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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
Can you find love in the zombie apocalypse, when one of you is human and one is not really a zombie any longer? Apparently you can! Hearts Still Beating is narrated by two characters: Mara, a 17-year-old girl turned into a "Tick" (a type of zombie) but part of a trial medication that allows her to regain control, and Rory, a girl who matured quickly while protecting her family. Before the world fell apart, Mara and Rory were neighbors and friends who shared their first kiss.
After the “change” and lots of medication, Mara is sent to live with Rory’s family, her godparents. Reluctant to go, Mara nonetheless needs the daily injections to keep her humanity. Rory is repelled by the idea of the Altered (medicated, re-humanized Ticks) joining their island, especially Mara. The islanders are divided, struggling to adjust to the new reality. Amidst the tension, Mara and Rory must navigate their complex feelings for each other. Thrown into the mix of tension is Mara’s sister Carter, who has survived up until now and is NOT on Mara’s side. Between learning to “live” this new life, finding her first love is not happy she is back, along with her sister who was the center of her world, Mara has a lot of obstacles to overcome.
Mara is a victim of the apocalypse, as is everyone who has survived thus far. The islanders' treatment of Mara is horrible. She’s already burdened with self-blame. Having to deal with this reintegration into society, along with dealing with the crazy leader of the island, Mal, Mara has a lot to overcome. The love story between Mara and Rory was sweet and compelling, with well-written thrills and a fresh concept. This book is a must-read for fans of YA, dystopian/zombie apocalypse novels, and LGBTQ+ representation.
The reintegration of former zombies adds a fresh take to a saturated genre. Reminiscent of the TV show, "The Last of Us", along with the unique premise of "Warm Bodies," the story is definitely an original in the zombie apocalypse genre. This book receives 4.5 ⭐!!
After the “change” and lots of medication, Mara is sent to live with Rory’s family, her godparents. Reluctant to go, Mara nonetheless needs the daily injections to keep her humanity. Rory is repelled by the idea of the Altered (medicated, re-humanized Ticks) joining their island, especially Mara. The islanders are divided, struggling to adjust to the new reality. Amidst the tension, Mara and Rory must navigate their complex feelings for each other. Thrown into the mix of tension is Mara’s sister Carter, who has survived up until now and is NOT on Mara’s side. Between learning to “live” this new life, finding her first love is not happy she is back, along with her sister who was the center of her world, Mara has a lot of obstacles to overcome.
Mara is a victim of the apocalypse, as is everyone who has survived thus far. The islanders' treatment of Mara is horrible. She’s already burdened with self-blame. Having to deal with this reintegration into society, along with dealing with the crazy leader of the island, Mal, Mara has a lot to overcome. The love story between Mara and Rory was sweet and compelling, with well-written thrills and a fresh concept. This book is a must-read for fans of YA, dystopian/zombie apocalypse novels, and LGBTQ+ representation.
The reintegration of former zombies adds a fresh take to a saturated genre. Reminiscent of the TV show, "The Last of Us", along with the unique premise of "Warm Bodies," the story is definitely an original in the zombie apocalypse genre. This book receives 4.5 ⭐!!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
What would you do if the person you loved had become a murder when the world fell apart just to come back into your life as a rehabilitated zombie?
This was a great zombie end of the world as we know story. I enjoyed all the twists that happen as Maria and Rory work through their complicated relationship in a world that is trying to start over.
This was a great zombie end of the world as we know story. I enjoyed all the twists that happen as Maria and Rory work through their complicated relationship in a world that is trying to start over.
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Similar books:
Wilder Girls
This Delicious death
All That's Left in the World
And Then I Woke Up
I went into the book blindly and was pleasantly surprised! It felt very YA but for what it was, I liked it. I kind of wanted to see more of Carter.
Wilder Girls
This Delicious death
All That's Left in the World
And Then I Woke Up
I went into the book blindly and was pleasantly surprised! It felt very YA but for what it was, I liked it. I kind of wanted to see more of Carter.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated