Mary lives in a small village surrounded by a tall fence. Outside that fence is the Forest of Hands and Teeth, a no man's land inhabited by their undead neighbours. Inside, the villagers believe that they are the last bastion of humanity in a world overtaken by the unconsecrated. They live simple lives, farming, patrolling the fences, and building up the human race, as they are instructed to do by their religious leaders. Mary dreams of a life beyond the fences, but it is only after a series of tragedies that she seriously considers leaving all that she knows.
Typical to this dystopian adventure genre, Mary uncovers hints that all is not as it seems, and that their leaders may not be entirely benevolent. Complicating matters is her love for Travis who is betrothed to her best friend Cassandra while she herself is betrothed to Travis' brother Harry who may be in love with either her or Cassandra or both. It's all quite dramatic, but social customs keep everyone frustratingly impotent until the unconsecrated attack and everyone goes into survival mode.
While the romantic angst dragged on a little too much for my sensibilities, this book is perfect for readers who have finished Twilight but like a little surreality in their love stories. Besides, it's better written, the protagonist is stronger and smarter, and there are sequels for the story addicts.
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