Jeffrey Keeten's Reviews > The Reapers Are the Angels
The Reapers Are the Angels
by
There are people who are not going to read this book just because they don’t read books with zombies. They may not read it because it is horror, fearing that they will be exposed to graphic violence or maybe they won’t read it because it is about a fifteen year old girl; and frankly, teenagers are annoying. Whatever reason you might be thinking about using for why you are not going to read this book...well...put that thought on a back burner.
The book does have zombies called slugs. It does feature a fifteen year old girl; and yes, some people have found her Southern voice annoying, but what they miss when they say that is the absolute authenticity that comes through in every sentence and every paragraph. I’m not sure how a girl that can’t read who has never been educated except with on-the-job-of-living survival skills is supposed to talk. She colors her words with wisdom, self reflection, pain, and dogged truth. She has an undisciplined mind, honed by fire, bristling with desire to see the world, and experience what others are too afraid to try. She is Temple. She is Sarah Mary.
See, there’s music in the world and you got to be listening otherwise you’ll miss it sure. Like when the she comes out of the house and the night-time air feels dreamy-cold on her face and it smells like the pureness of a fresh land just started. Like it was something old and dusty and broken, taken off the shelf to make room for something sparkle-new.
And it’s your soul desiring to move and be a part of it, whatever it is, to be out there on the soot plains where the living fall and the dead rise, and the dead fall and the living rise, like the cycle of life.
The apocalypse happened twenty-five years ago so Temple was born after the world went to hell. She is of this world, and is not encumbered with memories of a life before of manicured lawns, bicycle paths, going to school, hanging out with friends, family dinners, or watching television. Unencumbered that is until she meets Maury. She calls him dummy because he doesn’t talk or show that much at all is being processed through his brain. She has thoughts of dumping him off at the first available moment, but then he shows her a slip a paper that was balled up in his pocket.
Temple carries her own burdens of failure and getting Maury back to his family becomes a quest that she feels will lift some of the blood from her soul. She doesn’t really understand it, but feels in the doing maybe she will.
She has made enemies and one in particular keeps finding her like an angel of death. She can’t shake him. He is Moses Todd.
My gut tells me that’s my old friend Moses Todd, who’s got some business he’s gonna want to finish up with me. It’s a wonder how he’s trackin me, but you can’t put nothin past these southern boys. They just sit around waiting for somebody to kill their brother so they can get started on some vengeance. It’s like a dang vocation with them.
Temple finds moments of sanctuary, but knows, like a clock in her head keeping time, that she needs to keep moving or she will be found. She is nervous living in safety, walled away from slugs, but also from the wide open space of her world. Her feet start to itch and windows are reminders of what lies beyond.
She wonders how people can live this kind of life, trapped inside a house with windows everywhere showing you where else you could be.
Slugs are just a part of her world. They aren’t evil. Even men who find her attractive are but another component of her world that she is prepared to deal with. She does fear that there is evil inside of her. A darkness that comes out when she fights, when compassion disappears, and she is inflicting death as casually as a middle aged man at a lunch counter smacking flies with a flyswatter. In a scene that could have been lifted from a Cormac McCarthy novel she emerges victorious, but stained deeper than skin deep.
Amid the hot stench of fresh offal, she rises to her feet like the dreadful ghost of a fallen battlefield soldier, her hands tacky with the thick pulpy dregs of death splayed wide. The echoes of the clamour having died on the puddled ground, the only sound in the room is the thin insectoid buzzing of the three exposed bulbs suspended in ceramic sockets from the ceiling.
Even the imprisoned slugs themselves have paused in their perpetual movement to gaze with acquiescent eyes upon the scene of the massacre, as though in harmony with the inexorable and silent melodies of grim decease--as though in deferential recognition of the community of the extinct.
She rises to her feet and blinks, her eyes like bleached wafers set against the brown mizzle of blood already drying in flakes on her cheeks and lips and neck. She raises no hand to cleanse herself, marked as she is with a violence, ritualist and primitive, like those hunters who would decorate themselves with the ornamental residuum of their prey.
In a scene that is reminiscent of something out of a William Faulkner novel she is talking to an acquaintance who is trying to tempt her to go to California with him where things are rumored to be almost normal.
You get old, Temple. The wide world is a pretty adventure for a long time, it’s true. But then one day you wake up and you just want to drink a cup of coffee without thinking about livin or dyin.
Yeah, well, I ain’t there yet.
Goddamnit, girl, what happened to you? You got things to tell. You could tell me.
Maybe so, she says. But I ain’t there yet either.
There is a reason why Alden Bell’s writing is being compared to other accomplished writers because he wrote a great book full of wonderful introspection, a character to rival Katniss Everdeen for cunning and survival skill, and a plot that kept me turning pages long after my family had nestled down to sleep. Bell is married to Megan Abbott, a lauded writer in her own right. There is magic to the way he played with me in this one. He had me dangling from his fingertips, my mind churning and rippling with anxiety, and the air crackled with the burnt rubber smell of fear.
Highly Recommended!
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
by
The field is the world; the good seed are the children of
the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the
wicked one;
The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the
end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire;
so shall it be the end of this world.
There are people who are not going to read this book just because they don’t read books with zombies. They may not read it because it is horror, fearing that they will be exposed to graphic violence or maybe they won’t read it because it is about a fifteen year old girl; and frankly, teenagers are annoying. Whatever reason you might be thinking about using for why you are not going to read this book...well...put that thought on a back burner.
The book does have zombies called slugs. It does feature a fifteen year old girl; and yes, some people have found her Southern voice annoying, but what they miss when they say that is the absolute authenticity that comes through in every sentence and every paragraph. I’m not sure how a girl that can’t read who has never been educated except with on-the-job-of-living survival skills is supposed to talk. She colors her words with wisdom, self reflection, pain, and dogged truth. She has an undisciplined mind, honed by fire, bristling with desire to see the world, and experience what others are too afraid to try. She is Temple. She is Sarah Mary.
See, there’s music in the world and you got to be listening otherwise you’ll miss it sure. Like when the she comes out of the house and the night-time air feels dreamy-cold on her face and it smells like the pureness of a fresh land just started. Like it was something old and dusty and broken, taken off the shelf to make room for something sparkle-new.
And it’s your soul desiring to move and be a part of it, whatever it is, to be out there on the soot plains where the living fall and the dead rise, and the dead fall and the living rise, like the cycle of life.
The apocalypse happened twenty-five years ago so Temple was born after the world went to hell. She is of this world, and is not encumbered with memories of a life before of manicured lawns, bicycle paths, going to school, hanging out with friends, family dinners, or watching television. Unencumbered that is until she meets Maury. She calls him dummy because he doesn’t talk or show that much at all is being processed through his brain. She has thoughts of dumping him off at the first available moment, but then he shows her a slip a paper that was balled up in his pocket.
Hello! My name is Maury and I wouldn’t hurt a fly.
My grandmother loves me and wishes she could take
care of me for ever, but she’s most likely gone now.
I have family out west. If you find me, will you take
me to them? God bless you!
Jeb and Jennie Duchamp
442 Hamilton Street
Point Comfort, TX
Temple carries her own burdens of failure and getting Maury back to his family becomes a quest that she feels will lift some of the blood from her soul. She doesn’t really understand it, but feels in the doing maybe she will.
She has made enemies and one in particular keeps finding her like an angel of death. She can’t shake him. He is Moses Todd.
My gut tells me that’s my old friend Moses Todd, who’s got some business he’s gonna want to finish up with me. It’s a wonder how he’s trackin me, but you can’t put nothin past these southern boys. They just sit around waiting for somebody to kill their brother so they can get started on some vengeance. It’s like a dang vocation with them.
Temple finds moments of sanctuary, but knows, like a clock in her head keeping time, that she needs to keep moving or she will be found. She is nervous living in safety, walled away from slugs, but also from the wide open space of her world. Her feet start to itch and windows are reminders of what lies beyond.
She wonders how people can live this kind of life, trapped inside a house with windows everywhere showing you where else you could be.
Slugs are just a part of her world. They aren’t evil. Even men who find her attractive are but another component of her world that she is prepared to deal with. She does fear that there is evil inside of her. A darkness that comes out when she fights, when compassion disappears, and she is inflicting death as casually as a middle aged man at a lunch counter smacking flies with a flyswatter. In a scene that could have been lifted from a Cormac McCarthy novel she emerges victorious, but stained deeper than skin deep.
Amid the hot stench of fresh offal, she rises to her feet like the dreadful ghost of a fallen battlefield soldier, her hands tacky with the thick pulpy dregs of death splayed wide. The echoes of the clamour having died on the puddled ground, the only sound in the room is the thin insectoid buzzing of the three exposed bulbs suspended in ceramic sockets from the ceiling.
Even the imprisoned slugs themselves have paused in their perpetual movement to gaze with acquiescent eyes upon the scene of the massacre, as though in harmony with the inexorable and silent melodies of grim decease--as though in deferential recognition of the community of the extinct.
She rises to her feet and blinks, her eyes like bleached wafers set against the brown mizzle of blood already drying in flakes on her cheeks and lips and neck. She raises no hand to cleanse herself, marked as she is with a violence, ritualist and primitive, like those hunters who would decorate themselves with the ornamental residuum of their prey.
In a scene that is reminiscent of something out of a William Faulkner novel she is talking to an acquaintance who is trying to tempt her to go to California with him where things are rumored to be almost normal.
You get old, Temple. The wide world is a pretty adventure for a long time, it’s true. But then one day you wake up and you just want to drink a cup of coffee without thinking about livin or dyin.
Yeah, well, I ain’t there yet.
Goddamnit, girl, what happened to you? You got things to tell. You could tell me.
Maybe so, she says. But I ain’t there yet either.
There is a reason why Alden Bell’s writing is being compared to other accomplished writers because he wrote a great book full of wonderful introspection, a character to rival Katniss Everdeen for cunning and survival skill, and a plot that kept me turning pages long after my family had nestled down to sleep. Bell is married to Megan Abbott, a lauded writer in her own right. There is magic to the way he played with me in this one. He had me dangling from his fingertips, my mind churning and rippling with anxiety, and the air crackled with the burnt rubber smell of fear.
Highly Recommended!
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
The Reapers Are the Angels.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
February 10, 2013
–
Started Reading
February 10, 2013
– Shelved
February 11, 2013
–
Finished Reading
January 7, 2015
– Shelved as:
post-apocalyptic-dystopia
Comments Showing 1-50 of 56 (56 new)
message 1:
by
Trudi
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Feb 11, 2013 11:39AM
Isn't this amazing? Welcome to the Reaper fan club Jeffrey, can't wait to read your review!
reply
|
flag
It is true Jeffrey that I do tend to turn a blind eye to zombie books. I am not even certain why that is, but it seems there are so many and even though I really do enjoy AMC's The Walking Dead I confess that it hasn't changed my mind much about reading about zombies. You and this review have however. Your enthusiasm bleeds through every word and so it is that I have added it to my TBR with thanks.
Just checked and the university has a copy, the local library lost theirs. If all goes well in a week dominated by Champions League, I may swoop in and read this before the Bleak House pancake festival.
Trudi wrote: "Isn't this amazing? Welcome to the Reaper fan club Jeffrey, can't wait to read your review!"
Literature masquerading as a zombie. Great stuff Trudi!
Literature masquerading as a zombie. Great stuff Trudi!
Arah-Lynda wrote: "It is true Jeffrey that I do tend to turn a blind eye to zombie books. I am not even certain why that is, but it seems there are so many and even though I really do enjoy AMC's The Walking Dead I ..."
Unfortunately there has been an avalanche of zombie novels to satisfy a public bored with vampires but suddenly interested in zombies a need I guess to change one dead for another flavor of dead. What really sold me was a travel writing friend of mine who read this book and recommended it to me. He really likes a book about once a decade so I was compelled to discover exactly what he found to be so wonderful. I know it is early in the year, but this was the surprise of the year for me.
Unfortunately there has been an avalanche of zombie novels to satisfy a public bored with vampires but suddenly interested in zombies a need I guess to change one dead for another flavor of dead. What really sold me was a travel writing friend of mine who read this book and recommended it to me. He really likes a book about once a decade so I was compelled to discover exactly what he found to be so wonderful. I know it is early in the year, but this was the surprise of the year for me.
Jonfaith wrote: "Just checked and the university has a copy, the local library lost theirs. If all goes well in a week dominated by Champions League, I may swoop in and read this before the Bleak House pancake fest..."
This will be a quick read Jonfaith. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I too have Bleak House on the horizon.
This will be a quick read Jonfaith. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I too have Bleak House on the horizon.
First things first Jeffrey, great review! I fell in love with Temple so completely I pine for her still. She reminded me a lot of Ree from Winter's Bone, another character that stole my heart.
Secondly, the language - it's Southern Gothic, it's McCarthy, it's Faulkner, and it still carries within it its own unique beauty and raw resonance. Another zombie novel recently commended for its stark literary merits is Zone One. That one I did not like at all. It felt cold, detached, and clinical, the very opposite of Reapers.
Finally....I did not know that Alden Bell (Joshua Gaylord) is MARRIED to Megan Abbott! That is so awesome :-)
Secondly, the language - it's Southern Gothic, it's McCarthy, it's Faulkner, and it still carries within it its own unique beauty and raw resonance. Another zombie novel recently commended for its stark literary merits is Zone One. That one I did not like at all. It felt cold, detached, and clinical, the very opposite of Reapers.
Finally....I did not know that Alden Bell (Joshua Gaylord) is MARRIED to Megan Abbott! That is so awesome :-)
I can't believe you just made me want to read a book with zombies in it! Thanks, Jeffrey. Thanks a lot!
Jeffrey the breadth, depth, and scope of your reading continues to amaze me. You could convince me to read a phone book and like it. Truly, this sounds like a really exciting and well written book. Keep spreading the gospel "in the highways and hedges!"
Trudi wrote: "First things first Jeffrey, great review! I fell in love with Temple so completely I pine for her still. She reminded me a lot of Ree from Winter's Bone, another character that stole my heart.
Sec..."
Thank you Trudi! This book has a serious Southern flavor in tone and scope. I want this book to be seen as something more than just a genre book. It transcends the horror classification. The second book in this series arrived today. It looks like it is a prequel...fascinating idea! I'm glad I was able to give you some information you didn't have about Bell.
Sec..."
Thank you Trudi! This book has a serious Southern flavor in tone and scope. I want this book to be seen as something more than just a genre book. It transcends the horror classification. The second book in this series arrived today. It looks like it is a prequel...fascinating idea! I'm glad I was able to give you some information you didn't have about Bell.
Where did you get Exit Kingdom, Jeffrey? I've been waiting for it to become available forever it feels like. I haven't seen it anywhere. Do you have a secret book pusher? ;-)
Trudi wrote: "Where did you get Exit Kingdom, Jeffrey? I've been waiting for it to become available forever it feels like. I haven't seen it anywhere. Do you have a secret book pusher? ;-)"
Book Depository UK. Here is a link on abebooks. Although it would be much more fun to have a secret book pusher receiving my packages in dark alleys or on deserted highways. http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Searc...
Book Depository UK. Here is a link on abebooks. Although it would be much more fun to have a secret book pusher receiving my packages in dark alleys or on deserted highways. http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Searc...
Jim wrote: "I can't believe you just made me want to read a book with zombies in it! Thanks, Jeffrey. Thanks a lot!"
Jim I hope you end up thanking me. This is a genre busting book. I want to make sure, to the best of my abilities, that it gets a fair shake and is read by people who may never hear about it.
Jim I hope you end up thanking me. This is a genre busting book. I want to make sure, to the best of my abilities, that it gets a fair shake and is read by people who may never hear about it.
Steve wrote: "Jeffrey the breadth, depth, and scope of your reading continues to amaze me. You could convince me to read a phone book and like it. Truly, this sounds like a really exciting and well written book...."
Thank you Steve! Despite my advancing years I still try to keep up with what the cool kids are reading. This is one of those hidden treasures that out performs it's genre. I want people approaching this one with nary a nervous thought about the zombie aspect and embrace the language and pace of this book.
Thank you Steve! Despite my advancing years I still try to keep up with what the cool kids are reading. This is one of those hidden treasures that out performs it's genre. I want people approaching this one with nary a nervous thought about the zombie aspect and embrace the language and pace of this book.
Jeffrey wrote: "Steve wrote: "Jeffrey the breadth, depth, and scope of your reading continues to amaze me. You could convince me to read a phone book and like it. Truly, this sounds like a really exciting and well..."
well, my guilty pleasure is that I watch the Walking Dead and I have dreamt of the post apocalyptic world. So I am very open to zombies (in moderation of course).
well, my guilty pleasure is that I watch the Walking Dead and I have dreamt of the post apocalyptic world. So I am very open to zombies (in moderation of course).
Steve wrote: "Jeffrey wrote: "Steve wrote: "Jeffrey the breadth, depth, and scope of your reading continues to amaze me. You could convince me to read a phone book and like it. Truly, this sounds like a really e..."
You are the most open minded guy I know from Oklahoma. I watched the first season of Walking Dead, but realized when the new season started that I didn't really like any of the characters so I moved on to other things. I did enjoy the first season of Hell on Wheels.
You are the most open minded guy I know from Oklahoma. I watched the first season of Walking Dead, but realized when the new season started that I didn't really like any of the characters so I moved on to other things. I did enjoy the first season of Hell on Wheels.
Are either of you gentlemen watching Breaking Bad? It is as good as its reputation. It is some of the best television (hell, best storytelling) I've experienced in years.
No zombies, though :)
No zombies, though :)
Garima wrote: "I need to go see where else I can be. Loved it!"
Thanks Garima. Sometimes I'm sitting here at my computer trying to figure out how to extract myself from the review and pondering that very fact I looked over at my window and BAM!!! It was more fitting than "round up all the usual suspects". :-)
Thanks Garima. Sometimes I'm sitting here at my computer trying to figure out how to extract myself from the review and pondering that very fact I looked over at my window and BAM!!! It was more fitting than "round up all the usual suspects". :-)
Trudi wrote: "Are either of you gentlemen watching Breaking Bad? It is as good as its reputation. It is some of the best television (hell, best storytelling) I've experienced in years.
No zombies, though :)"
I watched several seasons, but reached a burn out on it. Every time Anna Gunn comes on screen it is like nails on a chalk board for me...great acting by her and the whole cast.
No zombies, though :)"
I watched several seasons, but reached a burn out on it. Every time Anna Gunn comes on screen it is like nails on a chalk board for me...great acting by her and the whole cast.
That's too bad. I sample audiobooks for the same reason; after 10 minutes or so I have to decide...could I listen to that voice for another 15 to 20 hours? Sometimes the answer is no. Other audiobooks I've gotten have way through and switched to print because the reader...ahhhh! I couldn't take it anymore :)
Great review, added TBR. Not like I needed another book on the TBR shelf and I am almost anti-zombie in my reading preference. Dang it if your review didn't change my mind, at least for this book.
Trudi wrote: "That's too bad. I sample audiobooks for the same reason; after 10 minutes or so I have to decide...could I listen to that voice for another 15 to 20 hours? Sometimes the answer is no. Other audiobo..."
I don't know what my problem is but four seasons of any television show seems to be about my max. One exception is Supernatural. I'm not sure how they keep making it fresh for me. Even Buffy got old for me after a while. TV shows, in my opinion, as they get further into seasons start getting darker as they progress.
I don't know what my problem is but four seasons of any television show seems to be about my max. One exception is Supernatural. I'm not sure how they keep making it fresh for me. Even Buffy got old for me after a while. TV shows, in my opinion, as they get further into seasons start getting darker as they progress.
Awesome review Jeffery!!!!! It's going on my TBR list for sure - the excerpts you chose are wonderful snippets of the wonders of excellent writing - like bait on a fish hook for me!!!! It seems like a book that really makes you think ....and give pause to be thankful.
Mike wrote: "Great review, added TBR. Not like I needed another book on the TBR shelf and I am almost anti-zombie in my reading preference. Dang it if your review didn't change my mind, at least for this book."
Mike I really hope you enjoy this book. Bell is a fine writer in need of an audience. This book is more about being human than it is about fighting zombies.
Mike I really hope you enjoy this book. Bell is a fine writer in need of an audience. This book is more about being human than it is about fighting zombies.
Jeffrey wrote: "I don't know what my problem is but four seasons of any television show seems to be about my max. One exception is Supernatural..."
Jeffrey, don't make me unleash a fangirl squee here and embarrass myself entirely. That you are still watching Supernatural after eight seasons warms the cockles of my heart. It is a favorite of mine -- the world-building, the mythologies, the acting, the chemistry between the two leads, and yes, they are still managing to keep it fresh and make me laugh. They have tapped some impressive writers and directors for this show over the years.
Jeffrey, don't make me unleash a fangirl squee here and embarrass myself entirely. That you are still watching Supernatural after eight seasons warms the cockles of my heart. It is a favorite of mine -- the world-building, the mythologies, the acting, the chemistry between the two leads, and yes, they are still managing to keep it fresh and make me laugh. They have tapped some impressive writers and directors for this show over the years.
Sue wrote: "Awesome review Jeffery!!!!! It's going on my TBR list for sure - the excerpts you chose are wonderful snippets of the wonders of excellent writing - like bait on a fish hook for me!!!! It seems l..."
Thank you Sue!! As many books as I have read I generally have a good idea of what I am in for. This book surprised the heck out of me. To keep the review down to a reasonable length I had to forgo many other great quotes. Temple's voice is still in my head. I hope you enjoy this one Sue.
Thank you Sue!! As many books as I have read I generally have a good idea of what I am in for. This book surprised the heck out of me. To keep the review down to a reasonable length I had to forgo many other great quotes. Temple's voice is still in my head. I hope you enjoy this one Sue.
Trudi wrote: "Jeffrey wrote: "I don't know what my problem is but four seasons of any television show seems to be about my max. One exception is Supernatural..."
Jeffrey, don't make me unleash a fangirl squee h..."
It is amazing that they have also managed to keep both leads on the show for eight years. Usually somebody gets ideas they want to do something else. The other great thing about the show is that it is re-watchable. Old episodes hold up to been-here-done-that eyeballs. When they decide they have taken it as far as they can...can you imagine what that last episode is going to be like?
Jeffrey, don't make me unleash a fangirl squee h..."
It is amazing that they have also managed to keep both leads on the show for eight years. Usually somebody gets ideas they want to do something else. The other great thing about the show is that it is re-watchable. Old episodes hold up to been-here-done-that eyeballs. When they decide they have taken it as far as they can...can you imagine what that last episode is going to be like?
Jeffrey wrote: "When they decide they have taken it as far as they can...can you imagine what that last episode is going to be like? ..."
No I cannot, and I'm nowhere near ready to say good-bye yet.
I definitely have my favorite episodes that have stood up to repeated viewings. In fact one of them, A Very Supernatural Christmas from Season 3 has become a holiday tradition in my house :)
No I cannot, and I'm nowhere near ready to say good-bye yet.
I definitely have my favorite episodes that have stood up to repeated viewings. In fact one of them, A Very Supernatural Christmas from Season 3 has become a holiday tradition in my house :)
Trudi wrote: "Jeffrey wrote: "When they decide they have taken it as far as they can...can you imagine what that last episode is going to be like? ..."
No I cannot, and I'm nowhere near ready to say good-bye ye..."
That is a fantastic episode and a great idea to add to the Keeten Christmas traditions.
No I cannot, and I'm nowhere near ready to say good-bye ye..."
That is a fantastic episode and a great idea to add to the Keeten Christmas traditions.
Prior to this year you might have gotten Jennifer Lawrence to play the lead role in the movie version, but now I'm guessing she'll only want parts with Oscar potential. Zombie/slug movies might have trouble in that regard. Sounds like the book is well done, though. The review certainly was, Jeffrey!
Steve wrote: "Prior to this year you might have gotten Jennifer Lawrence to play the lead role in the movie version, but now I'm guessing she'll only want parts with Oscar potential. Zombie/slug movies might ha..."
This certainly could be turned into a movie although there are a lot of inner monologue moments that would have to be dealt with. Bell, I'm sure, could use some Hollywood Cha-Ching, but doubtful for this one. What would be even better is Steve writing the screenplay and getting some of that Cha-Ching. Thanks Steve, this was a fun review to write.
This certainly could be turned into a movie although there are a lot of inner monologue moments that would have to be dealt with. Bell, I'm sure, could use some Hollywood Cha-Ching, but doubtful for this one. What would be even better is Steve writing the screenplay and getting some of that Cha-Ching. Thanks Steve, this was a fun review to write.
Jeffrey wrote: "What would be even better is Steve writing the screenplay and getting some of that Cha-Ching."
I agree if by Steve you mean other Steve... or wait, am I other Steve? What I mean is Steve Kendall.
I agree if by Steve you mean other Steve... or wait, am I other Steve? What I mean is Steve Kendall.
Steve wrote: "Jeffrey wrote: "What would be even better is Steve writing the screenplay and getting some of that Cha-Ching."
I agree if by Steve you mean other Steve... or wait, am I other Steve? What I mean i..."
The Reapers are the Angels screenplay by the mind-melt of Steve Kendall and Steve Hotopp Productions. Please negotiate the credits moving slower when your names come up on the big screen.
I agree if by Steve you mean other Steve... or wait, am I other Steve? What I mean i..."
The Reapers are the Angels screenplay by the mind-melt of Steve Kendall and Steve Hotopp Productions. Please negotiate the credits moving slower when your names come up on the big screen.
Jeffrey wrote: "The Reapers are the Angels screenplay by the mind-melt of Steve Kendall and Steve Hotopp Productions."
I like it! The melting point for my mind is roughly the same as lard's. Mr. Kendall's might be so easily altered, though.
I like it! The melting point for my mind is roughly the same as lard's. Mr. Kendall's might be so easily altered, though.
Awwwwww. There you go. Me, who has never read a book with zombies in it. You make me want to read this one. NO SOUP FOR YOU TODAY!
Mike wrote: "Awwwwww. There you go. Me, who has never read a book with zombies in it. You make me want to read this one. NO SOUP FOR YOU TODAY!"
Evoking the SOUP NAZI damn now that gives my review some chops. Sooner or later you will be tricked into reading a zombie book. They are coming out of publishing houses like an avalanche and also there is the extra embarrassment when you find yourself at the excellent Zombie Burger (mac and cheese compressed to make buns) in Des Moines and having to admit that you have never read a zombie book. Put this on your list for the next trip to the library Mr. Sullivan. You will enjoy making the acquaintance of Miss Temple.
Evoking the SOUP NAZI damn now that gives my review some chops. Sooner or later you will be tricked into reading a zombie book. They are coming out of publishing houses like an avalanche and also there is the extra embarrassment when you find yourself at the excellent Zombie Burger (mac and cheese compressed to make buns) in Des Moines and having to admit that you have never read a zombie book. Put this on your list for the next trip to the library Mr. Sullivan. You will enjoy making the acquaintance of Miss Temple.
You have convinced me, Jeffrey -- even though the last book I read with zombies in it was Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn....
Seriously, a good book is a good book. I'm willing to make room for zombies on my shelves, particularly if they are not populating a pseudo-Jane Austen novel.
Seriously, a good book is a good book. I'm willing to make room for zombies on my shelves, particularly if they are not populating a pseudo-Jane Austen novel.
Kris wrote: "You have convinced me, Jeffrey -- even though the last book I read with zombies in it was Mama Lola: A Vodou Priestess in Brooklyn....
Seriously, a good book is a good book. I'm willing to make r..."
Wow! real zombies...even scarier.
Yes that is my motto for books. I even picked up The Grand Sophy and will be reading it soon because people have convinced me it is a great romance that must be read. I'm game. I'm hoping you will be pleasantly surprised by this one.
You were worried about being at Zombie Burger in Des Moines without the proper zombie reading resume weren't you? haha
Seriously, a good book is a good book. I'm willing to make r..."
Wow! real zombies...even scarier.
Yes that is my motto for books. I even picked up The Grand Sophy and will be reading it soon because people have convinced me it is a great romance that must be read. I'm game. I'm hoping you will be pleasantly surprised by this one.
You were worried about being at Zombie Burger in Des Moines without the proper zombie reading resume weren't you? haha
Jeffrey wrote: "You were worried about being at Zombie Burger in Des Moines without the proper zombie reading resume weren't you? haha "
It's best to be prepared! :)
It's best to be prepared! :)
Jeffrey, I am so glad that you've had a chance to see what the zombie apocalypse offers a reader when it is done right.
No surprise Trudi has stopped by--she's the one that recommended this book to me. It is an amazing book!
No surprise Trudi has stopped by--she's the one that recommended this book to me. It is an amazing book!
Carol wrote: "Jeffrey, I am so glad that you've had a chance to see what the zombie apocalypse offers a reader when it is done right.
No surprise Trudi has stopped by--she's the one that recommended this book ..."
It is a genre busting book. There are a lot of people that would like this book if they knew about it and could put aside the fact that it has to be categorized a zombie book. My copy of Exit Kingdomhas arrived and I'm anxious and trepidatious (my spell checker is trying to tell me that word does not exist.) about starting it. Can Bell do it again?
No surprise Trudi has stopped by--she's the one that recommended this book ..."
It is a genre busting book. There are a lot of people that would like this book if they knew about it and could put aside the fact that it has to be categorized a zombie book. My copy of Exit Kingdomhas arrived and I'm anxious and trepidatious (my spell checker is trying to tell me that word does not exist.) about starting it. Can Bell do it again?
Jeff:
Although a non-zombie reader, did read your review and enjoyed it, of course. You make reviews so fun and readable.
Waiting to see you recommend it to your Southern Literary Trail Group to see how they respond. Apparently you have one vote already, with Mike S.
Although a non-zombie reader, did read your review and enjoyed it, of course. You make reviews so fun and readable.
Waiting to see you recommend it to your Southern Literary Trail Group to see how they respond. Apparently you have one vote already, with Mike S.
Cathy wrote: "Jeff:
Although a non-zombie reader, did read your review and enjoyed it, of course. You make reviews so fun and readable.
Waiting to see you recommend it to your Southern Literary Trail Gro..."
See my plan is to get Mike to read it. Then he will he lead the campaign for the book's nomination On the Southern Literary Trail. They willcomplain be thrilled that they get a chance to read something really different. Mike will turn purple be smiling at all the support people will show for bringing this book to their attention.
Although a non-zombie reader, did read your review and enjoyed it, of course. You make reviews so fun and readable.
Waiting to see you recommend it to your Southern Literary Trail Gro..."
See my plan is to get Mike to read it. Then he will he lead the campaign for the book's nomination On the Southern Literary Trail. They will
Jeffrey wrote: "Cathy wrote: "Jeff:
Although a non-zombie reader, did read your review and enjoyed it, of course. You make reviews so fun and readable.
Waiting to see you recommend it to your Southern Lite..."
Oh, yes, I'm sure there's an active discussion going on now.Not
Although a non-zombie reader, did read your review and enjoyed it, of course. You make reviews so fun and readable.
Waiting to see you recommend it to your Southern Lite..."
Oh, yes, I'm sure there's an active discussion going on now.
I must confess, I was caught on the fence and your review has convinced me to give this read a try.
I like zombies, I love YA; I was simply undecided because works meant to be extremely poetic usually go off on tedious and long winded sweeps of poetic description and the story suffers for it.
I like zombies, I love YA; I was simply undecided because works meant to be extremely poetic usually go off on tedious and long winded sweeps of poetic description and the story suffers for it.
And I get what you mean about Anna Gunn. I'm watching Breaking Bad right now. Skylar is just one gargantuan wet blanket flopped over the series.
C.J. wrote: "And I get what you mean about Anna Gunn. I'm watching Breaking Bad right now. Skylar is just one gargantuan wet blanket flopped over the series."
The lyrical writing in here will not be a distraction for you CJ. The plot flows quickly. Alden Bell is just a more polished writer than what most writers are in this genre. I'm so glad I decided to read it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Skylar *shudder*.
The lyrical writing in here will not be a distraction for you CJ. The plot flows quickly. Alden Bell is just a more polished writer than what most writers are in this genre. I'm so glad I decided to read it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Skylar *shudder*.
Hey, look at that! I'm the first commentator today! How cool!
Jeffrey, you’re making a really strong case about this book. Whenever I start slipping toward unfair prejudice, I can always count on you to put me back on the right path and reveal to me all the amazing diversity that lays within people and literature. Thank you, Jeffrey. I have always felt blessed to have you as a friend, friend. :) P.S. I listed it. :)
Jeffrey, you’re making a really strong case about this book. Whenever I start slipping toward unfair prejudice, I can always count on you to put me back on the right path and reveal to me all the amazing diversity that lays within people and literature. Thank you, Jeffrey. I have always felt blessed to have you as a friend, friend. :) P.S. I listed it. :)