The Forest of Hands and Teeth (The Forest of Hands and Teeth #1)

I'm having trouble deciding if I liked this book or not. It had a great plot that really kept me reading, yet sometimes Mary(the main character) really annoyed me. She was very selfish. Also it was very sad and gruesome, but while I didn't like that, I did like it at the same time, it was interesting to read a book without a completly happy ending, where the romance is doomed almost from the start. I didn't like the take the book had on God, as though he didn't exist and the only thing you can have faith in is your dreams. All in all though it was an interesting read that was out of my element, something I normally would never pick up. Maybe that is another reason I didn't absolutly adore it. I would recommend reading it if you want to read something that is different from most books, that has an extremely bittersweet ending, and a fascinating plot.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed it for the most part, but I can’t say that I loved it. In fact, I’m a little disappointed. I have been reading so many raves about this series, that I just knew it would be great. And the first half of the book was great. Then, I spent 100 pages feeling as if I was reading the same story over again. It was too repetitive for me. I almost put the book back on my bookshelf to finish at a later time because I had lost interest. Luckily, the last 50 pages or so were interesting enough to make me want to finish reading.


Since I have mixed reviews, I should tell what I liked and disliked about the book. On a positive note, there was ample character development. More than ample, actually. I really felt like I knew Mary. She was a complicated character, constantly changing throughout the story. I loved that she was conflicted for almost the entire book. She did not have a simple life or easy choices to make, and the author made sure we understood that. The love triangle that she found herself was very complicated. (Complicated is an understatement, actually.) I also liked the fact that Mary knew what she wanted for her life (for the most part). She never gave up on wanting to see the ocean, even when everyone around no longer believed it existed. That really shows her commitment and courage. She holds the hope that the others do not have.


Another character that I liked was Travis. He was the broody male figure throughout most of the book. While he didn’t say much, he shows that actions speak louder than words. It’s easy to see how Mary fell deeply in love with him. What really makes me appreciate Travis’s role is that fact that he is a broken man. He’s not the typical strong, healthy hero. He has a lame leg that limits much of what he can do, even the simple things like climbing stairs. If he were strong and healthy like the others I don’t think his character would have worked as well. There needed to be something physically wrong with him to help illustrate Mary’s strong and dedicated character. They were the perfect support—in many ways—for one another.


Along with the characters, the idea behind the story was decent. I’m not much of a fan of postapocalyptic literature, but I bought in to this book. The “zombies” walking around trying to kill the humans held my interest. It was an original take on zombies, at least with my reading experience. Also, I enjoyed looking for the subtle hints of our civilization while I read (i.e. references to New York, Coney Island, roman numerals, Shakespeare). It helped me understand just how far into the future the events in the book were supposed to occur. But that’s pretty much where my fondness ends. The plot (for me) was only so-so. It started strong, but it fizzled in the middle. I began feeling like I was reading the same thing over and over again: “Oh, the Unconsecrated are coming!” “We have to turn back.” “Why?!” I can only read those lines so many times before they become stale. I understand the purpose—the characters’ questioning of themselves and their situation is crucial to the theme in the book—but I really feel like it was over done. In fact, what started as a quick paced plot began to lag in the middle of the book because of all the repetitiveness. As I said earlier, I almost gave up on the book. Luckily things do turn around and the plot picks back up. As soon as Mary makes her final decision, the plot picked back up. Unfortunately, that was the end of the book. There were only around 20 pages remaining in the book at that point.


Overall, it was a decent book. I’ve read many reviews that scream of how great this book is, but I’m not as quick to call it awesome. I feel a little guilty about pushing this book to my students based on the awesome book trailer we watched on YouTube. I know I am going to have to help the kids that bought the book from our book fair make it through the book. As a reader, if I struggled and wanted to give up, I’m certain my kids will feel the same way. It’s not as fast paced as I thought it would be, which I know will present a problem for kids that don’t typically like to read. On a positive note… I did start reading the sequel which seems pretty good so far. (I wasn’t ready to dismiss the other books in the series.)

I enjoyed reading most of this book, however I have to admit up front that I was disappointed with a few aspects. First, the world Carrie Ryan created was pretty damn cool - apparently I have a secret desire to live within a bizarre and totally oppressive society. Unfortunately, my need for details was not fulfilled and though the world within the fence was totally fascinating to me, it wasn't enough for the main character, Mary.

I guess the disconnect I feel is when Mary is living with the Sisterhood (which provides some hairy scenes that made my heart race with anxiety), but the whole time Mary is there she is thinking about a guy and the ocean. I wanted her to be more interested in the mysteries right in front of her. She seemed interested, but not interested enough to really sneak around and get the answers I wanted. It was like she was preoccupied and I couldn't get her to focus. Focus on the basement of the Church Mary! Get me what I need!

Otherwise, this was a pretty fun zombie read for me. I've read almost nothing on zombies so this was a good transition because while zombies (Unconsecrated) are an essential ingredient, they pretty much take the back burner on this one to the characters living within the fence. I do love the imagery Carrie Ryan created of the Unconsecrated constantly scratching at the fences. It's so unimaginable that I love to imagine it. I only wish Mary wasn't so preoccupied with her mother's dreams instead of her own; in that way, I don't think I really understood Mary, especially since we only knew her mother for a short time.

All in all, The Forest of Hands and Teeth is an exciting read that made me anxious beyond belief in parts. I did come away feeling a little empty with character development but I was still eager to get my hands on the next in the series to see if I could squeeze some more answers out of it.

Reader reviewed by The Flashlight Reader

 I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed it for the most part, but I cant say that I loved it. In fact, Im a little disappointed. I have been reading so many raves about this series, that I just knew it would be great. And the first half of the book was great. Then, I spent 100 pages feeling as if I was reading the same story over again. It was too repetitive for me. I almost put the book back on my bookshelf to finish at a later time because I had lost interest. Luckily, the last 50 pages or so were interesting enough to make me want to finish reading.

Since I have mixed reviews, I should tell what I liked and disliked about the book. On a positive note, there was ample character development. More than ample, actually. I really felt like I knew Mary. She was a complicated character, constantly changing throughout the story. I loved that she was conflicted for almost the entire book. She did not have a simple life or easy choices to make, and the author made sure we understood that. The love triangle that she found herself was very complicated. (Complicated is an understatement, actually.) I also liked the fact that Mary knew what she wanted for her life (for the most part). She never gave up on wanting to see the ocean, even when everyone around no longer believed it existed. That really shows her commitment and courage. She holds the hope that the others do not have.

Another character that I liked was Travis. He was the broody male figure throughout most of the book. While he didnt say much, he shows that actions speak louder than words. Its easy to see how Mary fell deeply in love with him. What really makes me appreciate Traviss role is that fact that he is a broken man. Hes not the typical strong, healthy hero. He has a lame leg that limits much of what he can do, even the simple things like climbing stairs. If he were strong and healthy like the others I dont think his character would have worked as well. There needed to be something physically wrong with him to help illustrate Marys strong and dedicated character. They were the perfect supportin many waysfor one another.

Along with the characters, the idea behind the story was decent. Im not much of a fan of postapocalyptic literature, but I bought in to this book. The zombies walking around trying to kill the humans held my interest. It was an original take on zombies, at least with my reading experience. Also, I enjoyed looking for the subtle hints of our civilization while I read (i.e. references to New York, Coney Island, roman numerals, Shakespeare). It helped me understand just how far into the future the events in the book were supposed to occur. But thats pretty much where my fondness ends. The plot (for me) was only so-so. It started strong, but it fizzled in the middle. I began feeling like I was reading the same thing over and over again: Oh, the Unconsecrated are coming! We have to turn back. Why?! I can only read those lines so many times before they become stale. I understand the purposethe characters questioning of themselves and their situation is crucial to the theme in the bookbut I really feel like it was over done. In fact, what started as a quick paced plot began to lag in the middle of the book because of all the repetitiveness. As I said earlier, I almost gave up on the book. Luckily things do turn around and the plot picks back up. As soon as Mary makes her final decision, the plot picked back up. Unfortunately, that was the end of the book. There were only around 20 pages remaining in the book at that point.

Overall, it was a decent book. Ive read many reviews that scream of how great this book is, but Im not as quick to call it awesome. I feel a little guilty about pushing this book to my students based on the awesome book trailer we watched on YouTube. I know I am going to have to help the kids that bought the book from our book fair make it through the book. As a reader, if I struggled and wanted to give up, Im certain my kids will feel the same way. Its not as fast paced as I thought it would be, which I know will present a problem for kids that dont typically like to read. On a positive note& I did start reading the sequel which seems pretty good so far. (I wasnt ready to dismiss the other books in the series.)

Reader reviewed by The Flashlight Reader

I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed it for the most part, but I cant say that I loved it. In fact, Im a little disappointed. I have been reading so many raves about this series, that I just knew it would be great. And the first half of the book was great. Then, I spent 100 pages feeling as if I was reading the same story over again. It was too repetitive for me. I almost put the book back on my bookshelf to finish at a later time because I had lost interest. Luckily, the last 50 pages or so were interesting enough to make me want to finish reading.

   Since I have mixed reviews, I should tell what I liked and disliked about the book. On a positive note, there was ample character development. More than ample, actually. I really felt like I knew Mary. She was a complicated character, constantly changing throughout the story. I loved that she was conflicted for almost the entire book. She did not have a simple life or easy choices to make, and the author made sure we understood that. The love triangle that she found herself was very complicated. (Complicated is an understatement, actually.) I also liked the fact that Mary knew what she wanted for her life (for the most part). She never gave up on wanting to see the ocean, even when everyone around no longer believed it existed. That really shows her commitment and courage. She holds the hope that the others do not have.   

   Another character that I liked was Travis. He was the broody male figure throughout most of the book. While he didnt say much, he shows that actions speak louder than words. Its easy to see how Mary fell deeply in love with him. What really makes me appreciate Traviss role is that fact that he is a broken man. Hes not the typical strong, healthy hero. He has a lame leg that limits much of what he can do, even the simple things like climbing stairs. If he were strong and healthy like the others I dont think his character would have worked as well. There needed to be something physically wrong with him to help illustrate Marys strong and dedicated character. They were the perfect supportin many waysfor one another.

  Along with the characters, the idea behind the story was decent. Im not much of a fan of postapocalyptic literature, but I bought in to this book. The zombies walking around trying to kill the humans held my interest. It was an original take on zombies, at least with my reading experience. Also, I enjoyed looking for the subtle hints of our civilization while I read (i.e. references to New York, Coney Island, roman numerals, Shakespeare). It helped me understand just how far into the future the events in the book were supposed to occur. But thats pretty much where my fondness ends. The plot (for me) was only so-so. It started strong, but it fizzled in the middle. I began feeling like I was reading the same thing over and over again: Oh, the Unconsecrated are coming! We have to turn back. Why?! I can only read those lines so many times before they become stale. I understand the purposethe characters questioning of themselves and their situation is crucial to the theme in the bookbut I really feel like it was over done. In fact, what started as a quick paced plot began to lag in the middle of the book because of all the repetitiveness. As I said earlier, I almost gave up on the book. Luckily things do turn around and the plot picks back up. As soon as Mary makes her final decision, the plot picked back up. Unfortunately, that was the end of the book. There were only around 20 pages remaining in the book at that point.

   Overall, it was a decent book. Ive read many reviews that scream of how great this book is, but Im not as quick to call it awesome. I feel a little guilty about pushing this book to my students based on the awesome book trailer we watched on YouTube. I know I am going to have to help the kids that bought the book from our book fair make it through the book. As a reader, if I struggled and wanted to give up, Im certain my kids will feel the same way. Its not as fast paced as I thought it would be, which I know will present a problem for kids that dont typically like to read. On a positive note& I did start reading the sequel which seems pretty good so far. (I wasnt ready to dismiss the other books in the series.)

Reader reviewed by Julie

This book was different than what I am used to reading. I saw it in the library and thought it sounded pretty neat. And it was! The book was about a girl who lives in a village, not knowing there is anything else out there in the world. Unconsecrated (almost like zombies) stalk the fences outside the village, making it impossible for Mary to find out what really is out in the world.

I think this book is 3 out of 5 stars. I liked the creepiness of the books and the fate of the unconsecrated. I just didn't understand <i>how</i> one was turned into an unconsecrated. I know that it happened, but what made them get that horrible fate in the first place. I don't think it explained it enough. (But, i may be wrong because I read this a while ago!)

Reader reviewed by Debbie

I really liked the concept of this book.  It was different from the
zombie books that I have heard about lately.  Its more of a
post-apocalyptic story of how people move on and live their lives after
the initial wave of zombies.   It doesnt surprise me that in Marys
town a religious group has pretty much taken power and steered how life
would carry on.  The main reason I did not rate this book higher is
that I really could not stand Mary as the main character and found
following her story irritating.   Im not saying you should not read it
because the story is written well but there were some things that
bothered me.  Stop here if you do not want any spoilers.

Although at some points it seems like its breaking through to her I
dont know if Mary ever truly comprehends just how selfish she is.  I
cant imagine living a life like she has but she basically ruins the
life of Harry, Travis and her brother, Jed, due to her caring only for
her own desires.  Initially Jed comes across as a big jerk but in the
end he probably dies trying to help Mary fulfill her dream.  Travis
gives up his life trying to protect her, hoping he will be enough to
keep her happy and Harry was so in love with her he did not realize
what he had in Cass, who loves him.  It almost seems unfair that in the
end Mary does achieve her dream and apparently can go on to live a
happy life while her brother is most likely dead and her best friend,
Cass, Harry and the young boy they save are stranded in the forest with
the zombies.

Reprinted here with author's permission.

Reader reviewed by stephanie