Review Detail

What worked: Atmospheric dystopian world where climate change brings horrific consequences, and the teens who will do just about anything to survive. This novel starts with Shea Parker, a special needs protagonist who makes a barter with Oliver Lysander, the gravewood devil. Lysander is the leader of a vampire gang in Gravewood. In this case, she lets him take her blood in exchange for batteries for her hearing aids. But don't think Shea is the stereotypical special needs individual. Shea is tough, strong, and does what she can to not only survive but also to help her mother. Her mother is like a zombie and is locked in the basement of their house. Also, Camellia, her best friend, has gone missing. When she's presented with an opportunity to find her friend, Shea goes for it. Even if that means she has to trust Lysander.

Add to this, there is a love triangle. Camellia's brother, Asher, pops up in the quest to find Camellia. Shea has crushed on Asher since they were children. His sudden reappearance takes her off guard, especially as she fights against the parasitic link she has to Lysander. But even then, she wants to be with him, although it doesn't make sense.

The beginning has a gothic feel. Dark, hopelessness, and an attractive vamp leader who has a painful secret. The chemistry is intense between Shea and Lysander. It's more of a sucker punch that everyone, except them, can see.

Paranormal beings roam in Gravewood. Vampires. Zombies. And a dark secret that gives off Sweet Tooth vibes.

The pacing was intense at the beginning, but slowed while on a road trip through Gravewood searching for Camellia. Then the dialogue between the characters felt almost forced at times. Only when they encounter a painful truth does the story pick back up.

The cliffhanging ending will have readers wanting to know the fate of Shea and Lysander's relationship.

Dark dystopian tale where teens deal with the brutal consequences of a world gone mad.