The Enemy – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Enemy

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2009

84%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

Lord of the Flies meets 28 Days Later in a derelict London where anyone over 14 is a bloodthirsty monster.

The Enemy

book

2009

84%

WISE Score

4.5

Amazon

Lord of the Flies meets 28 Days Later in a derelict London where anyone over 14 is a bloodthirsty monster.

4.5

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Screenwise Verdict

First things first: ignore the Jack Reacher synopsis you might see floating around. This 2009 Charlie Higson book is a totally different beast. It is one of the most intense, well-written YA horror series of the last twenty years.

It’s gritty, it’s stressful, and it’s genuinely scary. Higson doesn't treat his readers like babies; he puts his characters in impossible situations and lets the chips fall where they may. If your kid is into survival games or post-apocalyptic shows, this is the gold standard for that vibe in book form.

Just be ready for the fact that it is dark. It’s not a 'fun' zombie romp—it’s a desperate struggle for survival that will probably make them look at you a little differently next time you say it's time for dinner.

Age Fit

Best for 12 or 13 and up. It’s a heavy lift for sensitive readers, but for horror fans in middle school, it’s a modern classic.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a bleak survival story where kids are hunted by zombified adults. While it highlights intense loyalty and the bond of 'found family,' the tone is far from warm and fuzzy. It's about survival, not kindness.

Imaginative

The world-building is top-tier. Turning London’s iconic landmarks like the Natural History Museum and the Tower of London into rival kid-fortresses is a brilliant way to explore a post-apocalyptic setting.

Safe

This is a horror novel that doesn't pull punches. Expect graphic descriptions of 'sickos' eating people and significant characters—including children—dying in brutal ways. It’s safe for teens who love horror, but nightmare fuel for anyone else.

Enriching

It’s basically a modern 'Lord of the Flies.' It forces readers to grapple with leadership ethics, tribalism, and the moral cost of survival. It’s a great catalyst for thinking about how societies form and fail.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

It’s an absolute page-turner that respects the intelligence and resilience of its young protagonists.
The setting is incredibly vivid, using real London geography to make the apocalypse feel grounded and terrifying.
It tackles complex social dynamics and the dark side of leadership without being preachy.
Perfect for kids who have outgrown Goosebumps and want something with real stakes and grit.

⚠

What to Watch For

The gore is surprisingly descriptive for a YA book; it describes adults (parents) attacking and eating children.
Characters you care about will die. It’s a high-stress read that doesn't guarantee a happy ending for everyone.
The 'sickos' (the zombies) are essentially the kids' own parents and teachers, which adds a layer of psychological horror.

Conversation Starters

"If you were in charge of the group at the Waitrose, what would your first three rules be?"
"Why do you think the different groups of kids (like those at the museum vs. the palace) can't just get along?"
"Is it better to have a cruel leader who keeps you safe or a kind leader who might get you killed?"
"How would you feel if the only people you could trust were other kids?"

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