Out of Salem
Out of Salem
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2019
Book Brief
448
Novel • Fiction
Salem, Oregon • 1990s
2019
YA
13-18 years
Super Short Summary
Out of Salem by Hal Schrieve follows Z Chilworth, a genderqueer teen who becomes a zombie after a car accident that kills their family. Struggling with their new undead status and societal rejection, Z finds refuge with a witch, Mrs. Dunnigan, and her werewolf granddaughter, Aysel. Together, they navigate prejudice, seek cures for Z's decaying body, and confront community dangers.
Dark
Mysterious
Fantastical
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
676 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Hal Schrieve's Out of Salem is praised for its compelling exploration of gender identity and queer themes through the lens of a zombie protagonist. The narrative is lauded for its inclusivity and emotional depth, though some critics note a slow pace and convoluted plot. A strong debut that excels in character portrayal but may challenge readers with its complex structure.
Who Should Read Out of Salem?
Fans of LGBTQ+ fantasy fiction, particularly those who enjoyed the diverse and inclusive themes in Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire, will find Out of Salem by Hal Schrieve captivating. Readers interested in supernatural elements juxtaposed with real-world issues like identity and acceptance will be particularly drawn to this novel.
676 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
448
Novel • Fiction
Salem, Oregon • 1990s
2019
YA
13-18 years
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