The Forest of Hands and Teeth, Book 1

Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth - Book 1
Series: The Forest of Hands and Teeth 
Author: Carrie Ryan
Publication: March 10, 2009

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

Amber's Review:


Ok, I'm usually a sucker for happy endings. I mean, c'mon. Who doesn't want a happy ending, right? Well, you're not going to get one in this book! I cried so hard. I mean, sobbed. Like a baby. Complete and utter makeup removal. My boyfriend came running in thinking I'd gone and hurt myself! Or it's that time of the month when I see a puppy commercial and lose all control over my tear ducts. Oh. No, neither is the case, honey. I'm just reading! He backed away slowly. Sudden realization and an intense desire to flee flashing across his face... Poor guy.

Yes, this book consumed me from start to finish. I loved it. No, I didn't get my happy ending, but I think that's why I loved it so much. It shocked me. It was unexpected and not the norm. I felt a heart-wrenching attachment to the characters, and wanted so badly to help them out and fix all their problems. I wanted that happy ending! But, I don't think it would have been the same any other way. It wouldn't have had the power it held over me.

Carrie Ryan shows true talent in this book. She pulls you in from the first page, makes you adore the characters to an almost maternal state, and then turns your world upside down. The story was beautiful,  packed full of action, and even contained sincere life lessons on dreams, hope, regret, and most importantly, above all else, love.

If your entire world consisted of only what you were told, if you had no past other than what you could remember yourself, if everything you thought you knew was ripped from your grasp, would you follow your deepest dreams or your heart? Because sometimes, they may lead down separate paths, and you must choose.