by Carrie Ryan
ages: 12+
First sentence: “My mother used to tell me about the ocean.”
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I think it was Leila and Jen who first made me decide that I needed to read a zombie book. This zombie book in particular. So, I stuck it on my library list, and waited. While I waited, it’s hit the book blogs, with mostly positive results. Because, you see, this zombie book is more than a zombie book: it’s a full-on zombie-dystopian-love story. And that makes it totally and completely Awesome.
The basic plot for those of you haven’t heard of this one yet: Mary’s village is isolated in the forest. As far as they know, everyone was killed after the Return, and they’re the only people left alive. They’re surrounded by the Unconsecrated, who are a constant threat in the lives of the villagers. Mary’s mostly happy there, except for dreams of seeing the ocean brought on by her mother’s stories. The set-up for the story is slowish; after Mary’s mother is infected, and later released into the forest, Mary spends many chapters restless in the service of the Sisterhood, the religious sect that evolved in this village. She also falls in love with a boy she’s not supposed to; he’s betrothed (and betrothal always leads to marriage) to her best friend. Once the story gets going, though — there’s a breach in the village’s fence, and the Unconsecrated attack, but Mary and a few others get away — it really gets going. Ryan does intensity incredibly well, especially since the book is anything but gory. There are moments when the action is so tense and suspenseful that it’s impossible to put the book down: you have to know what’s going to happen next.
The other thing that Ryan does exceptionally well is desire. Mary’s palpable desire for answers to her unspoken questions, for a life that is more than what the Sisterhood doles out for them in the villages. That’s not her only desire; her love for her best friend’s betrothed literally leaps off the page in a way I haven’t seen since Twilight. (Which may or may not be a good thing, depending on what you think of Twilight.)
It is true that the story, while it is mostly self-contained, peters out at the end. But, it’s also the first of a trilogy, so that can be forgiven. Besides, how could you not want to read a zombie-dystopian-love story? Really?
The Book Nut 
I liked this one and wonder where exactly the sequel will go. I didn't expect to want a sequel until that very last bit, and suddenly I wanted to know more about the past outside the forest.
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If I hadn't known beforehand that there was going to be a sequel, I probably would have felt the same way, Amanda. As it is, I'm quite curious what Ryan will do with the sequel.
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I really really really want to read this. I didn't know it was part of a trilogy though so thanks for the heads up. I am glad you enjoyed it for the most part 🙂
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Yay!! I knew you'd love this!! I can't wait to read the sequel, I can barely stand the wait!
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I haven't been able to connect with this one yet at the library but I really want to read it soon. In the meantime, I'm happy to see yet another positive review. Thanks!
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I definitely couldn't not want to! So yeah, I really want to read this.
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I'm glad that you liked it, Melissa. I didn't know for sure that there was going to a sequel when I read it, and I was definitely left wanting more. I completely agree with you on Ryan's ability to convey suspense and desire.
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Lovely review! I agree with what you say on Ryan's writing of desire. I did feel it and loved it. March seems like so far away now, I can't wait to read the next book!
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Well, the sequel is just a companion book, so she a lot of breathing room. I am so happy you liked this book. I loved it! Very impatient for more…
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Really, Kailana? A companion rather than a sequel? Dang… I wanted to learn more about the man in the lighthouse.
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I am actually one of the people who disliked the book. I thought it was slightly boring but the thing I could not get past was how self absorbed and really selfish Mary was.
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Yeah, lilly, I can see how Mary could come off that way. I think Ryan was trying to portray restlessness and discontent, but I could see how Mary's actions could be interpreted as selfishness.
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Finally got my turn to read this one, and while I liked the book–totally gripping– I have to agree with Lilly about Mary. Not an easy character to like when her selfishness is considered.
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