"The Dead of Summer"

Book Review

Thanks to NetGalley and Scholastic Push for this free copy of “Dead of Summer” by Ryan La Sala.

A visually beautiful told story of eco- and body-horror!

Why do the residents of the isolated island Anchor’s Mercy seem to get sick often, but no one wants to talk about it? And then a huge storm uncovers what the island’s been hiding.

The story is told in parts that propel the action and keep the reader enthralled:

Before the storm when Ollie and his mom are returning from mainland Maine where she’s finished her chemotherapy for leukemia.

After the storm as one of the medical team interviews Ollie where he’s being held with other storm survivors so they can understand why he hasn’t developed the symptoms (you can guess what they are from the front cover!) even though he was infected.

A secret journal kept by the scientist mother of Ollie’s friend Elisa which documents the island’s secrets.

I’m excited to know there’s a sequel planned since I’d like to know what happens after the VERY surprising ending!