Zombies vs. Unicorns (Review)

Title: Zombies vs. Unicorns
Edition: Hardcover, 432 pages
Editor(s): Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Publication Date: September 21, 2010
Source: NCTE
Buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

Summary

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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?

(Goodreads)

My Opinion

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Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier picked amazing writers to add to this anthology.  There are six authors for both sides and they break down like this:

Zombies
Libba Bray
Cassandra Clare
Alaya Dawn Johnson
Maureen Johnson
Carrie Ryan
Scott Westerfeld

Unicorns
Meg Cabot
Kathleen Duey
Margo Lanagan
Garth Nix
Naomi Novik
Diana Peterfreund

The format of Zombie vs. Unicorns is great.  It allows the reader to pick and choose.  The stories switch back and forth between zombie and unicorn.  Interspersed between the stories is commentary between Black and Larbalsteir, both arguing for their side: unicorn and zombie respectively.  The stories run the range: romance, dystopia, contemporary, fantasy, adventure, and horror, each with a sense of the supernatural—even the unicorns—sprinkled on.  In addition to the switching back and forth, each story was designatd unicorn or zombie with a picture of each.  This was done so readers could skip the stories about the creature they didn't like.

I, however, read all of the stories, and each was fantastic!  The authors distinct voices came through, which I was happy about.  I've read other anthologies which were about zombies, vampires, werewolves, etc. and every time they end up reading the same: bland and predictable.  But each story within Zombies vs. Unicorns was different.  Additionally, while there are the "regular" unicorn and zombie stories, romantic and pure or horrifying and gruesome respectively, the opposite was true.  There was a zombie love story and a murderous unicorn story.  Excellent!

My favorite story from each section were: Zombie - "Cold Hands" by Cassandra Clare and Unicorn - "A Thousand Flowers" by Margo Lanagan.  Each had a very interesting spin on the origin of zombies and unicorns.  But, of course, ll the stories were excellent.  This is why when I was faced with the question: "Which is better: zombies or unicorns?" I have to say I'm on Team Zombie Unicorn.  Yes you read that right, Zombie Unicorn OR Unicorn Zombie, whichever you prefer!

I recommend this for lovers of either supernatural creature.  Read all the stories, and you might be surprised what team you end up on when you're done.  Let me know: zombie, unicorn or ZOMBIE UNICORN!

Final Rating

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Book Cover: 5/5
Book Title: 5/5
Plot: 9/10**
Characters: 9/10**
Writing: 10/10**
Ending: 8/10** 
Overall: 46/50 - A (This is an average of all the stories)

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