Terror Cove

Gr 7 Up—This sequel to Mountain of Bones (HarperCollins, 2012) has strong, well-developed characters; witty dialogue; and a believable villain. Ian, PJ, and Kendra are gravediggers, chosen by the mystical forces in the world and fated as zombie hunters. Mysteriously they all win a luxurious family vacation in Puerto Rico, leaving the teens full of suspicion and on guard. It is not long before the trio becomes stranded on Isla Hambrienta. Within minutes they realize it is not a coincidence that Isla Hambrienta means "The Hungry Island" as a zombie horde from a sunken cruise liner attacks. Even more disturbing than the swollen, bloated zombies is the discovery that all this has been orchestrated by Danny Melee, teen genius and millionaire video-game designer. Melee wants to harness the power of the gravediggers so he can implement his diabolical plan, only complicating Kendra, PJ, and Ian's situation. The narrative is effectively propelled through the alternating voices of the trio, adding to the suspense and intrigue. Krovatin's ability to combine the forces of magic with the forces of science in dealing with the zombie virus is fascinating and appealing. A gripping, must-read novel.—Donna Rosenblum, Floral Park Memorial High School, NY