The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala
A Creative, Compelling, and Creepy YA Horror Ride
I’m a firm believer in the adage, “Never judge a book by its cover,” but when I picked this up, the stunning visuals immediately drew me in. Having been disappointed by cover-buys in the past, I braced myself—but there was no need. This book delivered a truly creative concept that kept me fully engaged, often in a slightly grossed-out, fantastic way. The high-water mark for comparison here is The Last of Us, and if that connection appeals to you, this book is a must-read.
The world-building is immediately absorbing. Simply studying the map at the start was enough to pique my interest. The description of AM—an island paradise run by drag queens—sounds like the perfect vacation spot (especially for someone trying to escape cold New Jersey!). The setting looks like it would be an absolute blast, and my biggest regret is that the plague set in so quickly, robbing us of more time to explore that vibrant setting before the chaos.
This was a true rollercoaster ride. The synopsis piqued my curiosity, and the book quickly proved to be a perfect entry point for new horror readers, myself included, or those exploring the YA horror subgenre. I loved the alternating timelines (before and after the outbreak); every single chapter seemed to hold a new, compelling clue to the central mystery. The transcripts interspersed throughout the text were a highlight—the audiobook version enhanced this perfectly, creating a genuinely creepy, recorded atmosphere.
The only downside? That ending! The massive cliffhanger left me wanting to scream. I am already impatiently counting down the days until the release of book two.
