Skeleton Crew (Underworld Cycle, #2) by Cameron Haley

Introduction: Just like what I said in my FB page, I'm pretty much a sucker for Zombies. So when I read the overview, I grabbed this book and plunged into reading-manic. Then I realized its already book 2. So I spent a lot of times trying to locate the first book... but to no success. So anyway, I skipped book 1... and turns out it ain't that much of a miss. Which is a good thing coz I do believe that in a series - despite the stories being interrelated - each book must be stand alone. But I would really love to read it to understand this whole magic and underworld thing more.

Overview: Bodies are hitting the pavement in L.A. like they always do, but this time they're getting right back up, death be damned. My mobbed-up outfit of magicians may be the strongest in the city, but even they aren't immune to the living dead.

And I've yet to develop a resistance to Adan Rashan.

If I don't team up with the boss's son, we won't just be at each other's throats over control of the outfit. We'll be craving hearts and brains, as well.

Because as long as this nasty spirit from the Between is stopping souls from finding peace, I'm facing the biggest supernatural crisis to ever hit the City of Angels.

Zombies, it's time you feared me.
  
My Opinion: When I started turning the pages of this book, at first I was a little lost with all this magic lingo, all this juice and outfits and world rules, and then Domino's thing with Adan - who by the way I find mysteriously charming. But slowly yet surely, as soon as I got the hang of it, I began to be drawn to this very exciting world of magic, demons, fairies, and yeah - zombies. Now Zombies here are different - yes they still want to eat people, but they can still think and act normal. Often times they dont know they are dead until this uncontrollable urge to eat people hits them. Its a totally new twist for me, and I liked it.

This story, though, revolved mainly on Domino. Everything always seems to get back to her - like most of the characters are just there to ensure that she'll be the heroine we all expect her to be at the end of the day. Although its a good thing coz it makes the readers' empathy focused on one person only - it made me feel like the rest of the characters lack identity. But maybe coz it has already been established in the first book? See now I really must get my hand on that book.  

The ending is a little surprising. I dont know whether Cameron is highlighting some culture's practice or tradition - but the story when the husband must leave and wander in the wild while the wife raise their child on her own - it sounds a little too stereotyped for me. I strongly believe that when a couple gets married, its either they wander together exploring the world - or they settle down and raise a family. That's why its called tying the knot, right? Oh ignore me - just another attack of the romantic side of me. Haha. Nonetheless, I do like the ending. It leaves me with something to hope for for Domino and Adan.

Overall, this has been a very exciting read for me. Its like a non-stop action that'll keep you wanting to turn the pages faster to know what'll happen next. I like Domino's character - a little bad-ass, a little softie - very likable. I like the story, very unique with its highly interesting magic system. And the plot is anything but boring! This, indeed, is another urban fantasy book that I would highly recommend.

My Rating:

Breakfast In Bed by Eleanor Moran

Introduction: I kinda like the title of this book... oh, the hopeless romantic in me. Haha. Well, I honestly didn't know what to expect when I started reading. All I knew was that Amber will be torn between someone from her past, and someone she can actually share a future with. So there I go... reading this book... which took me forever to finish... and its not really a good thing.

Overview: TAKE ONE NEWLY SINGLE WOMAN: At 31, Amber is being bombarded with wedding invitations just as she's collecting her divorce papers - and her bossy best friend has gone one step further and made her chief bridesmaid. It's high time Amber regained control of her life - so she goes after the career she's always dreamed of as a top chef.

ADD A PASSIONATE AND FIERY CELEBRITY COOK: Amber's joy at landing herself a coveted role in Oscar Retford's kitchen soon fades as she discovers Oscar is as famous for his furious temper and addiction to firing people as he is for the legendary meals he creates.

TURN UP THE HEAT: Keen to keep herself out of the firing line, and to avoid thinking about why her marriage crashed and burned, Amber throws herself into her job. But as passions start to run high, and her past catches up with her, it looks like Amber's cooked up a recipe for disaster.

My Opinion: As I was reading this book, I keep having this urge to stop and give up. Not that I dont like the story... but coz... well... I dont like how the story is progressing. It was okay until I realized everything is just so predictable. Predictable in a sense that its either a cliche or something overrated. Oscar - the chef with a deadly charm but with a temper that can blow the chili out of his kitchen. Milly - the bestfriend whose rich beyond imaginable and doesn't know what to do with her money. Dom - the philandering husband who blame it all on the wife for not having enough time to be around. Lydia (Oscar's wife) - the exact definition of vogue woman. And etc. 

So what made me continue?... Its because there are things intriguing enough for me - like is Oscar really sincere? What's the deal with him and the wife? Is Dom really a lying prick? And as I was looking for this answers, I came across the scene when one of Amber's friend Marsha is having her engagement party - when Marsha acknowledging her efforts, and Milly helping out in the kitchen, and then there's Dom making things a little easier for her despite the pressure. So when Amber said... "I love my friends"... at least that part, I sincerely felt. And after that, I soften up a little... that when Amber was conversing with her mom about what happened to them and why they ended up distant to each other... I actually cried. Also, I like the kitchen setting. I can honestly feel the tension - makes me hungry. Lol.

Anyway, in my opinion, I think the ending is what saved the book. Although it ain't perfect (like what the hell - Milly and Oscar?)... but its believable. Its not the ending we would all like - but its a hopeful one. Its a leap of faith, trusting in a love that we once believed upon. Being in a relationship is not easy - and it will never be perfect - but if we pick up lessons from all the mistakes (whether the ones we did or the ones done to us) - we'll be okay. And that's what this book's ending has taught me. :)


My Rating: 

Eat Slay Love (Living with the Dead #3) by Jesse Petersen

Introduction: After my very disappointing encounter with Books 1 and 2... I must really love Zombies enough to subject myself to Book 3. So, after I equipped myself with lots and lots of patience - and having blocked any memory of the first 2 books - I'm now ready to get my brains blown up with frustrations. But... surprise... surprise!

Overview: Sarah and David have survived the zombie apocalypse. They stood side by side and fought the undead, mad scientists, and even bionic monsters until the unthinkable happened. A zombie bite. But not even that could stop them. Now, with a possible cure in hand, they're headed east, looking for a safe zone behind the rumored "Wall." They're feeling pretty optimistic.

That is until Dave stops sleeping and starts lifting huge objects.

My Opinion: And here comes the redemption, just in time before I totally despise this series! I love the connection there is now between David and Sarah. I also love that this book isn't all about Sarah anymore and her annoying heroine boost that's just simply too much at times. The plot has improved so much compared to the first books - Yes, zombies still need their daily doze of braaains, there are still crazy survivors, and some less crazy ones. But I like the new additions - like Nicole and her bitchy character - who kinda surprised me with her transformation in the end. I even like the druggie rock star McCray who despite having short focus span actually has a potential to be the hero of the day. Everything became so interesting all of a sudden - especially now that David has acquired some zombie powers and Sarah became more tuned-in to reality.  

For me, and this is my personal opinion only, forget about the first 2 books. You wont miss much when you read just book 3. You surely wont miss the disappointments! ;) Anyway, kudos to Petersen for this nicely wrapped-up story with a truly engaging plot and more interesting characters narrated in a hilarious and witty manner. Oh and, cute cover - atleast that one's consistent! ;)

My Rating: