Brief Synopsis: The conflict revolves around a parasite which causes people to become cannibalistic and repelled by that which they once loved. It follows the protagonist, Cal Thompson, as he lives with this parasite and tries to uncover a possible threat to the whole population of the world. Westerfeld has created a believable and realistic take on the vampire legend. The Last Days, which follows a different group of characters in the same time frame, is considered a companion to Peeps. The two protagonists of Peeps appear briefly, but the main story revolves around a band trying to find their own sound as the world crumbles around them.
Trivia about Peeps
“Both medical thriller and science fiction, this fast-paced, captivating modern vampire story is enriched with biology and history. . . Entrancing throughout, but squeamish readers beware.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred)“In alternating chapters, he gives the reader a crash course in real-life parasitology, much like Melville did with whaling, but a lot more entertainingly.”
—Common Sense Media
“Suspense, touches of humor, and eminently appealing characters.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred)
“[An] intriguing, fast paced sequel to Peeps . . . a real winner.”
—School Library Journal (starred)
“[An] electric sequel. . . . Both new readers and Peeps fans will eat this up.”
––Booklist
The Last Days SFFWorld Interview