A gripping survival story, the second in a series by a best-selling author, of a strong girl rebuilding her life in a post-apocalyptic society where a contaminated drink makes victims act like zombies; just right for fans of James Dashner, Carrie Ryan, and <i>The Walking Dead</i>.<br><br>Seventeen-year-old Velvet, her little sister, Opal, their mom, who is recovering from the Contamination, and Velvet's sweet boyfriend, Dillon, are attempting to build a new life amid the rationing and regulations of the post-outbreak nation. But the outbreak isn't over: more people turning into "Connies," more madness erupting, more killings occurring. And what they are being told is not the truth; the truth is far darker and more threatening.<br><br>Praise for <i>Contaminated</i>:<br><br>"Echoing the reality millions of young adults face daily, this dystopia speaks to a wide range of readers, including reluctant ones."--<i>Kirkus Reviews </i><br><br>"...This has plenty of suspense--it's not a book to read at bedtime."--<i>Booklist</i><br><br>"Velvet may have a softer name than her literary predecessors Katniss, Cassie, and Kaelyn, but like them she has been forced to take on adult-sized responsibilities within her repressive society.... the plot moves quickly...more of a relation-based book than many other teen dystopian novels."--<i>The Horn Book</i><br><br>Adulterated products are constantly in the news now; everyone has heard of problems with Chinese infant formula, US energy drinks, even popular US sports drinks. The diet drink that sets off this epidemic is inspired by these chilling, real stories.<br><br>You may visit Em Garner's website at www.emgarner.com, or follow her on Twitter @EmGarnerBooks.<br><br><i>Releases simultaneously in electronic book format (ISBN 9781606843574).</i>