The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Book Summery:
Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves. -goodreads.com

Book Trailer:



My Review:
This book begins several years after the end of The Forest of Hands and Teeth (my review found here). If you have read said review of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, you know that I some major issues with the book. This made me quite apprehensive towards The Dead-Tossed Waves. However, I went to the bookstore and sat down with the book, thoroughly flipping through it's pages and reading excerpts until I was firmly convinced enough to buy the book. I was a bit surprised that the majority of the content on the back cover occurred within the the first 20 pages. I was a little discouraged that the rest of the book was going to drag on and on...One of my primary concerns was that it was going to be quite similar to the first; masses of zombies for a new generation. However, I continued to plow my way through the pages, and I am glad I did.

Ryan does a good job of filling in the gaps and smoothing over the rough edges that were left over from The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Furthermore, she introduces a new cast of characters and re-introduces some familiar faces from book one. Let me just say, that I really, really like Elias and hope to see more of him in future books. ;) My only compliant is that Gabrielle can be really, really indecisive, which did grate on my nerves quite a bit. It reminded me a lot of Mary's younger character from book one. I did enjoy the maturity and evolution of Mary's character. On a whole, I found The Dead-Tossed Waves to be a more accomplished and fulfilling read.

Favorite Quote:

"I hold my breath, waiting for her touch to bring me comfort. And then I realize that that's been my problem all along. Not only wanting comfort and security and safety, but looking to others to find it when I need to find it inside myself." (p. 324)

Cover Art Commentary:
Though not my foremost favorite cover, it definitely fits the story well. I like the color scheme and the use of the water. What plagues me is who is on the cover and are they dead or alive?

Overall Rating: