Currently Reading

I could have sworn I had already updated this blog a thousand times. I must be working in my dreams.

Anyway, I’m currently reading The Hidden by Jessica Verday, which is crazy good so far. I’m also working on the Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde, which I picked up at my local Borders on my last visit. It is really interesting. I think it started out a little slowly, but it’s getting better and better as I read.

Stay tuned for a review and an interview I was certain I’d posted months ago…

Happy Reading Everyone!

I love books!

Last night I started Beyond the Grave by Mara Purnhagen, which she generously sent me to review. I read the whole thing in one sitting, and I’ll be reviewing it tomorrow.

I also began Cryer’s Cross last night, which has just completely captured me. I can’t wait to read more!

Today, the Hidden by Jessica Verday arrived! I won a copy from Jessica, and I started the first few pages already!

I can’t remember whether or not I’ve posted about it, but I’ve also been reading Steel by Carrie Vaughn. It’s also incredibly good, and I can’t wait to read more of it and share my opinions with you all!

Well, off to wear my eyes out! Happy reading, everyone!

Decatur Book Festival 2011

This past weekend was the Decatur Book Festival! This year, I went to see Lisa McMann and Libba Bray on Saturday! After hearing Lisa speak, I couldn’t resist grabbing a copy of Cryer’s Cross, which I am now currently reading. Both she and Libba were really great, and I loved meeting them. I can’t wait to see who’ll be there next year!

^^Lisa McMann and I. I took my copies of WAKE and FADE for her to sign, along with my newly bought copy of Cryer’s Cross.

 

^^ Libba Bray and I. I took my set of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy to get signed.

Bedbugs by Ben H. Winters

 

Summary from Goodreads.com - Alex and Susan Wendt are the perfect couple in search of the perfect brownstone-and they find their dream house in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Sure, the landlady is a little eccentric, and the handyman drops some cryptic remarks about the previous tenants. But the rent is so low, it's too good to pass up!
Big mistake: Susan soon discovers that the brownstone is crawling with bedbugs . . . Or is it? She awakens every morning with fresh bites, but neither Alex nor their daughter Emma has a single welt. Exterminators search the property and turn up nothing. Neighbors insist the building is clean. Susan fears that she's going mad-but as the mysteries deepen, a more sinister explanation presents itself: She may literally be confronting the bedbug problem from hell.

Rhia’s Review - *Shudder* This was a really great book.

Susan, our protagonist, was not a character; she was a person. She was so real, and I related to her very easily, despite the fact that she's a married woman with a child, and I'm a 19 year old girl without a current boyfriend. All her feelings are still very real, and felt by everyone at some point or another. Because I knew Susan so well, her slow descent into madness as she struggles with her insect tormenters really affected me emotionally. I was rooting with her all the way, fighting with her. You don't always get such a relatable character - I mean person - in books these days. How much I related to Susan struck me for some reason, so I had to express that here.

The storyline itself moves a little slowly in the beginning, but there is a slight sense of foreboding, because we all know *something* is going to happen, but getting there is half the fun. There are plenty of creepy and mysterious moments in the book as we meet all the characters, but in the climax of the story, Winters goes full on horror movie. It was perfect; just disturbing enough that I'll remember it, but not so disturbing as to downgrade my opinion of it.

Bedbugs managed to surprise me; I didn't have it all worked out by the end of the first half of the book. Of course, where I usually pause to think about it and guess, Bedbugs was so interesting, I was too busy reading to make any predictions.

This is one of those books that, as you are reading it, it actually plays out like a horror movie in your head. When all is said and done you think 'this would make a great movie,' but then you realized that just watched it in your head, and instead you hope Hollywood never ruins it. It was so well written, that no studio could ever do it justice.

The Recommendation -  I’d recommend this book to any fan of suspense and horror stories. It's just a fantastic book!

the Other Books -  Ben H. Winters is also the co-author of Quirk Classics Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, which I am currently reading, and Android Karenina, which I have reviewed previously on my blog. (link) Ben's purse talent really shined through in this novel, and I'm definitely looking forward to his future offerings.

The Vitals – Bedbugs is available in paperback for $14.95 starting today, and I highly suggest you all go get a copy.

New Arrivals and what I’m currently reading.

Sorry for not keeping you all up to date! I'm not really sure what happened there, but you can probably blame the knitting.

Anyway, I'm currently reading Steel by Carrie Vaughn. It's really good so far, and I've noted that the pacing so far has been pretty much perfect. Nothing has happened without a reason, and there hasn't been too much happening at once.

Beyond the Grave by Mara Purnhagen arrived in the mail the other day, and I’ll be starting it soon. I'll probably switch back and forth between Beyond the Grave and Steel until I finish them both. That's a lot of fun to do. :)

So I'm off to catch up a little on my reading. Happy reading, everyone!!

Quick Review: Deltora Quest, Volume 1, by Emily Rodda.

Rhia’s Review - Deltora Quest has always been pretty much my favorite series ever. It was my replacement series between Harry Potter books. It was one of my first obsessions. It is still one of those series that I can call a foundation of my life, helping to shape me into the person I am today. I still think about it often, especially during the summer (I have fond summer memories of the series) and in fact was just thinking about the other day. So, when I was at Borders and saw it sitting on a shelf where it didn't belong, practically appearing right in front of me, there wasn't a single moment of hesitation in me before I snatched it. Literally.

I read it in two nights. I hate to say it, but I'm not impressed.

Volume one covers what I would call about the first half of the Forests of Silence. The art is not visually spectacular, which is important if the story has already been told, because it's the only new thing you have to offer. While I don't think the art is *bad* per se, it's just nothing special. Also, if I didn't know better, I would have sworn that Endon was a female. He looked like a girl when he was young, and a woman when he was grown. Including pearl earrings. It just wasn't right.

I know it has been a while since I first read the series, but something about the adaptation for the mange didn't seem right. I think all the major plot points were covered pretty well, but it wasn't told the way the story deserved to be told. I think it's because it is geared for younger readers, and it felt as though the story was told to simply.

The only thing I really got out of it was an urge to re-read the original series, and yet somehow I still don't regret buying it.

Recommendation- This manga version is probably great for young or reluctant readers, and may spark an interest in reading the original books, which would be a step up. And hardcore fans of the series and/or its anime adaptation may find a need to include this in their collection. (I did.)

the Other Books- At $10.99 each, I don't think I’m really interested in buying the rest of the series. Even with the going out of business sale at Borders, the price is still a little too high. If I could get them a little cheaper, then I might consider getting them to complete my collection. Otherwise, I think it’ll stick to the real thing.

The Vitals – You can pick up the first volume of the manage in paperback for $10.99.

One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen

Summary from goodreads.com – It's taken a long time for me to feel like a normal teenager. But now that I'm settled in a new school, where people know me as more than Charlotte Silver of the infamous Silver family paranormal investigators, it feels like everything is falling into place. And what better way to be normal than to go on a date with a popular football star like Harris Abbott? After all, it's not as if Noah is anything more than a friend….

But my new life takes a disturbing turn when Harris brings me to a party and we play a game called One Hundred Candles. It seems like harmless, ghostly fun. Until spirits unleashed by the game start showing up at school. Now my friends and family are in very real danger, and the door that I've opened into another realm may yield deadly consequences.

 

Rhia’s Review – One of the things I think I loved most about this book was how well I was able to relate to charlotte this time around. Seeing her in a more stable state of mind about her family and school lives, I feel like I met the real Charlotte this time.

The storyline of One Hundred Candles was a bit more mature that Past Midnight and I got sucked in a lot quicker. It was little darker, a little more intense, and events had a greater impact on Charlotte than I think they did in Past Midnight. However, this book would not be anywhere near as enjoyable if Past Midnight hadn't set everything up first, and I think the transition from the first book to this one is perfect. It feels like the story is growing, just like Charlotte.

I felt as though new character Dr. Zelden was going play a bigger part in the story, and while he was very important, I kept expecting for him have to, shall we say, screen time. I do think, though, that he will probably appear in the later books.

With this book, Mara Purnhagen has turned me into a loyal fan, and joined the ranks of my most favorite authors. I'm now officially hoping she'll make it to the Decatur Book Festival someday so I can meet her.

I can't wait to see what's in store for Charlotte next. In fact, one of the best things about these books so far is that you can't easily tell where the story is going to go next. In most series, the next step in the epic quest is pretty much laid out for in the book you're reading, but the books in the Past Midnight series are mostly self contained. So while we know some of the personal things that Charlotte will be dealing with come the next book, it's hard to pinpoint exactly what supernatural force she will encounter next.

 

The Recommendation – I think anyone who is a fan of a good ghost story will really enjoy this series. Also, if you read the first book and wanted to know what happened next, but hadn't made up your mind about reading it yet, it is definitely worth your time. You won't be disappointed.

 

The Other Books – The events that took place in One Hundred Candles have left me burning to see what will happen in Beyond the Grave, book 3, which is out in September. It's definitely on my list!

 

The Vitals* – One hundred Candles is available from Harlequin Teen in paperback for $9.99.

 

The Links – Mara Purnhagen's Website

 

*=All prices are from the cover of the book itself and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.

 

Currently Reading: One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen

Okay, I don't remember what page or chapter number I’m on, but all I know is that this book is awesome, and I stayed up much later than I should have reading last night. I can't wait to read more, maybe even finish the book, tonight! It's seriously that great!

I just have to say that while reading One Hundred Candles, I kept picturing Harris as the guy who plays Rick on Vampires Suck.

So far I am very satisfied with this sequel, and it is quickly working its way up on my favorite list!

New Arrivals!

Sorry for the lack of updates the last couple of days. Don't really know what happened to the time. But I have some things to share, and I'll split it up into the appropriate posts. We'll start with my adventure Sunday.

Sunday I met a friend of mine, who I haven’t seen in a while, at Borders while she was in town. We wanted to see if they had anything good left, and I got a pretty good haul. I found Pretties by Scott Westerfeld, already marked down to 3.99, and then it got it for less than 3 bucks. I also got my hands on Entice by Carrie Jones, Steel by Carrie Vaughn, and the first volume of a manga based on Deltora Quest. I’ve already read that last one, and the review is coming up! I had a blast with one of my best friends, and actually managed to stick to my limit imposed, quite rightfully, by my parents! I even had to make a choice and put a book back, which I did, which was very hard. Mom left me with the credit card and told me she'd be in sears. Oh the temptation! But my mom doesn't trust me with things like for nothing, so I was a good girl.

Off to finish writing posts, and then on to more reading, and knitting!

Currently Reading: One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen

Current Page: 92

About to begin chapter 9 of One Hundred Candles. Really enjoying reading it, and I can't wait to see what happens next! I know new character H is hiding something. I can smell it. I find that both storylines, Charlotte's personal life, and her supernatural life, are both interesting, possibly even more so than Past Midnight. I'm definitely enjoying the more personal aspects this time around. The relationship conflict that's going on is very intriguing.
Off to read more!
Happy Reading, everyone!

Currently Reading: One Hundred Candles

Current Page: 55

Last night I started One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen, the follow up to Past Midnight.  Mara is super nice, so I couldn't wait to start reading this book when it came! I'm just getting to chapter 5, and I'm really interested so far. I feel like this book picks up more quickly than Past Midnight, which is it able to do because there isn't as much to explain.
Linking the introduction of new characters and elements so far; this books seems to have a bit more going on that Past Midnight did at this point.

Have to get back to reading now, I can't wait to see what happens next!

Happy reading, everyone!

Finished Reading: Bedbugs; late update.

Last night I finished reading Bedbugs by Ben H. Winters. I did post about it, but apparently that post never actually went through, for some weird reason. I didn't not feature Bedbugs on Currently Reading because I want to wait until my official review on the 5th of September (The day before the book hits shelves).

In the meantime, I will be starting One Hundred Candles by Mara Purnhagen either tonight or tomorrow. I have to study for my final exam tomorrow, but I’ll dig out that old post and send it out tomorrow evening.

Happy Reading, everyone!

Circle of Fire, by Michelle Zink

 

Summary from goodreads.com – With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help--or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister--and maybe still does. James doesn't know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way.
There are some secrets sisters aren't meant to share. Because when they do, it destroys them.

Rhia’s Review –Last night I stayed up until 2 in the morning finishing Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink, the third book in the Prophecy of the Sisters series. Reading this book was kind of bittersweet, because it is the last book in the series. It is certainly a very good finish, though! A few things didn't turn out quite the way I thought they would, but they were minor details, anyway.

This book was very well written, although there a few times when I felt as though Lia was acting a little childish. She was a bit angsty and angry at times, which got me a little irritated at her, but it worked well inside the story.

I couldn't help but notice a parallel or two to the final Harry Potter book, which may simply be because I have it on my mind. I doubt these parallels were on purpose, but they worked to the same meaningful affect.

I am very thrilled to have read to this series, and sorry to see it go. I'm just happy to see it end perfectly, if some things were left to be a little mysterious. This series will always have a home on my favorites list, and also my heart. Michelle Zink will also hold a place as one my most favorite authors! I can't wait to see more by her.

The Recommendation –I would recommend this series to all fans of fantasy, strong heroines, and a good story. I can't help but think fans of the Gemma Doyle Trilogy would also appreciate this one very well.

The Other Books –While Circle of Fire is the final book in this trilogy, I know that a Temptation of Angels, Michelle's next book, will be here before we know it. I'm already looking forward to it!

The Vitals* – Circle of Fire is currently available in hardcover at a list price of $17.99.

The Links – Michelle Zink's Official Website

*=All prices are from the cover of the book itself and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.

New Arriva! Bedbugs!

Today my copy of Bedbugs by Ben H. Winters arrived from Quirk books! I can’t wait to read and review it!

Big thanks to Quirk Books for sending me an ARC to review!

Currently Reading: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Current Page: 218

So I was both a little right and wrong about something. I'm just about to start chapter twenty-six. I can't wait to see what happens with Lia and her friends. Things are getting very exciting, and I'm looking forward to how everything pans out. There aren't a lot of things I can say right now without spoiling things, or at the very least confusing everyone, but I'm still thoroughly un-disappointed by this book! I can't wait to share my final review with all of you!

Time to enjoy as many more chapters as I can before I fall asleep!

Happy reading, everyone!

Currently Reading: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Current Page: 158

I. Am. Loving. This. Book! New character Helene is certainly interesting. There's now a character named Fergus, and all I can think about is Roar. (Y'know... the show with Heath Ledger?) I am absolutely suspicious of almost every character in the book, including Dimitri. I don't care how adorable romantic he gets; I'm still on Team James! I think I almost hope Dimitri is bad so those two will get back together...
I'm very enamored with this book, and I absolutely can't wait to read more! I'm about to start chapter nineteen. So far, not a single thing in this book has let me down. I feel like we've seen a little a piece of Alice that she keeps hidden away from the world. Very interesting.
Of course, so far I'm getting exactly what I expected from a fantastic author like Michelle Zink! I am flipping pages like nobody's business!
I found out, however, that there is one thing that can make put a book down in the middle of a sentence: Rick Steves Travel Bite! I love PBS.
Time to get back to reading this AMAZING book, and getting very sleep. I'm celebrating after a reasonably good grade on my math test today.
Happy reading, everyone!

Currently Reading: Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink

Currently on page: 65

Last night I dove into Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink. I've really been looking forward to this one, and so far I have not been disappointed. I'm just about to start chapter eight. I would have started it last night, but I got too sleepy to read anymore. The book is super interesting already, and I'm very happy to see the return of my favorite character, James. I can't wait to see what else this book has in store for me, and I've been looking forward to reading it all day. Now now I'm off to go do some more reading now.
Happy reading, everyone!

Past Midnight, by Mara Purnhagen

Your dose of irony for the day: I finished Past Midnight at midnight last night.

Summary from goodreads.com – Let me set the record straight. My name is Charlotte Silver and I'm not one of those paranormal-obsessed freaks you see on TV…no, those would be my parents, who have their own ghost-hunting reality show. And while I'm usually roped into the behind-the-scenes work, it turns out that I haven't gone unnoticed. Something happened on my parents' research trip in Charleston—and now I'm being stalked by some truly frightening other beings. Trying to fit into a new school and keeping my parents' creepy occupation a secret from my friends—and potential boyfriends—is hard enough without having angry spirits whispering in my ear.

Rhia’s Review – When I received Past Midnight for review, I was really looking forward to reading it. The tag line, "I don't believe in ghosts. Unfortunately, they believe in me" really intrigued me. The premise of a girl with paranormal investigator parents was something I'd never read about before. Charlotte's yearnings to be normal, however, I have read before. It's a concept I've never really understood, but I understand why it resonates with readers.

I had a bit of a hard time relating to Charlotte, although I think she is a character that many other readers will identify with quickly. I have never had much sympathy for the 'poor new student', mostly because I was homeschooled since the 4th grade, and so never really had that experience. (I'm certainly not sorry for it.) Charlotte was still a very likeable character, though, and I enjoyed sharing the story with her.

I feel a little like the book was leading up to something big throughout the whole story, and when it finally arrived, it seemed to go by quickly. Maybe I just read it quickly, or maybe it was because I was tired, but I can't help but feel like something happened and I kind of missed it. But it doesn't hurt my happy memories of reading this book.

At first, I wasn't really sure how the two storylines of Charlotte's normal, school life would relate to the events happening in Charlotte's paranormal life, but in the end, they came together quite nicely.

All in all, this book was quite interesting, and a very good read, especially for fans of ghost stories.

The Recommendation – I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of ghost stories that are maybe a little on the lighter side. Also, while reading this book, I kept getting the same kind of feeling I had when reading Shadowed Summer by Saundra Mitchell, so fans of that will probably enjoy Past Midnight as well.

The Other Books –I’m definitely interested in reading One Hundred Candles, the sequel to Past Midnight. Mostly, I'm curious as to where Charlotte's life is heading next, as the main storyline in this book was wrapped up pretty well. I'll be keeping a look out for it.

The Vitals* – Past Midnight is available in paperback at list price of $9.99.

The Links – Mara Purnhagen's Official Website

*=List Price from book cover.

Currently Reading: Update!

So last night I got totally carried away and finish Pat Midnight. I’m posting the review now, and then I’ll be starting Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink! I’ve really been looking forward to this one, and I can’t wait to share my opinions on it with all of you!

Don’t turn that page! My review of Past Midnight will be up in a moment.

Currently Reading: Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen

 

I won a copy of Faerie Winter, and it came in the mail today! I'm really looking forward to starting it! I have so much reading to do! I can't wait to get back to it!

Currently On Page 114

But first I have a few things to say about Past Midnight, by Mara Purnhagen.
I'm not on page 114, and the story is really picking up. I know what Charlotte is going for that will drive the plot forward, and I'm getting to know more about all the characters. I'm starting to feel like I'll be interested in the sequel when I'm done, something that Mara herself has probably helped. I friended her on facebook, and she's really nice. If i like the author, I enjoy a book ten times more, knowing that the person who wrote it is all kinds of cool.
So now I'm going to get back to the reading! I don't think it'll take me too long to finish this book, as long as my algebra homework doesn't get in my way too much. I won't let it; I'm really enjoying this book!

Currently Reading: Past Midnight, by Mara Purnhagen

The other day I started reading Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen. I'm only about 80 or so pages into to, but it's very interesting. the creepy scenes are pretty... well, creepy and well written. right now it's too soon to tell exactly where the story will lead, but I'm very interested in reading more. (Which, by the way, I will be doing in just a few minutes!)

It’s really easy to read, and I read a big chunk last night. I don’t think it’ll take very long for me to finish it.

Way too early to tell if I’m interested in the sequel or not. It depends on how the story evolves from here.

So far, though, I’d definitely recommend it people.

A long overdue update, with some news!

I know that once again I have sort of let this blog fall behind.  I’m ready to try again at keeping it active, and I have a way I’m going to start doing that. Since I use my computer at some point everyday, I’m going to start updating right after I write my words on 750words.com, even it means only doing a quick update on the books I’m reading. These ‘Currently Reading’ posts, the first of which you’ll see right after this post, will just be me stating where I am in the book, and my impressions so far. They will all be spoiler free, of course! I’m very anti-spoiler!

In other news, I had pre-ordered Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink from Amazon, and it arrived the other day. I can't wait to start reading it, but I'd like to finish Past Midnight first. Reading has been hard with this algebra class; summer quarter homework is a killer. But that and city of Fall Angels are the first books I'll be reading as soon as I get the chance!

Also, I'm planning on holding another contest soon! I already have the book, but for now it's a surprise! I haven't posted my review of this book yet, and I will as soon as I'm ready to hold the contest! That’ll happen soon, I promise!

Time to get some reading done! Instead of doing algebra homework, because you know I’d Rather Be Reading!

So Silver Bright, by Lisa Mantchev

Summary from Borders.com – All Beatrice Shakespeare Smith has ever wanted is a true family of her own. And she’s close to reuniting her parents when her father disappears. Now Bertie must deal with a  vengeful sea goddess and a mysterious queen as she tries to keep her family – and the Theatre Illuminata – from crumbling. To complicate it all, Bertie is torn between her two loves, Ariel and Nate

Rhia’s Review – I received an ARC for review from the the publisher, Feiwel and Friends.

And boy am I glad I did! I have really loved this series by Lisa Mantchev, and I’m really sorry to see it go. But this is a really fun read, although I had forgotten some bits from Perchance to Dream due to reading it so fast, but that really didn’t take anything away from it.  All our questions are finally answered, we meet some new characters and gain further understanding of some old ones, and of course, plenty of crazy fairies eating cake! (This series would be nothing without the fairies. ) Lisa’s prose is as magical as the story she weaves with it, and this book, and the whole series will always be in my top favorites list.

I love how Lisa manages to balance the romance and the love triangle with the rest of the story so well. She also keeps you guessing as to whom Bertie will end up with, and we really don’t find out for sure until the end. Each love interest gets their fair share of stage time, but it never takes away form the story as a whole. (I often have a problem with that in the books I read, but not here!) I can’t say too much more about things for risk of spoilers, but this really is a fantastic end to the trilogy! I’m really going to miss Bertie and the gang, but I’m really excited about what Lisa will come up with next!

The Recommendation – Anyone who’s been reading the series will not be disappointed by this ending. If you haven’t looked into this series yet, you really should! You won’t regret it!

The Other Books – My Review of Eyes Like Stars, My Review of Perchance to Dream Loved them both, just like I love this one!

The Vitals* – So Silver Bright will be available in Hardcover on September 13th, for about $16.99. (Borders.com and Amazon.com both have lower prices.) Pre-order it today!

The Links – Theatre Illuminata Official Website

*=All prices are from Borders.com and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Summary from Borders.com –

A tiny girl is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913. She arrives completely alone with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book—a beautiful volume of fairy tales. She is taken in by the dockmaster and his wife and raised as their own. On her twenty-first birthday, they tell her the truth, and with her sense of self shattered and very little to go on, "Nell" sets out to trace her real identity. Her quest leads her to Blackhurst Manor on the Cornish coast and the secrets of the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is not until her granddaughter, Cassandra, takes up the search after Nell’s death that all the pieces of the puzzle are assembled. A spellbinding tale of mystery and self-discovery, The Forgotten Garden will take hold of your imagination and never let go.

Rhia’s Review – I borrowed this book from one of my teachers, and I must say, it’s the best recommendation I’ve gotten in a long time. While the book is neither fantasy, nor YA, it is an engaging mystery, and is, at some times, historical. The story takes place at multiple points in time, which can be a little confusing at first, but the book wouldn’t have been as fun if it had been written any other way. I really enjoyed piecing together the mystery, and watch the present-day characters do the same. Now the book is over, I find I quite miss them all.

The Recommendation –  I’d recommend this book for anyone who enjoys mystery and escapist reads. Historical fans might also find this is a good read, as much of the story takes place in the past. I wouldn’t recommend this book for reading over long stretches of time (I probably took nearly a  year to read it), you need to stick with it, it’s much less confusing.

The Other Books – While The Forgotten Garden is not part of a series, and as I far as I know there are no plans for a companion novel, I am interested in reading Kate Morton’s other novels, The House at Riverton and The distant Hours.

The Vitals* – The list price seems to be $15.00 paperback, but Borders apparently has it for $9.00 right now. Get it! It’s worth it!

The Links – Kate Morton's Official Website

*=All prices are from Borders.com and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Summary from Borders.com – Gabry lives a quiet life. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry's mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry.

Rhia’s Review – This books picks up several years after the events of The Forest of Hands and Teeth, and the protagonist of that book has become a minor character in this one. That was a concept I really loved, and it hasn’t disappointed me yet in this series. Another thing I loved about this book this book was that it kept you in suspense to hear the answers to questions left at the end of FOHAT, as well as keeping you in suspense with a whole new story and characters.

Carrie Ryan really expanded on the world she created in The Forest of Hands and Teeth, by introducing new places, new rules and peoples, and also new concepts (Concealing a spoiler here) that really keep the story going, and stop it from becoming a clone of the first book. There are plenty of tense, zombie filled fights and escapes to an action lover happy,  but there is so much more to this book than a monster factor. Gabry’s emotional journey is really captivating and enjoyable to read.

The Recommendation – All zombie fans will love this series, and fans of Ryan’s first book will not be disappointed by this one. In fact, it may be even better than the first!

The Other Books – The Dark and Hollow Places came out March 22nd. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, and the review is coming soon!

The Vitals* – The Dead –Tossed Waves is available in hardcover for $17.99 and paperback for $8.99. Go get a copy!!

The Links – Carrie Ryan's Official Website

*=All prices are from Borders.com and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.

Pride & Prejudice & Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After Book Trailer

Here's the new trailer for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After!! It is absolutelty amazing! Makes me want to read the book again! Also makes me wish this trailer were for a movie, it looks that good!

Enjoy!

PPZ: Dreadfully Ever After by Steve Hockensmith

Summary from quirkclassics.com - The story opens with our newly married protagonists, Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, defending their village from an army of flesh-eating “unmentionables.” But the honeymoon has barely begun when poor Mr. Darcy is nipped by a rampaging dreadful. Elizabeth knows the proper course of action is to promptly behead her husband (and then burn the corpse, just to be safe). But when she learns of a miracle antidote under development in London, she realizes there may be one last chance to save her true love—and for everyone to live happily ever after.

Rhia’s Review – You may remember when I reviewed PPZ: Dawn of the Dreadfuls for Quirk last year. I loved this book then times more that I love that one. (And I really like Dawn of the Dreadfuls.)

I feel that Hockensmith really stayed true to the characters form Pride and Prejudice, and I think he really did them justice. Kitty Bennet is a major character in this book, and Steve really gave her depth. The storyline was fantastic, and really fit with the other books. I felt that this book was more well-rounded, and more mature, that Dawn of the Dreadfuls. This is probably one of my most favorite of all the Quirk Classics!

Also, you’ll see in the review that I didn’t much care for the art in DOD. I feel like the art was much improved in Dreadfully Ever After, and I spent a little more time looking at it.

I know most people have disdain for the mash-up genre, and I will agree that some of the books in that vein have gotten a little silly and overdone. But Quirk, the original creator of the genre, is really keeping things fresh. Especially fi you’re like me, and you love Pride and Prejudice, and also love zombies. Sometimes you’re in the mood for Jane Austen, but you need something a little darker, or perhaps more comical, and zombies are just what you need. (Reading the original for the first time simultaneously with the mash-up is QUITE fun!)

But enough of my rant! The book trailer for Dreadfully Ever After will be debuted on the 24th, and I’ll share it with you all as soon as it’s live!

The Recommendation – If you enjoyed any of the Pride and Prejudice and Zombies books, you really need to read this one! It’s NOT just  a lame add-on to make more money. It is it’s own story and needs to be read! It’s the best one yet! Any fan of Jane Austen and/or zombies should really read this!

The Other Books – Dreadfully Ever After is supposedly the end of the trilogy, and I think that’s fitting. If Quirk pushes the series too far, it’ll really lose its appeal. However, they’re still turning out mash-ups, such as the Meowmorphosis, and keeping it fresh. I will continue to read whatever Quirk throws at me!

The Vitals* – Dreadfully Ever After is available in paperback for $12.95.

The Links – Quirk’s Dreadfully Ever After Page,  Become a Fan on Facebook! 

*=All prices are from Borders.com and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.

the Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Summary from Borders.com - 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?

Rhia’s Review – I started reading the Forest of Hands and Teeth the day before I met Carrie at DBF. I was really blown away! I even went ahead and bought the second book at DBF for her to sign before I finished this one! I was pretty confident that I’d want more, and I was right!

I really loved the mood of this book, and Mary’s voice really spoke to me throughout the whole book! While maybe the premise of Mary’s village isn’t totally original (fenced in tiny community with zombies or other evil creature raging outside),the story that takes place in it is something new. I loved the premise of the unknown breaching into Mary’s world, and her seizing chances and embarking on the adventure she did. While the ending leaves you hanging, with many unanswered questions, Carrie’s cliffhanger is done with finesse that enhances reading the second book, where old mysteries are slowly solved as they mingle with new ones.

Also, while being about zombies, the book didn’t read like a slasher film, with character being disgustingly killed off along the way. As someone who loves zombies, but not movies where the object is kill off all but one or two people, I really applaud that!

I am also among the people who are pleased with Carrie’s decision not to use the word ‘zombie’. It lends the book it own credit without being tied so much to the pop culture movement of brain eating zombies.

The Recommendation – I’d recommend this book to any zombie lover, and lovers of horror. The atmosphere is really great in this one!

The Other Books – The Dead-Tossed Waves, the second installment of the series, is already out. As I said, I couldn’t resist it, and the review is coming soon. The Dark and Hollow Places, book three, comes out later this month. I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of my copy!

The Vitals* – The Forest of Hands and Teeth is available in paperback for about $9.99, and also hardcover for $16.99.

The Links – Carrie Ryan's official website

*=All prices are from Borders.com and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.

the Vespertine Cover

Just in case you haven't seen it yet, this is cover for the Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell! Saundra is a really nice person, and I'm looking forward to reading this book in the future! When I finally allow myself new books, this is one of the first ones on my list!

Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink

Summary from Borders.com - The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As 16-year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia.

Rhia’s Review -  Getting to meet Michelle at DBF last year really enhanced my experience reading her books, but I didn’t think that would have been possible. She is such a wonderful person! And her books are equally wonderful! I really enjoyed this sequel to Prophecy of the Sisters, and the only thing I can say I had a problem isn’t even a problem. It’s Dimitri Markov, Lia’s new love interest. While he really added some spice to the story, James was so my type that I felt a little sorry for him. Though he really isn’t present for most of the book, I still consider this a love triangle, maybe even a love square, and though I’m not usually a fan, I can’t wait to see how it will turn out!

The Recommendation – I would recommend the Prophecy of the Sisters series for any fans of historical fiction, especially Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle Trilogy. If you haven’t check out this series yet, you definitely should! And fans of the first book won’t be disappointed in this follow-up!

The Other Books – Circle of Fire, the thrilling (I’m sure it will be) conclusion to the trilogy will be out later this year, I think, and I can’t wait! Definitely at the top of my buy list!

The Vitals* – You can pick up Guardian of the Gate in hardcover for $17.99, and I don’t know any details on a paperback yet. I’m sure you can get an e-book from the store of your choice, but I don’t know the pricing for that.

The Links – Michelle Zink's Official Website, Prophecy of the Sisters Series Website

*=All prices are from Borders.com and are subject to change without notice, and without this page reflecting those changes.