FURIES RISING

In Lyons’ YA novel and series launch, teens must fend for themselves when crazed, infected beings attack.

Californian Lukas Lincoln’s biggest challenge at Texas’ Camp Hollow Valley, it seems, is finding the courage to talk to a girl. She’s a couple years older than the 15-year-old boy—and  also dating his big brother, Caleb. Campers and counselors alike find themselves in a sudden fight for survival when zombie-like creatures viciously assault everyone at the summer getaway. Lukas and others learn that the zombie-things are victims of an infection; many who are bitten or severely scratched by them quickly transform into apparently mindless, frenzied killers (“Furies,” as the infected are soon dubbed). The small band of survivors sees a chance to escape the Furies-littered grounds once camper Aubrey West manages to contact her father, a colonel in the United States Army. (Thanks to the camp’s riflery range, the teens have some weapons.) But this infection is much more serious than they initially believed, and the world outside Hollow Valley may offer no protection at all. Lyons wisely focuses on action and suspense over the violent and intermittently gory bits in such scenes as the youngsters quietly sneaking toward shelter (the camp’s main lodge) without attracting the Furies or, at other times, fleeing masses of the infected. As the story progresses, readers get a clearer view of what’s happening, with hints of a potentially dystopian world developing beyond the camp (“Quarantines were established, and for a short time, they seemed to be holding. But the sheer number of affected victims was just too overwhelming”) and the possibility of a vaccine. Between exhilarating tussles with the Furies, there’s quite a bit of downtime, allowing for sharp character development. Standouts among the memorable, largely sympathetic cast include the resilient Lukas; Lonnie Milliner, whose cerebral palsy never slows him down; and Aubrey, the resident badass. While sequels are sure to follow, this first installment ends with a satisfying punch.

Unforgettable characters spark this invigorating apocalyptic tale.