Book Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves

The Dead-Tossed Waves
The Forest of Hands and Teeth #2
Author: Carrie Ryan
Pages: 407 pgs
Reading Level: YA
Published: March 9th 2010
Review Source: Purchased
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

Summary: (from goodreads) Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

This is a post apocalyptic romance like no other. Normally I would cringe my nose at another romance book since the Twilight craze, but I gave it a chance and was delightfully surprised. It was so balanced in the story line that I’d say it was one of the most well written books I’ve ever read.

Gaby is a quiet girl who is content to live a simple life in her protected town from zombies. When Gaby and her friends, including her best friend, Catcher, are attacked by a zombie, Gaby realizes how one infectious bite can change her life forever. Gaby meets a mysterious boy whom she has mixed feelings about. With her world charging before her eyes, Gaby learns what love and hurt really is.

A roller coaster of a story, has action and some parts that pull on the heart strings. The ending also leaves you wanting more. The sequel will have a hard time living up to this one. I highly recommend this book. I think people of each gender will love this book!