Hey everybody! Today I'm going to be reviewing a book provided to me by Entrada Publishing, Infectious by Elizabeth Forkey. I'd like to give them a huge thank you, I really appreciate it. Now on to the review. :)
(Quick note: the title is actually typed as INFECtIOUS with a cross for the T. Just fyi.)
(Quick note: the title is actually typed as INFECtIOUS with a cross for the T. Just fyi.)
First off, I had so many problems with this book. Some of them got resolved throughout the book but some of them, not so much. So, when I recieved the description it talked about some Christian elements. To clear some things up, yes, I'm Christian. But the book I thought I'd be reviewing was mildly Christian. What I got was a book based totally on Christianity. Now, don't me wrong, there's nothing wrong with that. It's the actual plot of this book that makes it fall through for me. But more on that later.
So basic plot explained: One day, six million people disappeared from the Earth. Then a disease with symptoms similar to leprosy appeared, called Leprasimilis. Scientists come up with a vaccine called "Lucimer" and while at first it was voluntary to get the vaccine, they decided to make it mandatory. The military and scientists come into the schools and vaccinated the kids, SHOOTING the ones that ran. Ivy didn't get the shot because her parents, being paranoid, kept her home from school. Aunty shows up at Ivy's door, inviting her family to Toccoa. Ivy's parents say they already have a safe spot, and to take Ivy until they have it secured. Obviously, Ivy's parents never come back.
Just in case you missed it, the disease is similar to leprosy, aka the disease from the Bible associated with sin. The cure is Lucimer, one letter from Lucifer (the devil). Coincidence? I think not.
Now that I'm done with the backstory, on to the story. I have to say, I had a minor freakout when there was a character named Colleen. THAT NEVER HAPPENS. One of the first minor problems I noticed was how Ivy talks about how she misses lotion, deodorant, toothpaste. But she also manages to own a Taser, which isn't exactly a common household object, and also a computer later on. I'm also surprised she didn't lose her Bible because while a regular Bible is easy to find, Ivy owns The Message which isn't commonplace. At the beginning of the book Ivy talks about how she's "more servant than niece these days." Yet it only takes a few pages for Aunty to transition from "evil aunt who overworks her niece" to loving and someone Ivy depends on. Again, these are minor issues but eyebrow-raising worthy.
At first, I thought of zombies in the typical way. Lumbering, groaning, brain eaters. But soon I found out that zombies weren't necessarily like that. They were normal people infected with a disease. Anyone else see something wrong with that? Its like being disgusted or afraid of disabled people.
By this point, I had realized that the author of this book might have a different mindset than I do, partly because of this quote: "Our men are busy doing manly things, leaving the cooking and homemaking to the women.” So women are for cooking and cleaning while the men do "manly" things? Wow, I never knew that as a female that was my primary job, stay in the house and let the men do their heroic manly deeds. Thanks for letting me know, Mrs. Forkey. (By the way, women also aren't allowed to be elected to the board of Elders. Make of that what you want.)
The zombies had a picture of Ivy. We later found out this picture came from Chuck, a member of the community previously mentioned in the prologue. Pravda had been slowly killing his wife and blackmailing Chuck into bringing Ivy to them. My cliche alarm is sounding. An apocalyptic government science organization wants this simple country girl for some unknown reason. Thats only the plot of, like, every apocalypse book ever.
“The disease is that way for the Living. Our new Life in the Spirit fights the disease without us even knowing it. But if we slack off, for instance not staying in the Word or letting anger, jealousy and pride live unchecked in our hearts—even something as innocuous as skipping church too much—our strength in the Spirit gets weak, and the symptoms will start to break out again. Translation. If you skip church, you become a zombie. What happened to forgiveness? In my world, skipping church is definitely forgivable. Especially in the middle of the zombie apocalypse.
And then comes Matt. Ah, Matt. You're right Matt, you have seen the true Ivy. The discriminatory, rude, stereotyping, narrow-minded Ivy. And no, that's not too harsh. When she first meets Matt, she hates him. I quote: "my deep hatred for Matt and his kind." Lets remember, "his kind" is anybody thats not a Christian. She treats him as if he is sub-human. That is UNTIL he…takes off his gloves and winks. No, really. Ivy calls it something "that forever changes my opinion of him." A page later and she's saying she's in love with him. Okay, I know. People can change. But am I supposed to believe a girl thats grown up with this view of zombies as not human, evil, disgusting. (For your information, according to Rev. Depold, zombie is a derogatory term). Then in one day she loves one? Because what this sounds like is when he took off his gloves and she saw he wasn't *that* infected, she could see past that layer of mold obscuring his WONDERFUL (aka manipulative, more on that later) personality and was suddenly in love. Conveniently, he was in love with her as well, even though the whole time he'd been around she'd treated him terribly.
But if you started to think that Ivy is all nice, sweet, and non-discrimantory, listen up. "Could he be interested in me? Is it any compliment if he is? He's probably interested in anything that wears a skirt. Even if I was super ugly, I'd still be more attractive than a zombie girl--by virtue of having uninfected, unspotted skin." Let that soak in. In a few sentences, she said Matt is primal and interested in any girl, called all zombie (aka: have a disease because of their religion/lack of religion) girls ugly, and said it wouldn't be a compliment if Matt liked her anyway. Nice, Ivy. Care to tell Matt that?
Later on, Harmony and Ivy are walking along th fence when some of the infected start to run up against it. Yes, thats terrifying. But then Ivy says, " How can anyone act shocked or appalled at the name that best describes them? How can Rev. Depold even speak of winning over these awful animals?" Ivy considers herself above the "zombies" but really, she doesn't know much about forgiveness or acceptance. While her communitry is working to convert the people so they can be cured, Ivy is disgusted by them, calling them animals.
A few days later, Matt and Thomas show back up at the compound. Ivy is on house arrest because of her little escapade, so Harmony breaks the news to her. The first thing Ivy asks about is Matt, and then when Harmony says Thomas is hurt, all Ivy can ask AGAIN is if Matt is hurt. I'm not buying it. She cares more about a boy who she hated, then had a tween-style crush on for a few days MORE THAN a little boy who adores her and she's known for years. Nope.
The next big event is the missionaries coming home. They head out into the fray and then all come home at this point in the year to discuss whats been going on. Each year, less and less come back. One missionary, Ben, comes to sleep and eat at the Inn with Aunty and Ivy. He tells them about what's been going on out there. "“Even after the disaperances, the United States was still a nation with a Christian heritage. For my first several terms out there, people were still people.” Not surprising Ben would say that considering that to them every other religion is sinful. He then goes on to say some more about the cannibalistic tendencies, murders, cheap entertainment, and money for blood, courtesy of Pravda. “...abortion is the nations largest source of meat these days.” Okay, step back and think about this. No matter what your opinion on abortion is, this is not logical. HIs excuse for why people don't hunt animals is there aren't enough and people aren't rich or healthy enough to. Ookayy?
At this point, Jack and Rosa show up. Rosa is obviously adorable, and my favorite character. I feel terrible for her, although I'd like to know at which point little girls were sold to butchers. And then we find out Aunty has terminal cancer. God dammit why do the Colleen's always die?!!? Not cool man. Not cool. But in all seriousness, Aunty's death actually made me cry. That's surprising to me because even though tears flow out my eyes like the Mississippi usually, I just never connected with this book or the characters. Her death was a beautiful ending though, and the most emotional part of the book.
Soon after Aunty's death. Matt shows back up. Darn it. And listen up people because THIS is where Matt's true character shines through. :) "My Aunt just died. You're awfully unaware of what a big deal that is." I'm angry at his self-centered lack of concern. Tim was so---No I'm not going to compare them. "People die.' he says with a shrug". Matt goes on to mock Tim and tell Ivy that her bad attitude is th real her and she agrees with him and says she's denying herself by not letting that girl out. Given, I agree with Matt a bit but seriously? How rude do you have to be to just SAY that? But then this:
"When I don't say anything, Matt steps in front of me, stopping me, and looks into my face with those sparkling emerald eyes. "Please Ivy. I need to know how he is. I thought I could keep him safe, and I almost lost him. He's everything to me. I know you know how that feels. I really am sorry about your Aunt. She was a good person. I understand why you miss her so much."
"Why the change of tone? Are you just trying to manipulate me or something? A second ago 'people die, end of story,'" I say in a dumb macho voice.
"I need you to check on him for me!" Matt’s manipulative smile slips, and I see the frustration behind it. "Please Ivy? If you care about me at all?"
Straight up manipulation. And Ivy falls for it. He acts as if he cares to get what he wants, then uses the classic "if you care" line. Ivy might not see it, but I do. Matt isn't a bad person because he's a zombie. He's a bad person because he's twisting Ivy around his finger.
To prove my point more, after Ivy gets back from the funeral she meets up with Matt again.
“You were pretty dressed up today," he says with strange humor in his tone. I feel certain he's making fun of me somehow, but I can't figure out why.
"Funeral?" I say perturbed, an obvious given for my attire.
"I just thought since it was a special occasion you'd be wearing those pink heels again."
He is mocking me.
I can't see him well enough in the dark of the tunnel, but I'm fairly certain he is laughing silently at me.”
UH….that doesn't bother Ivy? She goes on to joke and laugh with him. They head to a waterfall on a "date", going through the secret tunnel Matt has been using to get into the community. While at the waterfall, Ivy lets THIS slip.
“You are the most mysterious zombie I know."
"Zombie?"
Shoot!
I sit straight up. I can't believe I let that slip! "Oh, yeah, sorry. That's what I call you. I mean them!" I'm cringing at my stupidity and hoping he isn't offended.
"Where did you come up with that flattering name?”
Yeah thats right! Shoot! You let your secret prejudices slip out. Funny how that happens. On their walk back, Matt asks Ivy to help him get Thomas out "when the time comes." Ivy hesitates and Matt gets angry and calls her stubborn. TOTALLY not using her, right?
And from here, the plot escalates. They get stuck in a crowd of zombies who just happen to be discussing attacking the compound. And then Matt shoots Harmony (accidentally, but still.). Luckily, Ivy gets healing powers right that moment. Okay, yeah, I'm Christian. But healing your friend from a bullet wound to the chest seems to be streching it a bit far. I mean, emotional healing sure but physically doing that? I'm not sure what to think. Soon after Harmony is healed (albeit terrified out of her mind) Ivy is chatting with Matt and thinking about a third date. Girl FOCUS. Zombies are about to attack you and your best friend just came back to life. NOT THE TIME.
When Ivy gets back to the compound, Tim is there, asking where she went. He's worried, not angry. Not only does she not give him answers as to why she disappeared after a funeral with Matt and left him and Rosa out in the cold (Rosa was sleeping on the porch. Nice, Ivy.) but she's upset when Tim walks away angrily. Tim has every right to be angry right now.
While Ivy is visiting Thomas the next day, the alarms start to ring. Matt (magically) appears. Matt whisks her and Thomas off to the tunnel, at which point Ivy choses him over the community. I have mixed feelings about this. In most books, the main character plays hero and runs back to save everybody, but I guess this way is more realistic.
Long story short, the end of the book is Matt manipulating Ivy to come with him and Thomas to Atlanta and grudglingy agreeing to let Tim go. By grudgingly, I mean: "I'm already bringing Rosa for you!" and "Matt's voice is almost whiny, "Ivy, you know how I feel about you, don't you? I care for you. I want to take care of you. I think you feel the same way about me. Why are you asking me to bring Lover Boy? He'll just be in our way!" Finally, Matt agrees. Ivy's appreciation for Tim's help through all of this is OBVIOUS when she says about Tim: "He's announced his love for me, unabashedly. If I want him to come with us, I'm going to have to live with the fact that he jealously wants my undivided affection."
Right, Ivy? God, Tim is SO irritating and jealous. Not like all he's done is love and support you and all you've done is betray and hurt him. But ya know, whatever! Matt is obviously the better choice.
And that's where the book ends. A narrow-minded girl, her manipulative "boyfriend", her jealous lover, and two little kids destined to have a sucky future. All headed to Atlanta.
Lets take some time to reflect: The single most damaging thing to this book to me was coincidentally, the biggest part of the book. If you weren't a devoted Christian. you were a zombie. Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, atheist. Heck, all of y'all are sinners. MY outlook on life is everybody has their own views and you shouldn't force your views on others. I'm going to accept people regardless of their religion, and I don't think anyone's religion or lack of religion is sinful. At all. Also, the fact that Ivy uses the word zombie without change throughout the book tells me, well, she didn't change. Her discriminatory nature and hurtful words are part of her and engraved in her mind. Those "zombies" were human. They were the Muslims, the atheists, the Christians that thought with their "head not their heart" as Ivy put it. Ivy's complete disregard for that makes me not able to like her. Another problem was the representation of scientists (Pravda) as child-killers, inhumane, and evil. You can be religious and believe in science at the same time. I was definitely getting some anti-vaxxer vibes from this book. Vaccines actually do work. Nothing against faith, but vaccines are proven to help against disease. Maye they don't in this book, and that's fine. But I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea.
About the characters. I've made it pretty clear I don't like Ivy. Matt was clearly manipulative throughout the book, and his and Ivy's relationship was based off a few meetings throughout the book. Its totally unrealistic that Ivy would fall in love with someone that she systematically hated. Love is something that blooms overtime. It doesn't happen when somebody takes off their gloves. And stereotypes and ideas about a group of people that you've had for years also don't change randomly. It takes time. Rosa and Thomas were both adorable, but I felt like they didn't influence too much besides Thomas being Matt's brother. Tim was obviously a good person, and treated everyone with respect. I liked him, for the most part. Aunty, while I think her intentions were good, must have contributed somehow to Ivy's acidic mindset about the infected. Those ideas didn't come from nowhere, you know.
Overall, this book was slow-paced. It all lead up to the zombie attack, which consisted of Ivy running to the tunnel and seeing the town burning. I found myself bored occasionally. Even as a Christian, a lot of it was hard to swallow, by which I mean the contrasting ideas about other religions and the role of women in society. For a non-Christian, they simply would not be able to read this book. Its just too based on religion, and I feel like it just wouldn't go over well. (but still feel free to read any book, including this one. Never feel restricted to or from a book.)
I usually try to see the bright side in books, but for this one, I just didn't enjoy it. I definitely think some people would like it more, possibly if they had the same kind of ideals as the author. But for me the romance was cheesy, I hated the two main characters, the book was flawed in its discrimination and obvious biases, and the plot was slow. Out of ten stars, I'll give this a two. One of those for trying, because I know writing a book takes a lot of effort. And one of those for the occasional line of truth or enjoyable moment.
Once again, thank you to Entrada Publishing for providing the book and also thank you to Elizabeth Forkey. I appreciate your time writing this book. Its natural for books to click with some and not so much others, and for me, this book just didn't click.
Keep reading everybody!
-Colleen
So basic plot explained: One day, six million people disappeared from the Earth. Then a disease with symptoms similar to leprosy appeared, called Leprasimilis. Scientists come up with a vaccine called "Lucimer" and while at first it was voluntary to get the vaccine, they decided to make it mandatory. The military and scientists come into the schools and vaccinated the kids, SHOOTING the ones that ran. Ivy didn't get the shot because her parents, being paranoid, kept her home from school. Aunty shows up at Ivy's door, inviting her family to Toccoa. Ivy's parents say they already have a safe spot, and to take Ivy until they have it secured. Obviously, Ivy's parents never come back.
Just in case you missed it, the disease is similar to leprosy, aka the disease from the Bible associated with sin. The cure is Lucimer, one letter from Lucifer (the devil). Coincidence? I think not.
Now that I'm done with the backstory, on to the story. I have to say, I had a minor freakout when there was a character named Colleen. THAT NEVER HAPPENS. One of the first minor problems I noticed was how Ivy talks about how she misses lotion, deodorant, toothpaste. But she also manages to own a Taser, which isn't exactly a common household object, and also a computer later on. I'm also surprised she didn't lose her Bible because while a regular Bible is easy to find, Ivy owns The Message which isn't commonplace. At the beginning of the book Ivy talks about how she's "more servant than niece these days." Yet it only takes a few pages for Aunty to transition from "evil aunt who overworks her niece" to loving and someone Ivy depends on. Again, these are minor issues but eyebrow-raising worthy.
At first, I thought of zombies in the typical way. Lumbering, groaning, brain eaters. But soon I found out that zombies weren't necessarily like that. They were normal people infected with a disease. Anyone else see something wrong with that? Its like being disgusted or afraid of disabled people.
By this point, I had realized that the author of this book might have a different mindset than I do, partly because of this quote: "Our men are busy doing manly things, leaving the cooking and homemaking to the women.” So women are for cooking and cleaning while the men do "manly" things? Wow, I never knew that as a female that was my primary job, stay in the house and let the men do their heroic manly deeds. Thanks for letting me know, Mrs. Forkey. (By the way, women also aren't allowed to be elected to the board of Elders. Make of that what you want.)
The zombies had a picture of Ivy. We later found out this picture came from Chuck, a member of the community previously mentioned in the prologue. Pravda had been slowly killing his wife and blackmailing Chuck into bringing Ivy to them. My cliche alarm is sounding. An apocalyptic government science organization wants this simple country girl for some unknown reason. Thats only the plot of, like, every apocalypse book ever.
“The disease is that way for the Living. Our new Life in the Spirit fights the disease without us even knowing it. But if we slack off, for instance not staying in the Word or letting anger, jealousy and pride live unchecked in our hearts—even something as innocuous as skipping church too much—our strength in the Spirit gets weak, and the symptoms will start to break out again. Translation. If you skip church, you become a zombie. What happened to forgiveness? In my world, skipping church is definitely forgivable. Especially in the middle of the zombie apocalypse.
And then comes Matt. Ah, Matt. You're right Matt, you have seen the true Ivy. The discriminatory, rude, stereotyping, narrow-minded Ivy. And no, that's not too harsh. When she first meets Matt, she hates him. I quote: "my deep hatred for Matt and his kind." Lets remember, "his kind" is anybody thats not a Christian. She treats him as if he is sub-human. That is UNTIL he…takes off his gloves and winks. No, really. Ivy calls it something "that forever changes my opinion of him." A page later and she's saying she's in love with him. Okay, I know. People can change. But am I supposed to believe a girl thats grown up with this view of zombies as not human, evil, disgusting. (For your information, according to Rev. Depold, zombie is a derogatory term). Then in one day she loves one? Because what this sounds like is when he took off his gloves and she saw he wasn't *that* infected, she could see past that layer of mold obscuring his WONDERFUL (aka manipulative, more on that later) personality and was suddenly in love. Conveniently, he was in love with her as well, even though the whole time he'd been around she'd treated him terribly.
But if you started to think that Ivy is all nice, sweet, and non-discrimantory, listen up. "Could he be interested in me? Is it any compliment if he is? He's probably interested in anything that wears a skirt. Even if I was super ugly, I'd still be more attractive than a zombie girl--by virtue of having uninfected, unspotted skin." Let that soak in. In a few sentences, she said Matt is primal and interested in any girl, called all zombie (aka: have a disease because of their religion/lack of religion) girls ugly, and said it wouldn't be a compliment if Matt liked her anyway. Nice, Ivy. Care to tell Matt that?
Later on, Harmony and Ivy are walking along th fence when some of the infected start to run up against it. Yes, thats terrifying. But then Ivy says, " How can anyone act shocked or appalled at the name that best describes them? How can Rev. Depold even speak of winning over these awful animals?" Ivy considers herself above the "zombies" but really, she doesn't know much about forgiveness or acceptance. While her communitry is working to convert the people so they can be cured, Ivy is disgusted by them, calling them animals.
A few days later, Matt and Thomas show back up at the compound. Ivy is on house arrest because of her little escapade, so Harmony breaks the news to her. The first thing Ivy asks about is Matt, and then when Harmony says Thomas is hurt, all Ivy can ask AGAIN is if Matt is hurt. I'm not buying it. She cares more about a boy who she hated, then had a tween-style crush on for a few days MORE THAN a little boy who adores her and she's known for years. Nope.
The next big event is the missionaries coming home. They head out into the fray and then all come home at this point in the year to discuss whats been going on. Each year, less and less come back. One missionary, Ben, comes to sleep and eat at the Inn with Aunty and Ivy. He tells them about what's been going on out there. "“Even after the disaperances, the United States was still a nation with a Christian heritage. For my first several terms out there, people were still people.” Not surprising Ben would say that considering that to them every other religion is sinful. He then goes on to say some more about the cannibalistic tendencies, murders, cheap entertainment, and money for blood, courtesy of Pravda. “...abortion is the nations largest source of meat these days.” Okay, step back and think about this. No matter what your opinion on abortion is, this is not logical. HIs excuse for why people don't hunt animals is there aren't enough and people aren't rich or healthy enough to. Ookayy?
At this point, Jack and Rosa show up. Rosa is obviously adorable, and my favorite character. I feel terrible for her, although I'd like to know at which point little girls were sold to butchers. And then we find out Aunty has terminal cancer. God dammit why do the Colleen's always die?!!? Not cool man. Not cool. But in all seriousness, Aunty's death actually made me cry. That's surprising to me because even though tears flow out my eyes like the Mississippi usually, I just never connected with this book or the characters. Her death was a beautiful ending though, and the most emotional part of the book.
Soon after Aunty's death. Matt shows back up. Darn it. And listen up people because THIS is where Matt's true character shines through. :) "My Aunt just died. You're awfully unaware of what a big deal that is." I'm angry at his self-centered lack of concern. Tim was so---No I'm not going to compare them. "People die.' he says with a shrug". Matt goes on to mock Tim and tell Ivy that her bad attitude is th real her and she agrees with him and says she's denying herself by not letting that girl out. Given, I agree with Matt a bit but seriously? How rude do you have to be to just SAY that? But then this:
"When I don't say anything, Matt steps in front of me, stopping me, and looks into my face with those sparkling emerald eyes. "Please Ivy. I need to know how he is. I thought I could keep him safe, and I almost lost him. He's everything to me. I know you know how that feels. I really am sorry about your Aunt. She was a good person. I understand why you miss her so much."
"Why the change of tone? Are you just trying to manipulate me or something? A second ago 'people die, end of story,'" I say in a dumb macho voice.
"I need you to check on him for me!" Matt’s manipulative smile slips, and I see the frustration behind it. "Please Ivy? If you care about me at all?"
Straight up manipulation. And Ivy falls for it. He acts as if he cares to get what he wants, then uses the classic "if you care" line. Ivy might not see it, but I do. Matt isn't a bad person because he's a zombie. He's a bad person because he's twisting Ivy around his finger.
To prove my point more, after Ivy gets back from the funeral she meets up with Matt again.
“You were pretty dressed up today," he says with strange humor in his tone. I feel certain he's making fun of me somehow, but I can't figure out why.
"Funeral?" I say perturbed, an obvious given for my attire.
"I just thought since it was a special occasion you'd be wearing those pink heels again."
He is mocking me.
I can't see him well enough in the dark of the tunnel, but I'm fairly certain he is laughing silently at me.”
UH….that doesn't bother Ivy? She goes on to joke and laugh with him. They head to a waterfall on a "date", going through the secret tunnel Matt has been using to get into the community. While at the waterfall, Ivy lets THIS slip.
“You are the most mysterious zombie I know."
"Zombie?"
Shoot!
I sit straight up. I can't believe I let that slip! "Oh, yeah, sorry. That's what I call you. I mean them!" I'm cringing at my stupidity and hoping he isn't offended.
"Where did you come up with that flattering name?”
Yeah thats right! Shoot! You let your secret prejudices slip out. Funny how that happens. On their walk back, Matt asks Ivy to help him get Thomas out "when the time comes." Ivy hesitates and Matt gets angry and calls her stubborn. TOTALLY not using her, right?
And from here, the plot escalates. They get stuck in a crowd of zombies who just happen to be discussing attacking the compound. And then Matt shoots Harmony (accidentally, but still.). Luckily, Ivy gets healing powers right that moment. Okay, yeah, I'm Christian. But healing your friend from a bullet wound to the chest seems to be streching it a bit far. I mean, emotional healing sure but physically doing that? I'm not sure what to think. Soon after Harmony is healed (albeit terrified out of her mind) Ivy is chatting with Matt and thinking about a third date. Girl FOCUS. Zombies are about to attack you and your best friend just came back to life. NOT THE TIME.
When Ivy gets back to the compound, Tim is there, asking where she went. He's worried, not angry. Not only does she not give him answers as to why she disappeared after a funeral with Matt and left him and Rosa out in the cold (Rosa was sleeping on the porch. Nice, Ivy.) but she's upset when Tim walks away angrily. Tim has every right to be angry right now.
While Ivy is visiting Thomas the next day, the alarms start to ring. Matt (magically) appears. Matt whisks her and Thomas off to the tunnel, at which point Ivy choses him over the community. I have mixed feelings about this. In most books, the main character plays hero and runs back to save everybody, but I guess this way is more realistic.
Long story short, the end of the book is Matt manipulating Ivy to come with him and Thomas to Atlanta and grudglingy agreeing to let Tim go. By grudgingly, I mean: "I'm already bringing Rosa for you!" and "Matt's voice is almost whiny, "Ivy, you know how I feel about you, don't you? I care for you. I want to take care of you. I think you feel the same way about me. Why are you asking me to bring Lover Boy? He'll just be in our way!" Finally, Matt agrees. Ivy's appreciation for Tim's help through all of this is OBVIOUS when she says about Tim: "He's announced his love for me, unabashedly. If I want him to come with us, I'm going to have to live with the fact that he jealously wants my undivided affection."
Right, Ivy? God, Tim is SO irritating and jealous. Not like all he's done is love and support you and all you've done is betray and hurt him. But ya know, whatever! Matt is obviously the better choice.
And that's where the book ends. A narrow-minded girl, her manipulative "boyfriend", her jealous lover, and two little kids destined to have a sucky future. All headed to Atlanta.
Lets take some time to reflect: The single most damaging thing to this book to me was coincidentally, the biggest part of the book. If you weren't a devoted Christian. you were a zombie. Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, atheist. Heck, all of y'all are sinners. MY outlook on life is everybody has their own views and you shouldn't force your views on others. I'm going to accept people regardless of their religion, and I don't think anyone's religion or lack of religion is sinful. At all. Also, the fact that Ivy uses the word zombie without change throughout the book tells me, well, she didn't change. Her discriminatory nature and hurtful words are part of her and engraved in her mind. Those "zombies" were human. They were the Muslims, the atheists, the Christians that thought with their "head not their heart" as Ivy put it. Ivy's complete disregard for that makes me not able to like her. Another problem was the representation of scientists (Pravda) as child-killers, inhumane, and evil. You can be religious and believe in science at the same time. I was definitely getting some anti-vaxxer vibes from this book. Vaccines actually do work. Nothing against faith, but vaccines are proven to help against disease. Maye they don't in this book, and that's fine. But I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea.
About the characters. I've made it pretty clear I don't like Ivy. Matt was clearly manipulative throughout the book, and his and Ivy's relationship was based off a few meetings throughout the book. Its totally unrealistic that Ivy would fall in love with someone that she systematically hated. Love is something that blooms overtime. It doesn't happen when somebody takes off their gloves. And stereotypes and ideas about a group of people that you've had for years also don't change randomly. It takes time. Rosa and Thomas were both adorable, but I felt like they didn't influence too much besides Thomas being Matt's brother. Tim was obviously a good person, and treated everyone with respect. I liked him, for the most part. Aunty, while I think her intentions were good, must have contributed somehow to Ivy's acidic mindset about the infected. Those ideas didn't come from nowhere, you know.
Overall, this book was slow-paced. It all lead up to the zombie attack, which consisted of Ivy running to the tunnel and seeing the town burning. I found myself bored occasionally. Even as a Christian, a lot of it was hard to swallow, by which I mean the contrasting ideas about other religions and the role of women in society. For a non-Christian, they simply would not be able to read this book. Its just too based on religion, and I feel like it just wouldn't go over well. (but still feel free to read any book, including this one. Never feel restricted to or from a book.)
I usually try to see the bright side in books, but for this one, I just didn't enjoy it. I definitely think some people would like it more, possibly if they had the same kind of ideals as the author. But for me the romance was cheesy, I hated the two main characters, the book was flawed in its discrimination and obvious biases, and the plot was slow. Out of ten stars, I'll give this a two. One of those for trying, because I know writing a book takes a lot of effort. And one of those for the occasional line of truth or enjoyable moment.
Once again, thank you to Entrada Publishing for providing the book and also thank you to Elizabeth Forkey. I appreciate your time writing this book. Its natural for books to click with some and not so much others, and for me, this book just didn't click.
Keep reading everybody!
-Colleen