Common Sense Media Review
By Oliver Scout Guerisoli
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fierce, immersive queer zombie apocalyptic romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
HEARTS STILL BEATING is a queer zombie romance set in an apocalyptic southern California a few years after an infectious outbreak of the living dead. Mara, bitten early, awakens in a facility to learn that a treatment is possible for her. As she heals, she is sent to a resettlement program on an island where her life-long crush's family lives. Rory, having survived the virus by any means necessary, is bursting with rage at the crashing world around her and the trauma it has unleashed onto her loved ones. When she hears Mara will be staying with her family, her anger and pining reach new heights. Navigating their severed bond, the two must learn to find their own and each others' humanity in order to survive in this new world.
Is It Any Good?
Harrowing and passionate, Brooke Archer's debut novel has everything one could want from a young adult's apocalyptic zombie romance. Hearts Still Beating is a steamy, can't-put-down, dystopian horror that leaves you asking all of the best questions. What makes one human? Who is worthy of love? How do I protect my loved ones and create a safe world at the same time? What does it mean to truly live? Through the friends-to-lovers trope, Mara and Rory display a kind of love that is loyal, deeply knowing, a barrier buster and one that will re-chart not just their lives, but the entire world's. Perfect for classic zombie story lovers looking for a modern queer remix to anyone searching for their first dip into the genre.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about accessibility in Hearts Still Beating. Are the places you enjoy accessible to all different kinds of bodies and abilities? If not, how might you be able to create change?
Rory showed perseverance when faced with new and mounting challenges. When was the last time you overcame something really challenging?
Who are the most protected people in your community? Who are the least protected? Why do you think this is and what could be done to ensure everyone is protected?
Is reading about violence different from seeing violence on screen? Why or why not?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Fantasy
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance , Self-control , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : April 2, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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