This Isn’t a Dead Baby Joke (Zom-B: Baby – A Book Review)

Zom-B: Baby (Zom-B #5)

Author: Darren Shan

Published: 2013

On Goodreads

Goodreads

My Rating:

Rated Z for a zombie teen at a crossroads in her undead life.

 

…Instead of finding answers,

B finds a horror beyond imagining…

After receiving the news that B was vaccinated and it’s the reason she’s a revitalized zombie with a soul per se, she’s also told that she’s meant to be a part of a war in good versus evil. Dr. Oystein tells her all of this and that she is a welcome addition to his Angels, the league of good revitalizeds that are training to defeat Mr. Dowling, the creepy clown that B has had a run-in with a few times. The crazy part? He also tells her that it’s God that has set him on this path.

It’s not easy to take in and B is struggling to choose whether she wants to be a part of the Angels and a part of this war. It’s all a little farfetched. B takes some time, wandering around London to figure out if this is the path for her. She’s not out to find a new family or friends, but this could give her purpose. As she journeys, she runs into an old acquaintance and…an old nightmare.

 

Zom-B in review so far…

Barnes & Noble

Amazon

Goodreads

Goodreads

Goodreads

Zom-B

Zom-B: Underground

Zom-B: City

Zom-B: Angels

B still faces being a zombie, but she’s found a place to fit in and a mission to be a part of. Or at least she thought she had. After getting strange news about Dr. Oystein’s and the revtializeds mission, she isn’t sure. Her time alone really puts things into perspective, especially after a run-in with Timothy the artist and those creepy babies she’s had nightmares about.

This moment is one I’ve waited for since the beginning of the series. B’s development and conscience has been a thing of intrigue. After getting this second chance at (un)life, she’s really taken into account how to live. When religion became the main subject, I couldn’t blame her for wanting to take some time to think about her next steps, especially with the background she has as a cruel bully and the family she came from where she endured abuse and the racism that her father promoted.  It’s actually what makes this one of my favorite installments in this series. There’s much more depth to her character.

Shan has done a phenomenal job keeping the story fresh in the city of London and also giving some serious creeps. I like that he stays in one place because then he focused on the action. There’s always somewhere new to check out and I really like because it’s like getting a tour. The story still remains fresh and original and while I’m still not sure if I like it or not, I’m still reading if only to see where and how this ends. There are still moments of blah here and there I wish I could skip is all.

 

Overall

Still garnering my attention with its little snippets of progression and gore and horror, this installation actually provokes thought and emotion with B. It seems while she may be battling whether she’ll be like her father or not, she also begins to confront who she wants to be and who she could be. The obstacles and new bits of info that come in the books, like the creepy babies and the artist Timothy, truly add a whole new layer to this series. This was probably one of my favorites. There was more inner turmoil versus zombie action and it truly brought more to everything.

 

Quotables:

“Three against three. Sounds about right to me. This world has always split down the middle when it comes to gurus. One man’s prophet is another man’s crackpot.” (Rage, p. 37)

 

More to come soon…                                                                                                

  -K.

 

P.S. Song today? The Joke by Lifehouse.

 

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From Beneath, It Devours…Yes, It Might Be A Hellmouth (Night Shift – A Book Review)

Night Shift (Midnight, Texas #3)

Author: Charlaine Harris

Published: 2016

On Goodreads

Goodreads

My Rating:

Rated D for an intriguing and curious build-up that only to lead to a disappointing delivery.

 

The first suicide arrives one early October night.

Midnight, a small town in Texas with only one stoplight, is facing strange times. Weapons in the local pawn shop, Midnight Pawn, are flying off the shelves only to be used in gruesome suicides right at the crossroad in the middle of town. Secrets and revelations come out into the open throwing Midnighters off balance. One thing is for sure, there’s a strong power rising in the small town and it’s threatening to destroy everything and everyone.

 

The Midnight, Texas trilogy is a part of my New Year’s resolution and this is 3 of 3.

Amazon

Goodreads

 

Midnight Crossroad review – here

Day Shift review – here

 

It upsets me to say this, but this book was such a disappointment. GAH! No! I love the show. It inspired to read the books!!! I kept imagining that this final installment would put things into perspective and give some sort of fulfilling closure. Alas, not the case. Manfred is still being his crazy, work-driven self. Fiji is more tense than usual. Bobo is awkward. Olivia is on the precipice of losing her shit. Then, of course, there’s this great evil below the town.

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Where do I start? There was so much that was promising with this final book. I always felt like the final book of a trilogy or any series was meant to be significant and final and closing, and most importantly, satisfying on some level. I thought there’d be answers that would make sense, but everything from Olivia’s secrets about her life to the reason Manfred feels like he has to work constantly to Fiji’s family history is messy. While reading, it felt like it was all shoved together super fast with no clear rhyme or reason. There were no real answers to be had, and if there were, it wasn’t clear. Everything was left hanging in the air.

It’s been hard to feel anything for these characters. It still is. I was hoping to gain ground, but with the style of writing keeping the characters at arm’s length with the reader, I just didn’t find myself caring, EXCEPT for at the end with Fiji and Bobo. And at that part, I was utterly mortified. Like, what the holy balls of hell!? If you’ve read this trilogy and have gotten to this part maybe you understand where I’m coming from.

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The big bad? It wasn’t clear until about the middle of the book that there was one and who/what the big bad was is still a mystery because the book didn’t get into it. There just wasn’t much depth or interest paid to it. It felt very meh. Usually, there’s something dire about an evil that threatens to destroy you and your home. Not the case here. Bummer.

 

Overall

Well…it’s over. *Shrug* Anti-climactic. Just not what I expected. Harris is a great writer. I mean that. I enjoy her style and flare and how she gave normalcy to the supernatural rather than painting them as nothing but monsters. But, here’s the but(t). I felt like nothing really happened. Nothing exciting or liberating. Maybe a little past my comfort zone at the end there, but that’s about it. As you can tell when a book gears me up, whether, at one end of the spectrum or the other, I get to writing a lengthy review. This one will go up on my shelf. While it didn’t come out as a favorite it was still enjoyable.

 

Quotables:

“It might sound snobbish if being a real Midnight person were something anyone else in the world aspired to. That’s like saying someone doesn’t really fit in with the Weirdo Club.” (Manfred to Olivia, p. 108)

“‘I know a pair of angels. I talk to angels. I live on the same street as angels. And across from a talking cat and a witch.’ And yet, he admitted to himself, this didn’t feel strange at all. It felt quite normal.” (Manfred, p. 165)

 

More to come soon…                                                                                                

  -K.

 

P.S. Song today? Taking Over Me by Evanescence.

 

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Thoughts? Let’s chat in the comments below!

 

 

Zombies in the Big City (Zom-B: City – A Book Review)

Zom-B: City (Zom-B #3)

Author: Darren Shan

Published: 2013

On Goodreads

Goodreads

My Rating:

Rated D for an undead teenager that will do whatever it takes to survive, but won’t be anybody butt-monkey.

 

The lack of Activity, the silence, the zombies sheltering in the deserted cars—I assume the worst.

B has finally made it out of the underground facility that was gearing up to use her as a weapon. Now in the city, B has heard that the military is sweeping the city for survivors. While she weaves through the city, making her way through zombies, she meets different people as she makes her way to the next pick-up point. Trouble quickly finds her and she must make some dangerous choices.

 

Zom-B series so far…

Zom-B – review

Zom-B: Underground – review

 

In this next chapter of B’s zombie adventures, she is in London and she comes face to face with the mutants that are responsible for the zombie breakout. It’s wild and I’m was left wondering what B will do now. They’re still pretty creepy. The story still keeps up with the action and gore of the undead, though pretty basic which didn’t leave me shocked sadly. The danger this time are ones that were seen before shit broke loose all the way at the beginning. B describes them as mutants and they’re pretty gnarly looking. Instead of attacking her, they and Mr. Dowling (A creepy fucking clown. Like seriously, why does it always have to be clowns?) want B to join them as they terrorize people. Of course, this conflicts with her new lease on life to be a better person.

New characters came into the story and as usual, I wonder if they’ll be seen again. A group of military delinquents and a not-all-there artist, Tim, who is pretty sure he’s a prophet of the zombie apocalypse. They’re pretty wild and not all there. I actually got some The Walking Dead vibes with these other people. I do hope that B finds somebody that doesn’t come off psychotic. Her journey is a lonely one and while I still don’t like her, I do feel some pity for her, but she’s tough and literally heartless. Whatever comes next, I’m sure she can hack it.

 

Overall

The books move pretty fast so I get them done within a couple hours. Each act as a chapter with something new and grisly. While sometimes silly, I still find myself intrigued. This may be the 3^rd book, but the story is pretty slow going with curiosities in every book that leave me with questions. I want to know what is in store for B next. Of course, I already know it’ll be worse than this.

 

Quotables:

“The dead are the best listeners in the world. The corpse takes it all in, never interrupts, doesn’t criticize me, lets me waffle on for as long as I like.” (B, 15)

“In the end, stripped bare of everything else, as everyone is eventually, all we’re left with is the truth.” (Tim, p. 91)

“Silly old B! Still keen to help the living. Will I never learn?” (B, p. 162)

 

More to come soon…                                                                                                

  -K.

 

P.S. Song today? Girls Chase Boys by Ingrid Michaelson.

 

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Not Today Satan (Good Omens – A Book Review)

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

Author: Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

Published: 1990

On Goodreads

Penguin

My Rating:

Rated M for mix-ups, misunderstandings, but no misleadings on when the apocalypse begins.

 

The world will end on Saturday. Next Saturday. Just before dinner…

According to the accurate prophecies of Agnes Nutter, a witch, the world is going to end. The Antichrist has turned eleven and will be coming into his powers, which will end the world. The armies of Good and Evil are gearing of up for the ultimate battle that’s a part of the Divine Plan, but it turns out that a temperamental angel and a demon that’s gone native aren’t for this grand plan.

That, and they’ve misplaced the Antichrist, which is a slight problem…or is it?

 

If you’ve read my other reviews on Neil Gaiman then you know just how much I LOVE his books. A total geek-out and this is no different. The man has yet to let me down. I’m always entertained and thrilled and the comedy mixed with wisdom is so splendid. An angel and a demon that don’t want the apocalypse and four kids plus an ex-hellhound along with a witch and a witchfinder trying to stop it? Yes, please!

First off, apparently the earth and I share a birthday! According to Good Omens anyway. I officially vote it way better than any celebrity I’m sharing with, except Carrie Fisher. She’s bomb and my favorite princess aside from Nani of Lilo & Stich. And yes, I totally believe she’s a princess. Fight me. LOL.

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Also, I really loved this apocalypse. It wasn’t dreary or depressing. And I couldn’t stop laughing about the mention not needing any demon’s help for their lives to suck because they do it all on their own. I guarantee that even though this is a tad spoiler-y, you’ll still laugh really hard. Because it’s true!

Odyssey

A Demon. An Angel. A witchfinder. A witch. An Antichrist. Some satanic nuns. And many more. The characters are incredible and beyond dimensional. With wide emotional and comical range, they were both fantastical and realistic. Not at all boring. My favorites were obviously Aziraphale and Crowley. Their friendship is the beauty of when opposites attract. It’s also the beauty of when you tell yourself and them that you’ll never be friends and inevitably end up so. So many feels and comedy with those two.

The story primarily focuses on the characters and the timeframe more than place. I still liked the attention to detail on London and the small town of Tadfield. Simple and quaint is exactly how I imagined it. Aziraphale’s bookstore had to be my favorite setting because, well duh, I love books!

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The extras and side notes that came with the book made it even better. While I can’t give any away, they’re definitely funny and give great backstory, much like in history books. They add so much fun and I like it when authors give the reader extra goodies. Not once did I ever feel like this was drawn out. I know books, even the best ones, can have those moments but I didn’t get that at all. Non-stop entertaining.

 

On the show…

Foolish Watcher

So, after reading the book, I went right to work watching the show and it did not let me down. From the narrations to the cast and crew outdoing themselves for 6 episodes with some outrageous and epic drama, I was in love. There have been questions about a second season and honestly, I’m with Gaiman. This is a nice one season show. I don’t think it absolutely needs more. However, I do need more American Gods. LOL.

 

Overall

A memorable book with great lines and funny characters that really hit home with some truth. Colorful and lively. Not a dull moment and definitely going up on my favorites shelf. A must, absolutely, no excuses read.

 

Quotables:

“That’s how it goes, you think you’re on top of the world, and suddenly they spring Armageddon on you.” (Crowley, p/ 24)

“Evil in in general does not sleep, and therefore doesn’t see why anyone else should.” (p. 42)

“It is said that the devil has all the best tunes. This is broadly true. But Heaven has the best choreography.” (p.103)

“What I’ve always wondered is why they call ‘em UFOs when they know they’re flying saucers. I mean, they’re Identified Flying Objects then.” (Brian, p. 188)

“Just remember I’ll have known that, deep down inside, you were just enough of a bastard to be worth liking.” (Aziraphale to Crowley, p. 441)

 

On a side note…

I just finished Stranger Things and I don’t know about you guys, but that ending left me devastated and emotional. I didn’t cry, but my heart basically detached itself, saying, “Nope. I can’t believe you tortured me like that, you asshole. I’m out.”.

If you’ve never watched the Netflix show, but love apocalypse, paranormal, kill your emotions with a lot of feels then watch it! It’s incredible. The 80s. Scary monsters. Kids with an endless supply of badassery. And those coming of age feels.

#StrangerThings

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More to come soon…

  -K.

 

P. S. Song today? It’s The End of the World by R. E. M.

 

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Wicked, The Trilogy – A Review

Hey there, bookworms!

So at the beginning of the month, I finished the final book of this trilogy, Brave and promised a review of the series since it is a part of my New Year’s Resolution to read five series. And yes, I’m considering this a series since there are more than two books. You may disagree and that’s A-okay. The Wicked trilogy consists of Wicked, Torn, and Brave. The reviews to them are below:

 

 

Amazon

Goodreads

Goodreads

Wicked: here

Torn: here

Brave: here

If you have read the reviews then you already know just how hard I have gushed and fangirled over this trilogy. I didn’t imagine I’d fall so hard in love with it. While it does get hot and heavy, it’s not just that. Not. At. All. It’s amazing storytelling in a phenomenal city of enthralling danger.

In New Orleans, Ivy Morgan is just trying to hold on to some semblance of normal in her life by going to college. Her entire life has consisted of training and knowing that she could die very young, as many do in this profession because her and others in the same line of work know that humans aren’t the only thing strolling around the French Quarter. She and others known as The Order hunt fae.

Then in comes a new transfer. Ren Owens. Immediately, Ivy is taken off-guard by his bright, forest green eyes and unfiltered charm. They nearly break down her barriers, but after what happened four years ago, she’s not ready to let anybody new into her life. So, she’s even less thrilled when he becomes her new partner.

More so? It seems the world just might be coming to an end. Perfect timing, right? Not only is Ivy struggling with how she feels about Ren, but these two will have to work together to find out what’s behind it and how to stop it, and the secrets they discover along the way will change everything.

While I loved everything from the phenomenal and vibrant depiction of New Orleans, which only makes me want to visit the city even more, to the incredible and mind-blowing character development that left me pining, I still have some questions.

For those of you who haven’t read this yet, be warned. It’s a bit spoiler-y.

Some questions I have and am contemplating:

At one point, Ivy was going to look for Jerome because the cranky cake addict was the last living person aside from mind-bent Merle and that didn’t really happen. It’s just my personal curiosity, but where is he? I mean, he’s alive, right? Ivy still owes him cake LOL.

This next one came directly after it was discovered that Ivy is a halfling. Which of her parents is the fae? Again, a personal curiosity, but still…That’s a story I’d love to hear.

Also, I’m so curious about Tink’s true name. Will Ivy ever be trusted enough to know it?

End of spoiler-worthy talk.

The Characters:

There was so much to love about this series. Going back to the characters, Ren and Ivy had some of the most electric chemistry that I’ve ever felt. My hairs stood up on end a few times and there were shivers to be had. What they have is so natural and realistic and I admired it so much! With the hot and beautiful and smile-worthy came the heartache and cringe-y and awkward. So much awkward. I can’t express enough how much I laughed.

Then there’s the star of this book or at least the one that was the most unforgettable. The last of his kind. Tink, the brownie. Such a little bastard that he is, he’s also sweet in his own way. Except for the fucking troll dolls. That just wasn’t right in the head. He’s one of those rare friends that will always be honest and true and loyal and let you fall on your face while abusing your Amazon and Netflix accounts. But while abusing your Amazon account, they’ll be sure to buy you a cool AF T-shirt because they love you. Much like Ivy and Ren, I can’t pick a favorite part with Tink.

The End:

Coming to the end of this trilogy was actually pretty difficult. It moves at a hard and sharp pace that had no intention of slowing down so I had no idea how it would end, but it did and on a very light and sweet note that left Ivy and Ren’s story open in case it would be returned to later.

Now, there are two novellas out there: 1,001 Nights: The Prince & 1,001 Nights: The King. I’ll have to look into those…

The Author:

When it comes to Jennifer L. Armentrout I must say that she is inspiring. Not only does she create fantastic works of paranormal fiction, fantasy, and YA, but she gives them so much life with her perfectly placed pop culture references, puns, wit, and charm.

Currently, she is writing her spin-off series to LUX deemed the Origin series (which I am also hopelessly addicted to). Also, currently released to paperback is her Dark Elements trilogy about a soul-sucking kiss and gargoyles. Not going to lie, I’ve never read about gargoyles, but I’m definitely interested. I also have Storm & Fury-another new release-on my wishlist and can’t wait to read it.

 

 

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All in all, such a great series by a top-notch author that brings such fantastic and breathtaking storytelling to a whole new level. If you haven’t read it yet, then I hope you get the chance. In my personal opinion, it’s an instant favorite, especially for those who really enjoy Holly Black’s Modern Faerie Tale & Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely Series. This takes them up to a whole new notch, but it’s fae and lusty love with a side of kicking ass and taking no names.

More to comes soon…

  -K.

 

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Vengeance Becomes Her (Arcana Rising – A Book Review)

Arcana Rising (The Arcana Chronicles #4)

Author: Kresley Cole

Published: 2016

My Rating:

 

He’d asked me what I would sacrifice. I hadn’t been able to answer then, but I could now.

Not Jack.

After Richter, The Emperor, wreaks utter destruction, annihilating an entire army and more, Circe, The Priestess, strikes back with a force just as strong of . Evie, giving up after such a heavy loss, nearly lets her win, lets her kill her. Only one thing keeps her going. Vengeance. She will have it.

The remaining Arcana on the board have chosen their sides and the main battle can begin. Evie struggles to fight and keep going. Evie finds herself going darker and darker after finally getting to her Gran and learning of The Empress’s chronicles. Can Evie repress the red witch inside or will she let her loose to avenge all that she’s lost, becoming what Jack helped to suppress? The true Empress.

Could it be enough to take on Richter and his allies? Evie reunites with Aric and other fellow Arcana to build up a mighty force to fight back. It may prove difficult though after the bond between her and Death has been shaken and nearly destroyed by her choices. Can she and her allies rise to the heat of battle or will they fall like those who have already been swallowed up by Richter’s fires.

When the battle is done…And all hope is lost…Vengeance becomes everything.

 

Reviews for previous books in the series can be found below.

Poison Princess–here

Endless Knight–here

Dead of Winter–here

Day Zero–here

 

So…Okay.

Yes.

I’m struggling to find words. Why you ask? Because this series is completely beautiful and also very destructive on my poor heart. I’ve said it once, twice, a bazillion times. I’m completely obsessed. The aftermath of Dead of Winter lingers over this entire book.

Evie Greene is struggling with heavy losses after a brutal attack from Richter (The Emperor of the major Arcana) has left nothing but destruction its wake. Her heart completely closed off, Aric (Death) helps her to recover from her mortal wounds, promising to help her avenge those that have been taken from her. The big showdown begins now (which makes me an even bigger wreck). I’m still working on my feelings at the moment. They’re everywhere and are hard to collect.

To keep up with the basics. The tone has been completely steady and keeping me on the edge of my seat. I’m very shocked, but somehow I’m still hanging on-not in the bad sense I mean. I mean that it’s a complete roller coaster that will leave you breathless. You’re holding on for dear life while. I read this book during my whole day off last week while watching Grace and Frankie (completely amazing show and also had me on the edge of my seat). It’s been a loooong time since I’ve done that, but I just couldn’t put it down. The book was glued to my fingers. The pacing was still moving fast and with a hyper awareness, but when you’re wondering each day if it’s your last day then it’s understandable.

Unlike the previous books, except for Day Zero, this book followed multiple POVs instead of only following Evie Greene. This was really awesome because it really spread the story out and allowed me to get a look at a few other characters that I really love. Each new POV was just as intense as it’s been with Evie throughout the series. There hasn’t been a single character that I’ve hated. Well, more specifically, there hasn’t been a character that I’ve hated because it’s a terrible character that makes now sense whatsoever. I have hated a character because from person to fictional person, I just don’t like them and hope they perish. Yes, Aric, I mean you. LOL. I swear, this series is giving me the Twilight PTSD (Team Edward or Team Jacob?). I’m still Team Jack. Freaking love that human and am crying an ocean of tears for him.

Of course characters that we learned about in the previous volume (Day Zero) finally make an entrance and this deadly game of thunderdome is in full swing with all of the Arcana on the board. More! Evie’s Gran is actually alive and she’s also a little (A LOT) psycho. After reading her own chronicles on The Empress, Evie comes across unsettling discoveries about her friends and past games, and is deeply unsettled and unsure about who to trust. Her friends might not be her friends. With Gran’s ill condition worsening, she isn’t even sure she can trust her. She keeps telling her to release the red witch, which is the last thing Evie wants to do. But, with Jack…missing (queue my denial)…she may not be able to keep her at bay much longer.

Also, it turns out that the major Arcana are not the only ones on the battle board. The minor Arcana are floating around as well! Those like: ten of swords and queen of cups. I’ve been wondering for the last few books if they were a part of this and I’m so giddy to know that they are. They apparently aren’t people you want to walk up and expect a buddy-buddy moment to happen. They want this game to end just like them, possibly more than them.

Did I mention that my heart is utterly destroyed? It’s been ripped out, or at least it I wish is was. It would be much better than this pain I’m in over all of the emotional dread and heartache I feel. Kresley has truly messed with my emotions.

The twists! There are so many. There were several times I turned a nasty shade of red, teared up, and cried out “NOOO!”. I was losing it, utterly upset. And no, it wasn’t because this book was terrible. Not. At. All. It was because I felt like I was being torn apart by what was happening. You know the feeling. These characters you fall in love with that have great passion and intensity go and do all of these stupid things you disagree with. They go and stomp on your heart.  But the story is so great you can’t stop, so in the end you let them. That’s Evie Greene.

Like those previous, this book was amazing. I’ve already pre-ordered the next in the series that’s due out on February 13, 2018. Usually I’m pretty patient, but not about this book. I WANT IT RIGHT FREAKING NOW. I have no idea what will be coming and I’m not entirely sure that I’m emotionally prepared either, but I can’t wait.

 

Quotables:

“The Empress’s screams had awakened the dark in me. Reverse, perverse…The Dark Calling.” (Mathew, p. 59)

“Twist, tighten, constrict.” (Evie, p. 104)

“The gods decreed this game. They set events into motion eons ago. Someone has to win. No matter what, someone will win.” (Lark, p.116)

 

More to come soon…

-K.

 

P.S. Song today? Eyes Closed by Halsey.

 

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Don’t Blink, It’s the End Of the World as You Know It (Day Zero – A Book Review)

Day Zero (The Arcana Chronicles #3.5)

Author: Kresley Cole

Published: 2016

My Rating:

Millennia ago, the gods grew bored.

Evie Greene’s story of the Flash is one of many. She lost her best friend, her boyfriend-everyone that she knows, except for the rugged Jackson Deveaux who came strolling back into her life, though their last encounter had ended on a bad note. That night still runs through her mind like a waking nightmare. All of the beautiful, hypnotizing lights in the sky. A fiery aurora borealis that destroyed the world, thrusting it into an apocalyptic wasteland, and turning it into the new game board for the Arcana. Across the globe each one connected to this deadly game must first survive the horrifying night that turned their worlds upside down and changed them forever.

Some Arcana are experiencing their powers for the first time. Others were just waiting for this game to begin. Here, discover what they lost and the hell they went through and how their lives began anew on day zero of the Flash.

Ashes to ashes…Wall fall down.

The reviews for the series so far are below.

The Poison Princess – here

Endless Knight – here

Dead of Winter – here

This was a great addition to the Arcana Chronicles. While it doesn’t move Evie Greene’s story forward, it does go into detail about all of the Arcana on the day that the world was wiped out and plunged into an apocalyptic wasteland with pus-filled creatures that are like zombies and deathly plagues. The worst thing out there? People that either want to turn you into a slave or eat you.

Kresley starts out this small collection of short character stories with a side note—you should at least have read the first three books before this one. Like I said, this book isn’t directly connected to the story line, but still, there are massive spoilers that refer back to them as well as characters that we haven’t met yet. Each story follows an Arcana on days up to the Flash. Some don’t have much of a story, but that’s because their stories have been told previously.

There are some characters are already well-known at this point, like Evie (The Empress), Aric (Death), Jack (???), and Matthew (The Fool). I was really excited to learn what it was like at the very beginning for several other characters such as Joules (The Tower), Lark (Strength), and Selena (The Moon). Others like The Sun and Fortune—other tarot—make  me excited to continue on with the series.

Some of these stories really had my stomach churning with how dark they got. Don’t get me wrong, I love a book that pushes the boundaries because it can make the story that much more realistic, but wow. There was no holding back on how nasty the world, and the people in it, can really be. Every gritty detail made me cringe. But, the parts that were such a karmic flip were so satisfying.

Each character was well written into independent people. Not a one seemed repetitive, which is always a worry of mine when there’s so many characters in a book. There’s nothing worse than characters who all read like one character rather than having their own independent lives. (Actually, not true. As a grammar whore, I will tell you that you’re VS your and there VS their VS they’re is really irritating when fucked up. LOL)

The style of this book is very different than the others in the series so far. It doesn’t keep track of the days after the Flash (A.F.) like it does for Evie, Jack and Aric. Each character story takes place just days before the Flash. One is in a subway, another at a fraternity house, and one at a hockey game, for example. Arcana are all over the world, which also shows that this series isn’t just focused in the United States.

It doesn’t follow the usual pattern with chapters. Each story is titled by the Arcana player, reminding me of a primer or bestiary. Both serve as a book that guides the reader in a specific subject, like a textbook.

How else do I explain how fulfilling this book was?

Ah! (Possibly spoiler-y ahead.)

There were a couple things that Kresley didn’t bring up in the book. Most of Matthew’s story is blacked out in the book. I’m glad that I already know some of it, though it is all over the place. The style of his story matches that of who he is both as The Fool of the Arcana and as an autistic kid. As the The Fool, Matthew has a talent for keeping whatever he wants regarding the game hidden, which comes across as a jumbled mess whenever he speaks anyway. It makes me antsy because I want to know everything and he knows everything! It’s so TEASING!

One character story that I was looking forward to reading was non-existent! The Hanged Man. There was absolutely nothing, and now I’m even more impatient about discovering what the hub-bub about the character. There’s been no trace of this Arcana so far in the series and I’m not sure that Jack is this Arcana, since people are wondering about him and if he’s something more. Evie or Aric would’ve heard his call at this point, I feel. Plus, he has his own story of his last few days up to the Flash. It’s obvious that Kresley enjoys torturing her readers.

(About sums up how it’s making me feel.)

This is a quick read. I finished in a matter of two hours. It’s filled with so much need to know stuff, in my opinion. I like having extra background about my characters. I can see them so much more clearly. With a story that spreads out over such a massive setting and that has several characters between books, I’m glad to get some backstory. Is this a must-read? Probably not since it doesn’t move the main story forward. Do I recommend it? YES! If you’re like me, you like to know everything and this is filled to the brim with information that I feel will put you on the field of this deadly game. To me, that’s important and really pulls me into this world even deeper.

More to come soon…

-K.

P.S. Song today? Still Alive by Lisa Miskovsky.

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