What do you think?
Rate this book
Zombicorns #2
The War for Banks Island
A sequel to John's 2010 p4a story "Zombicorns," "The War for Banks Island" takes place thirty years after the zombie apocalypse and is set primarily on a remote Canadian island where Mia has escaped and lives in a large city of surviving humans. But after years of stability, the Zs encroach.
48 pages, ebook
First published August 20, 2012
17 people are currently reading
7534 people want to read
About the author
John Green
82 books315k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John Green's first novel, Looking for Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award presented by the American Library Association. His second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His next novel, Paper Towns, is a New York Times bestseller and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best YA Mystery. In January 2012, his most recent novel, The Fault in Our Stars, was met with wide critical acclaim, unprecedented in Green's career. The praise included rave reviews in Time Magazine and The New York Times, on NPR, and from award-winning author Markus Zusak. The book also topped the New York Times Children's Paperback Bestseller list for several weeks. Green has also coauthored a book with David Levithan called Will Grayson, Will Grayson, published in 2010. The film rights for all his books, with the exception of Will Grayson Will Grayson, have been optioned to major Hollywood Studios.
In 2007, John and his brother Hank were the hosts of a popular internet blog, "Brotherhood 2.0," where they discussed their lives, books and current events every day for a year except for weekends and holidays. They still keep a video blog, now called "The Vlog Brothers," which can be found on the Nerdfighters website, or a direct link here.
John Green's first novel, Looking for Alaska, won the 2006 Michael L. Printz Award presented by the American Library Association. His second novel, An Abundance of Katherines, was a 2007 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. His next novel, Paper Towns, is a New York Times bestseller and won the Edgar Allen Poe Award for Best YA Mystery. In January 2012, his most recent novel, The Fault in Our Stars, was met with wide critical acclaim, unprecedented in Green's career. The praise included rave reviews in Time Magazine and The New York Times, on NPR, and from award-winning author Markus Zusak. The book also topped the New York Times Children's Paperback Bestseller list for several weeks. Green has also coauthored a book with David Levithan called Will Grayson, Will Grayson, published in 2010. The film rights for all his books, with the exception of Will Grayson Will Grayson, have been optioned to major Hollywood Studios.
In 2007, John and his brother Hank were the hosts of a popular internet blog, "Brotherhood 2.0," where they discussed their lives, books and current events every day for a year except for weekends and holidays. They still keep a video blog, now called "The Vlog Brothers," which can be found on the Nerdfighters website, or a direct link here.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
April 10, 2013
I am not a John Green fan. I have so many friends that are (15 that have given TFioS at least 4 stars), but...I don't like sappy sentimental crap, and I don't want to read books by someone who's constantly making girls cry. Blech.
So, anyway, last night I got this email from goodreads that said "Since you LOVED The Fault in our Stars, why not try..."
1. I have the pimpage emails turned off, so this was enough to send me into a frothy rage.
2. I have not READ that book, nor have I put it on my To Read shelf and now that goodreads thinks it knows me so well, I won't EVER be reading it.
3. I get childish like that when shit annoys me. This annoyed me.
So, after ranting to myself that I've never even READ a John Green book for half an hour, I remembered that I HAD read Zombicorns last year.
I guess I jumped the gun a little. But I didn't love it. It was okay, but it mostly just pissed me off because there weren't any zombie unicorns like the cover led me to believe.
First Zombies vs Unicorns tricked me by not having any ZOMBIES VS UNICORNS, then Zombicorns tricked me by not having any zombie unicorns. I'm still bitter.
BUT at least I remembered that going into The War for Banks Island, which is the sequel to Zombicorns.
No zombie unicorns? Check.
So, even though I know some people think I'm weird (yes, I totally snoop on conversations when someone links to my blog in a public forum, wouldn't you?) for harping on this, I don't think it would be too difficult for someone to cave and just GIVE ME THE ZOMBIE UNICORN BATTLES THAT I WANT.
[ahem]
What was I talking about?
Right, this book.
Well, it was just as not-so-special as its predecessor. I mean, it wasn't terrible - I actually kind of liked some parts of it, but I'm not going to complain too heavily since it was free.
The War for Banks Island takes place ~25 years after the events of Zombicorns. Humanity has been fighting the corn obsessed zombies for a quarter of a century, and has made some decent progress. There's a commune of sorts on Banks Island (it's way up in the NorthWest Territories, where it rarely makes it above freezing, even in the summer), with nary a zombie attack for a number of years.
Of course there's an attack on voting day. Of course there's a call to arms for all young people to try to reclaim the land that belongs to them. And of course the government is full of duplicitous asshats that don't actually care about their constituents as long as PROGRESS IS MADE.
So, yeah - it was all rather predictable. I'm glad it was free, and I'm glad it was short.
[shrug]
Also, I totally made a Zombie Unicorn magnet - I'm buying one for myself as soon as I finish writing this. If you want one for yourself, you can find them here.
Originally posted here.
So, anyway, last night I got this email from goodreads that said "Since you LOVED The Fault in our Stars, why not try..."
1. I have the pimpage emails turned off, so this was enough to send me into a frothy rage.
2. I have not READ that book, nor have I put it on my To Read shelf and now that goodreads thinks it knows me so well, I won't EVER be reading it.
3. I get childish like that when shit annoys me. This annoyed me.
So, after ranting to myself that I've never even READ a John Green book for half an hour, I remembered that I HAD read Zombicorns last year.
I guess I jumped the gun a little. But I didn't love it. It was okay, but it mostly just pissed me off because there weren't any zombie unicorns like the cover led me to believe.
First Zombies vs Unicorns tricked me by not having any ZOMBIES VS UNICORNS, then Zombicorns tricked me by not having any zombie unicorns. I'm still bitter.
BUT at least I remembered that going into The War for Banks Island, which is the sequel to Zombicorns.
No zombie unicorns? Check.
So, even though I know some people think I'm weird (yes, I totally snoop on conversations when someone links to my blog in a public forum, wouldn't you?) for harping on this, I don't think it would be too difficult for someone to cave and just GIVE ME THE ZOMBIE UNICORN BATTLES THAT I WANT.
[ahem]
What was I talking about?
Right, this book.
Well, it was just as not-so-special as its predecessor. I mean, it wasn't terrible - I actually kind of liked some parts of it, but I'm not going to complain too heavily since it was free.
The War for Banks Island takes place ~25 years after the events of Zombicorns. Humanity has been fighting the corn obsessed zombies for a quarter of a century, and has made some decent progress. There's a commune of sorts on Banks Island (it's way up in the NorthWest Territories, where it rarely makes it above freezing, even in the summer), with nary a zombie attack for a number of years.
Of course there's an attack on voting day. Of course there's a call to arms for all young people to try to reclaim the land that belongs to them. And of course the government is full of duplicitous asshats that don't actually care about their constituents as long as PROGRESS IS MADE.
So, yeah - it was all rather predictable. I'm glad it was free, and I'm glad it was short.
[shrug]
Also, I totally made a Zombie Unicorn magnet - I'm buying one for myself as soon as I finish writing this. If you want one for yourself, you can find them here.
Originally posted here.
January 2, 2015
Not as good as the first one, but no one can resist the sequel to a good book, when -
1. It's written by John Green,
2. It's about zombies, and
3. It's only 50 pages and 2 hours long.
1. It's written by John Green,
2. It's about zombies, and
3. It's only 50 pages and 2 hours long.
April 13, 2013
This is the second part of Green's novella Zombicorns. The story takes place years after the events of the first part. It's impressive how Green manages to create and develop quirky characters in a couple of pages. The book is short and the story is nice and the small plot twists are enjoyable. However, the ending was abrupt and weird.
Not as awesome as part one, but definitely worth giving a shot.
Not as awesome as part one, but definitely worth giving a shot.
August 3, 2016
Sequel to Zombicorns. Caroline's POV. The story was told by Caroline and her friends, surviving the zombie apocalypse. Her mom being the opposition and the only survivor who knows and understands the Z's. Caroline volunteered to fight the Z's and also survived being killed by them. This is definitely good but not as good as the first book tho.
August 31, 2017
Sequel of Zombicorns! The story is inside another generation, whereas it is based on Mia's daughter's point if view, who is Caroline Featherstone. Like the first book, it is also perfect and please please please write and publish part 3 already!
March 3, 2014
I love when traditional writers visit the literary slums of bizarro and alt-lit even for just a couple of books.
March 17, 2014
Rating:★★★★★
My Opinion Of This:I LOVED it!
Full Review Can Be Found:
http://myaddictionbooks.blogspot.com
Favorite Quotes:
"Suit yourself,” he said. “But before you go, quick question: Have you always wanted to marry a hero of the zombie wars?”
I rolled my eyes. “Abe, you’re like my brother.”
“Secondary question: Are you into incest?”
“Abe!”
He smirked. I hugged him and walked to class.
“That’s a nonrhetorical question, by the way. So many of those in the study of Z anatomy. Abraham, are you texting?”
Abe slid his phone back into his pocket. “Sorry, I just have so many lady suitors, Professor. It’s just… I never let it get in the way of my studies, but there are a lot of young women trying to get in contact with me throughout the day.”
Overall
The War For Banks Island was way better than Zombicorns.It was fast-paced,had good characters, the writing was good, and it was kinda funny at times.I really liked Abe and Caroline!
My Opinion Of This:I LOVED it!
Full Review Can Be Found:
http://myaddictionbooks.blogspot.com
Favorite Quotes:
"Suit yourself,” he said. “But before you go, quick question: Have you always wanted to marry a hero of the zombie wars?”
I rolled my eyes. “Abe, you’re like my brother.”
“Secondary question: Are you into incest?”
“Abe!”
He smirked. I hugged him and walked to class.
“That’s a nonrhetorical question, by the way. So many of those in the study of Z anatomy. Abraham, are you texting?”
Abe slid his phone back into his pocket. “Sorry, I just have so many lady suitors, Professor. It’s just… I never let it get in the way of my studies, but there are a lot of young women trying to get in contact with me throughout the day.”
Overall
The War For Banks Island was way better than Zombicorns.It was fast-paced,had good characters, the writing was good, and it was kinda funny at times.I really liked Abe and Caroline!
August 19, 2015
About Caroline(Daughter of Mia) who knew the danger of Z's but never experienced until one unexpected twist.
I was actually more pleased with this book rather than the first book.
John Green made a great job in making a short story so that it contains political, human cruelty, human's seeking power stuff.
Also for me the greatest aspect in this book was that u never know the danger from words you will only feel it if you only experience it. I felt like Caroline did not knew fully the danger of Z's, that may be proved by having a second generation Z as a pet.
But overall the story in this book id great and I enjoyed it very much.
I was actually more pleased with this book rather than the first book.
John Green made a great job in making a short story so that it contains political, human cruelty, human's seeking power stuff.
Also for me the greatest aspect in this book was that u never know the danger from words you will only feel it if you only experience it. I felt like Caroline did not knew fully the danger of Z's, that may be proved by having a second generation Z as a pet.
But overall the story in this book id great and I enjoyed it very much.
August 25, 2012
John Green is right: this is not a good book. It's a fun book, an entertaining book, and a good follow-up to Zombicorns, but it's not really high quality.
Still better than a lot of other zombie books out there, though.
Still better than a lot of other zombie books out there, though.
December 29, 2012
John Green continually amazes me. In a mere 26 pages he manages to introduce a fantastic heroine, create an epic problem, and reveal an unexpected twist. Loved this one even more than the first. More Zombicorns!!!
August 30, 2012
It definitely wasn't good. But it wasn't supposed to be. Getting anything in response to donating for the P4A is worth it.
It wasn't a good story, but it had a pretty solid ending.
It wasn't a good story, but it had a pretty solid ending.
June 12, 2013
Loved it. Ready for the next one. Such a good read as an editor I was barely bothered by a few typos.
September 24, 2014
I liked the sequal better, but that ending was too short-cut for me. Could have been more allthough I think I know what will happen. :)
August 16, 2017
Surprisingly good.
September 28, 2017
TL;DR Some parts of it were original, unique and insightful, others cliche and somewhat boring. Worth reading for the original parts.
SPOILER WARNING
SPOILER WARNING
SPOILER WARNING
Most of it was mediocre and not as good as the first one, however I really liked the ending.
(The reason the protagonist leaves for war felt were clunky and artificial though as there seemed no need for the mom to tell her anything)
Kudos for the shout out to Caroline but not the revelation that Caroline was killed, not just "died". Seemed realistic of the situation.
Also the protagonist realising how effective this zombie killing technique was and not going on a mad vendetta at it.
The fact that they ran back after was interesting since there is a chance they won't be safe once they return due to the secret they now know. But also, there are no other safe places on Earth.
Sequel might be interesting.
The mom felt very cliche though, I felt like we lost the original (and much more interesting) character of the first part.
SPOILER WARNING
SPOILER WARNING
SPOILER WARNING
Most of it was mediocre and not as good as the first one, however I really liked the ending.
(The reason the protagonist leaves for war felt were clunky and artificial though as there seemed no need for the mom to tell her anything)
Kudos for the shout out to Caroline but not the revelation that Caroline was killed, not just "died". Seemed realistic of the situation.
Also the protagonist realising how effective this zombie killing technique was and not going on a mad vendetta at it.
The fact that they ran back after was interesting since there is a chance they won't be safe once they return due to the secret they now know. But also, there are no other safe places on Earth.
Sequel might be interesting.
The mom felt very cliche though, I felt like we lost the original (and much more interesting) character of the first part.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2017
Its been a minute since Zombicorns, so it took me a bit to realize that Caroline's mother was the protagonist from the first book. I liked it, I wanted it to continue tbh even when I got to the last page. Maybe there will be a third book? I say this without ever reading any of John Green's other works as I'm really picky when it comes to YA (not my cup of tea) but I do like his short stories, go figure!
BTW I like that Leroy Jenkins survived the zombie apocalypse. It seems appropriate.
BTW I like that Leroy Jenkins survived the zombie apocalypse. It seems appropriate.
September 16, 2021
A short sequel to zombicorn and knowing there would be no zombified unicorns this time around I enjoyed it more. I can’t say if it was better than the first story as it’s been so long since I read it all I can remember is disappointment at the fact the main title promised me things that the subtitle told me was lies.
It’s 45 pages, I read it in less than an hour, it was worth the time it took.
It’s 45 pages, I read it in less than an hour, it was worth the time it took.
August 19, 2025
Not as good as the 1st, but also not too terrible.
I wish it had more too it I think.. I probably would have rather read from Mia's perspective as a middle aged mom at that point than her daughter. Especially since she named her Caroline, what she did to survive, how she passed on her survival to her children.
It just seemed to weaken the first one to me and that's okay. Was nice to read a quick novella and I will always enjoy John's writing!
I wish it had more too it I think.. I probably would have rather read from Mia's perspective as a middle aged mom at that point than her daughter. Especially since she named her Caroline, what she did to survive, how she passed on her survival to her children.
It just seemed to weaken the first one to me and that's okay. Was nice to read a quick novella and I will always enjoy John's writing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2025
I actually really enjoyed reading this one. Of course, it's not perfectly written and the plot has its deficits but still think that it's an interesting sequel to Zombicorns and one that has its moments. It's an entertaining story with some parallels to Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games which somehow made it more fun for me to read. I'm looking forward to the next Zombicorn story!
March 10, 2020
I didn't like this one quite as much as Zombicorns, but it was nice to find out what had happened to Mia and to see a bit of the evolution of the zombie's and how they might be able to fight them in the future.
January 27, 2018
No words, was just really good.
August 18, 2018
I honestly REALLY like these books! I wish there were more!
July 14, 2019
I feel like this maybe has the makings of a book ...
November 10, 2019
A good book but too short and unsatisfying
October 13, 2020
Just as good as Zombicorns.
Really mad that it left on a cliffhanger, but it's still so good!
Really mad that it left on a cliffhanger, but it's still so good!
December 22, 2022
3.25 stars. Good for what it is.
January 30, 2026
didn't like as much as the first but it was so very very nice to read a short action story after my last read. war is hell or whatever
August 3, 2015
Free e-book on Goodreads (thanks!), this is part 2 of the Zombicorns story. Didn't enjoy this as much as part 1.
A short story of a world infested with corn-loving zombies and humanity's fight against them, told from the first-person p.o.v. by an 18-old called Caroline, who is the daughter of the first book's protagonist Mia. As a zombie story, this wasn't a scary survival adventure, it's more a story about politics and war tactics in an apocalyptical setting.
A short story of a world infested with corn-loving zombies and humanity's fight against them, told from the first-person p.o.v. by an 18-old called Caroline, who is the daughter of the first book's protagonist Mia. As a zombie story, this wasn't a scary survival adventure, it's more a story about politics and war tactics in an apocalyptical setting.
March 1, 2025
A Disappointing Read
Unfortunately, The War for Banks Island did not live up to my expectations at all. The premise seemed interesting, with a story about conflict and survival, but the execution fell flat in nearly every area.
First, the pacing was all over the place. The story moved too slowly in parts, dragging on with unnecessary details, and then rushed through key moments that should have been more developed. The plot lacked depth, and the stakes didn’t feel real or urgent, which made it hard to stay engaged.
The characters were one-dimensional and didn’t evoke any emotional connection. I found it difficult to care about their fates or their struggles, as they were not well-rounded or relatable. The dialogue felt forced, and the lack of meaningful character development made the whole experience feel shallow.
Additionally, the writing was not as polished as I expected. There were awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions that pulled me out of the story. It felt like the book was trying too hard to be dramatic but ended up being tedious and overblown instead.
Overall, I found The War for Banks Island to be underwhelming and frustrating. It didn’t offer the engaging or thought-provoking story I was hoping for, and I wouldn’t recommend it to others. This one just didn’t work for me at all.
Unfortunately, The War for Banks Island did not live up to my expectations at all. The premise seemed interesting, with a story about conflict and survival, but the execution fell flat in nearly every area.
First, the pacing was all over the place. The story moved too slowly in parts, dragging on with unnecessary details, and then rushed through key moments that should have been more developed. The plot lacked depth, and the stakes didn’t feel real or urgent, which made it hard to stay engaged.
The characters were one-dimensional and didn’t evoke any emotional connection. I found it difficult to care about their fates or their struggles, as they were not well-rounded or relatable. The dialogue felt forced, and the lack of meaningful character development made the whole experience feel shallow.
Additionally, the writing was not as polished as I expected. There were awkward phrasing and repetitive descriptions that pulled me out of the story. It felt like the book was trying too hard to be dramatic but ended up being tedious and overblown instead.
Overall, I found The War for Banks Island to be underwhelming and frustrating. It didn’t offer the engaging or thought-provoking story I was hoping for, and I wouldn’t recommend it to others. This one just didn’t work for me at all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews