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marieintheraw's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly, if someone says zombie cats, you know I am probably already there. Really, just say cats and I am probably already there. Seriously, this reminded me of one of my favorite books from when I was a child in the best possible ways.
Overall, if you're into zombies, cats and want some fun art along the way, I recommend this one.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
Overall, if you're into zombies, cats and want some fun art along the way, I recommend this one.
I received an ecopy of this book via Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.
rkiladitis's review against another edition
4.0
This first book in a new middle grade series is a good one for kids who want to read something creepy, but not TOO scary. In a corporate town where everything is owned and run by YummCo Foods, a black cat escapes a lab. He's found by a girl named Mellie, who discovers the filthy, ragged cat in a dumpster and takes him home to nurse back to health. She names him Bert and decides that he's going to be the pet she's always wanted... but Berg wants blood. He has a taste for heads, in particular; after decapitating Mellie's stuffed animals, he heads out for less stuffy game. As cats would do, Mellie discovers Bert's version of sharing a meal with her, when she keeps finding headless birds and mice left for her. Mellie's best friend, Danny, is convinced the cat is a zombie, and readers will get the feeling that there's a lot more going on at YummCo than the oh-so-friendly representatives will let on. And Bert? Well, he can't really understand why Mellie isn't appreciating his gifts, he still feels something for the girl, but nothing can stop him from his mission: revenge and freeing the other animals in the lab.
I loved how this book built and built up the suspense, but it ended so abruptly, I had to check and make sure I wasn't reading an excerpt. It's a fast-paced read, and will definitely invest readers right away. The black and white sketches add to the moody atmosphere of the book, and the ending will leave everyone waiting for the sequel. Kara LaReau is the author of the Infamous Ratsos series, so she knows how to write for a younger audience and get things moving along quickly. Ryan Andrews illustrated another book I love, The Dollar Kids by Jennifer Richard Jacobson.
I loved how this book built and built up the suspense, but it ended so abruptly, I had to check and make sure I wasn't reading an excerpt. It's a fast-paced read, and will definitely invest readers right away. The black and white sketches add to the moody atmosphere of the book, and the ending will leave everyone waiting for the sequel. Kara LaReau is the author of the Infamous Ratsos series, so she knows how to write for a younger audience and get things moving along quickly. Ryan Andrews illustrated another book I love, The Dollar Kids by Jennifer Richard Jacobson.
ayshaheather's review against another edition
5.0
The rise of Zombert is a book about a cat named Bert and a girl that found him. I was an AMAZING book and a page turner that had me on the edge of my seat especially at the end with a cliff hanger.
Kaz Age 11
Kaz Age 11
nikkiv78's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great book to read to my niece and nephew and they enjoyed it immensely !! definitely looking forward to more from this author!
angiedkelly's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful middle grade mystery/spooky book. Definitely leaves you hanging at the end and wanting more!
git_r_read's review against another edition
5.0
I know this book is for middle school age readers, so maybe I channeled my middle school years...I enjoyed this book. It's told via different characters' voices and it's a bit grisly in places...zombie cats remember...but age-appropriate I reckon. The main character enjoys going to the library and feels neglected by her family since they adopted twin babies and discovered blogging family life to the exclusion of hot meals once they get the right light to photograph the food, it turns cold. Mellie finds Bert the cat and adopts him even though he is likely the ugliest cat with the worst breath in the world. Bert is something fo her to love.
Evil machinations from a town corporation, animal experimentation, family issues, middle school angst....It has it all...
I can definitely recommend this book.
Evil machinations from a town corporation, animal experimentation, family issues, middle school angst....It has it all...
I can definitely recommend this book.
annieb123's review against another edition
4.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Rise of ZomBert is a middle grade reader level series setup and backstory for the titular character (an escaped lab cat who may or may not have special powers) and the young girl (Mellie) and her friend (Danny) who encounter and sort-of-adopt the scruffy half dead feline. Due out 14th July 2020 from Candlewick Press, it's 144 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The narrative is at turns slightly creepy, but doesn't actually edge over into horror or supernatural goings-on. The characters are well rendered and the whole is quite readable and fun. It will be interesting to see how the story develops because, fair warning, it ends *very* abruptly. The art is wornderfully atmospheric and slightly gritty and suits the story very well.
I'll be looking forward to the following books. This would suit readers who have enjoyed Spiderwick, Lemony Snicket's books, or even E. Nesbitt. It's not derivative of any of those in any way, but it has a similar vibe.
Well written, perfect (non-intrusive) art. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Rise of ZomBert is a middle grade reader level series setup and backstory for the titular character (an escaped lab cat who may or may not have special powers) and the young girl (Mellie) and her friend (Danny) who encounter and sort-of-adopt the scruffy half dead feline. Due out 14th July 2020 from Candlewick Press, it's 144 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
The narrative is at turns slightly creepy, but doesn't actually edge over into horror or supernatural goings-on. The characters are well rendered and the whole is quite readable and fun. It will be interesting to see how the story develops because, fair warning, it ends *very* abruptly. The art is wornderfully atmospheric and slightly gritty and suits the story very well.
I'll be looking forward to the following books. This would suit readers who have enjoyed Spiderwick, Lemony Snicket's books, or even E. Nesbitt. It's not derivative of any of those in any way, but it has a similar vibe.
Well written, perfect (non-intrusive) art. Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
kirstycarson1's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
thedizzyreader's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The ZomBert Chronicles are just the right blend of mystery and slightly spooky for animal lovers! Told in parallel perspective. The three books in the series feel almost more like one longer book chopped into three slim stories; each book ends rather abruptly on a cliffhanger, and there's no time lapse in between. The main character Mellie is presumably illustrated as biracial (mom and Mellie have dark skin, dad and her twin siblings have light skin) but no reference is ever made to ethnicity or culture.