Life After: The Basement and The Phoenix by Bryan Way - Review by Kimmy

Hello all,

Today's review from myself.  Its the 2nd and 3rd short stories related to Life After: The Arising by Bryan Way.  My review of the first book can be found by clicking here.

Life After: The Basement
by Bryan Way

Published Date: 15th July 2014

Rating:

**Disclaimer - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Summary:

How far would you go to understand why the dead began returning to life? What would you be willing to sacrifice?

Eric Matthews, a fanatical conspiracy theorist, and Mia Muxworthy, a fatal realist, have been following suspicious activity surrounding the existence of the undead in Newtown Square. Convinced that the government has some stake in the matter, they enlist the help of an amateur surveillance expert to make sense of the data, but on the cusp of a what might be a major discovery, these amateur spies find themselves in a situation far more insidious than they could have imagined.

Bridging the gap between Life After: The Arising and the forthcoming sequel, Life After: The Basement reveals an exclusive background on a major development in the ongoing series, calling into question the purpose and drive of seeking answers while ignoring the terrifying realities lurking beneath the surface of society.

Life After: The Phoenix
by Bryan Way

Published Date: 29th July 2014

Rating:

**Disclaimer - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Summary:

Adam Wilent and Shar Antosky have been split up for months, but neither of them can let go; while Shar suffers silently with a flaky new companion, Adam has turned his old flame into a burning obsession. Shar's invitation for Adam to visit her on a late shift brings tensions to a boil, but as the former lovers quarrel, the living dead swarm the area. Between fighting the undead and each other, Adam and Shar only have a few hours to figure out what sacrifices they have to make in order to survive.

Set during the events of Life After: The Arising, and offering a unique insight into one of the novel's major characters, Life After: The Phoenix explores the myriad of emotions stirred when a breakup is complicated by the onset of a disaster and considers the pain and abuse we endure for the sake of love.

*****

Review:

After previously reading and reviewing Life After: The Arising back in January and Life After: The Cemetery Plot in July, Bryan again offered the opportunity to review the next two instalments of short stories in the series.  I am a huge zombie fan and loved the first book, so I had to read more to try and piece more of the puzzle together as to how it all began or came to be in the first book.

Bryan is always capable of delivering excellent well written pieces.  His ability to pull you into the world of the characters is always amazing.  Reading each of these stories almost gives you a feeling of realism.  For each story and the characters in it, you find yourself thinking, someone, somewhere could be in that exact situation and that is how it could possibly happen if we were ever to have a zombie apocalypse.  Bryan has a great attention to detail when writing and ensures that each of these stories compliment the main book.

Whether your already a zombie fan or considering venturing into the world of zombie fiction, this is a great short story, one that must be read after reading Life After: The Arising.  You really don't want to spoil the surprises in the main book!

So what are you waiting for, go get the first book and short stories now.  Trust me, you won't be disappointed.  Grab your copy now using the links below!

Congratulations to Bryan Way, may you have many future successes!

Useful Links

The Basement - Goodreads

The Basement - Amazon UK
The Basement - Amazon US

The Phoenix - Goodreads Page

The Phoenix - Amazon UK
The Phoenix - Amazon US
Authors Website

Rinny Reviews - The 100 Society by Carla Spradbery

Disclaimer : I was Provided a free ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review. Thanks to Hachette Children's Books and Netgalley

Goodreads
Amazon UK
Amazon US
Kobo

Blurb

I Know What You Did Last Summer meets Point Horror in this YA début.

Friendships unravel and lives are risked in this suspenseful début thriller where no one is above suspicion...

For sixth-form student Grace Becker, The 100 Society is more than just a game; it's an obsession. Having convinced her five friends at Clifton Academy to see it through to the end, Grace will stop at nothing to carry out the rules of the game: tagging 100 locations around the city. With each step closer to the 100-mark they get, the higher the stakes become. But when the group catches the attention of a menacing stalker - the Reaper - he seems intent on exposing their illegal game, tormenting Grace with anonymous threats and branding their dormitory doors with his ominous tag.

As the once tight-knit group slowly unravels, torn apart by doubt and the death of a student, they no longer know who to trust.

With time running out, Grace must unmask the Reaper before he destroys everything she cares about for ever...

Carla Spradbery's début novel The 100 Society and is expected to publish on the 4th of September 2014.

Review

I have a confession to make before I start on my review. My usual way I find the next victim on my TBR follows a process 1) the cover or title draws me in 2) I read the blurb 3) I read reviews and perhaps a little about the author 4) I decide if it's something I want to read. So I didn't even get the Blurb finished before I decided to hit request on Netgalley. As soon as I finished reading the first sentence I Know What You Did Last Summer meets Point Horror in this YA début, I knew that I would have to read this book, despite being anxious about the then lack of positive reviews or reviews above 3 stars.

When I was younger every time I walked into the library (which was at least once a week) I rushed straight over to the point horror shelf. I devoured that section like it was a red velvet cupcake LOL. So I was excited to see that since after years they had seemingly vanished if this book would hold up to my precious memories. (If only I could get mini cupcake to read point horror I would have an excuse to read them all again) This book did not disappoint in that respect it was everything I would have/do expect from a point horror book.  

The author's writing may not be as elegant as some people like and there was minor flaws that you would expect from an arc. However this was not an issue for myself. Although the writing felt a little rough in patches and the characters were not as fleshed out and as relatable as I would normally like.  The plot was so unique and refreshing I found myself quickly lost and absorbed in the book. A real page turner I did not want to put it down. The plot was slow at first but soon gathered pace and was full of mystery, action, twists and turns. I soon got drawn into trying to guess who was the reaper and my first guess was right and went back to that person being my only suspect towards the end. I found myself chopping and changing. It was so fun I love books and films that make me do that. Even though my first and final guess before the reveal was correct I did not find that this meant that the book was predictable. I also think that the plot tied in well together and was a nice finished bundle without a nonsense ending. Although I do think that we should have had more of Grace's dad and brother, that is the only part that to me did not seem to have a definite ending.

I think that the book being set at a boarding school was perfect for the plot. The book is creepy and spooky and the setting I feel helped with making you feel like you had to look over your shoulder whilst reading. I have to say my two favourite characters were the janitor and the art teacher as side characters we knew less about them than the main six but they added so much in the scenes they were in for me even if it was at times just adding atmosphere. Some of my favourite scenes were because of them and the atmosphere or witty lines that came with them being in them.

 As I said above the characters were not as well fleshed out as I would like, this making them harder to relate to for me. I am still unsure on how I feel about Grace especially as the main character out of the main group. I did not dislike her or have a strong like for her. She was okay, I do feel she did not develop as much as she should have the situations she was in and the way she reacted at times did not feel real in a way. Although I guess when you factor in her age they might be more appropriate. As for the other main characters Trick, Pete, Ed, Cassie and Faith were much of the same all had their own backgrounds, personalities and mysteries. They too were a bit flat I wish we could have maybe had more background to them. Although the dialogue between them all was good and sometimes found myself laughing out loud. If i had to pick a favourite from the six of them it would be Trick he just seems more relatable. His actions and reactions more believable.

I have talked a great deal of negatives to do with the characterization in this book which I enjoyed so much and this will seem strange to some of you. The characterization being so marred in your eyes usually detracts from the story and your enjoyment from the book. However I think that if it had been better I do not think I would have enjoyed the book any more than I did not meaning the book was bad regardless. The lack of characterization is what drew me more into the book and plot and allowed me to guess to and fro without any real feelings making it more enjoyable for myself.

Overall I really did enjoy reading this book and I am shocked at how much I honestly did enjoy this book considering the things I did find that would normally make me have a hard time finishing never mind enjoying a book. It's been awhile since I found myself so spooked by a book. I am a sucker for a good who done it? Mystery. It was also a nostalgic read for me because of the point horror feel. I have recommended this to friends already not only for their tweens and teens but for themselves. I will also be purchasing a couple of copies nearer Christmas for gifts for some of the younger members of the family and friends. I hope this is the start to a return of good horror books for the younger generations and young at heart. If you are looking for a easy and quick read full of creepiness and mystery do consider this book.

I wish Carla much success on her début and in the future.


MY RATING: 

Author's Useful Links

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Just desserts! by Kimmy

Hello, hello,

Another review today for my lovely viewers:

Life After: The Cemetery Plot
by Bryan Way

Published Date: 1st July 2014

Rating:

**Disclaimer - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Summary:

The death of a relative can be tough on a family, but nothing makes it more punishing than jealousy and greed.

When William Pelletreau passes away and leaves nothing to his scorned family, brother-in-law Holt Prendergast coerces his wife Judy into giving William the cheapest burial allowed through his funeral contract. However, Holt's obsession to squeeze every penny leads him to discover that the secrets of the local cemetery are as dubious as they are terrifying, and if he wants William buried his way, he might have to dig a grave himself.

Taking place before the events of the novel Life After: The Arising, Life After: The Cemetery Plot enriches the arc of the series by filling the void of questions the novel's characters can't answer, such as the cause for the car accident on route 3, how it is the undead can dig out of their graves, and most importantly, who is patient zero?

Review:

Back in January I was given the opportunity to review Bryan Way's book Life After: The Arising.  Click here to see the review.  I love zombies and jumped at the chance to read this book.  I was not disappointed!

Bryan approached me again and asked if I would be interested in reading a short story that he had been writing related to Life After: The Arising.  Again I jumped at this fantastic opportunity.  I am so glad I did, this story was awesome!

This is a prequel to Life After: The Arising.  Another well written piece by the author.  Bryan's ability to pull you into the world of the characters is always amazing.  Reading this short story brings back so many memories of when I read The Arising.  Each piece of the story flows well and is easily linked to the main book.  Just the right amount of detail put into every character and scenes.  I really do find myself there, seeing it all happen.  I can't wait to read the next short story which is being released this month!

Whether your already a zombie fan or considering venturing into the world of zombie fiction, this is a great short story, one that must be read after reading Life After: The Arising.  You really don't want to spoil the surprises in the main book!

So what are you waiting for, go get the first book now and this short story.  Links to the first book can be found by clicking here.  Trust me, you won't be disappointed!

Congratulations to Bryan Way, may you have many future successes!

Useful Links

Goodreads Page

Amazon UK
Amazon US
Authors Website

Seeing is believing by Kimmy

Hey all,

This post is a review for 2 books from a series called Mary Hades.  Enjoy:

My Daylight Monsters (Mary Hades 0.5)
by Sarah Dalton

Published Date: October 2013

Rating:

Mary Hades (Mary Hades #1)

by Sarah Dalton

Published Date: 4th May 2014

Rating:

**Disclaimer - I was given a free copy of these book in exchange for an honest review**

Summaries-

My Daylight Monsters:

I always thought my demons came out in the day, rather than at night. I’ve never been scared of the dark. I’ve only ever been scared of real things: getting ill, having injections, physical pain… death. Those are my monsters, not ghosts or vampires or whatever else can hide under your bed at night.

I was wrong.

The dark makes everything worse.

When Mary’s psychiatrist advises a short stay at a psychiatric unit, her worst nightmares are confirmed. How can she get better in a place that fills her with dread? When she meets the other patients, she begins to gather some hope, until she realises that the death toll in the hospital is rising without explanation. Something sinister stalks the corridors and maybe she is the only one who can stop it…

Mary has to confront the Things that she sees if they are to stand a chance. But will she survive a confrontation with death itself?

Mary Hades:

Not many seventeen year old girls have a best friend who’s a ghost, but then Mary Hades isn’t your average teenager.

Scarred physically and mentally from a fire, her parents decide a holiday to an idyllic village in North Yorkshire will help her recover. Nestled in the middle of five moors, Mary expects to have a boring week stuck in a caravan with her parents. Little does she know, evil lurks in the campsite…

Seth Lockwood—a local fairground worker with a dark secret—might be the key to uncovering the murky history that has blighted Nettleby. But Mary is drawn to him in a way that has her questioning her judgement.

Helped by her dead best friend and a quirky gay Goth couple, Mary must stop the unusual deaths occurring in Nettleby. But can she prevent her heart from being broken?

The first in a series of dark YA novels, Mary Hades follows on from the bestselling Kindle Single 'My Daylight Monsters'. A spine-tingling tale with romance, readers will be shocked and entertained in equal measure.

Review:

I first came across the author, Sarah Dalton, when reviewing the first book in her series White Hart.  I now have the privilege of reviewing another 2 of her books from the series Mary Hades.  And yet again, Sarah's books do not disappoint.  There is just something about all of Sarah's books, the covers just drawn me in immediately.  Perfectly chosen for the story inside each.

After reading the first book, I instantly fell in love with Mary.  Sarah's ability to enable us to do so is amazing.  Rarely expected from a novella.  The psychiatric ward is the perfect setting for the horror that unfolds.  A close to reality chilling tale.  Written at an excellent pace, allowing us to get to know Mary, feel the problems that she has to deal with on her own, but also her compassion to still feel the need to help others.  I just loved the friendship Mary and Lacey developed and Lacey's ability to make even me laugh when she was telling Mary how she never shuts up.  Each page left me wanting more, once I had finished the first book, I was ready for the next.

In the second book the adventure continues.  Mary's parents take her away on holiday to try and help her get back to normal after the psychiatric ward accident.  But where Mary goes, death follows closely.  Mary struggles to maintain the facade of a normal life.  Even with her best friend Lacey by her side, things just aren't the same.  A holiday romance, some newfound friends and strange deaths, makes for an addicting read.  The pace of the story and the details are so well done.  Sarah has ensured that once we start reading that first line, we become a part of Mary's world.

I highly recommend you getting both of these books.  This is the beginning of an awesome series, I cannot wait to read more about Mary Hades.

Congratulations to Sarah Dalton, may you have many future successes!

Useful Links

Goodreads - My Daylight Monsters
Goodreads - Mary Hades

Amazon UK - My Daylight Monsters
Amazon UK - Mary Hades
Amazon US - My Daylight Monsters
Amazon US - Mary Hades
Authors Website