[Review] Silver by Chris Wooding

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Title: Silver

Author: Chris Wooding (Website)

Publisher: Scholastic

Genre: Young Adult - Science Fiction, Horror

Release Date: March 25, 2014 (re-release)

Format: eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis via Goodreads:

When a boy is bitten by a strange silver beetle, he becomes the first victim of a mysterious infection. But this is no ordinary virus. It turns flesh into metal, and people into machines. There is no escape. As the virus spreads, and more terrifying, bloodthirsty machines appear, the remaining survivors are losing hope. Who will turn silver next? Is help ever coming? Will any of them survive?

Whoa! Mind is blown. Honestly, this book scared the crikey out of me. I will never look at bugs the same... or electronics. 

In a seemingly normal world, school children band together to fend off living machines as they overrun the school yard. Following a rag tag band of characters (think Breakfast Club) the reader is immersed into a haunting depiction of survival, quick action, and desperation as those at Mortingham Academy transition into fighters, problem solvers, and... machines. As a reader this experience was AMAZING! The writing is paced to where you can see the story unfold like a summer blockbuster, I even popped some corn. Each character's journey is unique, revealing their personal struggles with the reality of the situation intertwined with memories of their short lives. In every corner the characters manage to cope and employ various strategies to maintain hope, even as it slips away and is renewed through each chapter. It is the innocence of adolescence that keeps you rooting for them until the end!

• This is the first Chris Wooding book I've read. I look forward to more reads.
• I really like the character dynamics and the exploration of how we all manage stress and crisis differently. We see extremes as some give up hope, some gain courage and others know the meaning of sacrifice.
• While there is no "romance", this book is not without it's feels. Life is short.
• The world building for a sci-fi novel is pretty simple since it's modern day Britain and secluded to one location. This isn't a bad thing since we're able to focus on character dynamics versus the "rules"of the universe and... not getting killed!
• Reminded me of all of these things: Red Dawn (movie), The Iron Fey (novels by Julie Kagawa), The Goonies (movie), and Zombie movies.
• Highly recommended for readers who enjoy thrillers, horror, zombies, science fiction... you get the picture.

4 Stars! Honestly, haven't reading anything like this in a while! So fresh!