Dead City
Dead City
Book Brief
Beta288
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2010s
2012
YA
8-12 years
720L
Super Short Summary
In Dead City by James Ponti, a teenager discovers her place within a secret society dedicated to managing interactions between humans and zombies in New York City. As she navigates her new role, she uncovers the complexities of her world, balancing school life with uncovering unexpected truths about her family's history and her own destiny.
Adventurous
Mysterious
Exciting
Suspenseful
Playful
Reviews & Readership
4,522 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James Ponti's Dead City is praised for its engaging blend of mystery and supernatural elements. The protagonist, a strong and relatable teenage girl, navigates a secretive zombie-filled underworld, which readers find both thrilling and smartly-paced. Some critics feel that the plot occasionally leans on familiar tropes, but Ponti's humor and unique setting often counterbalance this.
Who Should Read Dead City?
Fans of Percy Jackson & the Olympians and The Lightning Thief will enjoy Dead City by James Ponti. It targets middle-grade readers who love fast-paced adventures with supernatural elements, a strong, smart protagonist, and a blend of humor and suspense. Teens and preteens seeking a thrilling urban fantasy will find it captivating.
4,522 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dead City is the first book in a series by James Ponti, which features a young protagonist dealing with zombies in a secret underground society in New York City.
James Ponti was inspired to write Dead City after hearing his son's stories about attending a school designed for gifted students, and he wanted to explore a story set in a school environment but with an extraordinary twist.
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Dead City received the Sunshine State Young Readers Award for grades 6-8, highlighting its popularity and appeal among young audiences.
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288
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2010s
2012
YA
8-12 years
720L
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