Audiobook Review: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black

Title: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
Author(s): Holly Black
Genre(s): Horror, Paranormal, Vampires, Young Adult
Publisher/Date: Little Brown Books for Young Readers / September 3, 2013
Series: Stand Alone

“We all wind up drawn to what we're afraid of, drawn to try to find a way to make ourselves safe from a thing by crawling inside of it, by loving it, by becoming it.” -Tana

Case Study

Tana lives in a world where walled cities called Coldtowns exist. In them, quarantined monsters and humans mingle in a decadently bloody mix of predator and prey. The only problem is, once you pass through Coldtown’s gates, you can never leave. 

One morning, after a perfectly ordinary party, Tana wakes up surrounded by corpses. The only other survivors of this massacre are her exasperatingly endearing ex-boyfriend, infected and on the edge, and a mysterious boy burdened with a terrible secret. Shaken and determined, Tana enters a race against the clock to save the three of them the only way she knows how: by going straight to the wicked, opulent heart of Coldtown itself. (synopsis from Goodreads)

The Game's Afoot

First, I'd like to thank my awesomesauce book club for picking this book. Secondly, I'd like to thank Holly Black for making me fall in love with vampires again. Seriously. This book rocks!  

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown is a richly imagined story and Black doesn't skimp on the macabre details, the scintillating danger or the gore. In this world, vampirism is a disease, of sorts, one that can be overcome after 88 agonizing days of bloodlust. Those who are bitten are placed in Coldtowns to mingle with the infected and the undead. The problem is: once you've gone to Coldtown, it's nearly impossible to leave. Black takes classic horror and blends it with modern elements to create something that feels simultaneously familiar yet still so different. And if that's not enough, rejoice in the fact that this is a love triangle free zone! PROGRESS!

What really stuck with me was how Black made vampires scary again. These vampires are of the ruthless variety --- callous, mysterious and cruel --- they are to be feared as well as admired, and no scene illustrates that better than the opening one. Black doesn't hold back when it comes to bloody violence and the audio narration really added a little something extra to the book's creepiness. That coupled with unique death quotes at the start of each chapter, it's bound to give you the chills. The story is richly layered, giving us glimpses into multiple POV's as well as past events.

Coldtown also introduces us to some really dynamic characters, like the protagonist, Tana. Tana is the type of heroine you want to root for because she's perfectly imperfect and loyal to a fault. She's not a girl who just stands by and lets life happen. She's all about action, despite the consequences. She doesn't need to be saved, in fact, she's frequently the one doing the saving. Then there's Gavriel, beautiful, dangerous, undead Gavriel. Gavriel is a monster through and through and Black doesn't ever let you forget that. He's an old soul, centuries old, and crazy to boot. Can I just say how much I shipped Gavriel and Tana's romance! It makes sense given their tragic backgrounds and mutual understanding of what mercy is. They are bonded by tragedy, both having suffered and endured. They each struggle with inner demons and that makes them a great match.

I like how Tana kept her resolved at the end, despite the ease and lure that beckoned to her. It would've been so convenient for her to give in, but she didn't, and her strength is part of why I loved her. The ending was a bang which matched the rest of the story's intensity so well. It was quite open-ended and though part of me is pleased that this is a stand alone, the other part of me wishes to see where these characters take us next. A little adventure, a little horror and a little road trip, this book has a little of everything. Coldtown is a breath of fresh air in an, otherwise, overdone genre. First Gone Girl and now there's this. I think it's safe to say I trust my book club implicitly in choosing some really fantastic reads!

Summary Prognosis 

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown reminded me of why I loved vampire books in the first place. It's a fresh story, macabre, horrifying and equal parts enthralling. I loved the story, I loved the characters and I loved the dark mystery behind it all. And if you have the chance to listen to the audio version, I highly recommend it because the narration and the production value ups the ante on the story's creepiness. This book is sure to top my list of favourites this year, of that I have NO doubt. 

Rating: ★★★★★

Read It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
Discuss It: Goodreads | Author's Website

Mini Reviews: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble by HP Mallory & Club Monstrosity by Jesse Petersen

Title: Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble
Author(s): H.P. Mallory
Genre(s): Chick-Lit, Paranormal Romance
Publisher/Date: Self-Published / February 20, 2012
Series: Jolie Wilkins (Book #1)

Life isn't bad for psychic Jolie Wilkins. True, she doesn't have a love life to speak of, but she has a cute house in the suburbs of Los Angeles, a cat and a quirky best friend. Enter Rand Balfour, a sinfully attractive warlock who insists she's a witch and who just might turn her life upside down. Rand hires her to help him solve a mystery regarding the death of his client who also happens to be a ghost. Jolie not only uncovers the cause of the ghost's demise but, in the process, she brings him back to life! Word of Jolie’s incredible ability to bring back the dead spreads like wildfire, putting her at the top of the underworld’s most wanted list. Consequently, she finds herself at the center of a custody battle between a villainous witch, a dangerous but oh-so-sexy vampire, and her warlock boss, Rand. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Summary Prognosis

Honestly, I don't even know where to start when it comes to this book. So much to say and none of it positive. What I thought might be an entertaining blend of Beautiful Creatures meets True Blood ended up being a train wreck of shallowness, misogyny and flimsy plots. Mallory is an ineffectual storyteller in that she doesn't show us anything, instead, we're smacked in the face with every little fact/detail, so frequently that it's somewhat insulting. She lacks the subtlety and consistency that is characteristic of more seasoned writers. And for the magic in the story to be believable there has to be a set of rules in that world and in this case, there are none. Everything happens too conveniently. There are no limitations and I just wasn't buying it. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble doesn't deliver anything new in the genre. It's one of those books where you've seen it all before. 

My other big problem with this book was the characters. Every one of them is unlikeable because they're either stupid, vapid or utterly useless. Jolie, our MC, is the a-typical ordinary girl with extraordinary power who cares more about a man's looks than his actual personality. And the men, nearly every one of them is controlling, arrogant or evil. The best example of this is our main man, Rand, who stoops to using the temptation of sex in a vain attempt to control our MC. If I'm being frank, the only thing this book succeeded in doing was making me want to throw it at the wall. I bought this audiobook hoping for something craptastic --- light and fun --- instead, I got something that was TERRIBAD. So yeah. This series is not for me.

Rating: ★½  

Read It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible
Discuss It: Goodreads | Author's Website

Title: Club Monstrosity
Author(s): Jesse Petersen
Genre(s): Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Vampires
Publisher/Date: Pocket Star / April 29, 2013
Series: Monstrosity (Book #1)

Natalie’s one of Frankenstein’s creations and works in a New York City morgue. So of course she needs therapy. She and her friends—er, fellow monsters—have formed the world’s most exclusive, most dysfunctional support group. What could go wrong? Undetected in the modern world and under pressure to stay that way, Natalie Grey, Dracula, Bob the Blob, and others (including the fetching wolfman Alec) meet regularly to talk about the pressures of being infamous in the Big Apple. Topics include how long it’s been since their last sighting, how their “story” creates stereotypes they can’t fulfill, and—gasp—sometimes even their feelings. But when their pervy Invisible Man, Ellis, is killed in a manner reminiscent of the H.G. Wells novel, it’s clear someone’s discovered their existence and is down for some monster busting. Led by Natalie—and definitely not helped by Hyde’s bloodthirsty tendencies—the members of Monstofelldosis Anonymous band together for security and a little sleuthing. And maybe—maybe—if they don’t end up dead, they’ll end up friends somewhere along the way. (synopsis from Goodreads)

Summary Prognosis

I've been a long-time fan of Jesse Petersen's Living with the Dead series. Her books are some of my go-to reads --- witty, entertaining and snarky as hell --- so it was a no brainer for me to pick up Club Monstrosity. The concept of monsters in a self-help group is so great. C'mon, it's MONSTERS IN A SELF-HELP CLUB! We get to see how a Frankenstein's monster, the Blob, the Invisible Man, a mummy, Dracula, a werewolf, a swamp monster and Dr. Jekyl/Mr. Hyde are all coping in modern day America, that is, until they start being offed in the same fashion as in their horror stories. Hell yes! Where do I sign up? This book was pretty much what I expected it would be --- quick, easy and fun. While it wasn't quite as gripping as Petersen's other series, I definitely enjoyed reading it. The only real quirk that got me were the random POV swaps between two of the main characters. They occur right in the middle of scenes so it makes it difficult to discern who's speaking. Other than that, I found it to be a quirky concept with some really cool characters. While I do prefer Petersen's other books, I will definitely continue reading this series too.

Rating: ★★★

Read It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Discuss It: Goodreads | Author's Website

Book Review: Death Takes A Holiday by Jennifer Harlow

Title: Death Takes A Holiday
Author(s): Jennifer Harlow
Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher/Date: Midnight Ink Books / August 8, 2013
Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S Squad Investigation (Book #3)

"A getaway. No vampires. no dead bodies. No egos the size of China. Just me, Nana, and April shopping, talking, and drinking too many margaritas. And no men. Heaven here I come." -Bea Alexander

Warning: This review may contain spoilers concerning Mind Over Monsters & To Catch A Vampire. 

 

Case Study

A supernatural love triangle + one indecent proposal Beatrice Alexander can crush a sixty-foot snake with her mind, but she can't take any more of the drama that's tearing apart F.R.E.A.K.S. Should she give it all up -- her job as a secret agent and the possibility of a relationship with Will, the gorgeous werewolf? Bea's hoping to get it all figured out on a trip home for Christmas. But soon her hunky ex-boyfriend wants to rekindle their romance. Then, a powerful (and super hot) vampire lord offers Bea an impossible ultimatum: leave San Diego and her family forever -- or become his lover. (synopsis from Goodreads)

The Game's Afoot

You guys... I've been waiting for well over a year for this book, so the second it arrived on my doorstep I ripped through it like a kid on Christmas morning; which is funny because a good portion of the book actually takes place on Christmas morning. Natch.

After blowing through the first two books in the series, Bea and the gang have become like old friends to me. We've been through our ups and downs, shared a few laughs, indulged in some seriously swoony moments, all while kicking paranormal ass. Okay, well maybe I personally haven't kicked any paranormal ass, but I'm there to lend moral support.

Fact: I'd be about this helpful in the face of danger

I'm always a little wary as I delve deeper into a much beloved series because my expectations usually get the best of me in the end. Fortunately, this isn't the case with this one. Though there's less to be found in the action department (when compared to the first two books at least), it's quite heavy on Bea's personal development and character growth. We get to learn more about her family, friends and past which gives us more insight into why she is the way she is. As much as I love her snarkiness, it becomes evident that it's a defense measure. She's in a very vulnerable position, and at this point in the books, she's been put through the ringer. The traumatic death of one of the team members results in Bea's subsequent ostricization from the F.R.E.A.K.S. Plus, she's got two incredibly hot supernaturals vying for her affection which only makes matters worse.

Basically, the F.R.E.A.K.S. are on the verge of WWIII and it isn't pretty.

"I should be happy. Team Bea won this battle, but as Will walks away and I feel that ever-present anger wafting from him, instead I want to cry. War is hell. Especially when it's not one you want to be fighting." -Bea Alexander

So naturally, a vacation is in order. Can you blame her? You'd think that slipping back into your old life would be a piece of cake, but Bea finds out even that isn't as easy or safe as it sounds when you're a F.R.E.A.K. From deadly conspiracies to hungry trolls and the vampire mafia, Bea's time at home isn't the relaxing vacation she hoped for. And to top it all off, she's got hunky exes and vampy proposals to contend with as well. What once was a love triangle between Bea, Oliver and Will suddenly morphs into this weird love polygon. I know! But where that usually turns me off in a book, Harlow makes it work. This may or may not have something to do with a sexy Irish vampire. Just saying.

I think @jenharlowbooks is reading my mind because I do love me a sexy, well-spoken, British/Irish vamp. RAWR! #youknowwhatilike
— Nikki (@foiltheplot) August 27, 2013

Don't get me wrong, I will always root for my main man, Oliver, but Connor sure does give him a run for his money! So yeah, Bea has a lot to contend with. But despite all the drama, Bea manages to still be a bad ass. Even after being shot, chased, body broken and nearly sacrificed, she's capable of saving herself with a witty retort and all. And that's why I love these books so much --- we've got one BAMFY MC, lots of swoonage and tons of supernatural action. It really doesn't get any better than this, friends.

Summary Prognosis

I devoured Death Takes A Holiday just as quickly as i did the first two books in the series. While it isn't as high on the action, it more than makes up for it with the character development and introduction of some super sexy super freaks! If I have only one regret, it's that I didn't pace myself while reading it because I NEED MORE! If you're a fan of the paranormal genre but aren't familiar with this particular series, I highly recommend you get aboard this freaky train because IT SERIOUSLY ROCKS!


Rating:★★★★


Read It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Discuss It: Goodreads | Author's Website

Book Review: To Catch A Vampire by Jennifer Harlow

Title: To Catch A Vampire
Author(s): Jennifer Harlow
Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher/Date: Midnight Ink Books / September 8, 2012
Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S Squad Investigation (Book #2)

"Monstrously fun! Monstrously suspenseful! Monstrously good! Jennifer Harlow's debut had me laughing and gaspiing from start to finish!" -Victorial Laurie, New York Times Best-selling Author

Warning: This review may contain spoilers concerning Mind Over Monsters.

 

Case Study

Beatrice Alexander is a F.R.E.A.K. Partnering with her resident stalker, the Don Juan-esque vampire, Oliver Montrose, she’s off to solve her second case as an official member of the government’s Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals Squad. They are headed to Texas on a reconnaissance mission to investigate a coven of vampires suspected in the abduction of several humans. The only catch—Bea and Oliver are undercover posing as husband and wife. The case heats up quickly as do Oliver’s “good intentions,” leaving Bea more than a little hot and bothered. But before she can sort out her feelings, Oliver’s arch-nemesis comes a’knocking and Bea must make a very important decision which will mean the difference between life and eternal death for them both. 

The Game's Afoot 

When I read Harlow’s debut, Mind Over Monsters, I was completely blown away. Suffice it to say, it was a no brainer that I’d be back for round #2. I read To Catch A Vampire almost immediately after I finished the first and devoured it just as quickly. Harlow’s definitely found her niche and set herself apart in the urban fantasy genre with a pairing of clever humour and devilish antics. I feel like she’s really nailed Bea’s voice this time around and grown more confident in her storytelling. These books sort of remind me of the Sookie Stackhouse series only with a more likeable protagonist and a stronger story. Now we don’t see much of the other F.R.E.A.K. Squad members in this installment but it doesn’t detract from the story because Harlow amps up the tension to beyond electric.

Though Harlow initially hinted at a love connection between Will and Bea in book #1 she quickly throws us off by pairing our protagonist with the vamp in this installment. And yes, while initially I was a huge WillBea fan, I’m all about OliBea now. Wow, I’m really no good with these names, am I? You guys, this story sizzles which is to say the chemistry between Bea and Oliver is beyond hot. The tension that drives both Bea and Oliver’s relationship is stimulating and catapulted Oliver from abhorrent status to god-like in my book. Will’s a nice guy but he’s also overprotective and always underestimating our Bea. Here we’re given a deeper introspective into Oliver and his past and we quickly learn that below the suave exterior lies someone who is sweet and totally supportive. By the end, he becomes her dark angel (and mine).

I can’t say enough how much I love these characters, especially Bea. She struggles with the burdens of her gift and her job along with her weight and all the other things that a normal woman does. She feels so real, only much more funny—like the BFF you’ve always wanted! To Catch A Vampire is mostly about the dynamic relationship with Bea and Oliver but there’s no shortage of twists and turns especially when concerning the ending. Seriously, this series just keeps getting better and better. I can’t wait to see what new ride Harlow has in store for us for book #3! 

Summary Prognosis 

To Catch A Vampire is a more-than-worthy sequel to the F.R.E.A.K. Squad series and kept my heart (and lady-bits) pumping for more. As usual, the story is witty and funny and climactic. If you loved the first book, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this one even more!


Rating: ★★★★


Read It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Discuss It: Goodreads | Author's Website

Book Review: Mind Over Monsters by Jennifer Harlow

Title: Mind Over Monsters
Author(s): Jennifer Harlow
Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
Publisher/Date: Midnight Ink Books / October 8, 2011
Series: A F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad Investigation (Book #1)

"The most engaging detectives to face the walking dead since Scully and Mulder. Part urban fantasy, part police procedural, and entirely marvelous, monstrous fun." – Library Journal

Case Study

Beatrice Alexander isn’t your average school teacher—she’s able to move things with her mind, albeit not very well. After a series of hazardous accidents, one nearly killing her brother, she’s offered a job at the FBI. Only it’s not quite the FBI you and I know—think more like Men in Black than The Siege. Beatrice joins a special unit known as the Federal Response to Extra-Sensory and Kindred Supernaturals aka the “F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad where she will learn to master her psychokinetic abilities and combat both men and monsters alike. Her first case involves desecrated human remains, a necromancer and volatile army of the undead. With partners like a sexy former-policeman werewolf and an ego-maniacal Don Juan vamp, what could possibly go wrong? 

The Game's Afoot

Okay, when it comes to the paranormal stuff I’m a total sucker. I just can’t get enough of it! Suffice it to say, when I read the summary I knew I was in for a treat. This is the debut for Jennifer Harlow, and man, she really nailed it! Using cheeky humour paired with drama and suspense, Harlow has found a winning combination especially when contrasted against the darker nature of the urban fantasy genre. I found myself completely engrossed in the story (mind you, I love anything that has zombies in it!) and even more enthralled by the diverse cast of characters. If you’re not into horror have no fear because Harlow expertly pars down on the gore by adding in a humorous narrative and compelling protagonist. And as much as I loved this book, I felt like it took a few chapters for Harlow to really hone in on Bea’s voice. It was sort of a trial by error which is altogether not uncommon for an author’s first book. But once she found it she really rocked it out. 

As much as I loved the premise of the story, I loved the cast of characters even more. The F.R.E.A.K.S. Squad is full of all-stars! There’s a variety of personas, each one distinctly unique and ultimately loveable. Beatrice is an old-Hollywood loving, sensible yet sarcastic girl who struggles with fitting in. She’s someone who has an infallible sense of dedication despite being shunned by the people close to her. But the best thing about her is her hilarious wit! It’s easy to see why she’s so likeable. This is someone I totally want to be friends with. Then there’s Will, the gruff and tough (and super hot) werewolf. A former police-officer and defacto leader of the team, he’s as old-fashioned as they come. Bea, of course, is lusting all over the place for guy and it seems she’s caught his eye as well. And to add to the invariable love triangle there’s Oliver, the smooth-talking, second-in-charge vamp man. Arrogant and egotistical as he may be, Bea manages to lure out the softer side of the guy and he instant turns from seriously gag-worthy to swoon-worthy in all of five seconds flat! Round it out with an amazing list of paranormal side-kicks—a gothic teleporter teen, sexy pyromaniac, blind medium and shy auror—and we’ve found ourselves a kick-ass paranormal Ghostbusters, of sorts. 

Harlow has written a comical yet touching story injected with mystery and intrigue. The characters are dynamic and the chemistry between our Bea and her two supernatural studs is electric. I found myself laughing out loud while reading it, smiling at the fun parts and completely engaged. I couldn’t put it down. And while Harlow does venture out into some grim territory, the story never strays too far into serious. Though she didn’t have me hooked at page one, it wasn’t long before the fangs sunk in and I was bitten by the F.R.E.A.K.S. bug. I’m so glad I had the foresight to purchase the sequel when I picked up book #1 so now I don’t have to wait to dive right back in! 

Summary Prognosis

Mind Over Monsters is a fun and unconventional tale that stands out against others in the urban fantasy genre. Harlow uses clever witticisms and great characters to ground the otherwise horrific nature of the story. If you’re looking for something funny and easy to read with a lovable spook squad then this is the perfect series for you. What a stellar debut for Harlow! Currently devouring book #2 as we speak… 


Rating: ★★★★


Read It: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Discuss It: Goodreads | Author's Website