Guest Mini-Review: Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

Image from Amazon

Title: Dearly Departed

Series: Gone With Respiration #1

Author: Lia Habel

Publisher: Corgi Children's 

Publication Date: 7 June 2012

Source: Review Copy

Rating: 

Synopsis from Goodreads

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.

GUEST REVIEW BY MADISON

Nora is attacked one night and carried away by an army of the living dead. don't get me wrong, these are the good guys sent to protect Nora from another group of living dead that want her well dead. The evil zombies want to kill Nora and are willing to feast on anyone in order to increase their numbers. Bram, one of the good undead, tries to earn Nora's trust but she wonders if she will ever be safe again.

My favorite part of the book was when Bram trying to earn Mora's trust uses the locks on his door. This is where they first started to bond, getting to know each other better and trust is built between them. I didn't like Bram's boss at all, he was cruel and unfair however his character was necessary to the plot.

I really enjoyed this book, it was thrilling and I am looking forward to reading the next one. 

Review: Die For Me by Amy Plum

Title: Die For Me
Series: Revenants
Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: Atom
Publication Date: 5 May 2011





Synopsis: From Amazon
My life had always been blissfully, wonderfully normal. But it only took one moment to change everything. Suddenly, my sister, Georgia and I were orphans. We put our lives into storage and moved to Paris to live with my grandparents. And I knew my shattered heart, my shattered life, would never feel normal again. Then I met Vincent. Mysterious, sexy and unnervingly charming, Vincent Delacroix appeared out of nowhere and swept me off my feet. Just like that, I was in danger of losing my heart all over again. But I was ready to let it happen. Of course, nothing is ever that easy. Because Vincent is no normal human. He has a terrifying destiny, one that puts his life at risk every day. He also has enemies...immortal, murderous enemies who are determined to destroy him and all of his kind.

Review:
Due to the compelling nature of this book I did not make as many notes as I usually do while reading. Typically I jot stuff down as it wafts through mind like a cool breeze and gets lost just as quickly. Hence I am trying to piece together a comprehensive review from words randomly written down such as OMG, awesome, *swoon* including little stars by it. At least you know I liked it right [ ; D ]

From the synopsis you can already see that the narration is first person from Katie's point of view. At 16 she has gone to live in Paris with her sister and grandparents following the untimely death of her parents in a car crash. Her grief and desperation are palpable from the pages, so realistic and identifiable, instantly bonding me with her, especially where she prefers to escape into a fantasy world to relieve the pressure of the real one. She has such a strength of character that really progresses her character through the prose, level headed and mature in her attitude.  She embarks on an emotionally turbulent journey with extreme highs and lows.

The rich descriptive imagery brought Katie's world to life in my imagination. The reference to Armani underwear models had me snorting with laughter, lightening the atmosphere. Her grandparents are what I imagine to be typical older generation french, very laid back and elegant, wonderfully supportive yet surprisingly liberal in attitude. I was irritated by Georgia, Katie's sister, she was shallow, narcissistic and immature but you could not escape the fact that her love for Katie was her real driving force.

The plot is revealed in little nibbles spaced tantalising apart, perfectly spaced for compulsive page turning; I practically devoured this feast of a book in one sitting only putting it down at 2am in order to get some sleep before school the next day.

Although the Revenants are referred throughout as zombies I just could not reconcile the idea of them being zombies to the image I had in my head. To me the Revenants were akin to Guardian Angels - giving their lives to save others souls - doesn't get more guardian angel than that. OK so they are the walking living dead with the ability to regenerate - who cares - to me they are definitely angels. Making the Numa (the evil zombies) the devils. So if you have angels and devils fighting for the souls of humans what kind of story that I love do we have - yes you guessed a giant battle of good and evil *sssswwwooonnnn*

Be warned there are some serious romantic moments throughout, thank goodness it's a paranormal romance cos I am pretty sure I have not met a man can live up to this kind of ramance. I tip my imagery hat to Katie for being so level headed and not going all completely gushy. She is determined to take her time with the relationship she and Vincent are forging. Savouring every moment of their time together.

As I stated at the beginning of this review I didn't take many notes so I hope my review makes some sense. Unfortunately I am struggling with how to sum it up unless I use the note words I had written - OMG, awesome and *swoon*. And on a personal note to Amy and Atom - you guys are killing me by making me wait an entire year for the next book [ ; D ]

MG Monday: Review: Beautiful Dead: Phoenix by Eden Maguire

Title: Phoenix
Series: Beautiful Dead
Author: Eden Maguire
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books
Publication Date: 7 Oct 2010

Source: Amazon




Synopsis: From Amazon
Darina is in denial. Even after all she’s been through, the Beautiful Dead can’t be real. They must be a figment of her grief-stricken imagination. But visions of Phoenix and Hunter prove otherwise and soon she’s drawn back to Foxton, to the barn, to Phoenix - where they have, what may just be, their final reunion.
It’s the moment they’ve been dreading - time to solve Phoenix’s mystery. Everything has been building to this but Darina knows that revealing the true circumstances of Phoenix’s death will lead to their final parting. With this impossible mixture of emotions, Darina begins to unscramble the facts, but she’s up against mounting obstacles: the distraction of Hunter’s personal mystery, Phoenix’s returning father, threats of gang violence and conspiracies to blur and block the truth.
With time pressure mounting and the risk of Phoenix being sent back into unending limbo, Darina puts herself in danger, and so the mystery of the Beautiful Dead builds into a heart-breaking climax ...

Review:
I have to say I dropped everything else to read this last installment of The Beautiful Dead. I started it with some trepidation knowing this would be the last time I would read about Hunter, Phoenix and Darina. The narrative was tension filled from the very beginning. I had to pace myself in order to fully appreciate the book and prolong having to part with Phoenix.

So much more of the back story to Darina and Phoenix is revealed in this book, giving resolution to an number of plot threads. Contrasting descriptions of events from various characters mixed in with conflicting personalities all add up to a melting pot through which Darina has to sift in order to gain the truth surrounding Phoenix's death. With only 10 days in which to settle the problem how is Darina going to cope? The narrative conveyed the feeling that time seems to speed up when you have a deadline unnervingly accurately.

It came as a surprise that Darina and Phoenix had only been in a relationship for just over 2 months before his death. Such a short time for such intense emotions. I started to wonder just how well they knew each other. Flashbacks of their relationship added insight and understanding to the plot.

The characterisations were expanded more than the previous books, really showing all sides of the main characters personalities. Darina showed amazing strength of character via which she was able to gain some more control over her life without Phoenix.

I completely adored how dysfunctional the Rohr's were; the introduction of Phoenix's father returning to the family after he had abandoned them really rounded that side of the plot off.

The sub-plot regarding Darina's connection to Hunter is also given a skillful culmination. I really liked how Hunter's personality and interactions softened with each book allowing him to also find peace after so many years in what can only be described as purgatory.

All of the suspicions held from the previous books all culminate to a satisfactory conclusion in this book. However, I have to say that I did guess the plot and could really see that this had to be the last book when Darina had to travel back to the scene of the death as she has in previous books. Nonetheless this knowledge did not stop me crying like a big baby when I finally finished reading it.

On the whole a great series suitable for the Middle Grade age range and perfect for a light, quick read.

Review: The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Synopsis: From Amazon
Carrie Ryan's sensational new novel reveals more of the secrets of the world after the return of the Unconsecrated and introduces a new heroine who must tangle with her mother's secrets. Gabry lives a quiet life, secure in her town next to the sea and behind the Barrier. She's content to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. Home is all she's ever known and, and all she needs for happiness. But life after the Return is never safe and there are threats even the Barrier can't hold back. Gabry's mother thought she left her secrets behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, but, like the dead in their world, secrets don't stay buried. And now, Gabry's world is crumbling. One night beyond the Barrier . . . One boy Gabry's known forever and one veiled in mystery . . . One reckless moment, and half of Gabry's generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry knows only one thing: if she has any hope of a future, she must face the forest of her mother's past.

Review:
I actually read this months ago and just haven't got around to writing the review *am dreadful*. I managed to pick up a copy shortly after finishing The Forest of Hands and Teeth in the library. I walked in for a browse, was just about to leave with nothing when I turned to find the book staring at me from a display stand. How excited was I. I never expected the library to have it the week it was published, you can imagine my excitement and seeing the library stamp go on that shiny new page *bliss*.

This time the book is written from the perspective of Gabry. Gabry is roughly the same age as Mary was in TFHT but a completely different personality altogether. She doesn't crave freedom from the barriers that surround the village in order to keep the 'mudo' out. Comparatively, she views them as a symbol of security, something which she embraces fully. All she wants from life is to feel safe. As the book progressed we discover the relationship between Gabry and Mary; I found myself comparing them finding they both had very selfish/self-centred traits, not thinking how their actions would affect others. I tried to put myself in their position to imagine how I would act, I wasn't successful.

She regards the other teenagers in her village with incredulity, finding their need to put themselves in danger in order to have fun as idiotic. She feels that they take their safety for granted. Of course, she is proved right.

Images of the movie I Am Legend kept running through my head with the comparison in the plot.

The storyline is dramatic, even shocking in parts; tying together the first book with the sequel seamlessly. There is no getting away from the fact that you have to read this series in order or you wont understand the intricacies of the plot. The descriptions are dynamic and sensory; I had the feeling I could feel/smell/touch/taste/hear all of the action (not necessarily a good thing when talking about zombies, lol). I was totally immersed in the narrative. At times my body would go rigid with the tension emanating from the pages. The tension was palpable making my heart race, I even held my breath in parts. My stomach literally flipped at the 'soulers' ceremony.

There are ingenious parallels within the narrative. The idea that nowhere is safe and maybe they should return to the forest (its the ocean every-time for me). Also the parallel imagery conjured by the description of Mary and Gabry in the waves compared to the photograph of Mary's Grandmother and Mother was inspired.

I particularly liked the philosophical debate between Elias and Gabry with regard to the soul and life after death. Including the retention of our memories and feelings. What happens to our memories when we die? \Do we carry them with us onto another life/ Do they no longer exist/ Or do they live on through others? The interpretation we can gain from this debate in relation to the 'mudo' is that the body is a vessel, upon death the soul leaves the body. the soul being the essence of who we are. Therefore, the 'mudo' are just empty (very scary, flesh eating) vessels that once contained a soul.

The inclusion of Shakespeare sonnets was brilliant, the death imagery was open to interpretation depending on the situation. Genius.

Overall a fantastic adrenaline filled book. I have to admit that at the time of reading this it had not been announced that there was to be a third book. Immediately upon finishing the book, I emailed Carrie Ryan asking if there was to be a third book. It was a compulsive need to have resolution of all aspects of the plot. I will be honest and I am a big fan of happy ending. Is there a chance that we could get a happy ending in a zombie apocalypse???

Review: The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Synopsis: From Amazon
In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future - between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

Review:
In complete contrast to The Beautiful Dead this book contains zombies that are truly terrifying. The ones that are only interested in eating you alive, the fresher the 'meat' the better. Chilling to the bone.  I was slightly concerned about reading this, knowing my dislike of gore and vivid imagination, the threat of nightmares imminent. Although the book does contain shudder worthy imagery and some heart pounding moments, it doesn't just contain that element within the narrative. What I found was a pleasant *maybe not the correct choice of word for a zombie book* surprise.

Written in first person narrative from Mary's perspective. A young woman who has grown up in a tiny village in the middle of a large Forest filled with zombies. Isolated from the rest of the world, raised to follow the rules of The Sisterhood without question. This has been the way of the village for generations. However, Mary has been told tales passed down through the family of how the world used to be before the infection took place. These tales make her questions their way of life and ponder the possibility of other villages beyond the forest. She is especially drawn to the thought of the ocean. In my mind I equated the ocean as symbolism for freedom.

The descriptions and imagery within the narrative are extremely vivid and detailed. The movie I had playing within my imagination had to be toned down to accommodate my dislike of gore.

The plot starts at the point where Mary losses both her parents at different times to the infection. The story deals with her relationship with her brother, which implodes upon her mothers death. I can totally relate to this. Due to my own experiences I found this aspect very upsetting, no way did I expect to be shedding tears when reading about zombies. I found Mary's treatment at the hands of her brother and the 2 male romantic interests, Travis and Harry completely appalling. I just could not understand why they would behave in such a manner when they were supposed to care about her.

I found the descriptions and actions of The Sisterhood very scary. I their own way they were just as frightening as the zombies. They ran the village as a dictatorship, allowing no freedom of thought or action. I could understand in part that this was mainly for the protection of the villagers; but it was taken to extremes with the Sisterhood justifying atrocious acts under the guise of protection. They appeared intoxicated with the power they held over the villagers. The snippets of the history behind the village really whetted my appetite to find out more about the causes of the infection and whether anything could be done to stop it.

The narrative was filled with heart pounding agitation. Adrenaline pumping tension seemed to jump right out of the pages. I had to force myself to put the book down in order to go to sleep. My stomach literally turned with panic at one point (no spoilers).

I had the feeling after getting to know Mary via the narrative, that she was one of these people that would never be truly happy. She would always be searching for something. For her the search for happiness would be as elusive as finding the end of a rainbow. By the end of the book I came to the conclusion that I just did not like Mary. I found her shallow and self-centred. I was left pondering as to how many people she was willing to sacrifice in order to achieve her own goals.

This book for me was a *pleasant* surprise as regards to the plot, not just terrifying zombies but relationships, family and the quest for happiness all woven together into a compelling page turning read.

MG Monday: Review: Beautiful Dead: Summer by Eden Maguire

Synopsis: From Amazon
Six months have passed sine the last Ellerton teenager died, but Darina is still traumatized by the stabbing of her own beloved Phoenix. But there’s work to be done as Darina must now turn her attention to the shooting of Summer Madison – the beautiful and gifted, singer-song-writer with a heart of gold.
It’s been nearly a year since the random shooting in a shopping mall caused Summer’s meaningless death. Summer left behind recordings of her wonderful songs and a deep sadness amongst high school friends. Now Darina must act as Summer’s agent to track down the psychotic killer in a clear search for justice.
With the sound of Summer’s music constantly playing inside Darina’s head, recalling the wonderful months when she was alive and performing her first gigs, Darina, Phoenix and the Beautiful Dead are determined to catch the crazed killer. And all the while Darina’s love for Phoenix continues to beat ...

Review:
This is the closest I could get to a Middle Grade book about Zombies. I dont really think of them as zombies as such more the undead with a purpose to fulfill. Plus it includes some seriously hot boys = win + win.

I love this series and on edge waiting for the last installment. I want it but I dont want the series to end.

In Summer we catch up with Darina 4 months after helping Arizona remember what happened when she died and achieve justice for that wrong.

The wait to see Phoenix has really taken its toll on her. She is overcome with grief for her best friend and boyfriend. The strain of not being able to confide in anyone is taking its toll on her both physically and emotionally. Darina questions her sanity, unable to move on with her life because of the promise she has made to help the Beautiful Dead, gaining her more time with Phoenix. Physically she looks more dead than they do.

I have a feeling that Darina herself is somehow connected to all of the Beautiful Dead deaths, the catalyst or lynch pin??? the mystery and suspense really had me whisking through the pages as fast as my eyes could read the print.

There are little recaps of the first 2 books placed throughout the narrative, great for refreshing the memory but it is still necessary to read the books to fully understand the intricacies of the plot. The characters develop and evolve with each book. It never gets boring or predictable. I have lots of thoughts on the plot and am desperate to have them confirmed or denied in the final installment. I wont give anything away by telling you the questions I have. I found with this book as I was thinking the questions the answers were given, making me very happy.

There is a shocking, completely unexpected plot twist that had me sobbing like the big girl I am. Further elements of the supernatural are added into the plot giving another dimension in which to develop the storyline.

I am completely in love with this series. The idea of Purgatory gets taken to a whole new dimension with this series. Zombies to relate to - genius.