5 Star review of Wither by Contagious Reads blog

Wither is author Amy Miles’ breakneck paced ‘zombie’ novel. It’s her first foray into horror/thriller territory, and in my opinion she did wonderfully. There are truly terrifying aspects of this novel.

Avery is hiding out in the hospital people are getting sick, and becoming ‘withered’. The government has essentially fallen, and gangs rule the cities. When the hospital is raided by gangs Avery is attacked. Her savior is soldier by the name of Cable. Not one to trust anyone Avery flees the first chance she gets. The first few chapters Avery spends more time running from worse and worse situations. There is something about her, something that the gangs, and remaining ‘government’ wants.
Life has never been easy on Avery, even before fled mother’s sick bed at the end of the world. It’s left Avery, bitter, and closed off. To some readers Avery’s cold attitude and me for me ways might be a turn off. I found it very realistic. Miles’ shows Avery at her very worst, and takes on her journey as she becomes more. More than a girl who closes herself off. More than a girl who only cares for herself.

Amy Miles is fantastic at writing romance. It’s definitely a strong and important of the story. The first person Avery encounters outside of the hospital is Cable. And watching their relationship yo-yo was probably one of my favorite things about this novel. What can I say, I like gore and romance. Cable is the opposite of Avery. He’s filled with hope. He’s cautious where Avery is not. He cares for others, where Avery tries very hard not to. It’s very interesting how their personalities evolve as a result of their relationship.

The descriptions in this book are intense. From the action, the world building, the Withered Ones, I was totally immersed in the world. It’s a dangerous world, and the body count is high. It’s awesome! Amy doesn’t hold back, at all. She puts these characters through the ringer. Those left standing are going to be tough when this story is told.

The reason Avery is running, is still so open, it will be interesting to see how the story unfolds. The Withered ones are evolving, humans are getting desperate, and Avery is still very much a risk. I, for one, will be first in line to read Resurrect when it comes out!
I recommend this for fans who like the Forest of Hands and Teeth series. It can be read by mature YA readers.