The Dead-Tossed Waves

Gr 9 Up—As Carrie Ryan's companion novel (Delacorte, 2010) to The Forest of Hands and Teeth (Delacorte, 2009; Listening Library, 2010) opens, all is as well as it can be in a post-apocalyptic world. Gabry and her mother, Mary (the main protagonist in the previous novel), live in relative safety behind the barrier separating normal, living human beings from the hordes of mindless, undead (zombies), known as the unconsecrated, mudos, or breakers. The undead thirst for blood and exist to attack, infect, and kill. Everything in Gabry's world changes abruptly with one fateful and reckless decision by a group of friends, thrusting them into terrifying and unrelenting danger beyond the safety of the barrier. This is Gabry's story, told in her own voice, as the group struggles to survive in a dangerous world and make their way to the Dark City—a place of safety and hope. Gabry grows from a scared, indecisive girl to a more confident, independent young woman. Tara Sands's narration of this fast-paced, intense novel is excellent, and she gives each character a unique voice. Among the many themes touched on are the morality of killing and religion and religious cults. Familiarity with the previous novel is not absolutely necessary, but it would add a little more insight. Listeners will be riveted and eagerly await the next installment.—Mary Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH