The biggest problem for Andy Weir is that he wro1/3rd Science book. 1/3rd Math book. 1/3rd Sci-fi entertaining fiction story.
So. much. math......
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The biggest problem for Andy Weir is that he wrote The Martian. Every other book he writes will be compared to it and, let's face it, have little chance of being able to stand up to it. It's like lightning striking twice - possible, but not probable.
The magic of The Martian was that, in spite of being science fiction, it seemed possible and featured a main character that most people could relate to and like.
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The main character in this one is also very human and humorous, which is awesome, but the story itself goes further into the sci-fi realm. Yes, it has that element of a guy isolated and trying to solve a very big problem - this time the burden being saving all life on Earth. But, then there is a big difference because alien life forms are introduced. That takes the story into a completely different territory. I did like it, but....... I really felt like it didn't need to explain (in excruciating detail) the biology and technical aspects of the aliens, because it didn't need it. Someone growing potatoes on Mars and figuring out how to get home can have science applied in a way that can make sense to those who understand it. However, once you go into the complete fictional realm it's okay to not explain the science anymore. It is fiction. It doesn't need to be scientifically viable. I guess that was the only drawback to me.
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Still, it was an amazingly entertaining story - in spite of making my brain spin with the math and science at times....more
Once we get the whole space-travel thing going, what is the best idea that we should prioritize, as a species? Well, it turns out that future-us thinkOnce we get the whole space-travel thing going, what is the best idea that we should prioritize, as a species? Well, it turns out that future-us thinks that we need to set-up a new planet with super-intelligent monkeys ruling it. Because, apparently, future-us never saw a movie. Or are such dumbasses that we took the worst idea possible and decided to run with that.
[image] See? Now, this is a good idea. There's a big difference.
But, luckily someone realized that maybe they didn't want to doom us all to be monkey-slaves someday and did the most reasonable thing to stop this from happening: they killed all the monkeys. Now, I'm not a big monkey-lover in general. They are a little too gross for my liking. Give me a baby seal, or a squirrel, or bunny over a stinking monkey any day, but couldn't there possibly have been a better way to stop this thing than burning all the monkeys up? It wasn't their idea. Why should they suffer for some idiot scientist's terrible idea? I mean, come on, Earthlings? You used to be cool. (Okay, not now, but I'm assuming somewhere along the line.)
So, the monkeys are dead but the super-intelligence virus was already released upon the planet, and.... well, I guess you all know what has to happen.... that's right, super-intelligent spiders. Oh, and they are giant too for some reason, cuz why the hell not? When it's FUBAR, might as well go balls to walls.
[image] Oh yeah, this is great. Nothing can possibly go wrong here.
Shockingly, we eventually destroy our own planet and have to send out spaceships with the last of humanity to find one of those habitable planets we discovered way back when. But, you know, nobody actually knows about the spider-thing. yeah. That's not gonna bite us in the ass.
[image] Or maybe it will. Literally.
This book is a long epic tale of the evolution of the spider-planet and the last hope for the survival of mankind. Thousands of years of history is written in alternating chapters of each species. It is surprisingly fascinating. Like, I can't believe I liked this thing, but it was amazing. The spiders start out as neanderachnids and end up a sophisticated race of reasoning beings. But, we watch them go through things like the beginnings of self-awareness, to building a religion, to building cities and civilizations. You forget that they are disgusting spiders for a while. Then, they do something spidery or talk about their spider bodies and..
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*shudder*
So, I would say if you are really arachnophobic, you won't want to read it. Since there are no pictures, though, and if you aren't that freaked out by spiders, then you will probably really like this book. It was way better than I thought it would be....more
Nothing like reading about the apocalypse during the apocalypse. Speaking of which (switch to read the next part in my whiny voice) is this apocalypseNothing like reading about the apocalypse during the apocalypse. Speaking of which (switch to read the next part in my whiny voice) is this apocalypse almost over? I'm bored. Yes, it's only our first real day of having my city shut-down, but it felt like a really long day. No more restaurants or bars or movies? No gatherings of over 10 people? I have close to 10 people around me on a daily basis. And, I need to go out. Jilly likes people!
[image] I can't wait to see where this is going...
[image] huh. Exactly as I had hoped.
Okay, so this book got a little better than the last one which was kind of chaotic and messy. This one was also a bit chaotic and messy, but taken down a notch, so... I consider that a win. There were less "reveals", but still a couple that were supposed to be shocking. I don't know. I just don't have it in me anymore to be shocked, so it was more of a "eh, okay....whatever..." instead of a gasp.
[image] This, it was not.
One of my favorite parts was when a guy was explaining lobster biology to our main girl:
"Tell me something I don't know," I said to distract him.
"Lobster bladders are located under their eyes. Essentially, they pee out of their faces."
"Eww." Good thing I wasn't big on seafood. "I didn't ask for something I didn't want to know."
"Lobsters flirt by squirting urine on each other. The female's urine is chockful of pheromones designed to calm the male to prevent aggression and put him in the mood to mate."
"You made it worse." I shuddered. "How it could be worse, I don't know, but you managed."
The good news is that I fact-checked this and it's true. Have fun with all that the next time you want lobster!
[image] Sure it's cute until you remember the urine. That's not water they are dancing in.
Anyway, it looks like the next book is that last one and it will be the usual fighting for the salvation of Earth and what not. Oh, I haven't mentioned that any such thing has been happening? That's because I'm a lousy reviewer who rambles on about random shit instead of actually telling you about the story. It's not like the world's gonna end if I don't do a good job or something. I mean, the world's not ending, right? Right? Asking for a friend.
I like Famine better than War. Who knew? This girl who likes her chocolate and life of ease and comfort fell for Famine. But, I guess it does make senI like Famine better than War. Who knew? This girl who likes her chocolate and life of ease and comfort fell for Famine. But, I guess it does make sense on the other hand because he's a complete psycho who kills all the people! So, I mean, I do have a type after all.
[image] It depends. Is it working?
The framework in this book is the same as the other two: The horseman shows up, kill-kill-kill, meets the girl, lusty thoughts, wham-bam-saving man. Kind, that is. And, really, whatever tricks these girls must be using in the bedroom should definitely be printed in the latest issue of Cosmo. We are talking world-saving fucking.
[image] I definitely need some new moves. My coquettish fan signals can only take me so far.
The girl in this book is Ana. She's a prostitute who once saved Famine when he was being tortured by some pretty sadistic humans. It had went on for years. So, you know, maybe that brought out the psycho tendencies. Way to go, guys! Not only is he unkillable, but you are making him angry. That's gonna hurt everyone.
[image] Yeah, it goes down like you'd expect.
Ana has a brush with Famine again and he doesn't remember her. As a matter of fact, his gratitude for her saving him really needs some work. Less stabby thank you's please!
She ends up traveling with him (like the girls in the other two books) and they get to know each other. Which leads to the lurve. Is it Stockholm Syndrome? Maybe. Or, maybe it's just smart to get the guy who's killing everyone to decide not to kill you. That is Ana. She's a tough cookie who has been around enough to continue offering humanity-saving blowjobs. Hey, don't judge! A girl's gotta do what she's gotta do.
He's not taking the bait. At first. But, really, how long can a guy say "no" to a blowjob? No, really, I'm asking. I just can't imagine it.
[image] In these trying, unprecedented times....hey, where's her fan?
If my review language seems crude or offensive, you want to stay away from this book. She's a prostitute, so...... Wait, did I just say that I talk like a prostitute? Eh. Whatever. I'll take it.
The last line in the book? Well, just when you thought this author doesn't torture us enough to wait for each book she takes it up a notch. Although it shouldn't be that surprising that I will spend the rest of 2020 pining for Death. Just another day in the apocalypse.
As far as this apocalypse goes, I'm ambivalent. I mean, sure, we all expect to die soonish, but I think we are all expecting it to be the robots who kAs far as this apocalypse goes, I'm ambivalent. I mean, sure, we all expect to die soonish, but I think we are all expecting it to be the robots who kill us, not the four horsemen. It's more of a modern solution. I mean four horsemen? That's so old-fashioned.
[image] Why is this taking so long? I haven't even had one robot offer me cake yet.
If you loved the first book, Pestilence, like me, you will like this one too. But, you will also feel like it's not as good, and you will think it's a bit too long and maybe a tad slow in the middle. Then, you will want some cake. Probably chocolate. Served by a robot.
So, one of the best things about Pestilence was that he was so very inhuman. He was learning to human from Sara. But War has been human for a while before he meets Miriam in this book. He's been humaning all over the place. Maybe a little too much since he has been like a fucking machine. Not machine like a robot - I've already established that. A literal fucking-machine. He's been all about killing people and fucking bitches... and everyone is already dead around him... So, yeah. Not as innocent and other-worldly as Pestilence was. But, their main missions were the same: kill all humans. They just had different techniques when it came to accomplishing the same goal.
As long as they are enjoying their work - that's all that really matters.
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War meets Miriam and decides she's his wife. He takes her back to his war camp, but doesn't rape her. He waits for her consent, even though he believes she was sent by God to be his wife. And, I really gotta wonder... if the fucking God of War can understand the concept of consent, what the hell is wrong with Chad at the frat house? Passing out in your bed from drinking too much at the party is NOT consent Chad!
[image] This is so wrong. That is obviously not a Pringles can. Not long enough. Jilly knows a Pringles can when she sees one.
So, this book is basically Miriam living and traveling in a war camp with occasional outings to massacre the next city. She gets to know War and, for some reason, falls for him. Stockholm Syndrome at its finest. It's pretty much equal to finding the biggest, baddest guy in prison and becoming his bitch because he will protect you from the others. Sure, you are getting ass-raped, but he's also pretty sweet when he forces other inmates to give you their puddings during dinner or he'll shank them. If that's not love, I don't know what is.
Things I have never expected to say: 1. I think I'll pass on dessert. 2. This is my natural hair color. 3. You girls go get drunk and wild in Vegas withoThings I have never expected to say: 1. I think I'll pass on dessert. 2. This is my natural hair color. 3. You girls go get drunk and wild in Vegas without me. 4. I love Pestilence and I can't wait for War! Okay, so I have still never said the first three, but number 4 is very true. Pestilence is my new book boyfriend. And, good news, HE is actually robbing the cradle, instead of me being a cougar this time. I think I read Paranormal just to get book boyfriends my own age - ancient.
[image] Actual footage of me on my porch. That's my natural hair color. Stay off my lawn!
If you ever read the Angelfall series, and wished for some sex in it, this is the series for you. That was definitely one of my all-time favorite YA series. Rafe was funnier than Pestilence, but Pestilence is sweeter. (again. sounds strange.)
So, in this book we have Pestilence, the first of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, riding around, giving everyone a case of killer boils. The news is covering it, so of course people get the idea that they will simply kill him. But, whomever kills him will have to get close enough that they will be sacrificing their lives because they will be infected. Sarah, our heroine and some of her fellow firefighters draw straws to decide who is going to do the deed, and she "wins". Her job is simple - kill Pestilence. Of course, none of these morons have considered the possibility that maybe, just maybe, an avenging angel of the apocalypse couldn't be killed. Much like Keith Richards.
[image] Recycle, kids. WWKD?
Sarah's murder attempt is extremely brutal. Like, torturous. So Pestilence decides to NOT kill her right away, and instead to make her suffer. And, at first she really does. But, as time goes on, these two crazy kids, who each tortured the other, fall in love - Stockholm Syndrome style. It's beautiful.
"You have awoken my heart"
Swoony? This guy is a total sweet-talker. And, he's a virgin. Now, I gotta say, good job on turning things around, Laura Thalassa! We need more virgin, beautiful god-men who fall in love with snarky not-virginal normal-women. If I have to read about one more alpha caveman playboy asshole who only falls in love with the snowflake virgin girl who saved herself just for him, I will probably puke. It's a refreshing change to have a guy who ISN'T a walking ad for STDs. Of course, since he's Pestilence, he might still dish them out, but at least he doesn't have them himself.
[image] Why do we even have that font?
This book does have a paranormal romance going on, but it also has a lot of darkness, depth, and meaning in it. If there was anything I would have changed, it would have been towards the end. I don't feel like every couple HAS to have a break-up and fit into that exact formula. Also, (view spoiler)[ I kind of wished that he would have stayed Pestilence and they would have rode around killing humanity. That would have been a lot cooler. I fell in love with a stone-cold killer, not (view spoiler)[some average shlub who quits his job. (hide spoiler)](hide spoiler)] Still, overall, this was an awesome book and I am really excited about the coming WAR!
I'm in a weird book space right now. Trying new things and them NOT working out. Is this what Hey, It's me.
[image] I know. I didn't even rate this one.
I'm in a weird book space right now. Trying new things and them NOT working out. Is this what people mean when they say they are in a book funk? Cuz, I've never had one yet, so I guess I might be excited that I get to have a turn. There should be a book to help with this.
[image] There's a book for everything, right?
This book is written in the second person narration. So, it is all "you are walking here and there. You see a cat. You pet it." And, I'm all "Don't tell me what to do, book!" Plus, I would never pet a cat. I'm strictly in the dog category. By the way, Science has ended the dispute today. Dogs are smarter. Told ya so.
[image] The signs were there.
I really couldn't get over this narration. Especially when the book told me that I was a bald dude in the army. I would totally have hair if I were a guy. I think I was offended by that. Except, I was too busy imagining that I had a penis and testicles. They seem like they would be uncomfortable to me. I don't know. It just felt wrong.
[image] Invisible or not, all evidence points to itchy.
Yeah, I like being a girl.
Also, I'm not a fan of second person narration. So, I didn't finish this and I'm going back to "normal books" like vampire romances, crime-solving manic pixies, and historical fiction in which everyone is NOT smelly and lives past 30 with a beautiful man. You know, reality.
Nora Roberts writing Urban Fantasy? It's a good day.
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I absolutely LOVE her Eve Dallas series. And, she wrote one of my favorite book boyfriends iNora Roberts writing Urban Fantasy? It's a good day.
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I absolutely LOVE her Eve Dallas series. And, she wrote one of my favorite book boyfriends into existence. How could I resist this?
I need it as much as I need this:
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Our story is not that unique, I admit it. It has a little bit of the feel of Stephen King's "The Stand", but in a less gross and creepy way - also about a million times shorter. The world ends by way of virus and the survivors come in a few assorted varieties.
There are the ones who find themselves with powers that are good. The light, and all that stuff. They are elves, good witches, faeries, shapeshifters, etc... Some of them are just kind of clairvoyant. And some of them have powers that they aren't quite sure they want, like seeing other people's deaths.
[image] It's not all glitter and rainbows...
Next are the ones with the dark powers. They seem kind of demonish. They are totally into torture, rape, and killing as many survivors as possible. They really enjoy it. It's their thing.
[image] That's right, they are sea turtle level evil. That's the ultimate in evilness.
And, finally, we have the humans that were immune for whatever reason. Some are good, some are bad, but many of them have the mentality that we humans tend to have when something new and powerful comes along that we don't understand:
[image] Ahh, humanity. We are a predictable lot.
In this book we are following a few different main characters and their struggles to find other humans and safety. I liked all of the characters and felt like they were developing nicely. There are also some romances that are happening, along with some mystery and danger. It really had a lot going on, and I appreciated that. I also liked the pacing of the book and never got bored or felt like skimming.
One of my favorite characters, aside from Fred, is a guy who shows up really late in the book. He is helping a woman in labor and has to deliver her baby and is completely clueless about the whole thing. Here are some of his thoughts (that cracked me up):
(he) wiped at her sweaty face, and wondered why the female of any species agreed to the process of perpetuating it. Three insane hours later, he know damn well there had to be a better system....
"Okay, listen up. You're doing great. I know it hurts. I don't know why the hell it has to hurt so much. It's a crap system, but we're getting closer to the payoff. You can do this."
[image] Aaaah! Where's the "let's kill it" meme?
Not only did I love this character, but felt like all of them were interesting and well-developed. Only the bad guys seemed one-note, but we never really followed them or got into their heads. I wouldn't mind seeing one or more of them struggle for their humanity or something like that in future books. Which brings me to my biggest negative - waiting for the next book. Noooo! Plus, I don't want her to slow down on the Eve Dallas series to write this one. But, I don't want her to be slow on this one to write Eve Dallas. Can we clone Nora Roberts or something?
[image] Okay. I like where this is going. Let's try it....more
Imagine if the zombies on the Walking Dead were suddenly cured and then society had to somehow go on. The survivors like Rick (who are the Immune in tImagine if the zombies on the Walking Dead were suddenly cured and then society had to somehow go on. The survivors like Rick (who are the Immune in this book) will know that they killed a bunch of people who could have been cured if given time. The cured "zombies" will know that they killed and ate people - even their loved ones. Talk about an awkward world!
[image] Yes, this awkward.
This is the setting for the book. The zombies were actually people infected with an infection that gave them a cannibalistic form of pica - which some of us remember reading about in our pregnancy books because we were told we might develop a bizarre desire to eat chalk or dirt while pregnant. Kids - I swear - even making us crazy before they even get here. Eating dirt and chalk will seem normal once they get to toddlerdom. By the time you have a few of them, especially boys, you will literally become unshockable. Oh, the kids painted the dog, ran outside with it while naked except for their cowboy boots, and were throwing Twinkies at passing cars? Yeah, what else is new?
[image] Dammit! We need to buy new fish again. The fish store is getting suspicious.
Our heroine is Nella, who is a psychiatrist that has been helping the Cured adjust to life again. She has been called in to evaluate the mental health of two former researchers who were partially responsible for releasing this deadly bacteria into the population. They are going to trial for their crimes and let's just say that people aren't exactly in a forgiving mood for the ones who developed the sickness that made them eat their family.
[image] Literally.
Nella becomes friends with Frank, the lawyer for one of the defendants, and there is a very slow-developing love story going on. I liked that part because the world and storyline was a little bit on the depressing side, so I felt like it helped. It was dark material and there was a lot of grossness in the whole eating people thing. Nella and Frank were both likable people with very different experiences during the plague.
[image] He was Homer. She was a hot dog.
During their work with the defendants, Nella and Frank find out that this whole nightmare may NOT be over, as they thought. There is something worse coming. Yes, worse than eating your hamster like a Snickers! Frank and Nella are determined to stop this from happening.
[image] P.S.A.
This book had a really unique take on the Zombie Apocalypse. The ideas in it were great, but it could have used a little bit of tweaking. I thought some things were a little obvious, there were a couple of slow times, and part of the ending was really cheesy. But, it was still a really fresh and fun spin on an old favorite.
Oh, and best part? I got this free for Kindle on Amazon! Go get it!...more
This isn't worth reading because it's more like the first chapter of a book, or part of a short story. Cool idea- not even close to enough words. I liThis isn't worth reading because it's more like the first chapter of a book, or part of a short story. Cool idea- not even close to enough words. I like Mira Grant's writing and was hoping for a complete short story. ...more
Either you enjoy knowing your enemies are now zombie food.... or you're a zombie yourself and you can enjoy eatBright side to the zombie apocalypse:
Either you enjoy knowing your enemies are now zombie food.... or you're a zombie yourself and you can enjoy eating them.
Either way, it's a win/win.
Oh my gosh, this book is funny! It's also smutty, and has every paranormal creature there is. Plus, zombies? It's like Smutty Christmas!
[image] You're welcome, girls!
So, in this story, we have Scotland (a girl) who works for Zeke, a complete and utter slacker, at a porny miniature golf course called Topless Golf. This high-class establishment took the fairy tale creatures from the old miniature golf course, made them naked, and placed them in compromising positions.
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Zeke tries to defend the honor of his pervy golf course:
"We once had the mayor visit us."
(Scotland): "She was trying to shut us down!"
"Still, I got her picture with me." He pointed to the framed photo on the wall of the angry looking Mayor, some chanting protesters with anti-pornography signs and Zeke giving a thumbs up to the camera."
Lol! I had to love Zeke! He is not only lazy, shiftless, and oblivious, he also loves Star Wars more than anything. When they are later building a plan to escape zombies, he uses Star Wars, a New Hope, as his framework. He also wants to call Scotland Leia.
[image] She wasn't on board with this idea.
Everyone in this book is funny and sarcastic. The first half of it had me cracking up frequently, but the second half had more romance going on and wasn't quite as hilarious. But, still, it consistently made me laugh and entertained me.
If you liked Betsy the Vampire, Jane Jameson, or the Accidentally series, you will love this. It's short and a lot of fun....more
In this series we follow the stories of the survivors of Scorpius Syndrome - a bacteria that killed most of the world's population and left the rest oIn this series we follow the stories of the survivors of Scorpius Syndrome - a bacteria that killed most of the world's population and left the rest of them pretty messed up. The people who had the disease and survived can end up a bit crazy. Like psychotic, not like crazy-fun-happy-times. More like stabby-killy-torture times. The president of this new world is one of the crazies and his vice-president is a plain old sociopath.
A crazy president? Wow, how screwed up would that be? Good thing this is fiction, huh? huh?
[image] Well, there's always tomorrow....
Like most times of extreme stress, danger, not enough food to eat, and serial killers literally everywhere, everyone is falling in love. Our star-crossed couple in this book is the sexy alpha leader of a dangerous gang that has taken over the mansions on the beach in Santa Barbara (Hey, I said they are dangerous, not stupid.), and a lady who is a plant scientist. She's also the sister of one of the rival gang's dangerously handsome soldiers. Actually, they are all dangerous and gorgeous sexy beasts. I guess the bacteria really had a problem with ugly people because none of them survived.
[image] God hears you and took care of the problem. You're welcome.
Our couple meets when he kidnaps her in order to force her brother to go on a dangerous mission for him. How sexy is that? Of course she falls for him! Her brother may get killed on his ransom-mission, but a girl's got needs. They do the drunken nasty and he knocks her up. Now, that's not awkward at all when she's "rescued" and carrying her kidnapper's love child.
Oh man! Pregnancy with hot showers, running water, clean clothes, and plenty of food is hard enough. Pregnancy after the apocalypse? I think I'd rather end up one of the psychotic serial killer survivors.
[image] Actually, I'm guessing that would be the outcome either way.
So, we now get to see if these two crazy kids can come together and make a nice post-apocalyptic home for their new baby. They should have plenty of sexy soldier godparents. And, really, isn't that what is the most important thing for a baby? To see attractive people surrounding him or her?
This is the prequel to the first book which I read last year and gave 5-stars to. I'm surprised I loved it so much, but hey, it all depends on our reaThis is the prequel to the first book which I read last year and gave 5-stars to. I'm surprised I loved it so much, but hey, it all depends on our reading moods at the time, right?
So, this is where we learn the start of the end-of-the-world. It's alien bacteria that's going to kill us all, not evil robot overlords as we all assume.
[image] I'm a little disappointed. I wanted to see where this was going...
Anyway, we have Mr. I Work for the President and Can Do Whatever the Fuck I Want (talk about a long job title. His business card is a billboard.), and Ms. Scientist working to save the world together. Now, aside from trying to stop this deadly contagion, they are also using this time to figure out what went wrong with their marriage and decide if they want to give it another go. There is no better time and place to work on relationship issues than at the CDC while humanity is coming to an end. I might finally tell my husband about how I've always hated his favorite shirt once Trump launches that first nuke that you know he's itching to launch.
[image] [image] [image] [image] [image] It will be the right time.
So the book was okay, but there is something slightly unbelievable about it. If you can unplug your brain and just enjoy the smutty ride, you will probably like it. Two more things: There are definitely continuity problems between this one and the first one. Like how Lynn's heart turns blue. Second - go watch Guardians of the Galaxy 2!
We now live in a world of wolves... people roaming the countryside in search of safety or love or cheap thrills.
The asteroid that is going to wipeWe now live in a world of wolves... people roaming the countryside in search of safety or love or cheap thrills.
The asteroid that is going to wipe out Earth is now expected within just days. Henry only maintains his sanity by giving himself quests. In the first book, he was still a cop and was trying to solve a murder. In the second book, the police were done, but he took a private case to investigate. And, in this third book, he decides that he needs to find his sister before the end so they can die together.
I gotta say, there aren't a lot of happy feels going on in these books, but the writing is brilliant. It's thought-provoking and deeply philosophical, but ouch! You need to read it, but then have something happy and funny to read afterwards....more
There is an aspect of my character that tends to latch on to one difficult but potentially solvable problem, rather than grapple with the vast and There is an aspect of my character that tends to latch on to one difficult but potentially solvable problem, rather than grapple with the vast and unsolvable problem that would be all I could see, if I were to look up.
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The asteroid is hitting the earth in 77 days and everyone has their own way of coping. Henry/Hank Palace is determined to still act the policeman in spite of the fact that the world is complete chaos at this point. People are acting slightly crazy when facing imminent death. Society is broken beyond repair. And yet, Hank just keeps going. There is something noble about that. He is the one that his old babysitter calls when her husband goes missing, and Hank is determined to find him.
Civilization is just a bunch of promises, that's all it is. A mortgage, a wedding vow, a promise to obey the law, a pledge to enforce it. And now the world is falling apart, the whole rickety world, and every broken promise is a small rock tossed at the wooden side of its tumbling form.
Hank, along with a handful of people, are just trying to hold the world together until it ends. There is Ruthie, the coffee shop waitress, who is still serving hot water and oatmeal since that is all there is. There is Hank's mentor, Culverson, who shows up every day to have lunch with him. And, there is Dr. Fenton, who was a police coroner doing autopsies and is now patching up people as best she can in the E.R.. Hank finds himself patched up by her and gets her medical advice:
"As circulation improves over the next couple weeks, you'll start to get a persistent tingling, and then you'll need physical therapy to work toward regular functioning. Then, around early October, a massive object will strike Earth and you will die."
[image] Silver linings
On the other side of things is Hank's sister, Nico, who is part of a group that thinks they will stop the asteroid and believes in a government conspiracy. There is a "civilization" at a college campus that is running like a bad reality show where the decisions are being made by hippies and stoners. There are church camps that are traveling in buses to "save" people before they die. There are those who are looting and killing, those who are running black-markets, and a new group that is promising a better life in a bunker to anyone who is willing to give them all of their supplies. (Thanks for your stuff, the bus will pick you up next Thursday.)
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It is an interesting world that is built in these books. It gets you thinking, but it isn't depressing or a tear-jerker like it could be. There are moments that are rough, but there are also moments of levity, like when Hank's dog gets "Stockholm Syndrome". The book balances things out pretty well. All in all, it is a very good series for apocalyptic fans.
Okay, six months until a disaster of epic proportions hits the earth that may leave a tiny amount of surviThe end of the world changes everything.
Okay, six months until a disaster of epic proportions hits the earth that may leave a tiny amount of survivors who will then have to live through an ice-age. In other words, you are going to die in six months. They even know the day. What would you do for your last six months alive?
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It's easy to think, "oh, I would do everything I've ever wanted to do - my bucket list." And, there are plenty of people who are bucketing. But, they have to have the money to bucket it up. I know I don't have enough money saved to live the high life for the next six months. Do you? I could maybe make until... oh maybe 3 pm, before going broke.
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So, our hero is Henry Palace, and he was just made police detective because there was nobody else to do it. Basically, things are going down the tubes, so he's a detective with no training, no boss, and a few colleagues who just don't give a damn anymore. He's so out of his league, it's ridiculous. And, that would be a problem if anyone cared. But, they don't. It's hard to get all worked up about solving crime when everyone is going to be dead in six months. Other than keeping the peace, avoiding angry mobs and all, what's the point?
Still, for Henry, this IS him living out his bucket list because becoming a detective is what he has wanted all of his life. So, when he comes across another suicide victim and thinks it is a murder instead, he gets to use all of those skills that he doesn't have to try and solve the case. And, it goes as expected because the guy really has nothing to go on but the things he has read in police manuals. He's a crappy detective.
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But, what Henry lacks in skill, he makes up for in tenacity. He is determined to get to the bottom of this "suicide", and things get interesting.
The best part of this book is seeing all of the various ways that people are using to cope with their knowledge of their imminent deaths. There is a general underlying sense of depression and despair that colors everything going on, and yet it isn't a depressing story. Henry, as underqualified as he is, is really the best man for the job because of his sheer determination to keep on going when it would be so much easier to stop.
"I feel like I wasn't made for these times."
"I don't know, kid," she says. "I think maybe you're the only person who was."
I really liked this book. It was one of those kind that make you think. Plus, it was original and felt realistic for what would be happening in this scenario. I'm glad that there are more in the series. Too bad we can only have six months worth of stories, but at least it will go out with a bang.
Alpha males. Sometimes I love them. Sometimes I want to cut off their testicles and use them like those squeezy stress balls while I'm reading [image]
Alpha males. Sometimes I love them. Sometimes I want to cut off their testicles and use them like those squeezy stress balls while I'm reading about them.
[image] Tell me again about how women have to obey their men?
I have noticed there are two types in books: the tough-guy who will protect his woman at all costs with a heart of gold, and the borderline abuser guy who treats his woman like an errant child. The first two books has Alpha number ones. This book had the second guy and I spent much of my time simmering in boiling hatred of him.
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The series itself is really cool. It is dystopia, with smut. Smutopia. And reminds me a little bit of the Beyond series by Kit Rocha. The survivors in this post-apocalyptic world are trying to survive - as their name implies, and it ain't easy because the bacteria that killed most of the population turned some of them into psychotic killers. Some are just bat-shit crazy, and some are organized serial killers who love to inflict pain. Sounds fun, huh? Oh, and the president is one of the second kind. He is a total sadistic lunatic. Good thing this is fiction. It would suck to have a crazy president, wouldn't it?
[image] Damn. Well, maybe tomorrow...
In this series we are following a group of survivors in a camp that has soldier-types protecting a large group of civilians, including women and children. The main characters are all interesting and well-developed. But, in this book we are focusing on the guy who never really talks. He's a badass. But, to me, he is boring as hell. I see nothing attractive in a man who refuses to speak more than two words at a time. And, this isn't because he lacks the ability to speak or anything. He just chooses to be an asshole. It's his love-story. Yay.
So, our asshole is named Raze, and his love interest is Vinnie (a girl). Vinnie was in the last book being tortured by the president of the United States and the group rescued her. She is a bit messed-up from the experience, so what does she need now more than anything? A guy to push her around, threaten to beat her, and tie her to a radiator to make her stay in her room. Yup, he's a gem... How could she resist falling for him?
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Now, Vinnie is no prize herself. She has crazy moments when she hallucinates, but she is lucid most of the time. She was a brilliant profiler for the FBI before society collapsed - a doctor of psychology. So, we expect some sort of brains from her, right? yeah, no. Vinnie may have a PHD, but she calls her vagina her "girly parts". She also uses the medical terminology of "looney" when describing a patient's mental status. Combining that with her choice in men and I am wondering if anyone asked to see her identification to prove who she was. I'm thinking some bimbo on the street looked similar and took her place. There is no evidence to support this woman's claim of intelligence.
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Still. Does she deserve to be tied to a radiator by her "boyfriend"? Okay. Maybe.
So, I truly hated the main couple in this book, but I still enjoyed the story overall. I like all of the other characters and the world. And, I'm really looking forward to our funny Texan guy's book next.
Walking Dead fans: aren't we sad to see Rick being all afraid and non-killy? Well, you need this book. Our hero, Jax, is the leader of a group of survWalking Dead fans: aren't we sad to see Rick being all afraid and non-killy? Well, you need this book. Our hero, Jax, is the leader of a group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic world after a bacteria kills most of the population, and he is a killing machine. A good killing machine. The kind we love because deep down he has a heart of gold.
[image] It's the apocalypse. The only thing left was the Cheeto factory. Sheesh!
Unlike our heroine, Lynn, who has a heart of a blue neon light like an old K-mart special. She is Patient Zero of the bacterial infection that has killed most of the country (we aren't sure about the rest of the world yet). She worked at the CDC and was infected first by Scorpius Syndrome, so they tried a bunch of experimental treatments on her that included shooting her heart up with squid blood. And, we all know that squid blood will give us glowing blue hearts. It's science.
[image] Squid. Is there anything they can't do?
Since the government is always evil, they wanted to keep Lynn a prisoner for their nefarious plan of trying to find a cure for the disease that is wiping out most of humanity. Jerks! So, obviously, Lynn runs away, asking the feared, but strong, (and sexy), leader, Jax to protect her in exchange for information about the disease. What better way to protect someone than to have sex with them?
[image] Well, if I have to...
You're still wondering how this relates to the Walking Dead, right? One word - zombies. Wait, they aren't actually zombies, but survivors of the disease whose brains have been damaged making them killers. So, two words - not-zombies. Wait, that's one hyphenated word. Well, you get it.
The not-zombies have had their brains fried from the disease and it burned out their empathy centers in their brains. This is bad because apparently without empathy we all turn into serial killers. Some of them become mindless killing machines, but others keep enough brain power to be organized sociopathic killers. It's like a society filled with Hannibal Lectors. You do NOT want to be around these guys at dinner time.
[image] Don't mind the squid taste...
The book is focused on this group of survivors in a world that is dog-eat-dog, and it is pretty brutal. Don't get too attached to characters...
I liked all of the people in the book. They were unique and diverse with complicated motivations and survival mechanisms. There was a ton of action, but we still got to know the characters enough to be intrigued. There was also a romance, but it took a back seat for most of the book. Jax was a great alpha leader, and Lynn was smart. They eventually turn into a strong couple.
"If there are bullets, I'm between you and them. If you get taken, I'm hunting you down till my last breath. And if you end up in hell, I'll storm the fucking place until the fires go out."
Oh, that was so romantic! Just like what my husband said to me on our way to the Black Friday sales. *swoon*
I am really looking forward to the rest of this series. ...more
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