implied in the second book.
The sequel is well-written and is an interesting take on the zombie concept - it's not an angle usually covered in zombie lit. The downside is that the plot drags on - I kept waiting for the climax and, when it finally came, the book ended (with a strong lead-in for a third installment of the series).
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
The sequel is well-written and is an interesting take on the zombie concept - it's not an angle usually covered in zombie lit. The downside is that the plot drags on - I kept waiting for the climax and, when it finally came, the book ended (with a strong lead-in for a third installment of the series).
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
October 25, 2013
Unless you are a fan of YA zombie stories, do not bother with this book. Especially if you did not read the first of the series. I found the story to be confusing, trite, unbelievable, etc. But then I am not a fan of YA or zombie stories. So, combining those two genres did nothing for me.
To me, the writing style was choppy and disjointed.
To me, the writing style was choppy and disjointed.
July 18, 2014
this was a good story that i really enjoyed i felt that some things could have been improved though. overall it had a good pace but at some points it was kind of bland not many places though. it also leaves some questions unanswered so i hope there is more coming of Ani and her Group.
Want to read
April 25, 2013Can't wait to receive this! Looking forward to delving into this series. I'll post a review closer to the release date :D
June 5, 2016
I dropped some notes on these two books in the first one. Not really a review, per se:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 8, 2016
Although a sequel, this was easy to pick and read almost as a standalone. However, there were plenty of parts that just dragged, which somehow hurt the reader's empathy towards the characters.
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