Welcome back! Today we’re feeling extra lucky. Lo’s adorable sister (aka Lo’s Smister) has finally given in to our begging joined the Swoontini team(!!), and will be helping us bring you more Swoony Recs. So have a seat, grab a peppermint mocha, and let’s all settle in for some swoon. Today’s Rec: ASHES, by Ilsa J. Bick.
From the summary:
It could happen tomorrow . . .
An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.
Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.
For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.
Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.
Lo’s Smister Says: OK, just so everyone is clear from the beginning: Lo is the cute, funny, charming and witty sister. I’m often described as “nice”. Enough said. Don’t compare our writing because I will never in a million years measure up. {*cough-laughing fit* Lo would like to remind her gorgeous perfect-figured sister of the degree in philosophy, the nursing career with pediatric and adult cancer patients, the two adorable boys, Lo’s-Buddy-From-College husband, and the five books you read a week. Carry on.}
I like a swoony boy as much as the next girl (or woman in her 30’s. Whatever). I do, however, gravitate toward apocalyptic YA books, so there has to be a good, dark story along with the requisite beefcake(s). Ashes, by Ilsa J. Bick, delivers both.
I don’t want to say TOO much about the book; I find it really annoying when reviews give so much detail that you are basically just reading to get past what you have been told will happen. Know, however, that this book is SCARY. [Christina says: WORD. So scary.] Different age groups are affected differently by the EMP. Teens and young adults essentially become feral; they are vicious, flesh-eating, frighteningly fast and not completely stupid. They are basically zombies who aren’t dead. Equally scary are some of the survivors. Cataclysmic disasters don’t bring out the best in many people.
Alex is the badass main character, one you can really respect. She is capable and independent and real. You understand where she is coming from, whether she is kicking ass, or becoming complacent in a stifling setting. And she knows how to handle a gun, unlike me. I’m quite clear that if I weren’t one of the people who dropped dead from the EMP, I would quickly have been some rabid teenager’s breakfast.
And there’s not one, but TWO swoony boys to choose from. Tom, the soldier, is handy to have around, but is also sweet, protective, and respectful of Alex and her abilities. They are comfortable and attached to one another. Chris is a mysterious character who Alex is drawn to despite her intention to maintain distance. Both have swoon appeal.
Three things I feel I should add:
1. As in many books of this genre, the science is a little iffy. As a nurse, I cringe regularly at some of the biological explanations books provide (don’t even get me started on Warm Bodies), but I give Ashes credit for trying to make it reasonable and believable.
2. The last third of the book has a different setting and pace than the first part of the book. It’s fascinating and definitely works, but I know some readers had difficulty with the shift.
3. The ending is a COMPLETE CLIFFHANGER. I love love loved it, but I think it really annoyed a lot of people. Just know that you will have to wait for subsequent books to fill in a lot of the blanks.
I found Ashes fascinating and disturbing and have spent a lot of time thinking about it. For me that’s the definition of a good book—one that sticks with you for some time after it’s over.
Christina: Agree agree agree (ps: isn’t she awesome?? I sort of love her). I got my copy from the awesome people at netgalley and went in totally blind, not realizing it was part of a series. It’s a pretty good sized book – goodreads has it listed as 480 pages – so you can imagine my face (please please, try and imagine my face) when I got to the last page on my nook and it. just. ended. AND it was at an AMAZING OMG WTF IS GOING ON moment, too. Naturally, I was a smidge miffed. BUT! would I still read it again? YES. Would I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY. Will I be standing in line at midnight and knocking down anyone who gets in my way of book 2? You better believe it.
ALSO: be sure to come back Monday when voting begins for our Swooniest Boy and Badass Chick of 2011, for your chance to win a KINDLE TOUCH!
Lo says
I loaned this to Bossman today because his big FREAKOUT is EMPs *evil cackle* We’ll see if he actually reads it, but I think I’m getting him hooked on our recs lately. I can’t wait to read this when he’s done, but who is going to hold me when I have nightmares? Mr. Lo checks closets for Monsters and looks under the bed for the aliens from Signs (I swear I was the only person on the planet who was scared by that movie), but he might start spewing all the scary science stuff if I ask him to reassure me about EMPs so I MIGHT NEED MY SMISTER TO COME HOLD ME.
*high fives*
Alison says
HI SMISTER!!! *one million high fives* ANOTHER fabulous lady on the Swoontini team? I think I might die of awesome.
I’ve had this book sitting on my TBR shelf for months and I am too scared to read it. It’s hard to be badass and brave when you live by yourself and read mostly when it’s dark out. Lo, come here and snuggle beside me and we will face the zombies together!!!
Amy says
This has been on my to read list ever since the booksellers at The King’s English ranted and raved about it. I’ve been putting it off because I am a complete wimp. Now that I know there are swoony boys in it I will try to be brave and read it.
Christina2227 says
*jumps up and down and waves around wildly* Hiya, Lo’s Smister! So delighted to have another lurvely chick on the Swoontini team. Welcome aboard!
I’m an absolute wimp that finds delight in scaring the bejeebus out of myself (Issues, people, I’ve got them.), especially when swoony boys and badass chicks are involved. {Sidenote: C, what are we going to do until Walking Dead comes back on???} I think I added this to my TBR list when Christina talked about in on twitter at one point or another, but after your review, I’ll be giving it a bump or two. Thanks for the awesome rec!
Huggles,
Christina
P.S. C, knocking people down? I think not. Beating them into submission with glitter, lip-gloss, and curling irons sounds more your style, teehee. 😀
Lo's smister says
You are all far too adorable. Thanks for the warm welcome! Lovin’ the badass girls of this blog. 🙂
I did have some trouble sleeping at times while reading this book (also a wimp, clearly). But it was so worth it (as is Walking Dead–my obsession–high fives to the Christinas on that and stink eye to Lo who is waaaayy behind).
Christina says
And now I need to reread. I’m not kidding when I said it scared the hell out of me. Maybe because it doesn’t sound *that* far off base? Whatever it is, I was up until 3:30 reading this one and ignored my entire family the next day until I finished. CANNOT WAIT to see what the eff is going on. Anyone know when book 2 is out?
And how adorable is Lo’s Smister? Awesome awesome job.
Christina says
I say we gang up on her until she watches. *secret handshake*
Christina says
Lmao C. You just watch, when book 2 of Shatter Me comes out, I will take down anyone who gets in the way of *my* Adam. Oh that’s right, I said it.
Christina says
yay! keep me posted when you start to read. My favorite was Tom so I can’t wait to see what you think. And I say we plan a visit to The Kings English, I haven’t been in ages.
Christina says
You must read, UC. Ngl, it’s super intense at points, but a great story. Can’t wait to see which boy you like…
Christina says
I forgot to add *cough*Tom*cough*
Christina says
Well I have a great idea, you should totally watch The Walking Dead until you can read Ashes! Awesome right? #smart
Kelli says
Love the review! I’m such a wimp with scary books, but I’m going to have to add this to my list now .. for a day when I’m feeling particularly brave. [Sidenote, I watched Signs through my fingers, and my friends still claim I’m the only person who was ever scared of that film. I’m thrilled to know I’m not alone! 😉 ]
Christina2227 says
Yessss, come to the dark, creepy, and zombie-watchin’ side. We have special cuddles and everything. There’s also Daryl Dixon, who kicks major ass with a crossbow, just in case the zombies get to close.
Stacee says
Thanks for another great review. I’ll be hunting down a signed copy….
And Christina? I might be willing to fight for Adam. Unless I can have Étienne St. Clair. And maybe Noah Shaw. But I definitely want Étienne.
And Lo’s Smister? I hope we see you around a lot more.
Stacee
@Ivygirl_702
thiscitygirl says
*tackle hugs* Hi Lo’s smister! Very excited to see you have joined the Swoontini gals. I totally get you on the questionable science (and can totally see your issues with Warm bodies!), but I guess we readers let a lot slide for YA fiction. Whatever, it’s still fun.
So anyway, welcome!
Hugs,
Jamie (you should be warned that I’m a hugger!)
thiscitygirl says
We have decided that you need to come play on the twitter. I promise that the interwebz will be very welcoming. Also, people are funny. Sometimes even me.
COME PLAY.