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Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Altered: The Altered Experience by Maria Devivo follows the story of a young man trying to come to terms with his new reality in a post-apocalyptic world. Griffin King, a high schooler, finds his life turned upside down when a mysterious virus sweeps through the population and turns the infected people into flesh-craving zombies. Soon, Griffin has to watch as his best friend, his mother, and his little sister fall victim to the infected while he ends up devouring a girl he had previously rescued. Suffering from gaps in his memories, Griffin wakes up at a Re-Assimilation Center in Florida, where a cure for the infected has turned them into the "Altered." Every day, Griffin recovers more and more of his memories and realizes what he has become. Will he be able to start his life anew?
Author Maria Devivo puts a fresh twist on zombie stories with this gripping sci-fi/psychological thriller. The Altered is a post-apocalyptic survival tale narrated from the perspective of one of the infected zombies on his way to recovery. Devivo uses a non-linear narrative that switches back and forth in time to show Griffin's shift in perspective before and after the apocalypse. The plot is thoroughly engrossing, and the unexpected reveals always take you by surprise. You can't help but feel for Griffin as he tries to reconcile with what he has done and become accustomed to his present situation in life. I found the ending very satisfying and felt it wrapped up the story in a believable and realistic manner. As far as post-apocalyptic zombie stories go, this one is up there with the very best. I highly recommend it!
