Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

Alex Adair is seventeen years old and hiking her way up to Lake Superior to say her final goodbyes to her parents when an extremely powerful electromagnetic pulse (EMP) strikes. The pulse knocks out everything computer based. Cell phones, traffic lights, even cars. That 's not the worst of it. Some people have gone insane. They' ve become animals, very dangerous cannibalistic animals. On the run with Ellie, a cranky eight-year-old whose grandfather was killed by the EMP, Alex meets a young soldier by the name of Tom. The three make a rather unorthodox family. Together they fight to survive in a world devoid of the technologies we take for granted and full of the things of nightmares.

This book is fabulous. Written in first person, the book shows a post-apocalyptic world reminiscent of I am Legend. In this book the title, Ashes, carries a much deeper meaning than you often see. The word is used many times in the story; all with different contexts and all with slightly different meanings. I particularly liked this because it s uncommon. Most titles are fairly literal and it s refreshing to have such a symbolic meaning hidden in this one. The emotional journey in this book is astounding and you' re with Alex every step of the way. Her thoughts and feelings are so well conveyed it 's almost difficult to separate her feelings from yours. I have one warning for the reader; this is a gory book. There isn 't really a way for it not to be. That said, Ilsa J. Bick does an admirable job of toning down the blood and guts to a reasonable level. All in all I give this book five stars!

Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Cibolo, Texas United States

How to Trap a Zombie by A.R. Rotruck

Ever had the need to make a wand on the go, or make a monster-catching net? Well look no further, because How to Trap a Zombie has just what you need. With this handbook you can learn just about everything you need to know about monster-hunting, and make cool stuff with everyday items. If you ever have the urge to go on your own hunt then get How to Trap a Zombie and be on your way.

How to Trap a Zombie was an awesome book. There were so many crafts and activities that it made me want to do them all. With instructions on the proper way to track a vampire, to learning how to make a wand would be fun for just about any young wizard. Almost anyone with a wild imagination could love this book. Just remember to ask an adult wizard before doing anything.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Mineola, Texas USA

Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

We have Phoebe, an average high school Goth, her best friend Margi who is just like her, Adam her other best friend who is a star football player, and Tommy the “living impaired”. The story takes place at a high school where some strange happening is occurring and where a teenager comes back to life after dying. They are known as "zombies", "living impaired", and "biotically different". Some characters in this book support the "zombies", some deal with them, and some can't stand them. Some of them live regular lives; they eat, walk, talk, go to school, and some are a little slow. The main topic in the story is the love triangle between Phoebe, Adam, and Tommy. However there are many other characters such as Margi, Pete, Karen, and Colette that play a major role.
Generation Dead starts out as an “ok” book that somewhat keeps your interest. It definitely is not your regular novel! Throughout this book it gets a little dull but I got my interest back by the last few chapters and the ending was phenomenal! About the last 150 pages I couldn't put it down! There was suspense, intense emotions, and just amazing lines that gave me chills! Some parts were a little confusing but it was just because the plot was so different. This was Daniel Waters’s first book and there may be some spots where it could have been better, but overall it was good. Walters has a way of writing in a way that connects to teenagers. I hope there is a sequel to this book because it definitely leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. Be sure to pick this up for a summer read!
This book contains some adult content that I think would be suitable only for readers over the age of 13. The book includes two murders and some other adult situations.
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States