The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Summary:(from book jacket) In Mary's world, there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will always protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. and she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?
Review: I had mixed feelings about this book. I haven't read very many zombie stories and I liked the way the story was set up in that respect. I did think the plot was slow at times and the action parts were somewhat repetitive. I didn't think the dystopian aspects of the book were that strong. For me, that wasn't really the central part of the novel. I wish that one thing toward the end had happened a little differently, but I will be interested to see where that leads. I really liked all the characters. Despite, the terrible conditions that their world is in , Mary is a very strong and determined character. She knows what she believes in and is determined to have what she wants. My other favorite characters were Travis and Jed. I really liked getting to know them and they both fought by Mary's side throughout the book and would do anything to help her achieve her goal. I think the characters were the best thing about this book. Their struggle for a better life kept me reading and rotting for them the entire way through. I am interested to  see how the sequel relates to this story since it semms to be told from a different characters perspective. Although, this one wasn't one of my favorites I am still excited to see where this story leads.