ABOUT THE BOOK:
Author: Mari Mancusi
Imagine finding your first love, only to be ripped apart by the apocalypse. Peyton Anderson will never forget the day she was forced to make a choice--between her family--and Chris Parker, the boy she'd given her heart. Now, four years later, as she steps from the fallout shelter and into a dead and broken world, he's the only thing on her mind.
All Chris "Chase" Parker wanted was to take Peyton away and keep her safe from harm. But he waited for hours in the rain on judgment day and she never showed--breaking his heart without ever telling him why.
Now the two of them have been thrown together once again, reluctant chaperones to a group of orphan children in a post-apocalyptic world where the dead still walk...and feed. As they begin their pilgramage to the last human outpost on Earth, can they find a way to let go of old hurts and find the love they lost--all while attempting to save what's left of the human race?
BOOK REVIEW:
The start of this novel is pretty good. Great in fact, especially when the characters took a misdirected jab at Twilight. That's right, I'm petty, scorn me.
The author's story-telling is the reason I finished this novel. I couldn't help but marvel at the author's imagination. I found the year 2030, as described in this novel, very believable and ideal. I would love to live in a time like that (minus the hungry zombies, of course).
I liked how the author tapped into issues like depression and addiction. She provided insights on what went on inside a person's drug-riddled mind. I also liked how the main character, Peyton, dealt with these people. Most YA books lack a moral story, but this one doesn't. It's great to see an author trying to spread awareness about drug-dependency.
I almost gave this dystopian novel a 4 ribbon. And I completely understand some people giving it a perfect 5. However, my final rating is...
There are a lot of what I called "recycled scenes" in this novel. Recycled scenes are events or situations that are disturbingly similar/familiar from the ones you just read two chapters ago. These scenes can be a direct result of a character's utter stupidity or hypocrisy. And unfortunately for this novel, it's both. There's a bunch of mini-recycled scenes that I won't be mentioning. But what stood out are the pharmacy scene with Chase and the hospital scene with Peyton.
*** MILD SPOILERS AHEAD (and some RANTING) ***
There seems to be a recurring theme in this novel -- it's called idiotic-decisions-that-benefit-no-one-theme. Example of this is to go off ALONE in a zombie infested land looking for drugs/medications/food supplies/etc. And then tag along with a complete STRANGER because you have NO other choice (even if the said stranger is unarmed and YOU ARE).
I loved how the characters make logical conclusions and do the complete opposite of it. It's frustrating, I tell you. Like on page 248, when Peyton heard the groans of flesh-eating Zombies on the other side of a LOCKED door, she reasoned that on her weakened state, it's better to walk away and go back to the others (not Others, mind you). Instead, she kicked open the door and ended up being chased by at least two dozens zombies. WTF?! I repeat, WTF?!
Leave the damn door alone! Oh god. I call this book the perfect guide on what NOT to do in case of a Zombie Apocalypse. And yes, you can quote me on that.
If I could sum up the romance in this novel, it would be like this:
Chase: You are my goddess. I love you.
Peyton: I love you, too.
Chase: I love you because you are so beautiful.
Peyton: I love you because you are so sweet and does not exist in real life.
Chase: I love you even if you have razors sticking up your dainty fingers.
Peyton: I'm on a very important mission and I have no time for love. But I love you.
Chase: I still love you even if you have freaky eyes, my goddess.
Peyton: Ok. I love you back even if I have trust issues.
Chase: I love you to infinity!!!
Peyton: Did I already mention that I love you?
Chase: *sighed* Really? Well, I love you too...
OKWEGETIT. You love each other. Geez!
The ending of this book is truly dissappointing. I was waiting for the big reveal, but I got a predictable cliché instead. All I can say is that this book started out with a bang but ended up with a whimper.
I picked up this book at Netgalley - sorry to hear it was disappointing! (New follower via e-mail)
ReplyDeleteheathercim.wordpress.com
Hi Heather! Thank you for your comment. To tell you the truth, I liked this novel, that's why I gave this a 3-ribbon rating. Mancusi is a great story teller. However, there were a lot of scenes that lack the use of common sense. You know, just plain old common sense. LOL
DeleteAnyway, don't give up on this book. You might even enjoy it!
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