A review by msoh
Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer

5.0

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Books / Penguin Young Readers Group for providing this book, with my honest review below.

I had read about Hearts Still Beating on a Goodreads most anticipated list, and I have a special spot for apocalypse books (specifically zombie type books, something about them just works for me) so was very eager to see if this could shine amongst others in the genre. Well put like this, I have been sick as all get out but still managed to use what little time I could focus on reading to read this because it was so great!

A unique take on an apocalypse and zombie novel in that it explores the aftermath, it stands tall even amongst its adult counterparts. Rory (Aurora) and Mara are teenage best friends and through their own twists of fate one of them ends up dead, then brought back to life, and the other ends up housing her despite the trauma and hate associated with her kind. This was a wonderfully written book that explored the apocalypse and humanity in very effective manners while also drawing some parallels in how we react to that which we blindly hate.

Highly recommended, I've already messaged many fellow lovers of these genres about this one.