Title: The Girl with All the Gifts
Author: M.R. Carey
Pages: 420
Read via: Hardcover/Kindle
Summary: In zombie-overrun England, Melanie, a child with a unique mutation of a zombie-like virus, is locked away in a cell on an army research base. Scientists believe that her mutation can unlock a cure for the disease running rampant across the world, but their research methods are severe and time is short.  

Review: Melanie provides a very compelling lens through which to view this story. She sees almost nothing of the world, but latches onto every small detail she can from what her teachers or supervisors say. This leads her to discover her otherness and eventually come to grips with it. It’s refreshing to hear the thoughts from the “zombie perspective” rather than the usual survivor story.

My interest in the story started to sag considerably once Melanie and the other characters left the mysterious military base and hit the road. Melanie’s perspective was neglected in a significant way in favor of other less intriguing points of view. The story really thrived as you discovered the world through Melanie’s eyes, so it’s exciting to hear that author M.R. Carey has announced a prequel novel that will hopefully delve deeper into Melanie’s past.

★★★ out of 5