Charlie Higson Lets Children Play With Dead Things

To celebrate the publication of his new novel The Fear tomorrow (15 September 2011), best-selling children’s author, actor, comedian and creator of The Fast Show Charlie Higson has produced a chilling short film. The Fear is the third novel in Higson’s The Enemy series.

The opening of the film echoes The Shining, as a rotting adult zombie (with an uncanny resemblance to Charlie Higson) attempts to break into a room of terrified children. The zombie appears intent on eating the children but there is a surprising twist in the plot. The film is available to view online:



This is the latest in a series of cult trailers for Higson’s books. The first trailer featured Charlie Higson decaying into a Zombie. This was followed by The Scared Kid, made by the creators of Colin, a zombie film which hit the headlines for its £45 budget when it was shown at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. The Scared Kid is a viral video mirroring the plot of Higson’s second Zombie novel The Dead, where a terrified boy posts online a film of himself being attacked by adults. In the book this film goes on to be the most viewed clip on Youtube.

The Fear, Charlie Higson’s latest zombie novel, is published tomorrow. The new book begins five days before the end of the previous novel The Dead and ties all the pieces from the last two books into a huge, terrifying new chapter for The Enemy series.

Set in and around London, the books are set in a world where a mystery disease has broken out attacking everyone over the age of 14. Some survive but those that do face a more terrifying fate – they turn into hideous zombies with an insatiable appetite for human flesh. Children form gangs and attempt to survive in an unrecognisable world where there are dangers around every corner.

Random Reviews and Contest

Hah, we're having a bit of a Contest Party;D!

As I have been very remiss with posting reviews, I've decided to give you some of the titles I've recently read and enjoyed with a short and sweet review.

Here are some TEEN titles:

Un Lun Dun by Chine Mieville

I LOVE this book! It is one of the most imaginative books I have ever read. China has created a world with such incredible detail and the word games he plays throughout the story are just fabulous.

Great characters, great stories and fighting rubbish bins (Binja)! What more could you ask for?;D

This is the US cover and you can find some info on China here.

Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey

This debut by New Zealand author Karen Healey is FANTASTIC! She manges to mix Maori legends with ancient myths and well developed characters, taking you on a rollercoaster ride you won't foreget very quickly.

I am looking forward to her next book and her website is here.

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

This is the third instalment in the 'Darkest Powers' series, where Chloe and her freinds finally have to find out what kind of genetic manipulation they've been put through and who is behind it. Fast-paced action, great characters and twist and turns that make your head spin. Wonderful!

Kelley also writes the 'Women of Otherworld' series for adults and her website is here.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Sophie is a witch, but her random spellcasting keeps getting her into trouble until finally her estranged father, who she's never met, punishes her by sending her to Hex Hall. Surrounded by witches, werewolves, sorcerers and one vampire, Sophie is supposed to learn how to control her spells. Exactly!;)

Action, adventure, plenty of teen angst and rivalry as well as good looking sorcerers who may not be what Sophie thinks they are, make this a great read.

Rachel's website is here.

Rampant by Diana Peterfreund

Absolutely Amazing!

Bloodthirsty monster Unicorns (yes, the pink and sparkly horse with the horn every little girl adores) and a group of virgins, destined to hunt and kill them.

The charcters are great, you feel with them and hope they can find a solution to the problems they have to face and the author deftly deals with sensitive subjects.

Diana's website is here.

Moving on to a couple of ADULT books:

Changeless by Gail Carriger

OMG, I have been waiting for this book since finishing SOULLESS. And it is as good if not better than the first book.

Gail Carriger makes you laugh, bite you nails and scream at the book (I'll explain the last one in a second).

The imagination and worldbuilding is fantastic, the characters are hilarious and some of the dialogue had me in absolute stiches. If you enjoy steampunk action and witty dialougue that makes you laugh out loud, this series is for you.

I screamed at the book, because CHANGELESS leaves you with such a cliffhanger I wanted to throw it out of the window. I cannot wait for BLAMELESS coming in Sepetember.

Gail's website is here.

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

I am sure I don't have to say much about this FANTASTIC series. This is book 5 in the Mercedes Thompson shifter series and it totally lived up to all my expectations.

Well written characters, great action sequences and me reading through the night because I could not put the book down.

Patricia's website is here.

CONTEST

I have a proof copy of 'Guardian of the Dead' and 'Hex Hall' do give away.

1) All you have to do is comment below and tell me what Teen and adult books you've read recently that you really enjoyed.

2) The deadline is Friday 9th April 2010 at midnight my time, which is Estern Time and I will announce the winner on Saturday.

3) The contest is open worldwide.

4) I will pick two winners randomly and ask the first to chose the book he/she would like. Once I have the mailing address, I'll send them out. However, I will not chase either winner. You will have a week to respond and then I will draw a new winner.