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ZA
“There’s no right and wrong any more. Just living and dying.”
What do you do when your worst nightmares become reality? Dreams shattered in a heartbeat. Lifelong plans torn from your grasp. Is surviving the most you can wish for?
Get supplies. Stay hidden. If they come, run. Fast.
Zane Carlisle is thrust into a world of terror and extinction, but all he can think about is protecting the girl he loves and those she cares for. Without her, the world would be a grey, empty space where only the dead walk the streets.
But what if it’s not possible? What if you can’t escape? Do you keep fighting?
Or do you give in…?
What do you do when your worst nightmares become reality? Dreams shattered in a heartbeat. Lifelong plans torn from your grasp. Is surviving the most you can wish for?
Get supplies. Stay hidden. If they come, run. Fast.
Zane Carlisle is thrust into a world of terror and extinction, but all he can think about is protecting the girl he loves and those she cares for. Without her, the world would be a grey, empty space where only the dead walk the streets.
But what if it’s not possible? What if you can’t escape? Do you keep fighting?
Or do you give in…?
- GenresZombies
367 pages, Paperback
First published August 13, 2013
2 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Molly Looby
5 books67 followersYA Author. Adverb Slayer. ZA Ready.
Molly Looby is the author of many young adult fiction novels. Her zombie novel ZA was published in 2016 by Molten Publishing. She lives in sunny Essex, England and spends almost all of her time hunkered down at her desk with her imaginary friends. When not talking to the people in her head, she can be found singing too loud when she’s alone or getting frustrated at the PlayStation.
Achievements include an 800,000+ total NaNoWriMo word count, a Shakespeare Award for services to Literature created by her A’ level form tutor, and a Zombie Run medal.
She was shortlisted for the Sony Young Movellist of the Year Award 2013 and the Wicked Young Writers' Award 2015 and 2016.
Molly Looby is the author of many young adult fiction novels. Her zombie novel ZA was published in 2016 by Molten Publishing. She lives in sunny Essex, England and spends almost all of her time hunkered down at her desk with her imaginary friends. When not talking to the people in her head, she can be found singing too loud when she’s alone or getting frustrated at the PlayStation.
Achievements include an 800,000+ total NaNoWriMo word count, a Shakespeare Award for services to Literature created by her A’ level form tutor, and a Zombie Run medal.
She was shortlisted for the Sony Young Movellist of the Year Award 2013 and the Wicked Young Writers' Award 2015 and 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 4, 2016
Zane’s life isn’t too bad. He has the love of his life, Callie, a few great friends, and his totally awesome mother. When the residents of Brighton seafront begin to get bitey and not just for the Halloween party, Zane’s nice life begins to disintegrate. The zombie armageddon has begun.
This is one of the best pieces of zombie fiction I have read so far. Firstly, it is British and brit-wit is priceless but also; the author is brave enough to kill her characters making the story more authentic.
Zane’s character is likable and realistic; he makes a very average protagonist. This is good because although everyone loves a hero, the average teenager is easier to relate to. The zombies are particularly scary because they can run and Looby builds the tension as they are chased and then slows the pace while they are safe. The story flows nicely between scenes with plenty of introspection and angst.
As zombie fiction goes, this is a must read and most definitely not just for young adults. I’m also hoping it will turn into a series because there is plenty of potential for that.
This is one of the best pieces of zombie fiction I have read so far. Firstly, it is British and brit-wit is priceless but also; the author is brave enough to kill her characters making the story more authentic.
Zane’s character is likable and realistic; he makes a very average protagonist. This is good because although everyone loves a hero, the average teenager is easier to relate to. The zombies are particularly scary because they can run and Looby builds the tension as they are chased and then slows the pace while they are safe. The story flows nicely between scenes with plenty of introspection and angst.
As zombie fiction goes, this is a must read and most definitely not just for young adults. I’m also hoping it will turn into a series because there is plenty of potential for that.
November 18, 2016
Not gory enough for me but it is some time since I have been in the young adult age group. Good to see a healthy death rate amongst the main characters and a nice twist which nobody will expect. In such a predicament there will be those that kill and those that die. I hope I am in the kill group come the ZA.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
August 25, 2017
If I continue to enjoy reading zombie books like this I think I may have to change my opinion that “I don’t really like zombie books”. Because I liked this one a lot.
Before I even talk about the plot I have to mention this awesome cover! I really love the typography and Zane’s silhouette in the letter A. And the Zombie. Let’s just say I like everything about it.
The book itself started out a bit predictable but it still pulled me in from page one. Even though I was fairly certain of what was going to happen I couldn’t stop reading and after a while I had to admit that I had no clue how this book would end. The characters almost took turns making stupid mistakes that almost got them killed and I just had to continue reading and figure out who or if anyone at all would make it. And even though it’s frustrating to watch a character do something stupid, it was always realistic. None of them know what they are doing so it’s obvious that they’ll do something wrong every once in a while.
The characters and the great writing are what really made me keep reading this book. Everyone is fleshed out really well and I cared for all of them at the end. And because I cared about every one of them I had to know who would die or survive next. I especially liked Gemma, the best friend of Callie and Zane, the main character. She seems really strong and tough, especially compared to Callie but she’s also really vulnerable and scared which doesn’t take away from her toughness at all, if anything it makes it more impressive. Jay, Callie’s brother, really surprised me as well. He was a zombie enthusiast before everything happened and seemed to always know what to do. He also doesn’t hesitate to kill zombies and generally kept calm when everyone else was panicking, so I was really surprised when I realized that he is actually the youngest of the group.
There is also a lesbian couple that gets introduced which made me really happy to see. But even though there are some couples in this book, I was glad – and surprised – to see that it’s not focused on romance at all. Sure, it’s there, but it’s not a priority, surviving is.
The ending was left pretty much open, which I’m not exactly opposed to, I just now desperately need to know what happens next. I tried figuring out if there will be a sequel but I couldn’t find anything, so I think that’s probably it. But if the author decides to visit these characters and this story again someday, I’ll definitely read it.
Before I even talk about the plot I have to mention this awesome cover! I really love the typography and Zane’s silhouette in the letter A. And the Zombie. Let’s just say I like everything about it.
The book itself started out a bit predictable but it still pulled me in from page one. Even though I was fairly certain of what was going to happen I couldn’t stop reading and after a while I had to admit that I had no clue how this book would end. The characters almost took turns making stupid mistakes that almost got them killed and I just had to continue reading and figure out who or if anyone at all would make it. And even though it’s frustrating to watch a character do something stupid, it was always realistic. None of them know what they are doing so it’s obvious that they’ll do something wrong every once in a while.
The characters and the great writing are what really made me keep reading this book. Everyone is fleshed out really well and I cared for all of them at the end. And because I cared about every one of them I had to know who would die or survive next. I especially liked Gemma, the best friend of Callie and Zane, the main character. She seems really strong and tough, especially compared to Callie but she’s also really vulnerable and scared which doesn’t take away from her toughness at all, if anything it makes it more impressive. Jay, Callie’s brother, really surprised me as well. He was a zombie enthusiast before everything happened and seemed to always know what to do. He also doesn’t hesitate to kill zombies and generally kept calm when everyone else was panicking, so I was really surprised when I realized that he is actually the youngest of the group.
There is also a lesbian couple that gets introduced which made me really happy to see. But even though there are some couples in this book, I was glad – and surprised – to see that it’s not focused on romance at all. Sure, it’s there, but it’s not a priority, surviving is.
The ending was left pretty much open, which I’m not exactly opposed to, I just now desperately need to know what happens next. I tried figuring out if there will be a sequel but I couldn’t find anything, so I think that’s probably it. But if the author decides to visit these characters and this story again someday, I’ll definitely read it.
October 4, 2017
Zane is nearing the end of his teens. He should be preparing for the challenges that adulthood will bring him. Little does Zane know, the zombie apocalypse has arrived. Now, Zane and his loved ones face the ultimate challenge: the challenge to survive the ZA!
I loved this book! For a start, the author gets stuck straight into the action. We’re briefly introduced to a handful of characters, then bang, the zombie apocalypse thrusts them into action! It is here that we truly begin getting to know our lovely bunch of survivors.
This book contains a lot of dialogue, but the dialogue is so strong and fluid that it literally places the reader in the book. When reading, I actually felt like I was part of Zane’s group, surviving the ZA with him. Not only that, the dialogue helps to build up the characters, whom of which I must say, are very strong indeed. Gemma has to be my personal favourite!
At times this book had me, and when I say had me, I mean emotionally hit me right in the heart. Molly Looby really does write with raw emotion when she deals with the inevitable death of loved ones.
Despite the great care taken into building up the characters, this book is also very pacy, with plenty of zombie action as well as the odd twist or two!
This book will grip you. It will make you feel like you’re having to survive the zombie apocalypse too!
I will definitely be getting the sequel when it’s out!
I loved this book! For a start, the author gets stuck straight into the action. We’re briefly introduced to a handful of characters, then bang, the zombie apocalypse thrusts them into action! It is here that we truly begin getting to know our lovely bunch of survivors.
This book contains a lot of dialogue, but the dialogue is so strong and fluid that it literally places the reader in the book. When reading, I actually felt like I was part of Zane’s group, surviving the ZA with him. Not only that, the dialogue helps to build up the characters, whom of which I must say, are very strong indeed. Gemma has to be my personal favourite!
At times this book had me, and when I say had me, I mean emotionally hit me right in the heart. Molly Looby really does write with raw emotion when she deals with the inevitable death of loved ones.
Despite the great care taken into building up the characters, this book is also very pacy, with plenty of zombie action as well as the odd twist or two!
This book will grip you. It will make you feel like you’re having to survive the zombie apocalypse too!
I will definitely be getting the sequel when it’s out!
January 18, 2017
Excellent YA book. Many thanks to Molly for sending me a signed edition as part of my Goodreads giveaway. Never thought I would get into zombie books but this one and The Girl With All The Gifts have really sparked my interest. My wife is also going to use it in her teaching of special needs kids. She has also published a novel for YA and thought this was brilliant.
September 10, 2013
"ZA" is a well-written story told from the perspective of Zane Carlisle, a young British teenager who finds himself facing the challenges of fatherhood after his girlfriend Callie becomes pregnant. Getting teased and bullied by his schoolmates is one thing - enduring a mysterious plague that wipes out the children and infants of the country and results in a zombie Armageddon is quite another. Zane has abandonment issues, having been raised by his single mom after his dad took off before he was born. So Zane does everything he can not to abandon Callie, despite knowing that their growing infant will probably bring the virus into their shelter.
I think this was the most disturbing aspect of the book for me: the potential of an infected child in your belly. And not being able to do anything about it. Creepy. Thankfully this story arc did not pan out into a "Dawn of the Dead" zombie baby.
Overall, the book achieves a good balance between a coming-of-age story of Zane and the action-packed zombie fighting one expects from this type of literature. Recommended.
I think this was the most disturbing aspect of the book for me: the potential of an infected child in your belly. And not being able to do anything about it. Creepy. Thankfully this story arc did not pan out into a "Dawn of the Dead" zombie baby.
Overall, the book achieves a good balance between a coming-of-age story of Zane and the action-packed zombie fighting one expects from this type of literature. Recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2017
Thank you Goodreads for sending me this book. This is a young adult fiction book – a Zombie fiction book. It is action packed and has a fast pace to it. I thought the writing was excellent and you get completely drawn into the story, wanting to find out what happens next. I must admit, 5that as an older reader, reading a zombie book was not high on my list, but I thourohly enjoyed the read. Zane is a likeable character, very protective of his girlfriend because of his previous life. An enjoyable, pacey read.
June 30, 2017
This has now been re-written and re-worked and now it is full of fear and chaos and gore and worthy of a re-read by all those who bought the original Kindle edition!
ZA (the new and improved!) Coming to paperback and e-book 2016!
Are you ZA ready?
ZA (the new and improved!) Coming to paperback and e-book 2016!
Are you ZA ready?
June 24, 2015
This is one of the most entertaining zombie stories I have read.
It's well-written and has no problem keeping you turning the pages. It is also beautifully paced throughout and manages to pack a big emotional punch.
Highly recommended.
It's well-written and has no problem keeping you turning the pages. It is also beautifully paced throughout and manages to pack a big emotional punch.
Highly recommended.
April 3, 2017
Won the book through Goodreads. Good story & great characters, enjoyed the sequence of events of how the outbreak spreads & how each person deals with their emotions. Worth a read for zombie fans.
March 25, 2018
Great Zombie Apocalypse book about friendship, survival and death.
A group of friends are caught up in an outbreak of a zombie virus. They get home, hunker down and try to figure out how to survive. Eventually they are forced to leave in search for more resources, and have to try to get along with other survivors as they make their way to their next safehouse.
I loved the characters, the interplay between them, and the fact that the story doesn't focus overly much on the zombies and the outbreak itself. It's there and it's deadly - but who has time to figure out what's going, when you're busy trying to make it to tomorrow?
Recommended for any zombie fan.
A group of friends are caught up in an outbreak of a zombie virus. They get home, hunker down and try to figure out how to survive. Eventually they are forced to leave in search for more resources, and have to try to get along with other survivors as they make their way to their next safehouse.
I loved the characters, the interplay between them, and the fact that the story doesn't focus overly much on the zombies and the outbreak itself. It's there and it's deadly - but who has time to figure out what's going, when you're busy trying to make it to tomorrow?
Recommended for any zombie fan.
December 8, 2019
Zane Carlisle and his friends decide to attend a Zombie Crawl, but right in the middle of it, pandemonium breaks out as the Juvenile Meningitis vaccination has a negative side affect and starts turning people into actual zombies!
Zane and his friends are left dodging and fleeing from the infected, doing everything to keep themselves alive. But will they survive? Or are they just simply prolonging their inevitable fate?
I must admit, I typically do not care for zombie fic, as I am 100% a vamp lover and all other supernatural beings are second rate. HOWEVER, my kid recently talked me into watching The Walking Dead with him, so ZA seemed the perfect book to read.
Initially, I thought there was more telling, than showing, with an enormous amount of dialog instead of action scenes, but the story still worked out. It just simply took longer to get connected to the characters. But about 70% into the story, there was a major plot twist when Tom was introduced, and that would change Zane and his mothers life forever. That was the point where I really started rooting for the survival of this bunch, because if these three could not be together in the Old World, then they should at least have the chance in the New World during Zombie Armageddon.
The book did end suddenly with no resolution to the epidemic so I can only assume the author is planning a book 2.
Zane and his friends are left dodging and fleeing from the infected, doing everything to keep themselves alive. But will they survive? Or are they just simply prolonging their inevitable fate?
I must admit, I typically do not care for zombie fic, as I am 100% a vamp lover and all other supernatural beings are second rate. HOWEVER, my kid recently talked me into watching The Walking Dead with him, so ZA seemed the perfect book to read.
Initially, I thought there was more telling, than showing, with an enormous amount of dialog instead of action scenes, but the story still worked out. It just simply took longer to get connected to the characters. But about 70% into the story, there was a major plot twist when Tom was introduced, and that would change Zane and his mothers life forever. That was the point where I really started rooting for the survival of this bunch, because if these three could not be together in the Old World, then they should at least have the chance in the New World during Zombie Armageddon.
The book did end suddenly with no resolution to the epidemic so I can only assume the author is planning a book 2.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews