Book Review: Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter {Book 1: The White Rabbit Chronicles}

Title: Alice in Zombieland
Author: Gena Showalter
Series: The White Rabbit Chronicles Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Date of Publication: Sept. 25, 2012
Source: bought, paperback,  404 pages

From Goodreads:

She won’t rest until she’s sent every walking corpse back to its grave. Forever.
Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that’s all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.
Her father was right. The monsters are real….
To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn’t careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies….

I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently.I'd tell my sister no.I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad.I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words.Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mom and my dad one last time.I'd tell them I love them.I wish... Yeah, I wish

My Thoughts: 

I am a sucker for anything, and I mean anything, that is similar or alluding to the classic story, Alice in Wonderland.  I love that story and the oddities that are associated with it.  So I am always open-minded to anything that may share some story lines from the Lewis Carroll creation.  
But Alice in Zombieland is quite different than what I was expecting.  I believe I am not alone when I say I thought this would be a retelling of the classic story but with a minor difference: zombies.  However, that isn't what we have here.  Alice in Zombieland is something quite different and wholly entertaining, with minor references to the classic fairy tale.  

Of course, I was a little bummed out that it wasn't a retelling; but as I got further along into the story I realized the story is better than if it were a retelling.  The author, Gena Showalter, puts such an elaborate twist on these zombies that I felt like I was being introduced to zombies for the first time, all over again!  I love how she took the idea of zombies and made it all her own in such a creative and original way involving spiritual concepts that really bring it to a whole new level.  

Besides the originality of the plot, the characters really grab me and I find myself loving every minute of it.  Our main character, Alice Bell, had my heart at the very beginning.  The love that she exhibits for her little sister is just overwhelming.  I think when I first read the synopsis on the back, I assumed it was all because she was trying to fit in with some friends, or for a boy.  It usually is that way, but I was completely off the mark.  
The devotion that Alice professes for her little sister is staggering and I just felt so much loyalty to this character in the first few pages of the book.  Never have I been this drawn to a character so soon.  
And of course through everything that Alice experiences, her resolve and determination just solidifies my respect for her.

But Alice isn't the only protagonist that I felt a deep connection to too.  Her friend, Kat, is a perfect compliment to Alice and her terrible past.  Its like they were meant to be friends and I think everyone should have a Kat in their friendship circles! 
And then there is Cole Holland.  Oh my sexy goodness!  This guy is just Sexy Walking!  I know that makes no sense and yet it just does.  
He is the school's bad boy and leader of the bad boy click, where everyone else swears they are dangerous.  And they are but not in the way the rest of the school says.  I absolutely love the way Ms. Showalter wrote Alice and Cole's interactions!  They're funny, sexy as hell, and you could feel the tension even through the pages of the book.  Let me just tell you Gena Showalter can write some romance! Love it!!!
Oh and there is an ex-girlfriend who you will probably hate; I did.  But she brings a certain flair to the story and I just have to say one word: treadmill.  That scene is probably one of my favorites.  Maybe that makes me petty but I still like it.  
And I think it does play a part in the overall story line as well.  

Gena Showalter does a wonderful job reintroduces us to zombies in a different and even more interesting way than what we were used to.  I also enjoyed the fact that she took small details from my favorite children's story to enhance the world Alice Bell resides in now, helping her survive in more ways than one.  I think Alice in Zombieland is basically a book about loyalty, redemption, and love and the zombies are the cherries on top.  
I highly recommend this book to anyone! Its that good!

Connect with Gena Showalter:

Goodreads|website|Twitter|

Pick up your copy at:

|Amazon|

|Barnes&Noble|The Book Depository|

ARC Book Review: Ink by Amanda Sun {Book 1: Paper Gods}

Title: Ink
Author: Amanda Sun
Series: Paper Gods Book 1
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Expected Date of Publication: June 25, 2013
Source: e-Galley via Net Galley and Harlequin
Links to Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

*this book satisfies my challenges: Debut Author Challenge 2013
YA Mythology Challenge 2013*

From Goodreads:

INK IS IN THEIR BLOOD.
On the heels of a family tragedy, Katie Greene must move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn't know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can't seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.

When Katie meets aloof but gorgeous Tomohiro, the star of the school's kendo team, she is intrigued by him...and a little scared. His tough attitude seems meant to keep her at a distance, and when they're near each other, strange things happen. Pens explode. Ink drips from nowhere. And unless Katie is seeing things, drawings come to life.

Somehow Tomo is connected to the Kami, powerful ancient beings who once ruled Japan-and as feelings develop between Katie and Tomo, things begin to spiral out of control. The wrong people are starting to ask questions, and if they discover the truth, no one will be safe.

My Thoughts:

Okay so every since I first seen the cover of this book, I knew I was going to be reading it.  And then I got lucky enough to get a digital advanced copy of it and lets just say I woke the neighbors squeeing  as loud as I could.  
I love how the cover of Ink looks a little like a tattoo (which is the first thing I thought of when I seen the title ) but it is very detailed and very intense with the vibrant colors.  
And then I found out that the story was based on Japanese folklore/mythology and I was again squeeing like a ten year old girl.  I love mythology so much and I absolutely adore that this one is based on some lesser known mythologies.  
But Ink was so much more than just a YA mythology book; it was more like a cultural explosion.  Amanda Sun incorporates everything Japanese in the story line so it feels like we are immersed in the society.  I loved how she included Japanese words in the story to help us become more acclimated to the whole cultural difference.  
The way Amanda Sun sets up the world building and descriptions of the areas in Japan made me want to visit there in person so bad.  (Too bad I am so afraid of flying) She is very good with her descriptions and you can tell she truly has a passion for the community.

Besides the setting, the characters are pretty intense too.  
Katie is a very strong female heroine that definitely had me enthralled.  She thinks she isn't tough but I find that hard to believe.   Katie lost her mom and goes to live with her aunt in Japan.  She has learned so much and subconsciously finds she calls Japan home, while on the outside she battles with her acceptance of Japan.  
Katie is very well at adapting and I think that what makes her such a strong character is her ability to adapt to her surroundings as well as the reality that surrounds her.  
Then there is Tomo.  Oh Tomo.  What a snarky, brooding, artistic, gorgeous guy!  Tomo is an enigma indeed.  He has this tough guy exterior but we soon find out there is so much hiding in his many layers.  He has this amazing "old spirit" quality to him and the fact that he shares the same heartbreaking past as Katie has makes him that much more of a love interest.  
There is so much going on in Ink that it is hard not to fall in love with this story.  You get a true romance, a strong female character, and a plot that surprises us with its many twists.  And to top it all off: Japanese mafia.  You really can't beat it.  
Warning:  Every time I picked up the book and began to read I craved Japanese food.  You will too.  Probably.  If you are anything like me.  And don't feel bad Katie, I still can't use chopsticks either.  

Connect with Amanda Sun:

From Amanda Sun's website:

I’m a YA author and proud Nerdfighter. I was born in Deep River, Canada, a very small town without traffic lights or buses, and where stranger safety is comprised of what to do if you see a bear—or skunk. I started reading fantasy novels at 4 and writing as soon as I could hold a pencil. Hopefully my work’s improved since then.
​In university I took English, Linguistics, and Asian History, before settling into Archaeology, because I loved learning about the cultures and stories of ancient people. Of course, I didn’t actually become an archaeologist—I have an intense fear of spiders. I prefer unearthing fascinating stories in the safety of my living room.
​The Paper Gods is inspired by my time living in Osaka and travelling throughout Japan. That and watching far too many J-Dramas. I currently live in Toronto with
my husband and daughter. When I’m not writing, I’m devouring YA books, knitting nerdy things like Companion Cubes and Triforce mitts, and making elaborate cosplays for anime cons.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

International readers want to pre-order a copy? Check out The Book Depository where it ships free (as long as they ship to where you live)

The Book Depository  

Book Review: The Goddess Hunt {Goddess Test 1.5} by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Hunt
Series: Goddess Test 1.5
Author: Aimee Carter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Date of Publication: March 1, 2012
Source: bought, ebook, 92 pages



Goodreads Summary:

A vacation in Greece sounds like the perfect way for Kate Winters to spend her first sabbatical away from the Underworld...until she gets caught up in an immortal feud going back millennia. Castor and Pollux have been on the run from Zeus and Hades' wrath for centuries, hiding from the gods who hunt them. The last person they trust is Kate, the new Queen of the Underworld. Nevertheless, she is determined to help their cause. But when it comes to dealing with immortals, Kate still has a lot to learn....

 My Thoughts:
I love novellas because they are long enough to tempt you with the characters and story line but short enough that doesn't drag out either.  
The Goddess Hunt takes place between book 1 and book 2, when  Kate has to go out into the world for the summer and chooses to visit Greece with her best friend, James.  
And while there she meets the famous Castor and Pollux.  
I really enjoyed these two new characters.  They brought a lot to the story, especially helping solidify Kate's belief in the goodness of Henry and the rest of the gods.  Okay so maybe not Zeus but definitely everyone else.  
This was a quick read for me; I finished it in one night and I felt extremely satisfied.  I almost wished I had read it before I read book 2 just to have those warm fuzzy feelings.  I may not have wanted to knock Henry in head with a shoe the first time around.  
Although he does act like a butt.  
If you really enjoyed The Goddess Test stories then I definitely encourage you to pick up this novella.  You will enjoy the chase, the wisecracks, and of course Henry.  I know I did.  
Four hearts:

Get Your Own At:

 | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

ARC Review: Wicked Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Title: Wicked Kiss
Series: Nightwatchers Book #2
Author: Michelle Rowen
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Expected Date of Publication: Feb. 26, 2013
Format: ebook, paperback 440 pages
Source: e-ARC from Net Galley & Harlequin Teen
Pre-Order your copy: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

Book Synopsis:MY KISS CAN KILL.

I used to be ordinary Samantha Day, but that's changed. Now, after one dark kiss from a dangerous boy, I can steal someone's soul...or their life. If I give in to the constant hunger inside me, I hurt anyone I kiss. If I don't...I hurt myself.

Bishop is the one whose kiss I crave most, but if I kiss him, I'll kill him. Then there's another boy, one I can't hurt. One whose kiss seems to miraculously quell my hunger. They're both part of a team of angels and demons that's joined forces in my city to fight a mysterious rising darkness, an evil that threatens everyone I know and love. I just wonder if I'll be able to help Bishop-or if I'm just another part of the darkness he's sworn to destroy....

NIGHTWATCHERS

When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising...

My Thoughts:
I really like a lot of books that are coming out of Harlequin Teen right now so I took a leap of faith grabbing this one, never actually reading book 1, hoping I would find a great story with a little supernatural edge to it.  

I did.  
Now, I have to admit I can't stand to jump into a series in the middle, for obvious reasons, but Wicked Kiss gave enough background detail I wasn't really lost at all.  I am sure I will go back and read book 1 just to have this complete feeling (yeah, I am a little anal about that), although I felt pretty comfortable with the story line and characters.  
Speaking of characters: wow!  The angels/demons team is pretty cool but if I had to pick my faves I would go with Kraven all the way.  YES I understand he is a demon and pretty heartless but I don't know, there is just something about his attitude; whew gets my temperature rising.  
But our main character, is Samantha, a girl that is lacking a little something, that makes her have this very super and very deadly kiss.  I liked her.  She didn't irritate me too much, although, I think she should be careful what she wishes for.  
Bishop, our resident guardian angel, is your typical YA male: brooding, dark, bossy as hell, oh and gorgeous.  We definitely cannot forget gorgeous (but looks aren't everything-it's just the icing on the cake, so to speak.)
The plot is interesting and will keep your attention most of the time.  I was appreciative of the thorough background info we got but I could understand where those have read the first book, might see it as more of information over load.  
There could be a slight love triangle interpreted here but it isn't as huge as the synopsis makes you think it is.  Also calling them "boys" just seems wrong but I guess that is a potato -po-ta-to thing.  
The one hang-up that I had with Wicked Kiss had me torn from being super happy with the story and groaning to myself, "not again."  I noticed it was a really long story-I mean really long, for a story I didn't think would or should have been that long. It just seemed like when everything was took care of; boom!  Another problem arose out of nowhere and was tied up neatly again.  The reason I was so torn was because I enjoyed the minor threads and they did play a bigger part into the main thread but there was a lot.  

But all in all, Wicked Kiss was really good and pretty creative.  It brings some originality to a genre that seems to be bombarded with vampires and werewolves.  The heroine has some very unique abilities that are feared and revered at the same time.  It is an interesting story that will have you surprised, horrified, and most importantly, breathless.  

I gave it four hearts!

Connect with Michelle Rowen:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads |

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren, where you can showcase the books you have gotten your hands on in the past week(or in my case-a few weeks).  I would like to say thank you to the following people for these great books I have received:

Christina Garner

Cege Smith

Harlequin Teen

Peter Koevari

And for the the great blogs hosting the giveaways I won from:

Jess Haines

Leigh Ann@Silver Wings Reviews

Wow, it has been a while since I have did one of these but I have gotten a few great books lately so I thought it would be the perfect time to let you guys see!  What'cha think?

(click on the cover to be taken to Goodreads page)

Bought:

Received For Review:

Won:

What have you gotten in your mailbox lately?