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Revamp

by Beck Sherman (Goodreads Author)

3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 · rating details · 154 ratings · 95 reviews

FOR THREE DAYS, IT WAS DARK.
News reporters scrambled. This was the biggest story to come along in weeks.
They called it a blackout.
The last one was in New York City in 2003, but this one was different, special, because the grids in six major cities across the country had been fried, kaput, see-you-next-Sunday. Everyone with some jurisdiction blamed each other, and when...more

Kindle Edition, 439 pages

Published March 31st 2012

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Sep 23, 2012 Jill rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dark-fantasy-horror, fantasy, urban-fantasy, dystopian

I definitely liked this book, it was dark and I loved the build up as we discovered with Emma what was going on! That was the best part of the book. I was disappointed with the book blurb, it only mentions very briefly about the blackout, I kept expecting that to be a bigger part of the story, but it wasn't. I especially loved the heroine waking up on the plane all alone. That was spooky, sorta reminded me of The Strain (not really alike, but same spooky feeling).

Pros: Faced paced, interesting,...more

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Oct 04, 2012 Laura Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review is long overdue. Revamp is not a quick read. The story is quite long. I was worried it would drag on and on. Not so! The author provided all the necessary elements to create an entertaining and engaging read without bogging down my reading pleasure. So don't be intimidated by the length of this book, it reads easily and takes you by the hand to show you the story.
Imagine getting on a plane, and after landing you disembark to a deserted airport. In California? No way! But that's what...more This review is long overdue. Revamp is not a quick read. The story is quite long. I was worried it would drag on and on. Not so! The author provided all the necessary elements to create an entertaining and engaging read without bogging down my reading pleasure. So don't be intimidated by the length of this book, it reads easily and takes you by the hand to show you the story.
Imagine getting on a plane, and after landing you disembark to a deserted airport. In California? No way! But that's what happened to Emma Spade.
After a mad dash to turn in her psych paper on time and a weird encounter with her professor, Emma gets home in time to pack for her flight to California. A cab gets her to the airport with only seconds to spare. Another night filled with horrible dreams has left her exhausted and edgy, so she pops a couple of melatonin and drifts off shortly after take-off. More bad dreams. Emma awakens to a living nightmare. The plane is empty. Something is seriously wrong here. And it isn't just here, weird things are happening all over.
What happens to Emma at the airport is just the beginning. Beck Sherman has a story to tell you, a story of the rise of the vampire resistance, a group of brave people who will not go quietly into the night, won't surrender without a fight! Sorry, had to use that.
This creepy tale keeps gaining momentum, drawing you into the resistance and introducing new characters along the way. I had a love, hate, and really hate relationship with them. You have to remember that these people have been through some horric ordeals. Keep that in mind when you meet them. Each one has been changed, and not all of them are pleasant to be around.
The author has their own vampire lore. Some of the things you think would kill the vampires, don't, but Beck gives you new weapons that will. I like how the author puts their own brand on these vampires.
When you read Revamp, ask yourself some questions. What would you do in this situation? Would you hide and hope it all goes away, or would you fight? Fight with everything you have, because this is your world not theirs?! I like to think I would fight. I just hope I never have to find out.
I read this book slowly, taking in all the nuances. It could happen. Maybe.
A great book. I'll be keeping an eye out for more from Beck Sherman and will happily read anything this author writes.(less)

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Sep 22, 2012 Augustine Sophia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 5-stars, underworld-matters, favorites, something-everyone-should-read-it, new-adult, perfect-boyfriend

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Thanks the "Shut up and Read-Read it and Rape it programme" for sending me a copy of this book. I'm not the person who yearns for vampires ; actually it's very difficult for me to be impressed by a vampire novel. However, this book caught my eye from the first pages. I gave it five clear stars, everything was perfect. And I mean it. Fast-paced, full of action, sarcasm and a bit romance, "Revamp" is a horror novel which you shall never forget.
For starters, Emma, the heroine , reminded me of myse...more Thanks the "Shut up and Read-Read it and Rape it programme" for sending me a copy of this book. I'm not the person who yearns for vampires ; actually it's very difficult for me to be impressed by a vampire novel. However, this book caught my eye from the first pages. I gave it five clear stars, everything was perfect. And I mean it. Fast-paced, full of action, sarcasm and a bit romance, "Revamp" is a horror novel which you shall never forget.
For starters, Emma, the heroine , reminded me of myself. Sometimes, I felt like Emma was my twin sister or something! She was strong-minded, stubborn, conscious and caring. She did anything in her power to save Charlie and she made it! Where there's a will, there's a way. She was a fighter and initially she became the hunter everyone wished to be.
Cooper, (oh my love!) had been through hell and never complained about anything. He found Emma and saved her and I'm pretty sure he fell in love with her, the first time he laid eyes on her. He was determined and tried to save everyone when Scott (the leader of the group) was not around. He always supported Emma, ALWAYS no matter what and protected her.
Now, Scott ( it was a pity to see his son a vampire and his wife dead), Mary (Scott's wife and a religious lunatic- I don't blame her after what she'd been through), Sammy ( so sweet!) Charlie and Seven (thank god they were together at last!), Topps ( a lonely cowboy!), Schizo and Buggs ( schizo-what a name!) and Rudy ( he was AWESOME!), all of them had their good and their bad moments. All of them had lost someone but they found the courage to go on and forget the past.
What is more, I loved the "flashbacks". This way, we learned a lot about their lives before the "revamp". One thing I loved about this book was that it was actually a "book-movie". The author, made a book full of adventure and thriller and at times it looked like watching a horror movie. The flashbacks helped a lot. I confess I was peeping to my mirror to see if anyone was starring at me! The adrenaline was hightened!
Leech and Mabon ( I knew Leech was hiding something from the beggining and Mabon was a psycho but he hated his country and this is his revenge) were the bad guys. I was so pleased when Emma staked Mabon ( I was like: Who's the boss now uh?) but I liked Leech, his style and his type were cool.
The most thrilling and the the thing why this novel is one of my favorites is the fact that it's a completed book. It starts , is has a strong story and a compelling writing and it ends (with a cunning way.) We watch the story of a girl ,who tries to survive in an undead world, and her dreams for the future. The dreams of all of her friends .
So, I'm asking Sherman if we have a sequel???? Please, please I'm begging you, I'm falling to my knees ( well not literally but who knows?) I need need need a second book! I need to see Emma and Cooper together! Where is Leech? Will the vampire race die from starvation? What happens next? But , I know, maybe this is one of the magic this book helds. Maybe, we-the readers- should imagine what happens next. Just start thinking for a second book! The ending was promising!

If you'd like a change and want to read something thrilling and fascinating , read "Revamp." I'm sure it'll capture your soul. It's the best choice if you want to get away from the all-known YA novels!

P.S: Cooper is my soulmate (hohohohoh and Emma's my twin sister)!(less)

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Sep 27, 2012 Cara rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My Blog: http://readingpassion03.blogspot.com/

Summary: No one expected them to come into the night. They corrupted the world leaders and stole our power. All over an ancient grudge. What is left of humanity constantly fighting for their life and freedom. Emma what just a normal college student with a hot rock star boyfriend. She never expected to be what was left of the survivors to have to defend humanity. Along with Cooper, Seven, Topps, Scott, Rudy, Mary, Sammy, and Charlie. That is all that...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: shut-and-read-indie-author-giveaway, indie-authors, favorites, fantasy, vampires, standalone, dystopian-post-apocalypse, 2012-arr-from-authors

Revamp isn't like other vampire books you'll find out at the moment, this is not one with sexy male vampires that women with voluptuous bossoms want to willlingly throw themselves at, this does not have sparkling vampires that love the imperfections of humanity in their soulmates and these vampires are not stupid brainless bloodlusting vampires who are constantly disposed of by a slayer. No these vampires are REAL vampires, like those you find in a Stephen King novel, you know the scary ones tha...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Lisa Rayns rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Escape into the Unknown - Great vampire fiction.

I was drawn to this book by the blurb and I loved the take on vampires and the end of the world. The characters were realistic and well developed. Emma, the main character, is smart, brave, and witty.

ReVamp lives up to the horror in the horror genre and is full of twists and action. It’s a lengthy book but if you’re looking for an escape into the unknown, this is a great read for any vampire fan.

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Mar 01, 2013 Alysson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

[3.5 stars]

I’m a vampire person. I love reading about the undead in any and all forms, but vampires are my favorite. While there is only so much originality an author can infuse into his take of vampire lore, he can create fresh and exciting worlds by mixing up other facets of his book. This is exactly what Beck Sherman did in his novel Revamp.

I loved the world Sherman created in Revamp – it was thrilling, full of fear and uncertainty, and gruesome. There were a few aspects of the plot that I di...more [3.5 stars]

I’m a vampire person. I love reading about the undead in any and all forms, but vampires are my favorite. While there is only so much originality an author can infuse into his take of vampire lore, he can create fresh and exciting worlds by mixing up other facets of his book. This is exactly what Beck Sherman did in his novel Revamp.

I loved the world Sherman created in Revamp – it was thrilling, full of fear and uncertainty, and gruesome. There were a few aspects of the plot that I didn’t completely buy in to, such as what happens with Emma on the plane, but overall I thought Sherman did a wonderful job establishing a vampire run society and illustrating what these people were going through. Curiosity of the events that led to this reality and the atmosphere are what kept me interested through this long novel.

Revamp takes vampire lore back to good old days of Dracula and Queen of the Damned, where vampires were feared and brutal predators. While I expected violence from the synopsis, I didn’t think there would be as much gore and terror as there was. Sherman’s writing is so vivid and detailed that I could picture everything that was happening really well, making Revamp that much more intense for me. There are some truly gruesome scenes in this that I will not be forgetting any time soon, but this aspect of the book reminded me of why I love vampires and horror.

My biggest complaint with Revamp is the writing style. Sherman provides readers with back stories and flashbacks of the various characters, allowing for greater character development but throwing off the pacing of the novel. We know a lot about the characters from these anecdotes and can easily see or understand their outlook, making it easy to connect with them; but the shifts from the past to the present disconnected me from the story line and threw off my flow. Some of these flashbacks are pretty long and took away from the gravity or the urgency of whatever was happening in the present. It was easy to get lost and I didn’t find myself as caught up in the main storyline as I would have liked. But on the other hand, this way of writing allowed for multiple story lines to stand on their own and develop before ultimately converging and creating a well detailed and more thorough picture of this new world.

Revamp is a long and intense book that isn’t always easy to get through. I almost put this one down because it took me a few days and a few tries to be fully engrossed, but once the pace picked up a bit I was hooked. With smart, strong, and self-reliant characters, Revamp is an interesting and new addition to the vampire genre. I would recommend it to fans of horror who don’t mind complex stories. Also, because of the amount of violence and gore, I think this one is better suited for older audiences.

*Thanks to Shut Up and Read's Read It & Reap program for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review*(less)

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Oct 24, 2012 Maggie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Stephen King

I’ve read plenty of vampire books in my life. It all started with Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and its succeeding books and then wound on down the road littered with many forgotten books to finally settle most recently on Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series. To be honest, I don’t know that I would have picked up Revampnofollow without the impetus of my involvement with a book touring group, but I’m glad I did.

Here’s a little bit about the book before I tell you why I liked it:

FO...more

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Oct 11, 2012 Dee rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Well, hmmm. If this book were a sandwich I would take the meat out and eat it. The blurb says "following a three day blackout," and I kept waiting for the blackout and then you come to realize it had already happened. There is a lot of unnecessary blah blah blah at the beginning of the book, which I think could have been handled better. I understand that the author wanted the reader to understand how confused Emma is, but it's not helpful to be kept in the dark for so long. Once you get into the...more

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Oct 08, 2012 Lexie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Oh my gosh, this was an amazing book. I cycle through so many different genres, and while I do like the YA “Sparkly” vampires I was getting bored with that and really wanted something different. And wow, does Beck ever deliver. The synopsis had me ready to have the terror begin immediately, but it doesn’t which causes the suspense to build. I’m one of those people who love suspenseful movies and books way more than horror, because the suspense captures me in a way that blood and guts doesn’t. No...more Oh my gosh, this was an amazing book. I cycle through so many different genres, and while I do like the YA “Sparkly” vampires I was getting bored with that and really wanted something different. And wow, does Beck ever deliver. The synopsis had me ready to have the terror begin immediately, but it doesn’t which causes the suspense to build. I’m one of those people who love suspenseful movies and books way more than horror, because the suspense captures me in a way that blood and guts doesn’t. Not that this doesn’t have its gory scenes!!

Emma is finishing up her last year in college before starting on her Master’s degree. As she’s frantically racing across campus to turn in her final paper she, and we the readers, notice that things aren’t quite right but nothing is jumping out at her. Her roommate tells a tale about being at a nightclub the night before and noticing people that didn’t fit it, and suddenly she feels an overwhelming sense of terror. However, still nothing gory or horrific is revealed. It takes about 1/4 of the book until Emma encounters vampires; and these vamps definitely don’t sparkle in the sun or feed off of animals unless humans are now counted as animals. By this point, I was so creeped out from the mounting tension that Beck artfully weaves that I actually closed my bedroom window!! This is coming from a girl who doesn’t get freaked out by much, but the suspension had built to the point where the hairs on my neck were standing up. Emma still doesn’t realize what’s truly going on until she meets up with a band of survivors after arriving in LA. Then the truth comes out, and life as she knows it ceases to exist.

The survivors band together trying to take out as many vampires as they can while staying alive. Beck does a great job with all of his characters. I loved Emma, but found that I could relate to most all of them in various ways. I loved Schizo, he was a great addition to the book-not to mention the Jesus “chew toy”! The twists and turns this book takes are amazing. I loved the conspiracy plot (it’s amazing how arrogant and stupid mankind can be), and for those of you who don’t know what I’m referencing you’re going to have to buy the book!!! Trust me, it’s well worth the time and money.

Beck has a true talent for telling a great story, developing his characters, and weaving the suspense and horror together so that it takes all of your willpower to simply sit back and enjoy the book instead of rushing to the end to see what happens.
Also, I’m not one to give lots of 5 star reviews so when I say this is a 4.5 it was truly that good!

I hope he continues to write these types of book, and maybe even has a 2nd one coming along on the heels of this winner.
(less)

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Oct 05, 2012 Lisa Markson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Lisa's review of
Revamp
By Beck Sherman

I was given a copy of Revamp by Beck Sherman in exchange for an honest review. I was not sure what to expect with this book. But I have to say that I LOVED it in a bizarre way. The best way to describe it was that is was a cross between movies 30 Days and Nights and Stephen King's The Stand. What would you do if you woke up to find that the world you knew went to heck and a handbasket and not even know what happened. Then you are thrown into a conspiracy theo...more

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Oct 01, 2012 Vaughn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ugh-not-ever-again

I was given the book free to give an honest review and honest is what I will give.

I can not in good conscience give this book greater than three stars, which is still two stars higher than I would have given it this time last week. I wanted to get it and love it, and I gave it ever attempt to impress me but impress I was not. It started off way too slow and was void of personality for the longest time. As soon as any spark of excitement would occur, it dropped like fall from a very high mountain...more

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Sep 26, 2012 Baisakhi rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-books, vamp-lit

As she wades through an empty airport, Emma Spade is sure she is in some kind of TV prank. With Bags strewn everywhere, toys left untouched and not a soul in sight, it would be ludicrous to assume otherwise. Or so she thinks. but as her day goes from bad to bizarre, she may need to find alternative explanations.

Revamp by Beck Sherman is what you get when Resident Evil meets 30 Days of Darkness..with some parts Dracula thrown in. Ordinarily, this would put me off the whole book. but Sherman has s...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Helena Ferrell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: para-vamp, 05-r2r

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I received this book from the "Shut up & Read" "Read It & Reap" program. I initially started this book shortly before I meant to go to bed to get a feel for it before I finished reading it in the following days, but ended up staying awake until 5am to finish the book. The book was very addicting.

It seems like for the first time in a long time, vampires are something to fear instead of emulate. I'm really excited about the author's writing style. It fits what I normally like, a little bit...more I received this book from the "Shut up & Read" "Read It & Reap" program. I initially started this book shortly before I meant to go to bed to get a feel for it before I finished reading it in the following days, but ended up staying awake until 5am to finish the book. The book was very addicting.

It seems like for the first time in a long time, vampires are something to fear instead of emulate. I'm really excited about the author's writing style. It fits what I normally like, a little bit of sarcasm with a lot of descriptions. The imagery is delightfully terrifying. The author vividly describes the scenes in a way that makes it easy to imagine exactly what the author had in mind, but not so much that it seems muddled or overflorished.

The character development in this novel is stellar. It's very easy to relate to the characters. I like how the characters use their intuition, like Cooper just feeling that his father had turned into something evil, or that when he called for help, those that were coming to the 7-11 had nefarious intentions. Even though Josie is in the story for a short time, her telling her story makes her so alive in the book, and when she's mentioned later on, it's very easy to recall exactly who the author is talking about, even though she's not been mentioned for a long time.

I really enjoy how the author clearly points out flashbacks and character changes. It really takes away the guesswork and makes it that much easier to follow the actual storyline instead of muddling it with confusing flashbacks. I like how the characters each tell their story for Emma. It really helps with the development of the suspense without having Emma being bombarded with violence from the start. So many novels bombard the main character with many different events, and that's unrealistic. Spreading the mishap throughout all the characters, then later having Emma learn about those events, is a lot more realistic than a dark cloud following a main character.

I'm so impressed that the author spent all the way to 34% of the book before Em would even admit that vampires exist. I really feel that the author did a fantastic job displaying realistic disbelief at the existance of the paranormal. Its so frustrating reading books where the main character finds out about the existance of the impossible, but accept it within two chapters. Em showed realistic disbelief at the existance of vampires, which is so believeable. Of course in a book the first thing a reader thinks is "AMG! VAMPIRES!", but be honest with yourself. If anything like what happened to Em in the beginning of this story happened to you, you'd make up excuses too. It's not as if the first thing that comes to mind whenever things seem shady is vampires.

I really liked the training involved. The consumption, weapons, and fear training all made logical sense in an illogical world. I really enjoy Em as a heroine. She's a strong female lead, which is rare in books these days. It was nice to read about a female lead that was more of a badass instead of lovestruck by a random vampire.

Out of all the "stories" from the different characters, I liked Seven's the most. The fact that she tried sohard to save one of the babies, even as it was crying and giving away her location while she was running away, humanized her more than any other character so far. Her story was heart wrenching, and out of all the stories, she had the hardest past. I was disappointed that Seven and Charlie had to die, I had really hoped that Seven would end io becoming a friend to Em. She seemed like a very strong willed young woman, and with her being pregnant, I really thought having a baby in a situation like what they're in would add a lot of interesting plot twists. I was pleased when she returned later in the story and saved Em from Mabon. Although the baby aspect was definitely out, it was nice to think that the human resistance would have vampire backup that they could trust.

I have to admit I was a bit disappointed that Em would help Charlie escape aster he was bitten instead of killing him for the safety of the whole. She seemed as if she was a very bright girl, but it doesn't seem smart to let a vampire go when said vampire could return to their home to kill all of those involved in the human movement. Mostly when it just led her to being captured by Leech. I'm not at all surprised that Leech turned out to be a bad vampire. The vampires pretending to be good guys was already precedented with Scott's story of Mabon.

Before I finished this book, I figured out what was wanted with Em, but not so soon that my discovery ruined the suspense. I was pleased to find that I was right about Mabon, Em, and The Heart Attacker.

One thing I really liked about this story was the ending. This book was very long, and it seemed daunting at first, but it did fly by, and the ending with Hitler? After so many pages of seriousness and suspense, why shouldn't they kill Hitler? I mean... a little crazy funny to finish it off? This author totally won my heart there.

I've already suggested this story to many people, but would definitely suggest this book to anyone that's read enough about vampire love triangles, and wants to get back to vampires being evil.(less)

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Sep 12, 2012 Mallory Anne-Marie Forbes rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Mallory Anne-Marie by: Making Connections

Shelves: september-2012-reads, september-reading-challenge-ntoyab

Review of Revamp by Beck Sherman
Reviewed via Making Connections

An enticing novel, “Revamp” caught my attention from the very beginning, with its wry humour, suspicious events, and air of mystery. The further I read, the more I became convinced: “Revamp” is one very special book! It’s truly a stunner; a fast-paced thrill-a-moment; a re-reader, and I sure hope the author is writing fast on the next book, because I really want to read it-whatever it will be!

If I wanted to categorize it, which of co...more

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Aug 22, 2012 Stephanie Ward rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review

'Revamp' is a wickedly awesome horror novel. The plot is so messed up and intriguing, I couldn't stop reading it. Once I started, I had keep reading to find out what was going on. The twists and turns are outrageous and I didn't see them coming at all. The narrative was written very well, with very detailed descriptions that made it seem all too real. The characters were flawed and broken, but had real strength and attitudes - all of which combined to make them completely believable.

The only th...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Shyleen Studley rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Shyleen by: librarything

Shelves: library-thing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This was not my favorite book. I received it from a librarything member give away. It wasn't hard to follow, and the plot wasn't bad. And honestly while I might not recommend it, I would probably read a second installment. I get really attached to characters. /shrug.

The Good: The characters were realistic, unstable, confused, horny, and survivalists. Even in death I felt for them. The plot was pretty great. It definitely never went exactly as I expected it to. There was a lot of connections and...more

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Aug 27, 2012 Liz at Fictional Candy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: apocalypse, dark, vampire

This is absolutely a crazy story. It's like Dawn Of The Dead meets Slumber Party Massacre meets Night of the Comet. It is a bit apocalyptic, and a bit dark. The lead female, Emma, is an independent and strong young woman. She's got a sharp wit and a bit of snark, my favorite combination.

If you woke up and it appeared that everyone was gone, what would you do? That dilemma happens pretty quick in this story, and it was pretty eerie how it all went down for Emma. But she is surprisingly tough and...more This is absolutely a crazy story. It's like Dawn Of The Dead meets Slumber Party Massacre meets Night of the Comet. It is a bit apocalyptic, and a bit dark. The lead female, Emma, is an independent and strong young woman. She's got a sharp wit and a bit of snark, my favorite combination.

If you woke up and it appeared that everyone was gone, what would you do? That dilemma happens pretty quick in this story, and it was pretty eerie how it all went down for Emma. But she is surprisingly tough and she gets herself out of a couple sticky situations, and finally she is "rescued" by Cooper. And she also picks up a canine companion along the way, naming him Schizo. These three, while not the only characters in the story, are the ones making it interesting for me. Of course, Emma has a lot of qualities I like to see in my heroines. But Cooper definitely carries the hero qualities that I look for too. My only real complaint about Cooper is that any description I saw of him seemed to fly by, and I have a hard time picturing him in my head. So the picture I've built of him probably isn't accurate, but it works for me haha. And then of course Schizo provides some comic relief at some points, and even being a dog, he adds a bit of humanity and gives faith when needed.

"I wanted to go home. I was drugged, I was hungry, I was angry, I had just committed my first murder, and I was covered in other people's bodily fluids. California was not at all what I expected."

It is writing like that which will make me snatch a book up. I love the horror, wit and snark, all rolled into one. And it is all plentiful in this book. On top of that, this book isn't about zombies, its about vampires. That is very different in and of itself. Usually, as readers, we run to vampires as our sexy and dark heroes. But in Revamp running to these blood suckers is going to get you killed, and in a bad way. In the beginning things seem a little off. People act a bit odd, and some things don't add up.

The thing I like about dystopian and apocalyptic books is that the survivors usually find eachother and rebuild some semblance of past lives. Revamp does this also, and in a place I've never seen it done. A storage unit facility. I love this idea! Actually, I love it so much that I had to email an apocalypse planner that I know and suggest the idea to her. Beck Sherman definitely has an original idea here, one that I am definitely going to keep in mind when the times comes!

I'm really enjoying this book on several levels, and I wish that I had picked it up a bit sooner. It's a longer story, coming in at over 400 pages (although I think I saw 650 somewhere online, but that would depend on ereader formatting, I'm sure) It definitely doesn't feel like it is that long, it goes quick. But it is something I didn't realize in the beginning (the length). But I find that is a good thing (not knowing), because I might have not picked it up at all. This book won't be in any race for cover love, as far as my opinion goes. But once you read it, the cover kind of fits the quirky nature of the book. Beck Sherman has a terrific writing style, and things flow well.

So yes, I recommend this book. If you want a unique storyline, and you want to read about vampires that aren't the object of our desire, then this is a good place to start. There are some grotesque parts in this book, but hey, that's what makes it better. The horror element is fantastic, and there is a lot of action. This book works for me with its style, funny quips and comebacks, and there are definitely some touching scenes. It works for me on every level, actually. Just consider me a new fan.(less)

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Sep 26, 2012 Alysson rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: for-review, adult, pages-400s, vampire

[3.5 stars]

I’m a vampire person. I love reading about the undead in any and all forms, but vampires are my favorite. While there is only so much originality an author can infuse into his take of vampire lore, he can create fresh and exciting worlds by mixing up other facets of his book. This is exactly what Beck Sherman did in his novel Revamp.

I loved the world Sherman created in Revamp – it was thrilling, full of fear and uncertainty, and gruesome. There were a few aspects of the plot that I di...more [3.5 stars]

I’m a vampire person. I love reading about the undead in any and all forms, but vampires are my favorite. While there is only so much originality an author can infuse into his take of vampire lore, he can create fresh and exciting worlds by mixing up other facets of his book. This is exactly what Beck Sherman did in his novel Revamp.

I loved the world Sherman created in Revamp – it was thrilling, full of fear and uncertainty, and gruesome. There were a few aspects of the plot that I didn’t completely buy in to, such as what happens with Emma on the plane, but overall I thought Sherman did a wonderful job establishing a vampire run society and illustrating what these people were going through. Curiosity of the events that led to this reality and the atmosphere are what kept me interested through this long novel.

Revamp takes vampire lore back to good old days of Dracula and Queen of the Damned, where vampires were feared and brutal predators. While I expected violence from the synopsis, I didn’t think there would be as much gore and terror as there was. Sherman’s writing is so vivid and detailed that I could picture everything that was happening really well, making Revamp that much more intense for me. There are some truly gruesome scenes in this that I will not be forgetting any time soon, but this aspect of the book reminded me of why I love vampires and horror.

My biggest complaint with Revamp is the writing style. Sherman provides readers with back stories and flashbacks of the various characters, allowing for greater character development but throwing off the pacing of the novel. We know a lot about the characters from these anecdotes and can easily see or understand their outlook, making it easy to connect with them; but the shifts from the past to the present disconnected me from the story line and threw off my flow. Some of these flashbacks are pretty long and took away from the gravity or the urgency of whatever was happening in the present. It was easy to get lost and I didn’t find myself as caught up in the main storyline as I would have liked. But on the other hand, this way of writing allowed for multiple story lines to stand on their own and develop before ultimately converging and creating a well detailed and more thorough picture of this new world.

Revamp is a long and intense book that isn’t always easy to get through. I almost put this one down because it took me a few days and a few tries to be fully engrossed, but once the pace picked up a bit I was hooked. With smart, strong, and self-reliant characters, Revamp is an interesting and new addition to the vampire genre. I would recommend it to fans of horror who don’t mind complex stories. Also, because of the amount of violence and gore, I think this one is better suited for older audiences.

*Thanks to Shut Up and Read's Read It & Reap program for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review*(less)

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Sep 20, 2012 Shambhawi P. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kickass-protagonist, for-review

Rating: Somewhere between 4 and 4.5 stars

Revamp was an interesting, unique and completely refreshing read. Having read a few really shitty books recently Revamp's dose of wry humor was exactly what I needed. I really enjoyed Beck Sherman's writing style, especially the way he portrayed Emma and her non-relationship with Connor. But most of all I sucked in by all the gory details; the brain splattering and gut spilling and every instance in which the characters were covered in blood and grime was...more

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Oct 07, 2012 Craftymom Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is my kind of book. A Post-Apocalyptic Vampire story. Emma leaves on a seemingly innocent college tour trip to California and is thrown into a war that she had previously no knowledge of not tools to defend herself. It’s basically your worst nightmare. Emma has to rely on a motley crew of strangers to ensure her well being, teach her how to fight and survive…

Needless to say, I loved this book. Do not start reading this book unless you have time. It’s a long book because the author delves in...more

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Oct 24, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I gave this book a 5 and here is why....

I have said many a time that I am sick and tired of worn out same shit Vampire stories and that I tend to shy away from them. This book however was so badass, that it renewed my faith in supernatural authors and their horror writing abilities. That and I just can't stop talking about it. lol Take everything you have seen about Vampires in the last like 6 years and just throw it out the window (Yes, even True Blood. Don't pout!). The age of glittery, emo, v...more

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Oct 09, 2012 Joe Ohlenbusch rated it 4 of 5 stars

Revamp, to sum up in a very very condensed way, is about a group of humans that are enduring and scheming to end the vampire uprising. From reading the description of the book I wasn't thinking it was a vampire book until I started reading and then understood the very obvious title, Revamp. This book felt like it had the potential to be really creepy but sometimes missed the mark. The characters were very good once you get about a quarter in. The story telling was very linear and maybe if it wou...more

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Sep 30, 2012 Sheri rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mc, read-it-and-reap, reviewed

The dark had brought us visitors.

That line right there is pretty creepy, and it sets the story up well. Revamp is the story of Emma and how she deals when the world goes to hell around her…or rather, goes to the vampires. I really liked Emma. She was a tough character. Even though she wanted to sometimes curl up in a ball and cry, she picked herself up and did what she had to in order to survive. Her sarcasm and dry humor kept the book entertaining. The supporting characters were well written, t...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Suzanne Pringle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books, read-it-and-review, vampire-werewolves-books

I was able to read this for free from the group "Read-It-and-Reap" in exchange for an honest review.

I really like this book. I found though that it didn't really have a set story (well it kinda did) but had a very good story and easy to follow nevertheless.

Emma-Rose wakes up on a plane only to find she was a soul survivor in the vampire Apocalypse. Then the only person she meets tries to kills her. She eventually meets up with a cool little dog and a great guy.

Her takes her to a secluded place...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Olivia rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

After a Blackout, not only do the lights reappear. Something much more sinister. Love the idea of this book. The characters(for me)they just were not well defined. I had a very hard time getting through this book with all the THEN and NOW. Maybe a better intro to the story??? Instead of the Then for Scott. I felt the book struggled to have a main hero. With the huge background "Then" for Scott and Seven. With the THEN for Seven I felt "just give her her own book already". Was just too much for m...more

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Sep 21, 2012 Lorrie Schumacher rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. It is a new twist on the end of the world as we know it. The plot, “What if vampires were real and how it would change the world?” was well thought out.

I was completely immersed in the story and couldn’t wait to pick it up again.

I loved the characters and was able to connect with each one.
I loved the flashbacks and how they were introduced into the story. Some books will be too confusing or flashback way to much or at the inappropriate times or even share too much-...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Kristin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: shut-up-read-book, urban-fantasy, dystopia

This was definitely a new and original take on vampires including an apocalypse twist. Both genres are something that I like to read.

I really liked Emma and thought she had a great moral backbone and that she really didn't waiver from that. One thing that I found lacking was that she didn't feel more compelled to find out what happened to her Mom, Josie or Sullivan. I liked that there was a hint of feelings between her & Cooper (view spoiler)...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I will start by saying this book was Fantastic. Beck Sherman did a great job writing this book. Great story line, great characters, it keeps you on your toes, when you think you know what will happen next, it changes direction.Revamp was an interesting, unique and completely refreshing read. I have read other Vampire stories, but this is by far one of the best yet. I was completely immersed in the story and couldn’t wait to pick it up again. When i put it down I ended up picking it right back up...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Yzabel Ginsberg rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-supernatural, requested-reviews, vampires

(Book provided through Read It & Reap in the Shut Up & Read group, in exchange for an honest review.)

I found this book fairly enjoyable; I dont have a lot of time to read non-academic books these weeks, but if I had, I'd probably have read it in two or three sittings only (it's a long novel).

The pace was fast enough, the events unfolding in a way that made me want what would happen next. Emma's reactions regarding the existence of vampires seemed logical enough to me: she didn't accept i...more (Book provided through Read It & Reap in the Shut Up & Read group, in exchange for an honest review.)

I found this book fairly enjoyable; I dont have a lot of time to read non-academic books these weeks, but if I had, I'd probably have read it in two or three sittings only (it's a long novel).

The pace was fast enough, the events unfolding in a way that made me want what would happen next. Emma's reactions regarding the existence of vampires seemed logical enough to me: she didn't accept it too easily, trying to find more realistic explanations, but she also wasn't too retentive about it, confronting the 'revelation' to her own experiences in order to check if this could be true or not.

There were highly tense scenes, made easy to picture oneself thanks to vivid descriptions. That's usually the kind of thing I expect from my vampire novels—to show the gruesome nature of the beasts underneath, even though they still seem human on the surface. And yet, the book also tackles an interesting aspect of the duality of such creatures, for throughout the story and at the end, they were, all in all, still close enough to humanity to reproduce exactly the same old schemas (shortages, class divisions, the 'rich' hoarding all the good blood while the 'poor' had to stick to the vampiric equivalent of junk food...). I liked that the author decided to explore such aspects, because from the start, I thought that such a takeover by vampires couldn't go smoothly, and that the mighty bloodsuckers were sooner or later run into the conundrum of "now that we've gotten rid of the humans... what do we eat?" In fact, I'd have been disappointed if it hadn't happened.

I liked the flashbacks used to explain what had happened to some of the characters. I usually have no problems following those, and they were probably a better method to involve us readers than simply have said characters tell them in a dialogue or long-winded first-person explanation. And I liked that Emma's 'romance' with Cooper was only a budding one, a few potential hooks here and there: it leaves room for more, while still being believable.

I have a couple of gripes with the story, though. First, I'd have liked to read more about the blackouts themselves: they seemed mysterious enough in the cover blurb, but reading about them after the events was a bit anticlimatic (considering the blurb, that is). Also, I've wondered a lot about Emma's reaction regarding her family: she'd sometimes think about the boyfriend she had left on campus... but what about her mother who probably lived a few miles only from where her daughter now had to live? Why didn't Emma try to discover what had happened to her mother—or, at least, why not show her thinking about it a little more often (even if only to conclude "she's a vampire or dead, and I shouldn't think about it anymore"). And I'm really not sure either about the last vampire the hunters off at the end: sure, it tied with something mentioned at the beginning of the novel, but... I don't know, it just came as kind of "what the hell?..." to me.

But no matter those, I liked the story. I don't know if there's a second installment in the making. I think this one works well as a standalone, as the main issues are solved at the end; at the same time, there are still enough elements left to development for a second book to be welcome too. If there's going to be one, I'll definitely be interested in reading it.(less)

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About Beck Sherman

Beck Sherman was born and raised in Massachusetts. Beck attended Syracuse University undergrad, has a master’s degree in photojournalism from the University of Westminster, London, and when not writing, enjoys exploring abandoned insane asylums and photo-documenting the things that go bump in the night, when they’re kind enough to pose. Beck's second book, Goodbye Nothing, will be out in the summe...more

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Quotes from Revamp

“Men with power had the responsibility to know what was best, and they so rarely did.” — 3 people liked it

“The human heart will clock approximately 3 billion
beats over an average lifetime. Not Johnny here, though. Just seven
hundred and nineteen million, eight hundred and ninety-eight
thousand, six hundred and five, and a half.” — 2 people liked it

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