A scare-laden road trip through an undead landscape, replete with laughs, shocks and an unexpected twist!
Feature image credit: Penguin Books Australia
Zombie Road is the second novel in the new young adult horror fiction series Dead Scary from the ever-elusive author, TJ Doom. Once again, a pair of pre-teens – 12-year-olds, Ace and Cassie – are at the centre of a terrifying event. This time it’s a zombie apocalypse, brought on by an eclipse. The big difference is these walking dead only come out at night.
Living in an isolated regional community, Ace works with his mum to make ends meet, since his dad left them years before for a new life in a new town. As the tale begins, Ace finds his best friend Cassie lying on the road. She desperately needs medical attention, as she is suffering from appendicitis, but nightfall is approaching and with it comes a next-level physical threat.
When the local medical option fails, Ace hits the road – aka ‘The Zombie Highway’ – to shuttle Cassie to the next town’s hospital, hoping to beat the deadline of the setting sun. Along the way he encounters road hazards, an undead bikie gang, and a less than helpful service station attendant.
This is only the second book in this new series, and TJ Doom, the stakes, and the scares have left its predecessor, Ghost Guitar, eating its dust. Zombie Road takes things to the next level. Be advised this is YA fiction, not child friendly fiction.
The descriptions and illustrations are next level, as well, with Nahum Ziersch, once again, providing visual fillers that enhance the story. Doom also ups his storyline prowess with several late in the game twists that make the tale soar. With only two books in the series, to date, TJ Doom will (hopefully) continue to up the ante with each new tale of terror.
Reviewed by Glen Christie
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: December 2025
RRP: $14.99
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