Synopses & Reviews
The First Rule of Torching: Cleanse with fire.
Josh is by far the best zombie Torcher around—at least, he is in his virtual-reality zombie-hunting game. Josh has quickly risen through the player ranks, relying on the skill, cunning, and agility of a real Torcher.
The Second Rule of Torching: Save all humans.
But luckily for Josh, zombies exist only in the virtual world. The real zombie war is now more than fifteen years in the past, and the battle to defeat the deadly epidemic that devastated his family—and millions of others—is the stuff of history lessons.
The Third Rule of Torching: You can't bring them back.
Charlie is the top-ranked player in the game. Since all the players are shrouded in anonymity, Josh never expects Charlie to be a girl—and he never expects the offer she makes him: to join the underground gaming league that takes the virtual-reality game off the screen and into the streets. Josh is thrilled. But the more involved he gets, the more he realizes that not everything is what it seems. Real blood is spilling, members of the team are disappearing, and the zombies in the game are acting strange. And then there's the matter of a mysterious drug called Z. . . .
Review
“A fast-paced, futuristic thriller. Ford artfully constructs a credible concept against the backdrop of a darkly atmospheric, post-apocalyptic world. Equal parts chilling and fun.” Publishers Week ly
Review
“Ford leaps in with flamethrowers blazing and burns through pages at a rapid pace.” Kirkus Reviews
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“Ford expertly builds the tension in this long, escalating thrill ride.” Booklist
Review
“A rollicking ride.” Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Review
“The clever plot and characters will have readers hoping for more.” School Library Journal
About the Author
Michael Thomas Ford is the author of the teen novel Suicide Notes as well as several essay collections and adult novels, including Jane Bites Back. He lives in San Francisco with his partner and their five dogs.