The Zombie Project

Merian and her mum, scientist Dr Gwen Hope, live in a tiny cabin in the forest, where Gwen studies and protects zombies. When a person dies, death-fly eggs hatch inside their body, releasing a larval toxin which reanimates the corpse and turns it into a zombie. Since the extinction of bees more than 30 years earlier, death-flies are the main pollinators. Gwen argues that without zombies, there would be no death-flies, putting food production at risk.  

Not everyone shares this view, so Gwen agrees to discuss the topic with rival scientist Dr Tate at a live-streamed event at the Natural History Museum in the city. During the debate, an unexpected zombie outbreak causes pandemonium and survivors are locked inside the museum to contain the spread.  

Merian is suspicious, as guards from Unilateralis – an authoritarian corporation which controls everything from security and finance to education and healthcare – don’t appear to be following standard zombie protocols. Determined to uncover the truth, Merian tries to investigate but puts herself in extreme danger.  

This highly original, dystopian novel with an environmental slant is a thrilling, thought-provoking read, and will have readers on the edge of their seats.