Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves (Forest of Hands and Teeth #2) by Carrie Ryan

Title: The Dead Tossed Waves
Author: Carrie Ryan
Reading level: Ages 14 and up
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: March 9, 2010

Buy The Dead-Tossed Waves

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.(copied from Goodreads)

My Review

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan is the second book in the Forest of Hands and Teeth series. This book is told from the point of view of Gabrielle or Gabry.  Gabry is the daughter of Mary, from the first book in the Forest of Hands and Teeth. I wanted to know what happened to Mary, so I glad you can find out through Gabry’s eyes. At the beginning, Gabry’s friends want to cross the safety of the barrier to explore the old, crumbling amusement park from before the Return. Gabry does not want to cross, but her best friend Cira, and her older brother, Catcher convince her too.

On the other side, they begin to explore and have fun, and as anyone should know THERE IS NO FUN in zombie novels. Sensing children having a fun, a Breaker attacks. Gabry runs for the safety of Vista and the barrier, leaving her friends behind. This choice leads her down a path; she never thought she would cross. While trying to help her crush, Catcher, she meets Elias. Elias befriends Gabry, and Gabry begins to have mixed feelings. A series of events causes Gabry to escape into the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

I really loved the first book, Forest of Hands and Teeth, even though at times Mary drove me crazy. I have to say, I did like Gabry better. There is just something about the Dead-Tossed Waves, that drew me in, and made me obsessed with finding out what happens. I really love the world Carrie Ryan has created, and the amazing tales of survival she comes up with for readers to enjoy. Gabry at first seems weak and scared, but grows into a strong survivor. There are many similarities between the Forest of Hands and Teeth and The Dead-Tossed Waves, but it is the differences that I loved.

There are many new characters to learn about, like Elias, Catcher, Cira, and of course Gabry. There are a few old ones from the first book that pop up whether in person or discussion, you will have to read to find out. Anyone who loved The Forest of Hands and Teeth will enjoy this one, and it is also a great read for dystopia and zombie fans. I just finished the third and final book in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, The Dark and Hollow Places, so look for that review soon.

**Unabridged Bookshelf borrow this book from the local library**