Out of Salem

In this debut novel by Hal Schrieve, a genderqueer 14-year-old named Z Chilworth navigates life after waking up as a decaying zombie following a tragic accident that took their family. As Z grapples with restoring their magical powers and finding acceptance, they form a bond with Aysel, a fellow outsider dealing with her own supernatural identity, in a town that becomes increasingly hostile towards monsters. The story explores themes ofidentity, survival, and belonging through vivid characters and a world that mirrors our own in unsettling ways.