Book Review: Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine

This is the fifth book in the Morganville Vampires series - Lord of Misrule - simply put, an action-packed read that once again does not disappoint.
Claire Danvers takes starring role, supported by her friends and roommates,  Michael  - recently turned vampire, Eve - goth chick extraordinaire, and Shane - love interest with a passionate dislike for all things fanged.
These four are inevitably in the thick of any Morganville drama, and in this installment, we have front row seats to the brewing war between the town's founding vampire, Amelie, and her sadistic father, Bishop. Humans are no longer protected by their vampire sponsors  as everyone is fighting to survive under the threat of Bishop's immense power and seemingly unquenchable blood-lust. Throw in a manic storm with a raging tornado, and burning buildings and crazy vampires seem to be the least of everyone's problems.
Once again, I found myself drawn into this little world of constant tumultuous activity. There's never a dull moment as the author even finds time to spot us just a little bit of romance.
I can't say that the writing is filled with brilliant imagery or that the words read like poetry in motion, but I can say that my interest in the story never wanes. My heart sets a rhythmic beat of excitement paired with a simple enjoyment for this fast-paced series that's filled with endless plot arcs and surprises.
Another four out of five fangs novel.

Synopsis:

In the college town of Morganville, vampires and humans coexist in (relatively) bloodless harmony. Then comes Bishop, a master vampire who threatens to abolish all order, revive the forces of the evil dead, and let chaos rule. But Bishop isn’t the only threat. 
Violent black clouds promise a storm of devastating proportions. As student Claire Danvers and her friends prepare to defend Morganville against the elements—both natural and unnatural—the unexpected happens: Morganville’s vampires begin to vanish one by one. Discovering why leads Claire to one last choice: swear allegiance to Bishop... or die.

Cover Reveal - Diary of a Teenage Zombie

Well hello guys!
I must say I'm super excited to show you the cover for my brand new novel 'Diary of a Teenage Zombie'. This book is going to be a ripper - violence, sex and lots and lots of gory humour. I'm like a proud mama with this one, and thus, I've selected a cover to aptly represent poor old Katie Palmer and her Zombie-fied state.

Get it into you, get excited and get ready for an awesome literary adventure!

Synopsis:

Dear Diary. Today I ate the mailman. My bad.

Being seventeen is hard―Katie Palmer has to deal with school, pimples, hormonal boys, and malicious cheerleaders. After the Zombie Apocalypse, though, she no longer sweats the usual teenage drama.

Athletics star by day and flesh-eater by night, Katie’s done well to hide her transformation from friends and Zone-sanctioned security, but now someone or something’s onto her secret and if she doesn’t feed soon she’ll start falling apart.

Dead bodies are piling up and all the evidence points to Katie’s blood-stained hands. Will she end up killing the competition before security discovers she’s rotten underneath?

Diary of a Teenage Zombie - Synopsis

Hi Guys,

So you all know by now that I'm trying to crowd fund for this latest novel I've penned - Diary of a Teenage Zombie. I've gotta say, I'm really proud of this one, I even crack myself up. I've managed to jam action, gore, romance and witty banter into a 60,000 word novel that I can honestly say will put a smile on your dial.
The release is set for August this year, and there will be no delays because I'm producing the venture myself, albeit hopefully with the help of my lovely fans, family and friends who are currently pledging a couple of bucks here and there to try and make this happen (Click POZIBLE widget on the left side of the page, and donate for good karma)
Anyway, I've decided to leak little snippets of information along the way to light your excitement fires since I'm still a long way off my goal of raising $8000. Today I have the completed synopsis. Next week? Maybe an excerpt, so stay tuned because this novel is happening!

Dear Diary. Today I ate the mailman. My bad.

Being seventeen is hard―Katie Palmer has to deal with school, pimples, hormonal boys, and malicious cheerleaders. After the Zombie Apocalypse, though, she no longer sweats the usual teenage drama.

Athletics star by day and flesh-eater by night, Katie’s done well to hide her transformation from friends and Zone-sanctioned security, but now someone or something’s onto her secret and if she doesn’t feed soon she’ll start falling apart.

Dead bodies are piling up and all the evidence points to Katie’s blood-stained hands. Will she end up killing the competition before security discovers she’s rotten underneath?

Again, thank you all for taking the time to check out my Pozible crowd funding venture - a great way to support poor authors like me and promote opportunity for the arts.

Have a great weekend,

Kristy :)

Review: Zombie Cities by Sorab Del Rio

Okay, so I don't read comic books. Hell, I've probably only ever gazed through a few in the course of my life. Even as a little kid I wasn't overly enthused, but, I was at the Brisbane Supanova in November last year, and met this truly passionate comic book writer and his click of talented illustrators.
The comic book, or graphic novel, as I've been reminded is the "PC" term these days, is known as "Zombie Cities".

So why did I nab myself a copy of this graphic novel? Well, for one, at the time I was writing my own zombie based novel, and was intrigued what would compel someone else to ponder this genre, and then I realised, zombies are f@#%king awesome.

Zombie Cities is no ordinary graphic novel plowing through a lengthy plot or commenting on the idle musings of an orange cat in the local paper. Zombie Cities is a hilarious take on the world's decline, political agenda, and the overwhelming truth that XBox games really will help you kick a zombie's ass.
From Barrack Obama, to the Queen of England, we see the funny, morally bankrupt, and grossly graphically portrayed decline of humanity. Gun control laws are out the window, and the endorsement of eyeballs as a delicacy on the streets of Japan make you want to throw a Nespresso machine at George Clooney, telling him to stick to the black stuff. With wonderfully illustrated and aptly captioned scenes, I can honestly say that Sorab has converted me - at least to his measure of the zombie apocalypse!

Kristy :)

Follow Friday #57

Happy Friday everyone!

Yes, it’s that time of week again where bloggers unite to participate in the Follow Friday venture. The idea behind #FF is to promote traffic to your own blog, make new friends with other like-minded bloggers and discuss new and interesting topics each week.

Participating is simple. First you need to follow my blog because I’m totally awesome, then you can follow me on Twitter @kristyberridge (actually you don’t have to do this, it’s wishful thinking), but do follow my blog or assassins will get you …

Then you must follow our illustrious hosts Rachel of http://www.parajunkee.com/ and Alison of http://www.alisoncanread.com/ If you want more details on how to enter your own blog in the follow and hop, all directions are on their webpages

Now, once you’ve followed, check out my answer to this week’s questions and don’t forget to leave a comment so I can do the right thing and follow you back!

This week's question: What is your guilty pleasure as far as reading? Is it a genre, or is it a certain type of book?

My answer: Okay, no real surprise here, but I love a bad boy, someone you want to slap around, but also secretly long to pull against your ... 

I also like hardcore action and descriptive violence. I want to be able see vivid imagery dripping from every written word.

Book Review: Bound by CK Bryant

Let me just start off by saying that Bound by author CK Bryant is riveting, action-packed, and downright enjoyable. From the first page to the last I was enmeshed in the complicated world of the mousy Kira, and her rambunctious best friend, Lydia. Not to mention, the charismatic, but somewhat domineering Octavian, Lydia's brother and protector, and Kira's awakening crush.
After a photo shoot in the wilderness goes wrong and Lydia is forced to confront her troubled past and explain the inconsistencies in her personality to her friend Kira, the author takes us on a journey with zero backward glances. Learning of Lydia's true heritage and Octavian's role, Kira begins to understand that the world is so much bigger than she believed. Dangerous assassins and tales of another world place the understandably confused Kira at an impasse. Does she go back to the world she knows despite no longer having a place in it? Or does she learn to accept the truth her friends reveal, bind herself to Lydia and become something so much more than her fragile human mind can accept?
Bound is a fast-paced novel eloquently written with detailed imagery, relevant dialogue, and an ever-thickening plot designed to turn pages. The characters are compelling - Octavian for his almost brutish charm and in-congruent softness. Lydia for her two personalities - compassionate, genuine sister and friend teamed with the hard-as-nails fighter and defiant princess. Kira, initially believed as insignificant and fragile, soon hardens from the sum of her experience, gaining loyalty, perseverance and respect.
What I loved most about this novel was the genuine balance between action, intent, dialogue and blossoming romance. Information was streamed with relevant pause and attention to detail. Coupled with nefarious agenda and the prospect of hope, Bound is a gripping story with plenty room to manoeuver in future releases.
I happily rate this novel four fangs out of five.

Synopsis:
When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira's life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she's falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

Kristy :)

Book Review: Club Dead - Zombie Isle by Dane Hatchell

This could just be one of the shortest stories I've ever read - possibly the grossest. 
Club Dead: Zombie Isle, delves very quickly into a rapid fire plot with no particular protagonist, merely a narrative perspective of vacationers quickly regretting the decision to head to the tropics. Character names are irrelevant as they all soon fall victim to a mysterious illness that quickly sweeps across the island and claims the humanity of everyone present.
In all traditional sense this story is zombified. Flesh is eaten in abundance, people turn rapidly and others are killed for their internals as they are far too good to resist. The typical snowball effect of this horrific disease quickly exemplifys the downfall of those who are still alive. The action is limited to tearing flesh, oozing gore and streaming blood. We don't really see retaliation as the story flows quickly to conclusion, the night's horror chased by the eventuality of certain death.
Overall I enjoyed the short read and the explicit details, but I was never drawn, repulsed or awed by any one moment as there was never pause to develop emotional connections with the characters. As a short story this is to be expected, and if judging on face value, eloquence of writing style or pointed plot then I will rate Club Dead: Zombie Isle two fangs out of five.

Synopsis:
A ridiculous undead romp on the beach. Three couples arrive at a Caribbean resort when a plague turns its residents into human flesh eaters. The story is told from multiple points of view. It's the perfect companion to an adult beverage while working on a tan.

Book Review: Rook by Cristyn West

What isn't there to love about this book? With a smart-ass protagonist called, Rook, and a whole host of crazy characters ranging from a transgender arranger named Beauty, to an institutionalized kid named Fanny, this novel takes you on an unexpected journey of epic proportions.
Rook is aptly named for it's leading character - strong, arrogant, mysterious and decidedly sexy despite the obvious lack of romance and intense commitment to action within the story. With a particularly dry sense of humour, the author had me laughing-out-loud with the first few pages of the chapter one.

Rook sat back on his heels. Carefully, he reached a hand out and picked up the rough piece of paper. Grotesque scenes of human suffering bordered the edges.
How delightful ... not.
The inscription was not just in Latin, but an ancient form of the dialect. He translated it rapidly.
"There is nowhere you can hide. We will eat your intestines and feast on your ... yada, yada, yada."
Typical demon smack talk. All it was doing was making Rook hungry.

I found myself continuously amused by the witty dialogue which in effect, captured most of the action in surprising detail. I never felt like I was outside of the unfolding plot but standing within it, embroiled within dire circumstance and seemingly implausible scenarios.
Rook is a play-by-play story unraveling over a twenty-four hour period that follows the motley group likened to CIA operatives tasked with supernatural missions.
Not surprisingly, with this fast paced novel, we jump immediately to the African jungle and uncover an ancient seal masking its brutal secrets of hell-gate potential on the young flesh of the President's nephew. Teamed with slippery demons and cannibalistic natives, Rook soon discovers that the hell gate is merely the beginning. The ever thickening plot also introduces an immaculate conception and a government conspiracy masking the true intent of both good and evil.
Seriously, the action and drama never ends!
With ample descriptive content and enough antagonistic one-liners to keep the pages turning, I will be rating Rook four out five fangs. Absent of romance, but action packed, I didn't feel as if I were missing out on anything.

Synopsis:
"Saving the world twice a week is a crappy job, but hey, somebody's got to do it." And yes, Rook would like to be quoted on that. In a world where the earth is the DMZ between Heaven and Hell, Rook and his team try keep the forces of good and evil at bay. But like we said... try.

Book Review: Demon Inside by Stacia Kane

Demon Inside is the second novel in the Personal Demons series by Stacia Kane. I've ventured further into this series, mostly because I've been curious about how the characters would develop as we dive within the ever thickening plot.
Megan Chase, a psychologist, psychic and now demonic ruler of a small cluster of emotional draining demons, still rules supreme as the leading character in this novel. She remains somewhat feeble in her role as protagonist, relying heavily on the skills of those around her and constantly challenged by her human conscience. 
In this novel Megan finds herself torn between the choices of her human life - being a psychologist and helping those in need, and surrendering to her second heart - the demon within and embracing everything being their leader entails. To top off this life changing decision, Megan is faced with the sporadic murders of demons in her coup, her father's death and once again forced to face her past and the choices she was robbed of as a child. Supported by her lover Greyson Dante, now the head of his very own demonic household, she finds herself in good hands, the fire between them burning as brightly as ever.
What I liked about this novel was that Megan finally began to embrace the inevitable - her transition into the darker side of her being. What I didn't like was her weak will and almost needy desperation when faced with adverse situations. I wanted to see decisive decision making and acceptance of circumstance. What I saw was a whole lot of whining.
Thankfully the ever mysterious Greyson carried the story forward in the supporting role. Sexy, intimidating and decidedly powerful, it was easy to see him take control of all situations, it was even no surprise that his character dominated, steeling the limelight easily from Megan Chase.
With that being said, the characters were consistent when compared to the first novel and the writing was descriptive and well structured as always with Stacia Kane - an extremely talented author. Once again this novel will rate three out of five fangs but I hold out high hopes for this series getting better as I suspect it will.

Synopsis:

Hanging out with demons can be hell....
It's been three months since psychologist Megan Chase made the stunning discovery that the world is filled with demons, and once more the situation is too hot to handle. Ironically, Megan -- the only person in the world without a little personal demon sitting on her shoulder -- has become the leader of a demon "family," but now some unknown arcane power is offing her demons in a particularly unpleasant fashion. And while her demon lover Greyson Dante is still driving her wild with desire, he's also acting strangely evasive. 
Then there's the truth about Megan's past -- the truth she's never known. Caught between personal problems and personal demons, Megan is having one hell of a hard time. Will the help of her Cockney guard demons and her witch friend Tera be enough so that Megan can finally resolve the past, survive the present, and face the future?

Book Review: The Last Vampire Series by Christopher Pike

Well, it's a little unorthodox of me to review six books at once, and admittedly, I wouldn't normally do this because it's not fair to the plot, complexities of character, or the author's hard slog to create individuality within their story. But The Last Vampire series is relatively short, each book no more than about 180 pages in total, and they do follow on right where the last story left off, essentially making it one big novel that I've decided to measure as one.
The six books in question are; The Last Vampire, Black Blood, Red Dice, Phantom, Evil Thirst and Creatures of Forever. So let's get down to it.

The Last Vampire series follows the story of vampire Alisa Perne, or more commonly known as 'Sita' throughout the series. She is supposedly the last vampire, over five thousand years old and a young woman very capable, very determined, and very dangerous. Like all vampires she is strong, fast, limber, and decidedly attractive. She is smart as a whip, can speak multiple languages, but like the humans she still sometimes preys upon, holds the memories of her past close to her heart and lets them haunt her on a continuing basis.
Her character maintains complete consistency of dialogue - stiff, intelligent, and somewhat emotionless. Her thought processes are convincing for an entity with thousands of years of experience, and her decision making process is methodical and decidedly thorough. My only negative of Alisa was that her relationships within each story were hurried, often unbelievable, and forced. Depth of feeling is very rarely explored between characters other than the mere exchange of seemingly unemotional wording. Touch is brief and chilling, and friendships are somewhat convenient rather than carefully crafted to create depth within the sub-plots.
The series as a whole for me was rather lack-luster. Though each novel did have consistency and flowed with a new story filled with historical influence, I was still unable to be entranced due to the rather cold character relations. At no point did I feel total immersion within the story, which was disappointing considering the obvious attention to detail the writer displayed in his overall plot and historical references. We were often introduced to intense action scenes, dramatic blood baths, and tense moments of personal awakening. But as the story moved forward we were also jack-hammered with immortal priests, satanic dukes, and believe it or not, alien referencing and spaceship travel.
Although I commend the author for his clever ideas and creative imagery, I was not taken with this vampire series and hence will only be rating it two out of five fangs.

Synopsis's:

The Last Vampire: For five thousand years Alisa Perne has been living among and off humans. Alisa hunts alone, thinking nobody knows her secret. But someone is stalking her. Someone wants her dead.
Black Blood: An ancient evil - the first vampire - has returned. Alisa knows that she is responsible for his very existence, and so she must be the one to end his reign of slaughter.
Red Dice: Alisa is on the run. The U.S. Government is pursuing her, intent on obtaining her vampire DNA. But her blood is way too deadly and dangerous to be allowed into the public domain.
Phantom: Alisa has made a discovery that could bring her untold tragedy and danger. And all the time a powerful force is watching. Someone who knows all that ever was, and all that will be ...
Evil Thirst: Alisa has a heartbreaking dilemma. Her daughter, Kalika, has disappeared posing great danger to the human world. But can Alisa bring herself to destroy her own flesh and blood?
Creatures of Forever: Someone means to destroy Alisa, and her only hope lies in reliving the evil of her monstrous past. Then she can eliminate it. Forever.