Saturday, April 28, 2012

Legend: Cue the Mission Impossible theme song


Legend
By Marie Lu
Hardcover, 305 pages
Putnam Juvenile, November 29, 2011


What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.


From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.


I had the theme song to Mission Impossible running through my head the entire read. And like the movie, sometimes you didn't know what was happening but it didn't matter (too much) because you were just enjoying the scenes unfold.


Marie Lu's debut novel brings you non-stop action from alternating point of views from the murder suspect (Day) to his pursuer (June). Lu seamlessly weaves the story from each perspective so it felt like I was watching the scene through each character's eyes. Day and June are both genius masterminds who surpass unbelievable odds, know all the right fighter moves, and can survive a 3 story high fall. Some of you might be rolling you're eyes right now, and I don't blame you. It is a bit over the top, but sometimes you're just in the mood for that super-genius impossible mission...which I just happened to be in. 


One aspect I enjoyed about this cat-and-mouse-chase is that it makes you consider what you believe. June believes Day is the murderer, but when she meets him, she can't reconcile who he is with who she believes he is. Which lead to the question: Is it possible for people to overcome preconceived beliefs about others?


I appreciated that Lu's answer to that question wasn't so immediately resolved because answers like that one aren't so easy to figure out.


The book's main focus is definitely on the relationship at hand. If you're looking for a story more focused on dystopia, try Collin's Hunger Games, Westerfeld's Uglies, or Roth's Divergent. While I enjoyed the relationship entanglement, I was hoping for more background information. What tore up the United States? Who are the Republic? Who are the Colonies? (Is land the only reason for their dispute?) What does each side stand for/believe? How did Los Angeles turn to ruin? There are suggestions here and there but it would have made the story feel more alive if I knew what happened to society.


It's an entertaining read that will keep you turning the page and hungry for more!


Rated 4 Delicious Bites!


Legend is now available at booksellers everywhere.


Prodigy, the second book in the seriesis expected to come out January 2013! I can't wait!

Monday, April 23, 2012

First Date: Is it me, or is this awkward?


By  Krista McGee
Paperback, 336 pages
Thomas Nelson Publishers, Jan 2012

ARG. I just wrote a redo review on this and it got lost. =(

Okay-let's just get to the point.

Liked the plot of the book. 100 girls trying to win a prom date with the President's son Jonathon. Yep, silly, cheesy. Great. Love it.

I didn't like that Abby felt like she had to make abrupt declaration of her religion to Kara. It was AWKWARD. I would have rather she eased into it with a "Hey do you go church?" instead of a dramatic "I need to tell you something.....I'm a Christian." Kara, her roommate, already guessed she was one. And was fine with that. But Abby made it into an awkward situation.

Also I didn't like the way Abby was telling the reader that nothing could happen between her and Jonathon if he wasn't a Christian. (I understand why she "said" that. I really do, but I didn't like that she said it. And she said it I believe twice (or more) in the book.) Jonathon sounded like a good person. He wasn't all about the attention of the media and was a good family person as well and didn't show any bad morals. Are you really telling the world that Christians cannot date or marry non Christians? Who is to say later they wouldn't even convert to Christianity instead? Plus the person might be offended that you wouldn't give them a chance even if they were a GOOD person just because of religion...and that could just make them not like Christians because of what you just said.

I also thought the spoiler (intelligence questioning/mud game was...silly, to put it nicely.)

Anyway-liked the book, and I love sharing the gospel, where and when appropriate, but disliked those issues above. [ intelligence questioning/mud game was...silly, to put it nicely.  (hide spoiler)]

Rating: 3 Zombie Bites. It did entertain.
.........................................................
I received this book free from net-galley. I am not paid for this review. It's my opinion.

Friday, April 20, 2012

Slayers: Why dragons don't make good pets...

                                       
Slayers
C.J. Hill (Author incognito for Janette Rallison)
Hardcover, 373 pages
Feiwel and Friends, September 27, 2011


Dragons exist. They’re ferocious. And they’re smart: Before they were killed off by slayer-knights, they rendered a select group of eggs dormant, so their offspring would survive. Only a handful of people know about this, let alone believe it – these “Slayers” are descended from the original knights, and are now a diverse group of teens that includes Tori, a smart but spoiled senator’s daughter who didn’t sign up to save the world.

The dragon eggs have fallen into the wrong hands. The Slayers must work together to stop the eggs from hatching. They will fight; they will fall in love. But will they survive?

I admit. I was a bit skeptical: here's a popular romantic YA novelist turned paranormal trying to sell me her story on dragons? What's the chances of it being any good?


Which leads to admit #2. The first time I read it, I read the prologue. Then returned it to the library.


The second time I read it. It was glued to my hand. I was even tempted to read pieces of it at the stoplight, but figured that wouldn't end well for either of us.


So your probably wondering why it worked the second time around: maybe I wasn't in the mood for dragons at the time or maybe after I started chapter 1, it took on a different life than what I thought it would be. I still don't like the prologue--don't get me wrong, it is a good introduction to dragon history...but I guess that's where it lost me for awhile: I felt like I was reading an introduction when I just really wanted to get into the story. However, once the first chapter began, it changed viewpoints to one of the main characters and Hill's trademark humor and wit was completely evident...and that's what I was waiting for.


Ultimately, I am thoroughly impressed that Hill/Rallison can write equally as well in such a different genre.  Typically, I'm not a fan of 3rd person, but Hill did it in such a way that I felt as if I were in each of those characters. Each of them had a unique and distinct personality: a difficult feat for a book with so many characters. Like other writers, she could have stuck with to stereotypical character mold: here's the snobby rich girl, here's the bad boy, etc.. But she didn't. She added and changed those stereotypes so that you really get to know who that person is. Plus, she also introduced me to my next fictional boyfriend: Can I have flying lessons too?


If you are interested in a modern take on dragons filled with romance (yes!) and want to see some cool fighting powers, then get your copy now! But be forewarned, you may not ever want a dragon for a pet.


(I haven't seen anything about a sequel anywhere on the web and will be heartbroken if I can't read more!)


Rated: 5++++ Bites (When's the next one?!)

Sadly...my other half didn't think it was as spectacular. I almost bit her head off, but I didn't. See Rebot's opinion at: http://www.zombiemommies.net/2012/05/slayers-where-has-my-author-gone.html


Hungry for a copy? Slayersis now available at booksellers everywhere!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

The Savage Grace: All wrapped up with a pretty bow...


The Savage Grace: A Dark Divine Novel
By Bree Despain
Hardcover, 488 pages
Egmont USA, March 12, 2012


A troubled soul. An impossible choice. A final battle.


Wrestling with the werewolf curse pulsing deep inside of her, Grace Divine was finally able to find her brother, but it nearly cost her everything.


With her boyfriend, Daniel, stuck in wolf form and Sirhan's death approaching, time is running out for Grace to stop Caleb Kalbi and his gang of demons. If she fails, her family and hometown will perish. Everything rests on Grace's shoulders.


The final installment in The Dark Divine trilogy brings Daniel and Grace's love story to a breathtaking conclusion.


I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEE THE DARK DIVINE SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Despain's trilogy comes to the PERFECT end in The Savage Grace. I certainly saw Despain's talent and storytelling grow with each book in the series. I could picture the fight scenes in my mind, the pain of the characters, and connect with the metaphor of the wolf. The conflicts and solutions were so seamlessly stitched together to an ending that wraps everything up in a nice bow...well, almost--spoiler (there's still the fear of Talbot's existence to the pack...will there be a follow-up story, I wonder?). She kept me guessing with several of the characters: who's side are they really on--up until the very end. I could feel the conflict Grace felt from within and the scenes between her and Daniel were...well...ahhhh...swoon.


The only things I was slightly annoyed about were:
1) The Color Coral: yes, I really really don't. like. it. Grace's cape was coral, her bed sheets were coral...I've seen coral-colored bed sheets, and they remind me of an 80-year-old woman's house. I always pictured her in a dark blue or velvet purple--never coral.


2) Whoever proofread this may have been doing it at 2 in the morning; there were way too many grammatical errors making it frustrating to read.


3) I had forgotten a lot of what happened in book 1 and 2 (especially all the werewolf lore) that made reading this one confusing at times as I tried to remember what an Urbat or Akh was, how the werewolf infection worked, and Talbot's relationship with Grace in Book 2. I think it would have been easier if I read each book right after the other.


4) What happened to the gorgeous covers of the first 2?! Don't get me wrong; it's a "nice" cover but there is some awkwardness to the image. Why are there hands when the first 2 didn't? And the font is different...and the dress color?


Overall though, I'm just a sucker for paranormal romance or for wolves or for butt-kicking chicks or for childhood crushes...Overall, The Savage Grace left me with that heart aching feeling you get after reading a story and wishing you could live in that world for just a little longer.


Rated: 5++++++ Zombie Bites.


The Savage Grace: A Dark Divine Novel is available at bookstores everywhere. What are you waiting for!

Incarnate: Where am I again?

Incarnate
By Jodi Meadows
Hardcover, 384 pages
Katherine Tegen Books, January 31, 2012

New soul
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

No soul
Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Heart
Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

This is the third book read in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by the Story Siren.


I wish I could say I loved it, but I don't.  The premise had so much promise: reincarnated souls, dragons, mystery, romance...and yet sometime after the first few chapters, the story went....nowhere.

Anna is raised as a "nosoul": a soul that is not considered viable since she hasn't lived over and over again. The souls that do reincarnate have lived among each other for thousands of years. When Anna meets Sam (technically a thousand plus years old...remind you of anyone else?), Sam sees something unique in her as they both try to solve the mystery behind Anna's birth.

Well, this so-called mystery was so overshadowed by the awkward romance between Sam and Anna that I didn't even know what the story was about anymore. About 85% of the time, I was trying to understand the relationship between Sam and Anna: in one scene Anna challenges him; the next she wants a kiss. The dialogue was so rough and choppy that at times, I had to reread the page just to understand what they were even talking about which pretty much consisted of either: a) music b) danger or c) pondering their relationship. Which, I never really did find out why Sam was so spoiler (hesitant to get involved with Anna). Was it their age difference? Society's view of him? Apparently that one detail wasn't important to the story...

My main disappointment was that the theme of reincarnation was so poorly explored and confusing. The souls of Incarnate's world are asexual in nature which seems so at odds with what I understand the soul to be. A soul can be a man in one life, a woman the next, then a son, then a mother. Does that mean gender is purely physical and not part of who you are? That's hard for me to understand. I keep thinking about circumstances in today's world where there are individuals who adamantly feel like they are in the "wrong" physical body.

Also, what about their society? How does being reincarnated affect the way people treat each other? We only get glimpses of how Sam and his friends know information about each other but we don't get to see how life would be different when you've known everyone for thousands of years. 

Also, who this all powerful Janan God and how or why does he have control over the souls? yet, another mystery not clearly addressed. Where do the "new" souls come from if Janan is the "God?"

Oh, and the big reveal at the end? The clue to Anna's very existence? My mouth hung open: ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THa...THAT's. IT?! That's what I read 370 pages to find out? spoiler (that Janan inhabits the temple and when he's poisoned, the souls can't reincarnate--and thus 'newsouls' are born). It almost seemed like all the stuff in-between was purposefully drawn out because the climax was too simple non-existent.

Sadly, a book I can't recommend to anyone.

Rated 1 Zombie Bite.


Incarnate is available in bookstores everywhere.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Cinder: Needs more batteries...



Hardcover, 387 pages
Feiwel and Friends, January 3, 2012



Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 


Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.


This is the second book reviewed in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by the Story Siren.





Meyer definitely changes things up with this sci-fi spin of the traditional Cinderella story. While there were elements of the original story (the "evil" stepmother, the mean stepsister, servitude, a royal ball, a prince), thankfully, there were also some new ideas: a loving stepsister, a plague, a Cyborg foot instead of a glass slipper ;). So really, Meyer deserves a round of applause for making Cinder less than traditional.

Unfortunately, while the concept was intriguing, the execution needed a little help:

Cinder:
As a cyborg, Cinder is part human/part machine and according to society, is seemingly less than "human." But while there were scenes and details that depicted discrimination towards Cyborgs (mostly only to her), I just plain couldn't relate. For me, I never felt like Cinder was less human...which stems greatly from the fact that in our present society, we don't look at humans who have mechanical parts (metal arms/legs, plastic heart valves, electronic pace makers) as less than human; in fact, we graciously praise those scientist for making it possible for these humans to live. Now, if Cinder's society is an extension of the human condition, then--based on what we know today--why would I consider Cyborgs inhuman? What made her society view them as such?

Since Cinder's character as a cyborg was such a key part to the story, this depiction of her made it extremely hard for me to understand WHY certain characters treated her as such. For me, Meyer, needed to expand on what I already feel today and change it so I can relate to her character's behavior.

New Beijing:
Again, Kudos to Meyer for adding a little multiculturalism. However, the setting of New Beijing needs something more than a booth of buns and Asian-type references and names. What makes Beijing, NEW Beijing? And why Beijing? (In my mind, I kept envisioning Hong Kong--with it's bright lights of skyscrapers and electronics.) So, again Why Beijing? Who are the people living there? Why is there an emperor? Describe to me the smells, the food...give me a little background so I know where I am!

Lunar:
As the story progresses, we are introduced to a competing society to earth: the people of Lunar who (you guessed it) live on. the. moon. While the introduction of another colony is intriguing, there wasn't much background to their existence except that they were an advanced human race that lives on the moon and can manipulate bio-electric energy to make you do what they want. And maybe I'm being a little picky here but...how do they live on the moon? Do they live in space stations? Is there gravity or air? The reason I ask is because in a later scene when pictures are taken of them, they appear to be STANDING STILL (not floating) on the moon without any helmets. ???!!!??? Also, why is Lunar and Earth at war with each other??!

The main interest of this story is its adaptation to the traditional tale. Otherwise, the story line is predictable within the first few chapters, the introduction of lies that induce conflict is getting tiresome to see in story after story, and the lack of empathy for the mc makes this book lacking.

Again, I do applaud Meyer's sci-fi adaption and the bionic parts that make up Cinder, and the writing is decent (considering that it's in 3rd person--which I don't favor). Interesting and somewhat enjoyable to read (if you can ignore the predictability)...I think I will read the next installment to see if there's improvement to the character/plot (I mean, there is going to be 4 books in the series) but it was still somewhat of a disappointment to me. (Zombie Sis feels differently: Check out her review!)



Rated: 3.5 Zombie Bites.


Cinder: Book One in the Lunar Chronicles is available in bookstores everywhere.

Cinder: Sci-Fi meets fantasy



Cinder
By Marissa Meyer

Hardcover, 387 pages
Feiwel and Friends, January 3, 2012


Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.



This is the second book reviewed in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by the Story Siren.



The setting takes place in the future. The story begins with learning the sci-fi take on the future. It kind of threw me a bit that fantasy was incorporated as well into the book. I actually didn't like that as much but the story itself was very entertaining and I could imagine this future society.

With the limited time I have to read I found this to be yummy eat. I accepted the world Meyer created (even though my sister later pointed out possible flaws-her review to come) and could imagine it. I don't understand all the magical parts of the book, but it held my interest. (I will admit that maybe 20 pages at the end of the book I skimmed just to get the gist of what was happening.) But I guess I'm impatient/lazy!

Content Advisory: If I can remember, Cinder is nude but covered on an operating table. Nothing graphic. Clean language.

Rated: 5 zombie bites. I plan to read the next in the series.

Cinder: Book One in the Lunar Chronicles is available in bookstores everywhere.

Need to taste before you devour? The first 5 chapters are available free for the kindle here.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer: How can you resist with a title like that?



Hardcover, 343 pages
Henry Holt and Co., October 12, 2010

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he’s doing all right—until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak.
Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he’s a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else.  
With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But even with newfound friends, will Sam be able to save his skin?
Sam is an unsuspecting fast-food burger boy suddenly thrust into the throws of a madman to unearth who he really is. Along with his buddy Ramon, his headless co-worker, Brooke, and a weregirl, Sam has to decide what he's really made of. 

This was a witty and entertaining read with a side of suspense and mystery. Similar to Riordan's sarcastic style, McBride sets the tone for a wickedly funny tale that is also creepy and scary. For someone like me who is a "fraidy cat," McBride gives you just enough details at the 'scary scenes' to let your imagination take over without layering on the gory details.

I only wished that:
*I could have seen more of Sam's powers develop: I guess we'll find out in the sequel.)
*The scene with the weregirl and Sam spoiler (having sexwas just a little odd--even though it made sense in the werewolf context but still just a bit disturbing.
*I could see more of a spoiler (a resolution between the weregirl and Sam).
*A few lines of humor were not funny.

Overall, the story had both the humor and plot to match. Definitely a FUN read if you're looking for a light funny horror story.



Content Advisory: Some suggestive material (a non descriptive sex scene) and rude humor.


Rated: 4 zombie bites.


Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is available in bookstores everywhere.


Necromancing the Stone (Book 2 in the Necromancer Series) is expected to be published September 18, 2012.

Graffiti Moon: One night I never wanted to end...


Graffiti Moon
Hardcover, 272 pages
Random House, February 14, 2012 (US)


Senior year is over, and Lucy has the perfect way to celebrate: tonight, she's going to find Shadow, the mysterious graffiti artist whose work appears all over the city. He's out there somewhere—spraying color, spraying birds and blue sky on the night—and Lucy knows a guy who paints like Shadow is someone she could fall for. Really fall for. Instead, Lucy's stuck at a party with Ed, the guy she's managed to avoid since the most awkward date of her life. But when Ed tells her he knows where to find Shadow, they're suddenly on an all-night search around the city. And what Lucy can't see is the one thing that's right before her eyes.

This is the first book reviewed in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge, hosted by the Story Siren.


After waiting and waiting and WAITING for the US Debut of Graffiti Moon, I finally grabbed a copy and breezed right through it in one morning. I literally could not put it down. (A big thanks to my family for feeding and playing with my children so I could be a zombie eater for a few hours.)


Told in alternating voices, Crowley paints a clear picture of Lucy and Ed's fears, insecurities, and pleasures. I loved their banter and their he-said/she-said. I laughed out loud a few times. The descriptions of the artwork really blew me away: I wanted to picture the art on the walls; I wanted to sit in a museum interpreting a piece's meaning; I wanted to get my hands on a piece of charcoal and try sketching. And even though there were some tough decisions and topics that came up, Crowley knew just how to touch on the seriousness of the topic without making it overly heavy.


With so many different characters, I was worried they would all sound somewhat the same or be so drastically different. To my surprise, each of the characters had a unique voice. Also, Crowley was able to show that boys do have that sensitive side to them without making them appear typically "weak."
I enjoyed the lingo, and it made me feel like I was right there in Australia. 

Content Advisory: My only disappointment with the book was the unnecessary frequent usage of the f*** word: someone needs to clean out that boy's mouth.

It's an enjoyable read from a talented writer: one that will not disappoint.


Rated: 4 Zombie Bites.


Graffiti Moon is available in bookstores everywhere.


Wanna taste? Check out the following excerpts:


Rot and Ruin: Zombies are people too...



Rot and Ruin
Hardcover, 458 pages
Simon and Schuster Books, September 14, 2010


In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their rations cut in half. Benny doesn't want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a vocation that will teach him what it means to be human.


I was really surprised to enjoy this as much as I did; the book is considered "horror" so I was a bit nervous to take a bite. But the cover was so hauntingly catchy that I couldn't help it.

I really like Maberry's writing style. I found his dialogues to be realistic (and with enjoyable bits of sarcasm), his descriptions were detailed with imagery and beautiful word usage, and his concept of the story thought provoking.

It's a simple plot that takes place in post-apocalyptic Southern CA and yet there are so many layers and themes hidden underneath. The idea of zombies as unfortunate diseased individuals vs. killers was an interesting perspective to the typical zombie stereotype. Then to compare them to human killers makes you think about what is really considered evil.

While I enjoyed the story, the beginning was a little slow and the number of pages a little intimidating but overall an enjoyable read.

Content Advisory: While the book is considered "Horror," the scenes were not descriptively gruesome and only mildly scary. There are some exclamations of "God" and mild languate.



Rated: 3.5 Zombie Bites.


Dust and Decay (Book 2 in the Benny Imura Series) is now available and was published August 30, 2011.

Enclave: I'll never look at the subway the same way again...




Enclave
Hardcover, 262 pages
Feiwel & Friends, April 12, 2011


New York City has been decimated by war and plague, and most of civilization has migrated to underground enclaves, where life expectancy is no more than the early 20's. When Deuce turns 15, she takes on her role as a Huntress, and is paired with Fade, a teenage Hunter who lived Topside as a young boy. When she and Fade discover that the neighboring enclave has been decimated by the tunnel monsters—or Freaks—who seem to be growing more organized, the elders refuse to listen to warnings. And when Deuce and Fade are exiled from the enclave, the girl born in darkness must survive in daylight, in the ruins of a city whose population has dwindled to a few dangerous gangs. As the two are guided by Fade’s long-ago memories, they face dangers, and feelings, unlike any they’ve ever known.


Aguirre paints a grim yet realistic landscape of a possible future brought on by an apocalypse. Although the blurb on the book suggests "fans of Hunger Games" would like it, the story reminds me less of Hunger Games and more along the lines of William Golding's Lord of the Flies or Nancy Farmer's House of the Scorpions and a little bit of Neal Shusterman's Downsiders (okay, maybe it reminds me a lot of Downsiders...)


The story revolves around Deuce who lives underground in the tunnels, raised as a huntress to protect her people from the Freaks (zombies) that roam the dark. As she partners with Fade, her adventures lead her to self-discovery and the illusion of the world around her.


While the story wasn't really a read-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of a book and even though the pacing was a bit slow to me, I enjoyed it. It's more of a thought-provoking story of what could happen if our society faced mass destruction: how would society change and adapt? What would the world look like? How would our upbringing change our view of the world?


Aguirre's writing is well-done and the highlight of the book. Several months later and I still have the image of the tunnels in my mind. I could really empathize with the character's feelings--especially Deuce, who is raised in such a different environment than the one we know.


My only disappointment was that I wish there was spoiler (more of a romance between Deuce and Fade)What can I say, I'm a romantic...but hopefully we'll see more in the subsequent books?


Content Advisory: I read this in August 2011 so my memory's not as clear. The story is somewhat graphic and violent, and there is a suggestion of a rape. 


Rated: 4 zombie bites.


 Outpost (Book 2 in the Razorland Series) is expected to be published September 4, 2012.

Join the Feed...

Welcome to the feeding frenzy! On this Friday the 13th, we hope this blog finds you undead and hungry for delicious books!

After several zombie brain malfunctions and not enough time on our hands, we finally--yes, FINALLY--created this blog to share with all of you our obsession with books.

Are you ready to start the feast?