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When We Were Human by Kate L. Mary is set in a post-apocalyptic world recovering from a devastating alien invasion. Eighteen-year-old Eva has spent the last year punishing herself for her sister’s death. With the population destroyed, Earth in ruins, and gangs terrorizing the survivors, she sees little hope left for the future. She soon crosses paths with Walker and Tara, two people traveling down the hot Georgia roads. In these new friends Eva sees a promise of what the future could be, as well as evidence that humanity might not be extinct after all. When a ghost from Eva’s past makes an unexpected appearance, the group sets out on a cross-country trek that will teach Eva how to love and hope again, and will remind her what it truly means to be human.

When We Were Human by Kate L. Mary is a well told piece of dystopian, post-apocalyptic fiction that relies less on the physical tropes pepper of the genre, and takes a more introspective approach. It's a steadily paced book filled with nuanced characters and nasty creatures. I think it's brilliant that Mary started When We Were Human after the invasion had passed; it makes things really unique as we get little glimpses here and there of what happened. I would love to learn more about the world Eva and the gang lived in. But as much as When We Were Human is filled with sadness, loss, and regret, it is filled with hope as well.
I must have a sequel!

Reviewed by Kayti Nika Raet