Zombie

the reviews

In a welcome break from the current trend in vampire romances, Ashby here offers a lighthearted skewering of the genre. High-school senior Mia inadvertently casts a spell that turns her entire senior class into flesh-eating zombies who believe that she is their especially tasty queen. Fortunately, the new kid at school, Chase, is actually an agent from the Department of Paranormal Containment, and it’s his job to make sure such things never come to pass. It takes four days for the spell to fully evolve, so Mia; her best friend, Candice; and Chase spend that time romping through truly funny predicaments while desperately seeking to reverse the spell. Ashby’s clever dialogue and familiarity with all things Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) combine to create a light and addictive tongue-in-cheek homage to both standard romance novels and all things Goth. Characterization is minimal, but that’s not what will keep readers turning pages; Ashby’s deft, light tone and appreciation for the confining rigidity of high-school class structure drive this predictable yet highly entertaining tale. — Debbie Carton - Booklist

Amanda Ashby's book, Zombie Queen of Newbury High, is filled with twists, turns and humor, sure to totally draw you in. I loved the fact that this read was more than your typical high school teen love story. If you're like me and can't get enough of books filled with mystery, suspense, with a dash of relatable relationship and friendship probs on the side, I def recommend picking up your own copy—you won't regret it! -Jami Katz GirlsLife.com Book Club

Mia is ecstatic. She is the "smart girl" who has finally been invited to the prom by the football team captain. But when she suspects that the cheerleading golden girl is making a move on her date, her insecurity gets the better of her, and she seeks refuge in the occult. A friend convinces her to purchase a "love spell" from a local "herbalist." Unfortunately, it is the wrong one, and she turns her entire school into flesh-eating zombies whose biggest craving is Mia. Enter Chase, a mild-mannered new kid who happens to work for the Department of Paranormal Containment; obviously, with Chase on the scene, the football captain is old news. Zombie Queen is light, fast-paced, and not particularly scary. Vaguely reminiscent of Men in Black , this book will quench the thirst of the Christopher Pike and R. L. Stine set.- School Library Journal Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL

Mia Everett only wants to go to the prom with hunky Rob Ziggerman and for the first time in her life, it looks as though Mia will get her man—except that Samantha is doing her darnedest to snag Rob for herself. So Mia does what any self respecting teen will do—she goes straight for a love potion. Of course she does not really believe in such things, but her best friend Candice is a bit of hypochondriac and frequents a suspiciously occult shop in an old plaza. It has the right ambiance and the proprietor promises the right results. But the spell begins a series of events that has Mia avoiding friends and hiding out in storage closets with strange newcomer Chase Miller—an undercover agent for the Department of Paranormal Containment. It seems that the spell was one which will turn the entire senior class into zombies, zombies wanting only Mia, for dinner. Even Candice finds Mia an irresistible morsel before Chase can propose an option to reverse the spell. While the novel adds to a growing interest in the zombie phenomenon, there is also something sweet (no pun intended) about the story line. Much like romance novels of old, this is really a story about the highs and lows of high school relationships; the paranormal is just a new twist on a familiar story line. Young adolescent girls will enjoy both the romance and the adventure of the story much as their mothers enjoyed the twists and turns at "Sweet Valley High." Children's Literature Reviewer: Janis Flint-Ferguson

Amanda Ashby writes a very entertaining and quick read about a teenage protagonist who has to fix the catastrophic problem she created - or else she'll never be able to enjoy the ball with Prince Charming. Many readers will be able to relate to Mia and her quirky ways, and others will simply fall in love with her witty humor. And if that doesn't work, there are always hunks Rob and Chase. ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH deserves the five stars. This is a very original story that isn't too far-fetched that teenage readers can't relate at all - it's the perfect mix of reality and imagination. 5 stars teensreadtoo

Zombie Queen of Newbury High is a delightfully fun, fresh, and funny read! Amanda Ashby creates a highly likeable heroine in Mia Everett, who, despite her best intentions, turns her classmates into zombies. And with prom quickly approaching, she must find a way to undo it before, well before she gets eaten! Never again will you look at prom, your classmates, or even zombies in quite the same way! ~ Alyson Noel, New York Times Bestselling author of Evermore

Zombie Queen of Newbury High is where popularity can turn you undead (with an unsettling appetite) and Prom will be a little dangerous this year. Amanda Ashby moves into the YA world with snapping prose and an entertaining high school mix of teen crushes, popularity drama, and a zombie squad. Zombies beware--you'll love to follow the twists and turns of this fresh and fun novel! Kelly Parra, author of Invisible Touch

"Zombie Queen of Newbury High is a delicious treat! Who knew zombies could be both fun and funny? It's Zombilicious!" -- Michelle Rowen, author of Bitten & Smitten

"ZOMBIE QUEEN OF NEWBURY HIGH is an engaging humorous middle school fantasy in which the story line never takes itself seriously to the delight of the young audience. The pre-zombie support cast is purposely hyperbole to exaggerate their personalities similar to the film Never Been Kissed. The heroic trio is fully developed with Mia as the affable unconfident teenager; Candice as the likable nutty sidekick; and Chase as the professional by the book zombie hunter. With a nod towards Buffy, fans will appreciate their breezy amusing tale of zombie homecoming king and queen." Harriet Klausner

"In this story "Men in Black" meet "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (or in this case "Zombie Slayer"). This tale will have you keeping an eye on everyone at your prom for fear they may think you smell like chicken. This is a stand-alone story and I have not heard that it is the beginning of a new series, but I sure hope it is. I would love to read more of Mia, Candice, Chase, and the DPC. There is so much potential with this plot line and cast of characters. Fun, witty, and full of action. Bring on a series!" Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

"...full of humor, romance and suspense, and her characters are well-developed and a joy to get to know. Five Stars."

Bitten By Books

"Feel-good, fun and utterly lovely - if you're a Buffy/Angel fan, or a zombie, or both, or neither, don't miss this one! Highly recommended." Chicklish

"It was like George Romero meets Sunnydale, or Shaun of the Dead goes to high school. It had the same type of dialogue one would expect from their favorite CW show, while incorporating some classic zombie movie moments. The characters were great, especially her best friend Candice....I would recommend this book to anyone. It's fun, compulsively readable, and pure escapism." Carrie's YA Bookshelf

"The book is quirky, loopy and hysterical...and it had an Amanda Ashby trademark, which is what I'll call a Moment of Reconciliation. Plus, none of the leading men or what you would expect at first. Both are very nicely done, elevating this book from Pure Fluff to Fluffy With Substance...This novel is perfect Saturday reading. Get it on Friday night, and you'll be done with it in time for brunch on Sunday. Highly recommended for those who enjoy fun, quirky books." Fantasy Debut

"Zombie Queen of Newbury High is a fun and quirky little novel by Amanda Ashby that combines the humorous awkwardness of high school dating and love with the fear of being eaten alive by zombies. In retrospect, these two things aren’t all that different." ZedWord