UGH. I really really enjoyed this book. This is a previous publication that has been edited and rewritten, but I got a copy of the new version from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I love zombie books and I love Courtney Summers, so this was a no-brainer (no pun intended) read for me. 

So, with the characters, I really liked the depth that Sloane had with all of the problems that she had previously faced before the zombie apocalypse, and how those problems followed her even to the end of the world as she knew it. She was forced to try and survive with five other teens in a high school that they barricaded themselves into. There is Harrison, Grace, Cary, Rhys, and Trace along with Sloane herself. Honestly, I could have cared less about Harrison and Trace. Grace is Trace’s twin sister and is the peacemaker of the group, but doesn’t add too much to the story. Cary is the leader basically, but he has so many moral dilemmas throughout the story that he adds a LOT of depth to the plot overall. Rhys is Sloane’s love interest and my favorite character in the entire novel (because this version ties in his novella with Sloane’s story, you get his POV towards the end of the book). 

With the story as a whole, most of the time, you’re following Sloane on her journey to discover her life again (and whether or not she actually wants it). A large portion of the novel is them actually stuck in the high school, but you do venture outside into the broken and zombie-filled world towards the second half of the book. I was honestly gripped almost the whole entire time, but after the first 25% to about 50%, I was a little bored since it was all about them just being stuck in the high school and literally fighting with each other (talk about teen angst). My absolute favorite part was Rhys’ POV towards the end. His story was SO good and I loved his character so much that he honestly made this book for me. Sloane’s was good, too, but man, Rhys? He just had that something that makes you want to keep going with him. 

Spoilers ahead.

What I really really REALLY didn’t like was the fact that Ainsley was bitten. It was more for shock factor than anything dealing with plot and simply was not necessary. Her mom and dad dying? Sure. She did not need to die period. It also sucked that Lily was dead (and I really want to know why she went home in the first place – I’m assuming it was to look for Sloane), but that added to the plot. Rhys is a poor angel guy who only wants someone to stay with him for once. Yes, he finds Sloane, but gosh darn it Ainsley should have survived too. Rant over, sorry. 

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. The zombie apocalypse makes it absolutely hard to put down (I read well into the night many times), and the characters give a strong addition to an already great book. The only thing I have a gripe about is the short sentences and choppy writing. Typically I love Courtney Summers’ writing style, but this did not do it for me and made my overall rating lose a star. With that being said, though, this is still easily a 4/5 star read for me. Highly enjoyed it and definitely recommend!!

Source: Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley

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