Ashes, Ashes - Book Review

Title ~ Ashes, Ashes
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Jo Treggiari
Release Date ~ June 1, 2011
Age Group ~ Young Adult
Publisher ~ Scholastic
Source ~ The Teen {Book} Scene

GOODREADS SUMMARY

A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

REVIEW

It really is the end of the world. Nearly everyone has died in a series of natural catastrophes. A plague tries to wipe out the few remaining survivors. Lucy is one of those survivors. This is truly epic dystopian.

The setting is like a character itself. There are crazy weather events, buildings in ruins, cliffs in unusual places, and bridges to escape New York City. The people eat berries, squirrels, turtles, rabbits, herbs, and even dogs to survive. I really liked reading about the sacrifices people were making just to stay alive. 

Lucy comes off as tough and hard-core. She is the type of girl that you would want to stay on the good side of. Once you get on her good side though, she will fiercely defend and protect you. Lucy has all the right qualities for her role as heroine.  Oh, and she holds a mysterious secret within herself.

Aidan is a boy with a good heart and amazing survival skills. He saves Lucy from a pack of dogs and he is the leader of a group of survivors. Aidan is attracted to Lucy and she is completely oblivious to it for some time. I liked that their relationship evolves slowly.  

The evil Sweepers have their sights set on capturing Lucy. But why? You will be surprised by their motive and the lengths to which Lucy must go to save herself and the other survivors. The battle will leave you breathless and the story will stay with you long after you read the final word.  Could this really happen to the Earth someday? 

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

Total destruction. The ruins of New York City give meaning to what the end of the world could look like. I like that Lucy and Aidan are included. Do you think Ashes, Ashes comes from Ring Around the Rosie?