I've already mentioned how much I enjoyed Cassandra Clare's books as part of my summer of YA novels.
Another author who stood out for me was Carrie Ryan, with her original and truly terrifying vision of a future world largely taken over by zombie-like creatures. (Except that their plight is more poignant than zombies, and the threat they represent so very much greater.)
The Forest of Hands and Teeth Although the writing in this one was a little uneven (first person present tense is very, very hard to do well, and in the early chapters especially it seemed that she had yet to master it), the story was riveting, and there were many scenes that haunt my memory still, months later. But it was also so heartbreaking from the very beginning, that when I discovered there was another book in the series, I didn't know if I wanted to put myself through such a draining emotional journey again.
The Dead-Tossed Waves However, I steeled myself for another depressing story, and I did read the second book. It's a sequel to TFOHAT, but set many years later and with a different main character. I found the writing smoother, and the plot slightly less depressing, although there were still some heart-wrenching scenes. The scope of the tragedy that had overtaken mankind was more fully revealed, and the outlook for the world at large bleaker.
These books are strong stuff, and not to be read when you are already dispirited, but excellent nonetheless. There is a third book to come out next year. I hope I feel up to reading it.
Another author who stood out for me was Carrie Ryan, with her original and truly terrifying vision of a future world largely taken over by zombie-like creatures. (Except that their plight is more poignant than zombies, and the threat they represent so very much greater.)
The Forest of Hands and Teeth Although the writing in this one was a little uneven (first person present tense is very, very hard to do well, and in the early chapters especially it seemed that she had yet to master it), the story was riveting, and there were many scenes that haunt my memory still, months later. But it was also so heartbreaking from the very beginning, that when I discovered there was another book in the series, I didn't know if I wanted to put myself through such a draining emotional journey again.
The Dead-Tossed Waves However, I steeled myself for another depressing story, and I did read the second book. It's a sequel to TFOHAT, but set many years later and with a different main character. I found the writing smoother, and the plot slightly less depressing, although there were still some heart-wrenching scenes. The scope of the tragedy that had overtaken mankind was more fully revealed, and the outlook for the world at large bleaker.
These books are strong stuff, and not to be read when you are already dispirited, but excellent nonetheless. There is a third book to come out next year. I hope I feel up to reading it.
