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The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

"In a fenced-in village bordered by a forest full of the Unconsecrated, one girl dares to question the rules meant to keep everyone safe—and silent. When the barriers fail, the path through the trees may be the only way forward. The Forest of Hands and Teeth is a breathless, haunting trek through fear, hope, and the will to live."

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In The Forest of Hands and Teeth, did you enjoy a desperate mission for survival in a world overrun by the undead?

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

If the relentless drive and life-or-death stakes of Mary’s journey through the forest gripped you in The Forest of Hands and Teeth, you’ll be hooked by Alex’s harrowing quest for survival after an electromagnetic pulse turns most of humanity into zombie-like monsters in Ashes. The plot is fast-paced and goal-oriented, with each chapter propelling you closer to answers—and greater danger.

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In The Forest of Hands and Teeth, did you enjoy bleak, atmospheric survival after civilization’s collapse?

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

If you found the claustrophobic, haunting mood of the fenced-in village and the overgrown, ruined world beyond it unforgettable in The Forest of Hands and Teeth, The Road offers a similarly intense, atmospheric journey. Follow a father and son as they traverse a devastated landscape, facing both external threats and internal struggles in a chillingly realized post-apocalyptic setting.

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In The Forest of Hands and Teeth, did you enjoy a protagonist’s journey from innocence to maturity under impossible circumstances?

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

If you were moved by Mary’s transformation—from a sheltered girl to a resilient survivor making impossible choices—The Knife of Never Letting Go will resonate. Todd Hewitt’s journey forces him to confront hard truths about his world and himself, delivering a raw, powerful coming-of-age story full of character growth and emotional depth.

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In The Forest of Hands and Teeth, did you enjoy young women fighting for survival and identity in a brutal world?

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

If you admired Mary’s determination and strength as she challenged the rules of her insular village, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Deuce from Enclave. Both novels center on strong young women battling monsters—both literal and societal—while forging their own paths in post-apocalyptic worlds.

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In The Forest of Hands and Teeth, did you enjoy a dark, oppressive society and the fight for autonomy?

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

If the oppressive rules and secrets of Mary’s village fascinated you, The Grace Year offers a chillingly dystopian society where girls are banished for a year to purge their supposed magic. Like Mary, Tierney must navigate a world of fear, control, and hidden truths—making for an intense, thought-provoking read.