Feature & Follow #20: Genre you would love to write about
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Book Review: Life After The Undead by Pembroke Sinclair
Life After The Undead
byPembroke Sinclair
Genre: Young-adult, Post-apocalyptic, Romance
Zombies aren’t the only creatures she has to be cautious of—the other survivors have a dark side. Krista must fight not only to live but also to defend everything she holds dear—her country, her freedom, and ultimately, those she loves.
Join Krista in her quest to survive in this thrilling apocalyptic novel by Pembroke Sinclair.
Life After The Undead is surprisingly the very first zombie novel I've ever read and this is certainly not going to be the last time!
It wasn't really my intention to avoid reading zombie novels. I just never had the chance to read one sooner because, well I know this is embarrassing, but I thought, watching about them is more interactive and believable. You know like TWD, Dawn of the Dead etc. yeah well, I totLLY underestimated my imagination.
Life After The Undead was such a fast-paced and action packed book that I was having a hard time putting it down. The story brought you right away in the apocalypse with Krista that you barely have time to breath!
"The day the world did end was pretty nondescript. By that I mean there was no nuclear explosion or asteroid or monumental natural disaster. There weren’t even any horsemen or plagues to announce the end was coming. The world ended fairly quietly."This follow the story of Krista as she try to live her life alone in this post-apocalyptic world where the dead rose from the grave suddenly craving from the flesh. Krista is a very realistic and adorable MC that I was able to connect with her from the very first chapter of the book.
"I had fascination with the dark, the macabre, although I wasn't a Goth or Emo. I read books and magazines about serial killers. I didn't idolized them or want to be like them-hell no- I was fascinated with how evil and black a human's soul could get."Once upon a time, before I become a software developer, I originally wanted to be a psychologist. I don't know, sometime, watching people do what they do fascinates me. But enough about me! Allow me to introduce more of Krista. Her fascination with the human behavior eventually proved to be useful as it helped her be emotionally prepared to survived the "Zompocalypse".
Krista's family were able to survive the first wave of the attack of the zombies, they managed to survive because of Krista's intuition alone, until her father decided that to split up is the best idea to look for help. Her father goes out alone and when he didn't return overnight, her mother followed to look for him, leaving Krista alone to survive.
"There had to be survivors. I had to find them. Human life always found a way to survive the direst situations. It was the only glimmer of hope I had."Krista's brave, a little bit spoiled(being the only child that she is) but practical, strong and a freaking bad-ass! In short she's one hell of a kick-ass girl that you would definitely root for!
"I realized at that moment, I didn't need to worry about the creatures, they needed to worry about me. I cautioned myself about being cocky, but I thought I deserved to bask in my awesomeness for a few minutes."You go girl!
I enjoy this book a lot, I ALMOST finished it in one sitting, if not for all the responsibilities that demands my attention! There were never dull moments on the book which is a total winner for me. Romance? What do you mean Romance? The world is fucking filled with zombies, who's got time to flirt with any one?
"Guys? Who the hell cared about guys at this point in time?"LOL. Just Kidding. There's actually this one guy, Quinn who suddenly appears and made Krista felt something she haven't felt before. No- it's nothing like those ridiculous insta-love we used to read in some YA books. I like their relationship as they aren't dependent on each other. They've got each other's back and I think that's just the sweetest.
One of the only complain I have is that the world-building wasn't much established. Just like any other story about Zombies, the story didn't much elaborate where the Undead came from yet, which is one of the reason I'm definitely looking forward to read the next book in this series, I'm hoping more of it will be revealed in the next book.
Regardless of my only issue, I love a lot of things in this book to care. I love the new cover. I love all of the action, gore and bloods included that made me unable to put the book down so easily, it's refreshingly surprising. I love the relatable and strong-ass heroine and I absolutely love the light romance included in the book.
If you enjoy reading Zombie Novels and doesn't shy away with gores and blood with a flawed, yet strong heroine then Life after the Undead is definitely more than worth a try!
Isn't that just a wonderful cover? :)
This book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This doesn't in any way affect my opinion and review. :)
Book Links:
I have written YA novels about zombies and the tough teens who survive the apocalyptic world, along with adult novels in the sci fi and fantasy genres. I have also written kids' books under the pen name J.D. Pooker.
I have written nonfiction stories for Serial Killer Magazine and published a book about slasher films called Life Lessons from Slasher Films under my real name.
For more information, please check out my blog at pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com or email me at pembrokesinclair[at]hotmail[dot]com.
Website|Goodreads|Twitter|Facebook
Random Ramblings: New Blog Look!
Hey Guys!
So I've been AWOL for the last couple of days. I haven't been able to post some reviews that I'm supposed to post and I haven't been able to participate to any weekly features(WoW and FF) since last, last week, I guess, and it's making me wary.
I've been too much busy with... I'm not sure really. LOL. But all I wanted to say is that I finally got some time off! So I'm planning to post and write a lot of reviews for the pile of books I finished reading and then I saw my blog.. like, really really saw it for the first time... and I thought, "Oh, this blog is so lame.." So I decided to make a change..
And TA-DA! Here's the finish product! I should've took a picture of my old blog for comparison, but it's obviously too late.. I never got the chance to back-up my old template because all I wanted to do is to change my theme so it's not possible anymore. :)
I'm currently using Sorbet-Theme and customized it a bit for my blog. I guess I might have to edit some of my blog post to match the format of my current theme and I can't say I'm excited, lol. But I'm just so happy that I get to change the look of my blog and all.
So what do you guys think? :)
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Book Review: Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dunn
Forget Tomorrow
(Forget Tomorrow Series #1)
(Forget Tomorrow Series #1)
by
Pintip Dunn Genre: Young-adult, Dystopian, Romance
It's Callie’s seventeenth birthday and, like everyone else, she's eagerly awaiting her vision―a memory sent back in time to sculpt each citizen into the person they're meant to be. A world-class swimmer. A renowned scientist.
Or in Callie's case, a criminal.
In her vision, she sees herself murdering her gifted younger sister. Before she can process what it means, Callie is arrested and placed in Limbo―a hellish prison for those destined to break the law. With the help of her childhood crush, Logan, a boy she hasn’t spoken to in five years, she escapes.
But on the run from her future, as well as the government, Callie sets in motion a chain of events that she hopes will change her fate. If not, she must figure out how to protect her sister from the biggest threat of all—Callie, herself.
I wish I could've given this book a higher rating, after all Forget Tomorrow has been one of my anticipated read this year. After seeing its beautiful cover and reading its totally intriguing premise, I can't help but wanting to read it. Though, I must admit that after reading the blurb, the first thing that comes in my mind was Minority Report , I never got the chance to read the book, but I did watch the movie, and I must say, If I've known how painful it is to read this book, I should've watch the movie again or try reading The Minority Report book.
"My entire childhood has been a countdown to the day I receive my future memory. I spent so much time anticipating tomorrow—making plans, imagining scenarios, worrying endlessly—I’m not sure I know how to live in the present. I wouldn’t even know where to begin."Callie lives in the future world where your future-self, finds a way to send a memory to your present-self, to direct the course of direction of your life-whether a future chef, swimmer an official... Or in Callie's case, a criminal.
"I have to be brave. But I’m not brave. Not really. I’m not anything. I’m just a girl. Only a girl. Nothing but a girl. No, that’s not true. I’m a girl who will kill my sister in the future."This is book was set in a very intriguing and complicated world. Well, time is a complicated topic, it's endless possibility is immense, but the book kind of limit it. There were a lot of hole in the story and A lot of what-the-hell-is-happening moments. There's this place called harmony, it has been a refuge for people trying to run-away from their future, obviously an ideal place for Callie, who'll commit crime in the future. I think it's funny how they see Eden city/Civilization and Harmony as two different worlds, I know they are stating a metaphor.. but still.. Ugh, I just won't rant anymore than I should. You probably have to read the book itself and see for your self.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Blog Tour: The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engel
The Revolution of Ivy
(The Book of Ivy #2)
(The Book of Ivy #2)
by
Amy Engel Genre: Young-adult, Dystopian, Romance
Release Date: November 3, 2015 by Entangled Teen
But there is hope beyond the fence, as well. And when Bishop reappears in Ivy's life, she must decide if returning to Westfall to take a final stand for what she believes is right is worth losing everything she's fought for.
Pre-order Links:
I just had a bitter sweet experience with The Revolution of Ivy. I started this with a bang. Ivy's strength and kick-assery(is that even a word? lol)was shown at the first part of the book that I can hardly put the book down. I knew right there and then that I was right to anticipate the release of this sequel regardless of the disappointment I had with The Book of Ivy.
"Out here we don’t always have the luxury of making moral judgments like right or wrong. Sometimes it is simply kill or be killed."The revolution of Ivy, follows exactly where the first book has left off. Ivy found herself outside of the fence, with nothing but her own clothes to keep her warm. We finally get to see the kick-ass girl I was looking for in The Book of Ivy, it was refreshing. Until Bishop, the boy she was promised to marry, her husband, the boy she has fallen helplessly in love with, the one where her loyalty truly lies... has come barging in her life once more and turned the story into a freaking soap-opera.
"All I want to do is lie down beside him and weep, bury my face in his neck and breathe him in until my lungs are so full there's no room for anything else."
This series obviously wanted to focus on the characters growth, their thoughts, personalities and the relationship between the two main characters. Maybe because after I read the first book, I already expected it, and I actually think it was fine and different- like good different. However, when Ivy made a big deal out of it and actually wasted a lot of goddamn pages before sorting out their feelings.. it tends to get annoying.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow
Hi Guys! I'm so excited to announce to you guys the cover and Blurb of the new novel of the amazing Michelle Madow - Elementals Series! This is totally my kind of read and so excited for its release on January! In the meantime, let us learn more about this novel and join the amazing giveaway afterwards!
Title:
Elementals:
The Prophecy of Shadows
Author: Michelle Madow
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Release
Date: January
26, 2016
Publisher:
Dreamscape
Publishing
Series: Elementals #1
Format: eBook
ISBN:
2940152448849
When Nicole Cassidy moves from sunny Georgia to
gloomy New England, the last thing she expects is to learn that her homeroom is
a cover for a secret coven of witches. Even more surprisingly … she’s
apparently a witch herself. Despite doubts about her newfound abilities, Nicole
is welcomed into this ancient circle of witches and is bedazzled by their powers—and,
to her dismay, by Blake—the school’s notorious bad-boy.
Girls who get close to Blake wind up hurt. His
girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort
to using dark magic. But the chemistry between Blake and Nicole is undeniable,
and despite wanting to protect Nicole from Danielle’s wrath, he finds it
impossible to keep his distance.
When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for
the first time in three thousand years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle, and two others
in their homeroom are gifted with mysterious powers. But the comet has another
effect—it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans
for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes and attacks Nicole and Blake,
it’s up to them and the others to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so
that they can save their town … and possibly the world.
Now for the exciting part...
Are you ready?
**Insert Drum Rolls**
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Book Review: Just a Few Inches by Tara St. Pierre
Just a Few Inches
by Tara St. Pierre
Genre: Young-adult, Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary
To fit into the perfect dress for the Valentine’s Day Dance. To look beautiful for her boyfriend, the school’s star basketball player. To keep his jealous ex-girlfriend, a rival cheerleader, away from him. And to be noticed by her classmates.
Exercising and dieting don’t work, but an advertisement for weight loss pills promises a quicker solution to her problem. As time runs out, she takes more than the recommended dose until she’s just a few inches slimmer. Heads turn when she arrives at the dance, and the wonderful night with her boyfriend is beyond what she dreamed it would be.
Days later, Carrie discovers that her body is changing in ways that should be impossible. While her doctor searches for a cure, she desperately turns to her friends and family for support. Everyone is noticing her now whether she likes it or not, and even the media is intrigued by her incredible story. Getting everything she once wanted has created new problems—problems that are growing more terrifying every day.
Because Carrie Roberts is shrinking.
Click here to read about my fun interview with the author and to get the chance to win a copy of this book! :)
"Funny how desperation allows you to bent the rules a little bit to suit your own purposes"Personally, I think this is by all means a great and powerful book about one of the common issues that most teenagers deal with nowadays. The issue, which I think a lot of people will think petty, is really realistic and understanding and was handled in the book with a great deal of sensitivity. It was refreshing.
Carrie Roberts doesn't usually falls for the lies that the advertisement tells about the products they wanted to sell on TV. She knows how misleading those AD's can be... but she's desperate. She needs to fit in that beautiful red dress she bought for the Valentines dance and to look good for her famous basketball player boyfriend. So she decided to ignore the absurdity of the ads and actually try the diet pills.
"As I said, it was an act of desperation that led me to a method to take off those few unwanted inches."
Author Interview + Giveaway: Tara St. Pierre of Just a Few Inches
Hi Guys! I managed to interview the Author of Just a few Inches(Click the link for the review ;) ), Tara St. Pierre! Read below to know more information about this incredible author and how she come up with this amazeballs and unique novel and to also get the chance to win an E-book copy of Just a Few Inches! :)
Tara St. Pierre has been writing for over two decades, but her muse only sporadically provides inspiration. Her laptop is filled with incomplete manuscripts and other plot outlines, and she feels blessed when one finally pushes its way through to completion--no matter how long it takes!
She enjoys classic science fiction movies and television shows. When driving, she sings along with the radio loudly and off key. She prefers tea over coffee, spring over autumn, vanilla ice cream over chocolate, and caramel over hot fudge. Though she lives by herself, one of her two cats enjoys cuddling with her.
About The Book
Just a Few Inches
by Tara St. Pierre
Genre: Young-adult, Fantasy, Romance, Contemporary
To fit into the perfect dress for the Valentine’s Day Dance. To look beautiful for her boyfriend, the school’s star basketball player. To keep his jealous ex-girlfriend, a rival cheerleader, away from him. And to be noticed by her classmates.
Exercising and dieting don’t work, but an advertisement for weight loss pills promises a quicker solution to her problem. As time runs out, she takes more than the recommended dose until she’s just a few inches slimmer. Heads turn when she arrives at the dance, and the wonderful night with her boyfriend is beyond what she dreamed it would be.
Days later, Carrie discovers that her body is changing in ways that should be impossible. While her doctor searches for a cure, she desperately turns to her friends and family for support. Everyone is noticing her now whether she likes it or not, and even the media is intrigued by her incredible story. Getting everything she once wanted has created new problems—problems that are growing more terrifying every day.
Because Carrie Roberts is shrinking.
First of all, would you kindly tell us something about yourself? Are you a lot like Carrie? Eg. Athletic, cheerleader etc.? Because that would be cool! Not that you’re not cool now because you are, err, sorry got carried away.
I’m not particularly athletic, and I wasn’t a cheerleader. I had to do some research into certain cheerleading terms to make that aspect of her personality believable! But she’s that way because I felt it was important for the story for her to be in a somewhat high-profile role in her school and to give her a believable reason to have a rival such as Janelle.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Book Review: Undertow by K.R. Conway
Undertow (Undertow #1)
by K.R. Conway
Genre: Young-adult, Paranormal, Romance
When Raef O’Reilly becomes her friendly, yet weirdly protective shadow, Eila thinks life is pretty darn perfect – until she is hauled beneath the waves by an unnatural undertow. Revealing coal-black eyes and iron-like strength as he rescues her, Raef can no longer hide what he is . . . or what she can do. Eila, last of her kind, can supposedly channel the power of human souls, while Raef is more adept at stealing them. Even worse, the legend about her ancestor isn't such a myth, since Eila’s grandmother was one kick-butt warrior until her lightning-like power backfired. A power that is written all over Eila's DNA.
Determined to stay one step ahead of a dangerous clan that is hunting her, Raef, along with three unlikely allies, will do all they can to protect her. But as hidden pieces of their brutal histories unravel, Eila begins to understand just what went down in the harbor square. She soon realizes that following in her grandmother’s fearless footsteps may be the only way to save those she loves . . . including Raef.
Undertow contains majority of the things I hated in Paranormal Novel... Predictable plot, instalove, hot-transfer guy, common evil cheerleader squad, a couple of slut-shaming and a Mary Sue character, I shouldn't be able to like this book by default....
But damn, I had a blast!
Book Review: Altaica by Tracy M. Joyce
Altaica
(The Chronicles of Altaica, #1)
(The Chronicles of Altaica, #1)
by
Tracy M. Joyce Genre: Young-adult, High Fantasy, Romance
Isaura – little is known about her race, but much is whispered. Born to refugees, she grows up enduring racism and superstition within a community that fears her. She has few friends, and those she treasures. Trapped, she longs for escape to a different life.
Escape is only the beginning of her troubles. Having fled an invading army with her friends, Isaura is faced with heinous choices in order to survive. Secrets from her past emerge to torment her and threaten to destroy all she holds dear. Her struggles forge a bond with an ancient power – a power which may transform or consume her. Old hatreds and superstitions are renewed and at her most vulnerable she learns the true nature of those around her.
Her only hope lies in a foreign land – a land rich in tradition; ruled by three powerful clans. A land with a history marked by warfare; where magic as we know it does not exist. Instead what is here, in abundance, is a more primal power.
Survival carries a high price.
Welcome to Altaica.
"They're not used to seeing women fight, that's all. It's one thing for them to know you carry a bow to hunt, but another to see it used like that."Seeing the cover for the very first time, I thought this was going to be a very interesting and kick-ass high fantasy read... I couldn't have been more wrong.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Feature & Follow #19: What Super Powers would you like to have?
If you could have any super power, what would it be? - Suggested by Jess Time to Read.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Waiting on Wednesday #18: The Sleeping Prince by Melinda Salisbury
The Sleeping Prince
(The Sin Eater’s Daughter #2)
by Melinda Salisbury
(Website|Twitter)
Ever since her brother Lief disappeared, Errin's life has gone from bad to worse. Not only must she care for her sick mother, she has to scrape together rent money by selling illegal herbal cures. But none of that compares to the threat of the vengeful Sleeping Prince whom the Queen just awoke from his enchanted sleep.
When her village is evacuated as part of the war against the Sleeping Prince, Errin is left desperate and homeless. The only person she can turn to is the mysterious Silas, a young man who buys deadly poisons from Errin, but won't reveal why he needs them. Silas promises to help her, but when he vanishes, Errin must journey across a kingdom on the brink of war to seek another way to save her mother and herself. But what she finds shatters everything she believed about her world, and with the Sleeping Prince drawing nearer, Errin must make a heartbreaking choice that could affect the whole kingdom.
Book Link:
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Book Blitz + Giveaways:End of Day by Summer Lane
End of Day
(The Zero Trilogy #3)
Author: Summer Lane(The Zero Trilogy #3)
Release Date: October 9th 2015
Genre: Dystopia, Young Adult
Elle Costas and her dog, Bravo, have survived the dangers of Hollywood and escaped the clutches of Slaver Territory. The apocalypse has been cruel, and the wasteland of California has forced them to seek shelter in a civilian refugee camp at a place called Bear Mountain.
Here, they meet Cheng, a mysterious boy with the skills of a samurai, and Luli, a steampunk warrior with a thirst for vengeance. But friends cannot always be trusted. When a horrific tragedy befalls Bear Mountain, Elle and Bravo come face to face with their most dangerous enemy yet.
Betrayal and heartbreak threaten to destroy the bonds of friendship. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Run, or be caught.
Kill, or be killed.
Fight, or be forced to surrender.
The end of the day will change everything.
Will Elle and Bravo survive?
The explosive, thrilling conclusion to the #1 Bestselling Zero Trilogy by Summer Lane.
Book Links:
