Dead City (1)

Let me state right up front that I don't get undead fiction. Neither zombie books, nor zombie movies, for the most part, have much appeal for me. With the exception of the book "World War Z" and the movies "Sean of the Dead" and "Zombieland," the whole genre leaves me cold (sorry for that).That said, I found James Ponti's "Dead City" a terrific read. Many people might say, "this is a great Zombie book," or "it is impressive for young adult fiction." I say it is a captivating read for any genre or age group.Ponti has a unique voice and an interesting turn of the mind. Just when you thought zombie fiction had reached its limit, "Dead City" shows we can still be surprised by cadaverous characters. My main complaint with zombie fiction is that zombies almost always have no ability to develop; no way for the reader to identify with them. I mean, they are animated corpses. What's to like? They might as well be a force of nature, like an avalanche or a plague (the common metaphor) for all of their character potential.Not Ponti's zombies.They come in three levels, with level ones not much different than "breathers," as they call the living. Level twos can still pass, but have no souls and are the evil geniuses and henchmen of the zombie world. Level threes? Pretty much what we have come to expect of zombies.Our heroes, a secret team of adolescents, must recognize that they aren't just the zombie version of Buffy and the Scooby Gang, slaying zombies willy-nilly. They also must respect the level ones' struggle just to get by as undead in a world teaming with the living. They protect the level ones, while still engaging in plenty of rock-em, sock-em action to rid New York City of the evil dead.Ponti's prose will engage and entertain you ("I'm no social butterfly, let's face it I'm not even a social caterpillar"). The book keeps your mind engaged, with plenty of puzzles the Omega Team of zombie hunters have developed to keep each other informed of the undead threat, plus a mystery involving a zombie conspiracy, hinting at a larger plan beyond brain eating (which by the way doesn't happen at all in the novel).I read the book in a single sitting and can't wait for the next installment. Whether or not you are a fan of the zombie genre this is a book anyone who enjoys a good read will appreciate.

Up until she meets Natalie, Grayson and Alex, Molly has no friends to speak of. She is a brainy, socially awkward 7th grader attending the Metropolitan Institute of Science & Technology (MIST). Molly helps out in the morgue where her mother worked before she died. Little does Molly know how much her world is about to change. Natalie and the others are Omegas, basically zombie police. Molly finds out the world is more complicated than she thought. New York City is full of zombies. But these aren't your typical zombie. There are three levels: Level 1's look and act just like us and they want to basically live normal lives; Level 2's look and act like us too but they have no soul and therefore no sense of right and wrong; Level 3's are more like the zombies you see in movies, they stay underground most of the time and can't really pass for human. After discovering all of this, Molly finds out that her mother was an Omega too and she prepared her for this work all her life. Molly doesn't always make the right choices, but she does try to do the right thing and the rest of the team stands behind her. The danger of Dead City (underground where the zombies live) is exciting and scary.The surprising twist ending has me dying to read the sequel.I really enjoyed this book. It manages to look at zombies in a new light. There are a lot of zombie books out there and I have read my fair share. And don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of the Walking Dead. But James Ponti has written a book that brings the zombies into a new light and makes them safe entertainment for middle graders.This book is great for fans of middle grade books. Many of the 4th & 5th graders at my school seem to really enjoy it. It's a great book with lots of action and suspense. It manages to be scary without being too blood and guts graphic (good for middle graders). I flew through this book in a few days and can't wait to read the next one.Recommended to:4th - 8th graders who are looking for a twist on the zombie genre.

I do not like zombies or anything horror related, but I had read and enjoyed a different series by this author and thought I would give this book a try since it’s the Halloween season. I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

I enjoyed this book so much. If your looking for another series to get sucked into, this is the book for you!

Great book. My 9yr Daughter was suppose to meet the author for winning young author in her school but it was canceled but she wanted to read as book by him and she loved it she read all the rest of his books also!

I am speaking as a teenager, and I can honestly say that this was the best book I have ever read. Not only was I turning the page, waiting in excitement for what was about to happen, but I was laughing out loud the entire time. The character of Molly is one of my favorites. She is truly unique in many ways, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching/reading her character develop throughout the story. Everything about this book is absolutely marvelous, and I would say this is a must for anyone who loves a great read. Hats off to James Ponti for a truly remarkable masterpiece that will be enjoyed by kids and adults alike!

Not only good entertainment , but a message of practicality of education in " Life or Un- Death ". The Bigelow girl's realization and appreciation of her deceased mother'sinsistance on learning should be an inspiration to any young student . There is a good blend of whimsy and "cliff - hanging" excitment. The auther has a detailed knowledgeof the NYC environs . Can't wait to see the "movie".

Loved the book, pulled me in the second I started to read .... also great ending to reveal 2 more books in the series :)