Vengeance Road!

There really isn't enough words in the English language to describe how amazingly wonderful VENGEANCE ROAD is. Full of action, intriguing characters, and a setting straight out of the past, this book was fun to read from beginning to end. I started and finished it in one sitting, and it left me wanting more! (Although, if you're looking for a great standalone, pick this up! As much as I love a good series, sometimes, you just need a story told and wrapped up in one book. VENGEANCE ROAD does that beautifully!)

Without giving any spoilers (because that's never any fun!) the premise is about an eighteen-year old girl who seeks revenge against the Rose Riders, who ruthlessly murdered her father for his mysterious journal. Along her path, she meets the rough-around-the-edges good guys, Will and Jesse Colton. Agreeing to assist her, hoping to find gold in the wild west of Arizona in 1877 (a very dangerous job, indeed, during that time period!) While under the blazing west sun on her trusty old mare Silver, Kate will stop at nothing to avenge her father's death, knowing it could mean her own in return.

Like I said earlier, I can't say enough good things about this book! I was intrigued from the get-go. Westerns in YA are rare, and this is just the book YA needs! 

Also, isn't the cover simply stunning?!

The Cast of VENGEANCE ROAD by Erin Bowman!

It's no secret that I'm beyond excited for the fabulous Erin Bowman's new YA Western (Yes!  YA Western!) this fall.  A little over a week ago, she introduced the main players of VENGEANCE ROAD over on her wonderful Tumblr page.  Here's a little sneak peek...but go over to her tumblr for all the great info!  And don't forget: VENGEANCE ROAD will be available

 September 1st! 

http://erinbowman.tumblr.com/

*all of these beautiful images are courtesy and property of http://erinbowman.tumblr.com/

Favorite YA covers of 2014!

A Year Later...

Wow! I can't believe it's been a year since my last post. Yeah, I'm a terrible blogger.  But hopefully this can fix itself, thanks to a new computer and hopefully better internet at home :-)

So, a lot has happened in the past year. I've met many great authors, including Alexander Gordon Smith, Josh Malerman, Leigh Bardugo, and the amazing Anne Rice and son Christopher.  I've also read countless fabulous books and this summer was a good season for great reads. Now, I didn't read as many as I'd hoped to, but the ones I managed to squeeze in were fabulous.  I'll have to say that my favorite read over the summer was COMPLICIT by Stephanie Khuen.  Talk about a mind twist of a tale! Such great characters with dark depth!  And that ending! THAT ENDING! I can't say anymore without giving some of it away, so do yourself a favor and grab a copy now!

With fall in season now, there are so many great things to look forward to. Pumpkins! Halloween! Cool weather! Fall book releases! (I could definitely do without the allergies and sinus infections, thank you.). But before I can enjoy any of that, I must catch up on my TBR pile, which includes Susan Dennard's STRANGE AND EVER AFTER, Leigh Bardugo's  SIEGE AND STORM and Stephen King's MR. MERCEDES (I hate that I haven't had time to finish this yet! Argh!!!)

Enjoy fall and all the fun to come!!

Something Strange and Deadly: Book Club Discussion #4

It's hard to imagine that this is the final week of Susan Dennard's SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY book club.  It kinda makes me feel a little like this:

 

hehehe...minions...

But now, it's on to this week's question, the final question:

 “‘Eleanor, you have a choice,’ [Jie] said softly. ‘You always have a choice’” (p. 166, Something Strange & Deadly)

How do you think this quote relates to the overall theme of Something Strange and Deadly? Do you think Eleanor behaves as if she has a choice at the start of the book? What about at the end of the book? And do other characters behave as if they have a choice or do some see themselves as victims of circumstance? 

"You always have a choice" could've been the subtitle to SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY.  Every character, from Eleanor to Daniel, and Clarence to Elijah, all had choices of how they would continue their lives.  Whether they wanted the end results, each made their own decisions and dealt with the consequences.

At the beginning of the book, Eleanor had very little choice in how she could live her life.  With no family other than her mother (and no sight of Elijah anywhere), Eleanor must've felt like nothing she would ever do would matter, that her mother and society would always govern her life.  She was absolutely a victim of the era of which she lived.  It was when she met the rag-tag band of the Spirit-Hunters that Eleanor's life did a complete 180.  For the first time in her life, she saw a group of people who made their own decisions, who decided how they would live their lives, who didn't care what society thought of them.  Their strong-will and determination lit a fire in Eleanor that had been stirring far within her, and allowed her to believe in herself and her own future.  Even though at the end of the book, she bid farewell to her new group of friends, she knew she would never be the same person, that she finally had a choice, a say, in how her life could be lead.
The Spirit-Hunters were unlike any other characters in the book.  Although Joseph, Jie and Daniel had widely different personalities and backgrounds, each had a common trait: choice of mind.  Joseph, the strong-minded leader, allowed nothing to stand in his way.  Jie,(my favorite character in the series!) the strong girl who never believed she couldn't do anything a man could do while remaining true to herself in the process.  And Daniel, the lone-wolf who finally found his pack and never looked back.  All three chose what they believed to be best for themselves and for the people of Philadelphia.  Sure, they could've easily packed up their inventions and headed to safer places, but they chose to stay and help, fighting the living dead, with no respect for their goodwill.  But none of them did what they did for accolades, instead they chose to follow their hearts and beliefs.  And that's what, I believe, changed Eleanor from a victim of circumstance to the leader of choices.

                                *Character cards courtesy of www.somethingstrangeanddeadly.susandennard.com

Something Strange and Deadly: Book Club Discussion #3

How did week #3 of the Something Strange and Deadly Book Club already get here? Then again, how is almost the end of August? (Though that part, I'm not complaining much about because it meant I got to go see THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES movie after work yesterday and all I can say is: MAGNUS BANE!!! *swoons*) Ahem...on to this week's question:

 

Eleanor finds herself more and more intrigued by (perhaps even attracted to) Daniel Sheridan, the inventor of the Spirit-Hunters. What is it about him that appeals to her? And vice versa, what do you think attracts Daniel to Eleanor?
Then there’s Clarence Wilcox, the seemingly perfect eligible bachelor. Why do you think Eleanor doesn’t like Clarence?

Sure, Clarence seems like the obvious best choice for Eleanor, but unlike many of the young ladies during her time, Eleanor wasn't interested in marrying up for the sake of money or social status, and she certainly wasn't keen on the idea of any type of arranged marriage.  She believed in love and that was something she didn't have for Clarence.  Yes, he was wealthy, handsome, and well-spoken, but none of that can buy chemistry, and if there was one solid thing these two didn't have, it was chemistry.  Without chemistry, you've got nothing.

Now Daniel, that's another story.  Eleanor and Daniel instantly had chemistry, even if neither knew it at first.  Like her, Daniel is an impulsive person, but underneath all that tough exterior lied the heart of an honest gentleman.  He would do anything to protect her, even if they argued about it later.  But any bickering or eye-rolling between the two only showed the undeniable chemistry between them.  I believe Eleanor was also extremely attracted to his inventor side, how he was always ready to experiment with things.  He was also fiercely protective of those he cared about, and it didn't take long before Eleanor became a part of his inner circle.  The ending of Something Strange and Deadly furthered proved their mutual adoration.  Even though he fought back the urge to reveal his true feelings, instead telling her he didn't love her, the moment they had as he left with the Spirit-Hunters, when he turned and bowed to one knee, Eleanor remarked that "he was declaring fealty to his empress."  And what more could two young loves hope for in their budding romance?

Something Strange and Deadly: Book Club Discussion #2

A bit behind, I'm barely getting this discussion in on time!  After a very busy week: the beginning of a new school year, a birthday that I'm now sharing with my wonderful best friend's adorable one-year old daughter, and the bumped up release of Fire and Ash by Jonathan Maberry (not to mention the fact that a book I've been dying to read, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by new author April Genevieve Tucholke, came out the day before my shared birthday), it's no wonder I nearly forgot to do this week's Something Strange and Deadly book club discussion!  So on to this week's question:

Question: Magic and ghostly elements frequent the Something Strange and Deadly series. Even though corpses do awaken from time to time and hauntings are hardly that uncommon, the people of Philadelphia seem determined to pretend the Dead are not a growing threat.
Do you think that’s part of human nature? To push on and ignore the danger at our door? Or do you think Philadelphia’s ignorance—or for that matter, any ignorance/false sense of safety in modern days as well—can be pinned on politicians? Can you think of any examples where something similar happened, but rather than the Dead, it was a natural disaster/growing crime rate/etc.?

From far and wide, it's completely normal and common for humans to turn a blind eye to danger that's staring them down.  There are so many examples that can be used to back this up, from the swine flu outbreak in 2009 that many ignored and refused vaccines until it became widespread (my then 8-year old nephew, in spite of having received a flu vaccine a week earlier, contracted this horrible disease, thanks to many sick people out and about in public.  Thankfully he healed in about a week!), to the wide-spread avian flu pandemics through Asia in 2007 and 2009, to terrorist attacks and the violence in the Middle East and particularly Egypt, and last but not least, sex scandals, such as the Sandusky admissions to various Catholic church officials, where abuse lasted for years, yet many who knew the facts simply swept the truths under guilty rugs.

The world's biggest woe is, by far, global warming.  Something that touches every part of the planet, global warming is something that's constantly in the news, yet many like to say things like, "Oh, it's not as bad as the news lets on," yet pictures and videos showing the devastating melting of the polar ice caps, to deforestation and the loss of countless species of animals, are proof that global warming is our biggest threat.  But look around and many, many people don't seem at all worried about the destruction we're causing our home world.  Global warming is probably the biggest danger at all our doors that people from all walks of life, from rich to poor, from race to race, that most of us choose to pretend is not really there and will not affect us in the long run.  And I don't think this is something that will ever change within human nature.

Something Strange and Deadly: Book Club Discussion #1

Like many others, I'm a big fan of SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY by the fabulous Susan Dennard.  Now, when Susan announced on her blog that she would be starting a book club, I was instantly on board.  I mean, who doesn't love book clubs?! So, here I am, ready to answer the first question in her new weekly series:

Question: Do you think, given the time period, Mrs. Fitt is justified in her demands of Eleanor? Why or why not?

My answer, in short; yes, she's entirely justified.  Do I like it? No, of course not.  But then again, I'm living in a world more than 150 years ahead of what Eleanor lived.  Now, I'm no history buff and I'm not going to pretend like I listened to every single subject in my history classes (my apologies to my high school history teachers!  They were great, I promise!)  What I do remember is the vast difference in classes.  The rich were always above everyone else and had to make a grand show of it.  Otherwise, what was the point in being wealthy if one could not show it off to everyone else? The poor were always well beneath the higher class, and their lacking of the finest of clothes, jewels, homes, etc., marked them as being lesser than.

Mrs. Fitt, in spite of her family's dwindling finances, wanted nothing more than for her daughter, Eleanor, to marry above her class.  With the loss of her husband and her only son missing, Mrs. Fitt was like any other woman, during that time period, and would do anything to stay in her social standing, even if it meant having Eleanor marry someone she could never love.  Forcing Eleanor into binding, much-too-expensive clothing and parading her in front of wealthy, eligible bachelors, was not only Mrs. Fitt's solution to their financial woes, but also a practice done by countless middle-class families.  For many, the only way for their family to increase their wealth was to marry their daughters off to a higher class.  Could women own their own land or businesses back then? No.  Could women obtain very high levels of education? Most could not.  Did women have control over their families finances? Of course not.  For a woman to have the best in life, unless she was born into it, she had to marry into it.  Mrs. Fitt was simply following what was socially acceptable during the late 19th century and to ensure she, herself, would be taken care of, financially, for the rest of her life.  She pushed what she wanted onto Eleanor: no decent young lady would ever have been caught in public without a beautiful pair of gloves, nor would she walk ahead of a gentleman, or wear a garish outfit that would call any particular attention to her less than desirable features.  With that, and Mrs. Fitt's desperate need to keep up with her wealthier counterparts at any cost, it's completely understandable why she would urge Eleanor into a lifestyle in which she had no desire to be a part of. 

Now, thankfully, our heroine Eleanor was one very smart cookie and was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.  Unlike so many other girls during her lifetime (hello, Virtue Sisters!), Eleanor was able to think for herself and didn't desire to only have the finer materials things in life.  Her mother was all-to-happy to drain most of their bank account in order to furnish their home and closets with the most expensive furnishings, silks and jewels, while Eleanor was able to see through the glitter and shine and find what truly mattered in life: love.

So, there's my 2-cents worth on the first question in the SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY book club.  While I haven't been able to read A DARKNESS STRANGE AND LOVELY yet (sorry, Sooz!), I do look forward to future discussions and questions.  Go HERE for more information on Sooz's new book club!
 

Why YA2U should come to Lexington, KY!

Author events are always an amazing amount of fun for readers.  I've been lucky enough to attend several and have always had a great time at all of them.  Meeting the writers of books I've enjoyed reading is always interesting, always fun to see how funny and personable they can be in real life.  So, when I heard about this fabulous contest which would bring 5 unbelievably talented writers to one city, free of charge to the venue, I thought it was one of the most ingenious ideas I've ever heard of.  In my opinion, there would be no greater city in the U.S. for Marissa Meyer, Beth Revis, Marie Lu, Victoria Schwab, and Megan Shepherd to bring YA2U to than Lexington, Kentucky.  More specifically, these wonderfully talented authors would be treated to one of Lexington's treasures by having their event at the renowned indie bookstore, Joseph-Beth Booksellers.  Need some convincing? OK, here are some wonderful tidbits about Kentucky:

1.  Lexington is the "Horse Capital of the World."   Kentucky is also commonly referred to as "The Bluegrass State."  Fun Fact: When author Richelle Mead visited Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington last summer, she mentioned that she had used areas of Kentucky and Lexington within her best-selling book series because it had "the greenest grass" she'd ever seen.  Yep, even Mrs. Mead loves the beauty that is KY!  Not only is it home to the Kentucky Horse Park, the largest and most unique park/museum dedicated to horses in the world (and where many infamous race horses are buried and honored with beautiful monuments), but nowhere else will you find more lush, gorgeous horse farms anywhere else.  Multi-million dollar horse farms are heavily scattered across Lexington and it's surrounding areas.  Farms with the most expensive, sought-after Thoroughbreds are everywhere to be seen.  Many of the world's most famous race horses came from and are now buried near Lexington. And if you visit in May, you could hop on over to Louisville for the world's most famous horse race, on the world's most famous race track, the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

2. Kentucky is full of delicious treats.  Two of our most famous and well-loved are the bottled ginger-ale based soda pop called "Ale-8" and a delicious, chocolately treat you'll not soon forget called "Blue Monday."  Ale-8's are unique to Kentucky.  Not only were they developed here, they're bottled and only sold within Kentucky.  I think you can possibly get some shipped outside the state, but there's nothing like walking up to an Ale-8 pop machine with your $.75 and buying an ice cold bottle of this Kentucky fave!

     Are you a chocolate lover? Then Blue Monday is just what you need!  Invented by the locally owned Ruth Hunt Candy, Blue Monday's are one of the most widely loved chocolates to Kentuckians.  Comprised of your choice of milk, dark or mint chocolate, each bar is filled with a sweet, soft filling of cream candy, all made completely fresh by the makers at Ruth Hunt Candy.  A staple all over the state, and especially at the world-famous Kentucky Derby, these little wonderous chocolate delights will make you re-think ever eating another bar of chocolate again.  (Oh, and if you like your chocolate with a bit of kick to it, you must try one of their other most famous treats, Bourbon Balls.  Chocolate + KY Bourbon.  Yep, you heard that right!

3. Nowhere, I mean nowhere, else in the U.S. will you find more die-hard college basketball fans than Lexington, KY.  Home to the most winning college basketball team in history, the University of Kentucky continually places only the nation's best players on their team every year.  And with one of the most widely recognized basketball coaches ever as their leader, coach John Calipari has lead the team, and their legions of dedicated fans, to many victories over their rivals.  If you ever want to experience an insanely intense basketball game, head over to Rupp Arena for one of the Wildcats home games, pick up a UK shirt emblazoned with their uniquely shade of blue, "Kentucky blue"...and good luck finding a seat and obtaining your hearing after the game!

4. A couple of fun facts about Lexington:

    *Forbes magazine named Lexington as one of the world's seventeen cleanest cities.

    *Esquire magazine named Kentucky the most stylish state in the country.

(You wouldn't be here long to figure out why those wonderful accolades were bestowed upon us.)

 5. As mentioned before, I sincerely wish for this event to take place at Kentucky's greatest bookstore, Joseph-Beth Booksellers.  Located in the heart of Lexington, Joseph-Beth is one of the truest treasures of the city and state.  I've been to many bookstores over the years, but I'm always in awe when I walk through the doors of this independently owned store.  Standing two-stories, this bookstore houses countless books, from YA, adult, graphic novel, children's, and everything between.  They're also very dedicated to showcasing local authors by promoting their books through beautiful displays and bringing the authors for events. 
     In just the past two years, I've attended some amazing author events at Joseph-Beth.  I was in great company with hundreds of other book-lovers at each event.  Everyone from Erin Morgenstern, Charlaine Harris, Carrie Vaughn, Molly Harper, Kristen Simmons, Amy Plum, Richelle Mead, and Cherie Priest have had events that I've attended.  That doesn't even come close to counting the events by other well-known authors who had events so huge that security had to be in attendance as well.  Sarah Palin came to Joseph-Beth while promoting her biography and people waited for hours to get their books signed.  George R.R. Martin sent hundreds and hundreds into a frenzy.  And very recently, Brandon Sanderson and Harriet McDougal had well over 700 fans piling into the bookstore!

                                                *photo courtesy of Shelf Awareness Daily News

6. Like many states, Kentucky is home to many talented authors.  I'm sure all of you are familiar with Kentucky's own: Julie Kagawa (The Iron Fey series and the Blood of Eden series), Bethany Griffin (Masque of the Red Death and coming soon, Dance of the Red Death), Katie McGarry (Pushing the Limits and the upcoming Crossing the Lines), Molly Harper (the Jane Jameson series and the Naked Werewolf series), and Gwenda Bond (Blackwood).  Now, even though Kristen Simmons isn't a native Kentuckian, she did live in Louisville for several years.  It was while she lived there that she came up with the idea, and later wrote, Article 5, the book that finally got her published on her long road to publishing.  (Go check out her bio on her website.  She's very inspiring for all up-and-coming writers!)  For anyone who's read the book, you'll know that key areas of her story take place in Louisville and Lexington.  Showing some Kentucky love!

7. Also like all other states, Kentucky has been home to many famous people, from all walks of infamy.  From actors to musicians, from writers to musicians, Kentucky has an eclectic list of famous peeps.  Here is a very small list of some people you've probably heard of:

* Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States
* Ashley Judd
* Wynonna Jud
* Naomi Judd
* Dwight Yoakam
* Muhammad Ali
* Hunter S. Thompson
* John Carpenter
* Tom Cruise
* Florence Henderson
* Molly Simms
* Nick Lachey
* Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson (2 of the 5 Backstreet Boys)

   and for all you Hunger Games fans:
* Jennifer Lawrence (a.k.a. Katniss Everdeen)
* Josh Hutcherson  (a.k.a. Peeta Malarck)

Now, when Beth announced the YA2U author event contest on her blog, she did mention that she'd be willing to go to wherever Nathan Fillion could be promised to her.  Sorry, Beth, I cannot get Nathan Fillion for you (not that I wouldn't try, it's just that I have no connections to his peeps! ;-) )
BUT!!!!
I can promise you this:

That's right!  George Clooney AND Johnny Depp...

          ...are both from Kentucky!

Is there a chance of either of these handsome faces showing up at Joseph-Beth? Er...probably not...But hey, it's not like you can't daydream about them being in the audience...sitting right beside you...mischevious grins on their faces...those dimples...with those intensely beautiful eyes staring into your souls...Um, that's not only my fantasy, right?

So, there you go, my attempt to convince Marissa, Beth, Marie, Victoria and Megan to consider Joseph-Beth Booksellers and bring YA2U to Lexington, KY.  Do I think we'll get the most votes of any city? I doubt it.  I mean, Lexington can't compete with the kinds of numbers that much larger cities will garner, cities like NYC, Portland, Chicago or Dallas.  But, what we can make up with is charm.  And humbleness.  And warm Southern accents.  And warm summer days.  And beautiful nature.  And the country's greatest indie bookstore.  And the fantasies of George Clooney and Johnny Depp.  (Dreams really do come true.)

*All photos, except where noted, were courtesy of Wikipedia.  
*Because, you know, I haven't actually met George or Johnny.  Yet.

2012 in Review

What a year 2012 was for me!  I wrote a lot.  I read even more.  I accomplished goals that I never thought would be possible, and made even bigger goals for 2013.  I met many great authors at some great bookstores.  I read debut novels by extremely talented writers (Susan Dennard, Lia Habel, Kristen Simmons, Marissa Meyer, Julie Cross, Veronica Rossi, just to name a few!)  I read new books by established authors, all of which made my mind melt with awe (Marta Acosta, Brenna Yovanoff, Maggie Stiefvater, Andrew Smith, Lish McBride, and many, MANY more!)  All-in-all, it was a pretty great year!

Since my last post, I met a few more authors.  In September, the fabulous Libba Bray graced Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington.  If you have never attended one of her author signings, put it on your bucket list.  She was so funny, so personable, so witty.  Most authors will read a passage from their newest title.  Not Libba.  Nope.  Instead, she read a horrifically hilarious short story she had written as a child.  Most people would've been utterly embarrassed to read something from so many years ago, but that little bit is what sets Libba apart from most mere mortals.  I really think she has no shame, and for that, I wish I could be as brave as her. 

                                                       Me and the Queen of Cool, Libba Bray!

She was so talkative with everyone who came through the signing line.  I don't think I've ever laughed so much at any one event before, and I really hope I'll get the chance to meet Libba again someday.


A few days later, Marissa Meyer, Lish McBride, Ann Aguirre and Elizbeth Fama all rolled into Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati with the Fierce Reads tour.  I happily made the 2-hour trek to meet them all.  I'm such a huge fan of Marissa's and Lish's works, and I was not disappointed in their event at all.  All the ladies read, joked, and took wonderful questions from the audience.  I don't think there's anything that Lish can't turn into something funny. 

I really enjoyed meeting these ladies, and even though I wasn't familiar with Ann's and Elizabeth's books before, I certainly made it a point to read their works afterward.  Everyone was so kind and I truly enjoyed meeting them.

Marissa, Elizabeth and Ann laughing at something funny said by Lish (which was pretty much during the entire event!)

Back in October, Cherie Priest came into Lexington and I quickly made it a point to go to her signing.  She joked about her insane amount of jet lag and didn't hesitate to break out hilarious dog and cat stories (glad I'm not the only person who does that!)  She answered great questions about her writing process, in particular, how she researches for her BONESHAKER series.  I felt really bad for her obvious exhaustion, but her enthusiasm for her readers beat out the tiredness.  I really hope she enjoyed her trip here!

Those were the last events I attended in 2012.  Pretty awesome, huh? I feel really lucky to have met all the wonderful authors that I did last year, not only in person, but online as well.  So many authors I admire are very accessible to their readers online, via Twitter, Facebook and email.  I think this is such a great way to reach out to readers to not only promote their work, but to show they actually care about who reads their books.  And I know readers like me are very appreciate to authors for their hard work and dedication.  After all, if it weren't for author Susan Dennard, my first novel never, EVER would've been completed.  I'll never be able to thank her enough for her positive attitude and faith in me, when I'd lost all that in myself.  And a huge thanks to author Marta Acosta, for giving me great advice and always being very thoughtful.

So, 2013, what could lie ahead? There are so many possibilities.  So, here's to a year full of wishing for bigger things and working hard to make sure those dreams come true!

ARC review of DEARLY, BELOVED

I was fortunate enough to read DEARLY, BELOVED as an ARC a few months ago (which does not reflect my review), courtesy of NetGalley.  I was so excited to read this book and devoured it in 2 days.  

Taking place more than 100 years in the future, in a town called New London, DEARLY, BELOVED picks up a few months after DEARLY, DEPARTED (which, if you haven’t read yet, I highly recommend, especially before reading the sequel!)  Tensions are higher than ever between humans and the undead.  There are two distinct political factions: The Murder, a group of humans against all zombies, and The Changed, a zombie group fed up with humans and their unwillingness for accepting.  Nora Dearly’s father is still hard at work on a cure for the Laz, the virus that swept through the nation and decimated a huge chunk of the population.  Those who turn quickly after being infected, and seek help, are able to function pretty well.  Point in case: Bram Griswold, a captain for Company Z, a mostly zombie filled military unit aimed to help protect the citizens of New London.

                                                                 Back cover love: Bram!

I really enjoy the love story between Nora and Bram.  In DEARLY, DEPARTED, (book 1) Nora, understandably, is initially repulsed by Bram.  But his charm wins her over.  Their love story is one to root for, even though you know the possibility of it truly working out is impossible, even though Nora is immune to the Laz.  As Bram explains to Nora, every zombie will eventually succumb to their disease.  At some point, he will cease being the chivalrous, dreamy (weird to say that about a zombie!) Bram and be something completely else.  The thoughts are heartbreaking.

Another part I really enjoyed about DEARLY, BELOVED was the multiple point of views.  While I love reading from the 2 main characters points of view, I do enjoying reading through the thoughts and emotions of the other characters.  Pamela, Nora’s best friend, is much more fleshed-out in this book.  She’s grown so much and I really enjoyed seeing her character development.  Michael is more upset than ever about what happened to him by the end of DEARLY, DEPARTED, so In this book, he’s out for revenge at all costs.  He’s one not to like or trust.  

There was also more of the mysterious Patient Zero in this installment of the series.  As the first patient to contract the Laz, many are after him, especially those who wish to use him as a weapon for their own heinous causes.  It’s up to Company Z to protect him, and all others, from the groups who wish to capture him.

My favorite character development had to be Vespertine Mink.  Sure, she’s spoiled and probably couldn’t survive a zombie attack, but she doesn’t pretend to be anything but who she really is.  And there’s a family revelation she makes in DEARLY, BELOVED that I didn’t see coming and through me for a loop! 

One of my favorite chapters of the book was Vespertine’s, when Renfield Merriweather (probably my favorite character in this series) visits her home.  Now, Vespertine is not one to like zombies outright, as she hasn’t always had positive experiences around them, but Ren’s heart and charm just may (I hope!) warm her over ;-)

Overall, I thought DEARLY, BELOVED was a fantastic read!  I enjoyed it just as much as I did DEARLY, DEPARTED and I’m incredibly eager to read the next book in this series.  I give major kudos to author Lia Habel for writing a great mash-up of genres (post-apocalyptic, zombie/horror, romance, steampunk) and pull it off so well, with characters that I thoroughly enjoy reading (even Micheal, although he’s a total jerk.)  If I could ask Ms. Habel anything, it’d be: What are the chances of a Vespertine and Renfield short story? As much as I adore the love story between Nora and Bram, there’s just something about the spunk of Vespertine matched with the old-world, gentlemanly charm of Ren that captures my complete attention.  I would love to read more about them!

Girls Night(mare) Out in KY!

I should've posted this a couple of weeks ago, but back-to-school duties and out-of-control allergies have kept me pretty busy as of late.  But, since today's Labor Day, thus meaning a day off from work, I figured now is as good a time as any to post about meeting 3 super cool authors on the GIRLS NIGHT(MARE) OUT TOUR.

On August 19, 2012, I was fortunate enough to attend this fabulous tour stop in Crestview Hills, KY.  There, I was stoked to meet Marta Acosta, author of the wonderfully gothic tale DARK COMPANION, Kendare Blake, author of the super-creepy ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD and the companion GIRL OF NIGHTMARES, and Lisa DesRochers, author of the PERSONAL DEMONS series (I admit I haven't read this series yet, and since the bookstore was sold out of the first in this series, I'll have to find it elsewhere so I can start it soon!)

                                                   Marta Acosta, Kendare Blake and Lisa DesRochers

The ladies each read passages from their current releases and answered questions from the audience.  Everyone had wonderful, engaging questions for each of them.  One attendee even asked what their SAT scores was (with as many author events I've attended, I was envious that someone came up with a question I've never once heard anyone ask an author before.  I need to start being more original with my own questions!)

Afterward, the ladies signed books and posters for the lucky audience members, and graciously posed for pictures.  I was excited to get my picture with each and very thankful for all their enthusiasm and encouragement for the would-be writers in the audience.  I can't thank Ms. Acosta enough for all her encouragement and helpful guidance for me in my writing.  Did I already mention how fabulous she is? Seriously, she's amazing!

Favorite Summer 2012 Reads: Part 1

According to the Zombies calendar hanging on my wall, today is the official first day of Summer.  However, it's felt like summer here in KY for the past month.  During that time, I've read some pretty great books, so I thought I'd share my favorites here.

City of Lost Souls
by Cassandra Clare

The fifth novel in the MORTAL INSTRUMENTS series, COLS picks right up where CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS left off.  Jace has gone missing, thanks to crazed Sebastian.  Clary and the rest of the Shadowhunters are doing everything they can to bring Jace back home.  But they soon learn he's not the same Jace they once knew.
While I loved this book, it wasn't my favorite in the series (CITY OF GLASS is still, by far, the best MORTAL INSTRUMENTS book).  I did appreciate that my favorite character of the entire series, Magnus, is much more prominent in this book.  I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone, but I must question one thing: can Sebastian really be that smart?

Under the Never Sky
by Veronica Rossi

This was a book I'd been wanting to read for quite some time, and finally got the chance to do so recently, and it did not disappoint.  In a future where a scientific society lives within it's safe walls, teenage Aria finds herself outside where she believes she'll soon die.  She, instead meets a group of Savages, people who live outside the walls, in a primitive nature.  All she wants is to return home, to her mother, and needs Peregrine, a Savage, to help her.  When his nephew is taken by some of Aria's people, he uses her as much as she uses him, but both realize they need each other more than they ever intended.
This turned out to be a great love story, full of suspense and passion.  I really loved the evolving relationship between Aria and Perry.  It wasn't one that was instant, they needed time to know each other and fall in love.  And Perry's best friend, Roar, quickly became one of my favorite characters.

The Hunt
by Andrew Fukuda

What would you get if you mixed equal parts THE HUNGER GAMES with 30 DAYS OF NIGHT? You'd get THE HUNT, a terrifying vampire novel that doesn't sparkle in anyway.  The world has changed: vampires now rule all societies and humans are believed to be extinct thanks to their voracious appetites and hunts.  Little do they know that some humans, including one very brave teenage boy, lives among them, seamlessly blending in by learning all their actions, keeping their scents and emotions at bay, and only coming out at night.
One day, the Heper Hunt returns, a terrifying hunt within a dome with rare humans.  A lottery takes place and our hero (vampires do not take on names, so he grows up without knowing or remembering his own) is one of the lucky participants.  Unable to take any of his masking comforts from home, he's in danger of being discovered for what he truly is: a walking meal.
This book starts out with great action and never lets down.  From learning how the vampires coexist to the entrance to the Dome, I was scared for our hero's very life.  He begins to learn more truths, not only from those inside the Dome awaiting to become prey, but from his fellow hunters.  The ending was incredibly shocking, allowing for an even more intense sequel!

Wither
by Lauren deStefano

In the future, the life span of the human race is drastically diminished.  Girls only live to the age of 20 years old, boys to the age of 25.  Scientists and doctors are desperate to find a cure to the genetic disaster.  Everyone is encouraged to reproduce as quickly, and as often, as possible.
Rhine, along with her brother, are orphaned teens.  One night, she's abducted and taken far away from her home, along with two other girls, to become wives of a very prominent doctor's son.  Linden takes the girls on as wives, though he's not as creepy or scary as one would think.  He believes the girls came on their own will, when in fact, they were kidnapped and barely escaped death at the hands of their captors.  His overbearing father encourages Linden to get over his grief of his lost love and to reproduce with these girls.  Rhine, however, refuses to submit, even when it becomes apparent Linden is truly falling in love with her.
I really loved the spirit of Rhine.  At times, she thought she could fall in love with Linden, but could never get over being brought here, along with the other girls, against their will.  She knows his father is manipulative, having found out about the bodies he experiments on in the basement.  With the help of Gabriel, a house servant, Rhine learns that there is hope, but outside the walls of this house.

Masque of the Red Death
by Bethany Griffin

When I first saw the cover of this book in a literary magazine, I immediately wanted to read it.  I grew up loving Poe, so reading a re-imagining of one of his greatest tales definitely intrigued me.
An airborne plague has swept across the country, leaving many to die horrible deaths.  Only masks developed by a brilliant scientist can protect people, but only those with enough income can afford the masks.  The poor are at most risk, most being unable to afford the protection.
Araby doesn't have to worry about never having a mask.  It was her father who helped develop the protective guides, and her family is wealthy.  Having lost her brother when the plague was starting, Araby is overcome with massive guilt, often turning to various narcotics to help her pain.  She loves the Debauchery Club, a place she attends with her best friend and is able to score the drugs she needs to help her cope.  There, she meets Will, a bouncer, and learns that her own selfish needs are tiny compared to his family needs.  He and his two very young, orphaned siblings live very poorly.  The children do not have masks, leaving them very vulnerable.  After saving Araby's life, she meets his family and starts to learn how to truly live life.
But a new threat has come to town, one that threatens lives just as dangerously as the Plague.  Not knowing where to turn or who she can really trust, Araby suddenly becomes desperate to live and save those she loves.  I really loved this story.  At first, Araby isn't very likeable, but once you learn her back story, it's easy to sympathize with her.  I enjoyed watching her develop and become a better person, putting others before herself.  The intrigue and suspense throughout this novel was exciting, making it a read hard to put down.

Sea Change
by Aimee Friedman

I've read a couple of mermaid/mermen novels, but none really caught my attention, until this one.  Miranda and her mom come to the southern coast to her late grandmother's home.  While there, Miranda tries to blend in with other teens her age, in spite of having nothing in common with the rich, snobby, southern debutantes in town.  She relents and becomes friends with the popular group, even attempting to date one of their male counterparts, until she meets the mysterious Leo.  The girls laugh at the notion of her dating him, after all, they see him as an ordinary (but very good-looking) local.  But Miranda sees something different in him, something no one else can see.
After learning more about her grandmother's past and the local mermaid/mermen legends of the area, she soon begins to believe Leo may be a part of the legend.  He remains a mystery, even when he admits how much he cares for her.  Her mother lets her know that she intends to sell the home, but once Miranda realizes her feelings for Leo, she becomes desperate to hold onto the family home.
This is a great summer read, perfect for the beach (even though I actually read it in my grassy front lawn).  Unlike the other books in this post, this one is a stand-alone (though I'm hoping for a sequel soon!)

Ok, so that's the first part of my Favorite Summer 2012 Reads.  Since I have some time off from work for a few weeks, I have plenty of time for catching up on some great books!  First up: finishing my ARC of DEARLY, BELOVED.  Part 2 coming soon...