Book 21 The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson

It has been a great spring so far, with lots of sun and just enough rain to make the lilies at on the gravestones bloom ever so nicely.  It has kind of made this zombie mom want to go outside and enjoy the sun (and of course do some searching for some midday brains to nibble on).

When I am back in the crypt it is time to settle into my library coffin and enjoy a good book.  I would sit out in the sun to read, but ever seen a cadaver with a sunburn??  It's not pretty...

So book number 21 was The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson.  For those of you who do not frolic daily in the macabre or have not been living (or living dead like) on the planet Earth for the last 40 or so years, this is the story of George and Kathy Lutz who purchased 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York.  They only spent 28 days in the house and fled, leaving everything they owned in the dutch colonial home.

Now, yes there are so many people that claim this story is not true.  I'm am taking a moment to say that I don't care either way you believe, I am just here to review the story.

Personally I do believe the story is true, but that is my opinion.  This story was the first I read about a "true" paranormal experience, and thus opened my eyes to a world unseen to me at a young age.  I have researched, followed and loved these type of stories ever since, and when the Zombiedad found the hardcover of this story at a used book sale, I squealed like a little girl and nodded frantically (almost losing my head in the process, damn crypt rot)

I'm a bit disappointed to say this story didn't "give me the shivers" the way it used to..I think the last time I read this book was when I was 14...so it's been a while, and maybe I've expanded my knowledge in the realm of the paranormal so much so, that little bumps in the night, scary dreams, and green goo oozing from the walls doesn't scare me anymore?  Plus the fact I am the walking dead...maybe I'm just numb to it all?

After finishing this book I wondered what ever happened to the family??  I know Kathy Lutz died quite a while ago from emphysema, but I had no idea just a few years ago George Lutz died!  It's amazing how time forgot these two people, wether they told the truth or not.

Anyway...I've done it to myself again...I have two more books to blog about.  Why can't I get to these right after I'm done the book?  Darn sunshine!!  *fist shake*

Till next time my little minions!

Book #20-Eerie by Blake Crouch and Jordan Crouch

Ok I have to be honest with you all, I actually finished this book quite a while ago (about 2-3 weeks to be precise) but I was trying to find a way to blog about this novel without completely being negative.  So, here I am in the crypt library, sitting at my computer and I am going to tell it the way I feel, and hope I don't say anything that will offend anyone.

Now, first I have to say I LOVE Blake Crouch, his novels are entertaining, hold enough suspense to make you want to keep reading the book, and with a splattering of gore here and there...well, his writing is a great way to spend an afternoon, or evening just immersed in his words.  Alas, this book not so much.

I was completely thrilled when I received an email from Mr. Crouch asking me to review Eerie (no, I'm not a personal friend, I guess someone put my email into this mailing list and I occasionally get ebook copies of novels to review).   When I read the synopsis of the book I was even more thrilled, a ghost story?!?!?  Wow!  I love a good ghost story, and I couldn't wait for this novel to get on my iPad.

Well the day finally came, when Eerie came to my inbox.  Squealing with delight (yes, zombies squeal!) I put the novel on the iPad and sat down in my coffin to read.  I warned everyone on Facebook I was going to ignore them for a few days...and yes I did...a bit :)

Eerie is the story of Grant and Paige Moreton who, at a young age lost their father in a car accident.  They have both lived very different lives, Grant a detective and Paige bounces between different-not so legal-ways of making a living.

Grant is investigating a high class prostitute who may be a witness to a missing man, and ends up on Paige's doorstep. But Paige is hiding more then her way of life from Grant...now they both have to fight what ever is behind the walls of Paige's brownstone to survive.

This book was a great read...until the end.  I was completely caught up in the story, wanting more with every sentence.  I wasn't chilled or scared by this novel (C'mon, it takes quite a bit for a zombie to get scared!  Unless you have a bee or wasp...then I'm done..) The book takes a lot of unexpected twists in the story that you don't expect.

The ending was where the novel takes a downward spiral.  It feels rushed, and sort of takes a complete 180.  The last 50 pages or so, were not what I expected and left me feeling a bit unrewarded???  I guess my version of a ghost story is scary, something that will make you want to check under your bed for monsters.  I could be alone on that one...

Anyway...I am done my rant.  The book is enjoyable and definitely worth the money, it is only in ebook so you can find it here on Barnes and Noble (if you have a Nook or Kobo): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eerie-blake-crouch/1110628177?ean=2940014401555.  It is coming to Amazon on June 14.

I feel kind of dirty...as I am a total "Crouch Potato",  and I love his books, by saying anything negative about his (or his brothers writing) makes me feel icky.  But I write these blogs to tell you my honest opinion of the books I read, so I guess this zombie has to just suck it up.

Keeping with the ghost story theme...I am reading The Amityville Horror.  Bash me all you want, this is one of my favourite hauntings of all time, real or not.  This was actually the story that turned me into a paranormal lover.  It holds great memories of my childhood of me sitting in my bedroom trying to scare myself while reading this book.  Ahh...memories

Till next time my little minions!

PS.  Sorry for the long rant :)

Book 17, 18, and 19 Trying to catch up!

I've done it again to myself.  Read a bunch of books and forgot to blog them right after I finished...so now it's going to be three books to blog about :( I'm obviously a glutton for punishment...

Book 17 was Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James.  Yes..I know...I've become an addict for these novels!  The second book in this series continues to expand on the relationship Ana and Christian share.  You learn more about the past that haunts Christian and how Ana is helping him to move forward.  Yes there is still quite a bit of gratuitous sex, but it doesn't encompass the whole story.  There is a real story in between all the whips and chains... I swear.  You just need to look past the kink, if you can :)

Book 18 was Midnight Awakening by Lara Adrian, yes another paranormal romance...I don't know why but I am totally drawn to these types of books, they must pull on some of the heartstrings that haven't rotten away.  Anyway...this is the 3 book in the Midnight Breed Series, and tells the story of the warrior Tegan and Elise, a widowed breedmate.

Elise has dealt with loss, first her husband and now her only child Camden, who was lost to the new street drug affecting vampires, Crimson.  Elise has decided to take the war with the Rogues and Crimson into her own hands, until Tegan finds out what she is doing and uses everything at his power, including his heart, to pull her away from her quest hoping to save her life along with his own.

Book 19 was Midnight Rising by Lara Adrian another story the vampires of The Order.
This one centres on the story of Rio, a damaged and betrayed warrior who is looking to end his life, until he meets Dylan.

Dylan is a reporter for a weekly tabloid magazine, who is looking for her next big story to raise her level of journalism.  While on a vacation with friends to Berlin, she travels up a large mountain face, where she finds a strange old tomb in the mountain...and a dirty, emaciated and angry Rio.  Little does Dylan know...she is looking at the rest of her life.

So ok..after like a month of postponing this post I am finally done.  To much going on in tomb life these days to actually sit down and type.  This week I am on vacation, so I plan on getting caught up on a few things, such as gravedigging, brain eating, blogging, and of course reading!

I'm already half done my next book, it's a new one By Blake & Jordan Crouch called Eerie.  Will probably let you know by today or tomorrow my thoughts on this one :)

Till next time my little minions!

Book 16-Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Yes...I did it...I picked this book up.  If you haven't heard the gossip about this novel you must be living on another planet (or in a deeper tomb then me).

Fifty Shades of Grey caught my eye as I was surfing around on the Chapters website.  I considered it, and then passed it by.  Until last week, I still saw the book cover on the home page of Chapters and finally proceeded to read the reviews.  The first review stated it was awful writing, a horrible story and the characters just weren't put together well.  The second review explained how the book was just sex, sex, sex and how it bothered her and made her blush.  Wow!!  Sex, sex, sex?  Made someone uncomfortable??  I am so down with that!!

So I proceeded to my ebook retailer and grabbed an electronic copy of the book.  I sat down with my iPad, started to read, and didn't put the book down.

The story is about a young college student named Anastasia Steele who has to interview Christian Grey for the school newspaper.  Christian is a 27 year old entrepreneur who has achieved amazing wealth and loves to flaunt his money.  Ana is intimidated and unsure of herself, but knows she wants to get to know Christian much, much better.

Christian is living the life that most of us dream of, quite happy with how his businesses and personal life are going... then he meets Ana.  He is drawn to Ana and wants him with her, but on his terms...

All these people with negative comments on this book I personally think are crazy, or don't know how real life operates.  People are different, some love nice happy relationships, and there are some of us that prefer the not so smooth relationship.  Yes, this book is very sexual...almost like reading a porno movie, but you need to look past the sex and see the inner character growth.

Besides the sex, it is a heartwarming story to two people struggling to come together and make each other happy, discovering what really makes them who they are both personally and sexually.

I loved this book so much, I am now reading the second book in the series Fifty Shades Darker.  Actually I'm almost done it...you know...I'm actually starting to enjoy having nothing to do at work... ;D

Sheesh...I must really be getting old...this romance stuff is really starting to take over my reading choices...maybe this zombiemom actually has a heart somewhere in this rotting flesh??

Closing the doors to the library for now...till next time my little minions!

Book 15-Lover Unleashed by J.R Ward

Ever have one of those feelings where your so far behind in everything you supposed to do, that you feel like your running up a down escalator??  Yeah??  Me to...sigh.

So now I am behind 2 books again, and am scrambling to catch up...again. :(  It has been so busy around the crypt and the tomb library that I haven't had a moment to really find the time to do this blog.  But!  I am here now!  And am ready to inform you of the books I have been reading :)  No, no...stop the applause...it's not necessary.  Just kidding!

Ok, so book 15 was Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward.  I have been meaning to read this book for some time. It was originally published in hardcover and I couldn't bring myself to purchase it as it wouldn't go with my other books in this series (yes, I am THAT anal about my book collection).  Anyway...I decided to purchase it in ebook, just because I was that excited to read it...aaaannnnddd then, never read it...until now!!!  *hanging my head in shame*

Lover Unleashed is the story of Payne, the sister of the Black Dagger Brotherhood warrior Vishous.  When an unexpected accident puts Payne in the hospital Jane takes it upon herself to get the best surgeon for the job, her former co worker Manuel Manello.

Manny is instantly attracted to the dark haired, fair eyed Payne, and it seems the feelings are mutual.  Manny and Payne both know that to be together they will have to bend the rules, and hopefully not risk anyones life in doing so.

I really enjoyed this book, as I do with all the Black Dagger Brotherhood books.  They have engaging stories that have a tendency to grab and hold your attention.  You can't help but root for Payne and Manny to achieve the happiness together that they both desire.

My only complaint is the use of what I call Black Dagger Brotherhood speak.  Now, I do enjoy the occasional reference to "shitkickers", and the use of the familiar line in the series "Your feeling me, true?" .  It got a little old in this book (yes Dawn it did make me a little nauseous).  There's only so much a zombie can handle.

There's not much I can else I can say...I do recommend if I have interested you in this book, to read them in order from the beginning.  This is a series of books and a lot of the plot in this book depends on bits and pieces from previous books.

Leaving the doors of the library open, so I can finish my second blog of the night.  I will not be moving from this spot until I finish!

Till next time my little minions!

Book 14-Kiss of Crimson by Lara Adrian

Wow...after a week of spring cleaning the crypt I was able to squish in some time to read and finish a book I started some time ago.

Kiss of Crimson is the second in the Midnight Breed series, a paranormal romance about a group of vampires called the Breed, who fight against other vampires that have gone Rogue.

Kiss of Crimson is the story of Dante, one of the Breed warriors who would put his life on the line to kill the Rogue vampires in his city.  One night he is forced to take refuge in what he figures is an empty business after taking a brutal beating from his enemies.  He is near death and looking for help, but instead he stumbles into Tess's veterinary clinic...

Tess does not know what to do with the black clad, dripping wet and bleeding stranger.  Tess works to help Dante, not knowing what or who he is.  She saves his life and steals his heart in the process.  Now Dante must work to keep Tess at his side or lose his heart to her forever.

I find myself really getting into these books.  Lara is able to put a personality into her characters that totally draws you in, and gets you rooting for or screaming in frustration to them.  Both Tess and Dante are total opposites who really cement the old cliche "opposites attract".  They are two completely different people, Dante who only wants to kill his enemies and Tess who looks to heal animals and usually does it on a pro bono basis.  Caring gentle soul meets damaged killer...it's a great paring and a great book.

My only complaint (again) is that the stories are almost exactly like J.R. Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood books.  Both series centre on a group of warrior vampires who work to keep their kind safe from their enemies.  Each book centres on one warrior, and that warrior always seems to find the one woman he can't live without.

My best fiend Dawn would be happy to know there is no "BDB speak" and no "shitkickers"   (which in case you didn't know a shitkicker is a large black boot).  I can't help but chuckle at her when she screeches at me (she is the Banshee of Busby...what else do banshee's do?) about shitkickers.  Aww Dawn...I love you!  ;)

Till next time my little minions!!  I am still trying to figure out what book to read next..

Book 13-Mocking Jay by Suzanne Collins

Wow...it has been quite a while since I finished this book.  I meant to retreat into my crypt and do this blog about 10 days ago..but unfortunately life as you all know it got it the way. So here I am taking a well deserved break from my spring tomb cleaning (can't live the entire year with dust and cobwebs) and decided to finally sit and do this!

Book 13 was Mocking Jay, the third and final book in the Hunger Games trilogy.  This book basically wraps up the story of Katniss and her fight against the Capitol.  Again, I can't say to much about the story without giving it away, which is kind of a bummer.

I'll be completely honest...the first half of this book wasn't holding my attention at all.  It had to much of a political feel to it, kind of like reading a historical account of those that have fought battles against any of the other dictators, Hitler, Saddam take your pick.  This part of the story I found just drug on and on...not going anywhere.  Thankfully I kept turning the pages and was pleasantly surprised the way the story ended..somewhat.

Ok, Ok..it wasn't the total ending I wanted...but hey...I didn't write the story, did I??  All in all this was an amazing trilogy which I would one day pick up again just to remember Katniss, Peeta and all the other characters.  It was thoroughly enjoyable and this Zombiemom would recommend all of my followers read it, if you haven't already.

My daughter and I went and say the movie as well.  Hunger Games came out last Friday and my zombager drug us out to see the late movie. Just like the book, the movie was also amazing.  Pretty much true to the book, which made me happy, there is nothing worse then when people change a book into a movie and take what you felt were the important parts out.  Eventhough...I was hoping Haymitch would throw up on himself...alas...I guess Mr. Harrelson wouldn't go for that.

The doors of the crypt library are still open, as I am looking for another book, and also airing out my little alcove a bit...all a part of the spring cleaning.  

Till next time my minions!!

Book 12-Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Wow!  Having so much "free" time at work has given me a chance to get caught up on my reading!  It's kind of nice to get paid to sit and read a book (No that is not in my job description), but this zombie mom isn't one for sitting and doing nothing when I'm getting paid...it's driving me a little nuts.

Anyway..onto book my review of Catching Fire, the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy.  *SPOILERS!*  If you haven't read the first book, and don't want to spoil the end for yourself...please stop reading now!!




Katniss and Peeta, the two sole winners of the 74th Hunger Games are happy to be free of the arena and thankful that their families will never have to worry about being safe or hungry ever again, but the Capitol is angry.  There is talk of rebellion amoung the 12 districts of Panem, and the Capitol blames Katniss.

It really sucks with trying to review trilogies...you can't really give a good synopsis of the novel without giving some important details away.  I hope those of you that haven't read The Hunger Games, will have heeded my warning at the beginning of this post.  I wouldn't want to spoil the story for everyone.

Speaking of the story...I really am loving the storyline in these novels.  It it engaging, a little bloody and shocking in parts, with a little bit of political tension.  Kind of like a plot potpourri.  If you haven't read these books, I suggest get your paws on them and sit down for a good read.

Well I won't be closing the doors of the library for a while,  I am sitting by mouldy butt down in reading coffin set to enjoy the third and final book in this trilogy: Mocking Jay.

I'll probably have it done in no time...with the amount of work I have to do at my day job.

Till next time my little minions!

Book #11 Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I have to confess...this is kind of a cheat book. I have read Hunger Games before, when it first came out, but with my daughter losing her marbles about the upcoming movie and wanting me to see it with her...I figured I better reread the novel, and follow up with the remaining two in the series. 

So with a slow period at my workplace, and with the help of my coworker, Mallory, I was able to get a .pdf copy of Hunger Games and read it while "working".  It wasn't really what I wanted to do, but sitting at your desk twiddling you thumbs is about as fun as eating glass. 

Hunger Games is a story based in  the nation of Panem (which was formally North America).  There is the Capital-something like the capital city-surrounding by 12 districts.  Each year the Capital  puts on The Hunger Games, a fight to the death for two children (one boy and one girl) from each of the districts.  The individual who "wins" or lives to the end of the Hunger Games is given food, housing etc. for themselves as well as their impoverished district. 

Katniss Everdeen is forced into the Hunger Games.  She regards it as a death sentence and knows she may never see her family again.  Something inside of Katniss awakens in this novel, and she learns to survive amongst 23 other kids who are looking to kill her, to win the Hunger Games. 

Although this was the second time I have read this book, I found myself immersed in the story more, and not that I remember everything from the first time I read the book, I'm pretty sure I was catching a lot of things I missed with the first reading.  The book is an excellent read, and I recommend everyone to pick it up.  If you don't , please don't see the movie...there's nothing worse than seeing a movie and then reading the book and you realize how much they cut from the movie (Psst...I haven't seen the Harry Potter movies yet...because I haven't read all the books).

Well I'm pretty sure I'm somewhat ready for the movie now...but to make my zombager (teenage zombie) daughter happy I will continue on with Catching Fire...what the heck else am I going to do at work???

Closing the doors of the crypt library for now, till next time my little minions!

Book #10 Kiss of Midnight By Lara Adrian

Any of you have a  co-worker who pays attention to what your reading, and gives you suggestions on what to read??  Well I do have a co-worker that does this...and damn you Heather!!!  I am cursing you!!

Now I must say...I am not an individual who loves romance novels, but vampire smut, I'm all there!  Heather pointed me to the author Lara Adrian who writes the Midnight Breed novels, and now I'm hopelessly ADDICTED.

For those of you who have read J.R. Wards, Black Dagger Brotherhood series these books are something like it.  A group of vampires called the Breed, fight against Rogue vampires...those that have succumbed to the Bloodlust, making them feral animals with no sense of right or wrong.

The first book is about Lucan Thorne, the leader of the Breed and an direct defendant of the original vampires.  He suffers everyday fighting against his bloodlust, not wanting to turn into the thing he hates most.  He lives everyday fighting with himself and the Rogues.

Gabrielle Maxwell is a young woman who goes out for a night on the town with her closest friends.  She unwillingly witnesses a murder in the back alley behind the club she's at.  Always the trigger happy photographer, she snaps some photos on her cell phone, but the flash catches the attention of the yellow eyed men that are ripping their victim apart.

Lucan has been watching Gabrielle in the club, he follows her outside and witnesses what has happened.  He knows he has to protect her from the Rogues, but will saving her life draw her into his arms??

I really enjoyed this book, it is very close to the JR Ward series (as I mentioned before) but it does have some different angles to it.  Now, I love the Black Dagger Brotherhood books, so I was totally down with this book.  I love big, dark vampires and smutty vampire sex.  Yes even me, in my little dark crypt, have desires for a manly vampire!!

Closing the doors on the crypt library...til next time my little minions!!

Book 9-Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

How many of you out there love Shakespeare?? How many hate his work?? I myself love Macbeth and Hamlet (anything with a murder and or ghosts and such) but hated Romeo and Juliet...I couldn't bring myself to read the whole play...even though it ends in death and suicide...I couldn't get past the poopy "Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo?"  Excuse me...the brains I ate last night are coming up.... *gag*

So when my BFF the Banshee of Busby, Dawn called me over to meet the amazing author Jessica Bell (in from Greece I might add) You can check her books here: http://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jessica+bell&x=0&y=0) and have dinner, I knew she had something to give me!

After dinner the Banshee handed me a book, Juliet Immortal, I was interested right from the start (after all the Banshee is a writer herself and has a knack for picking out good reads). Then I read the synopsis and was kinda iffy about continuing the book...but I pushed through and was pleasantly surprised :)

Juliet Immortal is a story about Romeo and Juliet, but much, much different. This story takes place in present time and now, the two work against each other. Juliet's soul works for the Amabasadors, those who work to make sure true "soul mates" are together for eternity. Juliets "job" is to inhabit a living individual and ensure the two people end up together. Romeo's soul works for the Mercenaries who strive to make sure the soul mates are never together. Romeo inhabits only the dead, and works against Juliet.

For 700 years the two have worked against each other, until Juliet in her new body, has found someone she is forbidden to love, and Romeo uses everything in his power to destroy that love..he wants Juliet to love him..only him.

Honestly this book was great...I found myself intrigued by the concept of the story, and the fact that it wasn't all smoochy and love. These two characters from the greatest love story of all time (to some...not me), were against each other...it was purely poetic!

I loved the characters, the setting, and the conflict in the book.  If you looking for a different spin on Shakespeare pick up this book.  But I must warn you, this is a young adult novel, so there is no gratuitous gore, sex, or language...Bummer :(

Look past those little negatives for a great read!  I promise you!

I am actually almost done my 10th book on the challenge.  I am going to curl up in my coffin and finish it.  Type at you all soon!!

Book 8-Dead City by Joe A McKinney

Wow...the crypt is white today. After an easy winter here in Canada it looks like Mother Nature has put the joke on us. Snow fell yesterday, not a little bit of snow, but something around the amount of a foot. It's white and fluffy and painful to the eyes when you go outside.

But anyway onto my reason for this blog post, book #8 of the 100 book challenge Dead City by Joe A. McKinney! After wandering though the crypt library for a while, I was stumped on what to read..I have lots of horror novels, but nothing was really peaking my fancy..so I went to find my iPad, where I have lots of novels (mainly those from my fav authors J.A Konrath, Jack Kilborn and Blake Crouch). I was scrolling aimlessly when I stumbled upon Dead City and realized I needed a whole heck of a lot of blood, innards and gore to settle my book needs (c'mon with a cover like that, who couldn't resist!)

Ok now let me say if your looking for a book with in depth characters, feeling or some sort of impact you will not find it in this book. This book is perfect for those of us who love to "roll" with the blood, brain eating, and all out carnage that zombies cause. It was an easy read with lots of rotting flesh, black vomit, and empty body cavities. Amazing!

Although I loved the gore factor in the book, I found myself not believing in the characters plights. They are almost hollow in a way...but the gore made up for it and kept me reading.

So now my appetite for gore is somewhat satiated..yeah right! I am able to move onto book #9. Hopefully it will have a bit more feeling, but the same amount of gore. I know...keep dreaming.

Til next time my little minions!

Book 7-The Presence by Heather Graham

Ever have an author that you purchase 90% of the books they write, and you never read them?? Such is the case for me with Heather Graham. I have purchased her books for years and never had the chance to read them...until I finally picked up Haunted (book #3 for this year). Now I wouldn't say I'm addicted to her novels, but I do enjoy story with some kind of supernatural elements to it. Heather Graham does not disappoint.

The Presence is the story of a bunch of friends that rent a castle in Scotland, hoping to turn it into a tourist attraction using a story that is generated by Toni Fraser, unfortunately her faux story is all to real. Toni as a child had dreams of murders that were going to be committed. With the help of Adam Harrison, a man who runs a paranormal investigation agency, she has learned to suppress her visions and learn to deal with them, but with the return of the current Laird of the castle, Bruce MacNiall (who looks exactly like the character she envisioned in her story for the attraction), she is finding she is unable to stop her visions. The ghosts of the castle are trying to tell her something...is it a warning about her sudden attraction to Bruce? Is it something to do with the current murders in the town of Tillingham? You'll have to read the book to find out.

The Presence is a book that intertwines romance, mystery, and paranormal suspense. I found the paranormal aspect of the story wasn't all that engaging, but the electricity between Toni and the Laird Bruce MacNiall is what kept me turning the pages. You can't help but wonder if they're going to kill each other or get together. The story was well paced, and somewhat intriguing. My only complaint is the paranormal aspect wasn't scary...I like it when ghosts can give you chills up your back or make you look over your shoulder. I didn't feel this with this novel, but it is interesting enough to keep you turning the pages.

I am not closing the doors of the library just yet..I am wandering around amid the pages and floating dust trying to find another book to read...think I might need to get a maid down here..

Til next time my little minions!

Book 6 Cinder-By Marissa Meyer

Ok, Ok, so I'm off to a bit of a slow start for this 100 book challenge, I have actually read 7 books, but haven't had the time to blog about them. My crypt, family and the working life have called a few to many times and not allowed me to nestle down in my reading coffin to really get into a book...until now.

After bumming around on Facebook one afternoon, I happened on a listing for Chapters.ca for a book called Cinder, I was instantly intrigued with the book. Having an immense desire to have the book in my dusty hands, I snuck out (little to the zombie dad's knowledge) and picked it up.

Now honestly after picking up the book I looked at the cover closely and kinda thought to myself WTF?? It shows a robotic leg inside a red high heeled shoe...Ok it was either robotic erotica, or sci fi type of story. I remembered just after thinking about the robotic erotica, that this is a young adult novel so erotica it is not...sci fi it is...bummer. :(

I am not a sci fi reader at all...honestly I find the genre boring, and not all that engrossing...unless it's has a lot of brain sucking, limb ripping aliens or something along that line (come on who in their right mind, doesn't love the game Dead Space?). Which really took me by surprise, when I couldn't put Cinder down.

Cinder takes place in the future after World War 4 and the entire world is nothing like we know now. Cinder is a teenage cyborg who is both ostracized by society simply because of what she is. She struggles to find her place, and runs her own mechanic shop in the market where she does repairs on androids, hovercrafts etc. for the people of New Beijing. She struggles with life at home with her stepmother, and two step sisters who are always against anything and everything she does.

The planet of Earth is struggling with a plaque-Letumosis, and people called Lunars that live on the moon and their Queen is hell bent on marrying the emporer. Doctors are struggling to find a cure for the plague, but cannot seem to pinpoint exactly what to do about the disease. And now the Emperor of New Beijing is dieing Letumosis.

On a somewhat happier note New Beijing is holding the annual Ball. Cinder would like to go, and her stepmother promises she can go if she finishes her chores, which strangely seem to add up as soon as Cinder finishes one. She is defeated and realizes that her dreams of going to the ball will not come to be...until the Prince Kai shows up at her repair business....

This is an amazing book. It is a retelling of the Cinderella story from a futuristic/science fiction angle. Marissa Meyers discribes her characters with such intense wording that you can't help but feel for everything they are going though. From Cinder, to her "wicked" stepmother you can't help but love and hate each and every one.

Closing the doors of the crypt library for now...Till next time my little minions!

Book 5-The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Wow..all I can say is wow, for this book. I never thought I would want to read this book...ever. The Help has no serial killers, vampires, werewolves, splattered brains/innards, and no blood..well maybe a little. Not exactly the genre of my choice, but with all the hype around the book my curiosity got the best of me and I picked it up.

The Help is the story of 3 women. Aibileen, Skeeter, and Minny...3 woman who have the times and their homelife to contend with, but who strive to do better for themselves and their families.

Aibileen is a middle age black woman in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, who has spent her whole life as a maid for white families. She has struggled with harsh treatment from her employers, loving the children she has brought up knowing they will eventually forget her and harbor the same feeling as their parents: "Black folk aren't equal to White folk"

Minny is another middle aged black woman, who is Aibileens best friend. The two have confided in each other about their employers, the good , the bad and the ugly. Minny is a strong woman, is an amazing cook, with a sassy tongue unafraid to tell anyone where to go and how to get there. This has caused many of her white employers to fire her, and start rumors around the town regarding her work ethic and her integrity.

Skeeter is a young white woman who has just returned from college, and would like to pursue a career in the area of writing or editing, but she is shunned due to the fact she has no husband. After witnessing how black people are treated Skeeter wants to create awareness about the atrocities being committed against Blacks, in Jackson and all over the country.

After contacting a publisher about a job opportunity, Skeeter comes up with an idea to write a book about the things maids are going through working with their white families. She teams up with Aibileen initially to write this book, but eventually gets the help of Minny and other maids, who are combating the fear of being caught to tell their story.

This book was amazing, it grabbed me right from the first page and kept me wanting to read it. Not having lived in 1962, I had no idea the trials of the African American people. Not only was this a heartwarming, and sometimes heartwrenching story, it opened my eyes to how life really was.

From someone who would not normally read a book such as this, I am telling all of you to go out and get this book, sit down with a coffee, tea, or a stiff drink and immerse yourself into these 3 womens story. You will not be disappointed.

Closing the doors of the Crypt library for now...Til next time all my little minions!

Book 4-Hold me Closer Necromancer by Lish McBride

Well...it's been a long time since I posted my last blog...now it is time for the catch up. After having my computer taken away for repair by my local apple store for 3 bloody weeks (I was originally told it would be 5 to 7 days..yeah ok), and going through multitudes of emails, catching up on my guilty pleasure of Frontierville-come on even the Zombiemom has to have some vices-I am ready to blog!

The fourth book in the 100 book challenge was Hold my Closer Necromancer by Lish McBride. I have had this book in the tomb library for some time, borrowed from the Banshee of Busby Dawn. I stood in amongst my library and debated what to read (trust me I have a TON to chose from!), finally deciding on this one...I was not disappointed.

Hold me Closer is the story of Sam, a normal everyday teen, working at a local fast food joint, hanging with friends, and playing potato hockey until he meets Douglas.

Turns out Douglas is a necromancer with a nasty temper. He runs into Sam after a bad round of potato hockey, and demands the Sam tell him why he is in "his" area, and does "the council" know. Sam is confused, and yes, a quite a bit scared, when he discovers he is also a necromancer. Douglas has given Sam one week to decide wether or not he will join forces with Douglas, and he better chose correctly or Sams whole world will fall apart.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book. It was written smoothly, allowing the reader to get engrossed in Sams plight. I found myself laughing at the funny parts, and feeling for Sam in the intense moments.

Each chapter in the book (and the title) is a reworked line from an 80's song. I couldn't help but sing "Hold me closer tiny dancer" every time I saw the title..Hell I'm still doing it!. It made me smile every time I'd start a new chapter and the song would go through my head (even though some of those songs I would rather forget).

This book was fun to read, and had quite a few plot twists that keep you guessing. I would seriously recommend picking it up

One down...two more to go. See you all in a little bit with the next blog. I hate catching up...

Book #3 Haunted by Heather Graham

Looking for a ghost story type of book that will give you the chills, and make you think about leaving the lights on in your crypt??? Ummm...this is not one of those books, but it was a good story all the same. :)

The story centres around Melody House, a colonial house in Virginia. There have been rumours and whispers of the hauntings going on at Melody House...but the owner Matt Stone doesn't believe in ghosts. Finally he is forced to bring in help in the form of an old family friend, Adam Harrison, who owns a paranormal investigation agency.

Enter Darcy Tremayne, a strong young woman who works for the paranormal agency called into investigate Melody House. Darcy has an ability to sense things about a location, she dreams about the past and can normally figure our what has happened at a location through her visions. Darcy warns Matt that he may not like what she finds regarding Melody House. Matt the non believer scoffs at her, and figures she is just nuts...but something about her draws him to her...

I have collected quite a few of Heather Grahams novels though the years. They have sat in the library in my crypt for quite some time, gathering gravedust. Her books have always made me raise an eyebrow when I read the synopsis, ghosts, hauntings, and the like are TOTALLY up my alley so to say. Unfortunately I haven't picked up one of her books until now (been pulled away by such authors as Jack Kilborn, J.A Konrath and Blake Crouch. If you haven't read anything by these authors go now!! Pick something up!!). I am very happy with Heather's writing style and how the story progresses. It is smooth, and engrossing.

My only complaint is the spirits in this book are guiding and mean no harm to the living. They want to communicate and tell their story, wether good or bad. Personally if your going to make a story centred around a haunting at least make them a little unnerving??? Who doesn't love a story with a crazed ghost wanting everyone to violently pay for what happened to them or at least scare the heck out of someone....oh? Just me?!?! Hmmm...

Other then that I enjoyed the book, it was a good story with a bunch of spooky moments, some romance, and a bit of a mystery in there to. I would recommend the book to those that don't like something to scary to read. (stay away from aforementioned authors if your one of these people)

Closing the doors of the crypt for now, till next time!

Book 2-The Moonlit Mind by Dean Koontz

Well what can I say about book #2?? Only that I had huge hopes for it...sadly I was let down.

The Moonlit Mind is a prelude novella to Mr. Koontz's newest novel 77 Shadow Street, which I have been dying (no pun intended) to read since I received the email about it's release. When I discovered The Moonlit Mind I jumped on it. It is only available as an ebook, which suited me just fine.

The book is a story of a young boy named Crispin who has to flee his stepfathers home, Telford Hall, to save his life. He is alone at the age of 9, and has to struggle on the streets to survive. He meets a dog who he names Harley (after his younger brother), who is not your average dog.

I really don't know what more to tell you...I was very disappointed in this story...I hope everything that happened in the book comes together in 77 Shadow Street. I found this book to be scattered and unorganized. It didn't catch my interest in the beginning, and thus I had a hard time bouncing between the current story and the multitude of flashbacks.

Sorry for not much "heart" in this blog post...I just didn't feel a lot of desire to read this book, but I finished it, and I am again hoping 77 Shadow Street is so much better. With all the hype surrounding it, it better be.

You can check out the trailer for it on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kKCo7jVO4w

I am crossing my fingers and toes!

Here we go again! Book 1 of 100

Wow...it's been quite a while since I have written a "confession". 2011 was a busy, busy year with not much time to think, nevermind read. I have agreed to another 100 book challenge with the "Banshee of Busby", my BFF Dawn, hoping to dig myself out of the ground and read again.

Hopefully 2012 will be much less hectic, and give me the much needed time to open the doors of my crypt and dig out the books that have built up a layer of grave dust.

The first book I have opened is Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. Although this one has no gravedust as it was just released, it still had it's fair share of haunting my brain. My best fiend (no typo there) Dawn actually opened my eyes to this book about 6 months ago, and we have both been chomping (Brrraaaaiiiiinnnssss!) to get our hands on this book.

Shatter Me is the story of Juliette, a 17 year old girl who has been placed in "an asylum" by her parents, who are unable to cope with her "special ability". Juliette can kill people by touching them.

Honestly, I almost put this book in the "will never finish" pile quite a few times. The beginning of the book reads like a Simple Plan song...a lot of "pity me, pity me, my life is awful, woe is me blah blah blah" It totally had be wanting to gouge my rotting eyes out more then once. But...I didn't...and I can't say I am happy about pushing through to the end of the book, but I am satisfied.

The book carries on this way until about page 100 (which is a long damn time for a book to actually get moving), once the character of Adam comes into the plot, things seem to turn around.

I can't explain to much without spoiling the book, but lets just say Adam makes even this Zombiemom's heart flutter a bit more, and on occasion my dry eyes get a little moist. He is an amazing addition to this story, allowing Juliette to really open up like a flower. Her character and true personality comes forth and you can't help but feel for her, and those that she cares for.

So yes, I would recommend getting your decomposing hands on this book, if you would only like to escape for a little bit.