From Powells.com
Our favorite books of the year.
Staff Pick
This is the terrific story of Melanie: a young girl caught in a dystopic land, kept in a jail cell, guns pointed at her every day, and all she wants to do is go to school. Don't read anything else about this book — you have to just dive in blind. With an absolutely perfect ending, The Girl With All the Gifts is a straight-up fantastic, fun read! Recommended By Dianah H., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
NOT EVERY GIFT IS A BLESSING.
Melanie is a very special girl. Dr. Caldwell calls her "our little genius."
Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite, but they don't laugh.
The Girl With All the Gifts is a groundbreaking thriller, emotionally charged and gripping from beginning to end.
Review
"A great read that takes hold of you and doesn't let go." John Ajvide Lindqvist, author of Let the Right One In
Review
"The story of Melanie and the people around her is so thoughtfully crafted, so heartfelt, remorseless and painfully human, that it takes the potentially tired trope of the zombie apocalypse and makes it as fresh as it is terrifying. The story spirals towards a conclusion so surprising, so warm and yet so chilling, that it takes a moment to realize it's been earned since the first page, and even before. It left me sighing with envious joy, like I'd been simultaneously offered flowers and beaten at chess. A jewel." Joss Whedon
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"Original, thrilling and powerful." The Guardian
Review
"Unique and terrifying." Booklist
Review
"An instant favorite." Boing Boing
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"One of the more imaginative and ingenious additions to the dystopian canon." Kirkus Reviews
Review
"...a brilliant work of science fiction, but even people who never read science fiction should absolutely read this one." io9.com
About the Author
M.R. Carey is an established writer of prose fiction and comic books. He has written for both DC and Marvel, including critically acclaimed runs on X-Men and Fantastic Four, Marvel's flagship superhero titles. His creator-owned books regularly appear in the New York Times graphic fiction bestseller list. He also has several previous novels and one Hollywood movie screenplay to his credit.