The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan
The Forest of Hands and Teeth
Carrie Ryan
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: March 9, 2009
Pages: 310
Source: Bought
Rating: 5 stars
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?
I for some reason had this crazy notion that I didn’t think I would like this book, and thus didn’t read it until now. I’m not huge on the whole “zombie” thing. I’m horrible and am a huge cover judge – I did not like the hardcover cover, so I kinda avoided it as well. Wowza was I stupid! The Forest of Hands and Teeth is an absolutely stellar read that I would recommend to absolutely everyone.
I loved the world. I was so caught up in it right away. I loved that sense of discovering things along with Mary. I had so many questions as I was reading, and even after I finished the questions were still playing on repeat through my head. The plot was just awesome. I loved everything in the world that just fueled the fire. I could never guess what would come next.
The characters were awesome. I loved Argo the dog. I know he can’t talk or anything, but he is definitely the most rocking dog ever. I adored Travis quite a lot. He was such a sweetheart. Even characters I didn’t want to like, I couldn’t completely dislike as they all had some moment of good, where their true character shown through.
The ending – Carrie Ryan is absolutely MEAN. I am in a sense happy I waited this long, as now I don’t have to wait to start Dead Tossed Waves after that horribly cruel ending of cliffhangerness. I am in LOVE with the paperback cover. It is absolutely stunning I think.
This is a must read. I feel like I’m about the last person in the universe to read this series, but seriously, if you haven’t read it, you should. You will fall for the crazy world, charming characters, and epic plot.
Cover Rating: A+
Just a warning: Dead Tossed Waves is not a direct sequel. It's a companion novel that follows a new character. So you may or may not get the satisfaction of continuing past the "cliffhanger."
But we're glad you liked this book! Like you, we weren't sure about the whole "zombie" thing, but that's SO not what this book was really about.
I loved this book too!!! But yes be prepared the Dead Tossed is NOT a direct sequel. Mary is in it, but it follows a new character. I actually liked that one better. I got a boy in my class to read it, and he loved it as well.
I have been holding off reading this series too because of the whole Zombie thing. It seems most people like this series and the Zombie thing isn't an issue. Maybe I'll have to give it a try after all.
I have this book but have not gotten around to reading it yet. Your review has definitely bumped it up in my reading pile though :)
I actually only recently bought the first two books so you are not the last person on the planet to read this. I'm glad you enjoyed it and I hope that I do when I read it.
Thanks for the great review :)
I seem to see this book/series everywhere, and have yet to hear a bad thing about it! This just adds to the momentum that is sure to build until the moment I get my hands on this book. Well said!