After Reading: Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

By: Meradeth Houston on 4:00 AM

Last year as college freshman, narrator Cal was infected by exotic goth Morgan with a parasite that caused following girlfriends to become vampire-like ghouls he calls parasite-positives "Peeps". A carrier without symptoms, he hunts his progeny for the centuries old bureaucratic Night Watch. But victims are showing more sanity, pretty human Lacey is pushing his buttons, and her apartment building basement houses fierce hordes of ravening rats, red-eyed cats, and monstrous worms that threaten all. Morgan has the secret to a centuries-old conspiracy and upcoming battle to save the human race.

Have I mentioned that I'm a giant Westerfeld fangirl? No? Because that does bear repeating. I have really enjoyed all of his books I've picked up so far, and Peeps was no exception. I've recently been looking for more male narrated older YA (suggestions anyone?) to compare with my forthcoming release (The Chemistry of Fate is told in part by Tom, a college freshman). Anyhow, this fits the bill for New Adult, male MC, and all kinds of fun. The only thing that kind of left me hanging was that most of the book feels like one big prologue. Like, we end knowing that the end of days is coming, but we don't get to see it. I know The Last Days fills in that next part, but still. Anyhow, overall I loved the voice in this, the world is lots of fun, and I adored the chapters on the parasites (scientist nerd here, in case you haven't noticed). Anyhow, definitely a fun one to snag if you get a chance, and it's a quick, fast paced read too!