My Thoughts: Blackout (Mira Grant)

Rise up while you can. -Georgia Mason

The year was 2014. The year we cured cancer. The year we cured the common cold. And the year the dead started to walk. The year of the Rising.

The year was 2039. The world didn't end when the zombies came, it just got worse. Georgia and Shaun Mason set out on the biggest story of their generation. The uncovered the biggest conspiracy since the Rising and realized that to tell the truth, sacrifices have to be made.

Now, the year is 2041, and the investigation that began with the election of President Ryman is much bigger than anyone had assumed. With too much left to do and not much time left to do it in, the surviving staff of After the End Times must face mad scientists, zombie bears, rogue government agencies-and if there's one thing they know is true in post-zombie America, it's this:

Things can always get worse.

(Goodreads blurb/link)


Source: Bought
Cover: Matches the other two.
Why I wanted to read this: To complete this zombified trilogy.

My Thoughts:

Blackout is the third and final book in the Newsflesh trilogy. This review WILL contain spoilers from Feed and Deadline.

Blackout starts off with the knowledge that Georgia is somehow alive.   The knowledge of how this is possible is given to the reader within the first 30 or so pages.  And that how is completely baffling. The whole subject it presents is incredibly mind-boggling.  Shaun and Georgia are reunited and this in itself presents something to the reader that there has been hints about in the past. Something that I, to be honest, could not completely wrap my head around.

Blackout was my least favorite of the three.  This is not the kind of book you can read with any kind of distractions because you will get lost and you will be confused.  I still found myself constantly questioning what the heck is going on here.  It kind of made my brain hurt trying to keep everything straight.

That being said, I was so glad to have Georgia’s “voice” back as a narrator, and not just the one in Shaun’s head.   The blog entries the author gave continued to be an excellent source of information that not only helped expand the characters further, but also the story itself.  President Ryman finally makes an appearance and I’d been wondering what the heck happened to him. His election and connection with Georgia and Shaun in book 1 made me question where he had been all this time.  It's about time the reader find out what he's been up to.

I did not like how this book ended. It didn’t feel complete to me. Georgia and Shaun are such a large part of this trilogy and I felt the way the author went with the conclusion was a bit of a cop-out.  I don’t appreciate vague endings or ones where a side character makes the closing statement. 

There was a lot more zombie action in this book.  More scientific facts.  More death and betrayal.  More corruption and lies.  It also makes you think about our own government system and how much of the things that happen in this trilogy could happen in real life.  Let’s face it; the government has a lot of power.  And there will always be people to corrupt that power and use it for their own gain.  It’s important that to counterbalance that we always have people to constantly question the way things are and not be afraid to rise up.

Favorite Quotes:

"I spent too much time living in the past, and I didn't need to encourage the part of me that would be happy to stay there forever."

"I was tired of being a haunted house," he said. "Thank you for coming home."

Bottom Line: Blackout was my least favorite, a bit confusing and I didn’t like how it ended. 3.5/5 

As a trilogy I give this one a 4/5.  It’s a very different take on the zombie apocalypse that overall, I think is definitely worth reading.  

Feature & Follow (#1)

 

 

This is my very first time participating in the Feature & Follow. You can find more information over at the hosting blogs Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

 

The purpose is basically to meet fellow bloggers and gain some new followers, what's not great about that?!?

 

This week's question is:

 

Q: What writing device or trick most irritates you when reading a book? (For example, if an author employs an omnipotent narrator that is sometimes considered bad form.)

 

A: One thing that annoys the heck out of me is dispassionate romances. I can wrap my head around an insta-love every once in a while (ahem, Twilight, ahem). It's not my fave, I do prefer a slow, steady build-up burn of passion, but sometimes it does work. However, what I can't stand is when the romance between two characters is forced, cold, and sparkless. I can def think of a couple books that made me feel that way.  If the romance is a large part of the book and I can't connect with it...well. You know.  :)

 

I ALSO hate, detest, abhor vague crappy endings.  Sometimes I feel the author's cop-out at the end. I'm talking about either a stand-alone or the last book of a series. I just finished one yesterday and the ending completely left me unsatisfied and cursing. I'm not talking about needing a happy ending, just one that makes me feel closure. Yeah.

 

 

Follow me and I'll follow you back! Just let me know in the comments. Oh and to get to my GFC link just scroll to the bottom of my blog :)  Thanks in advance for visiting, can't wait to "meet you" :)

VA Museum of Fine Arts: Chilhuly Exhibit

Yesterday I went to the Va Museum of Fine Arts with my aunt. I haven't been there since probably high school when I went with my art class on a field trip. I love all types of art and can't believe it's been this long. The reason in particular for this visit was Chihuly.  Dale Chihuly is an incredible glass artist, and I was blown away by his stuff. SOO gorgeous.  Now for some pictures.

I can't even guess how they go about putting this glass art display together. My klutzy self would end up breaking something important.

This was my favorite part. You walk under this walk-way and look up and there's a beautiful glass display. A lot of the shapes reminded me of the ocean. GORGEOUS.

This one was hanging from the ceiling! HOW do they do it?

 

 

Moving into the other styles of art..

LOVED these unique clocks in the gift shop...I really wanted to buy one.

This statue was just outside, I loved him. 

Baby got back. :)

 

This skull is made entirely of cardboard. Super cool.

 

If anyone lives close to this museum, I highly recommend they go. There's always something cool going on and the Chihuly exhibit is DEF a must see. It will be there until February of 2013 I believe.

Waiting on Wednesday: Gameboard of the Gods

This little gem is hosted over at Breaking the Spine.

One book that I can't wait to be released is:


Gameboard of the Gods (Age of X #1) by Richelle Mead




(Goodreads Link/Blurb)
In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

The Why: RICHELLE MEAD PEOPLE!! RICHELLE MEAD! LOVED her Vampire Academy series and I am soo freakin' stoked about this one. It sounds amazing!! And very unique! MAN it's going to be a long wait for this one though. AHHHH!
Expected Publication: 6/4/13

Top Ten Tuesday: Get me in the Mooood

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted over at The Broke and the Bookish. Check em' out.

As a lover of lists, I could not resist.

This week's topic:

Top Ten Books To Get In The Halloween Spirit:

1. The Wicked Heart by Christopher Pike- I was a tad bit obsessed with this author when I was younger. This book in particular scared the living bejeezus out of me.  Disturbingly horrortastic.

2. The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling- I don't think I need an explanation for this one.

3. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor- devils and angels. A BRILLIANT book.

4. The Forest of Hands and Teeth series by Carrie Ryan- zombies!

 

5. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice-  Non-sparkly vampires!

6. Boris and Bella by Carolyn Crimi- I adore this children's book. Such a cute Halloween story. And the illustrations are soo good!

7. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz, Stephen Gammell- Another book I had as a kid. Forget the stories, the pictures alone were enough to ensure I slept with the lights ON.

8. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman- Ghosts! a Killer on the loose!

9. The Art of Tim Burton by Tim Burton- Because what about this guy does NOT scream Halloween?

 

10. The Hex Hall series by Rachel Hawkins- Witches!

Just typing up this list is getting me into the Halloween spirit!  Have you read any of these? Leave a comment with your link so I can check out what gets you in the mood. :)

My Thoughts: The Lost Prince (Julie Kagawa)

 The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten #1) by Julie Kagawa

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.

That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.

Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.
(Goodreads blurb)



Source: Netgalley
Publication date: October 23, 2012
Why I wanted to read it: Because of my already established love for Julie's writing and the incredible world of the Nevernever.

Cover: I like the effect on the guy's body.

My Thoughts:

The first question possible readers might have is: Do you have to read the Iron Fey series (The Iron King, The Iron Queen, The Iron Daughter, The Iron Knight) first? My answer is this:  I don’t think one will have a complete appreciation for this book, for this story, for this world  without reading the others first.  You won’t have the background or back story and you won’t have already established your love and connection to the world of Nevernever and some of its previous characters. 

I hate to type this but I was a little bit let down with The Lost Prince.  Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it and will continue to be an avid reader of anything Julie Kagawa writes, but I expected more. I didn’t fall completely. That said, I think this is an excellent start and cannot wait to see where things go from here.

You have to go into this book with an open mind. New characters.  It's told from Ethan’s point of view, and as a main character I liked him well enough, but I didn’t love him.  I had high hopes that the other characters would fill the void of missing Ash, Puck and Meghan.  Unfortunately I wasn’t taken.  Ethan’s love interest Kenzie was likable enough, but I didn’t get that heat, that fire, that spark.  Also, Ethan’s inner dialogue regarding Kenzie got on my nerves a bit and found these particular passages to be a bit draggy. There was a lack of passion for me.

Speaking of characters, there are glimpses of some old favorites. It was just enough of a taste to make me crazy with wanting more. The character I ended up connecting with the most was that of Kierran.  I’m not going to go into details about him as not to give any spoilers, but I felt this book was as much about him, if not more, than that of Ethan. (You'll understand what I'm talking about when you read this book)  I’m so excited and interested to see how Julie develops his character.  Not to mention the story itself.  There’s a new threat in town that is causing the disappearance of fey exiles and half-breeds.   It’s been  12 years since Meghan abandoned Ethan and her family in order to be the Iron Queen. Let’s just say Ethan has a lot of unrequited feelings about this.  He is forced to face his appearingly strong hatred of anything Fey head on and question not only his feelings about Them but also about himself.

The writing was good and easy to follow, but I was already familiar with the world.  New readers might be a bit confused and have a lot of unanswered questions.  Then there were the passages involving the Nevernever.  They were my highlights.  I have such a love for that beautifully dangerous land of Fey. The detailed descriptions immediately transported me back to this incredible otherworldly place.

Favorite Quotes:

"I'd never met someone who could be so relentlessly cheerful in the face of such blatant jack-assery."

"A figure melted out of the shadows in the corner, stepping in front of the door, a sharp silhouette against the light. He moved like darkness itself, silent and smooth, dressed all in black, his eyes glittering silver as he blocked my exit."

Bottom Line:  Overall, The Lost Prince is a solid next installment in the already established amazing world of Fey.  4/5

My Thoughts: Lover Reborn (J.R.Ward)

Lover Reborn is book #10 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series.

Ever since the death of his shellan, Tohrment has been unrecognizable from the vampire leader he once was. Physically emaciated and heartbroken beyond despair, he has been brought back to the Brotherhood by a self-serving fallen angel. Now, fighting once again with ruthless vengeance, he is unprepared to face a new kind of tragedy.

When Tohr begins to see his beloved in his dreams—trapped in a cold, isolated netherworld far from the peace and tranquillity of the Fade—he turns to the angel in hopes of saving the one he has lost. But because Lassiter tells him he must learn to love another to free his former mate, Tohr knows they are all doomed....

Except then a female with a shadowed history begins to get through to him. Against the backdrop of the raging war with the lessers, and with a new clan of vampires vying for the Blind King’s throne, Tohr struggles between the buried past and a very hot, passion-filled future…but can his heart let go and set all of them free?  (Goodreads blurb)


Cover: Hot and sexy.

My Thoughts:

Oh man. I don’t even know where to start with this review. 

Lover Reborn exceeded my expectations.   I literally could.not.put.it.down.  I DEVOURED it.

The title for this book is spot on. I feel as though the series is going through a rebirth of its own. And I likes what I sees.

As far as the writing, this one was definitely one of the best written of the series.  The story flowed very well and was easy to follow. No confusion. Which I appreciated.   The author did an amazing job with the story unraveling and once again I found myself completely in love with all of these brothers. Of course I have my favorites (ahem ZSADIST ahem), but there were moments while reading that just filled me with complete dread and devastation at the thought of losing any of them.  I have developed a strong connection to these characters and this world. It's easy to picture each and every one of the brothers in my head so clearly and the author does a great job of staying consistent with their mannerisms and how they speak and act.

  The big emphasis in Lover Reborn is the Brotherhood.  There’s not a lot of lesser stuff, which I really appreciated.  I may be known to have skimmed over those parts in previous books. No skimming needed this time. But don’t think that means there isn’t any action to keep you interested. Because there’s all types of action in this book. And not just the hot sexy kind. (Although I must say, those action sessions were well done.) While all the BDB books  mention all the brothers in them at some point or another, Lover Reborn focused on the story of Tohrment.  And man, was it a good one.  I felt as though I was living his hell with him. My heart broke with his.  His tears became my tears.  Dudes. No words.

 Last book we learned of a new threat to the Brothers.  There’s a new enemy in town that are known as The Band of Bastards and they present a deadly problem for the Brotherhood.  This story line is much more interesting to me then the lesser line, and they helped infuse a  newness to this series.  Things suddenly have become much more interesting and I’m excited to see where it’s going to go.  

For those who love the Black Dagger Brotherhood series as much as I do, this is a MUST read. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. . And for those whose love for this series was fizzling out, expect to have a rebirth of your own. 

Favorite Quotes:

"Nothing bubbled up from the depths. For once, the present was so alive and captivating that the past was not even an echo or a shadow-she was, in this moment, wiped clean."

Bottom Line: Action? check.  Hot, sexy vampire times? check.  Humor and laughs? check.  Tears and heartbreak? check. On-point writing and character development? check.     5/5 rating for Lover Reborn? check.

Waiting on Wednesday: Days of Blood and Starlight

This little gem is hosted over at Breaking the Spine.

One book that I am DYING to get my hands on is:

Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor
(This is the sequel to Daughter of Smoke & Bone)

(Quick GoodReads Overview)
In this stunning sequel to the highly acclaimed Daughter of Smoke and Bone, Karou must come to terms with who and what she is, and how far she'll go to avenge her people. Filled with heartbreak and beauty, mysteries and secrets, new characters and old favorites, Days of Blood and Starlight brings the richness, color and intensity of the first book to a brand new canvas.



The Why: Let's start with the cover. GORGEOUS.  Now.  Daughter of Smoke and Bone was one of my favorite reads this year. I FELL IN LOVE. Some of the best writing I've ever come across. Beautiful, lyrical, gut-wrenching, amazing. The world, the characters..oh my gosh. The first book ripped my heart right out of my chest.  And I CAN'T WAIT to see what this book does.  I need more of this world. I need more of these characters. I. NEED. MORE. Luckily I don't have TOOO long to wait.
Publication Date: 11/6/12

Favorite Halloween Movies

So the reading this month is off to a rather slow start. No new reviews to post yet. I'm currently reading a netgalley copy of The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa. I LOVED her Iron Fey series so of course I was stoked to start this spin-off series. I'm about 65% done. Let's just say it started off a bit slow for me but now it's like I never left the Nevernever. Review to post soon.

Anyways, for lack of posts I figured I'd do one of my favorite things: MAKE A LIST!  And what better list to make then to celebrate one of my favorite months by listing my Favorite Movies to watch around Halloween.

1. Harry Potter.  I don't think an explanation is needed.

 

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas-Tim Burton is a genius. Sally and Jack forever.

 

 

3. Hocus Pocus-LOVE this movie like whoah.  

 

 

4. Beetlejuice. Beetlejuice. Beetlejui.....

 

 

5. Bride of Chucky-I know i know. This movie is ridiculous. Ridiculously awesome.

 

 

6. The Witches-I remember watching this movie as a kid.  And kinda wishing I could be turned into a mouse for a day.

 

 



7. The Worst Witch-80's cheese at its best. I tried to watch this recently..it didn't have quite the same effect as when I watched it as a kid. But it's still one of my all-time favorites.

 

 

8. Halloweentown-Addictingly cheesy.

 

9. The Craft-I wanted to be Sarah. And have her witchy powers. Minus the friends trying to kill me part.

 

 

10. Casper- I had THE biggest crush on Devon Sawa.

 

 

11. The Adams Family and Adams Family Values-  THE all-American family, yes?

 

I've included one tv show: 

Roseanne- This is my all-time favorite sitcom. I own all the seasons and have watched all the episodes hundreds of times. The Halloween episodes are some of my most favorites for their hilarity.

 

When it comes to watching scary movies, I'm generally game. As long as I have at least one person watching it with me. If we watch it at night, then it has to turn in to a sleepover.
However, there are a select few horror movies that have scarred me for life and even just thinking about them freaks me out.

Now for the scary movies you will NEVER EVER under ANY circumstances EVER catch me watching.
1. Halloween -These movies (at least the first couple) are so freaking real to me and the original Halloween is the scariest movie I've ever almost seen. Mike Meyers. That mask. The scene where it's night and the lighting flashes illuminating the yard. I remember I was home alone during a similar scene outside and thought for sure Mike Meyers was going to bust my door down to murder me. It took a lot of mind power to search for this image. And now I won't be able to go to sleep.

2. Candyman- I remember trying to watch this movie and having to turn it off. My friend used to tease me by saying the phrase you're not supposed to say.  Yeah. No thanks.


3. Jeepers Creepers-Just typing the name of this movie gives me the creeps while simultaneously causing me to hear that terrifying jingle in my head. AHHHH!