The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

I had read so many amazing reviews of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, and was quite excited when I actually got to read it.

It is basically a post-apocalyptic novel, set after the world has been taken over by zombie-like beings. Mary lives within the boundaries of a big fence, which the ‘unconsecrated’ (or zombies) are constantly shaking at. The Sisterhood are a group of “nuns”, who control the small village of people who haven’t been infected by the unconsecrated. Before Mary can be ‘bonded’ (aka married) to Harry, the village is infiltrated. And Mary finds herself escaping with Harry, her real love Travis (Harry’s brother!), his betrothed and Mary’s brother and wife. They all manage to get out unharmed – left with absolutely nothing but Mary’s hope of finding the ocean, a ‘thing’ she has heard about from her late mother but doesn’t quite believe in.

 This is a fantastic book; so beautifully written and very gripping. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to perhaps slightly mature readers who enjoy fantasy, romance and adventure.

 Sequel out now [The Dead Tossed Waves]. And supposedly movie in the making. Yay.

Bad Monkeys by Mat Ruff

The New York Times calls it “A science fiction Catcher in the Rye” and it certainly has elements of a rebellious teenager and a bond (though not as close here) with a younger sibling. Otherwise, it is pretty weird, though certainly entertaining. Bad Monkeys are evil doers, crooks – and Jane Charlotte spends quite a bit of her life in a strange organisation which tries to defeat these people. The novel is basically an interview between Jane and a psychiatrist who is questioning her after she was arrested for murder. You will laugh, be confused, wonder what is happening – lots of actions and twists. For mature readers only.