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White Rabbit Chronicles #3
The Queen of Zombie Hearts
I thought I had nothing left to give.
I thought wrong.
They started the war.
Now I will end it.
Alice "Ali" Bell thinks the worst is behind her. She's ready to take the next step with boyfriend Cole Holland, the leader of the zombie slayers…until Anima Industries, the agency controlling the zombies, launches a sneak attack, killing four of her friends. It's then she realizes that humans can be more dangerous than monsters…and the worst has only begun.
As secrets that may tear Ali and Cole apart come to light, and more slayers are taken or killed, Ali will fight harder than ever to bring down Anima—even sacrificing her own life for those she loves.
I thought wrong.
They started the war.
Now I will end it.
Alice "Ali" Bell thinks the worst is behind her. She's ready to take the next step with boyfriend Cole Holland, the leader of the zombie slayers…until Anima Industries, the agency controlling the zombies, launches a sneak attack, killing four of her friends. It's then she realizes that humans can be more dangerous than monsters…and the worst has only begun.
As secrets that may tear Ali and Cole apart come to light, and more slayers are taken or killed, Ali will fight harder than ever to bring down Anima—even sacrificing her own life for those she loves.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
383 people are currently reading
14917 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
263 books27.8k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,372 reviews
October 18, 2014
BEFORE THE READ :
FOUR OF HER FRIENDS ARE KILLED WHAT YOURE JUST GONNA RIP MY HEART OUT BEFORE ITS EVEN BEGUN HUH GENA ????
AFTER:
I CRIED ON THE TRAIN AND THERE WAS SNOT EVERYWHERE AND AND OH MY GOD THIS BOOK IS HEARTBREAKING THE SERIES ENDED WELL AND YOU SHOULD READ THEM ALSO THOUGH I'm not in the right mindset for this
FOUR OF HER FRIENDS ARE KILLED WHAT YOURE JUST GONNA RIP MY HEART OUT BEFORE ITS EVEN BEGUN HUH GENA ????
AFTER:
I CRIED ON THE TRAIN AND THERE WAS SNOT EVERYWHERE AND AND OH MY GOD THIS BOOK IS HEARTBREAKING THE SERIES ENDED WELL AND YOU SHOULD READ THEM ALSO THOUGH I'm not in the right mindset for this
July 7, 2014
Amazing! An epic conclusion to one of the best YA series I've ever read. I don't even know where to begin. I laughed, I swooned, I got goose bumps . . . I fought the tears as I gripped the edge of the pages in my fists. There's so much emotion, twists, turns, and loops that I was on a white-knuckled roller coaster ride the entire time! I found myself second guessing things I thought I knew and blindsided by those I should have seen coming! It felt like I'd been punched in the gut and crumbled over. Secretly, I wanted to throttle a few characters as I thought, 'Oh no, you did not just do that!" (Yeah, Veronica, I still have your number.)
And then of course, there's Cole--powerful, strong, dangerous, and super hot to boot. A man brought to his knees by one female. Ugh. The chemistry. So. Intense.
However, nothing is ever as it seems. I don't want to post too much without giving away any spoilers, but if you haven't read this series, start now. If you are waiting for this third installment to The White Rabbit Chronicles, you are in for a real treat because Ali-gator is wickedly awesome and totally puts Zombie Alice to shame. As if she hadn't already! ;)
Showalter has thrown off the gloves and truly delivered a fantastic and compelling story. Mix in her amazing writing skills and fabulous imagination . . . well, let's just say . . . I loved it!
And then of course, there's Cole--powerful, strong, dangerous, and super hot to boot. A man brought to his knees by one female. Ugh. The chemistry. So. Intense.
However, nothing is ever as it seems. I don't want to post too much without giving away any spoilers, but if you haven't read this series, start now. If you are waiting for this third installment to The White Rabbit Chronicles, you are in for a real treat because Ali-gator is wickedly awesome and totally puts Zombie Alice to shame. As if she hadn't already! ;)
Showalter has thrown off the gloves and truly delivered a fantastic and compelling story. Mix in her amazing writing skills and fabulous imagination . . . well, let's just say . . . I loved it!
November 6, 2014
November 26
I nearly threw up when I saw the release date. SEPTEMBER 30th 2014???
I haven't even started Through the Zombie Glass and I'm already dying! Damn these far-away books. I really need to start working on a time machine :/
EDIT: February 14
IT HAS A COVER!! OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH!!!!!! AND A BLURRRRBBBBB!!!!!!
okay, T, calming breaths.
*breathes
Okay, I'm good. What's wrong with all the new covers? The last one looked like a man, this one just looks creepy. Officially, the first one was best. But what the hell the the blurb mean by to an epic conclusion? WHAT CONCLUSION???
WE'RE NOT ENDING THE WHITE RABBIT CHRONICLES SO SOON!!!
I need more :(
*sniffs
EDIT: October 27
A book worth the wait. Gena Showalter is truly an author who does a remarkable job in each of her stories, but I will forever have a single complaint against each of her books. The number of people she kills. It's like Veronica Roth and J. K. Rowling whisper in her ear the next person that should be eliminated. Like, "Oh look, Gena, all your fans seem rather fond of this character, yeah? Let's kill 'em!! Go on, it's just a few words, they'll learn to deal soon enough. That's how you become famous, we would know." *winks evilly*
Oh darn you evil wenches >~< Why bring 'em back to life if you wanted them dead from the start?? Forgiving you because I love you, but, I must commend you for one thing:
Making Ali and Cole do the deed in Ali's innocent speech >//< Gosh, you truly are one heck of a woman <3
I nearly threw up when I saw the release date. SEPTEMBER 30th 2014???
I haven't even started Through the Zombie Glass and I'm already dying! Damn these far-away books. I really need to start working on a time machine :/
EDIT: February 14
IT HAS A COVER!! OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH OHMYGOSH!!!!!! AND A BLURRRRBBBBB!!!!!!
okay, T, calming breaths.
*breathes
Okay, I'm good. What's wrong with all the new covers? The last one looked like a man, this one just looks creepy. Officially, the first one was best. But what the hell the the blurb mean by to an epic conclusion? WHAT CONCLUSION???
WE'RE NOT ENDING THE WHITE RABBIT CHRONICLES SO SOON!!!
I need more :(
*sniffs
EDIT: October 27
A book worth the wait. Gena Showalter is truly an author who does a remarkable job in each of her stories, but I will forever have a single complaint against each of her books. The number of people she kills. It's like Veronica Roth and J. K. Rowling whisper in her ear the next person that should be eliminated. Like, "Oh look, Gena, all your fans seem rather fond of this character, yeah? Let's kill 'em!! Go on, it's just a few words, they'll learn to deal soon enough. That's how you become famous, we would know." *winks evilly*
Oh darn you evil wenches >~< Why bring 'em back to life if you wanted them dead from the start?? Forgiving you because I love you, but, I must commend you for one thing:
Making Ali and Cole do the deed in Ali's innocent speech >//< Gosh, you truly are one heck of a woman <3
Read
October 10, 2014I just adore Ali's voice and all the funny banter between these characters. They've been a joy to get to know for three books! A very satisfying ending to a must-read trilogy for lovers of YA paranormal romances.
Cole... <3
Cole... <3
Want to read
February 14, 2014There's no way it just me thinking this
I can't wait! Literally!!
It's too far away....
Just when someone comes up with the whole Alice AND Zombies concept too!
EDIT:
A NAME?!!
A NAME?!!!
A NAME?!!!!
Did anyone else not get the memo, cuz there is A NAME!!!!!!!!!
*faints*
EDIT X2:
OK, SO THIS IS GETTING A LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTLE TOO MUCH FOR ME!
NOW THERE'S A COVER!!! I KID YOU NOT, A COVER!
...
DONT LOOK AT ME WEIRDLY! ITS A COVER, OKAY! DEFINITELY SOMETHING TO BE WORKED UP OVER!!
...
YOU DONT THINK SO?
...
Jess is sad....
I can't wait! Literally!!
It's too far away....
Just when someone comes up with the whole Alice AND Zombies concept too!
EDIT:
A NAME?!!
A NAME?!!!
A NAME?!!!!
Did anyone else not get the memo, cuz there is A NAME!!!!!!!!!
*faints*
EDIT X2:
OK, SO THIS IS GETTING A LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIITTLE TOO MUCH FOR ME!
NOW THERE'S A COVER!!! I KID YOU NOT, A COVER!
...
DONT LOOK AT ME WEIRDLY! ITS A COVER, OKAY! DEFINITELY SOMETHING TO BE WORKED UP OVER!!
...
YOU DONT THINK SO?
...
Jess is sad....
January 10, 2014
My hands are shaking and I feel like throwing up. SEPTEMBER!? WHAT DO I LOOK LIKE TO YOU?? All these books keep getting my hopes up and the second I go on the hunt for the third I'm smacked in the face with a 9 month wait. I can't even.
January 11, 2021
So I don't know why, but this book did not hold my attention well at all and only the last 20% of the book was really any good. I'll read the next book in the series, but only because it's the last one and I want to finish it. Hopefully, it's more like the last two and better than this one.
October 23, 2013
Oh my Bajeezuz!!!!!!!!! I CAN NOT wait! this is going to be so awesome!! I'm going to get it the minute it comes out!!!
Want to read
February 14, 2014OH MY GOODNESS! Is it just me or do the covers for this series just keep getting creepier and creepier?? And yet... I WANT COLE ♥
May 3, 2018
Gena Showalter is pure genius.
I love Cole.
That is all.
It doesn’t get any more perfect than this 💕💕
I love Cole.
That is all.
It doesn’t get any more perfect than this 💕💕
September 24, 2018
✨3 stars✨
I can’t give it any more stars than that because it’s definitely the weakest of the series, but it still has a special place in my heart, so just because I recognise its issues doesn’t mean I don’t still adore it. This book is like that really questionable teacher that's a cool and nice person but just kinda sucks at actually teaching. You want to complain about them because they’re not very good, but you can’t quite bring yourself to do it because you do still like them. Is that too specific an analogy?? I loved rereading this book, but it definitely wasn’t the best.
The spotlight is trained on Cole and Ali’s relationship for pretty much the whole book and yet it just felt repetitive, not to mention a bit unrealistic at times. So many of their friends died and yet it was like 2% grief and 98% them making out?? Where are their priorities?? I adore them but come on, I think a lot of my adoration is because of how much I loved them when I first read it, and less how I actually feel about them now. Their priorities are so not cake. (Ok yep never using that word again, don’t mind me just cringing into oblivion.)
Kat is such a beautiful light in this series and even though I knew it was coming, I still cried when she died. She’s one of the most fleshed out characters, she has this larger than life personality that I just love, and I know that I probably won’t end up rereading the fourth book just because I can’t take Kat being dead. I adore all the slayers so much, they go through so bloody much in this book, and so even if I am unsure about how I feel about the plot and the structure at times, I know that the characters are still a huge reason why I love it. They could all definitely do with being explored slightly more, as a lot of things are really only mentioned on a surface level, but I still love them. I first read this series when it came out, and have loved these characters ever since, so I guess I have such a soft spot for them because they’ve been with me for years. Which is weird to think about since they’re only fictional characters, but still.
In the acknowledgements, Showalter admits that she didn’t go into writing this book with a completely fleshed out plan, and it’s pretty obvious, especially the closer you get to the end. A lot of little things happened in the lead up to the big battle, and I didn’t mind because it meant we were getting to know characters a bit more in the meantime, developing the plot. Except, the big culmination of their war against Anima actually only really happened in the last 100 pages, and it was pretty rushed. Ali loses her memory for all of about 5 pages before she gets it back by kissing Cole, and honestly it just felt so pointless. I can’t stand ‘missing memory’ storylines, so I was glad it was resolved quickly, but it just felt like it wasn’t really written fully and it could have been done better. Go big or go home, and I feel like Showalter didn’t really do either. She went average and stayed where she was, and it could have been so much more impressive. Despite this, I do adore all the action and kickass-ness (I’ve decided that’s a word now, so don’t question it) that is present in this series, and I think I’ll always have a place in my heart for these books. I’ve really enjoyed rereading this series as I don’t tend to reread things that often and I’m really happy that I haven’t ended up vehemently hating it. I’m probably always going to be here for this slightly questionably written zombie series, and I’m not even that mad about it. True story.
I can’t give it any more stars than that because it’s definitely the weakest of the series, but it still has a special place in my heart, so just because I recognise its issues doesn’t mean I don’t still adore it. This book is like that really questionable teacher that's a cool and nice person but just kinda sucks at actually teaching. You want to complain about them because they’re not very good, but you can’t quite bring yourself to do it because you do still like them. Is that too specific an analogy?? I loved rereading this book, but it definitely wasn’t the best.
The spotlight is trained on Cole and Ali’s relationship for pretty much the whole book and yet it just felt repetitive, not to mention a bit unrealistic at times. So many of their friends died and yet it was like 2% grief and 98% them making out?? Where are their priorities?? I adore them but come on, I think a lot of my adoration is because of how much I loved them when I first read it, and less how I actually feel about them now. Their priorities are so not cake. (Ok yep never using that word again, don’t mind me just cringing into oblivion.)
Kat is such a beautiful light in this series and even though I knew it was coming, I still cried when she died. She’s one of the most fleshed out characters, she has this larger than life personality that I just love, and I know that I probably won’t end up rereading the fourth book just because I can’t take Kat being dead. I adore all the slayers so much, they go through so bloody much in this book, and so even if I am unsure about how I feel about the plot and the structure at times, I know that the characters are still a huge reason why I love it. They could all definitely do with being explored slightly more, as a lot of things are really only mentioned on a surface level, but I still love them. I first read this series when it came out, and have loved these characters ever since, so I guess I have such a soft spot for them because they’ve been with me for years. Which is weird to think about since they’re only fictional characters, but still.
In the acknowledgements, Showalter admits that she didn’t go into writing this book with a completely fleshed out plan, and it’s pretty obvious, especially the closer you get to the end. A lot of little things happened in the lead up to the big battle, and I didn’t mind because it meant we were getting to know characters a bit more in the meantime, developing the plot. Except, the big culmination of their war against Anima actually only really happened in the last 100 pages, and it was pretty rushed. Ali loses her memory for all of about 5 pages before she gets it back by kissing Cole, and honestly it just felt so pointless. I can’t stand ‘missing memory’ storylines, so I was glad it was resolved quickly, but it just felt like it wasn’t really written fully and it could have been done better. Go big or go home, and I feel like Showalter didn’t really do either. She went average and stayed where she was, and it could have been so much more impressive. Despite this, I do adore all the action and kickass-ness (I’ve decided that’s a word now, so don’t question it) that is present in this series, and I think I’ll always have a place in my heart for these books. I’ve really enjoyed rereading this series as I don’t tend to reread things that often and I’m really happy that I haven’t ended up vehemently hating it. I’m probably always going to be here for this slightly questionably written zombie series, and I’m not even that mad about it. True story.
August 19, 2019
Barely 3. Maybe 2.5 stars. This book dragged for me and the characters drove me nuts and I just felt the plot was weak. This takes a revenge line that I just didn't feel. It started edgey but then as we meet other slayers and then the identity crisis, the new powers...it was just weird. And WAY too much attention was given to focus on Ali and Cole's teen hormone moments. Listening via audio nearly 2 hours straight with nothing happening but talking about their relationship, making out and sex. I was going crazy with nothing else happening. If I want smut I will go get smut. I wanted ZOmbie action with a bit of romance. And the zombie action? Lacking bit time. I had completely forgotten what happened here the first time I read it . Now I know why. Hoping this will keep me from making the same mistake again. I will give the next book a skeptical shot just to finish it all. Not even sure it was necessary. But we shall see....
June 24, 2015
*Genre* Young Adult, Zombies, Horror
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Roses are Red. Violets are Blue. Be Very Afraid, We're Coming For You.
16-year old Alice "Ali" Bell has had a trying year. She's lost her entire family in a car crash. She's come face to face with zombies that were once humans, and defeated them with abilities no one else seems to have. She's joined with a group of slayers who she now calls friends. They are led by Ali's current heart throb, the dark and broody Cole Holland. Ali has really stepped up as one of the leaders of the Slayers with her unique abilities. She's angry, protective, and wants to put an end to Anima once and for-all.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 06/24/2015*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* September 30th 2014
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Roses are Red. Violets are Blue. Be Very Afraid, We're Coming For You.
16-year old Alice "Ali" Bell has had a trying year. She's lost her entire family in a car crash. She's come face to face with zombies that were once humans, and defeated them with abilities no one else seems to have. She's joined with a group of slayers who she now calls friends. They are led by Ali's current heart throb, the dark and broody Cole Holland. Ali has really stepped up as one of the leaders of the Slayers with her unique abilities. She's angry, protective, and wants to put an end to Anima once and for-all.
*Full Review Posted @ Gizmos Reviews 06/24/2015*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Published* September 30th 2014
October 12, 2014
This was so one of those stop reading, scream into a pillow, take a break, and then continue reading like nothing happened kind of books.
I loved every minute.
I love Cole Holland.
I love Ali.
Gavin is just wow.
This is one of those rare books where there are so many amazing characters and they all have amazing relationships. I can't even describe how much I love The White Rabbit Chronicles. I am really upset that it's over.
I have nothing bad to say about this book at all. I adored every moment. Cole and Ali are forever one of my many otps. I am speechless right now.
I honestly thought these books were going to be mediocre after reading the first one, but then Through the Zombie Glass blew my mind and Queen of Zombie Hearts took my brain bits and basically lit them on fire. I am so happy with this conclusion.
IT IS A MUST READ.
I loved every minute.
I love Cole Holland.
I love Ali.
Gavin is just wow.
This is one of those rare books where there are so many amazing characters and they all have amazing relationships. I can't even describe how much I love The White Rabbit Chronicles. I am really upset that it's over.
I have nothing bad to say about this book at all. I adored every moment. Cole and Ali are forever one of my many otps. I am speechless right now.
I honestly thought these books were going to be mediocre after reading the first one, but then Through the Zombie Glass blew my mind and Queen of Zombie Hearts took my brain bits and basically lit them on fire. I am so happy with this conclusion.
IT IS A MUST READ.
October 2, 2014
Beautiful. Amazing ending to the series. Worth the wait. The series left me with a bitter sweet feeling becausd not everybody gets a happy ending. I would love to hear more about a character who lost something that.. broke my soul.
And Cole. #swoon
------
Teaser!
Cole’s window was in back, the first on the left. It was unlocked, just as he’d promised. I scrambled inside as quietly as possible and closed the glass behind me.
Before I could turn around or adjust to the deeper darkness of the room, a hard hand clamped over my mouth, silencing my gasp. Another hand wrapped around me, pinning my arms to my sides to prevent my elbows from doing any damage.
“I said five minutes, Miss Bell.” Cole’s low, husky voice caressed me, draining the fight right out of me. “You took eight. Do you know what that means?”
I swallowed a chuckle. “I need to buy a watch?”
“You’re finally getting that spanking I’ve been promising you.”
A letter to Cole from Gena.
Dear Cole,
Ever since you walked onto the pages of Alice in Zombieland, I’ve been in love with you. In Through the Zombie Glass, I fell even deeper. (Naughty, naughty boy!) But as I finished writing the third book in the White Rabbit Chronicles series, The Queen of Zombie Hearts, I decided to marry you and have a million of your babies. I know, I know. I’m old enough to be your—well, I’m older. We’ll just leave it at that. But everything about you fascinates me. Your black hair and violet eyes. Your strength and courage in the midst of the world’s most violet zombie war. Your unwavering commitment to protect your friends, even though you have to put your own life at risk. Your tattoos and nipple ring. Your secrecy. Your bossiness and occasional bad attitude—yep, even those. You are as tough as steel, and yet you melt for one girl. In the books you call her Ali. In my heart you call her Gena.
I know I put you through hell in The Queen of Zombie Hearts. You lose friends, face new enemies and the worst sort of betrayal. But I’m asking you to forgive me. Because it is our happily ever after that counts…right?
Yours,
Gena
It has a bloddy blurb! Cover to release in February on the thirteenth.
Title: THE QUEEN OF ZOMBIE HEARTS
Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pub. Date: September 2014
I have a plan.
We'll either destroy them for good, or they'll destroy us.
Either way, only one of us is walking away.
In the stunning conclusion to the wildly popular White Rabbit Chronicles, Alice 'Ali' Bell thinks the worst is behind her. She's ready to take the next step with boyfriend Cole Holland, the leader of the zombie slayers; until Anima Industries, the agency controlling the zombies, launches a sneak attack, killing four of her friends. It's then she realizes that humans can be more dangerous than monsters; and the worst has only begun.
As the surviving slayers prepare for war, Ali discovers she, too, can control the zombies and she isn't the girl she thought she was. She's connected to the woman responsible for killing and turning Cole's mother. How can their relationship endure? As secrets come to light, and more slayers are taken or killed, Ali will fight harder than ever to bring down Anima even sacrificing her own life for those she loves.
And Cole. #swoon
------
Teaser!
Cole’s window was in back, the first on the left. It was unlocked, just as he’d promised. I scrambled inside as quietly as possible and closed the glass behind me.
Before I could turn around or adjust to the deeper darkness of the room, a hard hand clamped over my mouth, silencing my gasp. Another hand wrapped around me, pinning my arms to my sides to prevent my elbows from doing any damage.
“I said five minutes, Miss Bell.” Cole’s low, husky voice caressed me, draining the fight right out of me. “You took eight. Do you know what that means?”
I swallowed a chuckle. “I need to buy a watch?”
“You’re finally getting that spanking I’ve been promising you.”
A letter to Cole from Gena.
Dear Cole,
Ever since you walked onto the pages of Alice in Zombieland, I’ve been in love with you. In Through the Zombie Glass, I fell even deeper. (Naughty, naughty boy!) But as I finished writing the third book in the White Rabbit Chronicles series, The Queen of Zombie Hearts, I decided to marry you and have a million of your babies. I know, I know. I’m old enough to be your—well, I’m older. We’ll just leave it at that. But everything about you fascinates me. Your black hair and violet eyes. Your strength and courage in the midst of the world’s most violet zombie war. Your unwavering commitment to protect your friends, even though you have to put your own life at risk. Your tattoos and nipple ring. Your secrecy. Your bossiness and occasional bad attitude—yep, even those. You are as tough as steel, and yet you melt for one girl. In the books you call her Ali. In my heart you call her Gena.
I know I put you through hell in The Queen of Zombie Hearts. You lose friends, face new enemies and the worst sort of betrayal. But I’m asking you to forgive me. Because it is our happily ever after that counts…right?
Yours,
Gena
It has a bloddy blurb! Cover to release in February on the thirteenth.
Title: THE QUEEN OF ZOMBIE HEARTS
Author: Gena Showalter
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pub. Date: September 2014
I have a plan.
We'll either destroy them for good, or they'll destroy us.
Either way, only one of us is walking away.
In the stunning conclusion to the wildly popular White Rabbit Chronicles, Alice 'Ali' Bell thinks the worst is behind her. She's ready to take the next step with boyfriend Cole Holland, the leader of the zombie slayers; until Anima Industries, the agency controlling the zombies, launches a sneak attack, killing four of her friends. It's then she realizes that humans can be more dangerous than monsters; and the worst has only begun.
As the surviving slayers prepare for war, Ali discovers she, too, can control the zombies and she isn't the girl she thought she was. She's connected to the woman responsible for killing and turning Cole's mother. How can their relationship endure? As secrets come to light, and more slayers are taken or killed, Ali will fight harder than ever to bring down Anima even sacrificing her own life for those she loves.
Read
October 17, 2017you know what, I didn't hate Ali, I think when she was fighting and making decisions and whatnot, she owned it, and was fearless but sometimes ... man, I just wanted the Anima people to take her and be done with her.
I liked that we got to learn about her past, her family and the reasons why she's being hunted. BUT hated her relationship with Cole, I HATED them together, he was so possessive (sometimes for no reason) and super controlling and always thinking he was right (AS IF!!) and I hated that Ali just kept enabling that attitude, because he was "so hot, and so mine" ... girl, puh-lease!
also poor Frosty, really sucks for him.
I liked that we got to learn about her past, her family and the reasons why she's being hunted. BUT hated her relationship with Cole, I HATED them together, he was so possessive (sometimes for no reason) and super controlling and always thinking he was right (AS IF!!) and I hated that Ali just kept enabling that attitude, because he was "so hot, and so mine" ... girl, puh-lease!
also poor Frosty, really sucks for him.
August 23, 2018
Caking Book!!!!
Even on the 3rd book it kept my interest. This book truly melted my heart and I'm at odds on how to feel. I'm so happy with the final elements and how everything came together but I'm also very emotional.It really was a great take on love and zombies. Takes you on a nice journey.
Even on the 3rd book it kept my interest. This book truly melted my heart and I'm at odds on how to feel. I'm so happy with the final elements and how everything came together but I'm also very emotional.It really was a great take on love and zombies. Takes you on a nice journey.
January 10, 2015
B E A U T I F U L
Just kick back and watch the action unfold
I have to start out with the three things I love most about this series: the insane amount of action, Alice Bell herself. and Cole Holland.
Let us begin with the action. (I'm saving the best for last guys, calm yourselves)
As you know, because you've read the previous books as no one would read this review if they don't want to run into spoilers (hint hint wink wink), Ali and her gang are zombie slayers. Boy, did they slay the fricken daylights out of the zombies in this book, or what? Rhetorical question, but the answer is yes, yes they most certainly did. Mostly ever chapter there was action that kept me on the edge of my seat, staying up till the wee hours of the morning, absorbing every gory detail of the falling zombies, and in this books case, some of the falling *sniffles* slayers. I won't say anything beyond that.
Ali is definitely one of my favorite main characters that I've had the pleasure of reading. She's hilarious, kick-ass, and honest to a fault. She's just a great person, I want to be her. Score one for fictional idols.
Cole. Cole Holland my beautiful, beautiful boy. I've got news for you that I'm sure will be no shocker.
As is most everyone else in their right mind. You are strong, loyal, steel on the outside and SO mushy on the inside, and you're smart. Kudos to your parents for making you, they did some solid work.
So yes, read this book. And if you for some reason read this review without having read the first book, GO DO THAT NOW! I'm holding you to it *points at you with a pencil* Read that book by the end of next week. I'll be watching like an Edward Cullen on his Bella Swan.
Happy Reading!!!
Just kick back and watch the action unfold
I have to start out with the three things I love most about this series: the insane amount of action, Alice Bell herself. and Cole Holland.
Let us begin with the action. (I'm saving the best for last guys, calm yourselves)
As you know, because you've read the previous books as no one would read this review if they don't want to run into spoilers (hint hint wink wink), Ali and her gang are zombie slayers. Boy, did they slay the fricken daylights out of the zombies in this book, or what? Rhetorical question, but the answer is yes, yes they most certainly did. Mostly ever chapter there was action that kept me on the edge of my seat, staying up till the wee hours of the morning, absorbing every gory detail of the falling zombies, and in this books case, some of the falling *sniffles* slayers. I won't say anything beyond that.
Ali is definitely one of my favorite main characters that I've had the pleasure of reading. She's hilarious, kick-ass, and honest to a fault. She's just a great person, I want to be her. Score one for fictional idols.
Cole. Cole Holland my beautiful, beautiful boy. I've got news for you that I'm sure will be no shocker.
As is most everyone else in their right mind. You are strong, loyal, steel on the outside and SO mushy on the inside, and you're smart. Kudos to your parents for making you, they did some solid work.
So yes, read this book. And if you for some reason read this review without having read the first book, GO DO THAT NOW! I'm holding you to it *points at you with a pencil* Read that book by the end of next week. I'll be watching like an Edward Cullen on his Bella Swan.
Happy Reading!!!
December 6, 2014
This was a chore to read, and after a week or two of dawdling I had to sit down and marathon it just to get it out of the way. And to get this review out of the way, I'll just list what was wrong with this book, mmkay?
1. The Plot
There is none. Mostly it is about Cole, the purple-eyed dreamboat (honorary title courtesy of the friend who recommended the 1st book to me, suffered through the 2nd, and ended up hating the 3rd one so much he kept nagging me to finish that sh*t so we could rant about it together). Everything else that happens has all been done before, in the previous two books. Which leads me to -
2. Repetition
Repetition. Repetitive repetition. Things kept repeating themselves, repetitively. You remember the sad, lonely plot elements of the previous books? Mad scientist enemy, ambiguous rival, traitor who only does it out of love for a family member (the BUT MY SISTER motivation), all girls wanting Cole and being nasty to Ali because of jealousy? It's all there. Only amplified. Which leads me to -
3. OVER 9000
Probably because by now it's obvious that there are no new ideas, the old ones are just blown out of proportion. Mad scientist to the max, slayer skills to the max (magic hannnd!), random new skills added randomly to allow for random scenes to break the monotony of the teenage lusting. Which leads me to -
4. ALL THE LUB
Seriously, when I read the first book, I was kind of happy to have a teenage girl with a normal libido (read: who wants sex, and wants it for her own benefit), but this was just too much. Every thought in Ali's head revolves around Cole, his hotness, and how to find a place and time to finally get rid of that damn virginity. Which *could* have been an accurate depiction of the teenage mind if it wasn't for all the other stuff that is supposedly going on - people die, safe places get fewer and fewer, things go awry, time is pressing, but in between the Coleing Ali only has moments to spare to worry about all that. The book tries to explain it away with her stupid mental stashbox, which is supposedly bursting with all the bad memories and worries, but doesn't seem to bother her much. Convenient! As a result, the "bad" things that happen in this book have no emotional impact whatsoever.
What's more, the constant flirting has some mature tendencies that feel more like a romance writer's fantasies than those of a teenage girl: our rough Alpha Cole does quite a bit of grabbing of hair, bending, pushing, and holding of limbs, and there are several playful mentions of spankings, all of which Ali apparently finds hot. All I can say is that my virgin teenage self would have run for the hills at the mention of spankings, however playful, before I had even experienced vanilla sex. Nevertheless, the purple-eyed dreamboat is a gentleman dreamboat and wants to wait until Ali is 18. Ayup.
Which leads me to - nothing, really, so I'll just grab a random item (roughly, by the hair).
5. Security, also the Police
There's police in this book. They usually turn up when everything is quiet, ask stupid questions, let themselves be distracted by the "I can't answer that, but... ooh, look, a squirrel" technique, turn a blind eye when things get just too obvious to ignore, and drive away again. They're probably eating donuts the rest of the time.
And Mr Ankh's security system sucks. Quite obviously, and repeatedly. Still, everyone is constantly insisting that Mr Ankh's place is the only safe place. Why? Really, why? And why doesn't anyone, I don't know, get more vigilant when it fails the first time? (Oh, but traitors. They explain everything, and can do anything. Which leads me to -)
6. Anima
Ridiculous. What kind of lame arch-nemesis are they? It all remains super wishy-washy and randomly changes depending on what is needed for what litte plot there is. Sometimes they're powerful, sometimes not, they know everything, then don't notice something super obvious, they have influence in some high places, but still only attack in a way the slayers can handle, they do all kinds of technical... stuff... somehow, but fail to detect serious breaches of security, or, you know, the slayers raiding their facilities. Which, by the way, happens in the course of 2 paragraphs, preceded and followed by pages and pages of the Coleing.
7. The Side Characters
The poor lesser beings didn't fare very well in the 2nd book, but they're reduced to toilet-cleaning duty in this one. ALL of them. Even the besties are shoved to the side to make room for the glory that is Ali and Cole - pretty sure Reeve said about 2 sentences during the whole of the book, and both she and Kat are reduced to "strong females" whose job consists of waiting at home, trying to get in the way, being generally useless, but threatening to rip off balls should anything happen to their man. There's one scene that's supposed to show their friendship on a "girls' night in", and it's painfully obvious that the author couldn't think of anything for them to talk about. They're nothing but parts of hot couples. Did you know all of them have model looks?
There's also quite a bit of texting whenever the author remembers that there was something.. oh right, girl friends, and then it's walls of terrible text speak along the lines of "IS MY MAN OK!!! oh and RU alrite haha". I skipped those later on, there was nothing of substance in there anyway. Best part was Ali using textspeak in her apology (and for some serious stuff, too) to Nana, who is put on the bus early on because she's just cluttering up the room: "hope U can 4give me haha XOXO". Ok, maybe not quite like that. But it's close!
8. The Zombies
Zombies? ... Oh riiiight! Yeah. Queen of ZOMBIE Hearts, hahaha. Cool idea, huh? Yup. Ooh look, a squirrel!
9. The Syringes
People keep drugging other people left, right, and centre, everywhere, all the time. As soon as a woman/girl starts to freak even a little, someone whips out a syringe and sedates her. Then she is carted off to some secret underground lab or something so she can calm down.
10. The Plot Twists
I can't say anything without spoiling things, but believe me, there are "new developments" that put any telenovela to shame. Most of it just falls under #3 though, as it's meant to create artificial drama. My favourite bit was the incredibly convenient.. thing... that influences SOMETHING related to #4 - ok, spoiler tag:
11. The Body Count
See, the slayers are the Good Ones, and the others are the Bad Ones. So, killing them is a-ok. Toting guns, stealing cars, shooting people - it's all good, because they are doing the Right Thing, for morally superior reasons. Except that that's the reasoning of every extremist group ever (Anima too, for that matter), and I can't stand it when this kind of thinking goes unquestioned just because of the protagonist bonus. Or is treated in such a flippant fashion. As usual, there's a sentence or two how bad poor Ali feels after killing her first human (whom she kills in one shot without hesitation the second the poor guy comes crashing through a window. She kills him on the spot. BAM, dead. What the hell), but it's just to fulfill a moral reasoning quota. The thought immediately goes in the bleeping stashbox, and after that it's a no holds barred kill-fest, and the Slayers being above the law, their theft, violence, and killings are treated as badassery and coolness.
One of Ali's new superpowers is quite a terrible weapon, in my opinion , but is applied liberally without much hesitation or discussion, on the basis that it's for the good cause. The ramifications of what she is doing or the responsibility that *should* come with such a skill are never properly addressed. The worst bit, though, was a torture (!) scene, and while it's not treated as flippantly, it's still with the "ah, but there is no other way" mentality, because their higher goal is worth more than the breach of ethics. It's disgusting.
12. Sigh, tired, everything else.
The whole story could have been told in one book, the zombie plot just didn't have enough meat to drag it out for so long. The zombie mythology was clearly not thought through or just wasn't important enough, and the inconsistencies and the constant handwaving drove me mad. The worldbuilding was atrocious for the whole series, and the little that was there was completely neglected in this last book - so were most of the characters, it was all just Ali and Cole making out. It was thinly disguised romance, and not a very good one, with all those questionable dynamics, the obsessive nature of the relationships, and all those 16-year-olds not just finding the love of their life, but putting them so high on their priority list that there simply were no other priorities left. Just look at Reeve and her father, Mr Ankh is missing, and Reeve sits somewhere outside and - waits for Bronx. All the lub, but just for one person.
See, I've got nothing against romance and have in fact read nothing BUT romance shlock for the past few months, so I've been wondering why this book bugged me so much, and I've come up with two reasons.
First, by ditching and neglecting the zombie aspect of the story it didn't keep its promise (well, for me) and made me read 3 books of teenage bullcrap, with me still waiting and hoping for the zombie storyline to pick up and/or come to a satisfying conclusion. It never happened. The zombie/fantasy aspect was more than disappointing, and the obvious disinterest in anything but the romance left me feeling cheated.
Second, and I think this is the bigger reason: books that reduce the inner lives of teenage girls to nothing but romance drive me to despair. Romantic entanglements are a big part of being a teenager, but this YA plague of depicting girls as vapid creatures who have and should have no other interests whatsoever apart from boys, clothes to impress the boys, makeup to be prettier for the boys, and friends to talk to about the boys - oh, and save the world, like, somehow - just makes me angry. Add to that the division of the rest of the female population into either bitchy rivals or allies, and I get REALLY cranky. Eh, I'm done now. 1/10, wouldn't read again. ಠ_ಠ
1. The Plot
There is none. Mostly it is about Cole, the purple-eyed dreamboat (honorary title courtesy of the friend who recommended the 1st book to me, suffered through the 2nd, and ended up hating the 3rd one so much he kept nagging me to finish that sh*t so we could rant about it together). Everything else that happens has all been done before, in the previous two books. Which leads me to -
2. Repetition
Repetition. Repetitive repetition. Things kept repeating themselves, repetitively. You remember the sad, lonely plot elements of the previous books? Mad scientist enemy, ambiguous rival, traitor who only does it out of love for a family member (the BUT MY SISTER motivation), all girls wanting Cole and being nasty to Ali because of jealousy? It's all there. Only amplified. Which leads me to -
3. OVER 9000
Probably because by now it's obvious that there are no new ideas, the old ones are just blown out of proportion. Mad scientist to the max, slayer skills to the max (magic hannnd!), random new skills added randomly to allow for random scenes to break the monotony of the teenage lusting. Which leads me to -
4. ALL THE LUB
Seriously, when I read the first book, I was kind of happy to have a teenage girl with a normal libido (read: who wants sex, and wants it for her own benefit), but this was just too much. Every thought in Ali's head revolves around Cole, his hotness, and how to find a place and time to finally get rid of that damn virginity. Which *could* have been an accurate depiction of the teenage mind if it wasn't for all the other stuff that is supposedly going on - people die, safe places get fewer and fewer, things go awry, time is pressing, but in between the Coleing Ali only has moments to spare to worry about all that. The book tries to explain it away with her stupid mental stashbox, which is supposedly bursting with all the bad memories and worries, but doesn't seem to bother her much. Convenient! As a result, the "bad" things that happen in this book have no emotional impact whatsoever.
What's more, the constant flirting has some mature tendencies that feel more like a romance writer's fantasies than those of a teenage girl: our rough Alpha Cole does quite a bit of grabbing of hair, bending, pushing, and holding of limbs, and there are several playful mentions of spankings, all of which Ali apparently finds hot. All I can say is that my virgin teenage self would have run for the hills at the mention of spankings, however playful, before I had even experienced vanilla sex. Nevertheless, the purple-eyed dreamboat is a gentleman dreamboat and wants to wait until Ali is 18. Ayup.
Which leads me to - nothing, really, so I'll just grab a random item (roughly, by the hair).
5. Security, also the Police
There's police in this book. They usually turn up when everything is quiet, ask stupid questions, let themselves be distracted by the "I can't answer that, but... ooh, look, a squirrel" technique, turn a blind eye when things get just too obvious to ignore, and drive away again. They're probably eating donuts the rest of the time.
And Mr Ankh's security system sucks. Quite obviously, and repeatedly. Still, everyone is constantly insisting that Mr Ankh's place is the only safe place. Why? Really, why? And why doesn't anyone, I don't know, get more vigilant when it fails the first time? (Oh, but traitors. They explain everything, and can do anything. Which leads me to -)
6. Anima
Ridiculous. What kind of lame arch-nemesis are they? It all remains super wishy-washy and randomly changes depending on what is needed for what litte plot there is. Sometimes they're powerful, sometimes not, they know everything, then don't notice something super obvious, they have influence in some high places, but still only attack in a way the slayers can handle, they do all kinds of technical... stuff... somehow, but fail to detect serious breaches of security, or, you know, the slayers raiding their facilities. Which, by the way, happens in the course of 2 paragraphs, preceded and followed by pages and pages of the Coleing.
7. The Side Characters
The poor lesser beings didn't fare very well in the 2nd book, but they're reduced to toilet-cleaning duty in this one. ALL of them. Even the besties are shoved to the side to make room for the glory that is Ali and Cole - pretty sure Reeve said about 2 sentences during the whole of the book, and both she and Kat are reduced to "strong females" whose job consists of waiting at home, trying to get in the way, being generally useless, but threatening to rip off balls should anything happen to their man. There's one scene that's supposed to show their friendship on a "girls' night in", and it's painfully obvious that the author couldn't think of anything for them to talk about. They're nothing but parts of hot couples. Did you know all of them have model looks?
There's also quite a bit of texting whenever the author remembers that there was something.. oh right, girl friends, and then it's walls of terrible text speak along the lines of "IS MY MAN OK!!! oh and RU alrite haha". I skipped those later on, there was nothing of substance in there anyway. Best part was Ali using textspeak in her apology (and for some serious stuff, too) to Nana, who is put on the bus early on because she's just cluttering up the room: "hope U can 4give me haha XOXO". Ok, maybe not quite like that. But it's close!
8. The Zombies
Zombies? ... Oh riiiight! Yeah. Queen of ZOMBIE Hearts, hahaha. Cool idea, huh? Yup. Ooh look, a squirrel!
9. The Syringes
People keep drugging other people left, right, and centre, everywhere, all the time. As soon as a woman/girl starts to freak even a little, someone whips out a syringe and sedates her. Then she is carted off to some secret underground lab or something so she can calm down.
10. The Plot Twists
I can't say anything without spoiling things, but believe me, there are "new developments" that put any telenovela to shame. Most of it just falls under #3 though, as it's meant to create artificial drama. My favourite bit was the incredibly convenient.. thing... that influences SOMETHING related to #4 - ok, spoiler tag:
11. The Body Count
See, the slayers are the Good Ones, and the others are the Bad Ones. So, killing them is a-ok. Toting guns, stealing cars, shooting people - it's all good, because they are doing the Right Thing, for morally superior reasons. Except that that's the reasoning of every extremist group ever (Anima too, for that matter), and I can't stand it when this kind of thinking goes unquestioned just because of the protagonist bonus. Or is treated in such a flippant fashion. As usual, there's a sentence or two how bad poor Ali feels after killing her first human (whom she kills in one shot without hesitation the second the poor guy comes crashing through a window. She kills him on the spot. BAM, dead. What the hell), but it's just to fulfill a moral reasoning quota. The thought immediately goes in the bleeping stashbox, and after that it's a no holds barred kill-fest, and the Slayers being above the law, their theft, violence, and killings are treated as badassery and coolness.
One of Ali's new superpowers is quite a terrible weapon, in my opinion , but is applied liberally without much hesitation or discussion, on the basis that it's for the good cause. The ramifications of what she is doing or the responsibility that *should* come with such a skill are never properly addressed. The worst bit, though, was a torture (!) scene, and while it's not treated as flippantly, it's still with the "ah, but there is no other way" mentality, because their higher goal is worth more than the breach of ethics. It's disgusting.
12. Sigh, tired, everything else.
The whole story could have been told in one book, the zombie plot just didn't have enough meat to drag it out for so long. The zombie mythology was clearly not thought through or just wasn't important enough, and the inconsistencies and the constant handwaving drove me mad. The worldbuilding was atrocious for the whole series, and the little that was there was completely neglected in this last book - so were most of the characters, it was all just Ali and Cole making out. It was thinly disguised romance, and not a very good one, with all those questionable dynamics, the obsessive nature of the relationships, and all those 16-year-olds not just finding the love of their life, but putting them so high on their priority list that there simply were no other priorities left. Just look at Reeve and her father, Mr Ankh is missing, and Reeve sits somewhere outside and - waits for Bronx. All the lub, but just for one person.
See, I've got nothing against romance and have in fact read nothing BUT romance shlock for the past few months, so I've been wondering why this book bugged me so much, and I've come up with two reasons.
First, by ditching and neglecting the zombie aspect of the story it didn't keep its promise (well, for me) and made me read 3 books of teenage bullcrap, with me still waiting and hoping for the zombie storyline to pick up and/or come to a satisfying conclusion. It never happened. The zombie/fantasy aspect was more than disappointing, and the obvious disinterest in anything but the romance left me feeling cheated.
Second, and I think this is the bigger reason: books that reduce the inner lives of teenage girls to nothing but romance drive me to despair. Romantic entanglements are a big part of being a teenager, but this YA plague of depicting girls as vapid creatures who have and should have no other interests whatsoever apart from boys, clothes to impress the boys, makeup to be prettier for the boys, and friends to talk to about the boys - oh, and save the world, like, somehow - just makes me angry. Add to that the division of the rest of the female population into either bitchy rivals or allies, and I get REALLY cranky. Eh, I'm done now. 1/10, wouldn't read again. ಠ_ಠ
March 27, 2016
I love this series. But I had to put this book down because I had just been dumped, and reading this was just too painful.
Now that time has passed, and my heart doesn't feel like it's being ripped out of my chest every second, I was able to finish the book. I love Gena Showalter. She writes like a conversation, like a real person. She gets you to care for the characters. You empathize on another level.
I cried at the end of this book. Not that this book inspires tears. I'm just super emotional right now. So when you read it, you probably won't cry at the end. And you'll probably right wonder what the hell happened that made me cry....nothing. Nothing reasonable to cry at. Just was happy with the ending. I was worried I wouldn't be.
I do want to read the next book, A Mad Zombie Party, but I'm disappointed that Ali and Cole aren't the main characters. I could read about Ali and Cole all day. Man, if I met and dated a man like Cole Holland, I think I could die a very happy woman. But it's not in the cards for me. (And that's why I read books, lol)
Anyway, I'm glad I finished it. Just kinda sad it is over. I do that with books too: if I really like a book, I hesitate to finish it because then it is done. And there's no more. It's sad. But I guess I still have the next one...Kat and Frosty's story...I'll have to read it.
Now that time has passed, and my heart doesn't feel like it's being ripped out of my chest every second, I was able to finish the book. I love Gena Showalter. She writes like a conversation, like a real person. She gets you to care for the characters. You empathize on another level.
I cried at the end of this book. Not that this book inspires tears. I'm just super emotional right now. So when you read it, you probably won't cry at the end. And you'll probably right wonder what the hell happened that made me cry....nothing. Nothing reasonable to cry at. Just was happy with the ending. I was worried I wouldn't be.
I do want to read the next book, A Mad Zombie Party, but I'm disappointed that Ali and Cole aren't the main characters. I could read about Ali and Cole all day. Man, if I met and dated a man like Cole Holland, I think I could die a very happy woman. But it's not in the cards for me. (And that's why I read books, lol)
Anyway, I'm glad I finished it. Just kinda sad it is over. I do that with books too: if I really like a book, I hesitate to finish it because then it is done. And there's no more. It's sad. But I guess I still have the next one...Kat and Frosty's story...I'll have to read it.
December 20, 2016
*****My full review can be read at Darling & Co.*****
Ugh, I don't know how much longer I can stand the emotional turmoil! I think this one is the worst! But of course, the book is still magnificent, even though Gena Showalter had my heart in a vice grip until the last page. From the beginning, there is nothing but action, which was a nice change of pace from the last one; way less couple drama. Seriously, y'all need to read this series. You'll thank me later.
An alternative title for this book could have also been "Ali, Everyone Has Lied to You Your Entire Life but You'll Just Have to Deal with It," but that is a little long. Lots of lying, few good reason to.
Cole and Ali finally have sex! The sexual tension has literally been there since they first laid eyes on each other. It was decent. Ali seemed pleased.
A lot happens in the book and at points, it felt like there were too many things going on, but overall, I really enjoyed the book; not as much as the first, but more than the second. I'm still really glad I discovered this series and I'm mentally scolding myself for the millions of times I picked it up at a store and decided against it.
Ugh, I don't know how much longer I can stand the emotional turmoil! I think this one is the worst! But of course, the book is still magnificent, even though Gena Showalter had my heart in a vice grip until the last page. From the beginning, there is nothing but action, which was a nice change of pace from the last one; way less couple drama. Seriously, y'all need to read this series. You'll thank me later.
An alternative title for this book could have also been "Ali, Everyone Has Lied to You Your Entire Life but You'll Just Have to Deal with It," but that is a little long. Lots of lying, few good reason to.
Cole and Ali finally have sex! The sexual tension has literally been there since they first laid eyes on each other. It was decent. Ali seemed pleased.
A lot happens in the book and at points, it felt like there were too many things going on, but overall, I really enjoyed the book; not as much as the first, but more than the second. I'm still really glad I discovered this series and I'm mentally scolding myself for the millions of times I picked it up at a store and decided against it.
October 18, 2014
2.5 stars
This was a huge disappointment for me. I loved the first two books, but this one fell flat for me, for multiple reasons.
The first reason why is because of the romance.
I really enjoyed Ali and Cole's chemistry in the first two books. They were cute, hot, and fun to read about. Now, it's getting really awkward to read. This is partially because there is a lot of spanking references. Like Cole's always threatening to spank Ali, you know, in a friendly way. This doesn't come off as YA romance stuff for me. Maybe it's because Gena Showalter generally writes adult fiction. I can take it in other books, but in YA, it felt off.
There was also too much relationship drama. I was hoping that after the second book, Cole and Ali would have some sort of a stable relationship, but NOOOOOO, there has to be something to come in between them. And honestly, it's a really stupid, cliche thing that REALLY wasn't necessary.
The second reason is because of the plot.
I wouldn't say that it was bad, because it wasn't. There was a lot of action-packed scenes, I'll give you that, but the beginning was really slow.
Even more, I don't get all the new revelations with the zombie hunters. They just suddenly have all these new powers....?
Plus, a ton of people are killed. I get that it's the final battle, but the deaths screamed "HEY THiS IS A REALLY DIRE SITUATION SO JUST IN CASE YOU COULDN'T TELL, I'M GOING TO KILL A LOT OF PEOPLE" Reeeeeal subtle.
There were also a ton of small things that I didn't like. One of them was a joke about Ebola.
I also didn't get enough interaction between Ali and her Nana, who is one of the awesomeest characters. I love their relationship, but Nana was away for most of the book. So not cool.
There wasn't much character development either. At least Ali and Co. had grown up a lot before this final battle.
And now, I'm just going to rant about the stupid addition to the plot, but in a spoiler tag of course :)
Even though I'm complaining so much, there was still that wonderful humor. I especially like the budding romance between Jackie and Gavin.
Kat is still awesome too.
There also wasn't the special spark that I loved about the others. The first had a really cool concept with cool characters, so it was a breath of fresh air. The second one had a wonderfully written story regarding humanity and all. But this? Nothing special. Just a typical it's-the-end-and-there's-a-big-fight thing.
So I was pretty disappointed. But I guess it's a nice end to the trilogy.
This was a huge disappointment for me. I loved the first two books, but this one fell flat for me, for multiple reasons.
The first reason why is because of the romance.
I really enjoyed Ali and Cole's chemistry in the first two books. They were cute, hot, and fun to read about. Now, it's getting really awkward to read. This is partially because there is a lot of spanking references. Like Cole's always threatening to spank Ali, you know, in a friendly way. This doesn't come off as YA romance stuff for me. Maybe it's because Gena Showalter generally writes adult fiction. I can take it in other books, but in YA, it felt off.
There was also too much relationship drama. I was hoping that after the second book, Cole and Ali would have some sort of a stable relationship, but NOOOOOO, there has to be something to come in between them. And honestly, it's a really stupid, cliche thing that REALLY wasn't necessary.
The second reason is because of the plot.
I wouldn't say that it was bad, because it wasn't. There was a lot of action-packed scenes, I'll give you that, but the beginning was really slow.
Even more, I don't get all the new revelations with the zombie hunters. They just suddenly have all these new powers....?
Plus, a ton of people are killed. I get that it's the final battle, but the deaths screamed "HEY THiS IS A REALLY DIRE SITUATION SO JUST IN CASE YOU COULDN'T TELL, I'M GOING TO KILL A LOT OF PEOPLE" Reeeeeal subtle.
There were also a ton of small things that I didn't like. One of them was a joke about Ebola.
I also didn't get enough interaction between Ali and her Nana, who is one of the awesomeest characters. I love their relationship, but Nana was away for most of the book. So not cool.
There wasn't much character development either. At least Ali and Co. had grown up a lot before this final battle.
And now, I'm just going to rant about the stupid addition to the plot, but in a spoiler tag of course :)
Even though I'm complaining so much, there was still that wonderful humor. I especially like the budding romance between Jackie and Gavin.
"I don't have to do anything. I don't even have to like you. Proof-I never fantasize about doing you, and I fantasize about doing everyone. You're too flat-chested for me."..."At least my balls are bigger than yours," she sneered back, shocking me.
"You sure about that?" Gavin sneered right back, and I couldn't be sure, but it kind of looked like he was fighting back a...smile? "Take off your pants and show me."
"The only way I'll ever take off my pants in your presence is to use the material to choke you to death."
"Children, please." Bronx clapped his hands. "Your verbal foreplay isn't fun for the rest of us."
Kat is still awesome too.
There also wasn't the special spark that I loved about the others. The first had a really cool concept with cool characters, so it was a breath of fresh air. The second one had a wonderfully written story regarding humanity and all. But this? Nothing special. Just a typical it's-the-end-and-there's-a-big-fight thing.
So I was pretty disappointed. But I guess it's a nice end to the trilogy.
December 31, 2014
I’m a sobbing mess. A. COMPLETE. MESS. But what a way to end the series!
Alice and Cole have been through thick and thin and just when they’re starting to slip back into the routines of their hectic lives, destruction comes crashing down on them and it’s all because of Anima Industries – the company who try to control the Zombie’s – because they want Ali. When four of her friends are killed by Anima’s hands, Ali is more determined than ever to put an end to their company, but no matter how many times her and the slayers get a head, Anima are always there to bring them back down. But when Ali starts being able to control the Zombie’s and having more gifts than the other slayers, she realizes there are secrets hidden deep within her past. Can Ali save everyone she loves before Anima destroys everything?
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of The Queen of Zombie Hearts and as soon as it landed on my door step, I knew it was the perfect time to re-read the first two books so I could refresh on what I knew I'd properly forgotten over the last two years. And what a great decision that was because it made me enjoy this book even more.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I headed into this instalment. I was nervous, scared, excited, hopeful, every emotion that I could possibly feel, I was feeling because I just didn’t know how this series would end. It’s a riveting and engaging story. There isn’t a dull moment. There’s more than enough twists to the story that keep you on your toes. It’s funny and has a ton of laugh-out-loud moments but it also break your heart – yep, emotional! Get the tissues ready!
Ali and Cole are phenomenal characters. I love the relationship they have. It’s intense and full of sparks. It’s beautiful and dangerous and sweet, it’s everything. They’re one feisty couple, never willing to give up on not just their relationship, but in everything in their life. They love fiercely with everything they have.
I felt as though Ali never really caught a break during this instalment. One thing after another was thrown at her and each time a new situation arrived, it seemed to be worse than the next. But no matter what, she pushes try and deals with what she has. She finds out some shocking things about herself too, but again, she pushes through. I’ve really enjoyed Ali’s journey, no matter the hardships and she’s definitely not an unforgettable character.
The secondary characters are second to none. They made this series so enjoyable to read. I loved all the slayers and non-slayers in the end. Some took time to warm up to but still, so worth it in the end. And it really broke my heart to see some of them leave this story so early. I wasn’t prepared for it – especially for one character. I won’t say who. But it’s the reason I cried so much! It broke my heart to see but more so for the other person involved and how it would affect them too. Even though I’m devastated, I’m glad it didn’t feel forced into the story line - it felt very real.
In all, The Queen of Zombie Hearts is a heart-pounding and exciting finale to this series. It’s a sad feeling letting these character go, but I’m glad it went out with such a bang and I believe Gena Showalter did an awesome job with it. I highly recommend you read this series!
Alice and Cole have been through thick and thin and just when they’re starting to slip back into the routines of their hectic lives, destruction comes crashing down on them and it’s all because of Anima Industries – the company who try to control the Zombie’s – because they want Ali. When four of her friends are killed by Anima’s hands, Ali is more determined than ever to put an end to their company, but no matter how many times her and the slayers get a head, Anima are always there to bring them back down. But when Ali starts being able to control the Zombie’s and having more gifts than the other slayers, she realizes there are secrets hidden deep within her past. Can Ali save everyone she loves before Anima destroys everything?
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of The Queen of Zombie Hearts and as soon as it landed on my door step, I knew it was the perfect time to re-read the first two books so I could refresh on what I knew I'd properly forgotten over the last two years. And what a great decision that was because it made me enjoy this book even more.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I headed into this instalment. I was nervous, scared, excited, hopeful, every emotion that I could possibly feel, I was feeling because I just didn’t know how this series would end. It’s a riveting and engaging story. There isn’t a dull moment. There’s more than enough twists to the story that keep you on your toes. It’s funny and has a ton of laugh-out-loud moments but it also break your heart – yep, emotional! Get the tissues ready!
Ali and Cole are phenomenal characters. I love the relationship they have. It’s intense and full of sparks. It’s beautiful and dangerous and sweet, it’s everything. They’re one feisty couple, never willing to give up on not just their relationship, but in everything in their life. They love fiercely with everything they have.
I felt as though Ali never really caught a break during this instalment. One thing after another was thrown at her and each time a new situation arrived, it seemed to be worse than the next. But no matter what, she pushes try and deals with what she has. She finds out some shocking things about herself too, but again, she pushes through. I’ve really enjoyed Ali’s journey, no matter the hardships and she’s definitely not an unforgettable character.
The secondary characters are second to none. They made this series so enjoyable to read. I loved all the slayers and non-slayers in the end. Some took time to warm up to but still, so worth it in the end. And it really broke my heart to see some of them leave this story so early. I wasn’t prepared for it – especially for one character. I won’t say who. But it’s the reason I cried so much! It broke my heart to see but more so for the other person involved and how it would affect them too. Even though I’m devastated, I’m glad it didn’t feel forced into the story line - it felt very real.
In all, The Queen of Zombie Hearts is a heart-pounding and exciting finale to this series. It’s a sad feeling letting these character go, but I’m glad it went out with such a bang and I believe Gena Showalter did an awesome job with it. I highly recommend you read this series!
October 16, 2015
Buddy read with Aly
If you thought the stakes were high in Alice Through the Zombie Glass that's nothing compared to what Ali and the slayers are facing in this instalment. Zombies may be evil but they're mindless creatures that act on instinct and it turns out that humans are far more dangerous. Anima doesn't want to see the slayers wipe out the zombies, not when they've worked so hard to find a way to control them, so they will do whatever it takes to wipe out Ali and her friends.
Right from the beginning of The Queen of Zombie Hearts the action is off the charts and the slayers are really up against it. Anima is always one step ahead and they're willing to act with lethal force to get rid of everyone Ali cares about. I was on the edge of my seat for much of the story, there are some great twists and a couple of shocks that I would never have spotted coming. I actually came pretty close to tears at one point thanks to one unexpected and utterly heart wrenching event. In fact, I'm still not quite sure I believe that I read that part right, I kept hoping it would all turn out to be some kind of horrific misunderstanding.
I was pleased to see that Ali and Cole had got their relationship back on track but then there is one moment where Cole reverted to his foolish behaviour and pushed Ali away again. It was in a particularly emotional situation so part of me could understand his reaction but I was annoyed that once again he turned his back on her when she needed him the most. I think I find it more frustrating because most of the time he's such a great guy and I'm generally really happy to root for them as a couple. I just wish he wouldn't have these stupid moments.
There are a lot of changes in this book, a lot of revelations about characters we know and love and we get to meet a whole new group of slayers who added an interesting dynamic to the story. The two groups don't really trust each other but Anima is causing so much trouble that they have to work together if they're going to have any chance of stopping them. The story has definitely ramped up on all levels and I can't wait to see how things play out in the next book. Ali has been through a lot already but I think she's still got quite a battle ahead of her before she can let her guard down.
If you thought the stakes were high in Alice Through the Zombie Glass that's nothing compared to what Ali and the slayers are facing in this instalment. Zombies may be evil but they're mindless creatures that act on instinct and it turns out that humans are far more dangerous. Anima doesn't want to see the slayers wipe out the zombies, not when they've worked so hard to find a way to control them, so they will do whatever it takes to wipe out Ali and her friends.
Right from the beginning of The Queen of Zombie Hearts the action is off the charts and the slayers are really up against it. Anima is always one step ahead and they're willing to act with lethal force to get rid of everyone Ali cares about. I was on the edge of my seat for much of the story, there are some great twists and a couple of shocks that I would never have spotted coming. I actually came pretty close to tears at one point thanks to one unexpected and utterly heart wrenching event. In fact, I'm still not quite sure I believe that I read that part right, I kept hoping it would all turn out to be some kind of horrific misunderstanding.
I was pleased to see that Ali and Cole had got their relationship back on track but then there is one moment where Cole reverted to his foolish behaviour and pushed Ali away again. It was in a particularly emotional situation so part of me could understand his reaction but I was annoyed that once again he turned his back on her when she needed him the most. I think I find it more frustrating because most of the time he's such a great guy and I'm generally really happy to root for them as a couple. I just wish he wouldn't have these stupid moments.
There are a lot of changes in this book, a lot of revelations about characters we know and love and we get to meet a whole new group of slayers who added an interesting dynamic to the story. The two groups don't really trust each other but Anima is causing so much trouble that they have to work together if they're going to have any chance of stopping them. The story has definitely ramped up on all levels and I can't wait to see how things play out in the next book. Ali has been through a lot already but I think she's still got quite a battle ahead of her before she can let her guard down.
October 19, 2014
In a lifetime of war, she is my first taste of peace.
I'm so so disappointed. I've struggled with this series as a whole, so my lack of love for book 3 isn't a huge surprise. but I'm typically at least entertained with this series, but this one just lacked any connection for me. it just felt like a huge repetition of:
Ali obsessing over Cole, kissing and wanting more of Cole, fighting zombies
obsessing over Cole, Kissing and wanting more of Cole, fighting zombies
repeat...
it literally felt like a list of what would happen next. for a book filled with death, zombies, killing and fighting - it was boring and full of annoying catch phrases and one-liners.
I'm so so disappointed. I've struggled with this series as a whole, so my lack of love for book 3 isn't a huge surprise. but I'm typically at least entertained with this series, but this one just lacked any connection for me. it just felt like a huge repetition of:
Ali obsessing over Cole, kissing and wanting more of Cole, fighting zombies
obsessing over Cole, Kissing and wanting more of Cole, fighting zombies
repeat...
it literally felt like a list of what would happen next. for a book filled with death, zombies, killing and fighting - it was boring and full of annoying catch phrases and one-liners.
February 17, 2014
WORDS CANNOT CONTAIN MY EMOTIONS.
I'M SO EXCITED YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND.
THIS IS THE BEST ZOMBIE SERIES EVER. DARE I SAY ONE OF THE BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCES EVER AND I JUST FOREVER CAN'T GET OVER THIS SERIES.
I'VE READ IT TWICE OVER ALREADY AND I'M STUNNED AND ELATED TO SEE THE THIRD IS COMING OUT.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYBODY AND EVERYBODY.
#SCREAMING #TEARSOFJOY #NOBODYTOUCHMEIMINAFRAGILESTATE #READINGTHESEBOOKSUNDERMYDESKATWORK
I CAN ALREADY TELL THIS IS GOING TO BE A HEART STOPPER LIKE THE LAST TWO.
(BUT OMG I REALLY HOPE SHE DOESN'T DIE IN THE END BECAUSE I'LL DIE.)
I'M SO EXCITED YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND.
THIS IS THE BEST ZOMBIE SERIES EVER. DARE I SAY ONE OF THE BEST PARANORMAL ROMANCES EVER AND I JUST FOREVER CAN'T GET OVER THIS SERIES.
I'VE READ IT TWICE OVER ALREADY AND I'M STUNNED AND ELATED TO SEE THE THIRD IS COMING OUT.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYBODY AND EVERYBODY.
#SCREAMING #TEARSOFJOY #NOBODYTOUCHMEIMINAFRAGILESTATE #READINGTHESEBOOKSUNDERMYDESKATWORK
I CAN ALREADY TELL THIS IS GOING TO BE A HEART STOPPER LIKE THE LAST TWO.
(BUT OMG I REALLY HOPE SHE DOESN'T DIE IN THE END BECAUSE I'LL DIE.)
November 18, 2016
Weer een goed deel van deze reeks! Ik dacht dat het een trilogie was maar kennelijk komt er nog meer <3 LIKE!
May 8, 2021
With the first two books being so successful and entertaining, it was no surprise that this book too, kept me on the edge of my seat. The war between Anima and our heroes of zombie slayers is coming to a close, and we have no idea how our heroes are even going to win when they keep continuing to lose.
Ali is still a great protagonist, portraying a funny and entertaining narrative throughout. Just like in the first two books, I found myself laughing out loud more than once and enjoying the trip she was taking me on. She’s still just as snarky, stubborn, brave and loving as she always is, going at any lengths to protect her loved ones from Anima’s evil deeds. If there was one thing I didn’t like about Ali in this book, it was her jealousy. She and Cole are finally together again with no “second-book drama” getting in the way of their happy ending. However, any time Ali sees Cole talking to another girl Ali’s green-eyed monster appears and begins coming up with ways of how to kill or maim that poor girl who – let’s face it – only wants to take a look at Cole’s man candy, as it’s obvious he’s the best looking of all the zombie slayer lads. I mean, if Ali was that secure about her relationship with Cole, why did she get so jealous even though Cole adores the ground she walks on and wouldn’t dream of cheating on her?
However, besides the exaggerated jealousy, Cole and Ali were the cutest couple in this book. They were constantly reminding each other how much they loved one another and Showalter provided plenty of hot, steamy make out sessions between the two. All the boys in this book actually are extremely dedicated to their women, so much so that I got an animalistic vibe off them and that the girls were objects for the boys to own and not allow to share with anyone. Even though Ali fought equally with Cole on the battle ground, off the battle ground nothing stopped him from stamping his claim when other guys checked her out. I can’t say I mind, though, as alpha males in these books are extremely attractive.
There are quite a few deaths in this book as it’s the final showdown, some of which were heart breaking, and some I could deal as they weren’t given a load of page time to begin with. However it was a constant guessing game as to who was going to go as there were so many slayers in this book.
Ali gets a visit from a woman named Helen who is a Witness (a Ghost, like her little sister Emma) who claims she only wants to help her by giving her new abilities to help against the zombies. However Cole and the slayers are adamant that Helen is not to be trusted and Ali should stay away from her. And when Helen is discovered to be closer to Ali than anyone realised, Ali gets pulled in different directions as she struggles to decide against Cole’s loving advice, or her own heart.
I also liked the introduction to River and the other slayers, as we get to see how different they were to Ali and Cole’s gang. They were grey when Ali and Cole were black and white, but it was a nice change and perspective as to how people react to the zombies.
This book was very exciting and a great ending to the series (even if some parts were a little sugar-coated and ended too perfectly, but who am I to complain when it got everyone their happy ending?)
Ali is still a great protagonist, portraying a funny and entertaining narrative throughout. Just like in the first two books, I found myself laughing out loud more than once and enjoying the trip she was taking me on. She’s still just as snarky, stubborn, brave and loving as she always is, going at any lengths to protect her loved ones from Anima’s evil deeds. If there was one thing I didn’t like about Ali in this book, it was her jealousy. She and Cole are finally together again with no “second-book drama” getting in the way of their happy ending. However, any time Ali sees Cole talking to another girl Ali’s green-eyed monster appears and begins coming up with ways of how to kill or maim that poor girl who – let’s face it – only wants to take a look at Cole’s man candy, as it’s obvious he’s the best looking of all the zombie slayer lads. I mean, if Ali was that secure about her relationship with Cole, why did she get so jealous even though Cole adores the ground she walks on and wouldn’t dream of cheating on her?
However, besides the exaggerated jealousy, Cole and Ali were the cutest couple in this book. They were constantly reminding each other how much they loved one another and Showalter provided plenty of hot, steamy make out sessions between the two. All the boys in this book actually are extremely dedicated to their women, so much so that I got an animalistic vibe off them and that the girls were objects for the boys to own and not allow to share with anyone. Even though Ali fought equally with Cole on the battle ground, off the battle ground nothing stopped him from stamping his claim when other guys checked her out. I can’t say I mind, though, as alpha males in these books are extremely attractive.
There are quite a few deaths in this book as it’s the final showdown, some of which were heart breaking, and some I could deal as they weren’t given a load of page time to begin with. However it was a constant guessing game as to who was going to go as there were so many slayers in this book.
Ali gets a visit from a woman named Helen who is a Witness (a Ghost, like her little sister Emma) who claims she only wants to help her by giving her new abilities to help against the zombies. However Cole and the slayers are adamant that Helen is not to be trusted and Ali should stay away from her. And when Helen is discovered to be closer to Ali than anyone realised, Ali gets pulled in different directions as she struggles to decide against Cole’s loving advice, or her own heart.
I also liked the introduction to River and the other slayers, as we get to see how different they were to Ali and Cole’s gang. They were grey when Ali and Cole were black and white, but it was a nice change and perspective as to how people react to the zombies.
This book was very exciting and a great ending to the series (even if some parts were a little sugar-coated and ended too perfectly, but who am I to complain when it got everyone their happy ending?)
October 20, 2016
Oh gosh what a monster. I have been haunted like an animal, I've been taken, eaten and digested by this book. Since I had read Alice in Zombieland and Through the Zombieglass, I wasn't expecting nothing less but perfection by this book and I have to admit that Gena never misses a shot. I read this book on my way back from university and today I was on the train heading back home when I started crying like a baby and the woman who was checking our tickets asked me if everything was alright. I told her that some mascara fell into my eyes. I was never going to tell ANYONE the truth. Except you guys. You, bookworms, understand me.
I was reeeaaally upset when I started reading this book because I though it was going to be the last one in a trilogy but I found out about a forth book!! Yayyyyyyyy thank God I am so happy.
Anyway. I don't think there's much else to tell you. Just read this series if you haven't. Make yourself a favor. You'll love it. I give you my word.
5/5 stars as usual for Gena!!
I was reeeaaally upset when I started reading this book because I though it was going to be the last one in a trilogy but I found out about a forth book!! Yayyyyyyyy thank God I am so happy.
Anyway. I don't think there's much else to tell you. Just read this series if you haven't. Make yourself a favor. You'll love it. I give you my word.
5/5 stars as usual for Gena!!
July 19, 2017
The Queen of Zombie Hearts by Gena Showalter Tells the story of Alice bell. As she fights zombies and discovers who she is and how to protect her boyfriend Cole.
CHARACTERS-
These characters are so loveable and entertaining. Alice is a brave girl and she is just had such a great character development.
Cole is also had a great development. He has become a reliable guy for Alice to lean on.
ROMANCE- perfect romance and nice development through this book When she couldn't remember him it killed me. It was so heartbreaking.
PLOT-
Still this book in the series is very unique and special.
ENDING-
It felt complete, so I don't know where the forth book is going to take us.
Characters-8/10
Romance-9.5/10
Plot-9/10
Ending-8.5/10
Speed-7/10 (medium paced)
CHARACTERS-
These characters are so loveable and entertaining. Alice is a brave girl and she is just had such a great character development.
Cole is also had a great development. He has become a reliable guy for Alice to lean on.
ROMANCE- perfect romance and nice development through this book When she couldn't remember him it killed me. It was so heartbreaking.
PLOT-
Still this book in the series is very unique and special.
ENDING-
It felt complete, so I don't know where the forth book is going to take us.
Characters-8/10
Romance-9.5/10
Plot-9/10
Ending-8.5/10
Speed-7/10 (medium paced)
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