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A review by veggiestrawenjoyer13
Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The premise of this book hooked me immediately, and it did not disappoint. It’s a unique twist on the zombie apocalypse genre, which I enjoy quite a bit. There’s nothing very negative to say about it, really. The pacing was on the slower side, but that didn’t bother me and it fit with the storyline in my opinion.
The worldbuilding is one of this book’s strongest points. It was laid out clearly in the beginning and built upon as I kept reading. Everything was easy to understand, and felt logical for the story. I also enjoyed the characters. I haven’t read a lot of lovers-rivals-lovers, but it’s definitely a dynamic I enjoyed. The characters, both the main and side, were likable and fleshed out enough to gain an understanding of their actions.
The writing style was also wonderful. I loved the descriptions the author provided. It was intense when needed. The dialogue could be corny at times- but they are teenagers. I didn’t cringe at the modern media references like I often do. It didn’t seem like bad writing, just age-accurate for them.
This is definitely a book I would recommend. It’s authentic and a very interesting read. I’d love another story set in this world. Following Vivian’s group maybe? Either way, I fell in love with the characters and the setting.
The worldbuilding is one of this book’s strongest points. It was laid out clearly in the beginning and built upon as I kept reading. Everything was easy to understand, and felt logical for the story. I also enjoyed the characters. I haven’t read a lot of lovers-rivals-lovers, but it’s definitely a dynamic I enjoyed. The characters, both the main and side, were likable and fleshed out enough to gain an understanding of their actions.
The writing style was also wonderful. I loved the descriptions the author provided. It was intense when needed. The dialogue could be corny at times- but they are teenagers. I didn’t cringe at the modern media references like I often do. It didn’t seem like bad writing, just age-accurate for them.
This is definitely a book I would recommend. It’s authentic and a very interesting read. I’d love another story set in this world. Following Vivian’s group maybe? Either way, I fell in love with the characters and the setting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Death, and Violence
Minor: Vomit and Fire/Fire injury