Two teen girls navigate a post-apocalyptic world where one of them has been infected with a virus that turned her into a monster, leading to a complex romance amidst the challenges of survival and reintegration into society. The story explores themes of love, loss, humanity, and resilience in the face of a brutal and dangerous new reality.

Hearts Still Beating by Brooke Archer is a powerful, immersive and utterly gripping debut YA post-apocalyptic novel that will captivate fans of zombie thrillers and sapphic romance alike. Archer has crafted a dark, gritty tale set in a brutal world ravaged by a virus that turned much of humanity into vicious, brain-eating "Ticks." But amid the gore and horror, an achingly beautiful love story blooms between two complex, deeply human teenage girls.

The dual perspectives of Mara, a former Tick who has regained her humanity through an experimental treatment, and Rory, the childhood best friend and crush who Mara is sent to live with, allow the reader to experience the apocalypse through two drastically different lenses. Mara grapples with the guilt and trauma of the atrocities she committed while infected, desperate to cling to her tenuous grasp on lucidity. Meanwhile, Rory bears both physical and emotional scars from the collapse of civilization, consumed by grief and rage at the monsters that stole away her sister and shattered her world. Archer explores weighty themes of humanity, blame, and the transformative power of love with nuance and sophistication.

The slow-burn romance between Mara and Rory is angst-ridden and electrifying. Watching these two damaged young women learn to trust and heal through each other is deeply moving. Their love story forms the passionate, pulsing heart of the novel. Stolen glances and aching, hesitant touches simmer with barely restrained longing and desire.

But while the central relationship grounds the story, there are endless other aspects to praise. The richly textured world-building immerses you in the harrowing reality of post-apocalyptic survival. The action sequences are visceral and pulse-pounding. Supporting characters, like Rory's found family of adopted siblings, are vividly drawn. Thematically rich explorations of chosen family, disability, and mental health challenges are deftly woven throughout.

In the end, Hearts Still Beating is a triumphant ode to love, humanity and hope in even the darkest of times. Brooke Archer is an undeniable talent destined for great things, and I for one cannot wait to see what she writes next. This is a cinematic, emotion-packed debut that will leave your heart racing in the best possible way. An early contender for best YA novel of 2024.