Category Archives: Apocalyptic

Apocalyptic, Coming of Age, Dystopian, YA

#Review – The Unknown: A Dystopian Mystery Thriller with Twists and Turns by J.W. Lynne

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The Unknown: A Dystopian Mystery Thriller with Twists and Turns by [Lynne, J.W.]

Fans of Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Stranger Things are raving about this 2019 dystopian thriller!

EIGHT CHILDREN WERE KIDNAPPED.
BUT WHY?

Eight kids, ages nine to seventeen, awaken to find that almost everything they have ever known has been stolen from them. They were ripped from their beds in the middle of the night and transported to an unfamiliar and unforgiving new world where there are strict rules, and they are punished if they refuse to obey.

As the kids grapple with their mysterious new reality, they struggle with disconcerting questions. Where in the world are they? Why were they taken away from their families? Will they ever get to go back home? And the most frightening question of all: Will this be the place where they die?


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Unique twist on the dystopian genre! This is insanely thrilling! First, I need to say that I was a little worried about starting the story as it is told from most of the children’s POVs and there is a manifest at the beginning. I thought I would have to go back and forth to remember who exactly I was reading, but after the first few rounds through the characters I knew exactly whose POV I was reading without double checking. The characters formed in my head as if I were right there in the mix. These children are kidnapped one night and all thrown together in an unknown place. What is even weirder is that there are no adults. Nobody to tell them what to do or why they are there. The world building is great. As the children get to learn more about themselves and each other they are all learning about their new “prison”. There are so many unknowns with the story that will keep you turning the pages. Some aspects of the story definitely have the creep factor but absolutely gripping. I believe this story is the start of a really amazing series. There were so many things that you learn about the children and this new world that when you reach the cliffhanger you will be completely invested in the story. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT IS NEXT! This is the first book I have read by JW Lynne but I am now a fan!

J.W. Lynne

J.W. Lynne has been an avid reader practically since birth and now writes inventive young adult novels with shocking twists, turns, and surprises. In the science fiction quartet THE SKY SERIES (ABOVE THE SKY, RETURN TO THE SKY, PART OF THE SKY, and BEYOND THE SKY), an eighteen-year-old fights to survive in a dystopian future society founded on lies. In THE UNKNOWN, eight children are kidnapped in the middle of the night and wake up in a frightening and mysterious world full of secrets. The romantic contemporary novels LOST IN LOS ANGELES and LOST IN TOKYO follow a young woman’s remarkable journey after an unthinkable betrayal. KID DOCS dives into the behind-the-scenes action at a hospital where gifted young children are trained to become pint-sized doctors. In WILD ANIMAL SCHOOL, a teen spends an unforgettable summer working with elephants, tigers, bears, leopards, and lions at an exotic animal ranch.

Check out Lynne’s adventures on the bucket list website mydreamcametrue.com.

Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Military, Mythology, New Release, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Part of a Spin off series, Review, Shifters, Vampire, WOTR Event, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR19 #NewRelease #SpinOffSeries #Review #Paranormal – Uprising: Dark Horizons 1 (Eternally Mated Book 7) by Valerie Twombly

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Uprising: Dark Horizons 1 (Eternally Mated Book 7)

“We can’t fight evolution, only ride it out and hope the ending is in our favor.” Ryder Mattis

As a former Navy Seal, beating the odds is something Ryder excels at. However, the world has changed and his transformation into a vampire gives survival a whole new meaning. If that isn’t enough to ruin his life, a plague unleashes utter destruction on humanity. He knows he has what it takes to protect those who survive even if they don’t like his rules. What he doesn’t count on is a female with stormy eyes and a will to live getting under his skin.

Kayla has lost everyone she loves to the red death. Surviving the plague is one thing, but a vow made to her dying father puts her under the protection of a predator. Surprised at how her body reacts to Ryder when he feeds, she has a hard choice to make. But when tragedy strikes and forces the vampire to give her his blood, she morphs into something no one could ever predict.

The new world doesn’t come with a handbook and when fate brands them as potential mates, they are not prepared. They can either battle each other, or band together in a fight for survival. The future holds no guarantees, but being alone might be worse than death.

This is a spin-off series and can be read as a standalone or, with the Eternally Mated series.


Goodreads


I received this book from the author for an honest review.

I know I saw this every time I read a paranormal but It’s my JAM!!!  I love love love me some paranormal.  I love shifters, vampires, demons, angels, and all the possible additions to a storyline.  This book, which is a spin off series, was just what I needed and loved.

I am going to start by saying I have NOT read the Eternally Mated series.  However, I will be rectifying that soon.  I did not feel I missed anything or was lost at any point of the story.  I think the storyline was filled in during this book about what happened in the other series.  SHEW right!!!!

So this book is taking place during the end of the world essentially.  Ryder and his group of Navy Seals are set to protect the last few remaining humans to help repopulate the world after The Red Death has destroyed everyone. He is one of the original vampires and he has turned a few of his trusted men into vampires to help get the job done.  He only asks that females who do stay with them, help feed his men to keep them alive.  Pretty decent trade off…surviving death for a few sips of your blood right???

Ryder is getting ready to leave when a sassy, pink haired beauty who is also a pain in his ass shows up and informs him he needs to protect her.  Seems Ryder and her dad were Navy buddies.  From the start of Kayla and Ryder meeting, the sparks and chemistry sizzle!!  I mean they are so hilariously attracted and annoyed by the other it makes for great reading.

Kayla has lost everyone and is bound and determined to make it to this Ryder guy for protection.  She surely did not plan on the attraction to the alpha male and his over the top protection of her.

Kayla and Ryder plus another couple soon find a strange mark that they have no clue what it means.  Kayla and another soon find out they too have another secret about why they have survived the Red Death when everyone else has died.

On top of all the couple drama, we are dealing with rogue vampires, gross looking demons running amuck annnnd the portal to hell being opened to rid the Earth of humans in general….Yup LOTS happening in the story!!!

I can not wait to read the next story but I will be trying to get the other 6 books of the other series read ASAP too.

Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper.

When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German Shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.

Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers. She is also the founder of Sexy Scribblers, a group of romance writers who bring readers new and fresh stories every month.

Apocalyptic, Throwback Review, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR19 #ThrowbackReview – Persuading Tomorrow by Jennifer Laslie

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Persuading Tomorrow

When the unimaginable happens and Jordan loses her best friend on the night she had planned to tell him her feelings, it leaves her to wonder if she’s the guilty party, but her memories of that night are fuzzy. In an attempt to leave her past and the hateful stares of her peers behind, she moves across the country to live with her mother in Esterwilde, Pennsylvania. It’s a small close-knit town, but there no one should know about her past, or so she thought.

When Zyler runs into the new girl in town he can’t help but feel a connection, but he also knows her past harbors a horrible secret. He’s heard the rumors, but doesn’t believe them. Seeing Jordan in pain kills him and all he wants to do is take it away.

Jordan soon realizes that no matter what she does she’s not going to be able to outrun her past. Can Zyler show her that despite the hate and ignorance in the world that life is still worth living? Will she ever figure out the truth about the night that took away her best friend?

Goodreads

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

This book is about the pain that Jordan is dealing with after the death of her best friend. She feels the guilt and loss of him plus blames herself for his death after a night of partying. She can’t take it and so she moves across country to stay with her mom. Between the guilt, depression and whispers from the kids at her school she needed a fresh start.

Poor Jordan can’t catch a break because once she shows up at her new school it seems they too know her secrets. However, one boy, Zyler, doesn’t care and wants to get to know the new girl no matter what.

I think the book does a good job with the emotions Jordan is dealing with and in scene really delves into why teens would think death is easier than life. I loved Zyler and his positive force in Jordan’s life. I also loved that even though he has major troubles he is willing to always remain optimistic in life. He is kinda the ying to her yang.

The books has a villain we totally hate but it also shows the “other side” of the bully. The girl’s why’s for her horrible treatment of Jordan. We can see how teenagers are so focused on themselves to see what other people maybe dealing with.

I liked the little mystery thrown into the book and there is a cliffy at the end but I am a fan of cliffys so it doesn’t make me mad. It makes me wanna know what happens to the Jordan and Zyler.

Jennifer Laslie is a crazy cat lady who lives in Louisville, KY with her wonderful husband and two children. When she’s not thinking about cheesecake or cats, she can be found in the bookstore in the Young Adult section, coffee in hand.

Apocalyptic, Zombie

#review #Zombies – Lone Survivor: An After Zombie Tale of Love & Survival (Last of Us Book 1) by Nikki Landis

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Lone Survivor

Zombies!

The world has gone to shit and the zombie apocalypse is now responsible for wiping out humanity.

One girl believes she’s all alone and the world’s last hope for survival . . . but is she the key, a threat, or something else entirely?

*** Book 1 of a new series, contains mature content ***

Goodreads

I received this book from the author for an honest review.

Zombies make my heart so happy.  When my blog got a request to share this books release, I was super excited and reached out to ask for a review copy.  OMG am I so happy I did.  This book hits all my zombie book expectations…..Zombie encounters, feisty heroine, alpha hero, and plot twists and turns galore!  Man was I loving it and unable to put it down!!!

Our heroine, Bailee, is alone after the world went to crap for a year exactly when she stumbles into the hands of the local military group (and uber alpha bossy Sawyer) during a failed scavenger mission.  The men know a secret about Bailee, but Sawyer is kinda interested in our feisty girl and wont follow orders just yet to turn her over to the main operations.

We see a lot of push and pull between Saw and Bailee which creates a lot of chemistry!!!  But what also is amazing to read, the ZOMBIE ATTACKS!! Yes folks there are a lot of zombies in the book and many different kinds of zombies….this totally made my heart happy.  We’ve got slow zombies. We’ve got fast zombies.  We’ve got tracker zombies!!?  Yikes!!

The books momentum and flow were great for reading.  I mean the group was always under attack or in conflict, so it was very fast paced, and action packed!!

My ONLY issue with the book….it seems to flip from 3rd POV to 1st POV through the story.  At first, I thought I was a weirdo and reading it wrong, but I found it a few times in the story.  I am not a fan of 3rd POV so it took me out of the reading element and then it would drop you back in to 1st POV.  Honestly this small issue will not stop me from reading the other books in the continuing series because after the way the story ended I NEED to know what happens to our team of misfits.

Nikki Landis is the award-winning & Amazon bestselling reverse harem, paranormal, and sci-fi author of over 30 romance and erotica novels. Her recent release Refugee Road is the Gold Medal winner of the 2017 IPPY award for Best Romance/Erotica. Her stories have all heat levels so you’re sure to find something you love. Nikki grew up sneaking her mother’s ‘bodice rippers’ and falling in love with the stories. Now she enjoys writing her own as well as reading and reviewing on her blog with a couple of like minded friends, the Picky Bitches Book Blog.

 

Apocalyptic, Dark Humor, Dark Romance, Dystopian, F/F, M/F/F, M/F/M, M/M, M/M/F, New Release, Part of a Series, Review, Suspense, Thriller

#NewRelease – #Review – Beacons in the End (The End Saga #3) by C.L. Zelle

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Beacons in the End (The End Saga #3)

 

Book Three in the Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Epic The End Saga.

I’m alive.
Gideon’s out there somewhere with Missy, looking for me. The monsters are evolving, but we are, too. We’ve come so far, survived the miraculous, defeated the evils that have tried to keep us from each other, and we’ll do it again.
We’re alive, and that’s a good start.
Strange, how finding each other in a dead world full of rabid predators with no cell service is the easy part. The hard part is what comes after. What will happen now that Gideon knows my truths? What will happen when he tells me his? Will we get our second chance? Will we have our happily ever after?
Things won’t be perfect when we reunite, we’ll have obstacles to overcome. But I believe in Gideon, I believe in us. We’ve found each other in this world twice before, and we will again. I just hope we can figure out what to do . . . next. To make things right again.

* * *

I won the first round, but this game isn’t over yet—it’s only just begun. There’s a stopwatch ticking somewhere, and the cool barrel of a nine against my temple says it’s go-time, there’s no backing down now.
It’s too quiet—as if somebody set the world on “peaceful” mode for a while. But I know better than to get too comfortable. There’s always been more to Vine’s games than meets the eye.
Time to level-up.
L1: Keep Missy safe
L2: Find Grace
L3: Protect the people I love
L4: Get that plane and get the f*ck out of Dodge
L5: Heal mankind
All in a day’s work on the Bright Side, right?

*****

This is the third book in The End Saga. This series will appeal to those who don’t mind some diverse adult content in their reading. Due to certain triggers, this series may not be suitable for everyone, and is advised for ages 18 and up.

 

Goodreads

 

“To know who you are now, you have to remember how you became.” THIS!!! This is the perfect line for this book! This is the perfect line for life! This series is EPIC! The author writes very passionately, heartfelt and super fierce. This isn’t a zombie book. This is so much more! Every emotion whether it is something funny, scary, amorous….every single emotion is felt down to your core. Oh the feels!!!! Be prepared because it is beautiful and gritty and pure raw! Intense just does not do this book…or the series….justice.

Both of our groups are now on the run. Both groups have taken on others to care for…a lot of children! Now they are racing for survival. Grace and Logan are with one group and Gideon is with the other group. Grace and Gideon are so in sync that they just know exactly how to send the beacon to each other. Here is your spoiler….yes, the groups find each other. But they don’t find each other without some crazy scary situations ahead of them. Grace and Gideon were made for each other but they both have indiscretions that they don’t think the other will forgive them for. Nothing is perfect but this is The End afterall. Does everything have to be the same as before. The monsters are evolving, why can’t they? “How do you choose the correct answers when there aren’t any?” The whole crew is faced with many obstacles with which most involve themselves. But every single character is complex, strong and beautifully flawed. All of the characters are finding themselves again and it is absolutely breathtaking watching it unfold. Oh and did I mention all the hawtness?!?! Cuz guess what?! It’s super sexy in all the right places!!! So buckle up biotches cuz it’s time for another wild ride!!!

Bravo CL Zelle!!!! You rocked this! P.S. This is at the top of my favorite series ever!!!!

 

 

 

C.L. Zelle

Christina L. Rozelle is the author of the bestselling YA Dystopian Scifi series, The Treemakers Trilogy, which includes her groundbreaking debut, “The Treemakers,” and its sequels, “The Soultakers,” and “The Seeker’s Keys.” Hailed for its strong, believable, and relatable characters, original and complex plotting, and phenomenal world-building, The Treemakers Trilogy appeals to lovers of dystopian literature who are looking for something refreshing and new.

Christina also writes adult post-apocalyptic dystopian under the nom de plume C.L. Zelle, with her first foray into the adult world, The End Saga (formerly The Night Blind Saga) releasing this year. Books one and two, “Willows in the End,” and, “Ravens in the End,” are now available, and book three, “Beacons in the End” releases Nov. 21, 2018. Proving to be quite the polarizing series, Rozelle shows her true prowess as a teller of tales with this no-holds-barred approach to a popular genre, showcasing her ability to evoke powerful emotions from her readers, be they positive or negative. She says, “as long as they’re thinking and feeling, my work here is done.”

When asked if she had plans to pull back on those wild reigns of her dark NA world, she just giggled, scrolling through her impressive backlog. Though she may not go any darker than this series, she says she’s created a lot of “wiggle room” between the YA world of The Treemakers, and the dark and taboo world of Grace and company, and she plans to fully employ every bit of that space (though, admittedly, she’s terrible at coloring inside the lines).

Rozelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Rozelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope–a light in the dark–as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

Though her wanderlust calls her to a nomadic life of traveling the world in planes, trains, ships, and RVs, Christina currently resides in a small town in Texas, USA, with her four wonderful children and a bunch of furbabies, where she’s blessed to be able to do what she loves every day.

If you’d like to stay in touch, and get up-to-date info on new releases, as well as giveaways and promotions, sign up for her mailing lists: (Adult works) C.L. Zelle’s Dark Army: https://www.subscribepage.com/CLZellesDarkArmy (YA works) The Rozelle Army: http://bit.ly/RozelleArmy

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, please “hug” Christina by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon.

For more information, and to check out Christina’s books, follow the links below:
Website: http://christinalrozelle.com/
Rozelle’s YA Reader Fan Group: http://bit.ly/RozellesYAReaders
Christina L. Rozelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLRozelleFBpage
C.L. Zelle’s Reader Lounge: http://bit.ly/CLZellesReaderLounge
C.L. Zelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLZellesFBpage
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CLRTweet
Instagram: christina.l.rozelle
Spotify: http://bit.ly/CLRoZelleonSpotify

Apocalyptic, New Release, Review, Writers on the River Attending Author, Zombie

#WOTR19 – #Review – Uppercase (The F*cked Series Book 1) by R.K. Gleason

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Uppercase (The F*cked Series Book 1)

 

There have been countless theories about how to survive a zombie outbreak. All of them based on impossibilities and conjecture turned into fantasies and science fiction. No one truly needed to prepare themselves, because no one believed it could ever really happen…

But now, Dave and Pam Richter are trapped in the impossible.

Forced to race against the spread of a rabid plague from a source no one suspected, and those ordered to contain and destroy it.

Playing dead has taken on a chilling new meaning.

 

Goodreads

 

If you are tired of the same old zombie apoc story then this is the book for you!  Soooooo much better! R.K. Gleason is a newer author for me but I am hooked. He has a way with dropping the F Bomb a lot, using a bunch of hilarious banter in a story, adding a ton of gore…AND IT WORKS!!!! And when I seen this book….well I dove in head first! What do you do when you get in an UPPERCASE situation? Well the world as we know it is going to hell in a handbasket. By chapter two I was laughing so hard at the banter between Dave and Pam. These are the two main characters and we get to know them pretty well at the beginning. They are a freaking riot! There is an outbreak and everyone is trying to get a grasp on what is going on. Dave decides they need to get the hell out of dodge and he and Pam start gathering their adult kids so that they can get out of the state before the military comes in and closes them off. We know how we all are these days with technology and how easily we can get swayed from the bigger picture. But the way Dave and Pam get everyone together just works. We get to follow them on their trek and the craziness that gets in their way. This does end in a cliffhanger but rest assured….there will be more!!!! I am anxiously awaiting the next in this series. UPPERCASE is a fast read that you will not put down. YOU NEED TO READ THIS NOW!!!!

 

 

 

R.K. Gleason

I was born high in the Andes and raised by a band of wandering gypsies. At the ripe old age of 7, I struck out on my own, dabbling in the arts of alchemy and personal financing. Neither of the trades paid off. At 13 I became the personal juggler for Stephen King, but alas, that didn’t last long either. Since then, I’ve wandered aimlessly through life and this planet, stopping along the way to help people and smite the wicked.

A little while ago I decided to try my hand at writing. I published The True Death series independently for The True Death and The Vengeful Death but was recently picked up and published by Love N Books.

Apocalyptic, Fantasy, New Release, Paranormal

#Review – Jinn (The Immortalem Series Book 1) by Jessica Cage

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Jinn (The Immortalem Series Book 1)

 

In a post-apocalyptic world, the earth is divided.

Magical creatures rule the lands, and the strongest are about to be challenged.

For centuries, Jinn has watched from afar as dragons, fairies, vampires, and witches, fought to claim a part of the world as their own. Afraid that he would join with an opposing force, no one disputed his neutral stance.

An old friend presents Jinn with an offer he can’t refuse. The love he thought he’d lost forever is still alive, and he has the map to her location.

Mike wants his people freed from the slums and Jinn has the power to make that happen. In return for his aid, Mike will lead the quest into the darkest corner of the earth to find her.

With a new player on the field, everyone is on edge and for good reason. Jinn will go to hell and back for the woman he loves, and he’ll destroy anyone who gets in his way.

 

Goodreads

 

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Well, that was not what I expected! I really can’t wait for the sequel to Jinn! The story moved along a little on the slow side for me at first but I think it was needed for world building and to really get a good grasp of what kind of person Jinn really is, supernaturally and his human nature. But after it picked up, there was no way I could put this down. I WAS STUCK! As you read from the synopsis Jinn has stayed neutral in the war but there is a woman that he lost a very long time ago. He would go to the ends of the earth for her. When there is a chance that she is still alive he makes a choice to take sides to aid an old friend and try to bring the different supernatural species together in exchange for information on her location. But many of these supernatural beings are extremely scared of what Jinn just may do if he cannot find the love of his life. The journey that Jinn and his rag-tag crew go on is very eye opening, not only for the beings in the story but can also give you some perspective of every day life in the real world. All of the characters are a little different and the banter between them all keeps the story light and entertaining. There are some major twists and turns nearing the end of the book. And the ending….well, I’m gonna have to let you get to that point. Kudos to Jessica Cage! I am looking forward continuing Jinn’s journey!

 

Amazon

BookBub

 

Jessica Cage

Award winning and USA Today Bestselling author, Jessica Cage was born and raised in Chicago, IL. Writing has always been a passion for her. She dabbles in artistic creations of all sorts but at the end of the day, it’s the pen that her hand itches to hold. Jessica had never considered following her dream to be a writer because she was told far too often “There is no money in writing.” So she chose the path most often traveled. During pregnancy, she asked herself an important question. How would she be able to inspire her unborn son to follow his dreams and reach for the stars, if she never had the guts to do it herself? Jessica decided to take a risk and unleash the plethora of characters and their crazy adventurous worlds that had previously existed only in her mind, into the realm of readers. She did this with hopes to inspire not only her son but herself. Inviting the world to tag along on her journey to become the writer she has always wanted to be. She hopes to continue writing and bringing her signature Caged Fantasies to readers everywhere.

Apocalyptic, Coming of Age, Dystopian, Fantasy, New Release, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller, YA

#New Release – #Review – Gen One by Amy Bartelloni

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Gen One

 

Generations after robots conquered Earth, the remaining population survives in the ash of their defeat. Within their walls in Authority City, bots test and develop super soldiers. Rumors of horrible experiments are enough to keep humans in line. At least, most humans.

Eighteen-year-old Delilah O’Connor scavenges the ruins with her friend Zane, and Gen, a generation one bot they repaired off the grid. Gen’s curiosity gives Delilah hope for the future, but not enough hope to go against the Authority. She finds Zane’s dreams of a human resistance pointless, and it’s enough to keep their on-and-off relationship mostly off.

When they discover two dead guards in a shady trading stop known as the Banks, everything changes. Framed for the murders and pursued by Authority bots, Zane takes Delilah to the only safe space he knows—the headquarters for the Human Coalition. Even there Zane isn’t safe. When he’s captured, Delilah and Gen must join an unlikely alliance of bot and human to go in to Authority City and save him before he becomes another casualty. Things in Authority City aren’t as they seem, they’re worse. And Delilah might lose more than her friend within its walls.

 

Goodreads

 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

“Sometimes you had to get dirty to survive. It was a trick she’d learned in the Banks.” This is a post apoc thriller full of the human spirit along with super bots that may have souls. Delilah’s life goes from a life of plain grimness scavenging in the outer lying areas with her best friends Zane and Gen (a generation one bot) to being an outlaw with everyone trying to kill her. Her life just went from one extreme to the next. After she and Zane find a couple of bodies that were murdered she is abruptly brought into the life of the human coalition and once she is in and understands what they are fighting for she has no other desire but to join them after Zane has been taken. Zane has been trying to protect her and not have her get in the middle of the fighting between the humans and the bots but now that she is in she comes to the realization that this is bigger than her and she must fight to help save humanity for the humans and bots alike. She has come to realize that some of the bots may have souls as she sees this with Gen everyday with her curious nature and human feelings. Not all bots are bad. Delilah has a dormant strength that comes out in full force as she is forced to decide what the right thing to do is. She goes from being fragile and needing protection to being a brave and fearless protector. The transformation was amazing! There is tons of action as they have to infiltrate Authority City where the bots reside and maintain the rule over humans. As they are basically planning a suicide mission they have to get as much intel as possible. As more of the plan comes forth she finds that more people are involved than she ever thought they would. It is so full of twists and turns that you absolutely have to keep reading just to get to the next part and find out what else is going to happen. I can’t tell you any more about the actual story because I don’t want to give anything away but the plot twist is INSANE!

 

The author does an amazing job with the world building and character building as well. This is one of those stories that you can’t help but being able to feel like you are there right in the middle of the action. You start to feel like you really know the characters and that they are real.  The emotions run strong and are heartfelt. The story is rather mind-boggling and a little scary (in a good way) because it makes you think about all of the what-ifs as our technology advances….just something to think about, haha! The end of the story is set up perfectly for a second book. Amy Bartelloni is a new author for me and she has me hooked! I can’t wait to see what happens next. Bravo!

 

Amazon

 

Amy Bartelloni


Amy Bartelloni is a reader, writer, & coffee addict who lives with her husband, 3 children, and various animals in the northeast US. When she’s not playing mom-taxi, you can find her with her nose in a book or her head in the clouds. A people watcher and science fiction junkie, she still believes dreams can come true. Some of her favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Jasper Fforde, Paulo Coelho, and Stephen King.

Apocalyptic, Dark Dark and more Dark, Dystopian, Fantasy, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Thriller, Urban Fantasy/Urban Fiction, Zombie

#Review – Ravens in the End: Book Two in the Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Epic (The End Saga – 2) by C.L. Zelle

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Ravens in the End: Book Two in the Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Epic (The End Saga - 2)

Sex, power, control, Yes—that’s the name of the game now.

Or, wait—maybe it’s always been that. But is this what Vine had in mind when he conned billions into injecting his lies? Was this end game part of his master plan all along? Now, the whole world is his, and it was way too easy. He’s the liar’s liar, the ultimate gamemaker, the grand wizard behind the curtain that would snuff the light of the world out in a single day.

And I helped him do it.

My name is Gideon Tyler, and I’m a liar, too. But it’s not who I am anymore. I once believed love made a man weak, but my love for Grace makes me strong in ways I’m not used to. Strong enough to break free from the compliance; strong enough to be defiant. Strong enough to risk my life for what’s right, despite who I was before, and the mistakes I’ve made.

But dying isn’t on the agenda today.

I have unfinished business to attend to. I wanted to tell Grace the truths of my past because I love her, but she’s already so damn wounded. How could I hurt her more? I didn’t want to . . . But it’s too late now. My lies caught up with us, took me away from her, and now she’s alone out there, and in more danger than she realizes. The undead are the least of her worries—as screwed up as that is. They’re saints compared to these monsters. But I’ll do what it takes to save her, my songbird, my phoenix. I’ll keep her safe. I’ll wear the mask of a monster, the man I was before, make them believe I’m compliant, reformed, I’ll tell more lies.

I’ll put a stop to their games once and for all, and we’ll survive, fly free from the depths of this hell. We’ll find each other in the dark again, because love is our light, our strength, and it’s strong enough to win this game. . .
in the end.

* * * * *

This is the second book in The End Saga (formerly The Night Blind Saga). If you read the books formerly titled Dysphoria and Grace, Murray’s Law, and Tunnels and Planes, then this would be the next installment of the story for you. Those three books have now been combined into one full story, which is the new first book of the series, titled “Willows in the End.” This series will appeal to those who don’t mind some diverse adult content in their reading. Due to certain triggers, this series may not be suitable for everyone, and is advised for ages 18 and up.

 

Goodreads

 

The truth? You can’t handle the truth! The games have begun! I honestly can’t tell you if I liked Willows in the End or Ravens in the End better. They are soooooo different and soooooo incredible! I mean honestly, sometimes sequels can’t live up to the originals but Ravens is standing tall!

Willows was the story told from Grace’s point of view. Ravens is Gideon’s point of view. Ravens starts right where Gideon and Grace were ambushed at the church and Gideon was taken. A LOT of questions about Gideon are answered in this installment and boy you better hold on because he has been through the ringer. You will see a side of Gideon that is going to piss you off and another part that is going to have you rooting for him right to the very end. In Willows we know that Gideon was closed off about his past, not necessarily telling lies but definitely omitting information. In Ravens he is placed right back into his own personal hell. Here he will have to continue the charade of the old Gideon with more lies and acting. He has a lot of turmoil because, even though he knows some of his actions and words are lies, they are coming way too easy to him. Almost as if he doesn’t trust himself with the truth. But one thing that Gideon does know is that he has to find Grace. He has to find the woman that made him want to live again. Here is the only spoiler that I will give. He does find Grace and has to watch her make some really difficult decisions. But when I say he finds her, that is really all he does. He can’t actually get to her….yet. He has had to make some very difficult decisions as well and you will see why, more than ever, they need to find each other.

The End Saga is very raw. It’s full of turmoil and twisted emotions. Along with the characters dealing with the virus that has given us the zombies they also have to deal with the actual human villain that uses his brain and his own crazy logic to justify what is being done to all these children and women. The End Saga is super intense, very emotional, and beautifully raw. An absolute must read!

 

 

 

Christina L. Rozelle

Christina L. Rozelle is the author of the bestselling YA Dystopian Scifi series, The Treemakers Trilogy, which includes her groundbreaking debut, “The Treemakers,” and its sequels, “The Soultakers,” and “The Seeker’s Keys.” Hailed for its strong, believable, and relatable characters, original and complex plotting, and phenomenal world-building, The Treemakers Trilogy appeals to lovers of dystopian literature who are looking for something refreshing and new. Christina also writes adult post-apocalyptic dystopian under the nom de plume C.L. Zelle, with The End Saga (formerly The Night Blind Saga) as her first foray into the adult world.

Rozelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Rozelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope—a light in the dark—as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

Though her wanderlust calls her to a nomadic life of traveling the world in planes, trains, ships, and RVs, Christina happily resides in a small town in Texas, USA, with her four wonderful children, three rescue kitties, and a rescue puppy, where she’s blessed to be able to do what she loves every day.

If you’d like to stay in touch, and get up-to-date info on new releases, as well as giveaways and promotions, sign up for her mailing lists:
(Adult works) C.L. Zelle’s Dark Army: http://bit.ly/CLZellesDarkArmy
(YA works) The Rozelle Army: http://bit.ly/RozelleArmy

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, please “hug” Christina by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon: Amazon: http://bit.ly/CLRoZelleonAmazon

For more information, check out the links below:
Website: http://christinalrozelle.com/
Rozelle’s YA Reader Fan Group: http://bit.ly/RozellesYAReaders
Christina L. Rozelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLRozelleFBpage
C.L. Zelle’s Reader Lounge: http://bit.ly/CLZellesReaderLounge
C.L. Zelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLZellesFBpage
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CLRTweet
Instagram: christina.l.rozelle
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Apocalyptic, Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci Fi

#Review – Monsterland Reanimated by Michael Okon

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Monsterland Reanimated

 

After Monsterland has been destroyed, the entire world is thrown into chaos. Wyatt Baldwin and his friends must go beyond the boundaries of their small town to reestablish contact with the outside world. During their journey they discover a new threat released from the bowels of the defunct theme park. The danger of werewolves, vampires and zombies pale in comparison to an army of relentless mummies, Vincent Conrad’s reanimated monster and the menace of a life-sucking ooze they call The Glob.  Wil Wyatt and his friends survive when they reenter the scariest place on earth?

 

Goodreads

 

Just when you thought the world couldn’t get any worse than Monsterland…well, Friday the 13th rolls around and we are faced with the aftermath of Vincent Conrad’s craziness that was Monsterland! Evil is as evil does. Nothing will be the same. All the monsters were let loose and exterminated. The army has left the area and people are trying to deal with the aftermath of losing many loved ones. Wyatt and his friends are set on a task to try and establish contact and to find out what is going on outside of Copper Valley. He and his friends find that they have to grow up rather fast as they are faced with monsters of the human variety. One of my favorite parts is that he finds Melvin!!!! I will say no more as to his role in all of this but it was very exciting for me. J This rag tag group of teens face the Glob and slowly but surely figures out what is going on while joining up with another group that is going back to Monsterland to try and stop what is being re-started. Now we have mummies and Area 51 to deal with along with a re-animated Vincent Conrad. Some parts felt a little far-fetched to me with the introduction of some characters/monsters but it all fits into place at the end. With so many other “monsters” coming out in this installment I can’t wait to continue Wyatt’s journey after Monsterland Reanimated!

 

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Michael Okon

Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.