This is the seventh book in the Zom-B series. I have all the other books reviewed already, and if you want to you can see the review for the previous book Zom-B Gladiator, and from there if you follow the links along the way you will find the rest of the books in the series. I wish there were a function where I could group series of books together and just link that instead but alas, that function is not around *deep sigh*. I hope you enjoy!
B and the other Angels finally have their first mission, it is to safely escort a group of human survivors to New Kirkham and off the zombie ridden streets of London. Upon arrival B figures out that the people of New Kirkham are not the best representatives of humanity. Evil influences of B's past make their way into the barricaded safe haven, and the people have to make a decision of being honorable or being safe.
I'm very conflicted with this book. Part of me loves it, the other part of me feels like it is almost another filler book. There was action, drama, remorse, there was lots of feelings throughout the book as I read and I loved that. Though with those feelings they were pretty much there and gone within just a couple of pages, or even a few paragraphs. I liked that there was finally some action going on the for group and not all of it is completely outside of the compound. *SEMI-SPOILER ALERT* I did feel bad along with B when someone closer to her-than the rest of everyone in Dr. Oystein's compound-got significantly hurt.*SEMI-SPOILER-ENDED* And he's not the last casualty of the book either. Those and the beginning huge fight toward the end saved Mr. Shan's book from getting a lower rating from me. I feel like I'm the oddball out because, when looking at others reviews, they loved it. I don't mind being the oddball though, it isn't the first time and I am sure it won't be the last time.
As for things that I wasn't too happy about, the ending. Things got nice and heated between the Angels and Owl Man (and even his now creepy dog), and then it cuts off. If you guys don't know me by now, cliff hangers drive me absolutely bonkers but I love them at the same time. It is something to look forward to in the next book. That would also be another con for me. Things didn't really get going till the tail end of the book. Yes, I understand that this is a slimmer book and to get more dialogue in and to drop hints, the action needs to take a back burner. That's why I am not going to complain too much about it, but I will cross my fingers that the next book will have a good deal of action in it.
For a young adult book, and series I would say that it is great. For a new adult to "adult" book or series it lacks some action. Depending on what you are looking for and depending on how quick of a read you want this series may or may not be for you. As a huge fan of Shan's I do still really like his books, and Mission doesn't put a damper on that at all. I'm still very much neutral on this book. I loved the descriptions and the imagery, and of course the pictures occasionally placed throughout. I'm just waiting for that big action that is being built up to to happen. There are eleven books rumored to come out, and we are only on the seventh book. I still recommend this to anyone who wants to read, and I would say that it is a great series for middle school kids.
Rating: 3 out of 5. (That's a heavy 3 at that!)
Page Count: 175 pages (hardcover)
Price: $15
Next Book: Either Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor or Command Me by Geneva Lee.
Before I end this review, I would like to say a huge congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Shan on their beautiful baby boy Dante who was born in September. I wanted to wait until I reviewed one of Shan's books before congratulating him. If you guys haven't seen the handsome little guy go check out Darren Shan's Facebook page and scroll through the feed to see some of the pictures.
Thank you so much for reading (and for dealing with my absence)!
~Jade
Showing posts with label Darren Shan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Darren Shan. Show all posts
Monday, November 10, 2014
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Hell's Horizon by Darren Shan
Hell's Horizon is the second book in The City trilogy. I have a review up for the first book Procession of the Dead. I do have plans on reading the third book, I just don't know when because every time I go to my library and check, it is not on the shelf. With that being said I hope you enjoy!
Al Jeery is a member of The Cardinal's personal guard. The Cardinal rules over the City, and the City is nothing but corruption. Al starts to question his loyalty to The Cardinal when he is taken to Party Central to investigate a murder. Al discovers something at the crime scene and other things just don't add up. A series of corpses and a horrifying mystery is the path that Al trails down almost unwillingly. While he's there he learns of a few disturbing facts that have been held from him. The Incan forefathers, the crazy Cardinal, and Paucar Wami all have their play with Al. Wami is a deadly man who kills without remorse. Al thinks he and Wami are two different people, but he is about to find out that there is more to Wami than meets the eye.
The events in Hell's Horizon take place along side Procession of the Dead. So throughout the book Capac is mentioned and the reader is able to see a different side of things from the previous book. Things are no longer one sided. The Cardinal lets a couple of facts be known that makes the reader go "oh, that's why he did that". The beginning of this book captivated me and had me wanting more. The middle disappointed me, and the end swung around and picked itself back up. Al is a interesting character, mixing Wami in with him and all the murder just makes him that more interesting. I kind of knew that there was more to Al then what was being given and sure enough there is. Shan paints a great picture when it comes to details of things happening, but there wasn't too many details about Al's features. You do get a few details though, here and there but it is very quick and if you are not paying attention close enough you may miss them. I loved it when things got interesting which was a fair amount of the time, it wasn't as wordy anymore. For Hell's Horizon when things were good, they were really good. But when they weren't it was upsetting because the first book was so good. Thankfully there isn't any repeating of scenes from Procession of the Dead. Things were mentioned in passing, which helped pin point when events where taking place in comparison with the first book.
I was really disappointed with the middle of the book, once the murders got going and things got interesting, the book almost seemed to halt and become really wordy. Yes, there were little hints dropped along the way but, for myself, I don't think it would have mattered if I would have skipped over them. *SPOILER-ALERT* I basically knew that Bill (Al's cop friend) and Pricilla (a friend of a friend of Al's) where in on the murders, I just didn't know how exactly.*SPOILER-ENDED* I figured a few major things out that pertained to the murders, I am not sure if the reader was supposed to know early on, but if so Shan did a great job.
Being more disappointed with how the content went in the book, I still liked the book more than not. The beginning and the end where terrific, especially the end. I can't wait to read the third book, I honestly have not a clue what Shan has done I haven't read the summary yet. I recommend this book to be read, and I would love to own this book as well. I am a huge fan of Shan's and I hope I am not completely upset with this last book. Even with being marked as a 'adult' book I think teenagers could really get into the trilogy. There is a sexual scene, but it is very PG and could have been extremely worse.
Rating: a lower 4 out of 5.
Page Count: 324 pages (hardcover)
Price: $19.99
Next Book: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Thank so much for reading!
~Jade
Al Jeery is a member of The Cardinal's personal guard. The Cardinal rules over the City, and the City is nothing but corruption. Al starts to question his loyalty to The Cardinal when he is taken to Party Central to investigate a murder. Al discovers something at the crime scene and other things just don't add up. A series of corpses and a horrifying mystery is the path that Al trails down almost unwillingly. While he's there he learns of a few disturbing facts that have been held from him. The Incan forefathers, the crazy Cardinal, and Paucar Wami all have their play with Al. Wami is a deadly man who kills without remorse. Al thinks he and Wami are two different people, but he is about to find out that there is more to Wami than meets the eye.
The events in Hell's Horizon take place along side Procession of the Dead. So throughout the book Capac is mentioned and the reader is able to see a different side of things from the previous book. Things are no longer one sided. The Cardinal lets a couple of facts be known that makes the reader go "oh, that's why he did that". The beginning of this book captivated me and had me wanting more. The middle disappointed me, and the end swung around and picked itself back up. Al is a interesting character, mixing Wami in with him and all the murder just makes him that more interesting. I kind of knew that there was more to Al then what was being given and sure enough there is. Shan paints a great picture when it comes to details of things happening, but there wasn't too many details about Al's features. You do get a few details though, here and there but it is very quick and if you are not paying attention close enough you may miss them. I loved it when things got interesting which was a fair amount of the time, it wasn't as wordy anymore. For Hell's Horizon when things were good, they were really good. But when they weren't it was upsetting because the first book was so good. Thankfully there isn't any repeating of scenes from Procession of the Dead. Things were mentioned in passing, which helped pin point when events where taking place in comparison with the first book.
I was really disappointed with the middle of the book, once the murders got going and things got interesting, the book almost seemed to halt and become really wordy. Yes, there were little hints dropped along the way but, for myself, I don't think it would have mattered if I would have skipped over them. *SPOILER-ALERT* I basically knew that Bill (Al's cop friend) and Pricilla (a friend of a friend of Al's) where in on the murders, I just didn't know how exactly.*SPOILER-ENDED* I figured a few major things out that pertained to the murders, I am not sure if the reader was supposed to know early on, but if so Shan did a great job.
Being more disappointed with how the content went in the book, I still liked the book more than not. The beginning and the end where terrific, especially the end. I can't wait to read the third book, I honestly have not a clue what Shan has done I haven't read the summary yet. I recommend this book to be read, and I would love to own this book as well. I am a huge fan of Shan's and I hope I am not completely upset with this last book. Even with being marked as a 'adult' book I think teenagers could really get into the trilogy. There is a sexual scene, but it is very PG and could have been extremely worse.
Rating: a lower 4 out of 5.
Page Count: 324 pages (hardcover)
Price: $19.99
Next Book: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Thank so much for reading!
~Jade
Monday, May 19, 2014
Zom-B Gladiator by Darren Shan
Gladiator is the sixth book in the Zom-B series. If you go check out my review of Zom-B Baby there will be links to the other book reviews.
B knows what she wants to do, now. Fighting for the good side, for as long as she can. The zombies are everywhere and among them are mercenaries who have no sense of right or wrong. They lay a trap and B is taken. It will take just about everything that B has, to get out somewhat alive.
After putting down the last book I wasn't too sure if I wanted to read Gladiator right away or not. I decided to read the last book I did a review on, and afterwards I was ready to read this book. Now, I wished I had read this book right after Zom-B Baby, because Shan is in my 'good list' again. At first I was a little skeptical, because it seemed like this was going to be another filler book for the series. At about a third of the way into the book, things heat up. For the rest of the book it is nothing but constant problems arising for B and I kept reading until there was nothing left to read. B knows where she stands with the Angels, she doesn't want to get close with anyone and so she almost completely separates herself from them. They understand but they want her to know that they got her back no matter what. *SPOILER-ALERT* It takes for them to break her out of her battle to the death with zombies for her to realize that they need each other, but she gets there. *SPOILER-ENDED* I loved this book a lot, and I love that you can't forget about characters from past books because they come back. I love that the name of this book practically gives away everything that happens, in a sense, but unless you know what goes on you might not get the hint. This book redeems itself for the last book because there is a decent amount of action and suspense packed into it.
There are still some things that I wasn't too happy about. Now there are a few other enemies on the loose, how in the world are the Angels going to be able to defend themselves and survivors with all of them? It almost feels like there are too many enemies now, and I don't necessarily not like this, I just wonder if this series is going to end well because of it. I almost worry about the coming books because there is so much that could happen and I wonder if it is going to be too much at once, or not enough, like a couple of the other books. I also didn't like that this book ended on a "To be continued" note (like every single one of the books before it), because I wanted more, more annoying than an actual negative about the book. I also don't like the pompous asshats that take B and use her for sport to entertain themselves. It almost makes you think that if a zombie apocalypse where to take place, if people like them, or not like them, would do something like this to the surviving humans?
Shan has put himself in good graces with me after reading Gladiator. I am unsure about the rest of the series and what is to come, but I will continue to read the books (unless something happens and Shan completely puts me off of this series). I'd say the actual dislikes of this book to actual loves, the loves comes out as bigger and better. I still recommend this series to anyone and everyone who wants to read it, maybe you will love every book and that is perfectly okay. I am still at the point where I don't know if I want the whole series or just the books that I liked more.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 160 pages (hardcover)
Price: $15
Next Book: Fear: 13 Stories of Suspense and Horror Edited by R.L. Stine
Thank you for reading!
~Jade
B knows what she wants to do, now. Fighting for the good side, for as long as she can. The zombies are everywhere and among them are mercenaries who have no sense of right or wrong. They lay a trap and B is taken. It will take just about everything that B has, to get out somewhat alive.
After putting down the last book I wasn't too sure if I wanted to read Gladiator right away or not. I decided to read the last book I did a review on, and afterwards I was ready to read this book. Now, I wished I had read this book right after Zom-B Baby, because Shan is in my 'good list' again. At first I was a little skeptical, because it seemed like this was going to be another filler book for the series. At about a third of the way into the book, things heat up. For the rest of the book it is nothing but constant problems arising for B and I kept reading until there was nothing left to read. B knows where she stands with the Angels, she doesn't want to get close with anyone and so she almost completely separates herself from them. They understand but they want her to know that they got her back no matter what. *SPOILER-ALERT* It takes for them to break her out of her battle to the death with zombies for her to realize that they need each other, but she gets there. *SPOILER-ENDED* I loved this book a lot, and I love that you can't forget about characters from past books because they come back. I love that the name of this book practically gives away everything that happens, in a sense, but unless you know what goes on you might not get the hint. This book redeems itself for the last book because there is a decent amount of action and suspense packed into it.
There are still some things that I wasn't too happy about. Now there are a few other enemies on the loose, how in the world are the Angels going to be able to defend themselves and survivors with all of them? It almost feels like there are too many enemies now, and I don't necessarily not like this, I just wonder if this series is going to end well because of it. I almost worry about the coming books because there is so much that could happen and I wonder if it is going to be too much at once, or not enough, like a couple of the other books. I also didn't like that this book ended on a "To be continued" note (like every single one of the books before it), because I wanted more, more annoying than an actual negative about the book. I also don't like the pompous asshats that take B and use her for sport to entertain themselves. It almost makes you think that if a zombie apocalypse where to take place, if people like them, or not like them, would do something like this to the surviving humans?
Shan has put himself in good graces with me after reading Gladiator. I am unsure about the rest of the series and what is to come, but I will continue to read the books (unless something happens and Shan completely puts me off of this series). I'd say the actual dislikes of this book to actual loves, the loves comes out as bigger and better. I still recommend this series to anyone and everyone who wants to read it, maybe you will love every book and that is perfectly okay. I am still at the point where I don't know if I want the whole series or just the books that I liked more.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 160 pages (hardcover)
Price: $15
Next Book: Fear: 13 Stories of Suspense and Horror Edited by R.L. Stine
Thank you for reading!
~Jade
Monday, May 12, 2014
Zom-B Baby by Darren Shan
This is the fifth book in the Zom-B series, I do have reviews up for the past four books (Zom-B, Underground, City, Angels). I do have the next book Gladiator, which either that review or a different one will be going up next. I do know that there are nine books already confirmed in the Zom-B series and depending on my mood, I should do a review for them. This review is going to be a little different from my others and you will see it once you start reading. I hope you all enjoy!
Being with the Angles for the past few months has been pretty awesome for B. They want to rid the evil dead from Earth, starting with what is around them. Though their mission isn't as simple as that. It is quite complicated, and B isn't sure that she wants to be apart of it all. So after a little pep talk she decides to go to the streets in London and find out whether or not she wants to believe in the mission and be apart of it. Along the way, nothing is easy and B finds herself in immense horror.
I didn't know what to expect with this book. These books are not very long, only a little over 150 pages, so what needs to happen needs to happen and pretty quickly. Things really went till last minute to get where they needed to go, which left the rest of the book pretty dry. I did get drawn in at first but once B left the Angles, the wondering and questioning tapered off. I almost wanted to put the book down, and not finish it. I just didn't really care to know what happened in the rest of the book, I knew that I could read Gladiator and know the little details that came from this book. I know I normally complain about what I didn't like after I say what I like about the book but I wanted this to be upfront. I assume that I am not alone with feeling the slight disappointment after finishing Baby, it was almost like another filler book for the series. I have said that about one of the other books and it makes the series as a whole less appealing to me.
I did like some things though. As usual Shan's attention to detail was amazing and I loved the Baby itself. It's creepy but not as creepy as Mr. Dowling, who makes no appearance in this story. I love how the Baby was the exact one that had haunted B's dreams before she became a revitalized. The painter, Timothy comes back for a short while, and I did like him from the first time he was introduced. Though that happiness of Timothy being back was short lived. I love how Shan doesn't stick with the usual "bad guy" stereo type. Rage shows some emotions this time around and really makes the reader look at him in a different light. Now, if Rage being emotionally is foreboding trouble from him, I got that loud and clear.
There were more things that I didn't like with this book, than I did like. I am just wondering what Shan is trying to get at with Mr. Dowling, Owl Man, Rage, B, the Baby, Dr. Oystein, and everything else. Even with how this book went I do recommend it to those who want a little more relaxed zombie book. There is only one big zombie eating scene. This series up till now has had it's ups and downs since I began to read. It is marked as a "Teen" book but adults could read this and get a kick from it as well. I own the first book and I really want to see how the series plays out before I decide whether or not I want to get the whole series or just the books I like.
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Page Count: 160 pages (hardcover)
Price: $15
Next Book: Either Zom-B Glatiator by Darren Shan or The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Annette Blair.
Thank you so much for reading!
~Jade
Being with the Angles for the past few months has been pretty awesome for B. They want to rid the evil dead from Earth, starting with what is around them. Though their mission isn't as simple as that. It is quite complicated, and B isn't sure that she wants to be apart of it all. So after a little pep talk she decides to go to the streets in London and find out whether or not she wants to believe in the mission and be apart of it. Along the way, nothing is easy and B finds herself in immense horror.
I didn't know what to expect with this book. These books are not very long, only a little over 150 pages, so what needs to happen needs to happen and pretty quickly. Things really went till last minute to get where they needed to go, which left the rest of the book pretty dry. I did get drawn in at first but once B left the Angles, the wondering and questioning tapered off. I almost wanted to put the book down, and not finish it. I just didn't really care to know what happened in the rest of the book, I knew that I could read Gladiator and know the little details that came from this book. I know I normally complain about what I didn't like after I say what I like about the book but I wanted this to be upfront. I assume that I am not alone with feeling the slight disappointment after finishing Baby, it was almost like another filler book for the series. I have said that about one of the other books and it makes the series as a whole less appealing to me.
I did like some things though. As usual Shan's attention to detail was amazing and I loved the Baby itself. It's creepy but not as creepy as Mr. Dowling, who makes no appearance in this story. I love how the Baby was the exact one that had haunted B's dreams before she became a revitalized. The painter, Timothy comes back for a short while, and I did like him from the first time he was introduced. Though that happiness of Timothy being back was short lived. I love how Shan doesn't stick with the usual "bad guy" stereo type. Rage shows some emotions this time around and really makes the reader look at him in a different light. Now, if Rage being emotionally is foreboding trouble from him, I got that loud and clear.
There were more things that I didn't like with this book, than I did like. I am just wondering what Shan is trying to get at with Mr. Dowling, Owl Man, Rage, B, the Baby, Dr. Oystein, and everything else. Even with how this book went I do recommend it to those who want a little more relaxed zombie book. There is only one big zombie eating scene. This series up till now has had it's ups and downs since I began to read. It is marked as a "Teen" book but adults could read this and get a kick from it as well. I own the first book and I really want to see how the series plays out before I decide whether or not I want to get the whole series or just the books I like.
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Page Count: 160 pages (hardcover)
Price: $15
Next Book: Either Zom-B Glatiator by Darren Shan or The Scot, the Witch and the Wardrobe by Annette Blair.
Thank you so much for reading!
~Jade
Monday, April 14, 2014
Procession of the Dead by Darren Shan
This is the first book in The City trilogy by Darren Shan. This is in the "Adult" section of my library but I see nothing wrong with younger ones reading this. There are two sexual parts, but they do not last longer then a few paragraphs and they are not explicit. Though honestly it would be up to a parent or guardian to actually decide if it is suitable for their child's age. I actually didn't know that Shan had this trilogy out because he is more widely known for his "Teen" books.
Capac Raimi arrives at the City ready to show his stuff and prove that he is worthy of it all. The City isn't what it seems though, there is a strange assassin with snake tattoos on his face, and who moves like liquid. Blind Incan priests that no one sees, friends and people mysteriously disappear and no one remembers them once they do. Then there is The Cardinal, he has eyes and ears everywhere. He is the ruler of the City. Capac has no clue, till it is almost too late, how deeply The Cardinal is rooted into him. Most conflicting is that Capac can't remember anything besides coming to the City. He can't remember anything before stepping off of the train and into the belly of the City.
After reading the little insert about this book I was expecting nothing about gangsters. There is and it was nice to get away from the super supernatural books. I was lost in the beginning, I wasn't sure what was going on or what to think of this book. Not long after that things got ironed out for the most part and I was hooked. I hated not being able to read this book because every other turn had me guessing about what was going to come next. I really loved how Shan named his character. The names of almost every character is not common names. There is a meaning to some of the more exotic names and to explain them the way that I want to, would take a lot of typing and I think I would bore most all of you. Some are of Incan background, and each of the chapter titles are those of the Incan months. It was very easy to picture what was going on with Capac and other characters, Shan detailed everything just right (for me at least). It was very fun to guess what was going on and what was going to happen next. It wasn't easy to predict what was going to happen, which again was a great change of speed from some other books I have reviewed. One thing that loved the most, is that once I thought I had everything figured out, something would happen and I was left guessing again. Guys, I could keeping going with things that I liked about this book, but in order for that to happen I would have to spoil everything. I haven't even scratched the surface.
As for things I didn't like, there wasn't anything major. The one thing that I had a slight problem with is the ending. I love it to a point. It was simple, but the action before it was great. I was expecting a bigger ending, but the one given isn't horrible. It leaves the reader guessing about what is going to be happening in the next book.
Like I said before I could go on and on about things that I loved about the book. In honesty I recommend this book to everyone, it may not be everyone's cup of tea but I am sure that you could find some aspect of the book to like or even love. The ending was the only thing I take issue with but I am willing to overlook it due to the content. I will be reading the second book, so long as my library has it on the shelf. I would love to own this book, and I see myself rereading it. Being a fan of Shan, this book is not what I am used to reading from him but I love it nonetheless. This is an "older" book being published in 1999, but I think it is worthy of now
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 278 pages (hardcover).
Price: $19.99
Next Book: Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
Capac Raimi arrives at the City ready to show his stuff and prove that he is worthy of it all. The City isn't what it seems though, there is a strange assassin with snake tattoos on his face, and who moves like liquid. Blind Incan priests that no one sees, friends and people mysteriously disappear and no one remembers them once they do. Then there is The Cardinal, he has eyes and ears everywhere. He is the ruler of the City. Capac has no clue, till it is almost too late, how deeply The Cardinal is rooted into him. Most conflicting is that Capac can't remember anything besides coming to the City. He can't remember anything before stepping off of the train and into the belly of the City.
After reading the little insert about this book I was expecting nothing about gangsters. There is and it was nice to get away from the super supernatural books. I was lost in the beginning, I wasn't sure what was going on or what to think of this book. Not long after that things got ironed out for the most part and I was hooked. I hated not being able to read this book because every other turn had me guessing about what was going to come next. I really loved how Shan named his character. The names of almost every character is not common names. There is a meaning to some of the more exotic names and to explain them the way that I want to, would take a lot of typing and I think I would bore most all of you. Some are of Incan background, and each of the chapter titles are those of the Incan months. It was very easy to picture what was going on with Capac and other characters, Shan detailed everything just right (for me at least). It was very fun to guess what was going on and what was going to happen next. It wasn't easy to predict what was going to happen, which again was a great change of speed from some other books I have reviewed. One thing that loved the most, is that once I thought I had everything figured out, something would happen and I was left guessing again. Guys, I could keeping going with things that I liked about this book, but in order for that to happen I would have to spoil everything. I haven't even scratched the surface.
As for things I didn't like, there wasn't anything major. The one thing that I had a slight problem with is the ending. I love it to a point. It was simple, but the action before it was great. I was expecting a bigger ending, but the one given isn't horrible. It leaves the reader guessing about what is going to be happening in the next book.
Like I said before I could go on and on about things that I loved about the book. In honesty I recommend this book to everyone, it may not be everyone's cup of tea but I am sure that you could find some aspect of the book to like or even love. The ending was the only thing I take issue with but I am willing to overlook it due to the content. I will be reading the second book, so long as my library has it on the shelf. I would love to own this book, and I see myself rereading it. Being a fan of Shan, this book is not what I am used to reading from him but I love it nonetheless. This is an "older" book being published in 1999, but I think it is worthy of now
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 278 pages (hardcover).
Price: $19.99
Next Book: Lips Touch: Three Times by Laini Taylor
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
Friday, March 7, 2014
Zom-B Angels by Darren Shan
This is the fourth book in the Zom-B series. And the reason
why I put Zom-B in the name as well is because if you were to
pick up this book or any of the other Zom-B books, Zom-B
is the first thing that you are going to see title wise. Once again I
am a huge fan of Shan's seeing as I have been reading his books since
I was in grade school, but I will leave my bias thoughts out of this
review. Don't forget comments are welcome :)
B is back in the fourth installment of Zom-B. She has all but given up hope for normal human existence, but she keeps seeing these strange signs all over the place. Following the sign of a Z and an arrow, she finds a group of people called 'Angels'. They want to go up against the evil forces of the undead. But everything is not what it seems, and it is up to B to find out what the real war is about.
When we left off in the last book (Zom-B City) she was greeted by a guy in an supposed abandoned building. This man is another revived, a zombie that has their wits about them. His name is Dr. Oystein, and he has a huge story that I will not spoil. No the spoiler that you may or may not read is the back story for him. *SPOILER-ALERT* In fact everyone in the compound is a revived except two people.*SPOILER-ENDED* There are three characters that we meet in the first or second book that have come back into the light in this book. I love that. I hate when authors introduce characters, and then they just never show up ever again as the other books come out. I love that Mr. Dowling does not make an appearance in this book, but that mean that he will be coming up more and more in the coming books. And this is hinted toward as well. There are many things that are hinted toward but never fully exposed.
Now I had one huge problem with this book. It seems like it is just a filler book. Nothing huge happens in this book other then the reader finds out some huge things. No real action takes place like in the previous three books. Yes these books are on the smaller side, but this book really seemed like a filler for the series. Half of the things that took place in this book could have simply been explained and taken place in the next book. But that is just me, some other reader may find that this book is a perfect calm after all that has happened in the past three books. To each their own. Other then that there where no other complaints about the book.
I am very happy that three characters came back from the first or second book. I love that big secrets for Dr. Oystein is spilled but others are still kept. I didn't like that this book seemed like a filler for the series. Though this book is from the 'Teen' section in my library, I do recommend this book to people of all ages. I am extremely happy that Mr. Dowling didn't appear and was only talked about, but I am really not looking forward to him in the coming books. I do not have a fear of clowns but Mr. Dowling really is pushing me toward one.
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Page Count: 182 pages (hard cover).
Price: $15.
Next Book: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
B is back in the fourth installment of Zom-B. She has all but given up hope for normal human existence, but she keeps seeing these strange signs all over the place. Following the sign of a Z and an arrow, she finds a group of people called 'Angels'. They want to go up against the evil forces of the undead. But everything is not what it seems, and it is up to B to find out what the real war is about.
When we left off in the last book (Zom-B City) she was greeted by a guy in an supposed abandoned building. This man is another revived, a zombie that has their wits about them. His name is Dr. Oystein, and he has a huge story that I will not spoil. No the spoiler that you may or may not read is the back story for him. *SPOILER-ALERT* In fact everyone in the compound is a revived except two people.*SPOILER-ENDED* There are three characters that we meet in the first or second book that have come back into the light in this book. I love that. I hate when authors introduce characters, and then they just never show up ever again as the other books come out. I love that Mr. Dowling does not make an appearance in this book, but that mean that he will be coming up more and more in the coming books. And this is hinted toward as well. There are many things that are hinted toward but never fully exposed.
Now I had one huge problem with this book. It seems like it is just a filler book. Nothing huge happens in this book other then the reader finds out some huge things. No real action takes place like in the previous three books. Yes these books are on the smaller side, but this book really seemed like a filler for the series. Half of the things that took place in this book could have simply been explained and taken place in the next book. But that is just me, some other reader may find that this book is a perfect calm after all that has happened in the past three books. To each their own. Other then that there where no other complaints about the book.
I am very happy that three characters came back from the first or second book. I love that big secrets for Dr. Oystein is spilled but others are still kept. I didn't like that this book seemed like a filler for the series. Though this book is from the 'Teen' section in my library, I do recommend this book to people of all ages. I am extremely happy that Mr. Dowling didn't appear and was only talked about, but I am really not looking forward to him in the coming books. I do not have a fear of clowns but Mr. Dowling really is pushing me toward one.
Rating: 3 out of 5.
Page Count: 182 pages (hard cover).
Price: $15.
Next Book: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
A Living Nightmare by Darren Shan
This is the first book in the Cirque du Freak series. I
have read this series before but it was a really long time ago. Like
back in middle school. So I have decided to reread this series again.
It was the highlight of my middle school years. So please enjoy :)
Darren ventures to a late night freak show takes him deep into the world of vampires. He thinks it will be just another night, but instead it just turns into one bad event after another for Darren. Will he join the ranks of the undead?
It really has been a long time since I read this book. I didn't remember everything but I do remember somethings. My favorite character out of this whole book would have to be Madam Octa. She is one of the reasons why everything goes wrong for Darren. *SPOILER-ALERT* I like that one doesn't have to become a full on vampire, they can become a half-vampire and eventually the vampire blood will take over and then they will become a full vampire. *SPOILER-ENDED* I also like that in this series vampires do not live forever but to some it may seen forever. Shan puts a spin on the normal way that everyone is used to seeing some become a vampire.
For a book labeled "teen" at my library it would be an easy read even for a teenager to read. That being said for me to read it at 19 it was a little slow, and it's perfectly understandable. I really don't have anything else to say that I didn't like, besides being a little slow for me it was okay.
Shan is an author that I love to read. Like I said before I am thinking of rereading this series all over again. I do want to have this series on my bookshelf, and I own this book and one other from the series. I do recommend this book series to other people, older and younger, who wants something to read that is on the easier and quicker side. This was a really short review but this was a really easy book to read. I only had one complaint, and there were a few things that I remembered and liked from the first book.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Page Count: 266 pages (paperback)
Price: $7.99
Next Book: Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon :D
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
Darren ventures to a late night freak show takes him deep into the world of vampires. He thinks it will be just another night, but instead it just turns into one bad event after another for Darren. Will he join the ranks of the undead?
It really has been a long time since I read this book. I didn't remember everything but I do remember somethings. My favorite character out of this whole book would have to be Madam Octa. She is one of the reasons why everything goes wrong for Darren. *SPOILER-ALERT* I like that one doesn't have to become a full on vampire, they can become a half-vampire and eventually the vampire blood will take over and then they will become a full vampire. *SPOILER-ENDED* I also like that in this series vampires do not live forever but to some it may seen forever. Shan puts a spin on the normal way that everyone is used to seeing some become a vampire.
For a book labeled "teen" at my library it would be an easy read even for a teenager to read. That being said for me to read it at 19 it was a little slow, and it's perfectly understandable. I really don't have anything else to say that I didn't like, besides being a little slow for me it was okay.
Shan is an author that I love to read. Like I said before I am thinking of rereading this series all over again. I do want to have this series on my bookshelf, and I own this book and one other from the series. I do recommend this book series to other people, older and younger, who wants something to read that is on the easier and quicker side. This was a really short review but this was a really easy book to read. I only had one complaint, and there were a few things that I remembered and liked from the first book.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Page Count: 266 pages (paperback)
Price: $7.99
Next Book: Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon :D
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
Zom-B City by Darren Shan
This is the third book in the Zom-B series. Now to
impatiently wait for the fourth book to get to my library.
B is out of the secret military compound and outside roaming London's deserted streets. Will she join Mr. Dowling? Everything has changed and there is danger everywhere now.
This was a slower book, out of the three books that I have read so far. I liked this because the past two books have been packed with nonstop action that this book allows the reader to take a breather without being too slow. There are things that happen throughout the book, which keeps the reader engaged. Mr. Dowling makes a reappearance in the end and he is still just as flippen' creepy as the first time he made an appearance in the second book. *SPOILER-ALERT* I love how Shan made all the other zombies unsure of B until they know for sure that she is a zombie and not worth eating. *SPOILER-ENDED* I really want to warn everybody that all three books have a 'to be continued' ending, and it drives me insane sometimes.
*MINI-RANT* If I saw anything as creepy as Mr. Dowling just walking around I would scream like a little girl and lose my mind. Shan has created the creepiest clown/zombie thing ever and he creeps me out if you can't tell. I do not like Mr. Dowling at all. I am beyond happy that he is fictional. I would not want to live on this planet anymore if Mr. Dowling was real.*MINI-RANT-ENDED*
There is very few things that I didn't like about this book and it would be the appearance of Mr. Dowling, if you can't tell from my mini rant above. The other thing that I didn't like is how short the book is, because I wanted to keep reading, and keep reading. Along with this book being so short, the past two books were short as well and I can finish them within a few hours of starting them. Those were the only two complaints that I had about this book, really.
This series is turning out to be really nice, I get all the gory goodness I want. Yet again I love Shan's work, and I want all of his books one day, and this series is not exception. I recommend this series to people who like zombie books, and this series has a spin on it as well that I am really enjoying.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 166 pages (hardcover)
Price: $14.99
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
B is out of the secret military compound and outside roaming London's deserted streets. Will she join Mr. Dowling? Everything has changed and there is danger everywhere now.
This was a slower book, out of the three books that I have read so far. I liked this because the past two books have been packed with nonstop action that this book allows the reader to take a breather without being too slow. There are things that happen throughout the book, which keeps the reader engaged. Mr. Dowling makes a reappearance in the end and he is still just as flippen' creepy as the first time he made an appearance in the second book. *SPOILER-ALERT* I love how Shan made all the other zombies unsure of B until they know for sure that she is a zombie and not worth eating. *SPOILER-ENDED* I really want to warn everybody that all three books have a 'to be continued' ending, and it drives me insane sometimes.
*MINI-RANT* If I saw anything as creepy as Mr. Dowling just walking around I would scream like a little girl and lose my mind. Shan has created the creepiest clown/zombie thing ever and he creeps me out if you can't tell. I do not like Mr. Dowling at all. I am beyond happy that he is fictional. I would not want to live on this planet anymore if Mr. Dowling was real.*MINI-RANT-ENDED*
There is very few things that I didn't like about this book and it would be the appearance of Mr. Dowling, if you can't tell from my mini rant above. The other thing that I didn't like is how short the book is, because I wanted to keep reading, and keep reading. Along with this book being so short, the past two books were short as well and I can finish them within a few hours of starting them. Those were the only two complaints that I had about this book, really.
This series is turning out to be really nice, I get all the gory goodness I want. Yet again I love Shan's work, and I want all of his books one day, and this series is not exception. I recommend this series to people who like zombie books, and this series has a spin on it as well that I am really enjoying.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 166 pages (hardcover)
Price: $14.99
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
Zom-B by Darren Shan
My library finally got the first and third book in the Zom-B
series. I did review the second book earlier.
B doesn't think the outbreak in Ireland is true, not until the school that B goes to gets attacked. B lives with a racist, and abusing father, and a mother who just goes along with it. Life was simple for B, go to school, don't annoy father, and hang out with friends. But sometimes that simplicity goes wrong quickly.
I am glad that I read the second book before the first book, because I would have been confused as to what gender B is. In this first book B is not referenced to as a male or female. This would have confused me, because I would have gone along not knowing what to reference B as. There are a few hints about what gender B is, but nothing that jumps out and waves at the reader. I didn't mind this so much but it annoyed me a little. *SPOILER-ALERT* Towards the end of the book the reader does get a full and direct person saying what gender B is. *SPOILER-ENDED* The book was simple and a quick read, which I think all of the books in this series will be. Which makes it pretty nice. I love that this book is never really dull, there is always something happening. I also love the ending to this book by a landslide.
I also don't like the fact that I know all of the books are going to be on the smaller side, because I was able to read this book within a few hours. I don't want to finish the books so quickly, but they are action packed from the first page. There really isn't much I have to complain about this book. Like I said I did do a review for the second book not too long ago.
Darren Shan is one of my favorite authors. I have been reading anything by him since I was in middle school, and I am going into my second year of college now. I definitely recommend any of his book, and the Zom-B series is shaping up to be the same way. I want to one day own all of Shan's books. He is a great Teen book writer that people of all ages can get into. I have the third book on hand like I said and I will be doing a review of that as well, probably really soon.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 174 pages (hardback)
Price: $14.99, I paid $5.97 at Meijer.
Next Book: Zom-B City by Darren Shan
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
B doesn't think the outbreak in Ireland is true, not until the school that B goes to gets attacked. B lives with a racist, and abusing father, and a mother who just goes along with it. Life was simple for B, go to school, don't annoy father, and hang out with friends. But sometimes that simplicity goes wrong quickly.
I am glad that I read the second book before the first book, because I would have been confused as to what gender B is. In this first book B is not referenced to as a male or female. This would have confused me, because I would have gone along not knowing what to reference B as. There are a few hints about what gender B is, but nothing that jumps out and waves at the reader. I didn't mind this so much but it annoyed me a little. *SPOILER-ALERT* Towards the end of the book the reader does get a full and direct person saying what gender B is. *SPOILER-ENDED* The book was simple and a quick read, which I think all of the books in this series will be. Which makes it pretty nice. I love that this book is never really dull, there is always something happening. I also love the ending to this book by a landslide.
I also don't like the fact that I know all of the books are going to be on the smaller side, because I was able to read this book within a few hours. I don't want to finish the books so quickly, but they are action packed from the first page. There really isn't much I have to complain about this book. Like I said I did do a review for the second book not too long ago.
Darren Shan is one of my favorite authors. I have been reading anything by him since I was in middle school, and I am going into my second year of college now. I definitely recommend any of his book, and the Zom-B series is shaping up to be the same way. I want to one day own all of Shan's books. He is a great Teen book writer that people of all ages can get into. I have the third book on hand like I said and I will be doing a review of that as well, probably really soon.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 174 pages (hardback)
Price: $14.99, I paid $5.97 at Meijer.
Next Book: Zom-B City by Darren Shan
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
Zom-B Underground by Darren Shan
READ THIS FIRST: My library didn't have the first book
in the Zom-B series so I grabbed the second book. So I may not
give spoiler warnings for things that happened in the first book.
Though after reading this book I really want to read the first book
Zom-B. (The review for the
first book is up now.)
Becky Smith is the main character but everyone calls her B. She is a zombie yes, but her brain is still functioning. She is in a compound with others like herself. But things are not right, with the people that are holding them that is. B has to figure out what is going on and what exactly is going to happen to her.
From the beginning this book was fast paced. I loved every bit of it. I love zombie themed books, but this is a new take on the zombies and once again I love it. Shan gives such vivid detail that the reader can imagine it perfectly. Shan describes a Mr. Dowling in such detail that had me cringing and praying to whom ever you believe in, that Mr. Dowling would never, ever be real. If he ever is real I would scream like a little school girl and find something to beat the ever-loving-shit out of him. And I am not a violent person either!
Since I read the second book before the first I don't know the full story behind B. *SPOILER-ALERT* All I do know is that she was brought up with a racist and abusing father, and the only way to stay a little on his good side B had to also be racists. B was turned into a zombie after she sacrificed an African American boy after her father told her to. She was horrified and ran away. That boy later then ripped her heart out and that is how she turned.*SPOILER-ENDED*
There really wasn't anything that I didn't like about the book overall. Well other then it is short and I have to wait for a while for the next book.
Hopefully my library has the first book in, so I can read that one. I have loved Shan as a writer since middle school when I first read his Cirque du Freak series. I want to get all of his series including this one if the rest of the books prove to be just as good as this one. So, yes, I would buy this book if I saw it for sale at a store and I had the money.
Rating: 5 out of 5.
Page Count: 180 pages (not including the picture at the end.)
Price: $14.99 (hardcover)
Next Book: Stake That! by Mari Mancusi
Thanks for reading!
~Jade
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