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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
This book is brilliant! An absolute 5 start read! We find ourselves in the apocalyptic USA after a virus swept the world and destroyed civilization. Two teenage best friends afraid to admit their romantic love for one another lose the chance when their lives fall apart. Brooke Archer paints a horrific and believable picture of the fall. She definitely had me thinking about it long after I finished reading. We learn about who our MCs were before and who they have become in light of humanity's struggle to survive. One is infected. The other adapts to the challenges of her new existence. This is a story of innocent young love, innocence lost, the strength of love, and the flammability of the tiniest spark of hope. It is at its core the fight to maintain one's humanity in the face of unimaginable circumstances, resulting in pain, loss, and despair. Who are the real monsters in all of this? The love story woven throughout highlights the complexity of human emotion and resilience. It is very well-written and immersive. This is already my favorite book of the year. Do yourself a favor and give it a read! Archer is an author to look out for.
I received a free ARC. This is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC. This is my honest opinion.
dark
I was given this book through NetGalley—This book was incredible! I was surprised at how quickly I was sucked into the story. I was in live with Rory’s character arc and how she was able to parse through her conflicting feelings surrounding those she loved and her place in the remnants of her world. Mara’s tenuous hold to her humanity was such an interesting thing explored throughout the hook as well. Her development was very well done, and I think the pacing was exactly how it needed to he to supply us with such a gratifying ending. All in all, it’s a book I will recommend to anyone looking for a post-apocalyptic/horror type novel with bi/lesbian representation.
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Genuinely did not think I would enjoy this one so much, as I'm not big on zombie stories in general, but I loved it!
I loved the focus on rebuilding after the apocalypse, the theme of zombies/monsters vs. human monsters, I loved how dark it was! I loved the complicated family dynamics after the end of the world (having to step in when your parent shuts down), the focus on kinda sorta curing zombies, the angst and the graphic violence and the anger and the *hope*. I loved the main relationship, how it was childhood friends to lovers but also second chance (kind of) but also enemies to lovers and the dynamic made sense anyway.
I do have some stuff that I wished had been more developed (especially around Carter, Emir/Dolly/the other Altered and the ending in general) but tbh my enjoyment levels were so high that I'll give it 5 stars anyway. I think this is one of my fave post-apocalyptic stories I've read in the last few years.
I loved the focus on rebuilding after the apocalypse, the theme of zombies/monsters vs. human monsters, I loved how dark it was! I loved the complicated family dynamics after the end of the world (having to step in when your parent shuts down), the focus on kinda sorta curing zombies, the angst and the graphic violence and the anger and the *hope*. I loved the main relationship, how it was childhood friends to lovers but also second chance (kind of) but also enemies to lovers and the dynamic made sense anyway.
I do have some stuff that I wished had been more developed (especially around Carter, Emir/Dolly/the other Altered and the ending in general) but tbh my enjoyment levels were so high that I'll give it 5 stars anyway. I think this is one of my fave post-apocalyptic stories I've read in the last few years.
Reading Journal Details
Book: Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer
Format Read: Audiobook (~10 hours, 55 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 of 5 stars)
Quick Take Review (TL;DR)
With a semi-fresh take on zombie-like creatures called "ticks," Hearts Still Beating delivers an engaging, well-paced apocalyptic thriller. Strong character development, solid world-building, and riveting tension make this a gripping read, though clearer flashback transitions would have improved the audiobook experience.
Full Review
As a sucker for zombies and apocalyptic dystopias, this book was right up my alley. The slow build in the beginning was well-executed, leading to a consistently paced and gripping plot. I appreciated the semi-fresh take on zombie-like creatures, called "ticks," and the strong character development that continued throughout the story rather than being front-loaded. The audiobook format occasionally made flashbacks difficult to discern, and I wish they had been more clearly indicated. That aside, the world-building, tension, and emotional depth were all on point, making this an enjoyable and immersive read.
Book: Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer
Format Read: Audiobook (~10 hours, 55 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 of 5 stars)
Quick Take Review (TL;DR)
With a semi-fresh take on zombie-like creatures called "ticks," Hearts Still Beating delivers an engaging, well-paced apocalyptic thriller. Strong character development, solid world-building, and riveting tension make this a gripping read, though clearer flashback transitions would have improved the audiobook experience.
Full Review
As a sucker for zombies and apocalyptic dystopias, this book was right up my alley. The slow build in the beginning was well-executed, leading to a consistently paced and gripping plot. I appreciated the semi-fresh take on zombie-like creatures, called "ticks," and the strong character development that continued throughout the story rather than being front-loaded. The audiobook format occasionally made flashbacks difficult to discern, and I wish they had been more clearly indicated. That aside, the world-building, tension, and emotional depth were all on point, making this an enjoyable and immersive read.
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
YA Zombie sapphic love story. Sign me up. This was great. Gave me The last of us vibes. I wasn’t sure how the book was going to wrap up but I loved the ending. No notes. Great audio too.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is a really cool combination of stories I've already seen. If you like The Last of Us, Warm Bodies, and queer romance you will enjoy this book.
I enjoyed the growth we saw form these characters, the tension from the opposing sides, and the overall story. Rory and Mara are beautiful characters. The audiobook is read by one of my favorite voice actors so that was an exciting surprise.
I enjoyed the growth we saw form these characters, the tension from the opposing sides, and the overall story. Rory and Mara are beautiful characters. The audiobook is read by one of my favorite voice actors so that was an exciting surprise.
this was very cute, and I liked the author's take on zombies and related apocalypses
As an aside: I'm no expert, but I don't think virus exposure works like that? and it wouldn't be named Letalis tichnosis if it was a virus. Deadly tick? why?
Whatever, I had a good time
As an aside: I'm no expert, but I don't think virus exposure works like that? and it wouldn't be named Letalis tichnosis if it was a virus. Deadly tick? why?
Whatever, I had a good time
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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