This book was so much fun, but also packed an emotional punch. I found myself taken on a wild ride, from laughing out loud to ugly-crying over the death of a certain character. Robin Wasley takes the reader on a journey in this wild, post-apocalyptic YA contemporary fantasy.

Sid is a very relatable protagonist. Her struggles with identity and displacement feel very real to me, and her relationships with the remaining cast are fabulously three-dimensional and perfectly depicted. I loved the awkward, burgeoning relationship between Sid and Brian, and Wasley's voicey prose was perfectly on point, making this an effortless read. The author also absolutely nails the cat's (Chad's) personality - as a cat vet I can tell that this was written by someone who truly... respects cats, ha. Maybe even loves them. Maybe.

This is a terrifically written debut and spins an eerie, quirky, highly immersive world that kept me turning pages until the very end.

I listened to an audiobook of this and thought the narrator was excellent, which was important because this was very voicey. The world was richly imagined without being too much or confusing and the magical circumstances felt really fresh. The horror was frightening. The side characters were well done and the MC was wonderful even when you were experiencing all her embarrassment and cringing; it all made you really care about what happened to her and her friends. There were many degrees of antagonists (including "being a teen" and "living in a small white town") and that made it really layered and kept it interesting. It explored class, race, adoption, insecurity, immaturity and how to navigate crushes and friendships and family relationships with real skill, while never feeling preachy or like an issues book. Very enjoyable.

I went into this completely blind and I was NOT disappointed for a second!

This was so much fun! It was like a more interesting The Walking Dead but with all the unique magic powers of Red Queen and a small tourist town feel. It's heartfelt and thoughtful and just really entertaining. I loved Sid so much. She's so vulnerable but she feels and loves so fiercely while also being so funny. Her voice in the narrative was part of why I enjoyed this so much. It hooked me right away and I couldn't put it down. Will definitely be reading more from this author in future.

This book wasn't meant for me. The writing wasn't engaging enough for me. That being said the characters were well developed and left great impressions, I know a lot of people will like this book. I'm excited to see what the author does next. This won't deter me from their future works.

I was pulled in to this book from the start and did no want to stop listening. I think it should be a series. I want more from these characters. The narrator for this book was perfect.

Prepare to be whisked away on a nostalgic journey reminiscent of the 90s' with "Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear". The novel offers a delightful mix of magic, zombies, found family, and small-town charm, all wrapped up in a story brimming with heart and humour.

At the heart of the narrative is Sid Spencer, a refreshingly relatable protagonist who steals the show with her endearing quirks and genuine portrayal. From the outset, Sid's journey hooks readers, drawing them into a world where the mundane collides with the extraordinary. The ensemble cast of characters, including the adorable duo Sid and Brian, adds depth and richness to the story. Each character is expertly crafted, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned. While some minor characters may blur together at times, the main cast shines with their distinct personalities and dynamics.

The storytelling shines brightest in the seamless blend of genres, effortlessly weaving together elements of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes. The plot unfolds at a brisk pace, keeping readers engaged with its twists and turns, though some readers may find the story's length slightly overstretched. While the novel's plot and world-building are well-executed, some may yearn for deeper exploration of the town's history and the origins of the magic at play. Additionally, Sid's unique gift could benefit from clearer explanations earlier in the story to enhance reader understanding.

As such "Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear" offers a delightful escapade into a world where magic and mystery collide, brought to life by its memorable characters and whimsical storytelling. Despite some minor flaws, this novel is sure to leave readers entertained and eager to explore more of a well-crafted imaginative universe.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #DeadThingsAreCloserThanTheyAppear #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

This was a quick, fun read. I enjoyed getting to know Sid and her friends and the whole saving the world while dealing with teenage angst and jealousy. I liked the premise of the guardians who are there to keep the fault line safe for the rest of the world. A good way to pass an afternoon.

Entertaining and immersive - a recommended first purchase for YA and HS collections where paranormal / fantasy is popular.

This is a charming story that tumbles into dystopian adventure quickly!
Sid Spencer is Korean by birth and adopted by well meaning caucasian parents. That's about the most interesting thing about her in her except for where she lives.. Sid's town is built one of the fault lines that seal magic away from the world. Many years ago, the magic was battled back to keep humans from taking advantage of it and each other. When the fault line is opened by nefarious men, true horror escapes and Sid teams if forced to team up with a group of friends to attempt to save her town and quite possibly the world.

The ragtag group has all the teen angst that comes with relationships but it's offset by adventure and truly great dialogue. Best yet, there is a lovely beat up female cat named Chad that tags along. Everyone is well developed and interesting and far from your usual tropes of teen characters. All in all, it was perfect! I would love to read and hear more about their adventures.

Narrator Eunice Wong was fabulous and I highly recommend anything read by her.
#Eunicewong #deadthingsarecloserthantheyappear #robinwasley

Just here to say that I might be obsessed with our girl Sid in this book. Her character is so awkward and weird and I loved every minute of it.
And swoon over that awkward slow build between Sid and Brian. They are so painfully cute and sweet.

I really love this found family theme throughout the story. That blood doesn't always connect us together. Sometimes love and going through similar things is enough.

Who knew a book with zombie like things escaping and running rampant would be so sweet and touching.

This started very strong for me. But midway through I lost interest. I typically enjoy magical surrealism. This just wasn’t for me. The audiobook itself was perfect. The characters sounded great.

i didn't think that in 2024 i would come across this type of old-school YA protagonist:
-she's short & unlike other girls has curly hair that cannot be tamed
-she's quirky and a bit of a clutz
-she's got a snarky sense of humor
-she's unpopular

maybe the novel subverts her characterisation along the way or the story ends up demonstrating a certain level of self-awareness but given that i don't feel invested enough in the author's storytelling i don't see myself giving it a chance. the whole premise is just making me think back to authors like Holly Black, Natalie C. Parker, C.L. Herman, Maggie Stiefvater, & co. in short, it's giving 2010s YA. the writing isn't terrible (aside from the humor which...yikes) and maybe young teens who have just gotten into magical realism and or urban fantasy might find this to be a spellbinding read.

This was such a fun YA novel. very fast-paced, the plot is perfectly described in the blurb, but it’s better than it sounds because the way that the magic worked and the way that the cast of characters worked together is what really made it stand out. The characters are very well formed, both good guys and bad guys. As an MC, Sid is one of the most enjoyable teen characters I’ve read in a long time…her dry self-deprecating humor was hilarious, and then the more serious moments of emotion were very relatable. And her relationship with Brian was just adorable. I also liked the added elements of different types of families including interracial, blended, adopted, and found family. For a book of this genre, it delivered on all points…fun, action-packed, cool world-building, great characters, and a nice dash of mushy and corny. As an audiobook, it was made even better by a great narrator who was able to read all of the inflection and emotion in all the right places. No notes! Thanks so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear
by Robin Wasley
YA Horror Fantasy
NetGalley Audio ARC
Dreamscape Media
Pub Date: Feb. 27, 2024
Ages: 14+

Even though Sid Spencer is one of the four Asians in the tourist trap town she lives in, she is the most normal girl there. Then her best friend starts to date the boy Sid liked, another of her best friends, who had rejected her in a humiliating way.

One night, at home, her brother gets a phone call and even though he's acting calm, she can tell he's panicking. Then he leaves. She waits.

The fault line that is under the town opens, unleashing magic and monsters, and a magic barrier won't let anyone in or out. And the only way a fault line can open is if a Guardian allows it, but they are supposed to keep them closed.


This story pulled me right in because the MC was relatable, there were funnies, and the action happened pretty quickly. Most of the characters were introduced slowly, thus giving the reader time to get to know them, but when things started to happen, other characters were thrown into the story and then I couldn't keep them straight. Brian's family was one of them, the girls(?) were tossed into the action, and even though were important, they blended in with the other minor characters so there was a time I had no idea who was who and what made them important.

The plot was great, though I feel more details about the town; its history, along with a deeper dive into the magic's history, would've made this town feel more real. Instead, I felt that there was nothing special about this town other than the fault line, and that wasn't that big of a deal either. And it didn't feel right to me to call it a fault line. I get why, but...

The cat was cool until the end of the story. Even though it was funny, it was a little bit too far-fetched.

The narrator did a good job with the characters' voices and emotions, though when she whispered her voice to portray Sid's 'gift', it was too soft and mumbled.

Speaking of Sid's gift, what most see as a weakness, is a power. Nice twist! But it could have used more descriptions/explanations. It was too muted and readers, especially teenagers, may not understand what it is and how it works. Explaining it sooner would make a better impact. I had no clue what her gift was all about until almost the end of the book, and I had to stop and think if it was reasonable.

The book cover is awesome, the title is catching, but long, and I'm not sure what it has to do with the story.

As an Iowan, I snorted at the jab.

There is violence but it's not too graphic. And while I was going to give this one more star, it lost it because it started to drag on. Fifty fewer pages would've kept that star.

3 Stars

DNF @ 26%
I like the premise and idea but couldn't connect with the writing. Overall not for me.

***Thank you to NetGalley, Robin Wasley, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***

"Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear" is a solid entry into the realm of supernatural YA fiction, offering a darkly atmospheric tale of magic and apocalypse that will appeal to fans of the genre. While it may not break new ground, its blend of familiar tropes and fresh twists makes it a worthwhile read for those seeking an engaging and immersive story of teenage turmoil in the face of extraordinary circumstances.

Also, Sid and Brian are just so AHH!! Absolutely loved them

Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

"Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear" has left me torn between two worlds, much like its protagonist Sid navigating the realms of magic and mayhem. This enchanting tale blends elements of urban fantasy with a dash of post-apocalyptic suspense, delivering a spellbinding narrative that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page.

At its heart, this story is a captivating exploration of found family, resilience, and the complexities of identity. Sid Spencer, our endearingly awkward heroine, stumbles into a world teetering on the brink of chaos after her brother's disappearance. What unfolds is a riveting journey of self-discovery as Sid grapples with her own insecurities while navigating the treacherous landscape of a small town rife with supernatural threats.

The author, Robin Wasley, masterfully crafts a diverse cast of characters who leap off the page with depth and authenticity. From the snarky charm of Sid to the brooding intensity of Brian, each member of this motley crew brings a unique perspective to the unfolding narrative. Wasley's skillful portrayal of relationships, be it familial bonds or budding romances, adds layers of emotional resonance to the story, grounding the fantastical elements in relatable human experiences.

What truly sets "Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear" apart is its nuanced exploration of themes like empathy, acceptance, and the power of choice. Through Sid's journey, we witness the transformative potential of empathy and the profound impact of human connection in the face of adversity. The novel deftly navigates themes of identity and belonging, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of navigating one's place in the world.

While the plot unfolds with the breakneck pace of a high-stakes thriller, punctuated by pulse-pounding action sequences and spine-chilling encounters, it is the moments of quiet introspection and heartfelt camaraderie that truly elevate this tale. Wasley's prose is both evocative and immersive, painting vivid imagery of a world teetering on the edge of darkness yet brimming with hope.

In conclusion, "Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear" is a captivating blend of magic, mystery, and heart. With its richly drawn characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. Prepare to be enchanted, enthralled, and ultimately, transformed by this unforgettable journey into the unknown.

This title was a DNF for me; I was unable to complete the book because I simply could not pay attention to it. This was both because of the narrator and I did not find the story engaging.

I will come back to this book at a later date but since I’m not able to finish it I will not be posting a complete review.

This started out really strong with such a fun and quirky FMC. The writing was funny and witty. Apocalypse and post-apocalypse stories are right up my alley, so I couldn't say no to this arc.

But after halfway through, it read like a typical superpowered teenagers in a magical apocalypse story. Maybe I've read one too many Marvel comic books about very similar situations, so it didn't grab me as much as it would've if I were a newbie to this specific genre. At times, I even felt like it'd serve better as a comic book run instead of a novel.

What I really loved was the audiobook narrator, Eunice Wong. She really brought it all and was very expressive when it came to emotional dialogue or when the scene called for it. I was really impressed! There was a previous hard sci-fi book she narrated that I wasn't a huge fan of, but she did amazing with this one! Consider me a new fan!

Even though this book didn't work out for me, I'd still love to read more of Robin Wasley's work. We don't really see a lot of transracial adoptee ownvoices, so I'm excited to follow her career.

This one just wasn't for me. I should have read the description more carefully. The narrator gave a solid performance, and the characters well really well drawn. I'm eager to see what this author does next, even if this one wasn't exactly for me.