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Dead City #2
Blue Moon
Molly is ready for more nonstop, undead action in this follow-up to Dead City, which Kirkus Reviews described as “a fast-paced read for those who like their zombies with just a little fright.”
When Molly Bigelow discovered that zombies shared New York with humans, she didn’t think life could get more shocking. Then she learned that her mother was once one of the greatest zombie killers ever—and she discovered that her dead mother is not technically dead at all (although she isn’t alive, either).
Molly’s efforts to keep these secrets and to help her Omega team track down the identity of the original thirteen zombies will take her from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade to New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Her loyalties to friends and family will be put to the test. And her life will be changed in ways she never could have imagined.
When Molly Bigelow discovered that zombies shared New York with humans, she didn’t think life could get more shocking. Then she learned that her mother was once one of the greatest zombie killers ever—and she discovered that her dead mother is not technically dead at all (although she isn’t alive, either).
Molly’s efforts to keep these secrets and to help her Omega team track down the identity of the original thirteen zombies will take her from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade to New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Her loyalties to friends and family will be put to the test. And her life will be changed in ways she never could have imagined.
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First published October 1, 2013
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About the author
James Ponti
57 books1,461 followersJames Ponti is the New York Times Bestselling author of three Middle Grade book series: the DEAD CITY trilogy about a secret society that polices the undead who live beneath New York City; the Edgar Award-winning FRAMED! series about a pair of Sherlockian tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, D.C.; and the all-new CITY SPIES about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 spy team.
James grew up in Atlantic Beach, Florida and lives in Orlando. He's a die hard fan of the Boston Red Sox, the USC Trojans, and the Italian National Soccer Team. He loves travel, writing, and spending time with his amazing family.
James grew up in Atlantic Beach, Florida and lives in Orlando. He's a die hard fan of the Boston Red Sox, the USC Trojans, and the Italian National Soccer Team. He loves travel, writing, and spending time with his amazing family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
June 9, 2024
2024
2020
2019
While the story in this one is still interesting, it doesn't quite grab my attention as much as the first book. It is an excellent middle-of-the-series book, though. The main characters (Natalie, Molly, Alex, and Grayson) spend a majority of their time tracking the Unlucky 13; and attempting to figure out the undead's plan for the future of Manhattan.
It's not a dull story, but it doesn't seem to have as much actions as the previous tale. All in all, though, I still did give it a four star rating, so you know it's gotta be pretty good still.
I do like that we see a bit more of Molly's mom and other undead cast members that we've been previously introduced too, but haven't been big parts of the story as of yet. I'd say that one of my favorite things about Ponti's series, is that he has the undead and living mingling so well (although the living are unaware of this situation, but aside from the level 3 zombies, most of the undead are relatively friendly and normal).
2017
2016
2020
2019
While the story in this one is still interesting, it doesn't quite grab my attention as much as the first book. It is an excellent middle-of-the-series book, though. The main characters (Natalie, Molly, Alex, and Grayson) spend a majority of their time tracking the Unlucky 13; and attempting to figure out the undead's plan for the future of Manhattan.
It's not a dull story, but it doesn't seem to have as much actions as the previous tale. All in all, though, I still did give it a four star rating, so you know it's gotta be pretty good still.
I do like that we see a bit more of Molly's mom and other undead cast members that we've been previously introduced too, but haven't been big parts of the story as of yet. I'd say that one of my favorite things about Ponti's series, is that he has the undead and living mingling so well (although the living are unaware of this situation, but aside from the level 3 zombies, most of the undead are relatively friendly and normal).
2017
2016
April 2, 2018
I enjoyed the second installment of Ponti's "Dead City" trilogy. Molly and her team of "Omega's" have picked up right where the left off...dealing with the undead population of Manhattan. Now a member of the "Baker's Dozen" mission, they have their work cut out for them as the NYE ball drops.
May 24, 2022
Another great, fast paced, installment in the Dead City Trilogy. This one ends one a cliffhanger of epic proportions. What’s going to happen in Dead City, to her Omega teammate? Her mom? Book three should hopefully bring all the answers.
June 10, 2014
This has all the charm and smarts of the first Dead City, but it suffers from being Volume 2 of at least three. Molly Bigelow and her team of fellow Omegas learn a lot more about the Unlucky Thirteen and the undead side of New York City, but all the plotlines are continued without being concluded. There are also several plot twists that may surprise younger readers, but that experienced fantasy readers will see coming a mile away.
That said, don't let the criticisms above fool you into thinking I didn't like the book. I enjoyed reading it, I just want more.
That said, don't let the criticisms above fool you into thinking I didn't like the book. I enjoyed reading it, I just want more.
August 29, 2014
This book was AWESOME!
June 13, 2022
I just love everything Ponti writes! He’s a fantastic author with the ability to add humor and dimension to characters that makes them witty and real.
February 9, 2024
A solid second installment! The friendship vibes are excellent, I had a lot of fun, and there were a few genuinely surprising moments towards the end! 4 stars from me!
June 18, 2024
Has good twists. Kinda wish it was a full length series.
June 28, 2024
Better than the first one.
November 7, 2016
Things amp up a bit for Molly and her friends once they are asked by Molly's zombie mother to work on the Baker's Dozen. After narrowly escaping permanent suspension, Molly and her friends set out to solve the riddle they've been given. If they can solve it, they can stay Omegas. Molly is determined not to let her friends down after they stood up for her. As they learn more about the original thirteen zombies and their future plans, they realize that not only are they in danger, but so is the whole city. They can't just sit back and let the undead have their way, but how do they stop it when they aren't entirely sure what the plot entails. But combining their own brains and brawn and with the help of Molly's undead mother and her colleagues, maybe, just maybe they have a chance of coming off victorious. Once again, Molly takes the reader for an enjoyable ride. Her snarky narration makes for a reading experiences that is both humorous and exciting. And the plot twists and turns keep the reader turning the pages. As the second book in the series there are some interesting surprises and one big shocker at the end. A great read for young readers who enjoy a good zombie story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2015
Blue Moon (Dead City series) - review
Sometimes Omega work can be scary, like when you're locked in hand-to-hand combat with a completely unhinged Level 3 zombie who's intent on killing you. And sometimes it can be nerve-racking, like when you're hiding in an abandoned catacomb and holding your breath so that you don't make a noise and get discovered. But what I never would have imagined is that sometimes Omega work can be really. . . .boring.
Nothing boring here...
This is the second book in the Dead City series. It's a great middle grade series with a new twist on zombies. I don't want to give anything away, but if you liked the first one, you will definitely enjoy this one. More zombie mayhem, more Omega mysteries, more excitement.
If you haven't read the first installment, see my review here...
Dead City
Recommended to:
4th through 8th graders looking for a twist on the zombie story.
Sometimes Omega work can be scary, like when you're locked in hand-to-hand combat with a completely unhinged Level 3 zombie who's intent on killing you. And sometimes it can be nerve-racking, like when you're hiding in an abandoned catacomb and holding your breath so that you don't make a noise and get discovered. But what I never would have imagined is that sometimes Omega work can be really. . . .boring.
Nothing boring here...
This is the second book in the Dead City series. It's a great middle grade series with a new twist on zombies. I don't want to give anything away, but if you liked the first one, you will definitely enjoy this one. More zombie mayhem, more Omega mysteries, more excitement.
If you haven't read the first installment, see my review here...
Dead City
Recommended to:
4th through 8th graders looking for a twist on the zombie story.
April 25, 2016
3.5 stars.
Action packed adventure for all ages. This is one of my son's favorite series and although its taken me a while to get to them I'm glad to be doing so.
Molly is a brave young girl on a mission to help her OMEGA team and protect people from Zombies. Her team and her have to solve riddles and find clues to lead them to each situation which brings them closer to finding out what the real plan the Zombies have in store.
Fun, cute and easy to read. Lets see how it all ends in book 3.
Action packed adventure for all ages. This is one of my son's favorite series and although its taken me a while to get to them I'm glad to be doing so.
Molly is a brave young girl on a mission to help her OMEGA team and protect people from Zombies. Her team and her have to solve riddles and find clues to lead them to each situation which brings them closer to finding out what the real plan the Zombies have in store.
Fun, cute and easy to read. Lets see how it all ends in book 3.
May 9, 2016
Molly's world is flipped upside down when she discovers that there are zombies living under New York. Not only does Molly have to balance omega traning and school work but now she struggles between lies and truths, friends and enimes, and zombies and humans. Can Molly save New York before its to late.
I recomend this book to people who like action and zombies. I really enjoyed the book and cant wait to read the third book of the series.
I recomend this book to people who like action and zombies. I really enjoyed the book and cant wait to read the third book of the series.
June 11, 2021
Molly Bigelow and her friends Natalie, Alex and Grayson are all members of a secret group called Omegas that patrol the undead world of New York City. Zombies can only exist at or below ground level (not very much higher) in Manhattan and maybe Roosevelt Island, thanks to a particular composition of bedrock there that was somehow involved in their undeath. And the original undead, known as the Unlucky 13, rule Dead City from below in a system that involves annually revealing themselves in public view to "verify" that they're still in power. Coming back from suspension, Molly's team is specially tasked with monitoring the Unlucky 13 – and their mission may be extra-important now, as the Mayor of Dead City, Marek Blackwell, took it on the chin at the end of their previous adventure and his Verify – at midnight New Year's Eve in Times Square – will reveal a power vacuum that could trigger a war with the undead.
Molly and Co.'s quest to learn more about the Unlucky 13 is interwoven, somewhat, with a firsthand account by one of them, the elusive Milton Blackwell, who became alienated from his brother Marek and the others in part because his mistake made them all undead. In an zombie hierarchy where a Level 3 is brain-eating goon, a Level 2 is a soulless psychopath and a Level 1 is practically human, Milton is a nice Level 1 while his potential rival for power, Ulysses Blackwell, is a dangerous Level 2. You can guess which one the Omegas would like to see step up into Marek's place.
But adding complexity to their run-up to New Year's Eve is the discovery of an electronically sealed vault deep beneath Grand Central Station. Now the Omegas may have bigger things to worry about than Marek's Verify. Now they may be facing a program called Blue Moon, based on a pro-Soviet scheme from the Cold War era, to convert millions of New Yorkers – not to communism, but to undeadism. With a chance that wheels are already moving to turn hearts across Manhattan as cold as the Manhattan schist, Molly's little group and even the larger, secret organization behind the Omegas may not be able to move fast enough to save New York.
So, that's the basic gist. But between the covers of the book there is so much more – a glimpse of New York history featuring then-Police Chief Theodore Roosevelt; a family secret involving Molly's mom, who isn't quite as dead as most people thought; a sizzle of high-tech gadgetry, including a biometric scanner calibrated for room-temperature flesh and a talking computer that can scan top-secret documents; views from all levels of New York, from the tram line running 250 feet above the East River to the deepest abandoned subway tunnels – not leaving out 30 Rock and St. Patrick's Cathedral, thank you; fast-paced combats, surprise revelations, grisly horrors and a final shock that will set the hook for the next book in the series.
This is the second book of the "Dead City" trilogy, between Dead City and Dark Days. Ponti is also the author of three "TOAST Mysteries" and so far two "City Spies" books, all for young readers.
Molly and Co.'s quest to learn more about the Unlucky 13 is interwoven, somewhat, with a firsthand account by one of them, the elusive Milton Blackwell, who became alienated from his brother Marek and the others in part because his mistake made them all undead. In an zombie hierarchy where a Level 3 is brain-eating goon, a Level 2 is a soulless psychopath and a Level 1 is practically human, Milton is a nice Level 1 while his potential rival for power, Ulysses Blackwell, is a dangerous Level 2. You can guess which one the Omegas would like to see step up into Marek's place.
But adding complexity to their run-up to New Year's Eve is the discovery of an electronically sealed vault deep beneath Grand Central Station. Now the Omegas may have bigger things to worry about than Marek's Verify. Now they may be facing a program called Blue Moon, based on a pro-Soviet scheme from the Cold War era, to convert millions of New Yorkers – not to communism, but to undeadism. With a chance that wheels are already moving to turn hearts across Manhattan as cold as the Manhattan schist, Molly's little group and even the larger, secret organization behind the Omegas may not be able to move fast enough to save New York.
So, that's the basic gist. But between the covers of the book there is so much more – a glimpse of New York history featuring then-Police Chief Theodore Roosevelt; a family secret involving Molly's mom, who isn't quite as dead as most people thought; a sizzle of high-tech gadgetry, including a biometric scanner calibrated for room-temperature flesh and a talking computer that can scan top-secret documents; views from all levels of New York, from the tram line running 250 feet above the East River to the deepest abandoned subway tunnels – not leaving out 30 Rock and St. Patrick's Cathedral, thank you; fast-paced combats, surprise revelations, grisly horrors and a final shock that will set the hook for the next book in the series.
This is the second book of the "Dead City" trilogy, between Dead City and Dark Days. Ponti is also the author of three "TOAST Mysteries" and so far two "City Spies" books, all for young readers.
September 13, 2023
For whatever reason, this series is still not my favorite of Ponti's. I keep forgetting details and who people are and why they're important. I like all the descriptions of different places in NYC, but some of the mysteries the gang has to solve are pretty simple.
And I swear he has described several of the undead as breathing, which is a huge oversight in a book where living people are sometimes referred to as "breathers". I literally thought he was trying to give a clue that someone wasn't *actually* a zombie until my oldest daughter, who has read the whole thing, swore to me that it wasn't the case.
I think the thing that bothers me the most though, is that there is this whole population of the undead living around Manhattan, which most people are completely unaware of, except they seem totally normal so they can blend in and some of them still visit their family members and I'm not sure if some non-omegas are in on the secret or if these instead people are pretending they're still alive or what?? And the whole "rights for the undead" subplot would maybe be more plausible if more people actually knew the undead existed. Just saying.
So, still not super doing it for me, but, again, my 13 yo likes it the best so far, so, take my opinion with a grain of salt.
And I swear he has described several of the undead as breathing, which is a huge oversight in a book where living people are sometimes referred to as "breathers". I literally thought he was trying to give a clue that someone wasn't *actually* a zombie until my oldest daughter, who has read the whole thing, swore to me that it wasn't the case.
I think the thing that bothers me the most though, is that there is this whole population of the undead living around Manhattan, which most people are completely unaware of, except they seem totally normal so they can blend in and some of them still visit their family members and I'm not sure if some non-omegas are in on the secret or if these instead people are pretending they're still alive or what?? And the whole "rights for the undead" subplot would maybe be more plausible if more people actually knew the undead existed. Just saying.
So, still not super doing it for me, but, again, my 13 yo likes it the best so far, so, take my opinion with a grain of salt.
May 20, 2023
Blue Moon by James Ponti is the thrilling sequel to Dead City. Molly makes a shocking discovery at the end of the first book which raises questions yet brings comfort and added security to Molly as she and her Omega friends face new challenges regarding the undead. This second installment in the Dead City trilogy begins with Molly and the Omega team under review for breaking a few rules that could have had fatal consequences. The team is tasked with a secret operation where they learn the origin of zombies living in the city as well as the names of the leaders in charge of Dead City; and, they uncover a diabolical plot that threatens the residents of New York City.
I love the continuation of Molly’s adventures as an Omega team member, trying to uncover the truth about the zombies living in NYC and the Unlucky 13. This story is fast-paced, action-packed, and entertaining. It is more of a mystery and includes a family dynamic element. Lots of secrets are revealed, and there is a surprise ending which makes me want to jump right into reading Dark Days, the next installment in the Dead City series.
I love the continuation of Molly’s adventures as an Omega team member, trying to uncover the truth about the zombies living in NYC and the Unlucky 13. This story is fast-paced, action-packed, and entertaining. It is more of a mystery and includes a family dynamic element. Lots of secrets are revealed, and there is a surprise ending which makes me want to jump right into reading Dark Days, the next installment in the Dead City series.
July 18, 2025
I have been having a lot of fun reading books by James Ponti. I think he is a great author for young readers (and adults!). His books are fast-paced, fun, and have great characters.
Molly is part of a secret society called the Omegas that monitors zombies in New York City. They make sure that none of the zombies get out of control. Molly is dealing with a BIG secret from book 1 - her mom is a zombie! That's a hard truth to take in. Molly's team is also on the brink of being disbanded until Molly's mom gives her a tip - they need to say they're searching for the Baker's Dozen.
The Baker's Dozen is something that Omegas have always tried to learn about - the original twelve zombies, the ones that started it all. Interspersed through Molly's chapters are flashbacks to Milton Blackwell - one of the Baker's Dozen. He tells the story of what really happened all those years back.
As Molly and her friends learn more about the head zombies, they learn that some of them are not going to be content in the shadows anymore.
I need to read book three, quick! I read this one about five months ago and I'm always in danger of forgetting too much. Haha!
Molly is part of a secret society called the Omegas that monitors zombies in New York City. They make sure that none of the zombies get out of control. Molly is dealing with a BIG secret from book 1 - her mom is a zombie! That's a hard truth to take in. Molly's team is also on the brink of being disbanded until Molly's mom gives her a tip - they need to say they're searching for the Baker's Dozen.
The Baker's Dozen is something that Omegas have always tried to learn about - the original twelve zombies, the ones that started it all. Interspersed through Molly's chapters are flashbacks to Milton Blackwell - one of the Baker's Dozen. He tells the story of what really happened all those years back.
As Molly and her friends learn more about the head zombies, they learn that some of them are not going to be content in the shadows anymore.
I need to read book three, quick! I read this one about five months ago and I'm always in danger of forgetting too much. Haha!
August 22, 2021
Molly and her team are in trouble after the events that took place in Dead City. When her team goes in front of the Omega Panel, it seems that their group will be dissolved, but when Molly mentions the Unlucky 13, the panel decides to let them investigate a plot to overtake the city. After searching for clues, Molly and the team will need the help of some undead old friends in order to prevent a zombie apocalypse of New York City.
Blue Moon is a good entry in the Dead City series, but not quite as good as the first book. In this novel, we are gifted with the memories of Milton Blackwell and these add depth and background to the story, offering reasons and history of the New York zombies. Some character development is added to this story, but there is still so much more to learn about the protagonists of this series. Overall, Blue Moon answers some questions left after the first book, Dead City, and also includes more fast paced action to keep readers engaged.
Blue Moon is a good entry in the Dead City series, but not quite as good as the first book. In this novel, we are gifted with the memories of Milton Blackwell and these add depth and background to the story, offering reasons and history of the New York zombies. Some character development is added to this story, but there is still so much more to learn about the protagonists of this series. Overall, Blue Moon answers some questions left after the first book, Dead City, and also includes more fast paced action to keep readers engaged.
July 24, 2018
Molly and her zombie-policing Omega team thought the hearing on whether they would remain a team was going to be the toughest part of the holidays - until they start following clues and stories of the past that could mean some seriously undead danger for the fate of New York's living population! Ponti continues this exciting trilogy with as much mystery and zombie combat that a fan could ask for, and then some. With so many secrets to unearth, and even more to keep from her friends and family, will Molly be able to balance life as a student and and Omega?!
May 21, 2023
I started this book because I wanted to read something relatively simple. I liked it as much as the first book in the series. The interactions between the characters are fun and I feel the narrator's voice really enhances the listening experience.
I can't give it 5 stars since it is a bit too straightforwrd but it is definitely a fun few hours.
Overall, if you liked the first book, you'll like the second. I am listening to the third book now so I should finish the series in the next few days.
I can't give it 5 stars since it is a bit too straightforwrd but it is definitely a fun few hours.
Overall, if you liked the first book, you'll like the second. I am listening to the third book now so I should finish the series in the next few days.
January 2, 2018
A student at school recommended this series and has been lending them to me. It’s a good story for upper elementary and middle school readers. It has some adventures and suspense and even though the main character is a girl, I think boys would also like it. But, the girl does kick butt so it’s good for girls to read a book with a Buffy the Vampire Slayer character but tamed down for elementary students. #girlpower
January 6, 2018
This book was probably one of my favorites in the series,even though I haven’t read the third one yet I can predict this one will be my favorite.Just seeing how much Molly grows as a person and as an Omega it’s just mind blowing,the trust she shares with her friends and how she starts to realize it towards the end.And the plot twist at the end,don’t even get me started just wow James Ponti really did do an amazing job illustrating this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2022
BLUE MOON, the second book in the Dead City trilogy, by James Ponti kept me just as engaged as the first. It's equally packed with action, zombies, mystery, humor, and heart. Ponti weaves a solid story, wrapping up threads from book one while sending our favorite Omega team on more missions, each one seeming to be more dangerous the next until -- watch out for everything to come crashing down on New Years Eve. I love the cliffhanger, and have already started book three!
April 14, 2025
This one was better than the first and it actually started to explain a little bit about why things are the way that they are and that not all of the adults in the world are just ignoring the fact that they fought zombies when they were in Highschool and college, but can't be bothered to do so once they get a real job in the world. I also appreciated learning more of the origin story of the original zombies and what the differences are between the different types of them.
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April 18, 2022This was an okay follow up to the first book. We will still read the third one. These are quick reads. This one didn't have as much of the camaraderie I came to appreciate in the first one- I didn't feel the cohesiveness and I missed that. I like the City Spies books better and would stick with those as recommendations.
September 2, 2024
I just really love James Ponti books! They are fun and clever, without being goofy and insulting. He seems to be able to work interesting facts into the story, maybe something about art or architecture or history or rocks like Manhattan schist - which in this case in integral to the zombie story! I love it. Super fun series and I can't wait to pick up the third one this week.
June 17, 2017
You know how some books' sequels don't quite measure up to the first one? Well, this is NOT that kind of book. It's just as good if not better than Dead City, and again, what a cliffhanger! I can't believe I've never read this series before. It's so good!
February 3, 2018
Second in the series and to me took a slight step back, partially as it really only covered a brief span of time and plot - just not enough to fill the pages. The ending portended greater things in the next story, so hoping this is just a dip and not a mark of the series tailing off in total.
September 16, 2022
Got a signed copy of this + the first one because I entered a writing contest and won!!! Met the author and was starstuck. Great second addition to the series. Will have to reread just for the sake of nostalgia soon
October 10, 2023
This was a great second book in the trilogy; we got a few questions answer, some new ones asked, and the characters endeared themselves to me even more. The audiobooks have been great. Looking forward to the conclusion!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews