Reviews

Gr 10 Up-Ilsa Bick sets the stage for an evocative, chilling, and brutal trilogy with her apocalyptic tale (EgmontUSA, 2011). Alex, who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, has retreated into the wilderness when an electromagnetic pulse flashes through the sky, destroying all electronic devices and computer systems and killing many people. Even worse is the fact that some of the kids that remain have been "changed." They are now brainwashed and have an appetite for human flesh. Alex bands together with two other survivors-Ellie, and eight-year-old girl, and a soldier named Tom. Adventure ensues as this makeshift family tries to survive the harsh winter and avoid running into any of the "changed." After arriving in a town of organized survivors, Alex finds herself torn between choosing her own destiny and taking the safety offered to her. Characters are well drawn and believable as they try to theorize what has happened. Fans of Suzanne Collins's "Hunger Games" and Michael Grant's "Gone" series will appreciate the eerie feel of this novel and the vivid, gruesome imagery. Katherine Kellgren's stellar performance brings energy and intensity to the narration, giving all the characters distinct voices. A must-have for all young adult collections.-Rebecca Flannery, Lyman Memorial High School, Lebanon, CT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.