Eat, Brains, Love

Debut author Hart brings a sympathetic voice to the zombie phenomenon in this offbeat adventure, which combines romance and road trips with government agents, conspiracies, and gore-filled feeding frenzies. Stoner Jake Stephens and cheerleader Amanda Blake unexpectedly “necrotize” at lunchtime; by the time they’re done and have come to their senses, dozens of classmates are dead. Naturally, they flee. On the run from the secret Necrotic Control Division, they are faced with fellow zombies, human predators, their horrible hunger for flesh, and an unexpected romantic connection. Meanwhile, teenage psychic Cass is tracking them telepathically for the NCD, but the longer she stays connected, the more she questions her supervisors and their shadowy agenda. Alternating perspectives and a fast-paced plot keep the story moving as Hart fleshes out his world with memorable supporting characters and a premise that hints at a much larger picture. (Is Iowa completely lost?) The body count is predictably high, with corresponding visceral details, but Hart balances it out with touches of humor and teenage self-awareness. A Full Fathom Five property. Ages 13–up. (Oct.)