Book Review: Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter

Release Date: September 24th, 2013

Read: February 11th, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Series: White Rabbit Chronicles, #2

Format: Hardcover, 480 pages

Source: Winnipeg Public Library

Description on GoodReads:

Zombies stalk the night. Forget blood and brains. These monsters hunger for human souls. Sadly, they've got mine...

Alice Bell has lost so much. Family. Friends. A home. She thought she had nothing else to give. She was wrong.

After a new zombie attack, strange things begin to happen to her. Mirrors come to life, and the whispers of the dead assault her ears. But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do very wicked things.

She's never needed her team of zombie slayers more, but ultra bad-boy Cole Holland, the leader and her boyfriend, suddenly withdraws from her...from everyone. Now, with her best friend Kat at her side, Ali must kill the zombies, uncover Cole's secret and learn to fight the darkness.

But the clock is ticking...and if she fails at a single task, they're all doomed.

Review:

Contains Spoilers:

Tick Tok

   The first thing that caught my eye for Through the Zombie Glass was the cover, I've always adored Harlequin Teen's covers. There is always something appealing about them that just makes them my favourites above all the others. What made the cover even better was the fact that the "Mad Hatter" was one of the main themes, he was the character I liked best in the Alice in Wonderland stories because after certain events life changes you and often there is no going back. 

   In the novel we received the same sass we were given in Alice in Zombieland and boy did I love it. The new danger that was Z.A was freaking awesome as well. This book definitely lived up to my expectations, and I'm so glad they did. A few parts that stood out for me were the tattoos and the Cole/Ali couple problem. With the tattoos I loved how Gena symbolized them, with each tattoo each slayer wore it represented a loved one that had moved on. I really liked that, and because tattoos are permanent they'd forever be with them. I feel the same way with books, they made me who I am and I couldn't be who I am today without them so tattooing a quote or something from a favourite of mine shouldn't be a big deal. 

  With Ali and Cole breaking and fighting through out the novel made no sense for me, why does this tend to happen in the second novels in the series? With this series you think Cole would have understood by now that Ali was stubborn, she was going to obviously want to fight the zombies. There was not going to be anyway to stop her, but no he had to go and break up with her to make sure she stayed safe. See? Lots of sass right there. Oh well to the end of the novel they make up anyhow so all is well in the world of Ali and Cole. 

   Alice in Zombieland was a hit, Through the Zombie Glass was even more of a hit! Now all we can do is wait for The Queen of Zombie Hearts and see where that takes us! The Queen of Zombie Hearts releases September 30th, 2014.

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

“My mom once told me a boy would know he’d become a man when he stopped putting himself first. She said a girl would come along and I wouldn’t be able to get her out of my mind. She said this girl would frustrate me, confuse me, and challenge me, but she would also make me do whatever was necessary to be a better man–the man she needed. With you, I want to be better. I want to be what you need. Tell me what you need.” ~ Cole

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Horror, Zombies

Book Review: Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter

Release Date: September 25th, 2012

Read: January 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Series: White Rabbit Chronicles, #1

Format: Hardcover, 404 pages

Source: Borrowed

Description on 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

Review:

Contains spoilers:

   Zombies, zombies, zombies...
   When I was younger my sisters and I were obsessed with Disney, heck I still am. So this book hit the spot with the very wicked twist that is Alice in Zombieland. This book was phenomenal, a part in the book that really made a impression on me was the car accident, that scene was a favourite of mine. I know that sounds cruel, but I don't mean that I enjoyed her family dying. I loved the meaning behind the accident. That in one second everything can change, you loved ones gone, your life starting a new. You never know what can happen, so I believe Gena is trying to tell us to not to take what we have for granted and to live in the moment.  A character that stood out the most for me was Kat, even though she had a genetic disease, which was slowly killing her, she stood strong because she didn't want to be treated any differently then everyone else. I just adore her. Now the wait for The Queen Of Zombie Hearts has began. Ugh waiting.


P.S Cole's violet eyes just make me swoon<3


Rating:

Favourite Quote:

"Truly living required risk." 

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Horror, Paranormal, Supernatural, Zombies

The Queen of Zombie Hearts Cover Reveal!

Ladies and Gentlemen the wait is over.... Gena Showalter's cover for THE QUEEN OF ZOMBIEHEARTS is finally here! I'm out of this world excited!! I've loved this series since I picked up Alice in Zombieland, I just needed another Gena Showalter fix after finishing Twisted! 

First there was the horrific beauty that is ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND...

Then came the devouring sequel THROUGH THE ZOMBIE GLASS...

Now are you ready to EAT YOUR HEARTS OUT!!

May I introduce you to THE QUEEN OF ZOMBIE HEARTS!

"We're all mad here."

Here is the official description from Harlequin Teen!

I have a plan.

We'll either destroy them for good, or they'll destroy us.

Either way, only one of us is walking away.

In the stunning conclusion to the wildly popular White Rabbit Chronicles, Alice "Ali" Bell thinks the worst is behind her. She's ready to take the next step with boyfriend Cole Holland, the leader of the zombie slayers…until Anima Industries, the agency controlling the zombies, launches a sneak attack, killing four of her friends. It's then she realizes that humans can be more dangerous than monsters…and the worst has only begun.

As the surviving slayers prepare for war, Ali discovers she, too, can control the zombies…and she isn't the girl she thought she was. She's connected to the woman responsible for killing—and turning—Cole's mother. How can their relationship endure? As secrets come to light, and more slayers are taken or killed, Ali will fight harder than ever to bring down Anima—even sacrificing her own life for those she loves.

The book is to be released on Tuesday September 30th, 2014.
So add it to your TBR! and Add it to your TBR on Goodreads!
or check out the official White Rabbit Chronicles website!

Official White Rabbit Chronicles website

Then pre-order your copy!

 Amazon, Barnes & Noble,  Chapters

        

         

About Gena:

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the wildly popular White Rabbit Chronicles, the Angels of the Dark, the Lords of the Underworld, and the Otherworld Assassins series.  In addition to being a National Reader's Choice and RITA nominee, her romance novels have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazine, and have been translated in multiple languages.  She lives in Oklahoma with her family and menagerie of dogs, and truly believes love conquers all.

Follow her on:

Website/Twitter/Facebook/The White Rabbit Chronicles Facebook

Now it's time for a Giveaway!

Giveaway Details:

1 complete set of The White Rabbit Chronicles (first 2 sent as soon as the giveaway is over and the winner will get the first hardcover of book 3 when it's available!) US/Canada Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ALIENATED Launch & NOOK Giveaway!

ALIENATED Launch & NOOK Giveaway!

Heyy Guys! Stephanie here.

I just wanted to say that Alienated by author Melissa Landers is out TODAY! Alienated is a YA sci-fi romance from Disney- Hyperion:) I'm REALLLY excited for this one:)

Here's the description from Goodreads:

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

You can check out the book trailer for Alienated here!

What do reviewers have to say?

“The storyline is out of this world and character development paired with authentic voice is superb. Filled with intrigue and suspense, this book will appeal to both sci-fi and contemporary YA fiction fans.” –VOYA

“Interstellar relations heat up in this start to a new romantic science fiction series. Landers [explores] larger social, ecological, and ethical issues in this tense, fast-paced read.” –Booklist

“The perfect blend of sizzling romance, action, and suspense.” –#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Smart, funny, and epic. I am now awaiting contact from planet L’eihr.” Julie Cross, bestselling author of Tempest.

“Intergalactic exchange students? Yes, please! I fell in love with this story and couldn’t put it down.” Jodi Meadows, author of Incarnate.

If you like hot, swoony science fiction as much as I do, I hope you’ll give ALIENATED a try. It’s now available in stores and online.

You can purchase Alienated from these retailers! 

Amazon  Barnes & Noble  Book Depository Indie Bound Chapters, Indigo & Coles

Giveaway!

To celebrate Alienated's book birthday, Melissa is offering one lucky winner a Nook Simple Touch. She's even throwing in a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble so you can fill your new e-reader with whatever you want!

 Fine print: This giveaway is open to US residents only, unless of course you cheat and also have a US address;) (Sorry,but you do need a US billing address to buy digital content on the Nook.) Also due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate. (Hint Hint, get parents to enter for you maybe? hehe)

Best of luck, and happy reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fire & Flood Final Sneak Peek!

Fire & Flood Final Sneak Peek!

Heyy everyone Stephanie here, so I have some exciting news! Today the lovely Victoria Scott emailed her fabulous VMafia crew (That's Me) the final exclusive sneak peek to Fire & Flood, and I'm so excited to be able to share it with you before Fire & Flood releases on February 25, 2014. EEK! It's going to be such an AMAZING birthday present considering my birthday is two days later, now I'm getting ahead of myself, without further ado the sneak peek!

Final Sneak Peek:

“If you are hearing this message, then you have successfully completed the Pandora Selection Process. It also means you are now at the official starting line.”

Around me, Contenders whoop with excitement. Seriously? They’re about to plunge into a wild jungle, and that brings them happiness? Once again, I realize how out of my league I am. I don’t even have a change of clothes, for crying out loud.

“As you may have realized, you are on the outskirts of a rain forest. This will be the jungle part of the course. You will have two weeks to arrive at the jungle’s base camp. You will find this base camp by following the path of blue flags.”

Contestants glance around, immediately looking for the first blue flag. As for me, I’m watching the taillights of the semi and having a massive coronary.

“If you are the first to encounter a blue flag, you may remove it, but you may not remove the stake it is attached to. Doing so will result in immediate disqualification.”

I wonder why anyone would want to remove the flag to begin with. No one else seems concerned by this.

“While the Cure will be awarded to a single winner at the end of the last ecosystem, we will bestow a smaller prize for each leg of the race. The prize for the jungle portion will be monetary.” The woman pauses dramatically. “I’d like to officially welcome you to the Brimstone Bleed. May the bravest Contender win.”

That’s it? That’s all she’s going to say? Because it seriously sounds like she’s wrapping up. So why aren’t I running after the trucks? Why am I not chasing after my only way out of this jungle like my life depends on it? I know the answer — though I wish I didn’t. Cody would do this for me. I am his only hope. I have to believe his cure exists. My only other option is to return home and watch my brother die. If I could even get back home.

I glance around frantically, looking for someone to tell me what to do. The Contenders have formed a long line, the kind you see at the start of a marathon. A few yards down from where I stand — I see him. My throat tightens when I realize his cold blue eyes are locked on me. It’s the guy from the Pandora Selection Process. The serial killer–looking dude who I thought was going to kidney punch me. He glares in my direction like he might take this opportunity to finish what he never started. I raise my hand in a small wave, hoping it says something like: See? Look how friendly I am!

He lifts his own enormous hand. For a moment, I brighten. I think maybe that — even though it looks like he hates every fiber of my being — he’s going to wave back. But he doesn’t. He holds up two fingers — his pointer and his middle — places them under his eyes, and then points in front of us.

Oh no, he didn’t. I think he basically just told me to pay attention. I’m still processing this when the woman’s voice rings in my ear.

“Go!”

isn't it exciting!?! I just can't wait for February 25th! Here's a little bit about Fire & Flood just in case you guys didn't know:)

Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

Publication: February 25th, 2014

Publisher: Scholastic

Series: Fire & Flood

Description from GoodReads:

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?

Once again I can't wait till February 25th, I hope you guys are just as excited as I am now too:)

Giveaway!

Giveaway Time!

Hello everyone! Stephanie here:)
A couple of weeks ago I had snail mail Lindsay Cummings some of my book pendants, and just recently she had posted pictures of them on most of her social media sites. Woah I had big response on how much people liked and wanted some custom made! So I decided to do a giveaway! Just fill out the Rafflecopter below and you'll be entered to win either a book pendant necklace or pair of earrings. What makes it better is that you'll be able to pick whichever book cover/s you want. If you want Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott I can do that, if you want The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings I've got you covered! You guys will have about one week to enter, you have until February 8th. Also for this time the contest will only be opened to Canadian and US citizens, sorry about that guys but the shipping comes out of my own pocket please keep that in mind. So to recap.

To recap:

• 3 prizes. ( 2 book pendant necklaces and one pair of book pendant earrings)

• If you win the contest, yout get to choose whichever book cover that you want for the pendant. 

• Have until February 8th to enter.

• Open to Canadian and US citizens only. ( Unless of course you're sneaky and have a Canadian/American address. That will work too)

• Must enter Rafflecopter below to qualify 

That work for you guys? Alright good luck!!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Release Date: October 22, 2013
Read: January 8th-13th, 2014
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: Divergent #3
Format: Hardcover, 526 pages
Source: Borrowed

Description on GoodReads:

   The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. 

   But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. 

Review:

Contains Spoilers:

   I suppose a fire that burns that bright is not meant to last.
   I never really enjoyed The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins. So when I finished the series and started looking for another series to read my friends recommended Divergent. There was so much hype about it being the next Hunger Games that I just didn't want to give it a try. Normally hype doesn't get to me but for some reason this time it did. Last June I came across a used copy of Divergent for sale and finally decided to give it a try. I was instantly blown away by how phenomenal it was. That sadly wasn't the case for Allegiant. I was disappointed with how Veronica finished the series. I understood why she killed off Tris, but I just didn't like how it all played out. With how the the whole city was an experiment? I'm sorry but I couldn't stand it. My first impression was correct, it was another Hunger Games. I loved the characters and the original idea, Veronica did an astonishing job creating this world. No matter how I felt about the ending I'm glad I read the series.
  You can see Divergent in theatres March 21, 2014.

Rating:

Favourite Quote:

“We are not people who touch each other carelessly; every point of contact between us feels important, a rush of energy and relief.” ~ Tris

Recommend to People Who Enjoy:

Young Adult. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dystopian