2019 5 Star Review #13 - Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues

Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues by Diana Rowland
White Trash Zombie, book two
Published July 2012 by DAW

Format Read: Audiobook I Own

Description from Goodreads:
Angel Crawford is finally starting to get used to life as a brain-eating zombie, but her problems are far from over. Her felony record is coming back to haunt her, more zombie hunters are popping up, and she’s beginning to wonder if her hunky cop-boyfriend is involved with the zombie mafia. Yeah, that’s right—the zombie mafia.

Throw in a secret lab and a lot of conspiracy, and Angel’s going to need all of her brainpower—and maybe a brain smoothie as well—in order to get through it without falling apart.

My Review: 

This series is funny and so very, surprisingly heartfelt. I originally picked up a book in the series (out of order) because I'd been assigned to review it. I'd seen the cover for the first one and thought it was amazing, but never got around to reading it.  Well, after I read one book in the series and LOVED it, I was good and hooked. I finally went back and started the series from the beginning and I'm now completely caught up and hoping there will be more books... 

Anyway, this is book two in the series and *spoiler alert* Angel is getting somewhat used to being a zombie.  Unfortunately, her new boyfriend may or may not be part of the Zombie Mafia, and there some other weird crap going on.  Needless to say, as a zombie book lover, this whole concept is great, but it's also AMAZING how Angel is like the worst human being, but grows to become such a stellar person...as a zombie.  There is a huge amount of character growth in each book and I love watching her come to stand on her own feet and kick some butt along the way. 

This book was funny and touching and I couldn't stop smiling as I hit the end of the book. I also immediately wanted to move onto book three. I'll also mention that I LOVE the narration of the audiobooks for this series.  The reader does an amazing job with accents and diction that gives very distinct tones to each character and makes the listening experience wild. As I said, I've now read all six books and not only do I want more, but I would happily re-listen to any book in this series if I had the free time. 

This is Not a Test

This is Not a Test
by Courtney Summers

It’s the end of the world. Six students have taken cover in Cortege High but shelter is little comfort when the dead outside won’t stop pounding on the doors. One bite is all it takes to kill a person and bring them back as a monstrous version of their former self. To Sloane Price, that doesn’t sound so bad. Six months ago, her world collapsed and since then, she’s failed to find a reason to keep going. Now seems like the perfect time to give up. As Sloane eagerly waits for the barricades to fall, she’s forced to witness the apocalypse through the eyes of five people who actually want to live. But as the days crawl by, the motivations for survival change in startling ways and soon the group’s fate is determined less and less by what’s happening outside and more and more by the unpredictable and violent bids for life—and death—inside. When everything is gone, what do you hold on to? (description from Amazon.com)

Gritty and real, this zombie apocalypse survival story gripped me from start to finish. Definitely for older readers, there's a lot of very real mature things happening as these teens try to survive. As a reader that prefers realism to a perfect happy ending, I very much enjoyed the fact that Sloane's story does not shy away from the horrors of a zombie "infestation." It would not have felt as authentic to me if Sloane suddenly became a perky rah-rah kind of girl and everyone survived.

Happy ending hunters may not like what they find here...but, readers looking for a more true-to-(fictional)life experience will appreciate this compelling tale.

Full disclosure: Borrowed from my Library

Mini Reviews: The Adult Urban Fantasy Edition

Biting Cold

by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires, book six

Merit is on the hunt, charging across the stark American Midwest, tailing a rogue supernatural intent on stealing an ancient artifact that could unleash catastrophic evil on the world. But Merit is also the prey. An enemy of Chicagoland is hunting her, and he'll stop at nothing to get the book for himself. No mercy allowed.

No rules apply. No lives spared. The race is on. (description from Amazon.com)

Okay, trying to be non-spoilery...not only does this particular book in the series pack a whopping emotional punch, but it also ramps up the action a notch.  Merit has to fight some big battles and face some enemies she previously thought were friends... I loved it. Yet again, Neill sucked me right in and left me waiting anxiously for the next one...

Full disclosure: Borrowed through interlibrary loan

Two Weeks' Notice
by Rachel Caine
The Revivalist, book two

After dying and being revived with the experimental drug Returne, Bryn Davis is theoretically free to live her unlife—with regular doses to keep her going. But Bryn knows that the government has every intention of keeping a tight lid on Pharmadene’s life-altering discovery, no matter the cost.

Thankfully, some things have changed for the better; her job at the rechristened Davis Funeral Home is keeping her busy and her fragile romance with Patrick McCallister is blossoming—thanks in part to their combined efforts in forming a support group for Returne addicts. But when some of the group members suddenly disappear, Bryn wonders if the government is methodically removing a threat to their security, or if some unknown enemy has decided to run the zombies into the ground… (description from Amazon.com)

 

I love this science-fiction take on zombies.  Caine's writing always blends the perfect amounts of action, romance, and sheer drama for me.  Looking for a zombie series that doesn't go heavy into the whole brain consumption aspect? Give these a try...

 

Full disclosure: Borrowed through interlibrary loan

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Bad Hair Day

Bad Hair Day

by Carrie Harris

Kate Grable series, book two

 

Publication date: November 13, 2012

 

Kate Grable is geeked out to shadow the county medical examiner as part of her school's premed program. But after he's arrested for murder, she's left with the bodies. And when Kate's brother, Jonah, stumbles upon a dead gamer girl, Kate realizes that the zombie epidemic she cured last fall was only the beginning of the weirdness taking over her town. Someone—or something—is murdering kids. Something really hairy. And strong. Possibly with claws.

Could it be werewolves, like Jonah and his dorktastic friends think? Kate's supposed to be a butt-kicking, zombie-killing genius . . . but if she can't figure out what's behind the freakish attacks, the victims—or what's left of them—are going to keep piling up. (desription from Amazon.com)

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Oh, Carrie Harris... how do I love your books? Let me count the ways:
1. Sassy heroine
2. SMART heroine
3. Good friends
4. A great boyfriend
5. Funny, loyal brother
6. Viral Zombies
7. Hilarious LARP groupies
8. "Werewolves" (or are they...)
9. Nanobots
10. Geektastic internships with Doctors
11. A "Rock"-a-Thon

This book once again made me laugh out loud, even as I was marveling at the brilliant blend of the paranormal and hardcore science.  I love that for every weird phenomenon that happens, there is a perfectly viable explanation and, of course...Kate is always right there to fix things!

The perfect vacation read (I tore through this one while I was in Martha's Vineyard, in fact), I am going to bestow a beautiful Gold Star to this book!

 

I'm also going to let you know to keep an eye out for Carrie Harris' novella, Bad Yeti, coming out on the same day (I've already pre-ordered mine!) featuring Kate's younger brother, Jonah!

Full disclosure: e-ARC received from Netgalley

The Fear

The Fear

by Charlie Higson

The Enemy, book three

The sickness struck everyone sixteen and over. Mothers and fathers, older brothers, sisters, and best friends. No one escaped its touch. And now children across London are being hunted by ferocious grown-ups who are hungry, bloodthirsty, and not giving up.

DogNut and the rest of his crew, in search of the friends they lost during the fire, set off on a deadly mission from the Tower of London to Buckingham Palace and beyond, as the sickos lie in wait. But who are their friends and who is the enemy in this changed world? (description from Amazon.com)

Sigh. I hated this book. I hate saying that, but it was all I could do to get through the almost five hundred pages. Normally, I LOVE zombie books, but this series just seems gross. It was well written, the storyline was good, but Higson does not at all shy away from a. killing characters off all over the place and b. vividly describing the affects of the disease on adults.  Also, I couldn't stand the chapters that were from the perspective of the now cannibalistic adults. 

So. If you like horror and dark, vivid descriptions of violence and death, I would suggest you check out this series. If you like zombie books, though, for the interactions between the surviving humans...you may want to skip this one.  Half the main characters don't officially make it and a lot of the story is focused on the the horrible zombie attacks...

Full disclosure: Copy received to review for VOYA

Mini Reviews: The "Who-Dun-It?" edition

The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin

by Josh Berk

Being a hefty, deaf newcomer almost makes Will Halpin the least popular guy at Coaler High. But when he befriends the only guy less popular than him, the dork-namic duo has the smarts and guts to figure out who knocked off the star quarterback. Will can’t hear what’s going on, but he’s a great observer. So, who did it? And why does that guy talk to his fingers? And will the beautiful girl ever notice him? (Okay, so Will’s interested in more than just murder . . .) (description from Amazon.com)

I was really surprised how funny this book was...even though it's a great mystery and there's some great suspense, I ended up laughing out loud through most of my reading.  Will and his new friend, Devon, build a great rapport and they deal with Will's deafness is a really cool way.  I would love to read a follow up mystery starring these two self-proclaimed "Hardy Boys." 

Dead is a Battlefield

by Marlene Perez

Dead Is series, book six

Jessica Walsh is starting her freshman year at Nightshade High and trying to forget about the tragic events surrounding her brother’s graduation. She wants to have a normal high school experience. But that’s easier said than done in Nightshade. There’s a new guy at school who seems to be turning the girls into lovesick zombies. And Jessica has other worries—like her crush on a cute but moody lead singer, and the mysterious tattoo that appeared on her arm one day that lets her know whenever there is trouble brewing. Jessica learns she’s a Virago, a woman warrior chosen to fight evil whenever it threatens her hometown. But does a lowly freshman really have what it takes to keep Nightshade safe? (description from Amazon.com)

I LOVE this series.  They are fun to read, quick enough to sneak in between other books I have to review and each turns out to be a pure guilty pleasure. Technically this is book six in the Dead Is  series, but it feels totally fresh because there is a new main character. Jessica is just as sassy and smart as Daisy was...I couldn't be happier with where these books are going. :)

The Aviary

by Kathleen O'Dell

Twelve-year-old Clara Dooley has spent her whole life in the Glendoveer mansion, where her mother is a servant to the kind and elderly matron of the house. Clara has never known another home. In fact, she's confined to the grand estate due to a mysterious heart condition. But it's a comfortable life, and if it weren't for the creepy squawking birds in the aviary out back, a completely peaceful one too.

But once old Mrs. Glendoveer passes away, Clara comes to learn many dark secrets about the family. The Glendoveers suffered a horrific tragedy: their children were kidnapped, then drowned. And their father George Glendoveer, a famous magician and illusionist, stood accused until his death. As Clara digs deeper and deeper into the terrifying events, the five birds in the aviary seem to be trying to tell her something. And Clara comes to wonder: what is their true identity? Clara sets out to solve a decades-old murder mystery—and in doing so, unlocks a secret in her own life, too. (description from Amazon.com)

I really loved this book. I thought the characters were charming, and just a tad creepy.  I was sucked right into poor Clara's story and could not wait to find out why she had to live the sheltered life that she did.  I thought the mystery of the birds was fascinating. This read like a "classic," and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

2011 Zombie Reading Challenge Wrap Up Post

All right, it's fessin' up time. I signed up for this challenge aiming to read at least 10 zombie books this year. Let's see how many I actually shuffled my way through!

2011 Zombie Reading Challenge titles:
Kiss Me Deadly ed. by Trisha Telep
Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Three Quarters Dead by Richard Peck
The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan
Bad Taste in Boys by Carrie Harris
Enclave by Ann Aguirre
Graveminder by Melissa Marr
Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Die for Me by Amy Plum
Working Stiff by Rachel Caine

10 Titles - Woot! Just shambled my way through this one, lol.

Working Stiff

Working Stiff
by Rachel Caine
The Revivalist, book one

Bryn Davis was killed on the job after discovering her bosses were selling a drug designed to resurrect the dead. Now, revived by that same drug, she becomes an undead soldier in a corporate war to take down the very pharmaceutical company responsible for her new condition... (description from Amazon.com)

This was a surprisingly believable version of a zombie tale. It was one I picked up for fun because I love Rachel Caine's books and because I've become somewhat obsessed with the zombie apocalypse concept...but, I really, really enjoyed this one - and not just as the "breeze through it" kind of read!

Bryn was a really interesting, really strong character. A former soldier, she chooses to honor the dead that she saw so often on the battlefield by going into the mortuary science field. Unfortunately, she doesn't last through her first day at work. Now, she has to figure out how to live with being undead. *smirk*

What surprised me most is that there is a romance component to this book and rather than being totally turned off, I found it really sweet! They even really address the issue like adults (that was a slightly hilarious scene)...

All in all a fun read. I think I'll pick up book two when it hits the shelves.

2011 Zombie Reading Challenge title

Die For Me

Die for Me
by Amy Plum
The Revenants, book one

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile.

As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again. (description from Amazon.com)

I wanted so much to like this book. It got great buzz everywhere and come on, that cover! I think realistically the cover is half the reason, or maybe more than half, that I picked up the book...pretty!

Unfortunately, nothing about this book hooked me. Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad. Not by any means...but it didn't thrill me, either. I don't know if I'm just so burnt out on paranormal romance at this point that anything I read would get this reaction, or if I really just could not connect with Kate and Vincent.

The idea of the revenants was novel. The Parisian setting was lovely. This was not, however, the book for me. *sigh*

2011 Debut Author Challenge title
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In My Mailbox - September 11, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

Gifted:

*A very special shout out to my friend, Miss Kim, for getting me a beautiful hardcover copy of Divergent, one of my new favorite books, for my birthday!!*

For Review:

The Highest Frontier by Joan Slonczewski
*Thanks to Tor Teen*
The Fox Inheritance by Mary E. Pearson
*Thanks to SLJ*


Blessed by Cynthia Leitich Smith
*Thanks to SLJ*


From the Library:

Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs


Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien


On My Nook:

Reality Check by Niki Burnham
Haunting the Night by Mara Purnhagen


Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
*Woot! Loving all the freebies on B&N this week!*

Infinity

Infinity
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Chronicles of Nick, book one

At fourteen, Nick Gautier thinks he knows everything about the world around him. Streetwise, tough and savvy, his quick sarcasm is the stuff of legends. . .until the night when his best friends try to kill him. Saved by a mysterious warrior who has more fighting skills than Chuck Norris, Nick is sucked into the realm of the Dark-Hunters: immortal vampire slayers who risk everything to save humanity.

Nick quickly learns that the human world is only a veil for a much larger and more dangerous one: a world where the captain of the football team is a werewolf and the girl he has a crush on goes out at night to stake the undead.

But before he can even learn the rules of this new world, his fellow students are turning into flesh eating zombies. And he’s next on the menu.

As if starting high school isn't hard enough. . .now Nick has to hide his new friends from his mom, his chainsaw from the principal, and keep the zombies and the demon Simi from eating his brains, all without getting grounded or suspended. How in the world is he supposed to do that? (description from Amazon.com)

I love Sherrilyn Kenyon's books. Her writing is fluid, engaging, and highly entertaining. Most characters drop sarcastic quips like they are going out of style and I can rip through one in a couple quick hours. Love it.

All those things that I love about the adult Dark Hunters series are still found in the new(ish - I know, I know. I got this book soooo long ago, and just never got around to reading it!) Chronicles of Nick series. I love getting to see Nick as a teenager.

My only problem was that as such a devotee of the adult series, I had a hard time adjusting to the new world view in this book. I was confused for a short time before I realized that the whole point of this series is to change the events of the adult series! (trying not to be spoilery...sorry if it's vague...) Having finally figured that out, I was able to look at things from another angle and just enjoy the story without trying to place it into the timeline of the adult series.

All in all, though I still love the adult Dark Hunters books a hair more, this is definitely a series I will also be keeping up with....

2011 Zombie Reading Challenge

In My Mailbox - September 4, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves
Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty

On My Nook:

Dust and Decay by Jonathan Maberry
Demon Girl by Penelope Fletcher

Not a huge week, but I am super stoked to read these!

Bad Taste in Boys

Bad Taste in Boys
by Carrie Harris

Someone's been a very bad zombie.

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steriods are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate! She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town . . . and stay hormonally human. (description from Amazon.com)

Short. Sweet. Sarcastic. Smart.
Veronica Mars meet Buffy the Vampire Slayer...okay, now create a happy little zombie fighting sleuth and voila! Kate Grable.

Kate, Kate, Kate. I <3 Kate. She is one smart cookie. She's also hilariously blasé about shuffling, hungry, black vomit hurtling zombies that are continuously losing body parts in her vacinity.

With a guy who actually appreciates her for her brains (yes, my inner - I mean 0uter, I mean inner...whatever - nerd screamed "Yes!!!"), two best friends who love and support her and try to also break her out of her "nerdy" shell, and a brother that is willing to fight zombies alongside her, Kate is one lucky chick. I'm a little jealous, honestly!

For a quick, snappy, hilarious zombie book, run out and pick up Bad Taste in Boys. There will be NO bad taste left in your mouth. *snort* I know, I know...I couldn't resist. Anyway, two dismembered thumbs way, way up!!

2011 Debut Author Challenge title
2011 Zombie Reading Challenge title

If You Like: Zombies!

If You Like…” is a feature highlighting blogger recommendations for books, authors, TV shows, movies, and music based on the things you already know and love.

OMG. If you have ever visited my blog before, you probably know that I love zombie books! I was beyond excited to put together my recommendations for this week...I had to hold myself back and only really list the books I've loved enough to purchase for my own collection.

I hope you enjoy this week's list!

In My Mailbox - July 17, 2011

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme, hosted by Kristi at the Story Siren, inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie. Every week bloggers can share what they received in the mail or at the bookstore or at the library. The goal is that everyone can be exposed to more books this way!

From the Library:

Dragon's Oath by P.C. and Kristin Cast
The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan


On My Nook:

The New World by Patrick Ness
Bad Taste In Boys by Carrie Harris



For Review:

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier
*Thanks to Zieghost Media!


Conspiracies by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill
*Thanks to Tor Teen!

Gifted:

Stealing Death by Janet Lee Carey
*Thank you, Janet!!

An Auction You Won't Want to Miss...OR Join the Shambling Hordes!!

So ya'll might remember me blogging once, or twice, or you know...A LOT...about this book that I'm totally stoked for...it's called Bad Taste in Boys. It finally comes out TOMORROW!! To celebrate it's shambling, but still remarkably sparkly release into the wild, author Carrie Harris has come up with a brilliant idea...

THE NIGHT OF THE GIVING DEAD AUCTION!
*click to go to the auction homepage*

There are tons of things up from some fantastic authors that you can go and bid on...no, I won't tell you what I bid on, because honestly, I don't want ya'll scooping my potential goodies right out from under me!! I will say that I am desperate to win one of the Grand Prizes...it's a six month writing mentorship with CARRIE HARRIS!! OMG. *tries to stop hyperventilating*

Go. Check. It. Out.

Graveminder

Graveminder
by Melissa Marr

Rebekkah Barrow never forgot the tender attention her grandmother, Maylene, bestowed upon the dead of Claysville, the town where Bek spent her adolescence. There wasn't a funeral that Maylene didn't attend, and at each Rebekkah watched as Maylene performed the same unusual ritual: three sips from a small silver flask followed by the words "Sleep well, and stay where I put you."

Now Maylene is dead and Bek must go back to the place--and the man--she left a decade ago. But what she soon discovers is that Maylene was murdered and that there was good reason for her odd traditions. It turns out that in placid Claysville, the worlds of the living and the dead are dangerously connected. Beneath the town lies a shadowy, lawless land ruled by the enigmatic Charles, aka Mr. D--a place from which the dead will return if their graves are not properly minded. Only the Graveminder, a Barrow woman, and the current Undertaker, Byron, can set things to right once the dead begin to walk. (description from Amazon.com)

This was one of those books that stands just perfectly on its own. Though I loved the worldbuilding and could absolutely immerse myself again and again into Rebbekah's world, I am also completely satisfied with this book and where it ended.

The characters were intriguing, deep, and balanced each other perfectly. The world was mysterious, thought-provoking, and enthralling. The writing was engaging. All around, this was a fantastic book.

I am a huge fan of Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely series and I had feared that her attempt to do something different would be disappointing...I could not have been more wrong! I loved that this adult book drew me just as strongly as her YA ones. I cannot wait to see what she does next.

2011 Zombie Reading Challenge

Enclave

Enclave
by Ann Aguirre
Razorland, book one

WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE
In Deuce's world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed 'brat' has trained into one of three groups-Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear--to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She's worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing's going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce's troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn't like following orders. At first she thinks he's crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don't always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she's never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce's perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy... but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she's ever known. (description taken from Amazon.com)

Though I really enjoyed the concept and storyline of this book, I think that there are definitely stronger examples of the genre out there. This may be in part due to this being Ann Aguirre's debut YA novel...she may just not have quite hit her stride yet. I read her short story, Wild Magic, in the compilation, Corsets and Clockwork (see my review here), and LOVED it. It was one of my favorites, so I don't think that there is anything wrong with Ann's writing in general.

This was not by any means a bad book...just not strong in comparison to books like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or The Maze Runner by James Dashner. I will say that the worldbuilding that Aguirre does within the enclave is amazing. Deuce's world is fully realized and very, very interesting. It is only as she ventures out of her underground world that details start to fall apart. For instance, the tunnels are full of "freaks" - creatures that could be zombies, but really aren't. There is no real explanation for what they are, how they developed, or what their limitations might be...then they begin to change and things get even more hazy. There is no explanation for how power and running water still exist in a deserted city.

Some of this is due to the fact that this is the first book in a series. When book one ends, there are several major questions left unanswered. Deuce has only just begun to discover the outside world around her, so readers are also somewhat in the dark. It's just that as she discovers things, even the explanations sometimes are not enough...

I loved Deuce as a character, though. She was tough and conflicted and very, very interesting. I loved the way that she constantly questioned things, even if not always out loud. Deuce's moral compass rang fairly true, especially taken into the context of the dark world in which she was raised. Her friends in the enclave were all really well done. Fade was also a strong, multidimensional character. Stalker and Tegan, the two main characters that they meet aboveground are more stereotypical, but I think that may change in book two of the series, Outpost, coming fall 2012.

This was a short novel. I think that if Aguirre had fleshed somethings out a little more it could have been really great. I'm hoping that book two takes this interesting world and really makes it real.

Full disclosure: Audio book received to review for AudioFile magazine; Hardcover received to review for publisher
2011 Debut Author Challenge title
2011 Zombie Reading Challenge title

Bad Taste in Boys - Book Trailer

Can't wait for this one to come out!!

The Dark and Hollow Places - Blog Tour

The Dark and Hollow Places
by Carrie Ryan
Forest of Hands and Teeth, book three

There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.

Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since. Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again.

Except, Catcher has his own secrets -- dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah -- can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction? (description taken from Amazon.com)

This was an amazing conclusion to the Forest of Hands and Teeth trilogy. The world, or at least as much of it as Annah, Gabry, Catcher, or Elias have ever known, has been overrun by the Horde. As each becomes trapped, literally to escape the Unconsecrated, and figuratively by their love for each other, they must all learn...are they will to do what it takes to survive? Is surviving the same as living?

I loved both the previous books in the series, but this final book is definitely my favorite. Every emotion is heightened. The love is deeper and becomes more desperate as the characters' situations, nay, the entire world's situation become so dire. The danger is amplified to the point that I doubted, seriously doubted some characters' survival. I was on the edge of my seat right until the end, and then I close the book with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face.

This book was definitely worth a gold star. It was a satisfying conclusion to the series, leaving readers with a vision of hope. A reminder that even when the world seems at its most dire...a simple light in the dark can be a symbol that life still exists, in all its messy, wonderful glory. That humans will always find a way to survive, to live, and to love.

*On a different note, I apologize for this post going up so late. I had thought it posted, but apparently it was temporarily lost in the "Great Blogger Debacle" of last week. Sorry if you saw it and then it disappeared!*

Full disclosure: ARC received for review from Book it Forward ARC Tours
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