BOOK REVIEW - HUNTED by ABI KETNER & MISSY KALICICKI - SINNERS # 2 - YA DYSTOPIAN - MONTH9BOOKS

By: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Published By: Month9Books

Released: Available Now

Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 414 Pages

RATING: 4 COLE & ZEUS STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

HUNTED is the electrifying sequel to the bestselling debut BRANDED, A Sinners Series, by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki.

It’s been three months since the revolt against the Commander’s fifty-year-old regime failed.

Under a new ruler, things were supposed to change. Get better.

But can anyone really be trusted?

Lexi and Cole soon find out, as life takes an unexpected turn for the worse.

In this ever-changing world, you must hunt or be hunted.

Lives will be lost.

Dreams will be crushed.

Fears will be realized.

Secrets will be exposed.

When Cole is once again faced with losing Lexi at the hands of a monster, one encounter will change everything.

Forever. 

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:
I received a paperback for an honest review and I LOVE this cover art. I kept flipping over to ogle Cole.

He is gorgeous on the cover.

WOW!

Talk about action and bullets flying.

The start of Hunted is really cool. Visually I was wowed with the action scene and saw it all so well in my head.

Zeus is quite the side kick in this instalment. He really does come with his own star personality.

Branded was such an exceptional debut read for me from these ladies with Wilson being such a villain and all the cast. I mean, truly his character is so well written.

I would have loved Wilson to have made more of an appearance in this instalment because he really does command my attention. I feel like he is calling out to me and not Lexi. I feel like I have to watch my own back. He really is a very wicked villain and one that stays in my mind.

The Hole is written so well with all the smells and horror.

There is a scene that did rock me a bit and I am still unsure how to process it, because it is written very well and I did see the horror of it happen right before my reading eyes. It’s a lot to be asked of a person and me being me, thinks of a more humane way.

I gave this instalment a very solid four stars and look forward to Liberated and what the ladies have to expose.

I will say I truly LOVED the cliffie and thought it was BRILLIANT because I so was not expecting that. It really makes me want Liberated that much quicker.

These two authors are going to go far with this series.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - UNWANTED by AMANDA HOLOHAN - YA DYSTOPIAN - PENGUIN AUSTRALIA

By: Amanda Holohan

Published By: Penguin Aust

Released : Available Now

Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review

RATING: 3.75 STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

All her life, eighteen-year-old Bea has wanted nothing more than to become a sniper on the wall and earn the coveted ink of a Dread warrior - a mark of distinction among her people.

She knows that one day the terrifying Erebii might break through the city's outer defences, and if her people aren't prepared and the wall is breached then the last human city will fall.

But everything Bea thinks she knows is about to be challenged...

What does the ink really do as it flows underneath their skin and who is the mysterious Unwanted boy that keeps appearing in her life?

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I love reading YA dystopians and I also love reading Australian authors. I’m an honest reviewer so this is just my one personal opinion.

I want to start by saying I thought Amanda's writing was lovely, now here comes the tough part for me because I really wanted to love this book because virtually the moment it rocked up on my doorstep I opened it up. I was excited to read it.

Bea is a new Dread Warrior. I really liked the whole idea of Dread Warriors ( they have dreadlocks ) and this being the last city on Erth. No, that wasn’t a spell error.

I liked the idea for this dystopian. I think I needed Bea to be much more fleshed out for me to identify with her. She is a trained fighter but I didn't really feel that she was used much to show us this. 

I felt like the story was a bit patchy and I found Red solved situations too easily. He would come along and things happened with relative ease. I thought he was like the solution guy. He knew everything and how to get about, it made for Bea's adventure into discovery very two dimensional. I felt like she had her own tour guide.

I could see the well of potential in Unwanted, but it missed the mark in several places for me.

I understood why Amanda kept Red slowly feeding Bea information because it kept the story moving, but I kinda figured some things out there, especially when we were shown something fairly early on when it came to a Stork. I felt Red could have connected with the reader better. He was a great character but he didn’t grab me. I so wanted him to grab me and for me to feel excited about him.

Gus was another character who I would call one of the three main characters, but there was a lack of connection there for me as the reader too. I felt like Amanda was trying to make a subtle love triangle but it simply wasn't there. I'm still a bit unsure of what was going on there. Nothing actually went on, but I felt like I was supposed to feel something. I would have loved to have had a deeper connection with him. I liked him, but...

One thing that totally had me going WT!! Was when Bea told Gus she loved him.

Man, WT!? I was a little confuzzed by that comment. Now if you read this book you will understand why I said that. I did this weird whiplash thing when I read that. There was no real basis for that comment to be blurted out of Bea.

I thought Amanda’s idea was a really cool one, but in my one personal opinion I think it lacked in grabbing me as the reader and taking me along on Bea’s ride.

This is why I say it has a well of potential. Again, some readers may simply love it the way it is, and that is totally cool.

I feel like there was meant to be an attraction between Red and Bea but it was simply not spelled out properly.

If I was to be asked if there was a romance in this book, I would say no. Gus certainly showed his interest in Bea but she was off doing her thing, sure they had some wall moments and spent a little time together, but you gotta be present to have a thing.

I did LOVE the twist that came with this book as I think it is very hard to pick it and that is a double-thumbs-up for me.

I felt like at times it was a bit hard turning the pages because I needed more excitement or some romance or more flowing of story line. Don't get me wrong, Amanda uses Bea's sisters and other Dread Warriors and other characters, I liked Jim, but...

Owl Vaughn could have been used better I thought too. I know why he wasn't in the book much, but it kinda felt forced when he popped back up. He was like the start and the end.

I felt like there could have been a lot more suspense to this read considering what I know at the end and also it is a dystopian and they should come with kickass action and suspense.

These are just my honest thoughts and I am a well read reviewer. I really wanted to like this book and I feel terribly bad that it didn’t connect with me.

I gave this book a bit more than I was intending because visually through Amanda’s writing I could see in my head her world, nice enough, but I just wanted to shake the whole story and its characters up a bit. 

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - CORRUPTION by JESSICA SHIRVINGTON - DISRUPTION # 2 - YA DYSTOPIAN - HARPER COLLINS

By: Jessica Shirvington
Published By: Harper Collins
Released : Available now
Details: Paperback from library, 435 Pages

RATING: 4 STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

How do you live with yourself when you’ve deceived the one you love?

How do you move on when the person you’ve been fighting to save betrays you?

Two years ago, Maggie Stevens began the hunt.

Four weeks ago, Maggie’s world fell apart, when she finally
found what she’d been looking for. And when Quentin,
who had blindly trusted her, unravelled her web of lies.

Now, Maggie lives in the dark. But she’s not about to stay there.
Not when she still has to bring M-Corp down.
Not when there is still a chance she could win him back.

In the exhilarating conclusion to Disruption, Maggie must do
whatever it takes to show the world the truth.
And the price for her quest?

Everything.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I will always pick up a Jessica Shirvington book. I fell in love with The Violet Eden Chapters, each book for me got better and better and I loved Between The Lives, so I was naturally going to read Jessica’s latest works, the Disruption duology.

Disruption , book one I really enjoyed and I have just finished Corruption the conclusion to this YA dystopian duology.

Corruption takes off where Disruption left off, although it didn’t go in the direction I thought it would be going, what I mean to say is where Disruption left off, it was a surprise how quickly Maggie was back where she should be.

I enjoyed how evil the villains were in this YA read, nicely played, Jessica.

I could see where something was heading which hurt my heart and I was doing a bit of inner monologuing which went something like this, ‘NOoOooOOooo don’t do it!!!’

If I had a fave character it would have to be Gus the side kick. He is a character who has great lines and I fell a little more in love with him each time he popped up. There was a side to the plot where I was a little, huh, when it popped up but that is ok.

I think I connected with Quentin the most in the latter part of the story, for me personally I thought some of the relationship between Maggie and Quentin went a little flat for me in this second book.

I did like Travis. What can I say, he is untrustworthy but I wound up liking him and I really liked Liam. I felt like I could have spent more time with his character.

I think the believability of such few people trying to bring down such a massive organization was made more realistic by Maggie finding out she wasn’t alone in her plight. I liked what Jessica did there. It would have been nice to spend longer connecting with these characters.

Overall I thought this was an enjoyable dystopian duology, but for some reason I like my dystopians to be trilogys. Just a personal thing as I think time needs to be spent with characters and relationships and understanding the worlds and then the powerful conclusion to wrap everything up.

I really could have seen a third book. But eh, that’s just me.

I have read everything of Jessica’s to date and I would admit that The Violet Eden Chapters would be my fave series of hers.

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - DISRUPTION by JESSICA SHIRVINGTON - HARPER COLLINS - YA DYSTOPIAN

By: Jessica Shirvington
Published By: Harper Collins
Released: Available Now
Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 400 Pages

RATING: 4.25 QUENTIN & GUS STARS!!!

Blurb: Goodreads

What if a microchip could identify your perfect match?
What if it could be used against you and the ones you love?

Eight years ago, Mercer Corporation’s M-Bands became mandatory. An evolution of the smartphone, the bracelets promised an easier life. Instead, they have come to control it.

Two years ago, Maggie Stevens watched helplessly as one of the people she loves most was taken from her, shattering her world as she knew it.

Now, Maggie is ready. And Quentin Mercer – heir to the M-Corp empire – has become key to Maggie’s plan. But as the pieces of her dangerous design fall into place, could Quentin’s involvement destroy everything she’s fought for?

In a world full of broken promises, the ones Maggie must keep could be the most heartbreaking.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

This was a really solid start to Jessica’s new dystopian series.

The cover to Disruption, quite frankly had me quite distracted as I kept wanting to move it as it is so shiny and different. Trust me, when you hold a copy in your hands, you are compelled to play with it.

Nine years ago laws were put in place, bring on the start of a dystopian world.

It had been up for debate for years, the public protesting the invasion of privacy vehemently at first. But once the Identification Laws were passed nine years ago and every man, woman and child was implanted with an M-Chip at the tip of their spine, people swiftly forgot to argue. Instead they became obsessed with, addicted to M-Bands and their must-have accessories. And soon enough, M-Bands became law too.



Eighteen year old Maggie Stevens is out to find her father, a neg, who she hasn’t seen in two years. She will lie, manipulate, lie, fight, kick some ass, do some more lying to get the answers she needs. She is thinking only of finding her father.

M-Corp is the billion dollar company behind all the M-Bands and what not.

Quentin Mercer is one of the heirs to M-Corp.

Quentin Mercer knew who he was and felt no need to fit anyone’s expectations. His shirt hung half untucked. His tie was perfectly knotted, but hanging on an angle. His shoes were polished to a high-gloss shine, with one lace untied. He was a walking contradiction and that seemed to be exactly what made him comfortable.



Pheremones are what drive whether you are a neg or an acceptable person for a relationship with a rating in society. To be identified as a neg, is not a good thing.


It remained a person’s right to choose whether or not to leave the Phera-tech on - some turned it off when they found their long-term match, or in the golden cases their true match- but it was compulsory for every adult to be fitted with the Phera-tech zip and to register a minimum of four ratings per calendar month.

Why?

So that negs could be detected.

Along with four other students, I’d celebrated my eighteenth birthday this month. Which meant we were all required by law to have M-Bands with Phera-tech. And today was the day M-Corp was sending in one of its techicians to upgrade our M-Bands.

Maggie is also into blackmail. She has neither the technology expertise or the funds to do what she needs to do without getting others working for her against their will.

Enter twenty two year old Gus. I love Gus. Oh, the hate relationship between Maggie and Gus, but eh, I feel these two will be ok. I love a good side kick and Jessica always delivers.


Gus groaned loudly from the back. “Maggie?”

“Yeah, I’m here,” I said, feeling more tired by the second.

He groaned again and rolled onto his side. “I hate you with the depth, breadth and heat of Hell’s most torturous pit.”

I like Travis too. He seems like some illegal fun.

Jessica has left some seeds in this first installment to crack open in the sequel. I am interested in Sebastian and Zachery and more of Sam. Naturally I want more Gus.

I really enjoyed Maggie’s character. She is fearless to the point of making mistakes that could cost her.

Quentin grew on me the more I read him. I think he is going to be an awesome book boyfriend. When you have been told one thing in life and you need to be shown the truth about what is right under your nose, it takes some adjusting.

“Shhh,” he comforted, brushing down my hair. “I don’t want to be anywhere else, Maggie. For the first time in my life, I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”


I was on my way to working out something with the end of this installment, but then there was a major can of worms I hadn’t accounted for.

Touche Ms Shirvington.

The second book, Corruption, has just been released, the sequel to Disruption, and I am looking forward to continuing Maggie and Quentin’s story after reading this one.

I know Corruptions cover is shiny silver, makes me wonder how many books in the series and what the shiny third cover color could be?

I am looking forward to continuing this dystopian journey.

Michelle

Released : 1st November 2014

BOOK COVER REVEAL - HUNTED by ABI KETNER & MISSY KALICICKI

HUNTED COVER REVEAL

Today Abi Ketner, Missy Kalicicki and Month9Books are revealing the cover for HUNTED, book 2 in the Sinners Series releasing in July 5, 2015! 

Check out the smoking hot cover and enter the giveaway to win a signed copy of BRANDED!

Title: HUNTED

Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Publisher: Month9Books

Pub. Date: July 5, 2015

Find it: Goodreads

It’s been three months since the revolt against the Commander’s fifty-year-old regime failed.

Under a new ruler, things were supposed to change. Get better.

Now, Wilson is in charge. But, can he really be trusted? Can anyone?

Lexi and Cole soon find out, as life takes an unexpected turn for the worse.

In this ever-changing world, you must hunt or be hunted.

Many more lives will be lost.

Many more dreams will be crushed.

Many more fears will be realized.

When Cole is once again faced with losing Lexi at the hands of a monster, one capture will change everything.

Forever.


HUNTED is the electrifying sequel to the bestselling debut BRANDED, A Sinners Series, by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki.


What readers are saying about BRANDED…


"Branded was a riveting and exciting dystopian read that will have you at the edge of your seat. I could not put it down and was entranced by this dark and unique world!" -Ben Alderson, Booktuber at BenjaminofTomes


"Fast paced and fun, BRANDED has something everyone will love. Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki have created a unique dystopian romance that's sure to stand out in today's market!" -Lindsay Cummings, Author of The Murder Complex


"Branded is a fast paced, heart pounding and swoon worthy read that will make you fall in love with this dark and twisted world." -Sasha Alsberg, Booktuber at ABookUtopia

Connect with BRANDED fans on Instagram at:

#abiandmissy

#Sinnersfandom

#Sinnersseries

#Colexi

#Sinnersseriesbranded

#Brandedofficialfanpage

#Brandedfandom

#Lexihamilton

About Abi and Missy

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

Website/Twitter/Facebook/Abi’s Goodreads/Missy’s Goodreads/Pinterest/Tumblr/Instagram

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a signed copy of BRANDED, Us Only.

1 winner will receive an eBook of BRANDED, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BOOK REVIEW - LEGEND by MARIE LU - LEGEND # 1 - YA DYSTOPIAN - PENGUIN

By: Marie Lu

Published By: Penguin

Released : Available Now

Details: Paperback from Library, 290 Pages

RATING: 4.75 DAY STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

This fan made trailer is not too bad for Legend.

BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

“Few people ever kill for the right reasons, June,” he said after a long silence. “Most do it for the wrong reasons.”

I’m coming a little late to the Marie Lu, Legend series parttaay, but I’m so glad I found the time to start it.

This is a very popular YA dystopian series and I can see why. June and Day are both highly likeable characters. I loved reading this dual pov book.

I’ve been complimented on my appearance before. But never in his tone of voice. Of all the things he’s said, I don’t know why this catches me off guard. But it startles me so much that without thinking I blurt out, “I could say the same about you.” I pause. “In case you didn’t know.”

A slow grin spreads across his face. “Oh, trust me. I know.”


The only thing I will say about this first installment, that I felt quite strongly about, is these kids are both fifteen, they just do not come across as fifteen year olds. Seventeen I could believe a lot more.

But , no matter.

I loved how this story was broken up into two parts within the book.

Sure, I’m still wondering a bit about why Day had what he had done to him. Those questions will no doubt be answered in Prodigy.

Marie is tough on her characters, and I really appreciated the length she went to with her action scenes and the visuals I had playing away like a movie in my head.

I will admit I did predict a fair amount of the plot, but it may just be me. For what I did pick up on, quite easily, I think got balanced out for me with how well written her dystopian world was and how much I loved the characters, even the sub characters.

I’m quite liking how YA authors are giving female characters the Commander type role. Women can be just as lethal with their orders as men.

Boy! Commander Jameson is a piece of work. She needed a stinky dead fish slap from me.

I felt she plays the part very well.

I loved being in Day’s pov. He is a misunderstood character who has quite a heart, but he also is very good at what he does.

June, the Republican Agent, has been essentially brain washed to fight for the Republic, I liked watching her get with the program and start putting two and two together.

I feel very excited for Prodigy and then Champion.

This was a fast paced, exciting read with some awesome action sequences. Marie made these kids fight it out and losses come in this highly believable, fictional dystopian world.

Marie made sure she brought it.

This is a dystopian read for both YA readers and adults. I really enjoyed this book I nearly read it in one sitting. I had trouble putting it down.

Michelle

BLOG TOUR & 3 BOOK GIVEAWAY - REBEL by AMY TINTERA - REBOOT # 2 - YA SCI-FI DYSTOPIAN - ALLEN & UNWIN

By: Amy Tintera

Published By: Allen & Unwin

Released : Available Now

Details: Paperback from publisher for honest review, 340 Pages

RATING: 4.5 FAST PACED STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

Wren Connolly thought she'd left her human side behind when she died five years ago and came back 178 minutes later as a Reboot. With her new abilities of strength, speed and healing - along with a lack of emotions - Wren 178 became the perfect soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation). Then Callum 22 came along and changed everything.

Now that they've both escaped, they're ready to start a new life in peace on the Reboot Reservation. But Micah 163, the Reboot running the reservation, has darker plans in mind: to wipe out the humans. All of them. Micah has been building a Reboot army for years and is now ready to launch his attack on the cities. Callum wants to stick around and protect the humans. Wren wants nothing more than to leave all the fighting behind them.

With Micah on one side, HARC on the other, and Wren and Callum at odds in the middle, there is only one option left...

It's time for Reboots to become rebels.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

Amy Tintera has brought a fast paced, exciting conclusion to her Reboot, duology. This sci-fi/dystopian had me turning the pages.

I found more substance to the plot and the characters brought me what I think I was missing from Reboot, even though I really enjoyed Reboot.

Told from both Callum and Wren’s pov’s we get a deeper understanding of these two characters who are at different ends of the reboot scale.

I loved watching Wren discover more of her human nature, so to speak. She does soften up, her thoughts becoming her own. I liked that Amy gave us reasons for her characters evolving, even though they are Reboots.

A higher number supposedly meant a Reboot was faster, stronger, less emotional, but I thought that was just a line HARC fed us that the Reboots bought into. We all used to be human, before we died and came back to life as Reboots, I didn’t see why the number of minutes dead mattered so much.


It kind of showed the reader that their still was a human underneath all of it. Even if it got lost for a while.

Callum is gorgeous. He was a little soft for me in Reboot, and he didn’t lose his human nature in this installment but he earned my respect. He really is a great character.

These two balance each other out.

This installment takes off at a fast pace from where Reboot left off. You will be turning the pages as this group of rebels go from one situation to the next in a bid to find a solution and release the other Reboots.

Did I think this could all be neatly tidied up in two books? Um, put it this way I got a satisfactory ending, but I still feel like there was more story to be told, more characters to explore.

Amy really has a clever idea with Reboots. It’s different and I could have explored these two characters and their sidekicks more in this world, but that is just me.

There is always a villain in a dystopian read and there are more than one in this one.

I got some sad moments that did surprise me how I felt. My heart got hurt.

I can see how film rights have been optioned by Fox for Reboot. It would make a great movie.

A fast paced, clever idea with some fierce moments and a romance that did flutter my heart like butterfly wings.

Michelle

GIVEAWAY

3 WINNERS!!

The lovely Allen & Unwin are kindly donating 3 x Paperbacks for me to giveaway on my tour stop.

Thanks kindly to Allen & Unwin!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS!

AUSSIE ENTRIES ONLY

(Publisher is donating and mailing the prizes.)

Leave a comment with either your email addy, twitter or facebook addy's so I can easily contact the winner.

Answer this Q: What was the last Dystopian book you read?

EASY!

Random Org will choose winners.

If you want you can tweet the posting, would be lovely.

If you would like to go 'like' Amy's fb page to keep up on all things Amy then click HERE

If you want to you could go like Allen & Unwins facebook teen page

STARTS NOW

ENDS 18TH JUNE 2014

GOOD LUCK!

ZOMBIE APOCALYPTIC AUTHOR - JONATHAN MABERRY - SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY # 4 - BENNY IMURA SERIES - YOUNG ADULT - SIMON & SCHUSTER

SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY # 4

JONATHAN MABERRY

BENNY IMURA SERIES

I love me some Jonathan Maberry, especially his Benny Imura series. This is his YA zombie apocalyptic/dystopian series and it is soooo good. I started this series back in 2011. I have Fire And Ash from the library to read next.

Goodreads shows you the order and any novellas.

You can scroll down and read my reviews HERE . I also have information on one of Jonathan's other series, Joe Ledger.

I have to admit looking at the cover of Rot & Ruin and the title when I first laid eyes on it, I got a not so YA feel about it on first sight. I got a bit scared.

But!

Once I opened the book up and started reading.

OMG!

Jonathan is brilliant. 

Rot & Ruin had me totally loving Tom, Benny's brother. Now I know it is the Benny Imura series, but Benny and his mates are fifteen years old in the first book and act like fifteen year old boys, and...well... Tom stole the limelight for me. For many reasons.

I won't spoil.

Rot and Ruin was an awesome introduction into Jonathan's zombie world.

Dust & Decay, was simply brilliant. 

O.M.G.

Brilliant.

Jonathan brings in J-Dog and Dr. Skillz who are the funniest characters in an apocalyptic world.

It was also a book where I cursed Jonathan ( in my marshmallow way ) cause, he really and I mean really crushed my heart with his characters. What he did in that book, is still killing me to this day.

I got MAJOR feels. 

But, this is a zombie apocalyptic series, so shiz is going down.

What I loved about this series is, it is not what you will think when you think of zombie apocalyptic. 

That whole, Walking Dead theme is not what Jonathan does.

Jonathan brings really great sub characters , humor, sad, sad moments, he brings hope and crushes you, he will rip out your heart and dice it up. He has a lot of heart and soul in this series which I wasn't prepared for. 

Tom is like the wise older brother who is not like Daryl from Walking Dead.

Tom is Tom. Tom has a Katana.

Flesh and Bone # 3 just took off on a non stop ride. I'm not sure if any of the gang stopped to eat, it was that full on. I was hanging on to my book. 

My review was full of quotes. I love quotes and Jonathan gives me a bag full every book.

You will watch Benny and the crew learn how to survive and you will see the change in their characters from Rot and Ruin.

There are also naturally, the villains in this series, who are true villains. They don't hold back.

There are also the unlikely sub character survivors who are doing it their way,  trusting only in themselves and then there are the alliances who you hope to trust in. 

Let's not forget the religious nuts thrown in for good measure. 

There are very intense moments and there are I Am Legend moments. 

A fantastic YA series I highly recommend. I think it will truly surprise even the readers who THINK they aren't into zombie reads. I wasn't particularly either until I read how Jonathan writes them. 

I became addicted to Benny Imura.

So to all you non zombie readers...TRUST ME, check this one out, book two had me totally sold and immersed in Jonathan's apocalyptic world. 

All Jonathan's books rate really well on Goodreads. The reviews are glowing.

Jonathan's Goodreads

******

This image was taken from Gena Showalter's page on facebook.
Gena and Kami Garcia are either side of Jonathan.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JONATHAN MABERRY is a New York Times best-selling and multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning horror and thriller author, magazine feature writer, playwright, content creator and writing teacher/lecturer. His books have been sold to more than a dozen countries.

You can find out a lot more about Jonathan over on his web page. It is worth a look at all of his pages within it.

I'm just butting in here in the middle of About The Author. I have just watched this vid for the first time properly and I totally got what Jonathan was saying in this. He started off wanting to write a gritty zombie read, but along the way it turned into something else. It got heart. That is why this is a book for readers who don't think they are into zombie genre, because it is so much more.


He writes a variety of projects for Marvel Comics involving CAPTAIN AMERICA, BLACK PANTHER, DOOMWAR, WOLVERINE, DEADPOOL, THE X-MEN, FANTASTIC FOUR, the NY Times bestselling MARVEL ZOMBIES RETURN, MARVEL UNIVERSE vs THE PUNISHER and MARVEL UNIVERSE vs WOLVERINE. All of Jonathan’s comic book collections are released as Graphic Novel collections within a month or two of individual comic publication.

Recent short stories include “Pegleg and Paddy Save the World” (HISTORY IS DEAD, Permuted Press 2007), “Doctor Nine” (KILLERS, Swimming Kangaroo Press, 2008; and reprinted in THE STORIES (in) BETWEEN Edited by Greg Schauer, Jeanne B. Benzel, and W.H. Horner. Fantasist Enterprises, 2009), “Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Greenbrier Ghost” (LEGENDS OF THE MOUNTAIN STATE 2, Bloodletting Books, 2008), “Clean Sweeps” (AND SO IT BEGINS, Dark Quest Books, 2008), “Family Business” (THE NEW DEAD, St. Martin’s Press, 2010), “Like Part of the Family” (NEW BLOOD edited by Patrick Thomas and Diane Raetz, Padwolf Press, 2010), “Zero Tolerance” (THE LIVING DEAD 2, Night Shade Books), “Flint and Steel” (GI JOE: COBRA WARS, 2011), “Saint John”(THE MONSTER’S CORNER, 2011, St. Martin’s), “The Death Song of Dwar Guntha” (Under the Moons of Mars: New Adventures on Barsoom, 2012, Simon & Schuster), and “The Wind Through the Fence” (an original e-story available for all e-readers). His essay, “Take Me To Your Leader” will be included in the nonfiction book, TRIUMPH OF THE LIVING DEAD: Robert Kirkman's Zombie Epic on Page and Screen edited by James Lowder (BenBella Books/Smart Pop, 2011).

All of Jonathan’s novels are available on audio, including the audio-only collection, JOE LEDGER: THE MISSING FILES (Blackstone), which includes the short stories “Countdown”, “Ze

BOOK REVIEW - FURY by CHARLOTTE McCONAGHY - THE CURE # 1 - MOMENTUM BOOKS - NEW ADULT DYSTOPIAN

By: Charlotte McConaghy
Published By: Momentum Books, Pan Macmillan
Released: Available Now
Details: Digital copy from Publisher for honest review, 348 Pages

RATING: 4.25 FURY STARS!!

Blurb : Goodreads

When emotions are erased from the world, creating a civilization of mindless drones, only those with fury can survive.

On the same day each year Josephine Luquet wakes naked, shivering and covered in blood that is not her own. Under the cold gaze of the blood moon she is someone else entirely, but when dawn breaks her memories flee and she is left with only an icy horror, a burning fury. Amid a sea of drones, she alone hasn’t been cured. 

It will be the same each year: atrocities forgotten, truths hidden and pieces of herself left to die.

Until Luke. 

He isn’t like the other drones. With secrets whispering behind his eyes and a hunger for all things Josephine, he is the only one determined to help her discover the truth before the next blood moon rises. 

But time is running out. Is Luke willing to risk his life to be near her? Does he truly understand what violence she is capable of?

Raw and full of passion, Fury is a story of love in a dystopian world, and how much we are willing to forgive in the struggle to remember our humanity.



BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

“‘All that is necessary for the triumph of evil

 is that good men do nothing.’”

This story is told from three pov’s, Anthony the shrink, Luke and Josephine.

I found this a great read. I did have my moments where I had to take my time with dates and how the book jumps around chronologically.

I did find this to be a bit of a distraction. I did get used to it, as the book just keeps doing it, then add that to the character pov continual change and it did take some getting used to.

There were some great twists and secrets that get revealed, that kept me interested.

Anthony Harwood is our resident shrink at the asylum where Josephine is telling her story, trying to convince Anthony of how dangerous she is.

We learn early on that Josephine has not been, ‘cured’, she has her fury and emotions intact.

Enter Luke. He is part of her story telling. He wants to be part of her life.

Josephine is rude and rash, sarcastic and angry. She is emotionally unstable. She’s too young and she’s too difficult. She’s inexperienced, frightened and loud. At any moment she could fly away. But as I lie on the couch with her sleeping in my arms, I think I’m already in love with her.

The dates jump around from 2063 into 2065.

This is a dystopian world where humans get the cure. But some don’t. 

Walls have been built around cities and the cure was being administered.

Everything on the far side of the wall is wild, chaotic and exhausting. Everything here is calm, beautiful and healthy.

Charlotte has given us her dystopian world.

The world is a sea of ghosts. When the plague annihiliated us there were riots in the streets. Buildings came down in a flood of dry rubble. A fury made of fear was born, and the world grew dangerous. Nine years ago the government -- every government -- built walls around the remaining cities and started administering the cures. No more anger for humanity. No more aggression. The fight went out of us; we were malleable, controllable drones. But with one emotion gone, the other parts of us grew skewed and out of shape. Now everything is distorted--our perceptions of the world are damaged.


Anthony has been cured.

I don’t want to write any spoilers, so I have to just go with my thoughts on this book as it is a story that reveals the more you read.

I am really keen to read the next book in the series, after the ending to this one.

I was left wondering all sorts of things about Josi as I was reading.

What is she?

Why is the 16th of September each year such a dangerous year for those around Josi.

The more you read the more you find out, so hang in there. The first part of the book is deliberately a little confusing because we are waiting to hear more of Josi’s story to the good doctor.

We find out who is keeping secrets from whom and why.

What you think you know, may not necessarily be so.

I have a secret... I must guard it with everything I have...

I did enjoy this read, but I did think it was a little hard work keeping up with the time bouncing about, but it is all part of Josi’s story and Lukes.

Anthony is the man trying to believe what Josi is telling him.

Sub characters come into play in the race to beat 16th September 2065 and stop what will happen to Josephine on that date.

“But for one day, on the 16th of September--“

“The night of the blood moon.”

“--yes, the night of the blood moon, I become someone else. I disappear and she comes out...”


I think you just have to go with the fact that it only happens on that date every year or you will be questioning the why of that. We get told something, but still I couldn’t help questioning why just one day of total ... happens. I’m not sure if the why being blood moon is explained. Maybe it was and I missed it.

This was a great start to this series. I would like the next book to be a little less heavy on the time bouncing about. I would expect it would be due to how this one finished.

“Maybe I’m hoping someone will hear.”

Michelle

BOOK REVIEW - COUNTDOWN by MICHELLE ROWEN - YA DYSTOPIAN SUSPENSE - HARLEQUIN TEEN

By: Michelle Rowen

Published By: Harlequin Teen

Released : Available Now

Details: paperback from publisher for honest review, 

RATING: 3.5 STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

3 seconds left to live. Once the countdown starts, it cannot be stopped.

2 pawns thrown into a brutal underground reality game.

Kira Jordan survived her family's murder and months on plague-devastated city streets with hard-won savvy and a low-level psi ability. She figures she can handle anything. Until she wakes up in a barren room, chained next to the notorious Rogan Ellis.

1 reason Kira will never, ever trust Rogan. Even though both their lives depend on it.

Their every move is controlled and televised for a vicious exclusive audience. And as Kira's psi skill unexpectedly grows and Rogan's secrets prove evermore deadly, Kira's only chance of survival is to risk trusting him as much as her instincts. Even if that means running head-on into the one trap she can't escape.

GAME OVER


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:

I love dystopian reads, the world authors can create for the reader can be outstanding, the book can make it to the big screen.

I have read previous works by Michelle and enjoyed them. 

Countdown was a read that I had some difficulty with.

There were parts I loved. I totally dug the start of this book, even if it gave off a strong SAW, the movie , vibe.

Two people unconscious, chained in a room, one wounded , both have keys to the others lock. Who trusts who?

Let the game begin!

I felt this was a strong start to this book with great potential. I really liked Rogan. I felt for him. I thought his character could have been amazing, but it took a bit of a backseat to the shit his life had turned into. I felt I was missing a character connection with both Kira and Rogan to me.

Now, this is just my personal one opinion and I have checked other reviews out prior to writing mine. Not something I do often.

I desperately wanted to love this book, because it is a genre I LOVE.

I love fast paced reads.

I found from just looking on Goodreads only, that readers either felt like me, or loved this book. It is awesome that other readers got so much more from this read than I did.

So I gather it’s just a case of some will , some won’t.

Hey, we can’t all like the same book. My thoughts are nothing against Michelle, they are just maybe my frustration at the story line.

My personal thoughts.

I felt the game felt too easily resolved in each level. The story had too much convenience in solutions to the drama Kira and Rogan were in.

“How did you know to ring the bell?”

I finally looked at him. “Lucky guess.”

“Yes,” a voice said. “Very lucky indeed.”

I didn’t believe from the start that Rogan was the guy portrayed to the reader. It felt a bit forced.

I think the number of pages turned, gave me indication in areas of how these two would survive. What I mean is, when you aren’t very far into the book and you are already a few levels out of six completed, I could tell they would make it.

Sometimes a book can be too fast paced for it’s own storyline good.

There were some twists to extend the story outside of the game, which I very much enjoyed.


I can’t help thinking that epic fail number 1 for any type of game/hunting situation, is not having a tracking doodah inserted into the players. Maybe the Producer was too confident in his levels and players abilities. I know they had implants, but that is different.

To me this led to convenience for the storyline.

I had questions about the storyline. Why was Kira’s family murdered and not her? I understand that her family got in the way. I know that a certain person was hired to do it, but if she was the target originally, by some mystery villain?? , why not come back for her at a later date. I just have questions about that part. She was obviously important enough that a person was hired to knock her off, two years earlier. This person just gave up after his first attempt didn’t pan out for him. It was a paid job. I understand she flew the coop, but...

WT!

Kira’s association with the Producer came from a more random entry. It felt too easy considering what we find later on.

I understand the weaving of characters being connected, but...?

Why would you shut your eyes in front of the person who has to kill you to advance in the game. I know they asked for you to use your PSI on them, but ultimately for them to survive the level, they had to kill you. I found that a bit odd. Then you take the time to search their mind. I know they asked you to, again, WT! I know it was so the reader got this information, but...WT!!

Characters gave up information, kind of easily. I felt myself rolling my eyes a fair bit while reading. Things appeared too easy so the story could move forward even though it was a difficult situation, if that makes sense.


Jonathan knew who instigated the virus, but never did anything about it??

WT!!

But wanted to, when it was nearly too late?? Considering , again, what we find out in the story.

Sometimes the dialogue annoyed me a little.

“Well that’s rude,” Gareth said, shaking his head. “Honestly, kids. You don’t even want to apologize to me for ruining my plans yet again?”



“There’s one more level beneath this one,” XXXX said. “I was supposed to start working down there soon.” He sighed. “I guess that’s not going to happen anymore.”


Now, if you knew the circumstances, you would understand why it annoyed me, but there were other things about the dialogue too. I think that is up to interpretation, but I found myself rolling my eyes.


“I’m recovering.” I hobbled along quickly on my injured ankle. “Call me crazy, but I don’t think sucking in poisonous gas until you’re almost dead is something you can just shake off.”


You and me sister, yet you did just shake it off. You got that shiz inside you, it is deadly.

I’m trying not to sound rude. I am frustrated. I am annoyed with myself for not loving this book. In saying that , I did enjoy parts of the book.

Some readers totally loved this book, so my opinion is very different to theirs.

Which is magnificent.

Give it a try if you like a dystopian, game read.

You may be a total lover of Countdown and think I am bat-shit crazy and throw a pillow at me.

And, I am ok with that :) 

Michelle

BOOK BLITZ & GIVEAWAY - THE ONLY BOY by JORDAN LOCKE - YA DYSTOPIA

The Only Boy by Jordan Locke 

Publication date: December 17th 2013

Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult 

Synopsis: 

Mary is stuck in Section One, living with three hundred women in a crumbling hospital. She wonders what life was like two centuries ago, before the Cleansing wiped out all the men. But the rules—the Matriarch's senseless rules—prevent her from exploring the vacant city to find out.

Taylor's got a dangerous secret: he's a boy. His compound's been destroyed, and he's been relocated to Section One. Living under the Matriarch means giving up possessions, eating canned food and avoiding all physical contact. Baggy clothes hide his flat chest and skinny legs, but if anyone discovers what lies beneath, he'll be exiled. Maybe even executed.

Mary's never seen a boy—the Matriarch cut the pictures of men from the textbooks—and she doesn't suspect Taylor's secret. If she knew, she might understand the need to stop the girls from teasing him. If she knew, she might realize why she breaks the rules, just to be near him. Then again, she might be frightened to death of him.

Taylor should go. The Matriarch is watching his every move. But running means leaving Mary—and braving the land beyond the compound's boundaries.

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20339413-the-only-boy?ac=1 

Purchase From: 

Amazon 

B&N

AUTHOR BIO 

Jordan Locke lives in Connecticut with his wife, two lively daughters and a well-behaved whippet. A graphic designer by trade, his creativity spilled over into the literary world. After years of writing, reading and learning the craft, his fifth novel, The Only Boy, brought him offers of representation from two well-known agents. Now, after the dog is fed and the kids are in bed, you will find him tapping away at the keyboard.

Author links: 

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1494415593

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20339413-the-only-boy

Website: http://www.jordanlocke.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jordan1Locke

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