I'm not a fan of today's slasher movies that are currently running in the theaters today. For me, horror is not seeing someone getting stabbed countless of times with a knife. What is truly terrifying, to me, is something that is psychological and can't be explained. I remember reading Poe's A Tell Tale Heart and I could almost feel a heart beating in the background as I read the short story. After being so absorbed in looking through the world through Louis' eyes and his transformation of a human to the undead in Interview with the Vampire, I couldn't go to sleep for two weeks. I was terrified that Lestat would "turn" me just because he was bored and to see what would happen, which now seems foolish only because I'd rather have a conversation with Lestat than be afraid of him but I think you get my point. It has been a long time that I've read an intelligent, thought provoking YA horror book.
Review: If you could take the George Romero’s 1968 film Night of the Living Dead and put into a book, you would get Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and Teeth. I found the book to be very creepy. It is a perfect balance of horror without the gore with a bit of a romance story thrown in for good measure. I'm not a zombie girl, but I couldn't help liking this book. Although Mary's world is very bleak and often times chaotic, it is her hope and fortitude that allow her to keep going. What is frightening here is not really the Unconsecreated aka zombies, although there are numerous parts of the story where I had goosebumps while reading them, but the very idea of a life that is filled without choice or freedom is truly terrifying. Much of the story takes place in Mary's thoughts and at times can be a bit slow, but I found it hard to put down. Mary may be unlikeable to some people, but I liked how she never gave up her search and was very observant of others around her. I had many questions after finishing the book, especially as to how the Unconsecrated were created and why the villagers didn't know anything beyond their society. I was glad to know that there is a companion book called Dead Tossed Waves, which is now available.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of caution: There are graphic mutilations of the Unconsecrated aka zombies in the book, which gear more towards PG-13 than rated R. There is no sex or language.
If you like this book, try: Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan or The Giver by Lois Lowry.
Review: If you could take the George Romero’s 1968 film Night of the Living Dead and put into a book, you would get Carrie Ryan's The Forest of Hands and Teeth. I found the book to be very creepy. It is a perfect balance of horror without the gore with a bit of a romance story thrown in for good measure. I'm not a zombie girl, but I couldn't help liking this book. Although Mary's world is very bleak and often times chaotic, it is her hope and fortitude that allow her to keep going. What is frightening here is not really the Unconsecreated aka zombies, although there are numerous parts of the story where I had goosebumps while reading them, but the very idea of a life that is filled without choice or freedom is truly terrifying. Much of the story takes place in Mary's thoughts and at times can be a bit slow, but I found it hard to put down. Mary may be unlikeable to some people, but I liked how she never gave up her search and was very observant of others around her. I had many questions after finishing the book, especially as to how the Unconsecrated were created and why the villagers didn't know anything beyond their society. I was glad to know that there is a companion book called Dead Tossed Waves, which is now available.Rating: 4 stars
Words of caution: There are graphic mutilations of the Unconsecrated aka zombies in the book, which gear more towards PG-13 than rated R. There is no sex or language.
If you like this book, try: Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan or The Giver by Lois Lowry.
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I really enjoyed discussing The Giver. I'm not sure how that book relates to one of zombies, but I'm not about to turn down the recommendation of a good thriller!
I'll be honest, I saw The Giver recommendation on a book review. I initially thought it was a weird pairing, but then I thought of The Giver's atmosphere and that made sense. Let me know if I'm completely wrong when you read "The Forest of Hands and Teeth"!