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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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:
Complicated
slow-paced
dark
tense
medium-paced
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Teen for sending me an arc.
I don’t typically read or watch things about zombies because I get squeamish very easily and can’t handle the gore, but Hearts Still Beating might get me to start reading more zombie books.
If you're thinking that this book won't get brutal because it's YA, then think again. Because the author doesn't hold back on how violent and dark the apocalypse can get.
Also, this would be such a great movie and I hope it gets adapted because I can already imagine it happening.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Vomit
A post-zombie-apocalypse YA romance, where one of the characters is a rehabilitated zombie??? Count me in.
I love zombie media but honestly never expect much out of it, but this book really blew me away. The virus and its cure was really interesting to learn about and see unfold while cured zombies try to reintegrate into what's left of society. There's such a tension between a relief to have people made human again and an anger about the pain they caused as zombies, as well as a sense of mistrust about whether the cure is even reliable. The post-apocalyptic world building and politics was really interesting, although not the main focus. The main characters and their romance had me invested and drawn in, and even the side characters were such cool people who I really wanted to see more of and learn more about. I felt there was a good balance between the danger/fear of the zombie setting, the normalcy of life/family/friendship, the emotional parts, and the action. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. :)
Thanks Penguin Teen for the ARC!
I love zombie media but honestly never expect much out of it, but this book really blew me away. The virus and its cure was really interesting to learn about and see unfold while cured zombies try to reintegrate into what's left of society. There's such a tension between a relief to have people made human again and an anger about the pain they caused as zombies, as well as a sense of mistrust about whether the cure is even reliable. The post-apocalyptic world building and politics was really interesting, although not the main focus. The main characters and their romance had me invested and drawn in, and even the side characters were such cool people who I really wanted to see more of and learn more about. I felt there was a good balance between the danger/fear of the zombie setting, the normalcy of life/family/friendship, the emotional parts, and the action. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it. :)
Thanks Penguin Teen for the ARC!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of this month simply because I saw that it was post apocalyptic with sapphics. so of course when i saw my libby had a copy i had to pick it up!! i will say this book did not disappoint!!
I will say i went into this book knowing nothing other than it was apocalyptic with sapphics and the plot of the story was very really interested & it kept me thinking and wondering the whole time.
The characters & the relationships in this books were some of my favorite & i think this author did a really good job at balancing that with action scenes.
I found myself choking up while at work & will 100% say if i was at home listening to this i would have cried my eyes out😭
i 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves sapphic & post apocalyptic!!
ps. there are not enough post apocalyptic sapphic books out there and i need more!!!
I will say i went into this book knowing nothing other than it was apocalyptic with sapphics and the plot of the story was very really interested & it kept me thinking and wondering the whole time.
The characters & the relationships in this books were some of my favorite & i think this author did a really good job at balancing that with action scenes.
I found myself choking up while at work & will 100% say if i was at home listening to this i would have cried my eyes out😭
i 100% recommend this book to anyone who loves sapphic & post apocalyptic!!
ps. there are not enough post apocalyptic sapphic books out there and i need more!!!
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is definitely on the darker side of YA post-apocalyptic stories but strangely uplifting as well. There's a lot of action, a lot of power-mad dictators, guilt for the previously murderous zombies who have regained control of themselves and must survive in settlements of living people who are tolerant at best and openly hostile at worst. This would be a really interesting world for a series of short stories, honestly.
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
I usually stay away from all stories containing zombies or zombie-like creatures because they are not my cup of tea, but I couldn't help but be drawn in by the premise of this book. A sapphic love story between two girls who reunite after one of them is infected? Yes, please. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance because it had plenty of action and survival elements to keep the plot moving forward, and also a well-rounded cast of characters who's flaws, doubts and love for each other keep the heart of the story beating. All the characters have made difficult decisions to survive and those choices are explored with nuance.
The beginning of the story starts on the slower side, as we are introduced to Mara, who was infected by the Tick virus that turned her into a zombie, but has now been returned to life - mostly - due to a new vaccine that was developed. Now that the vaccine helps control the Tick side of her that wants to eat other humans, she is released into the care of the Blake family - her godparents, Isaac & Sam, and their daughter, Rory, the girl Mara loves. Together, Mara and the Blake family have to untangle the complicated relationships left in the aftermath of the horrors they have faced and caused. Additionally, pressure mounts when a community leader decides to blame a Tick attack on Mara and the other resettled humans.
I loved the romance between Rory and Mara. They have to work through so much history and angst, but their love for each other is so genuine and it made me root for them the entire time. I also loved the portrayal of Rory's family, who welcome Mara into their midst the same way they decide to take care of the adopted younger siblings.
Given that this is set in a post-apocalyptic world with zombie like creatures, there is an understandable amount of violence and gore as the story progresses; however, it was never excessive to the point where it detracted from the story.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a satisfying dystopian story, a sapphic - almost star-crossed lovers-esque love story, or a zombie book that isn't just about the gore!
Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the review copy!
The beginning of the story starts on the slower side, as we are introduced to Mara, who was infected by the Tick virus that turned her into a zombie, but has now been returned to life - mostly - due to a new vaccine that was developed. Now that the vaccine helps control the Tick side of her that wants to eat other humans, she is released into the care of the Blake family - her godparents, Isaac & Sam, and their daughter, Rory, the girl Mara loves. Together, Mara and the Blake family have to untangle the complicated relationships left in the aftermath of the horrors they have faced and caused. Additionally, pressure mounts when a community leader decides to blame a Tick attack on Mara and the other resettled humans.
I loved the romance between Rory and Mara. They have to work through so much history and angst, but their love for each other is so genuine and it made me root for them the entire time. I also loved the portrayal of Rory's family, who welcome Mara into their midst the same way they decide to take care of the adopted younger siblings.
Given that this is set in a post-apocalyptic world with zombie like creatures, there is an understandable amount of violence and gore as the story progresses; however, it was never excessive to the point where it detracted from the story.
I recommend this to anyone who wants a satisfying dystopian story, a sapphic - almost star-crossed lovers-esque love story, or a zombie book that isn't just about the gore!
Thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the review copy!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
In a world ravaged by a deadly virus that reanimates the dead, seventeen-year-old Mara finds herself grappling with a second chance at “life” after being given medication that tempers the virus living inside her. Now an Altered, and therefore technically no longer a Tick, Mara is placed in an experimental resettlement program where she is sent to live with the family of her long-lost best friend Rory, who also happens to be the only girl she’s ever loved. Rory, whose nightmares are haunted not only by the virus and the undead but also the one shared kiss she had with Mara, is anything but happy when she finds out Altered Mara will be thrust back into her life. As the Island, their home and sanctuary from the Tick-infested mainland, faces internal strife and the threat of an outbreak, Mara and Rory must confront their shared history and rely on each other to navigate the dangers lurking in the shadows. With the little semblance of peace the Island has hanging in the balance, their bond becomes the key to survival in a world where love and loss intertwine amidst the ever-present threat of the undead.
Overall, I found this book to be very entertaining and enjoyable! While it was a little slow at the start, it was definitely difficult to put down once the plot really got going. I always love a book with duel point of view, and this one did not disappoint. Mara and Rory’s history is woven in well through flashbacks that provide the reader with a better understanding of why their relationship is the way it is in the present. Although, I did find Mara’s sister, Carter, and Rory’s anger towards Altered Mara a little much and unfair, considering I don’t think it is fair to blame Mara for what happened while she was under the virus’s control as a Tick. It would be understandable for them to be weary of Altered Mara, but to be so angry, each for their own reasons, seems unjustified. But besides that, I really enjoyed the characters, plot, and suspense that this book offered. Since it is a book centered around a life-altering virus turning people into the undead, make sure to check trigger warnings if you have certain situations to which you are sensitive. There is definitely a decent amount of gore, blood, and death, as well as some accounts of torture and child death. If you are ok reading about those types of events, then I would highly recommend this young adult book if you are looking for an adventurous and suspenseful story about love, loss, family, and finding oneself set against the backdrop of a world hanging on by a thread.
Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an electronic ARC of Hearts Still Beating in return for my honest review.
Overall, I found this book to be very entertaining and enjoyable! While it was a little slow at the start, it was definitely difficult to put down once the plot really got going. I always love a book with duel point of view, and this one did not disappoint. Mara and Rory’s history is woven in well through flashbacks that provide the reader with a better understanding of why their relationship is the way it is in the present. Although, I did find Mara’s sister, Carter, and Rory’s anger towards Altered Mara a little much and unfair, considering I don’t think it is fair to blame Mara for what happened while she was under the virus’s control as a Tick. It would be understandable for them to be weary of Altered Mara, but to be so angry, each for their own reasons, seems unjustified. But besides that, I really enjoyed the characters, plot, and suspense that this book offered. Since it is a book centered around a life-altering virus turning people into the undead, make sure to check trigger warnings if you have certain situations to which you are sensitive. There is definitely a decent amount of gore, blood, and death, as well as some accounts of torture and child death. If you are ok reading about those types of events, then I would highly recommend this young adult book if you are looking for an adventurous and suspenseful story about love, loss, family, and finding oneself set against the backdrop of a world hanging on by a thread.
Thank you to Penguin Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an electronic ARC of Hearts Still Beating in return for my honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood
Moderate: Child death, Torture, Medical content, Medical trauma
I really enjoyed this book! I wouldn't say this book started SLOW but once the action got going in this one I DEVOURED it. I was DYING to know how it would end and couldn't put it down. This book is full of gore and action. I mean its a a zombie book so lots of crushing of skulls, haha! A friends to lovers/ found family trope mixed in with all the gruesome bits though. I absolutely recommend reading this one! It was a fun ride!
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes