Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Ebook, 321 pages

Published March 9th 2010 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Source: Own
Buy the Book: Amazon : B&N : Goodreads

From Goodreads:

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.

     The "Forest" Series exists in a world that I wonder if we may end up in one day. I believe that is why I have such a connection to it. Unfortunately, this book suffers from a horrible case of "second book syndrome" even though it is more of a companion novel instead of a sequel. 

     One of the best aspects of TDTW is that it comes from Gabry's point of view. She is Mary's daughter, but definitely doesn't take things like Mary does. Gabry, while it does cause her to be a little dull at times, has a contentment about her and is happy with the life that she has been living. This is completely different than her determined mother who came off with a "I'm going to conquer the world or burn it" attitude. Fortunately, it does suit the plot, but does cause it to drag sometimes as it coincides with her complacency. 

     However, this book does the "love triangle" better than most. In the beginning, we meet Catcher as Gabry sets out on a journey to find herself. Along the way we pick up Elias, who brings a whole new persona into the situation. Each guy has redeeming qualities and of course cons, but I can honestly say I don't think either choice would be bad. Alas, it would not be that easy for Gabry. In what is probably the most exciting part of the book, this whole situation changes in one second and the choice is taken from her...