Exploring a Surreal Summer in The Dead of Summer
The allure of a summer beach read is hard to resist, but when the beach is infested with creatively conceived zombies, my curiosity piqued beyond belief. The Dead of Summer by Ryan La Sala promised an innovative twist on a familiar horror theme—a tale that unfolds amidst the sun-soaked, yet hauntingly eerie landscape of a coastal community. My expectations were high, and I am thrilled to say, this vibrant combination of heartfelt storytelling and visceral horror does not disappoint.
At the heart of the novel is Ollie, a relatable character navigating not just the traditional challenges of coming into adulthood but also the surreal trials posed by a catastrophic outbreak. Ollie’s internal conflicts—grief, loss, and a tumultuous self-discovery—serve as the emotional backbone of the book. His whirlwind of emotions resonates deeply, and I found myself rooting for him as he faces layers of external and internal chaos. While the world around him is literally crumbling, his personal apocalypse adds a compelling depth to the narrative I’ve seldom encountered in YA horror.
La Sala introduces readers to a dynamic, albeit somewhat conventional premise: a zombie-like outbreak in an isolated community, where untrustworthy scientists with shadowy ties loom large. Yet, the freshness of the “beach zombies” concept injects an inventive spin into what could have been a predictable story. The writing style is quick and vibrant, rich with imagery—especially when depicting the zombies themselves. Those creative descriptions lingered long after I’d turned the last page, illustrating La Sala’s talent for breath-taking visuals.
The pacing of The Dead of Summer keeps the adrenaline flowing, thanks in part to the clever use of interview transcripts and journal entries from a scientist caught in the chaos. This technique enriches the narrative, weaving in suspenseful glimpses of the aftermath seamlessly. However, while effective at propelling the story forward, it occasionally sacrifices character development. Still, I’m willing to overlook this minor flaw as the balance it strikes between tension and unfolding plot details is skillfully managed.
That said, I must address the representation of queerness in the novel. Marketed as an unapologetically queer narrative, I found myself yearning for deeper explorations of queer identity. The characters’ queerness feels almost like an ornament rather than an integral aspect of their identities. It’s commendable that the story normalizes queer relationships, but a missed opportunity arises when none are fully explored. I found myself wishing for more substance in this respect, particularly since the beach setting embodies a renowned queer haven.
While some elements fell a touch flat—such as the somewhat cartoonish portrayal of the antagonist and the overarching mystery that could have used more nuance—the novel still wrapped up with assured confidence and an ambiguous resolution that I appreciated.
Ultimately, The Dead of Summer offers a thrilling ride that balances creative horror with the pervasive themes of grief, loss, and acceptance. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to those who enjoy a unique take on survival horror or are simply in the mood for a quirky summer read.
For me, the experience was an exhilarating mix of introspection and adventure, one that continues to linger in my mind like the shape of a lost summer memory. Thank you, Ryan La Sala, for this wild journey—and a reminder that sometimes, our greatest struggles lead us to redefine who we truly are.
Discover more about The Dead of Summer (The Dead of Summer, #1) on GoodReads >>