The Girl With All the Gifts

Different kind of zombie story. Not bad but slow.

Although I don't normally like zombie books/stories, I went into this not knowing it was a zombie story, but I actually enjoyed this one. I think a big reason for that was because it was such an original story, not like all the other zombie stories out there, and it was also a quick and easy read. I also liked how (most) of the group ended up as a bit of a found family of sorts. This was definitely a story about character development, which is my favorite type of story.

I particularly liked Melanie's character development as she grew into her own identity. She starts out the book as a child, and although the main story really takes place over less than a week, you get the sense that she's grown into the world and has become an adult able to take care of herself by the end. Her relationship with the teacher and how that changed as time went on was also nice to follow (it actually made me think a bit of Matilda and Miss Honey), and I enjoyed the kind of bittersweet ending and how everything was resolved with the hope of a better future, but without a definite "fix".

so Nice

Thrilling, heartwarming, and gut wrenching all at once. Great character development, each with a different perspective. I didn't want to put it down.

"The Girl with All the Gifts" by M.R. Carey is a post-apocalyptic horror novel that follows the story of a young girl named Melanie, who is held captive in a military base along with other children who are infected with a mysterious disease that turns people into zombie-like creatures. As the base is overrun by the infected, Melanie and a group of survivors must make a dangerous journey through a devastated world in search of safety. The book is well-written, with a gripping and intense narrative that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The author creates a vivid and believable post-apocalyptic world, with well-drawn characters who are both likable and flawed. Melanie is a particularly compelling character, with a unique and intriguing perspective that adds depth to the story. The book also explores complex themes, such as the nature of humanity, the power of empathy, and the ethics of sacrifice. The novel also has some unique and refreshing twists on the traditional zombie genre, which make it stand out from other post-apocalyptic stories. The book's blending of science fiction and horror elements is also done effectively, and the author's attention to detail in building the world and the characters is impressive. However, some readers may find the ending divisive, as it raises questions about the nature of the infected and their place in the world. The book's pacing may also be slow at times, as the story focuses more on character development and world-building than action and suspense. Overall, "The Girl with All the Gifts" is a well-crafted and thought-provoking post-apocalyptic horror novel that explores complex themes and features well-developed characters. It is recommended for readers who enjoy zombie stories with a focus on character development and world-building, but caution is advised for those who may be triggered by violence and gore.