Zombies Vs Unicorns
edited by Justine Larbalestier and Holly Black
Published 2010 by Simon & Schuster (Margaret K. McElderry Imprint)
I couldn’t resist reading this collection of zombie and unicorn stories if I tried. I first heard of the book during Maureen Johnson‘s keynote speech at the Book Blogger Convention in May, and I’ve been rocking a zombie pin with the book’s cover art on my tote back ever since. It may have taken me six long months to get a hold of a copy, but it was about time I read the book I’ve been blinging for. And, I mean, come on. Zombies! Unicorns! Young adult-author sensations like Johnson, Scott Westerfeld, Libba Bray, and Garth Nix! I was pleasantly surprised by just how good all the stories are, and that there are even a few gay main characters in the stories.
My favorite stories:
ZOMBIES
“Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Alaya Dawn Johnson: Zombie Philip Grayson may have chosen the wrong valveta-scented boy to hunger after. It seems he and his father have been training to hunt for monsters… I just love the idea of a zombie who is attracted to people based on their unique food-smells.
“The Children of the Revolution” by Maureen Johnson: After mistakenly choosing to follow a boy to England, the main character finds herself working for someone who may or may not be Angelina Jolie. This story is equal parts funny and disturbing.
UNICORNS
“Purity Test” by Naomi Novik: You know how unicorns are supposed to only like virgins? Yeah, about that. This is a good spin on that part of unicorn mythology. (Complete with Harry Potter joke. Also baby unicorns–awww.)
“The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn” by Diane Peterfreund: Apparently Peterfreund has an entire series about killer unicorns. I think some of the characters from those books make an appearance here, but I could be totally lying. Either way, killer unicorns are an interesting concept and I quite liked this story.
“Princess Prettypants” by Meg Cabot: My favorite story in the collection. It includes the following elements: BIRTHDAYS! HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL! A UNICORN NAMED PRINCESS PRETTYPANTS! CUTE BOY! VENGEANCE! GLORIA STEINEM! RAINBOW FARTS! I laughed, I cried (from laughing), and I was almost convinced to read another Meg Cabot book.
So, I must admit that after reading the collection I am officially and unashamedly:
Grade: A-
Gift-Giving Note: Zombies Vs Unicorns would be a great gift for teens who are reluctant readers, as well as anyone who enjoys a good zombie and/or unicorn story…not to mention that the cover art is sure to out-do your wrapping paper in coolness.
(Thanks, as usual, to Ms. Amy for not letting me give up on this post.)
Yeah Team Unicorn 4eva! Love the sound of the unicorn stories, but must admit ‘Love will tear us apart’ sounds good too (who doesn’t love a good elctro pop ref title?). And Naomi Novik is also team unicorn! I have got to get this book.
Jodie, Love Will Tear Us Apart was definitely the best (or at least my favorite) zombie story! I was a little worried the zombies would win my allegiance after all, but the unicorn authors really stepped it up a notch. It’s good fun.
Yay for being 10 for 10 in November!! Also, I had written off this book long ago as I didn’t understand the concept and thought it sounded odd. Sounds interesting though, as do the stories, so maybe I’ll add it to my wish list. Glad to see you enjoyed it! And great review
It’s definitely one of the better fantasy/paranormal books I’ve read. Very amusing! I think you’d like it.
You know, I had no idea that this was a book or phenomenon. I must live under a rock. Anyway, sounds like fun!
But you hardly ever read YA! I wouldn’t have expected you to know!
This one is on my Xmas list this year!
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