If you’re anything like me, the month of October is filled with pumpkin spiced lattes, witchy movies, cuddling with your black cat (okay, maybe not this one), and reading spooky novels that haunt your dreams.
However, sometimes I’m not in the mood to read or watch something truly terrifying, but I do love reading novels that have frightening concepts or dangerous explorations within dystopian worlds. Because of this, Carrie Ryan is one of my favorite young-adult authors.
The Forest of Hands and Teeth series is PERFECT for young-adult Halloween adventures.
Mary, a girl living in a world surrounded by the unconsecrated, believes there’s more out there than the Sisterhood and her town that is doomed by invasion. Her mother always spoke of the ocean, yet she’s never seen or heard of it elsewhere. The unconsecrated make it too dangerous to leave, and the forest of hands and teeth may be her only way out—if she even decides to leave in order to save her future.
I’d like to clarify and say that the unconsecrated are zombies—and I’m not even a zombie fan, yet I LOVED these books. Ryan’s delicate prose truly creates this dystopian unconsecrated-filled world and leaves you there to survive next to Mary. (Also, each novel can stand on it’s own—but I won’t explain how). Ryan’s unique writing style somehow finds beauty in such an ugly place, deepening the emotions into a deathly reality.
If you’re looking for a great Halloween read, or even a fantastic read by itself, then I recommend this series.
To read more on the first novel, click here.
To read more on the entire series, click here.
To get a signed copy from Carrie Ryan, click here. (How cool is that?? I LOVE it when authors push themselves that much further just to connect with their readers and fans. So encouraging!)
Happy Hallo-read!
~SAT
Shannon A. Thompson 
I may just have to get these books.
My young daughter eats this stuff up. Great tip – thanks Shannon!
I work at a used bookshop and I know that this genre has really taken off over the past couple of years. We’ve gone from keeping them on the top of one shelf to two full shelf units and I’m pretty sure not a day goes by without selling at least one title. I’ve heard comments from parents wishing they could get their kids to read something else. My response is simple… they’re reading, period. Whether these books or Archie comics, they’re reading…and that’s what’s important.
beautiful comment–so true. I couldn’t be more grateful for your words, work, and belief.
~SAT
I would have never thought about reading these books without your review, now I”m actually thinking about getting them! Thanks!
I read the first 2 books (the third wasn’t out when I read them) and they are some of my favorites of all time. Yes it’s a zombie book, but not anything standard. The focus is more on the characters and how they interact with each other. The writing is so well done that you can feel yourself sinking into this world without even noticing.
Beautiful way of wording Ryan’s writing style. I’m sure you’ll love The Dark and Hollow Places! It’s a fantastic third novel
~SAT
First yummm pumpkin spice latte and secondly those books sound really fun 🙂
Great, great choice – I love these books, too! Yes, it’s a post-apocalyptic world, and yes, there are zombies, but Mary’s character is what really drives this first story, and I loved reading about such a strong female protagonist. I also loved how she was strong without being unrealistic – she definitely had flaws, she did some things wrong, but in the end, she fought for what she wanted and believed in. Great review- thanks!
I loved Forest of Hands and Teeth! I haven’t read the rest of the series. I’m a little worried that they won’t be as good as the first book…
They are! And it’s very interesting on how she continues the series. Here’s a hint: The Dead-Tossed Waves isn’t told by Mary. But by someone else from the first novel… 😛
~SAT
Hi Shannon!
Thanks for visiting my blog and following me; I am returning the favor. Your blog is wonderful. I wondered if you’ve ever heard of a YA author named Ann Angel? She is a professor in our creative writing graduate program at Mount Mary college and has published several books. Her latest is a biography on Janis Joplin called, “Rise Up Singing.” It has won numerous awards; you should check it out! Happy Blogging!
-Christine