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The Enemy #6
The Hunted
The sickness struck everyone sixteen and older. First it twisted their minds; next it ravaged their bodies. Now the sickos roam the streets, crazed and hungry for young flesh.
Ella's friends had told her that the country would be safer than the city. They were wrong. Now they're dead and Ella's all alone--alone, that is, except for her silent rescuer, Scarface. But she doesn't even know if he's a kid or a grown-up.
Back in London, Ed is determined to find Ella and keep his promise to Small Sam that he will reunite sister and brother. But getting out of town has never been more dangerous. It seems that every sicko in the country is coming from all directions, almost as if they're being summoned to the capital. Will anything be able to stop the invading horde?
Ella's friends had told her that the country would be safer than the city. They were wrong. Now they're dead and Ella's all alone--alone, that is, except for her silent rescuer, Scarface. But she doesn't even know if he's a kid or a grown-up.
Back in London, Ed is determined to find Ella and keep his promise to Small Sam that he will reunite sister and brother. But getting out of town has never been more dangerous. It seems that every sicko in the country is coming from all directions, almost as if they're being summoned to the capital. Will anything be able to stop the invading horde?
480 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2014
162 people are currently reading
4914 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Higson
84 books1,511 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 303 reviews
September 22, 2019
Book six in the seven book series The Enemy where everyone over the age of 14 has turned into a zombie. Or have they? Book six really does turn everything on it's head.
I must say that having enjoyed all the books so far and having given them all four stars I did struggle with the first half of this book. The first fifty percent is focused on two characters and it was starting to bore me to be honest however the last fifty per cent got itself back on track. In hindsight I see that I needed the background information that this book provided at the beginning and because the second half was so good it still deserves its four shining stars.
So the plot is at its peak, the atmosphere is tense and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes together in the final book of this series.
I must say that having enjoyed all the books so far and having given them all four stars I did struggle with the first half of this book. The first fifty percent is focused on two characters and it was starting to bore me to be honest however the last fifty per cent got itself back on track. In hindsight I see that I needed the background information that this book provided at the beginning and because the second half was so good it still deserves its four shining stars.
So the plot is at its peak, the atmosphere is tense and I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes together in the final book of this series.
October 20, 2014
Ah, Higson. *hand over heart* I’ve missed you so. My beloved Enemy series delivers again! Another round of running, killing, hacking, and slashing that pulls on your heartstrings. :)
The Hunted brings us up to book six. Six! Soooo…. I’m not sure what’s left to say about my love for Charlie Higson. He is the man! He writes chills, gore, anger, banter, homesickness and death like no other. There is no BS or wasted words. The death is fast, gross and stunning. The pain and loss come in a blink of an eye! Boom! Hell even when you know its coming—you just can’t seem to get ahead of it. The sudden-ness takes my breath away. Numbness, grief, compassion and courage. This story and whole series is filled with smart, strong-willed kids that want to live. They make me proud one minute and disappoint me the next. *sigh* I adore them though.
Our story kicks off with Ed and a small band of kids heading out to the countryside to search for Ella, Small Sam’s sister. We follow Ed, Kyle, Lewis, Brooke, and more out of London for the first time since this sickness turned every adult over the age of 15 into hungry, crazy, ooey-gooey sickos or zombies. Story progression really wasn’t the main focus with this book in my opinion. It felt more like filling in pieces of a puzzle. We get out of the city--open fields, moon up above, trees, wild dogs, new kids and countryside sickos. The adults are on the move! Massing an army with London in their sights. Can Ed and the gang stay out of the way of the huge wave of sickos long enough to find Ella and get back to London in time? Before the attack hits?
Along with Ed’s mission, readers get to see Ella and her scarred hero. Scarface’s story is a heartbreaker, so hold tight to your heart. It will be in pieces by the end. It never fails to astonish me how rotten human beings (at any age) can be in times of fear. Scarface’s tale will make you question who the real monsters are. Us or the zombies?
One of my favorite parts of this series is how Mr. Higson squeezes messages between the action and gore. A writing style that puts the emotions and lessons out there without hitting you over the head with mushy, sentimental moments. These kids are 15 at the most and they sound like kids, but they also have experienced a lifetime of pain and death. I can hear and feel their overwhelming bone weary exhaustion and fear. Lewis so matter of factly thinking about what he had to do to his parents made me cringe and *shiver* in horror and sadness.
”Bits of me were healing, but bits of me were gone and wouldn’t ever be coming back.”
The will to survive is what jumped off the pages at me this visit. And HOW they survive. What these kids have done along the way is shocking and disgusting and brutal. Killing and slaughtering that could turn the strongest person numb or psychotic. But these kids keep going, moving and surviving. Up and fighting with their boots on. Running. Hiding. Protecting. Leading. Learning. Helping. Caring. Knowing when to fight. Knowing when to stand down. Living with death all around them. Forming new families. Achilleus and Paddy. Ollie and Lettie. Maxie and Blue. Surviving is one thing, but what will keep you alive? What will make you want to live?
“Bravery and stupidity are pretty close. And it’s easy to be brave if you’ve got nothing to live for.”
These voices always seem to wiggle their way into my heart. I remember these kids—from way back in book one. They feel so real to me. I remember them all—dead or alive. Maxie, The Kid, Sam, Ed, Bam, Jack, Blue, Dognut, Courtney, Brooke, Jordan, Shadowman, Ella, Mauve, Lewis, Arran, Akkie, Freaky, and more. So many kids! Higson gives them life on the page in their own style. The way they move and talk and show emotion. Posh kids and street kids mixing it up with geeks and freaks. They have to come together to survive.
Who will survive to fight another day? Will we see a cure? Why are the sickos banding together? And how--HOW will Higson end it all??!!! Gah! I can’t wait.
The end is near. The next book is the finale. I’m scared and sad and on the edge of my seat biting my nails.
This series is a must for zombie fans. Come on! Come meet the gang. :)
February 27, 2018
honestly at this point in a series it's hard to review books because, pretty much everything happening is a spoiler. EVERYTHING. You can read this old review of mine that sort of sums the series up
But to sum up: this is a series following a whole bunch of different kids living in the zombie apocalypse and it's so good. It's set in London and has kind of a non-linear time line and so each book sort of interconnects like a puzzle and it's so interesting. I've been trying to finish this series for ages and FINALLY I am here. One.More.Book.To.Go
This probably wasn't my favourite one just because it followed the characters I don't care about as much. But I still really enjoyed it, especially seeing all the new groups of kids. I thought the Ascot races situation was really interesting and so was the Windsor kids culture and set up. Also, I know the Arno spoiler AND I AM EXCITE.
The last part of this book was easily the best, it was so exciting. I did like how so many characters and events from the past were brought up. Seeing Malik, Go Girl and Sophie again was really cool. I also liked there were more plot reveals and a few exciting twists in this. Some things I did not expect to happen did AND THE CLIFFHANGER KILLS ME. But the first part and some sections in the middle were kind of slow.
Overall I'm really enjoying finishing up this series and I cannot wait to read the last book. These books definitely do have some issues - ie. some dodgy representation, use of ableist and homophobic slurs. But I still enjoy them for being fun, easy reads with some cool plotting and expansive worldbuilding in a dystopian
But to sum up: this is a series following a whole bunch of different kids living in the zombie apocalypse and it's so good. It's set in London and has kind of a non-linear time line and so each book sort of interconnects like a puzzle and it's so interesting. I've been trying to finish this series for ages and FINALLY I am here. One.More.Book.To.Go
This probably wasn't my favourite one just because it followed the characters I don't care about as much. But I still really enjoyed it, especially seeing all the new groups of kids. I thought the Ascot races situation was really interesting and so was the Windsor kids culture and set up. Also, I know the Arno spoiler AND I AM EXCITE.
The last part of this book was easily the best, it was so exciting. I did like how so many characters and events from the past were brought up. Seeing Malik, Go Girl and Sophie again was really cool. I also liked there were more plot reveals and a few exciting twists in this. Some things I did not expect to happen did AND THE CLIFFHANGER KILLS ME. But the first part and some sections in the middle were kind of slow.
Overall I'm really enjoying finishing up this series and I cannot wait to read the last book. These books definitely do have some issues - ie. some dodgy representation, use of ableist and homophobic slurs. But I still enjoy them for being fun, easy reads with some cool plotting and expansive worldbuilding in a dystopian
January 23, 2025
My favorite so far ...
after six books
... perfect!
How is that possible?!? 🤯
after six books
... perfect!
How is that possible?!? 🤯
May 25, 2015
*4.5 stars*
Wow. I read this in literally 2 days, and only 48 pages was read the first day. So I pretty much finished this book in a day. And I LOVED it.
The more I read this series, the more I realise I was wrong to rate it 3.5/4 stars the previous books. I think they should all be 4.5 stars. This entire series has grown on me so much, and I plan on maybe going back and rereading them all next year, before I read book 7. Depending, of course, WHEN book 7 (the last one *sob*) comes out. It was expected September this year, but there hasn't been much more information on that yet, so it may be longer. If it comes out on time, I'll read it straight away. If it's next year some time, then a series marathon reread will be in order I think.
Wow. I read this in literally 2 days, and only 48 pages was read the first day. So I pretty much finished this book in a day. And I LOVED it.
The more I read this series, the more I realise I was wrong to rate it 3.5/4 stars the previous books. I think they should all be 4.5 stars. This entire series has grown on me so much, and I plan on maybe going back and rereading them all next year, before I read book 7. Depending, of course, WHEN book 7 (the last one *sob*) comes out. It was expected September this year, but there hasn't been much more information on that yet, so it may be longer. If it comes out on time, I'll read it straight away. If it's next year some time, then a series marathon reread will be in order I think.
January 3, 2018
Oh my, the end is near. Aaaaaaah.
January 23, 2025
Whoa! 😳 What an ending! This series is awesome! Can’t wait to dive into book 7, the finale, soon! Five stars!
July 29, 2022
Trigger warnings: death, death of a friend, death of a child, zombies, gore, body horror
26/7/2022
Fast paced. Action packed. Full of disturbing moments. And utterly intriguing.
14/10/2016
Soooooo I started reading this on the bus stop at 6.25am. I read until I got off the tram at work at like 7.20am. I had two reading classes yesterday morning, so I read from like 10.00 until 10.28 and 11.20 to 11.45 - with regular interruptions to help kids find books or tell them to STFU. And somehow, I managed to read the entire 440 pages of this book in that time. WHAT EVEN AM I???
Anyway.
This was a return to form for me. Book 5 in particular was...kind of bizarre, but this one got right back into the action. It's definitely building towards a conclusion, but I really enjoyed how instead of bouncing around between all the different groups of kids, this basically focused on two. Instead of cutting back and forth all the time, we had a solid chunk of Ella's story, then a solid chunk of Ed and the others looking for Ella. It worked much better for me than I expected, given how used to the previous style of writing I was by this point.
So yeah. I was pleasantly surprised by this point, I sped through it, and I'm pretty damned excited to pick up the final book in the series and see what the end game is!
26/7/2022
Fast paced. Action packed. Full of disturbing moments. And utterly intriguing.
14/10/2016
Soooooo I started reading this on the bus stop at 6.25am. I read until I got off the tram at work at like 7.20am. I had two reading classes yesterday morning, so I read from like 10.00 until 10.28 and 11.20 to 11.45 - with regular interruptions to help kids find books or tell them to STFU. And somehow, I managed to read the entire 440 pages of this book in that time. WHAT EVEN AM I???
Anyway.
This was a return to form for me. Book 5 in particular was...kind of bizarre, but this one got right back into the action. It's definitely building towards a conclusion, but I really enjoyed how instead of bouncing around between all the different groups of kids, this basically focused on two. Instead of cutting back and forth all the time, we had a solid chunk of Ella's story, then a solid chunk of Ed and the others looking for Ella. It worked much better for me than I expected, given how used to the previous style of writing I was by this point.
So yeah. I was pleasantly surprised by this point, I sped through it, and I'm pretty damned excited to pick up the final book in the series and see what the end game is!
May 29, 2014
I had serious reservations about reading the latest instalment in The Enemy series after book 5. After reading The Hunted, I realised I had nothing to worry about; Charlie Higson is back on form. I loved this book from start to finish. My favourite parts where the bits with Ella. It was lovely to get an insight into her character, as she's mostly been a peripheral character in this series. The new characters that were introduced all felt key to the plot and were all fleshed out nicely. I don't really want to give too much way in my review, but what I will say, is that I loved this book and would highly recommend it to anyone that is reading the series. If you haven't started The Enemy series....why not?!
April 16, 2025
I have to admit, I was really unsure about this book for a long time and contemplated giving it three stars - the lowest I'd rated any of the books in the series so far.
It felt like we spent far too much of the book spending time with characters that we didn't care too strongly about. Ella felt like the side character is Sam's story, whilst Malik was a character we spent about 10 minutes with before his death kickstarted Ed's story. Half of this book was dedicated to the duo, and when they were in the rabbit hole hiding together, I was desperate for something else to happen.
When we moved back over to Ed's group, the joy was shortlived as they would once again be departing from everyone else in what felt like another delay to the main story - the army of sickos. Having now finished the book, I'm happy to say that I'd been won over enough with the games to just about bump the book up to a four star.
Malik's reunion with Ed and Henry, Ed's group finally finding Ella and their return to London with an army is setting up for a fantastic final entry into the series.
My only concern is that there are a fair few plot points that haven't been given any attention for some time, particularly with David and the diseased royals, and whatever Shadowman is up to. I hope the series finale is up to the high standards set by the rest of the series.
It felt like we spent far too much of the book spending time with characters that we didn't care too strongly about. Ella felt like the side character is Sam's story, whilst Malik was a character we spent about 10 minutes with before his death kickstarted Ed's story. Half of this book was dedicated to the duo, and when they were in the rabbit hole hiding together, I was desperate for something else to happen.
When we moved back over to Ed's group, the joy was shortlived as they would once again be departing from everyone else in what felt like another delay to the main story - the army of sickos. Having now finished the book, I'm happy to say that I'd been won over enough with the games to just about bump the book up to a four star.
Malik's reunion with Ed and Henry, Ed's group finally finding Ella and their return to London with an army is setting up for a fantastic final entry into the series.
My only concern is that there are a fair few plot points that haven't been given any attention for some time, particularly with David and the diseased royals, and whatever Shadowman is up to. I hope the series finale is up to the high standards set by the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2014
The Hunted by Charlie Higson is the sixth, and penultimate, novel in the exciting The Enemy Series. The story, which is set in London, follows the stories of survivors of a terrible plague that infected everyone over the age of fourteen. This plague ate away at the host's brain until only the most primitive instincts of mankind remained - to feed. The problem is that these infected people feeds on warm flesh. Yes, it might sound like every other zombie story ever written, but it's not. These people aren't dead. They're infected, but alive. Killing the infected (otherwise known as grown-ups or mothers, fathers and teenagers) isn't exactly rocket science. Still, in a dog-eat-dog world where you've barely hit puberty yet, killing a grown-up is not easy.
The Hunted follows the story of Ella, Sam's younger sister, who left London with her friends in search of greener pastures. Things quickly go awry for the party, but Ella gets saved by Scarface. An unusual friendship grows between Ella - who is just a kid - and Scarface - who is an enigma to the young girl - as they try to survive the hordes of grown-ups streaming into the city.
Ed - now fifteen - has taken Sam and Goatboy on as his wards, and promised to do everything he can to find Ella. But it's not an easy feat whatsoever.
What makes this book extremely exciting is the way that Charlie Higson captured the growth in these kids. They can't stay kids. It's impossible to remain innocent in times as dire as The Enemy Series explains. Yet, there is a definite naivety that has persisted. Basically, each book in this series is fantastic in showing that kids are much stronger and far more intelligent than they appear, even if they are quite savage from time to time.
The Hunted will definitely make fans of the series happy. I finished the book in one sitting and I was rather miffed when it ended, because I want more. All of these plot-lines from the previous books are bottle-necking into this extraordinary epic ending, and now I have to wait until 2015 to see how Ed and Sam and Ella and all the others survive this horrific new world. In other words, you absolutely have to get your hands on this series. It's, quite frankly, the perfect read for Halloween.
Review originally posted on:
The Hunted follows the story of Ella, Sam's younger sister, who left London with her friends in search of greener pastures. Things quickly go awry for the party, but Ella gets saved by Scarface. An unusual friendship grows between Ella - who is just a kid - and Scarface - who is an enigma to the young girl - as they try to survive the hordes of grown-ups streaming into the city.
Ed - now fifteen - has taken Sam and Goatboy on as his wards, and promised to do everything he can to find Ella. But it's not an easy feat whatsoever.
What makes this book extremely exciting is the way that Charlie Higson captured the growth in these kids. They can't stay kids. It's impossible to remain innocent in times as dire as The Enemy Series explains. Yet, there is a definite naivety that has persisted. Basically, each book in this series is fantastic in showing that kids are much stronger and far more intelligent than they appear, even if they are quite savage from time to time.
The Hunted will definitely make fans of the series happy. I finished the book in one sitting and I was rather miffed when it ended, because I want more. All of these plot-lines from the previous books are bottle-necking into this extraordinary epic ending, and now I have to wait until 2015 to see how Ed and Sam and Ella and all the others survive this horrific new world. In other words, you absolutely have to get your hands on this series. It's, quite frankly, the perfect read for Halloween.
Review originally posted on:
September 26, 2014
Good again but after 6 books the story is beginning to feel a little samey. At least book 7 is said to be the last. If I'm honest, I imagine the author could have told the whole story in 4 or 5 books and kept it a lot tighter without needlessly repetitive battles.
May 25, 2025
3.5
Świat zmierza ku ostatecznej bitwie w której dzieci zmierzą się z 'zakażonymi' dorosłymi
Doceniam że w końcu dostajemy informacje odnośnie wirusa i trochę mi to namieszało w głowię , bardzo się też boje co stanie się z moimi ulubionymi bohaterami ;/ końcówka też otwiera jedno ważne pytanie *spoiler* CZY SAM JEST KLUCZEM?
Nie mogę się doczekać ostatniego tomu i podsumowania serii.
Świat zmierza ku ostatecznej bitwie w której dzieci zmierzą się z 'zakażonymi' dorosłymi
Doceniam że w końcu dostajemy informacje odnośnie wirusa i trochę mi to namieszało w głowię , bardzo się też boje co stanie się z moimi ulubionymi bohaterami ;/ końcówka też otwiera jedno ważne pytanie *spoiler* CZY SAM JEST KLUCZEM?
Nie mogę się doczekać ostatniego tomu i podsumowania serii.
July 23, 2018
Not much to say really. I found it to be ok. Not much happened. Characterization on point.
August 14, 2025
MY FAV BOOK OH MY GOD!!!! Im so excited for the last one aghhhh!!!!
July 17, 2015
This is one of my favorite series.
It might seem a little strange, because there doesn't really seem to be a set pattern to how I rate these books - usually when rating a series, the books are a) the same rating, b) the ratings go up, or c) the ratings go down. With The Enemy series... book one was three stars, book two was five (and one of my favorite books of 2014), book three was four, book four was four point five, book five was another five, and now book six with four. And God am I excited to see how book seven plays out.
This book is kind of different from the others in the way that it's set up - the first part of this book follows Ella and her storyline, and the second part that follows Ed and his storyline (!!more awesome character development for this boy, I love him, I love him, I love him), and then there's a smaller, third part that sort of ties it all together. That made it sort of slow for me, to be honest. There wasn't that urgency the other books had, where they would hop around to all of these characters right at the dramatic parts and you'd be like WHAT? NO GO BACK!
That's not saying it wasn't enjoyable. I still really love these characters, especially Ed, who is kind of making the series one of my favorites, perhaps? He's just such a stellar character. He's developed so much from his first appearance and he just keeps developing and he is honestly one of my favorite characters of all time.
Overall, this was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it didn't disappoint! I'm excited for the last one, and
It might seem a little strange, because there doesn't really seem to be a set pattern to how I rate these books - usually when rating a series, the books are a) the same rating, b) the ratings go up, or c) the ratings go down. With The Enemy series... book one was three stars, book two was five (and one of my favorite books of 2014), book three was four, book four was four point five, book five was another five, and now book six with four. And God am I excited to see how book seven plays out.
This book is kind of different from the others in the way that it's set up - the first part of this book follows Ella and her storyline, and the second part that follows Ed and his storyline (!!more awesome character development for this boy, I love him, I love him, I love him), and then there's a smaller, third part that sort of ties it all together. That made it sort of slow for me, to be honest. There wasn't that urgency the other books had, where they would hop around to all of these characters right at the dramatic parts and you'd be like WHAT? NO GO BACK!
That's not saying it wasn't enjoyable. I still really love these characters, especially Ed, who is kind of making the series one of my favorites, perhaps? He's just such a stellar character. He's developed so much from his first appearance and he just keeps developing and he is honestly one of my favorite characters of all time.
Overall, this was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it didn't disappoint! I'm excited for the last one, and
October 18, 2014
A step up from the previous entry, but still has some of the same failings.
Essentially, this is a kids book, so it has a very childlike sensibility at times, and for me, this grates with the very real, graphic violence in the book.
I like the scenario that has been established, and for the first 100 pages this book really works well to further the story in the world that Higson has established. The story of Ella with The Hunter is excellently told and really engaging, but things take a turn for the worse when the ridiculous "Twisted Kids" from The Fallen make a re-appearance, and all of the silliness starts being introduced. Characters such as "The Golden Twins" just irritate. In a world where every adult is diseased and slaughtering kids, having such over the top characters seems just a bit too silly and the idea of The Races which dominates the final quarter of the book is straight from Walking Dead and not particularly feasible either. But there you go.
Not perfect, but certainly entertaining. I look forwards to seeing how the saga will end in the final seventh book, but not as much as I'm looking forwards to seeing Higson's other baby, Young Bond, get a new book under Steve Cole.
Essentially, this is a kids book, so it has a very childlike sensibility at times, and for me, this grates with the very real, graphic violence in the book.
I like the scenario that has been established, and for the first 100 pages this book really works well to further the story in the world that Higson has established. The story of Ella with The Hunter is excellently told and really engaging, but things take a turn for the worse when the ridiculous "Twisted Kids" from The Fallen make a re-appearance, and all of the silliness starts being introduced. Characters such as "The Golden Twins" just irritate. In a world where every adult is diseased and slaughtering kids, having such over the top characters seems just a bit too silly and the idea of The Races which dominates the final quarter of the book is straight from Walking Dead and not particularly feasible either. But there you go.
Not perfect, but certainly entertaining. I look forwards to seeing how the saga will end in the final seventh book, but not as much as I'm looking forwards to seeing Higson's other baby, Young Bond, get a new book under Steve Cole.
May 18, 2015
you don't even know where she's gone, do you? 'i'll find her.' you'll probably find her body... its sicko central out there.
i can't say this enough i cannot get enough of this book series i feel saddened every time i finish a book from this series now i have just finished the 6th book and it's sad to realize that the 7th book will be the last.
I was happy to see the Ella character get more of a bigger role in this book and i get to see more of an insight into the character who really hasn't done much in the series. There is one thing i can say about this character is that she has being very lucky but my love for my character has become stronger and i DO hope that she can finally get the reunion with sam that they have both being wanting.
Charlie brought in the older group in the nursing home, i was honestly shocked but also happy that the sickness was explained more and i finally know all i need to know about it.
Now the wait starts for the last book and i can honestly say the last book to me will be an all out war between the kids and the grown ups. i hope charlie ends this series on a high.
i can't say this enough i cannot get enough of this book series i feel saddened every time i finish a book from this series now i have just finished the 6th book and it's sad to realize that the 7th book will be the last.
I was happy to see the Ella character get more of a bigger role in this book and i get to see more of an insight into the character who really hasn't done much in the series. There is one thing i can say about this character is that she has being very lucky but my love for my character has become stronger and i DO hope that she can finally get the reunion with sam that they have both being wanting.
Charlie brought in the older group in the nursing home, i was honestly shocked but also happy that the sickness was explained more and i finally know all i need to know about it.
Now the wait starts for the last book and i can honestly say the last book to me will be an all out war between the kids and the grown ups. i hope charlie ends this series on a high.
December 7, 2015
This book was just so good. I loved the first half and I was so gobsmacked about the sicko looking after Ella. I couldn't believe the amount of times I was saying oh my god as a kid from another story arrived in this one. And what the hell was that ending?! I nearly cried and I have the last one on my knee ready to start the second I have finished writing this review
May 6, 2020
The fact they made Ella partner with a stranger in this book, made for such a fun dynamic because she was not a prisoner since she needed Scarface to protect her but in a way Scarface needed her to help her find his humanity again. By the end of it, it was thoroughly entertained and on the edge of my seat for the final book.
September 2, 2018
Book 6 takes a slightly different approach by way of variety, mostly following just one of the familiar cast of characters. The end sets the scene for the final book in the series, which I am eager to read (but at the same time I know it is the last one and don't want it to end!).
November 22, 2024
I love these books so much, can't wait for the last book which is going to be the 7th in the series. I haven't a bad word to say about them apart from getting sad their coming to an end!
This book I especially loved the return of Malik who is by far my favourite character, he is so strong willed and determined who cares if he's got a face like a Sicko? 🧟♂️
Trio, trey and mister three where also great characters, I love the twisted kids and the author explains everything so well and I can clearly define each character in my head 😀
I loved Maliks storytelling and Ella finally finding a "older brother" figure while Sam is still a distant memory to her, I can't wait for her to meet him in the next book.... (cliffhanger at the end as to if Sam is still alive following mister threes moment of madness expressing his worry that Sam is in danger..)
The colloseum tournament and games were a welcome suprise to the game showing that these kids can sometimes be "the enemy" themselves, I hope they stick together now that Ed has made a suggestion for them all to help him in London where the big sicko problem lies. I'm expecting even more gore, guts and sicko blood in the last book in the series.
Now I need to read the next book ASAP but at the same time I don't want this series to end? What do I do in this situation?! 😅🧟♂️🖤
This book I especially loved the return of Malik who is by far my favourite character, he is so strong willed and determined who cares if he's got a face like a Sicko? 🧟♂️
Trio, trey and mister three where also great characters, I love the twisted kids and the author explains everything so well and I can clearly define each character in my head 😀
I loved Maliks storytelling and Ella finally finding a "older brother" figure while Sam is still a distant memory to her, I can't wait for her to meet him in the next book.... (cliffhanger at the end as to if Sam is still alive following mister threes moment of madness expressing his worry that Sam is in danger..)
The colloseum tournament and games were a welcome suprise to the game showing that these kids can sometimes be "the enemy" themselves, I hope they stick together now that Ed has made a suggestion for them all to help him in London where the big sicko problem lies. I'm expecting even more gore, guts and sicko blood in the last book in the series.
Now I need to read the next book ASAP but at the same time I don't want this series to end? What do I do in this situation?! 😅🧟♂️🖤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2021
“It’s a ghastly world out there, beyond these walls. It seems that every generation leaves behind a mess for the next to clean up.” p. 453
I probably enjoyed this book the least in the series. The first half of the book focused on Ella and was as good as the rest of the series. The second half with Ed and company searching for Ella was not as captivating. I really really didn’t like how Brooke was portrayed. I was hoping for friendship with Maxie, but no, she literally becomes a bad trope. She’s reduced to a flirt, a tease. And her driving force is to follow Ed. No thank you. I would not venture out into danger with minimal fighting skills for a guy I kind of knew in the past. I think Higson just threw her into this crew to be the token female. I had so much hope for her as a character so this was disappointing. Ella, on the other hand, went through a whole spectrum of emotions. She felt so real. Vulnerable, yet hopeful. Depressed, yet trying. She meets a person who may be a monster on the outside but she learns to see them as so much more. At the end of the book there was a whole plot about The Races. I just wanted to rush through this part. The last couple of pages got me excited for the final book though. All the pieces are in place for a final confrontation between the kids and the enemy.
December 28, 2022
Now this. This is literature. One of the best books I've ever read and the last 100 pages or so are a freaking thrill ride. I don't blame the book after this for not being as good - the job of the last book is to wrap up all of the plot points whereas this books stayed in only 2 storylines. God I love all these characters though. Devastating that Ed isn't in enough of the End but ready for the ride.
April 10, 2023
probably my favourite out of the series tbh
January 26, 2025
Solid 4*
BEST. ONE. YET!!!
Can’t wait to see how it all comes together in book 7!! xx
BEST. ONE. YET!!!
Can’t wait to see how it all comes together in book 7!! xx
November 17, 2020
Another fast-paced zombie filled adventure. No annoying diary entries or focus on horrid characters in this one so very enjoyable.
A few lost friends are reunited, some new friends are made, some old friends are lost....life at a faster more violent, zombie filled pace.
This installment introduces some new groups of kids, some nice and some not so much. Finally we get out of London (but not very far at all, Slough isn't exactly countryside but I guess at least they didn't chose Staines which is only 6Miles/10km away) which introduces new challenges. We meet some adults who are not affected (the over 85s) and the kids try to learn as much from them about medicine/science as possible while they are still alive. Finally some kids value old people and the knowledge their years have provided.
The Races are also introduced as a cross between the Olympics with a lot less rules and old gladiatorial competitions. A smart kid decided they all needed a way to let off steam which resulted in less deaths than picking fights with each other or zombies.
Half can't wait for the finale but also have really enjoyed escaping to this world, which makes mine look pretty tame, dull and safe, and don't want the story to be over.
A few lost friends are reunited, some new friends are made, some old friends are lost....life at a faster more violent, zombie filled pace.
This installment introduces some new groups of kids, some nice and some not so much. Finally we get out of London (but not very far at all, Slough isn't exactly countryside but I guess at least they didn't chose Staines which is only 6Miles/10km away) which introduces new challenges. We meet some adults who are not affected (the over 85s) and the kids try to learn as much from them about medicine/science as possible while they are still alive. Finally some kids value old people and the knowledge their years have provided.
The Races are also introduced as a cross between the Olympics with a lot less rules and old gladiatorial competitions. A smart kid decided they all needed a way to let off steam which resulted in less deaths than picking fights with each other or zombies.
Half can't wait for the finale but also have really enjoyed escaping to this world, which makes mine look pretty tame, dull and safe, and don't want the story to be over.
January 23, 2025
Wow what a good story great pacing and such a good ending very glad to be reading this series
July 3, 2016
Maybe more like 3.5 stars, but I felt so emotionally involved toward the end of the book that I'm rounding up.
Here's a quick no-spoilers explanation of what this series is about, for those of you who haven't touched it but don't want to know what happens in the sixth installment:
Okay, now I'm moving forward to talk just about this book. Possible spoilers for books 1-5.
Most of the book focuses on Ella, who has survived the brutal sicko attack at the end of the previous book thanks to grown-up who appears to be different from the rest -- he seems to understand spoken language, seems to be interested in helping Ella, and fights off the other sickos. So, obviously, a big part of the book is going to be about this grown-up and why he's acting this way.
There's also some time spent with Ed, who is in charge of leading a rescue party for Ella and the rest of the kids who (stupidly) left to go live in the country. This section is all closer to the end of the book, so I won't say much about it.
The best things about this book for me were the foreshadowing, climax, and mysterious grown-up. So much to say, so many spoilers.
There was one main issue with the book, although this issue didn't interfere too much with my personal enjoyment of the story, and that's pacing. I'm used to the books in this series being structured in a certain way -- a few chapters in one location, a few chapters from a different location, sometimes even a third location with its own group of characters chiming in. Here, the entire first half of the book passed without leaving Ella's perspective. This was often frustrating, because, despite the fact that her story was interesting, I would have appreciated a subplot interspersed throughout her chapters. But Higson's storytelling is as engaging and urgent as always, so it's not a serious complaint.
It looks like there's just one book left in the series -- it will be interesting to see how everything wraps up. The pieces are now in motion so I can imagine a best case scenario for the ending; I just hope that my very favorite characters don't die along the way. (For the record, my favorite living characters are
Here's a quick no-spoilers explanation of what this series is about, for those of you who haven't touched it but don't want to know what happens in the sixth installment:
A strange new disease has quickly spread throughout the world, transforming every teenager and adult into a mindless zombie-like creature, motivated only by a need to kill and eat children. The series is set in London, following over a dozen characters as they try to escape the "grown-ups," fight kids from rival groups, and attempt to band together to survive. It's gory, fast-paced, and you're never quite convinced that your favorite character won't be the next to die.
Okay, now I'm moving forward to talk just about this book. Possible spoilers for books 1-5.
Most of the book focuses on Ella, who has survived the brutal sicko attack at the end of the previous book thanks to grown-up who appears to be different from the rest -- he seems to understand spoken language, seems to be interested in helping Ella, and fights off the other sickos. So, obviously, a big part of the book is going to be about this grown-up and why he's acting this way.
There's also some time spent with Ed, who is in charge of leading a rescue party for Ella and the rest of the kids who (stupidly) left to go live in the country. This section is all closer to the end of the book, so I won't say much about it.
The best things about this book for me were the foreshadowing, climax, and mysterious grown-up. So much to say, so many spoilers.
There was one main issue with the book, although this issue didn't interfere too much with my personal enjoyment of the story, and that's pacing. I'm used to the books in this series being structured in a certain way -- a few chapters in one location, a few chapters from a different location, sometimes even a third location with its own group of characters chiming in. Here, the entire first half of the book passed without leaving Ella's perspective. This was often frustrating, because, despite the fact that her story was interesting, I would have appreciated a subplot interspersed throughout her chapters. But Higson's storytelling is as engaging and urgent as always, so it's not a serious complaint.
It looks like there's just one book left in the series -- it will be interesting to see how everything wraps up. The pieces are now in motion so I can imagine a best case scenario for the ending; I just hope that my very favorite characters don't die along the way. (For the record, my favorite living characters are
November 1, 2014
This is the penultimate book in Charlie Higson's Enemy series, where all the adults of the world have contracted a mysterious sickness, making them effectively zombies, whilst the children seem to be immune and are now fighting for survival (and each other). After a dip in quality in The Fallen this one is the best book since the early days of the series.
For the first time the action is taken out of London, although admittedly not far out. A large chunk of the books shows us what happened to Ella, the sister of Small Sam, who left for the countryside of believing her brother to be dead. Like Small Sam's part of The Enemy this is really strong, a young child alone in a dark world. It really captures the voice of a young child who has seen more than they ought to have. Ella also meets a new character, one I quite liked and is unique.
We then see a group head out to the countryside in an attempt to find her. It's led by Ed and also contains Brooke, Kyle, Macca, Lewis and weird twisted kid(s) Trinity. There doesn't seem a huge amount of point to their story but it is decent enough. They are faced with more sickos than ever before as they seem to all be heading for London and we also see how some kids outside of the capital are doing as we meet groups from various local towns. For the most part this bit is simply pushing the story on to the final book but there's still some great character moments and zombie craziness.
There's an almost Hunger Games final part of the book which works well and makes perfect sense in this twisted world. I'm pleased too that Higson didn't focus on the supernatural elements much here, keeping it much more grounded in reality than the previous book.
Another enjoyable installment and I really intrigued about how Higson is going to end the series. It's rare that a zombie story really has much of an ending, yet alone a satisfactory one so fingers crossed Higson does a good job.
For the first time the action is taken out of London, although admittedly not far out. A large chunk of the books shows us what happened to Ella, the sister of Small Sam, who left for the countryside of believing her brother to be dead. Like Small Sam's part of The Enemy this is really strong, a young child alone in a dark world. It really captures the voice of a young child who has seen more than they ought to have. Ella also meets a new character, one I quite liked and is unique.
We then see a group head out to the countryside in an attempt to find her. It's led by Ed and also contains Brooke, Kyle, Macca, Lewis and weird twisted kid(s) Trinity. There doesn't seem a huge amount of point to their story but it is decent enough. They are faced with more sickos than ever before as they seem to all be heading for London and we also see how some kids outside of the capital are doing as we meet groups from various local towns. For the most part this bit is simply pushing the story on to the final book but there's still some great character moments and zombie craziness.
There's an almost Hunger Games final part of the book which works well and makes perfect sense in this twisted world. I'm pleased too that Higson didn't focus on the supernatural elements much here, keeping it much more grounded in reality than the previous book.
Another enjoyable installment and I really intrigued about how Higson is going to end the series. It's rare that a zombie story really has much of an ending, yet alone a satisfactory one so fingers crossed Higson does a good job.
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