Title: This Is Not a Test
Author: Courtney Summers
Publisher: Bindery Books
Publication date: January 13, 2026
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Summary
When the zombie apocalypse happens, Sloan Price is already ready to give up. It’s not an escape from her violent home life, and since her sister is gone, there doesn’t seem to be a point in trying to survive.
However, Sloan finds herself barricaded in her high school with five fellow teenagers trying to survive the apocalypse. As they battle for survival, they all must make impossible choices. It’s up to Sloan to decide whether or not she wants to survive.
Review: This Is Not a Test
Thanks to NetGalley and Bindery Books for an advanced copy of This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers to review! This is a re-packaging of the original This Is Not a Test novella with its sequel, Please Remain Calm. They work brilliantly together in a book, and since there’s a movie coming, I’m not surprised we’re getting this new edition.
While this is a zombie apocalypse book, it’s much more focused on the five teens trying to survive. And they are definitely not the most likable teens in the world; they’ve all done something they’re ashamed of, and then also forced to make impossible decisions. There is tension from the pending danger of zombies, but this book is also sort of a character study in the desperate measures people take to save themselves and the ones they love.
There are some graphic scenes in this book, because zombies, but it’s also Courtney Summers, so she doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. If you’re a fan of zombie novels with more of a character-focus, I’d definitely recommend checking out this new edition when it comes out in January!
4/5 stars