7 Rated Books Book Reviews Giveaways YA Appreciation Month 2010

Book Review & Giveaway: Zombies vs. Unicorns edited by Holly Black & Justine Larbalestier

Title: Zombies vs. Unicorns

Authors: Team Unicorn edited by Holly Black – Kathleen Duey, Meg Cabot, Garth Nix, Margo Lanagan, Naomi Novik & Diana Peterfreund; Team Zombie edited by Justine Larbalestier – Libba Bray, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, Carrie Ryan & Scott Westerfeld

Genre: Speculative Fiction, Young Adult

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (Simon & Schuster)
Publication Date: September 2010
Hardcover: 432 pages

It’s a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths–for good and evil–of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad-ass) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling teen 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?

Stand alone or series: Stand alone collection of short stories (although some stories fit in established universes for other series’ – i.e. Carrie Ryan, Diana Peterfreund)

How did I get this book: ARC at BookExpo America 2010

Why did I read this book: Did you SEE that author list? Although I’m not really a huge anthology fan or unicorn lover (Diana Peterfreund’s killer unicorns the exception), I am always down for a zombie collection. Not to mention, we got to meet the lovely Justine Larbalestier and Holly Black (as well as Scott Westerfeld and Diana Peterfreund) at BEA this year as they were signing galleys for Zombies vs. Unicorns. Put all that together, and there was no way I was going to miss out on reading this promising anthology.

Review:

An anthology is a tricky thing to put together – there are almost always a few gems, sparkling ever-so-brightly (not unlike a unicorn’s pretty, pretty sheen) and there are some stinkers (not unlike a zombie’s dessicated stench). The general trend of Zombies vs. Unicorns, I am happy to report, is toward the positive. While there were a couple of stories I could have done without, overall, I was entertained by and pleased with the quality of the stories in this collection. Mostly.

Here’s my take on each of the stories.

“The Highest Justice” by Garth Nix (Unicorn)

A strong start to the anthology, Garth Nix writes probably the best self-contained short story in the whole book. Featuring both a zombie AND a unicorn in the same story – on the same “side” too (I think this counts as breaking the rules) – “The Highest Justice” is a fantasy tale about a grieving young princess, her unfortunate (zombified) mother, poisoned at the hands of her treacherous father and his twisted lover. And there’s justice too. This one is a bit old school (Garth Nix is one of my favorite authors from childhood, and reading this new story reminded me of how much I love his style of fantasy and writing), and I mean that in the best way. A phenomenal start to the book – well done, editors, for beginning with this one.

Rating: 8 – Excellent

“Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Ayala Dawn Johnson (Zombie)

This short story, one of a surprising – refreshing! – many that feature a same-sex romance, is a frustrating mix of AWESOME and not-so-awesome for me. I loved the sardonic, mac-and-cheese loving voice of teen infected protagonist Grayson. The food comparisons alone are wonderful, and I loved the very real, astonishingly deep relationship portrayed between him and the delectable Jack. Lust, hate, revulsion, love all rolled into one complicated package of emotion, fueled by violence (and set to a killer soundtrack), the overall characterizations and direction of the story is brilliant. The ending line is EPIC. But, there were some stylistic choices that irritated the crap (brains?) out of me. The story is divided into different mini-chapters, alternating the realtime storyline with Grayson’s little asides about his past – and, for the most part, the little asides (in my opinion) were largely unnecessary, dragging down the irresistible momentum of the actual story. Plus, the cheese factor in the asides was high – the “Dirty Harry” chapter in particular, with cringe-worthy rules such as, “Use your brains! Or someone else will eat them for you” didn’t do anything for me, not really flowing well with the heavier, more dramatic tone of the story. But again, just my opinion. Overall, another winner.

Rating: 7 – Very Good

“Purity Test” by Naomi Novik (Unicorn)

I have had Naomi Novik on my shelf for a while now, but have yet to read her Temeraire books. As such, “Purity Test” was my first introduction to the author, and I was thrilled to finally try some of her work… but, unfortunately, this was one of the few duds (for me). Working the humor angle with a trapper-keeper unicorn on the hunt for a certain young woman, “Purity Test” as its title suggests plays on the bond between virginity and unicorns. Unfortunately, the dialogue felt kitschy, the jokes pretty bad, and the story (though well-executed), ultimately forgettable.

Rating: 5 – Meh

“Bougainvillea” by Carrie Ryan

My favorite story of the anthology. I adored The Forest of Hands and Teeth and thoroughly enjoyed The Dead-Tossed Waves, so I was thrilled to discover that “Bougainvillea” fits in the same universe, albeit at a much earlier time. Alternating between past and present (or “Then” and “Now”), “Bougainvillea” follows Iza, a young woman on the island of Curacao shortly after The Return. Daughter of a ruthless – but effective – leader, Iza struggles with her own sense of worth, her relationship with her father, the growing threat of pirates offshore, and the ever present Mudo surrounding them all. Iza’s is a beautifully crafted, bittersweet character arc (this is right in Ms. Ryan’s wheelhouse) and I loved it from beginning to end. Especially the end. “Bougainvillea” provides valuable insight to The Return and Mary and Gabry’s world in TFOHAT and TDTW, also provoking some interesting questions, too.

I would LOVE to see Iza’s journey continue in another story or book…whaddya say, Ms. Ryan? Pretty please?

Rating: 10 – Perfection

“A Thousand Flowers” by Margo Lanagan (Unicorn)

If “Purity Test” was kitschy and plays with the technicalities of virginity and its connection to unicorns, “A Thousand Flowers” takes that virginity connection and perverts and twists it beyond recognition. Ms. Lanagan is not one to shy away from gritty, less-palatable elements and she explores the darker, more complicated side of sexuality (this is the author of Tender Morsels we’re talking about, after all). Ms. Lanagan’s work might not be for everyone, certainly not for the faint of heart, but this is an author with a gift for storytelling as she interweaves magic and wonder together with the uglier side of human nature. Is “A Thousand Flowers” a little sensationalist and exploitative? Yes. But it also is an effective, brutal explication of female sexuality and “virtue.” I’m not really sure if I particularly liked this story, but it’s certainly thought-provoking and memorable, to say the least.

Rating: 7 – Very Good

“The Children of the Revolution” by Maureen Johnson (Zombie)

This story was my first exposure to Maureen Johnson’s writing – I’ve been dying to read something by her ever since her awesome keynote speech at Book Blogger Con earlier this year. Funny, charming, incredibly witty – these are the words I would use to describe the lovely Ms. Johnson. And, just as I hoped, “The Children of the Revolution” was similarly enchanting (well, you know, in a more slimy, guts and brains and raw sinew kind of zombie way). Following a college freshman duped into following her stoner boyfriend out to the UK for a study abroad program only to learn that said program is essentially slave labor and said boyfriend is a grade-A jackass, “The Children of the Revolution” also pokes fun at Hollywood celebrities and their penchant for truly insane religions. Little adorable toddler zombies. Sponge Bob. How could I not love this story? Ms. Johnson’s voice is wry, flippant, and totally winsome. I’ll be back to sample her other work, very soon.

Rating: 7 – Very Good

“The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn” by Diana Peterfreund (Unicorn)

This story, along with Ms. Ryan’s and Mr. Westerfeld’s, were my most highly anticipated stories of this collection, and I am happy to report that Diana Peterfreund once again delivers. “The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn” might sound like a playful, lighthearted title, this is a surprisingly moving story about a girl struggling with her terrifying new-found abilities, her family expectations, her relationships, and, of course, a baby killer unicorn. One of the longer stories in the bunch, “Baby Killer Unicorn” actually feels like more of a novella than a short story. I love that protagonist Wen is markedly different from the other female leads in this collection, and in fact from Ms. Peterfreund to date – she’s not as rough as Astrid (of Rampant) or as assured as Amy (of the Secret Society Girl books). Wen is quieter, religious (which stands out in a sea of usually agnostic/atheistic or religion-free genre stories), and confused – but when she does stand up for herself, it’s an awesome, empowering feeling.

While I loved the story overall, what didn’t quite work for me, however, was the question of time frame. First, the integration of unicorns into modern society sits strangely. In Rampant, the existence of unicorns isn’t really something people take as fact – but in this short story, a jump has been made where unicorns are commonly known of (they are on the news, for example) and universally feared. Also in terms of time frame, Flower/Flayer (titled killer baby unicorn)’s growth and Wen’s caring for him felt rushed and abrupt.

That said, this is one of the strongest unicorn pieces in the book, and one of the keeper memorable stories in the collection.

Rating: 7 – Very Good

“Innoculata” by Scott Westerfeld” (Zombie)

My second favorite story of the book, “Innoculata” proves to me, yet again, that Scott Westerfeld is the bees knees. Once zombies have taken over the planet and only a handful of humans remain in a basically safe enclosure, equipped with food, water and shelter, what else is there to do? “Innoculata” is a story about a rarely examined side effect of the zombie apocalypse: boredom. I love the idea of completely random inoculation (and the idea of the cowpox/smallpox explanation); I love the characters (a F/F pairing this time!); I love the idea of apocalypse survivors on a weed farm led by a former DEA raider; I love the action-packed awesomeness of it all.

Another gem of a self-contained story.

Rating: 9 – Damn Near Perfection

“Princess Prettypants” by Meg Cabot (Unicorn)

Ahh, Meg Cabot. How I loved this story – my favorite Team Unicorn entry of the whole bunch. “Princess Prettypants” (truly awesome name) pokes fun at the Lisa Frank type of unicorn:

On Liz’s seventeenth birthday, she gets an honest-to-goodness unicorn from her crazy Aunt – one that literally farts rainbows and is named “Princess Prettypants.” Seriously. What begins as the worst birthday ever turns into a sweet revenge tale, with the help of one really, really pretty unicorn. Hilarious, smart and just…cool, written with Meg Cabot’s trademark wit and verve, “Princess Prettypants” is absolutely delightful.

Rating: 8 – Excellent

“Cold Hands” by Cassandra Clare (Zombie)

Cassandra Clare’s take on zombies is slightly different than the usual “no room in Hell”/pathogen/demonic possession sort of deal – in this story, one town is plagued by a curse that brings deceased loved ones back to life as zombies. These aren’t the eat-your-brains types of zombies; rather, they are the forlorn undead that only want to be with their families and lovers. Because the undead will follow those loved ones wherever they go, no one from “Zombietown” (as Lychgate it is known to the rest of the world) is allowed to leave. That doesn’t bother Adele so much, however, because she has her true love, James, who also happens to be the next Duke of Lychgate, by her side. But when James is killed by his Uncle, their love is tested to its limits, as James returns to claim his place, and to be with Adele.

A solid entry, I liked how earnest and romantic this story was as both Adele and James are tragic characters. Although the time period felt a little oddly anachronistic (Dukes? Really?) and the overall story leaned towards the melodramatic, I finished the story feeling basically satisfied and entertained.

Rating: 6 – Good

“The Third Virgin” by Kathleen Duey (Unicorn)

I’m not going to lie, this story was a near DNFer (“Did Not Finish”). Maybe it’s because the story is so exposition-heavy, and almost entirely internalized for the majority of the tale, from the perspective of a unicorn. Most likely it’s because “The Third Virgin” is yet another unicorn story dealing with the unicorn-virginity connection – which is unfair to Ms. Duey and her story, because had this been placed earlier in the anthology, I probably would not have had such a hard time getting through it. I’ll schedule it for a reread later, but I simply could not get hooked with the slow moving plot, and the lackluster voice of the narrating character. At this point, I think I was a little unicorn’d out.

Rating: 5 – Meh

“Prom Night” by Libba Bray (Zombie)

Well, talk about going out with a bang. “Prom Night” is one of the more haunting stories in the collection, by virtue of that ending. I loved the moral quandary this particular story posed – which is something that none of the other entries attempted. Even though the world has turned into kill or be killed, eat or be eaten, what is the moral thing to do? Did the teens of “Prom Night” do a terrible thing by sending their infected parents beyond their walls? At what point does the veneer of civilization begin to wear thin?

Libba Bray’s closing is a fitting end for a pretty one-sided showdown. Sorry Team Unicorn – from where I’m sitting, Team Zombie is the clear victor.

Rating: 7 – Very Good

On the Introductions…

The book and each story are prefaced by quick exchanges between editors Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier – and while I enjoyed this quippy rapport, and the general idea of a zombie-unicorn throwdown, my only quibble is that after a while, these introductions felt a bit repetitive and the teeniest bit self-serving and silly. I’m absolutely certain that it was a blast to write and work on this collection together – but as a reader, the introductions seemed to be more fun for the authors than perhaps they will be to their audience.

That said, overall, Zombies vs. Unicorns is a solid anthology, and well worth checking out. I definitely recommend it – especially for the zombie or unicorn lover.

Overall Rating: 7 – Very Good

Reading Next: Dark Life by Kat Falls

Giveaway Details:

And would you look at that? We’ve got TWO copies of Zombies vs. Unicorns up for grabs. The contest is open to addresses in the US and Canada and will run until Saturday August 21 at 11:59pm (PST). ONLY ONE ENTRY PER PERSON – multiple entries from the same IP address will be disqualified. Entry is simple – just let us know which team floats your boat – zombies? Or Unicorns?

Good luck! We will announce the winner on Sunday in our weekly Smuggler Stash.

140 Comments

  • Eileen
    August 16, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Looks like a winner to me. I love anthologies; they’re great for carrying around to read on lines. 🙂

  • Eileen
    August 16, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Oops! I’m a unicorn fan. The old-fashioned, composite creature kind.

  • heather
    August 16, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    i’ve always been a sucker for unicorns – but, not like the girl in “dodgeball” or anything. 🙂

  • Page (One Book At A Time)
    August 16, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    I think I may have just changed my mind on reading this! It sounds interesting.
    I lean towards team Unicorn. Although, I love a good zombie story!

  • Lindsay Elizabeth
    August 16, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    I’ve never been much of a zombies person, though Feed by Mira Grant is awesome. I think my epic love of Diana Peterfreud will have to win out. Team Unicorn!

  • Autumn
    August 16, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    I think I’d have to lean toward Team Unicorn myself. I’m kind of tired of all the Zombies.

  • Rose Lerner
    August 16, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    I’ve had my eye on this one for a while! ::crosses fingers:: And you should definitely still try the Temeraire books, I think you’ll love them.

    I am going to have to go with unicorns–I am pretty sure they could slice a zombie’s head open with their horns EASY, before the zombie got close enough to bite..

  • Brittany Landgrebe
    August 16, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    I’m TEAM UNICORN ALL THE WAY. Well, more like TEAM ASTRID, but I think here that translates to UNICORN.

    I will concede to SOME awsum in the zombie camp. But NOT ENOUGH.

    >:D

  • Emily
    August 16, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    Hmmm… I love reading zombie books, but I’m always more interested in the human characters than the zombies themselves. And also, since it’s been so long since I’ve had anything had to do with unicorns, I’m not all unicorn’d out.

    Unicorns!!!

  • Jacqueline C.
    August 16, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    Defintely Unicorns! I’m sick of zombies…

  • Kaitlyn in Bookland
    August 16, 2010 at 4:29 pm

    Team Unicorn!

    kaitlynkline[at]gmail[dot]com

  • brit
    August 16, 2010 at 4:37 pm

    While my entire family is firmly TEAM ZOMBIE (we have zombie preparedness days, you know for the kids) I am stoked to read about any unicorn with a name like Princess Prettypants.

  • Lashawn J.
    August 16, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    I’m going with Unicorns!
    -LaShawn

  • Carrie
    August 16, 2010 at 5:19 pm

    I’m on TEAM UNICORN! I can’t wait to read this book:)

  • Shveta Thakrar
    August 16, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    *sigh* I’m still all for zombie unicorns, but if I have to pick, then I guess unicorn. No, zombie. No, unicorn!

    Aughh, I don’t know. 😛 I’ll say “unicorn” for now.

  • Nicole Downing
    August 16, 2010 at 5:25 pm

    Team Zombie

  • Ariana A.
    August 16, 2010 at 5:29 pm

    Team Zombie all the way. What’s not to love about cannibalistic cadavers?

  • Chelsea B.
    August 16, 2010 at 5:31 pm

    Team Zombie! They don’t get enough love.

  • Victoria Zumbrum
    August 16, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    I love unicorns. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

  • adrienne
    August 16, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    After the princess prettypants I have to say unicorn.
    .that name is funny!

  • Jenn C.
    August 16, 2010 at 5:52 pm

    I’m probably team unicorn, as long as it’s done well. Not so sure about Zombies, but given the authors involved, I’m willing to give it a try.

  • Pamela B.
    August 16, 2010 at 5:58 pm

    Team Zombie. Although I am not a hit team unicorn in the face kinda girl.

  • Kailia Sage
    August 16, 2010 at 5:59 pm

    Team Unicorn!

  • Jasmine A S
    August 16, 2010 at 6:03 pm

    I like my side to be able to still form coherent arguments- so unicorns. All the way. 😀

  • Caitlin George
    August 16, 2010 at 6:08 pm

    Team Zombie all the way!! I LOVE Carrie Ryan’s stories!! 😀

  • Melanie L
    August 16, 2010 at 6:16 pm

    Team unicorn!

  • MarieC
    August 16, 2010 at 6:26 pm

    Unicorn all the way!!!

  • Kelly H.
    August 16, 2010 at 6:41 pm

    Team ZOMBIE!!! Unicorns are only fun if they’re the killer kind. 😉 Thanks for hosting the contest ladies!

  • Sara M
    August 16, 2010 at 6:47 pm

    I’m team Unicorn, but only if they’re poisonous. :mrgreen:

  • danielle
    August 16, 2010 at 6:50 pm

    unicorns. quick, sharp and sparkly. what do zombies do? whine and shuffle around? my mother does that.

  • Callidiscope
    August 16, 2010 at 7:04 pm

    Team Unicorns. Zombies are way overdone nowadays, and besides, you can potentially ride Unicorns without risking being eaten! 😛

  • kemendraugh
    August 16, 2010 at 7:08 pm

    Dead is just not as cool as it seems.
    besides, unicorns have SUPER DEADLY HORNS OF DOOM.

    Team Unicorn ^_^

  • Renae Hipple
    August 16, 2010 at 7:45 pm

    ZOMBIES, FTW.
    🙂

  • Alceste
    August 16, 2010 at 8:31 pm

    Id have to say, most of my usual authors are definitely on the zombie side, though I am sure Mrs. Cabot’s pretty pants is delightful!!!!

    Team Zombie!!!

  • Miss Marjie
    August 16, 2010 at 8:42 pm

    Zombieeeez!

  • Stephanie K.
    August 16, 2010 at 8:53 pm

    I’m going with zombies.

  • Tiffany M.
    August 16, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    Team Unicorn!!!

  • vvb
    August 16, 2010 at 10:06 pm

    team ZOMBIE, oh yeah!

  • babysaffron
    August 16, 2010 at 10:10 pm

    TEAM ZOMBIE….for a change. 😀

  • Rebecca
    August 16, 2010 at 10:57 pm

    I have to say Team Unicorn!

  • Cindy
    August 17, 2010 at 12:01 am

    Thank you for that review ! I was most interested to know your opinion about that anthology. Just have to say that since I’m a huge fan of the Temeraire series, please do not stay on these first impressions 😉

  • Kimberly B.
    August 17, 2010 at 12:02 am

    Team Unicorn, but only if they’re sinister ones like in Peterfreund’s series!
    Thanks for the great giveaway!

  • Lenore
    August 17, 2010 at 2:22 am

    I don’t usually enter contests, but I missed getting this book at BEA and I REALLY want it. I am on team Killer Unicorn!

  • Ashley
    August 17, 2010 at 3:12 am

    I am on Team Unicorn, but the zombie stories sound good here.

  • Mrs. DeRaps
    August 17, 2010 at 3:44 am

    TEAM ZOMBIE…Much more gritty and bada$$…Lots of tension and violence and opportunities for a crazy plot. I’ll read about unicorns, but gimme the UNDEAD!

  • Brooke
    August 17, 2010 at 4:24 am

    I’m Team Unicorn. I’m a little too scared of zombies.

  • Diana Peterfreund Blog | Zombies vs. Unicorns Blog Review Round-Up
    August 17, 2010 at 4:42 am

    […] “I am happy to report that Diana Peterfreund once again delivers. “The Care and Feeding of Your Baby Killer Unicorn” might sound like a playful, lighthearted title, this is a surprisingly moving story about a girl struggling with her terrifying new-found abilities, her family expectations, her relationships, and, of course, a baby killer unicorn. One of the longer stories in the bunch, “Baby Killer Unicorn” actually feels like more of a novella than a short story. I love that protagonist Wen is markedly different from the other female leads in this collection, and in fact from Ms. Peterfreund to date – she’s not as rough as Astrid (of Rampant) or as assured as Amy (of the Secret Society Girl books). Wen is quieter, religious (which stands out in a sea of usually agnostic/atheistic or religion-free genre stories), and confused – but when she does stand up for herself, it’s an awesome, empowering feeling.” — Thea of The Booksmugglers […]

  • Etta
    August 17, 2010 at 5:31 am

    As a child, I would have definitely been Team Unicorn, but these days, I’m Team Zombie.

  • Katie
    August 17, 2010 at 5:42 am

    I wouldn’t last two seconds in a zombie apocalypse, so Team Unicorn.

  • Arhcadia
    August 17, 2010 at 6:19 am

    so excited that this is finally out. what a fab crew of authors – can’t wait to read it.

    mmm, so hard to decide. can i vote for zombie unicorn?!

  • celi.a
    August 17, 2010 at 6:21 am

    Team Zombie! I was never really attracted to unicorns, anyway, but the zombie stories are totally awesome.

  • Natasha M. Heck
    August 17, 2010 at 6:23 am

    Zombies are a more recent “passion” of mine, but unicorns will always be the one dearest to my heart. The first real story I wrote was centered around a unicorn. I wrote about it mostly because of Sue Dawe’s incredible art (and now happens to be a close friend of mine). That unicorn art helped along the course of my life.

    Go Team Unicorn!

  • Sandy G
    August 17, 2010 at 6:40 am

    I’ve liked unicorns ever since I read The Last Unicorn by Peter S Beagle.

  • Nicola
    August 17, 2010 at 7:48 am

    Soooo hard to choose. Solomon didn’t have it this hard. Child me loved the pwetty horse creatures (Rainbow Brite and My Little Ponies were faves) but adult me likes the dark side–anything apocalyptic or dystopic and I’m there. But I lurve Meg Cabot and Diana Peterfreund, so I’m going to have to go Team Unicorn for the win. Thanks for the comprehensive review, Smugglers.

  • Tina
    August 17, 2010 at 7:57 am

    Awesome review. 😀 I can’t wait to get my hands on this.

    Team Zombie or Team Unicorn? Hm. I love zombies but I think unicorns will win. Of course, if there are ZOMBIE UNICORNS…that’s another story. 😯

  • Jen
    August 17, 2010 at 8:11 am

    Always zombies.

  • Mollie
    August 17, 2010 at 8:14 am

    I used to have an obsession with unicors so I’d say unicorns. I LOVED the movie Legend with Tom Cruise, I LOVED the unicorn. Even though I now love all the zombie movies, I’m going to stick with Team Unicorn!

    bookfaredelights[at]gmail[dot]com

  • John
    August 17, 2010 at 8:39 am

    Ah – I think this has shot up the TBR. Don’t bother entering me in the contest; I already have a copy. But I’m team unicorn all the way, and I’m interested in seeing where things are different with that. Meg Cabot’s story is the one I was anticipating the most, so I’m glad it stands up well. ^.^ I should also say I think team zombie got some of the better authors (in my opinion) that could have written some killer (maybe literally?) unicorns.

  • Judy
    August 17, 2010 at 8:45 am

    Personally, I have to go for unicorns. However, having raised three zombie-loving sons (who rate buildings based on their ability to withstand a zombie attack), I have a strange affection for zombies . . .

  • Carllee
    August 17, 2010 at 9:10 am

    TEAM UNICORN – I side with Garth Nix always 😀

  • Tran
    August 17, 2010 at 9:16 am

    TEAM ZOMBIES!!

  • Bookworm134
    August 17, 2010 at 9:18 am

    I am going to have to say TEAM ZOMBIE! I don’t know what it is about zombies but they just make me happy:)

    Thanks for the great contest!

    cgschroder{}gmail{}com

  • Jenny
    August 17, 2010 at 9:23 am

    TEAM ZOMBIE FTW! 😀

  • Su
    August 17, 2010 at 9:32 am

    Unicorns can become zombies, but zombies can’t become unicorns! Advantage, unicorns.

  • Sophie
    August 17, 2010 at 9:38 am

    Team Unicorn!! I can hardly wait to read some of these stories!! They look so good!!

    Thank you for the contest!!

  • Kate A
    August 17, 2010 at 9:47 am

    Team Unicorn! 😀

  • Kaethe
    August 17, 2010 at 10:19 am

    Zombies!

  • Media Books
    August 17, 2010 at 10:21 am

    I think I’d have to go for the unicorns!

  • Alexa
    August 17, 2010 at 11:37 am

    Unicorns! Especially the killer ones 🙂

    Thanks for the contest and the review. The book sounds as good as I’d hoped.

  • Madeleine
    August 17, 2010 at 11:55 am

    Easy. ALWAYS zombies. They make your blood run cold, and unicorns are just bleh.

  • Travis
    August 17, 2010 at 11:56 am

    Team Zombie all the way!

  • Jessica
    August 17, 2010 at 11:57 am

    Unicorns all the way! They are pretty and magical and they don’t try to eat your brains.

  • Mia
    August 17, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    You mean I have to pick one? Normally, I would say zombies. Hometown pride and all that, but I recently had my copy of The Last Unicorn signed and it reminded me how much I used to love Unicorns.

    Still, I think I’m going to have to go with Zombies.

  • Clare
    August 17, 2010 at 12:03 pm

    Unicorns always win. They are made of MAGIC and SPARKLES.

  • cynthial11
    August 17, 2010 at 12:04 pm

    I think I might be team zombie. =)

  • Lauren M
    August 17, 2010 at 12:06 pm

    Most definitely team unicorn! I love all the lore that surrounds them, whether they be beautiful and docile or beautiful and vicious! 🙂

  • Tanya
    August 17, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    Zombies, always. Love Holly Black, but am disappointed in her Team Unicorn foam finger.

  • Sarah Olson
    August 17, 2010 at 12:10 pm

    Zombies have had their turn in the spotlight, let’s give it to the unicorns for a while. I vote unicorn.

  • Amanda
    August 17, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    Zombies of course 🙂 Though I think it’d be even better to have zombi unicorns.

  • Brianna
    August 17, 2010 at 12:23 pm

    Unicorns for sure.

  • Maureen
    August 17, 2010 at 12:26 pm

    I pick Unicorns!

  • Kerry S.
    August 17, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Definitely Unicorns! 😀

  • Michelle
    August 17, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    Team Zombies I go for the scary types of creatures!!!!!

  • Cecilia
    August 17, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    I want this book! D:

    Anyways, I go with zombies. Unicorns, although pretty, are kinda wimpy. XD

  • Alison
    August 17, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    Unicorns rock! 😀

  • Tiff
    August 17, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    Team Unicorn all the way!

  • Sarah
    August 17, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Team Unicorn all the way. It harks back to my childhood days.

  • Kearsten
    August 17, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    Zombies for the win! Unicorns will always be either the uber-girly candy-colored Lisa Franks, or the creepy pedophile unicorn from Robot Chicken…

  • Ellaanabeth
    August 17, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    Oh my god. It’s like someone took my brain and made a book for it. How could I possibly choose between zombies and unicorns!?!? Well, due to my odd love of zombies, and the fact that they usually get less love than the unicorns, I choose the dead rotting things over the pretty horned things!

  • Christine
    August 17, 2010 at 1:26 pm

    Team Unicorns!!! 😀

  • Julie
    August 17, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    Unicorns!!

    julie102794(at)gmail(dot)com

  • Amanda Isabel
    August 17, 2010 at 1:54 pm

    ZOMBIES!

    I loved `The Last Unicorn`but nothing holds a candle to zombies!

  • GreenBeanTeenQueen
    August 17, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    I’m Team Unicorn-zombies just seem gross. I mean, they grunt, their skin falls off and I just can’t agree with their diet of brains. Unicorns are at least pretty to look at, even if they can sometimes be evil.

  • Maya J.
    August 17, 2010 at 2:00 pm

    I am team Zombie all the way.

  • alana
    August 17, 2010 at 2:04 pm

    Zombies all the way.

  • Kate
    August 17, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    Team Unicorns!!

  • Deborah J. Brannon
    August 17, 2010 at 2:33 pm

    Definitely Team Unicorn, especially if they’re the bad-ass kind.

  • Paula
    August 17, 2010 at 2:39 pm

    Team Zombies all the way!

  • Allison
    August 17, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    Team Unicorn! Only because Diana Peterfreund converted me, though. I used to be a staunch Team Zombie thanks to John Green…

  • Julie G
    August 17, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    In “real life” I would pick unicorns every time. But lately I’ve been a huge fan of zombie books. I’m going to have to go with zombies if we’re talking literature.

  • Stacym
    August 17, 2010 at 3:16 pm

    Team Zombie! yea! 😀

  • Faye
    August 17, 2010 at 3:21 pm

    i’ma gonna have to go with zombies on this one 😀

  • Verse
    August 17, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    Team Unicorn!

  • Kat
    August 17, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    I am definitely Team Unicorn. I would prefer something that’s first goal isn’t to kill me. Even if they’re evil, it isn’t the primary goal. Plus I have unicorn figurines, necklaces, plushies, books, pictures, etc. And Hank Green is Team Unicorn. What better advertisement is that?

  • Alita
    August 17, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    100% Team Unicorn!

  • Reena
    August 17, 2010 at 3:48 pm

    Team Zombie. Unicorns may be aggressive, but zombies just keep coming…

  • Breanne M.
    August 17, 2010 at 4:12 pm

    Hmm, I think I’m going to go with Team Zombie (though perhaps reading the anthology would change my mind? I’ll have to check it out…)

  • Elizabeth
    August 17, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    Holly Black is involved in the coolest anthologies. I’m definitely a unicorn girl.

  • Courtney
    August 17, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    Zombies for sure! Unicorns are too prissy!

  • Rene
    August 17, 2010 at 6:21 pm

    I’ve really been looking forward to this one. Thanks for the thorough review. And the cover is so cool! I’ve recommended it to people for that alone. 🙂

    Gotta go team unicorn. I mean team horse with a sword on its head.

  • Amanda R
    August 17, 2010 at 7:14 pm

    Team Zombie FTW!!! I also can NOT wait for this book!

  • Amber
    August 17, 2010 at 7:30 pm

    I’m am and always will be a zombie fan. They’re so straightforward with their plans, they want to eat your brain and thats it.

  • Maggie
    August 17, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    I have read a bunch of zombie stuff, some of it quite good, but the unicorn stuff seems more innovative. Can I pick both? Zombie unicorns, perhaps?

  • Hann1bal
    August 17, 2010 at 8:17 pm

    Hmmm…I’ll say zombies.

  • xy_zero
    August 17, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    The zombie stuff is fairly new to me, especially in relation to my life-long love for unicorns. So, sorry to Team Zombie, but I’ll probably always be Team Unicorn.

    (And I can’t believe I kept typing ‘Unicron’ when posting this. No, I’m not team world-devourer, I am team horses-with-horns. /bad Transformers joke )

  • SaraC
    August 17, 2010 at 9:51 pm

    Definitely Team Unicorn, over here. Zombies are gross!

  • Teresa W.
    August 17, 2010 at 10:56 pm

    I’ve been reading alot about zombies so I would have to go for unicorns!

  • Adelina
    August 18, 2010 at 2:15 am

    Since I’m in the middle of reading a zombie book right now I’m gonna go with TEAM ZOMBIE!

  • Elena
    August 18, 2010 at 3:32 am

    Team Unicorn forever! Unicorns in some legends are smart AND they have the nitfy horns to gore people with.

  • Kelsey M
    August 18, 2010 at 7:06 am

    Though I enjoy stories about zombies and about unicorns, far more of the works I like are about zombies. So…TEAM ZOMBIE!!!

  • Tina
    August 18, 2010 at 7:39 am

    This sounds awesome– such a great collection of authors! I guess if I had to pick, I’d say team unicorn, more because I’m getting burnt out on zombies and unicorns don’t seem to pop up quite as much.
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  • Em
    August 18, 2010 at 7:43 am

    I’m going to go unicorn on this one, mostly because they remind me of gnarwhals which are awesome!

  • Llehn
    August 18, 2010 at 7:59 am

    I’m Team Unicorn.

  • Amy S.
    August 18, 2010 at 8:01 am

    Unicorns all the way!!!! 🙂

  • Throuthehaze
    August 18, 2010 at 1:57 pm

    Team Unicorn!

  • meredith g
    August 18, 2010 at 2:38 pm

    Team Zombie 😀

  • cories
    August 18, 2010 at 3:58 pm

    Well, at least there aren’t any vampires.

    Team Unicorn (because the undead is soooo done)

  • whitneywrites
    August 18, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    Although I am a fan of most of the writers on Team Zombie, I am actually falling on the side of Team Unicorn.
    I really love how much the unicorn is in fantasy and folklore, and honestly, zombies just gross me out (except for the Daniel Waters zombies, I like those).
    I’ve been looking forward to this release ALL YEAR, so I’m glad y’all liked it and believe it is worth owning (you help me so much with my book purchases, Lady Smugglers).
    Thanks for doing YAAM. 🙂

  • Heather F.
    August 19, 2010 at 6:49 am

    Brains!!! Team Zombie all the way.

  • Michelle
    August 19, 2010 at 8:09 am

    Ever since Lisa Frank and Bruce Coville I have been hooked on unicorns!

  • Megan
    August 19, 2010 at 8:54 am

    I’ve been so zombie saturated these last few years that I’m going to have to go with Unicorns. Haven’t seen/read a good unicorn movie/book in a long time.

  • Ash L
    August 19, 2010 at 9:47 pm

    Team Unicorn! My room as a child was done all in pink and unicorns! I never changed it!

  • Alex D
    August 20, 2010 at 1:17 am

    Team Unicorn! I could never really get into zombies but who could hate a unicorn? 😛

  • Petula
    August 20, 2010 at 8:50 am

    Team Unicorn!
    I’d rather read a book about zombies, but if I had to choose between hanging out with a zombie or a unicorn, it would be unicorns all the way. The smell of zombies is just too overpowering in the summer heat.

  • Audra Holtwick
    August 20, 2010 at 12:12 pm

    I am a UNICORN fan- I need more books to read FEED ME!!!!!!

  • Jacob
    August 21, 2010 at 8:03 am

    I’m not quite sure, but right now I’d have to go with Unicorns–currently reading Rampant, and . . . yeah. Awesome.

  • Lisa B.
    August 21, 2010 at 9:37 am

    Team zombie all the way! I’m so excited for this book. It’s Geek-tastic 🙂

  • Kate Haggard
    August 30, 2010 at 12:52 pm

    Team Zombie, of course. :mrgreen:

  • Dana Wright
    August 30, 2010 at 12:54 pm

    Darn. I missed the contest. Would have loved to win this in a huge way. Just saw it on Twitter today. Deep sigh.

  • Ginny
    May 3, 2011 at 6:13 pm

    TEAM ZOMBIE!!!!!!!! (even though im only halfway through…. i have decided) 😀

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