B.J. Burrow

Reviewed for MonsterLibrarian.com

The blurb on the back of The Changed will have you believe that it's about zombies, but not a zombie apocalypse book. Don't be fooled, these zombies rot, gnaw human prey and will devastate the world we know, they just might not kill us. The Changed follows a handful of characters, some alive, some who die and change into something else. Retaining their personalities and skills (and with the help of embalmers, retaining their bits as well), the Changed quickly become the world's largest minority, facing all the prejudice and oppression that comes with the title, plus flamethrowers. No longer sure who are their friends or foes, and with open hunting season on the now profane z-words declared by the military (shown more as bullies than any kind of defense against the invasion) these undead live somewhere between human and not.
Until Chris changes, and the middle of the road, plain-looking man finally finds a political cause that inspires him. Chris quickly organizes the new political party, The Changed, fronted by a shock jock DJ recently fired for having the gall to die. The whole landscape of America changes as The Changed party not only grows in number and drive, but becomes the only surety the living have to look forward to. How do you fight death itself?
The Changed still manages to give zombie fans plenty of their favorite elements, there is a sort-of apocalypse, plenty of violence and gore, and tongue-in-cheek asides hinting at what pop culture would be like if the undead walked. The Changed is an excellent addition to the zombie genre, something new and fun in a tiring routine. Recommended for public and private collections it's an excellent read through and through.… (altro)