Helpful Score: 1
Summary:
In this sequel to The Hallowed Ones, Bickle brings us right back into the world where vampirism is taking over. Even the Amish are not safe from the ruthless, blood driven fiends that are snacking through humans. Katie, Alex, and Ginger are not on the "outside" attempting to survive each day without ending up food for the hellish creatures of the night. Without a clear plan, they struggle to find food and shelter each night. As with the first book, there are several instances when religion and morality are questioned between Katie and Alex. Katie has to discover herself in this new world and figure out how her beliefs intersect with a vampire apocalypse.
My thoughts:
I'm so happy that Bickle has brought vampires back into the horror genre. I'm rather tired of the lovey, dovey ones that often populate the YA paranormal scene. These animalistic, creepy, hellish figures are fascinating to read about. I love how the villains are described to a point where you can see them traveling through the land. Katie does a lot of growing up within this book. Bickle has done a good job of not dismissing religion, but there is a lot of moral dilemmas brought up. Also, as the trip continues, other religions are represented with differing view points. It's nice to see an author who has not taken a firm stance that one thing is right and everyone is suffering through the "end of the world" together. As a horror novel, I relished the dark scenes and *very* (almost tear-worthy) sacrifices that have to be made. I'm rooting for Katie and Alex, but their romance is far less interesting that the adventure that is going on around them. This story will grip you and stay with you if you dare to put the book down for a break.
In this sequel to The Hallowed Ones, Bickle brings us right back into the world where vampirism is taking over. Even the Amish are not safe from the ruthless, blood driven fiends that are snacking through humans. Katie, Alex, and Ginger are not on the "outside" attempting to survive each day without ending up food for the hellish creatures of the night. Without a clear plan, they struggle to find food and shelter each night. As with the first book, there are several instances when religion and morality are questioned between Katie and Alex. Katie has to discover herself in this new world and figure out how her beliefs intersect with a vampire apocalypse.
My thoughts:
I'm so happy that Bickle has brought vampires back into the horror genre. I'm rather tired of the lovey, dovey ones that often populate the YA paranormal scene. These animalistic, creepy, hellish figures are fascinating to read about. I love how the villains are described to a point where you can see them traveling through the land. Katie does a lot of growing up within this book. Bickle has done a good job of not dismissing religion, but there is a lot of moral dilemmas brought up. Also, as the trip continues, other religions are represented with differing view points. It's nice to see an author who has not taken a firm stance that one thing is right and everyone is suffering through the "end of the world" together. As a horror novel, I relished the dark scenes and *very* (almost tear-worthy) sacrifices that have to be made. I'm rooting for Katie and Alex, but their romance is far less interesting that the adventure that is going on around them. This story will grip you and stay with you if you dare to put the book down for a break.
Helpful Score: 1
Although this didn't grab me quite as strongly as its predecessor "The Hallowed Ones," the characters continue to be engaging and the plot moves well and ultimately resolves a lot of the issues from the first book (and even a little more hopefully than one might expect for a zombie apocalypse novel). Definitely recommended.
