Review of Special Dead by Patrick Freivald

Special Dead by Patrick Freivald

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


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.



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