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the_reading_seal 's review for:
Hearts Still Beating
by Brooke Archer
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!