Dead Real is an action-packed zombie book. It is filled with great drawings and doodles, so reading the book brings the same joy as reading books with illustrations for younger readers, but for a YA audience. We follow Nora, who wakes up to find herself and her family in a zombie apocalypse. She, her parents and her best friend Ruby need to make their way to safety before any of them get infected.
Dead Real is really funny and has a great queer romance. I love the relationship between Nora and Ruby as it develops throughout the book, especially when Nora starts to discover and accept who she is. The action and adventure in this book makes it impossible to put down. There’s so much tension and suspense while the characters just wait for the next zombies to attack or the next setback in their journey.
There’s a huge twist halfway that gives the reader a whole new perspective on the first half. Dead Real is great for anyone 13+ who likes zombie movies and YA adventure.
Sabine Narzisi, 16
Dead Real
Poppy T. Perry
Fox & Ink Books, 2025
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781916747432
