Zombies vs. Unicorns by Alaya Dawn Johnson, Carrie Ryan, Cassandra Clare, Diana Peterfreund, Garth Nix, Holly Black, Justine Larbalestier, Kathleen Duey, Libba Bray, Margo Lanagan, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Naomi Novik, Scott Westerfield Published by Simon and Schuster on September 21st 2010
Genres: Collections & Anthologies, Fantasy & Magic, Humorous Stories, Mythical Creatures, Short Stories, Young Adult, Zombie
Pages: 432
Format: eBook
Goodreads
It’s the epic battle of brains against manes. Which side are you on?It’s a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? This all-original anthology edited by Holly Black (Team Unicorn) and Justine Larbalestier (Team Zombie) makes strong arguments for both sides in the form of spectacular short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths—for good and evil—of unicorns, and half show the good (and really, really badass) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan. This anthology will have everyone asking: Team Zombie or Team Unicorn?
Lynn’s Review:
In the battle between zombies and unicorns, I am decidedly pro-zombies. I enjoyed more of the zombie stories than the unicorn stories. This surprised me, as I don’t usually go for “scary” stories. I definitely prefer my zombies with a side of romance and/or humor. One of the few zombie movies I’ve enjoyed is Shawn of the Dead.
Zombies vs Unicorns is a YA compilation that pits Team Zombie, lead by Justine Larbalestier, against Team Unicorn, lead by Holly Black. Here are the short stories that stood out – good and bad.
Team Zombie Winner: Love Will Tear Us Apart by Alaya Dawn Johnson. This is a sweet romance between a boy with brain-eating tendencies and the boy whose father is out to capture him. Nothing like a doomed romance to stir my heartstrings. Plus, Ms. Johnson uses music to bring these two characters together. Humor and romance at it’s best.
Team Zombie Loser: Prom Night by Libba Bray. I was all into this story and then it just stops. In the middle of a sentence. I guess the zombies attacked prom? Who knows? Not me.
Team Unicorn Winner: Princess Prettypants by Meg Cabot. This story was cute, clever, and funny. Liz receives a unicorn for her birthday from her wacky aunt, when all she really wants is a car. She also learns that the boy next door is the love of her life. Princess Prettypants has the best description:
Her hooves glimmered like Cinderella’s slippers. When she shifted her weight, they made a sound like the purest of bells ringing out on Easter Sunday. Every once in a while, she farted.
It sounded like a beautiful wind chime.
And smelled like a florist’s shop.
If you are looking for a “classic” unicorn story, look no further than this one.
Team Unicorn Loser: The Third Virgin by Kathleen Duey. My non-spoiler review is this quote:
“You’re not magical. You’re addicted to … terrible things.”
The unicorn in Ms. Duey’s story uses his magic to cure humans. But all magic comes with a price.
The unicorn sucks life from the humans to feed himself. Eww doesn’t even begin to cover the horrors in this story.
Overall, I enjoyed this compilation. I read stories from authors I always enjoy and discovered some new authors to check out! And maybe, I’ve learned that I can enjoy the zombie apocalypse.
I remember giving this one a shot ages ago and I never mad it through. I always find anthologies difficult to read!
Terri M. recently posted…Discover a New Book: The Vessel of Ra by Catherine Schaff-Stump
I can totally understand that, Terri. Some stories are winners and some are not.
I might have to check this out. I haven’t read much books with zombies and don’t remember reading any with unicorns. I tend to stick with vampires, werewolves, witches, and fae. Have a great weekend!
You SHOULD check this out, Jamie! Everyone needs some variety in their book creatures!