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!