Ashes is close enough to believable to be scary. Our brains are firing little charges all the time so it makes sense that an EMP could disrupt them and permanently change the way they work. Alex's new power isn't over the top, animals are often sense to be able to smell emotions on people. The fact that a lot of the book is told through the description of scents makes it all the more enjoyable. Even if some of what she smells is repulsive because those that now eat flesh seem to have regressed to a more primitive state.
Without technology to help them, Alex and Ellie must learn how to survive the best they can. They are fortunate to meet Tom, a soldier with his own reasons to be out in the wilderness. He teaches them survival techniques and protects his new little unit. Alex has never had the chance to have boyfriends but she starts to grow close to him. It's not at all a mushy story though and some things happen which send it in a new direction half way through. It really makes you think want would happen if we had to start everything over again and who would come out on top.
I'm not sure why it was written in third person though. The narrative never leaves Alex and it's all about her thoughts without the perspective of other characters. It feels as if it should be first person so much that I sometimes forgot that Alex was the protagonist when her name was mentioned.
Did I say it was scary? It made me close the bedroom window on a hot summer night. There's something about being alone in the wilderness where you know there are things out there that want to harm you and dangers that are a lot less passive. The final pages are truly terrifying so bear that in mind if you're reading late at night...
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I finally bought a copy of this one. I may have to give it serious priority in the TBR given your review. I could use a good scary read right about now!
ReplyDeleteooh scary! This sounds good. I wonder why it was in third person. Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteAs much as I enjoyed reading your review, I doubt this is a book I will ever pick up. Dark I can tolerate (and often prefer), but scary books simply undo me.
ReplyDeleteI really like the sound of this one, though, so it was great to get your review. Thanks!
Oh, I agree, it was really scary! :) I've enjoyed this book very much, although I must say first half of it is my favorite. Fantastic review!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really good, might be another for the wishlist
ReplyDeleteLainy http://www.alwaysreading.net
I just got this book on my Nook and I cannot wait to read it. It sounds awesome (now I just have to find where the puppy hid the cord, so I can download it the Nook, lol)
ReplyDeleteAwesome review
Cheers
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