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A review by jazzyjbox
Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Gory and gruesome and yet somehow still strangely sweet?
Mostly dead, Mara is about to be sent to live among humans again as an Altered version of the Ticks - the parasite that makes people want to kill and commit cannibalism. All she can hope for is that the girl she loved is still somehow alive. Rory is definitely still alive, and she's angry at the world. When authority starts to get out of control, Mara and Rory have to rely on each other to make it through.
This book gives off The Last of Us vibes, and I don't hate it. Several of the flashbacks seemed unnecessary, but I appreciate the story that was being built. This story doesn't rely much on the science aspect, which makes it easy to read. I liked Rory's family and the tension that played out between Rory and her parents. I was not a fan of the sister's vague attempt at reconciliation. It didn't feel natural to the story at all. Mara and Rory's second chance, on the other hand, played out really well.
Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Mostly dead, Mara is about to be sent to live among humans again as an Altered version of the Ticks - the parasite that makes people want to kill and commit cannibalism. All she can hope for is that the girl she loved is still somehow alive. Rory is definitely still alive, and she's angry at the world. When authority starts to get out of control, Mara and Rory have to rely on each other to make it through.
This book gives off The Last of Us vibes, and I don't hate it. Several of the flashbacks seemed unnecessary, but I appreciate the story that was being built. This story doesn't rely much on the science aspect, which makes it easy to read. I liked Rory's family and the tension that played out between Rory and her parents. I was not a fan of the sister's vague attempt at reconciliation. It didn't feel natural to the story at all. Mara and Rory's second chance, on the other hand, played out really well.
Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Child death