The Forest of Hands and Teeth

By Carrie Ryan

Book Overview

When a teen girl's world is thrown into chaos, she must venture into the deadly Forest of Hands and Teeth in this post-apocalyptic New York Times bestseller perfect for fans of The Last of Us.

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. And when the fence is breached, her world is thrown into chaos.

Now 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 by so much death?

"Intelligent, dark, and bewitching, The Forest of Hands and Teeth transitions effortlessly between horror and beauty. Mary's world is one that readers will not soon forget." --Cassandra Clare, bestselling author of City of Bones

"A postapocalyptic romance of the first order, elegantly written from title to last line." --Scott Westerfeld, author of the Uglies series and Leviathan

★ "A bleak but gripping story...Poignant and powerful." --Publishers Weekly, Starred

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385736827
• ISBN13: 9780385736824
• Release Date: February 2010
• Publisher: Random House Children's Books
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.1"
• Age Range: 14 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 9 and higher

Customer Reviews

One of my Favorite Re-reads!

Reviewed by Toby Palevsky Smith of Toby's Nerd-Cave Library: The Village inside the Forest is all they know. That they are the last bastion of humanity in a world overrun by the Unconsecrated; Surrounded on all sides by the Forest Of Hands and Teeth, and living under the rule of the Sisterhood and the Guardians who protect them. In Mary’s world, there are only three truths: The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. and The Unconsecrated will never relent. Until Mary learns that the Sisterhood is rife with secrets and lies, and a mysterious Outsider shows up one night, proving to Mary that there IS life outside the Forest. Changing her worldview forever. Mary is basically abandoned by everyone in her life after her mother is Infected and Returns as an Unconsecrated. Her brother turns her away from their home, and leaves her in the care of the Sisters, her best friend, Cass, is now betrothed to Travis, the man Mary loves, and Mary is set in an arranged marriage with his brother, Harry, whom Cass is in love with. I really dislike - even hate - Sister Tabitha. I remember from my first time reading through the book that I was confused by her apparent sudden dislike of Mary, but reading through it again, I can see that Sister Tabitha was always wary of Mary because Mary never hid her curiosity, and because of what she knew of Mary’s mothers past. Sister Tabitha is on a real power trip in the beginning; Controlling everyone, being needlessly cruel to Mary to make a point, and claiming its for their protections, but really it's just her ego and her desperate bid to keep her position in the village, and keep everyone under her zealous iron thumb. After the Village fence is breached by the Unconsecrated, Mary and Harry, along with their dog Argos, Cass and Travis, a little boy they rescued named Jacob, and Mary’s brother Jed all flee to the forbidden gate path, that supposedly leads out of the village, but has always been told is permanently off-limits, hoping to find some shelter from the roving mass of the Unconsecrated. As they go farther and farther down the fenced in paths, they discover that they have been lied to all their lives by the Sisterhood and the Guardians, and now must venture down a path they may not survive, having no idea where it goes or where it may end - if it ever does. I did enjoy this version of a Zombie controlled world, and the focus on finding yourself as a person worthy of life as well as just surviving. The “Found Family” that blossoms between our cast of main characters takes some complex and interesting turns, but they eventually learn how to trust each other and come together for their continued survival.

Best Book I've Ever Read.

Let me start with the fact that I dont read often. I have a hard time finding books that peak my interest. But this series is by far my favorite. I can see myself in these books. I can envision myself there with the characters. Carrie's writing is so detailed that I can imagine everything that is going on. I highly recommend this series. Especially if you are looking for something that keeps you on your toes.

Zombie Love

Ryan has crafted a darkly imaginative novel in which she's showcased themes that focus on core issues many of today's young adults commonly face. Sacrifice, obligation, individuality, love, and betrayal are all explored as Mary interacts with members of her family, an array of villagers and fights against the Unconsecrated. Making it all that much more intense Ryan weaves in the constant threat of death without being gratuitously violent. Above all she focuses on the above issues in a unique way that draws the reader in and allows them to relate to the story despite living in a different time and place. Most impressive is the author's ability to build complex characters with impressive strength that remain intriguing throughout a variety of trying circumstances. Characters readers root for and want to see happily successful in the end. As one would expect the main character, Mary, is most compelling as she is the central focus throughout the story. She is a strong willed, inquisitive, though quiet character. Profoundly affected by her circumstances she strives for individuality in a place where such endeavors are unwelcome. More than anything she wants love, happiness and above all freedom from the bindings of her surroundings. Most notably she wants to explore the history of the world her mother shared with her; a history of life before the Unconsecrated rose and became captors of the human race. It is her captivating presence throughout the novel that drives the story and grabs hold of readers from the very first chapter. If you are a reader who enjoys a complex story that keeps you guessing The Forest of Hands and Teeth is definitely a book to add to your list of must reads.

Addictingly Dark

What can I say about The Forest of Hands and Teeth. It was fantastic. I've yet to find a book to rival the intensity and carefully woven darkness contained inside. Classic terror? Absolutely not. Carrie Ryan's words are magical. As I read I found my stomach in knots and I was delightfully terrified to finish the book. The Forest of Hands and Teeth grabs you by the wrists, slices them open and delves in deep, penetrating the very core of your being. Read it, and you'll see what I mean.