An "unextraordinary" teenager must survive the extraordinary circumstances of a magical apocalypse in this thrilling and genre-bending YA novel that feels like a blend between The Last of Us and Ali Hazelwood.
"Magic used to be everywhere," but "people abused it, and it had to be locked in the ground forever," policed by chosen Guardians. Seventeen-year-old Isidora "Sid" Spencer lives in Wellsie, a town above one of the fault lines "where magic lies sealed beneath the earth." Tourists flock to Wellsie to see the remnants of magic (when it rains, "you can see the ghosts"), but most of Wellsie's inhabitants, including Sid, are just "average." When someone begins killing Guardians, the fault ruptures, unleashing powerful magic and undead monsters upon Wellsie. Sid's average life is upended; her brother goes missing and she suspects magic is connected to his disappearance. The teen joins the remaining Guardians on their quest to repair the seal and save the town.
Debut author Robin Wasley blends elements of fantasy and horror to create a clever and exhilarating zombie apocalypse narrative in Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear. Sid's distinct, snarky-yet-empathetic voice adds hilarity and humanity to the novel. Her desire for belonging--contextualized by her experience as a Korean adoptee of white parents and one of the only Asians in a predominantly white town--will resonate with many readers. Memorable supporting characters--including brooding musician Brian, who is white, mean girl with a heart of gold Eleni, who is a "pale tan," and grouchy-yet-protective cat Chad--form an endearing found family. Fans of post-apocalyptic stories, urban fantasy, and ensemble casts should delight in this gripping novel. --Alanna Felton, freelance reviewer