The Ultimate Reading Path for Zom-B
Darren Shan's Zom-B is a continuous, highly serialized 12-book epic plus a companion novella. Because each main entry is relatively short and ends on a major cliffhanger, the narrative is best experienced in its original publication order. Trying to jump in mid-series is highly discouraged, as the plot unfolds chronologically and relies heavily on prior twists and character developments.
Here is the recommended reading path for the entire series, including the optimal placement of the companion novella:
- Zom-B (2012)
- Zom-B Underground (2013)
- Zom-B City (2013)
- Zom-B Angels (2013)
- Zom-B Baby (2013)
- Zom-B Gladiator (2014)
- Zom-B Circus (Novella, 2014)
- Zom-B Mission (2014)
- Zom-B Clans (2014)
- Zom-B Family (2014)
- Zom-B Bride (2015)
- Zom-B Fugitive (2015)
- Zom-B Goddess (2016)
Where to Slot in Zom-B Circus
The companion novella, Zom-B Circus, introduces a structural wrinkle. It was published in early 2014, around the same time as Zom-B Gladiator. Instead of following the series protagonist B Smith, the novella shifts focus to Cat Ward, a teacher at B's school who is trying to survive the initial zombie outbreak. While Cat is the primary perspective, B Smith makes a brief, critical appearance, and we are introduced to the grotesque mutant masters who run the undead apocalypse.
Darren Shan has noted that readers can enjoy Zom-B Circus at any point between book 4 (Zom-B Angels) and book 8 (Zom-B Clans). However, the absolute sweetest spot to read it is right after book 6, Zom-B Gladiator, and right before book 7, Zom-B Mission. Slotted here, it provides excellent world-building context without disrupting the main narrative's momentum.
Zom-B Book-by-Book Breakdown
Zom-B (Book 1)
The series begins by introducing B Smith, a London teenager dealing with a hostile, abusive, and intensely bigoted father. When a sudden zombie outbreak strikes B's school, B must make life-or-death choices. The book ends with a massive twist that redefines the entire premise of the series.
Zom-B Underground (Book 2)
B awakens in a highly secure military research facility and discovers a terrifying transformation: B has become a "revitalized" zombie. Unlike the mindless undead, revitalized zombies retain their memories and human consciousness, but they must struggle to keep their hunger for brains in check while being subjected to horrific military tests.
Zom-B City (Book 3)
Escaping the military complex, B ventures into the post-apocalyptic ruins of London. Surviving in the city means avoiding mindless zombies, mutant creatures, and the terrifying, clown-like leader Mr. Dowling. B meets human survivors and faces moral choices about who to trust.
Zom-B Angels (Book 4)
B is rescued by the "Angels," a faction of revitalized zombie teenagers dedicated to protecting survivors and fighting the undead. They are led by the enigmatic Dr. Oystein, who claims to have a divine mission to save humanity. B struggles with the group's rigid rules and Oystein's mysterious declarations.
Zom-B Baby (Book 5)
Living with the Angels, B starts questioning Oystein's true motives and wonders if his messages from God are genuine. Deciding to forge an independent path, B leaves the group, only to encounter a grotesque new mutant menace: a zombie baby that represents the dark evolution of the virus.
Zom-B Gladiator (Book 6)
Now solitary, B is kidnapped by a rogue soldier and sold to a group of wealthy survivors who stage gladiatorial games, forcing revitalized zombies to fight for entertainment. To protect a group of captive human children, B agrees to fight in the arena, forcing a confrontation with internal trauma and the limits of survival.
Zom-B Circus (Book 6.5 Novella)
This side story steps away from B Smith to follow schoolteacher Cat Ward during the initial day of the zombie outbreak. Cat is a flawed protagonist who makes selfish decisions to survive, leading her to meet Mr. Dowling's mutant crew and become a revitalized performer in a grotesque circus.
Zom-B Mission (Book 7)
B is reunited with old allies and sent on a dangerous mission back into the ruins of London. The team must navigate shifting territory lines and locate survivors, as the threat of Mr. Dowling's forces grows more dominant and organized.
Zom-B Clans (Book 8)
The political landscape of the undead apocalypse becomes clearer as B discovers the various factions and clans of revitalized zombies. Tensions rise between the defensive Angels and the predatory Jackals, a rival faction led by a figure from B's past.
Zom-B Family (Book 9)
In this emotionally heavy installment, B is forced to confront Todd Smith—B's abusive, racist father who has also been revitalized as a zombie leader. B must confront childhood trauma and decide whether to yield to the familial cycle of hate or break free forever.
Zom-B Bride (Book 10)
B is captured by the horrific Mr. Dowling, who intends to make B his bride. The narrative delves deep into the lore behind the virus, the apocalypse, and the bizarre plans that Dowling has for the future of the planet.
Zom-B Fugitive (Book 11)
Having escaped the clutches of the clown master, B is now a hunted fugitive. With both humans and hostile zombie factions tracking B down, a desperate race begins to prevent a final, world-ending scheme.
Zom-B Goddess (Book 12)
The epic series finale brings B Smith's journey of sacrifice, identity, and redemption to a dramatic head. B must face off against Mr. Dowling and the ultimate source of the virus to save the surviving remnants of humanity.
What to Know Before You Start
While Zom-B is a horror story full of gore and standard zombie tropes, Darren Shan uses the setting to explore heavy, real-world issues. The books tackle systemic racism, domestic abuse, xenophobia, and the generational cycle of hatred. The protagonist's struggle with a bigoted father is central to the plot, reflecting real societal divisions.
Additionally, the books are designed to be fast, punchy reads. Darren Shan wrote the series to be read like a serialized television show, publishing the books just months apart. Each book is around 150 to 200 pages, heavily illustrated by artist Warren Pleece, and usually ends on a cliffhanger. Therefore, the best experience is to treat the series as a single giant novel and binge it from start to finish.