Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

Title: Ashes, Ashes
Author: Jo Treggiari
Published: June 1, 2011 by Scholastic
Pages: 344/Hardcover
Challenge: 2011 Debut Author Challenge
Source: bought


Summary: A thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and one girl's unyielding courage through the darkest of nightmares.

Epidemics, floods, droughts--for sixteen-year-old Lucy, the end of the world came and went, taking 99% of the population with it. As the weather continues to rage out of control, and Sweepers clean the streets of plague victims, Lucy survives alone in the wilds of Central Park. But when she's rescued from a pack of hunting dogs by a mysterious boy named Aidan, she reluctantly realizes she can't continue on her own. She joins his band of survivors, yet, a new danger awaits her: the Sweepers are looking for her. There's something special about Lucy, and they will stop at nothing to have her.

Review: I wouldn't call my self a dystopian fan. I enjoy dystopian novels but I don't rush out to buy every one that comes out. With that, Ashes, Ashes was a good book, but I didn't have a mind-blowing reaction to it. 


First of all, Lucy just really annoyed me. I'm not sure why. She was just one of those characters that got under my skin and wouldn't leave. I felt like there was a lot that could have been talked about as far as Aidan goes (like his history and what not) but we only get his present story. I also wanted to know more about Del (I think that's her name but I can't remember.). I thought whatever was going on between her and Aidan would have made a great sub-plot, and I kept waiting for Treggiari to expand on their relationship, but it never happened.


One thing that ran hot and cold with me was the pacing. The beginning was painfully slow and I found myself skimming a lot because it was A LOT of minute details, and then there would be action and running and fighting off bad guys. But even though the pacing was off the plot was good. I learned along with Lucy how the camp worked and how the disease was and wasn't spreading.


The ending left me hanging, though. I don't know if there's a sequel and I don't know if I want there to be one. On one hand I feel like there should be one because you find out, yes Lucy's special, but you never know what crazy scientist lady does with her blood. On the other hand I just don't see what a sequel would do or explain besides the blood/cure thing. I like how the ending left the characters, but it still seemed off.


If you're a fan of dystopian then this is a must-read. If you're not the biggest fan in the world but still get a kick out of them then Ashes, Ashes is still worth effort!