Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

WARNING. Zombies ahead. *laughs*
   
                                                     

Love can never die. 
Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?
In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.

Goodreads
Series: Gone With The Respiration #1
Published September 29th 2011 by Doubleday Children's Books


Dearly, Departed was my very first zombie (baby) read. And boy, I was not disappointed! It was one of the books that even if I was still reading the prologue, I already have the notion that I’m gonna rate it 5 stars a hundred stars. Original, soul-stirringly beautiful and heart-renderingly hilarious, Dearly, Departed made me look at zombies with new eyes.

*These eyes exactly*

It's not surprising because the author, Lia Habel (she's gorgeous, by the way), is a zombie advocate. It was an insta-cover love for me. I mean, dude, stare and be enthralled with that beauty. If you're not liking it, I'mma send a bad zombie horde to you this very moment XD. The inside was more beautiful. I laughed, I cried and I fell in love (not necessarily in that order) with zombies. I know, I know. You're probably screaming "JOHANNA, THEY'RE Z-O-M-B-I-E-S. HOW CAN WE LOVE THEM WHEN THEY'RE RIPPING OFF BODY PARTS?" but worry not. This book can change your views. I MEAN IT.

The world building is precise and flawless. It explains how the world became apocalyptic long time ago and how the Lazarus virus, the prion that makes zombies, affects humanity. Plus, the three things that are closest to my heart, Steampunk, Dystopian and Neo-Victorian era. Elegant dresses, neoclassic traditions and the somehow balanced figure of technology and refinement of the Victorian history are the major points in the book that gained those stars. 

Onto the characters..hmmm *rubs hand* Due to my absolutely endearing habit of wholly accepting good characters, I have made a love list.

• Captain Abraham R. Griswold aka. Bram- A charming capable soldier that captured my heart, my soul and half of my body since I'm hesitant to touch decayed flesh. Humorous and gentlemanly, you have to watch out for him.
• Nora Dearly- Kick-ass and a devoted friend, Nora's interaction with any zombies, good or bad, made me yell "GO NORA! GO!GO!GO!" She's very hilarious too and her rooftop scene had me going, "Woah. That is seriously awesome!" And Nora is also "special" Despite being a "royalty" Nora is not a snob and knows how to handle guns.Bram, honey, it's no wonder you're in love with this girl.
• Pamela Roe- Nora's bestfriend and the zombie hunting Queen, I hated her at first because she was really whiny when Nora was kidnapped and started these depressive thoughts in her POV that had me shuddering. But when faced with the zombies and Michael (her I-thought-love interest) , she turned into a fighter and that's when I looked up to the lady.
• Chas, Tom, Coalhouse and Ren- Bram's EPIC team. Chas was the makeover bestfriend and a "loving" girlfriend to Tom. Coalhouse was Tom's victim and I'm gonna quote a very funny scene between the two of them.

"You killed me! That’s not something you can ever apologize for!”
“Well, then, I’m not sorry.”
“You son of a—”
“Hey, you leave her out of this."

 Ren was the bookish -yeah, bookish- cultured zombie who loves machines more than girls. Got a question for him. 

*Hah! Answer that, Ren, answer that! XD*

• Dr. Victor Dearly- Nora's dad and the fact that he was such a loving father is enough. He cares for everyone-well, anyone who's on his side- and is a brilliant doctor who discovered the Lazarus prion.

The romance between Nora and Bram followed the restraint of the era and the courtship is very sweet and touching. Your heart will definitely swell with awe-inspiring emotions from these two. There was this one heartbreaking scene that *sniffs* I won't spoil* sniffs* .You have to read it yourself. The acceptance of a zombie and human love is clearly disturbing but it was overshadowed by the fact that these two are really fascinated with each other. Not to mention they're in all ways compatible except for their alive and undead difference.

One thing I hated about the book is the multiple narration. Well, it's probably because I can't get enough of Bram's POV or whatever but I do believe it was the downfall of the novel. Good thing the plot was impressive enough so it was saved from the fires of Johanna's hate. 

Vastly entertaining and a must read, Dearly, Departed takes the lead of my very high standards if you want me to read a zombie book. Do know, I never watch those horrifying movies without 2 or 3 warm bodies around me. I am that awesome and cowardly : D

PS. If you're my Twitter follower and happened to read all my tweets regarding Dearly, Departed, you'll understand how I think this book is the greatest zombie book ever. And how I went crazy over Bram too. A zombie in my harem? Hah! That's unheard of, hm? ;) 

Zombie love and peace out, guys!

“Real ladies can give orders, real gentlemen can take them, and real zombies don’t eat brains.” 

“The fact that she made this beeline for me both warmed my soul and made me want to turn around, walk out the door, and find a cliff to fling myself off of.” 

 “I ran this through my "girl talk" translator and said, "I could eat him, if either of you'd like. Seems like it might be the easiest thing to do. -Bram to Nora & Pamela” 

Social Suicide by Gemma Halliday

Twittercide [twit-er-sahyd]: the killing of one human being by another while the victim is in the act of tweeting.
Call me crazy, but I figured writing for the Herbert Hoover High Homepage would be a pretty sweet gig. Pad the resume for college applications, get a first look at the gossip column, spend some time ogling the paper’s brooding bad-boy editor, Chase Erikson. But on my first big story, things went... a little south. What should have been a normal interview with Sydney Sanders turned into me discovering the Homecoming Queen-hopeful dead in her pool. Electrocuted while Tweeting. Now, in addition to developing a reputation as HHH’s resident body finder, I’m stuck trying to prove that Sydney’s death wasn’t suicide.I’m starting to long for the days when my biggest worry was whether the cafeteria was serving pizza sticks or Tuesday Tacos...

Goodreads

Series: Deadly Cool #2

 Published April 24th 2012 by HarperTeen

Hartley Grace Featherstone did it again everyone. She made me laugh till my ribs hurt, made me excited till I jumped off my seat and drooled at Chase till I unwillingly stopped myself. If you haven’t read Deadly Cool yet, I STRONGLY *cracks fingers* suggest you do. Because the awesomeness of this sequel rivals the first one in any aspects possible. The elements of Social Suicide are similar to Deadly Cool namely, Hartley found the body and her life was threatened again. I guess our girl is making this a habit, hm? And this time, the oh-so-popular and addicting Twitter is involved.  I love Twitter and I do believe everyone loves it too and when this social giant is mixed with a snarky and hilarious heroine, what do we have? A very funny, thought-provoking and suspenseful book.

I would never get tired of the humor and entertainment Gemma Halliday provides with her fabulous writing. Though, I would admit I kinda get used of the style since I didn’t break a bone while laughing unlike in Deadly Cool but the magic is still there. It still managed to pull me in. I fervently hope it still would in the future. I watched Hartley grew into a more devious heroine as her detective skills were honed by the chase (and Chase, no pun intended).  And Sam? Her bestfriend? That amazing girl Hartley is super lucky to have? She just reached the top spot of my “MOST AMAZING AND DEPENDABLE BESTFRIEND” list. Sam and Kyle (her boyfriend) provide the cute romance that keeps me going. I want to meet them in person, actually XD.

And who would have thought that I was tempted to make an account in Match.com after reading about her Mom? No seriously, I visited the site and almost-ALMOST- succumb when I saw a cute guy my age. Haha. But you know what really shocked me? It was the “who” who was dating her Mom. I would bet my money on it that Hartley’s face that time was priceless.

 *But there is Geometry, right Mr. Tipkins? ; )*

The story was dashed with a little romance just enough to tell the readers that Hartley and Chase were attracted to each other and that there’s more to come. Usually, the romance is focused after the suspect is caught but I think it’s pretty understandable. So if you want purely hot, steamy love, I will not recommend this book to you. But still, you can’t miss this in your literary life. This is personified hilariousness in the form of a book.

Overall, I enjoyed this second installation and if you want a fun and light-hearted read about female detectives, Social Suicide is for you. But first, don’t you dare bypass Deadly Cool. YOU NEED TO READ THE TWO BOOKS. Like seriously. Right now. I’m being pushy but it’s worth it! I know because I just know. But please do know I’m not a know-it-all. XD

*invisible audience shouts*

“STOP FLUFFIN’ SCREWING WITH US!”

Oh, the censoring never really grows old.

The right corner of Chase’s lip curled up. “Good. I have faith you may make it as an actual reporter someday,” he said. “Now go, young grasshopper. Make me proud.”
And then he patted me on the head and walked away.
Actually patted me. Like one might pat his cocker spaniel.

I was so stupid. I was the queen of Stupidville.The Duchess of Moronland. The Empress of Misunderstandingtown.

Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday

WARNING. Abuse of the word laughing. Dryness.

Hartley Grace Featherstone is having a very bad day. First she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with the president of the Herbert Hoover High School Chastity Club. Then he’s pegged as the #1 suspect in a murder. And if that weren’t enough, now he’s depending on Hartley to clear his name. 
But as much as Hartley wouldn’t mind seeing him squirm, she knows he’s innocent, and she’s the only one who can help him. Along with her best friend, Sam, and the school’s resident Bad Boy, Chase, Hartley starts investigating on her own. But as the dead bodies begin to pile up, the mystery deepens, the suspects multiply, and Hartley begins to fear that she may be the killer’s next victim.

Goodreads

Series: Deadly Cool #1

Published October 11th 2011 by HarperTeen

Hilariously quirky, amazingly awesome and impressively well-written, Deadly Cool is one of my favorite reads of all time. It snagged my kindergarten level attention span at the first line.

Scenario One. Johanna while reading from page 1 to 100.

Scenario Two. Johanna while reading pages 101 till the end.

*How a respectable damsel should laugh. She’s seriously laughing, I swear. No, really, I’m just covering up my horrible laughing figure. XD*

*Indeed. Very well-said, me-myself-and-I made meme

It leans on the lighter side of mystery and I was glued on reading. Except for the few moments of taking a break from laughing too much, I was pretty much planted in front of the comp, readin’ Deadly Cool. And yes, the hot guy. Chase. Bad Boy with a surprisingly poetic side *swoons* and has a knack in “capturing moments”. There was one delectable scene involving six packs that would totally tempt you to read *sly smirk*

The plot was very realistic and you can definitely relate to the characters especially Sam, the EPIC bestfriend. The author’s writing style is compelling and the voice of the characters really suited the ambience of the book.  Even if it’s a little predictable, it didn’t lessen the awesomeness and before I crown Hartley as my most favorite heroine of the year 2011, I want to assure you, my lovely damsels, that I fortunately didn’t die laughing. Just so you know XD. The effing censoring really undone me.  It’s a cute and entertaining detective story full of hilariousness and eventful evidences that would keep you guessing who the real killer is.

I dedicate this whole paragraph to point out some finer points on how I read Deadly Cool. I read it without minding the time. Without minding the things around me. For all I know, an earthquake was happening and I was still on my seat reading. The suspense will keep you craving for more and even though the romance here was quite lacking, Chase’ sexiness sufficed. I have no complaints. I rest my case. Miss Gemma Halliday, if you’re reading this, you’ve earned yourself another crazie. Hope you don’t mind.

The book is a must-read else I shove it to your pretty face. Kidding! I’ll attach this so that you won’t escape the web called Deadly Cool.    

                                      *A happy “PLEASE READ THE BOOK DANCE” from me*                                                                

P.S. Reviews on Deadly Cool are so minimal in Goodreads. Why? Awesome people, why?

P.S.S. Apologies for the dry review. As much as I wanted to put more life in it, when it’s raining, forget it. I’m more or less hibernating right now. And my brain is so sluggish. : | 

“Holy effing crap, Josh. You scared me half to death.”“Effing?”“We’re censoring now,” I explained.

 Okay, this was bad. I was officially a peeping Tom. Or a peepingHartley. Or whatever you wanted to call me.

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

WARNING. Hardcore fangirling and a flurry of gifs ahead. Keep distance from the screen.

In the beginning, there was…

                              

                                                    

                    And yeah, that’s me in all my different swooning glory. Adorable, no?

Starting over sucks.When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.And then he opened his mouth.Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. The hot alien living next door marks me.You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. If I don't kill him first, that is.

Goodreads
Series: Lux #1
Expected publication: May 15th 2012 by Entangled Teen (first published November 29th 2011)

DAEMON BLACK IS THE LIFE OF A BOOK!

-Confessions of a shameless fangirl (aka Johanna)

Stunningly engrossing, intensely provocative and raving hot, Obsidian is a book where boredom is a forbidden thing. The sizzling romance is what fuels the urge to swoon, swoon and yeah, swoon some more.  It is every fangirl’s dream book. Because seriously, guys, it is nonstop scorching hot and dayum-ness sci-fi with the sexiest alien I’ve ever meet in my whole freaking existence. It definitely blew me away to the farthest planet where Daemon lived *smirks*

Katy is a book blogger  (Huzzaaahhhh!!) who is apparently vying for a top position in my “MOST ENVIABLE HEROINE OF THE CENTURY” list. I mean, c'mon, why is she--

*someone throws Daemon Black in*

KYAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

*melts into fangirl puddle*

*revives*

So he’s Daemon, alien HOTNESS PERSONIFIED. There was once a time while I was reading (or ravishing, either way works fine), I asked him through my screen, “Daemon, why are you such an asshole?” But damn Greek gods in Olympus! He’s the hottest asshole and jerk in the whole freaking Earth. Pardon my unsophistication, it’s healthy for a damsel to act like this sometimes. I’m really not into aliens but hell, this book gives me the tingles.

The plot is surprisingly interesting and it would draw you in as quick as lightning. Witty and sarcastic dialogues from Katy and Daemon plus the thrilling build up is what makes Obsidian a champion. By the way, it’s in Katy’s POV and we are literally seeing things in her eyes. Like THE Daemon. First look at him and bam! Hell, man you are definitely joining my harem this very minute!

Romance is a big factor in Obsidian what with Katy’s oh-so-sweet resistance to Daemon’s expert seduction (is it even legal to use this? XD). Absolutely to die for. Like you wanna experience the real deal yourself. Jennifer Armentrout has gained herself another stalker in disguise of a damsel *points at self* She writes scenes that make me feel like I am Katy. Heh! And of course, Daemon’s invincible love to Dee added about a million points from me. It is also advisable that while you are reading this book, you may fan yourself or hug a pillow at the same time. I did. I was giggling and LOL-ing every minute Kat and Daemon talk. The two main characters’ love-hate relationship never gets old. Reminds me of my own…*audience groans* Yeah, yeah, whatever. The concept of the Luxen (light) and Arum (darkness) has given a tasteful twist in this riveting book.

Obsidian is the physical evidence that triggers decadent thoughts and actions (squealing, drooling, screaming etc…) It will leave you yearning for more Katy and more (mooorre) Daemon. And warning, BE PREPARED TO BE DAEMON’S FANGIRL FOREVER!!!

P.S. Sorry for the abused words. : P

“Why are you such an ass?” The words came out before I could think twice.
“Everyone has to excel at something, right?”

Moving over her, against her, I loved the sound she made—a soft, wholly feminine murmur that scorched every piece of me. “You’re perfect for me,” I whispered in my own language. -Daemon

*Me after their kiss.

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

WARNING. Close to major spoilers ahead. On paragraph 2. Back off if you don't want to know. 

I know that this review won’t give justice to the awesomeness of the book but this is what I always feel when I read the Iron Knight. So when my father brought it from the bookstore, I was…

*My victory dance

My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn’ darkmyr Tallyn. I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her. My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…
To cold faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl—smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.With the unwelcome company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end—a quest to find a way to honor his vow to stand by Meghan's side.To survive in the Iron Realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. And along the way Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Goodreads
Series: The Iron Fey #4
Published October 26th 2011 by Harlequin TEEN

The Iron Knight is the OVERWHELMING, SPECTACULAR, EPIC TO THE nth DEGREE conclusion to the Iron Fey series. It is the book that is beyond the boundaries of my words. It totally blew me away mind, (sexy) body, and soul. I am not exaggerating (well maybe a little : )) This was bound to happen one or another. The progression of the author’s epicness is too much for my poor brain to bear.

Ash’s POV thus the title. Two characters were introduced again, this time with more depth and background. Fine! I just can’t review something without spoiling it, can I?  Ariella Tularyn, Ash’s past  love (or not) became their companion to the End of the World where he can gain a soul to be with Meghan in the Iron Realm. To be a mortal. Imagine that, from an immortal to a human, it’s amazing what love can do, I can attest to that. To y’all who had insta-hate on Ariella, that is very ungrateful : P Hell, I miss Meghan. And Big Bad Wolf is awesome. Hands down.

Moving on, describing the settings of the Iron Knight is an extremely arduous task. Simply put it this way, I was shell-shocked upon entering this deepest part of the Nevernever, thrown into this place without any preparations at all. Stupid me for not reading the guide at the back of the book. And by Jove! Only a few things shock me these days.

The urgency to read the book is unstoppable. Truth be told, I didn’t eat lunch and dinner just to finish reading. I viciously devoured it. Because it was magical and believable at the same time. Julie Kagawa’s writing style and world building is making me wonder whether she is an exiled author faery in disguise. *smirks*

The plot of the story is focused upon the different undertakings Ash had to make to earn a soul. A journey that unearthed his past, opened to the readers for the sole reason (I think) of convincing us that his sacrifices and sufferings is very well-deserved. And no, that did not deter me from fangirling still. Once a fangirl, always a fangirl.

The action, the drama, the comedy (PUCK I HEART YOU.SMOOCH,SMOOCH) and the romance is swirled in a harmonious mixture of words to form a remarkable jewel of a book. That is the Iron Knight, the surprisingly satisfying ending to the series that skyrocketed me to a horizon of imagination I embraced with my whole being. I would not forget this for a long, long time.

P.S So can I name my firstborn Ash or what? *giggles*

P.S.S I spent four freaking days mulling over this review. Don’t judge me. It’s not my fault the book is past the comprehension of my ability to review (ç==her lame excuse)

“There is nothing more terrible than a spurned faery queen, particularly if you defy her a second time. I escaped the Winter Court with my life intact, but just barely, and I won't be returning anytime soon. My loyalty - and my heart - belongs to another queen now.” 

“You realize you've been duped by a fish," I said, watching the catfish grin at me before slipping into the dark waters, lost from view. Puck shrugged."Hey, it was going to name one of its grandfish after me," he said, tossing the line into the water again. "That's one of my rules, you know. I refuse to eat anything that names its kid after me.”

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Warning. Mild bad words and super heavy spoilers ahead. You know what to do if you can’t handle those things. : )

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

Goodreads
Series: The Iron Fey #3
Published January 25th 2011 by Harlequin Teen

*takes deep breath*

The Iron Queen. Its title says it all. The last book in Meghan’s POV. Her love, her struggles, her decisions and her sacrifices. If you remembered in the Iron Daughter (I’ll bite your head off if you’ve forgotten: P), Ash and Meghan were banished from the Nevernever because eherm, forbidden love. And of course, Paul ‘s(her adoptive father) role in her life, his disappearance was brought to light with Puck’s involvement. Wow, I’m pretty sure that (bitch) slap must’ve hurt. The events enveloping the Iron Queen is something I can describe as “full of excitement and have no dull moments at all”.Mostly, the settings were alternate between Leanansidhe’s realm to the Iron Kingdom.

The world building is still EPIC (so what if it’s a cliché?) OVERWHELMING and MIND-BLOWINGLY AWESOME. The characters were on full battle mode. I was flipping through the pages like I was running in a marathon or something. Because that’s how the Iron Queen delighted me in a way which I lose myself in wild abandon in this world. Oh, we were speaking about characters right? So in line with that, in every scene Ash and Meghan collide (err…it’s deep but I must admit that’s how I view their relationship), I go like this… 

Just like a shameless and thirsty fangirl who hungered for more of those scenes but no matter, the drama definitely covered up the missing pieces of romance I'm so fond of. And don't remind me (ooopss..too late) about the Knight and lady thingy. I might not be able to form any coherent thoughts anymore. I'm a sucker for those. Oh, and when the monarchs struck up a deal w/ Meghan and company and that their supposed-to-be-bright-because-it's-centuries-old brain finally clicked in that they need her, I almost shouted "I FREAKING TOLD YOU SO!"--almost-- because, really guys, what are my chances to live when Oberon, Titania and Mab gang up on me? I need to be discreet *thunder claps* Uh..oh...

As the story progresses closer to its conclusion, I shed some tears. No wait. I'll be going all out in the open. I bawled like a baby. I mean, come on, Julie Kagawa, how could you be so evil?! After bawling, I...

and got revived when I noticed there were a few pages left. HOPE!!! In the form honey,sweetie pie, dahling Ash's POV. Hell broke lose.

Can you even imagine my agony while waiting? Maybe you could. 

*sighs* All in all, the Iron Queen is Meghan's climactic and kick-ass (if the sword training and war did not give it away) adventure as it continues the legacy of "No, shit." and "Oh my gosh!" reaction the Iron Fey series had given me. Thrilling and packed with incomparable exploits, the Iron Queen is a (not so) satisfying completion to Meghan Chase' story. It will leave you breathless in the end. Literally. Figuratively.

P.S. Grimalkin topped my list of the most smartest animal in the world. He was supposed to get an award but oh well...

P.S.S If only Ash could be my knight *sighs dreamily* 

 “Hey, princess.“Hey,” I whispered, as Ash slipped his arms around my waist from behind, drawing me close. I could feel his glare aimed at Puck over my head, a silent, protective gesture that spoke louder than any words. Mine. Back off.