The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

Every once and a while a book comes along that captives you and makes you think. The Forest of Hands and Teeth was like that for me. At first I was a little weary (about the zombies), but everyone was giving it such great reviews and I decided to give it a shot. I am glad that I did. This may very well be one of the best books I have ever read. Ryan has created such an amazing world and atmosphere. The tone of the novel is a mixture of tragedy, hope, fear, and courage. I was hooked from the very beginning.

Mary was such a complex character. Her dreams of the ocean seem to push her forward but sometimes at the expense of others which made her look a little selfish. She was also compassionate and cared about the Unconsecrated and the people they once were. Travis was my favorite character. He was Mary's crutch and willing to do anything for her. Even if that meant letting her chase dreams that he thought might take her from him.

Ryan had a way of writing about the Unconsecrated that did not scare me, and the 'fight' scenes were pretty exciting. I love how she shows that life can go on even when it is surrounded by death. Mary stated many times that the moans of the Unconsecrated became a hum of background noise in the routine of daily living.

I absolutely loved this book. I felt so connected to the characters and found that I was on the journey with them, not just experiencing it. It was an emotional roller coaster. I cried, laughed, felt scared when there was danger and relief when it was safe, and most importantly hope. Mary's hope is so astounding that you couldn't help but feel it too. The Forest of Hands and Teeth deserves a:

Here is an excellent book trailer: