Zombies! discussion
This topic is about
Darlings of Decay
Buddy Reads
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Buddy Read beginning 9-6
Any schedule is fine by me. The main point of the schedule is just to make sure we are coordinated in "devouring" the book.I'm not thrilled that there are "excerpts" in the book, but I'll have to see how they go. Hopefully, they stand on their own.
Would it be easier to have a separate discussion thread for each story? Otherwise, the conversation(s) might become a bit disjointed...?
I would like to discuss one at at time. Some are only a couple pages so several can be read and maybe discussed in one night. That is why I didn't know if we would want to put them into groups??As for the excerpts, they seem to mostly be the prologues and first 1-3 chapters of the books. They are giving the beginnings and don't look like any start in the middle of any series. (At least from what I could tell) I have not read them but that is what I could see as i went through.
Michelle wrote: "As for the excerpts, they seem to mostly be the prologues and first 1-3 chapters of the books."Yuck. I can get that by reading the samples of the books themselves.
Are you ready for us to post on these 4?
I'm ready. I also would like to know opinions about how many we would all like to read at a time.
This reading selection was a little slow for me, but I read quickly. Lets see what others say but I say double the pace.. if others are ok with that.
I have just made dinner so I will need to finish eating (yes I am online while I eat :P) and then do the dinner dishes.
I will post in say an hour?
Tonight we can discuss 1-Death Whispers,2-Dead Run, 3-Just Another Day and 4-What Zombies Fear: The Ballad of Ryan Fullerton.I am ready if anyone else is out
oops, I hit enter too soon 8)I know we had 4 responses previously to the buddy read.
I will start with Death Whispers by saying I was a little let down by what we were given to read. The complete book was free a while back on Amazon and had been given great reviews so I was hoping for more. I guess we got the slow start?? It has as think good idea started. What do you gy
1 Tamara Rose Blodgett's "Death Whispers" Interesting story line.
I like the world of the book.
I am motivated to read on, as I own the book.
(Michelle, If you have a kindle, I can loan you my copy of this book via Amazon loan)
I actually own book 2 and 3 (kindle edition) of the series as well.
They have all been hiding in my Amazon Cloud.
I am such a book horder, Maybe one day they will start a reality TV show on Book Horders?
2 Vanessa Booke's "Dead Run"
I really did not care for this story. It was too emotionally dark with zero variation in tone/theme.
I am not saying that they need to dance around happy, but it goes from being dark, disturbing, to emotionally draining. Those are not my kind of stories.
And this one ended way too abruptly. Zero Plot resolution.
3 Chantal Boudreau's "Just Another Day..."
The first chapter or so, I kept wondering why this was a zombie short. I have to say, that is one wicked zinger. I liked it.
4 Laura Bretz's "What Zombie's Fear: The Ballad of Ryan Fullerton"
This one was a mixed bag. I was right there with Ryan until chapter 7. When I got to the final chapter and seen that this was one of those (view spoiler) kind of stories, I was disappointed.
Ok here are the rest of my thoughts:1- "Death Whispers" I own the book also. I will probably read it later on, didn't know there was a 2 and 3 to it. I could be on the TV show with you 8)
2- "Dead Run" - the story felt like it was pulled out of the middle of a larger one to me. A lot of unconnected pieces.
I am curious though, what other people would do in the situation at the fence? (view spoiler)
3 - "Just Another Day...: I had the same reaction as Tammy, why is this a zombie story. (view spoiler) I was thrilled with the twisted ending and have to say so far it is my favorite.
4- "What Zombies Fear" I really enjoyed the beginning. Then it started feeling lost. I enjoyed the bits of humor (view spoiler) I agree with Tammy about the end it was in my opinion, pardon the pun, a little 'sappy'. ;)
My question from this one was who was Donte?
How does that read? ugh
QUESTIONS WE NEED TO DECIDE UPON 1 - How many days are we going to discuss each group of readings?
2 - Do we all agree to speed up the pace?
3 - Is a Tues - Thur and Fri to Mon block work for everyone? Discuss on Thurs and Mon.
4 - Do we want the next set of reads to be added to the top or listed at the end of each discussion?
Also as I was going through there was another story that I missed which brings the complete total to 37 to read. Adding one more complete book to the reading list. I have gone through and I have the number of chapter breakdown for each of the longer stories and complete books, so we will be able to divide the reading into do-able sections.
Tammy K. wrote: "My question from this one was who was Donte? [spoilers removed]"
I wasn't sure if it was that (view spoiler)
Thursday and Monday discussions work for me. Mondays I will be posting in the evenings (Pacific Time Zone) as I usually work on Monday mornings.
Since most of these are short stories, five at a time works nice.
I do not know if the group members who have expressed an interest in the main Buddy read section (Randy, Megan, & Heather) will be joining in or not but they have time to jump in before Thursday if they should wish.
I did not read the authors bio's. With the exception of one series that I am truly addicted to, I never go past the words "the end" unless its a really really good story.So I missed out on what you are suggesting as a possibility.
I went strictly from the words between "Chapter 1" to the words "The End" for my thoughts on that.. you may very well be right.
I have decided to sneak "Death Whispers" to work with me tomorrow ... if those pesky customers do not get in my way, I might get a couple chapters read :-)
What comes next, alphabetically, would be the following scenario: 3 short stories, 1 excerpt (@ 1 chapter), then a complete (10 chapter) book. It would take us to about 21% of the overall book. Leaving 28 stories left tbr. So I guess we need to decide if we want to read through alphabetically or pull out the shorts??
What are some thoughts?
Tammy K. wrote: "I did not read the authors bio's. With the exception of one series that I am truly addicted to, I never go past the words "the end" unless its a really really good story.So I missed out on what y..."
I somehow ended up with 2 copies of "Darlings" and I've looked through both when making my lists. So I'm not sure if it was the one from Amazon or Smashwords that listed all the books. I know I wrote them down on a piece of paper and was curious if they might be better.
Although I have been known to pick up a book or to from Smashwords, I usually stick with Amazon for most of my purchases.I don't have the time that I used to when it comes to book shopping.
Usually by the time I browse the genres that I like on Amazon, it's a couple hours and that's got my brain scrambled.
On the weekends and holidays I browse the smaller publishing sites for my nitch interests.
Keeping two copies to compare sounds interesting but to be honest I doubt I'd ever get around to the actual comparing of them. It is rare that I intentionally re-read a book.
I didn't care for Death Whispers at all. I don't understand including it in an anthology like this -- the online sample of the book is the first five chapters.
Hi Randy, glad you made it.
SmilesI enjoyed it :p
If you look in your cloud, I'm betting you have this one.
Tammy K. wrote: "If you look in your cloud, I'm betting you have this one."Yup. I saw that when I went to check out the sample.
If it is ok with you guys, I will 'officially' post the next set of readings in the morning. Hopefully it will give time for everyone to think about the questions in message #14. I have a sick child here who I need to hop off here and tend to. (Think of Ryan Fullerton's flu and send sympathy, lol. and maybe duct tape!)
THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING 8) BRAINZZZZZZZZZZ
Michelle wrote: ""Dead Run" - the story felt like it was pulled out of the middle of a larger one to me. A lot of unconnected pieces.I am curious though, what other people would do in the situation at the fence?"
I liked the story, but I wasn't pleased with the chronological shift. And there were those unconnected pieces.
As far as your question:
(view spoiler)
Tammy K. wrote: "It was too emotionally dark with zero variation in tone/theme. And this one ended way too abruptly. Zero Plot resolution."
I don't think there was zero variation in theme. It had several -- zombies, step-father, guards. But, yes, all dark.
And I was surprised it ended when it did, but it did come back around to where it left off, resolving what she had to do.
Short and to the point.
Sorry it took so long today to post the reads. between the sick kid and the fact my boys are home schooled, I have been running around a little crazed today.Let me know your thought on the schedule. I actually read the 3 short stories last night/early this morning(?). So I think the reading will go quickly and we will have some interesting things to discuss.
Thanks Tammy and Randy for joining in and tolerating my goofs.
Tammy K. wrote: "Chantal Boudreau's "Just Another Day..."The first chapter or so, I kept wondering why this was a zombie short. I have to say, that is one wicked zinger. I liked it."
For me, the zinger failed BECAUSE (view spoiler)
Randy, you are my good friend Yet.... ;-).I jumping between books so much the last few days that I'm finding it hard to remember which book I'm talking about.
I started the full length book Death Whispers yesterday.
I'm finding it interesting but definitely YA. The teen angst wasn't too bad but the sappy first teen romance made me cringe.
I put it down for now and moved to sunrise by Kody Boye.
Now that one has solid action right from the get-go! yet it's still a little angsty.
It might be my mood? Nah! It couldn't be me!
I'll have my posts up on the next five tomorrow evening.
Tonight we will begin discussing stories 5 through 9. Let me know if anyone was unable to finish story 9 and we can have postings on it held until Monday.
I will be back on at around 8:30pm Ohio time, I'm needed out in the goat barn, we have babies being born.
Thanks in advance everyone.
Tonia Brown's "Bob" (a short story). While a bit slow in the beginning. this one developed into a humorous twisted tale.
Catt Dahman's "Mr. Romero's Warriors"
This was a miss with me. I failed to connect with it all together. The attempt at telling a zombie tale through witty Repertoire (for lack of a better description) did not amuse or entertain me.. sorry, just not my thing.
Mia Darien's "Descent" (short story)
I like Mythology. So this one peaked my interest from the beginning. Yet it's rather dry in parts. "Talking" more about the "tasks" of the main character (by listing them, first this and then that), more than "showing" what the main character is doing (describing the settings, feelings, including dialogue, and other descriptive aids).
I "liked" this story but I would have "loved" this story had it been a bit more vivid.
C.M. Doporto's "Flesh Seekers" (excerpt -@ 1 ch)
This did not feel like a zombie book. It read like a teen romance drama for the better part of this excert.
I kept thinking that it was a dystopian-teen drama until the last pages.
I do not know what to make of this excert. The book may have potential as a zombie book? but it might just be a dystopian, Young adult that happens to have zombies?
Meh? Maybe?
Finally,
Jacqueline Druga's "Zombie Battle: Part One: Outbreak"
When I seen that this was written by Jacqueline Druga I paused to lower my expectation. Sorry to be so blunt but I own another one of her books which I started reading and put back on my shelf as DNF.
So I was coming into this one with low expectations.
However, I am happy to say that this book was quite good.
It changed my mind about the author.
I was pulled into the story line in just a few pages.
The characters are built up nicely when you consider the length of the story.
The plot has a solid pace.
I was pleased with the way that the plot developed.
I am interested in reading more.
I keep hitting the wrong key and getting kicked out. My post will be up soon.
Take your time. :-)
#5- "Bob" - I really enjoyed this one. I liked the comparison of his Zombie life with his old office life.I found a lot of parts near the end funny making it an overall good story for me.
#6- "Mr. Romero's Warrior's" - As a George Romero fan I was hoping this would be really good. I was let down. It left me with more questions than anything.
#7- "Descent" - I'm not too sure about this one. I love stories about mythology so I was waiting for something to happen, and waiting, and waiting. I think I would have really been a definite YEAH! if it had moved along at a faster pace.
#8- "Flesh Seekers" - I liked the excerpt, but it was a little disconnected. I will say I don't think I will think about chocolate chip cookies tasting the same way again, lol.
#9- Zombie Battle: Part One: Outbreak" - I was pulled into this one right away and really liked it. I think it was a good solid story. I would really like to find out what happens next.
Tammy K. wrote: "Tonia Brown's "Bob" (a short story). While a bit slow in the beginning. this one developed into a humorous twisted tale."Until this one, I've found the collection to be a disappointment.
The whole scene in the alley, I was picturing Peter Boyle from Young Frankenstein, where he shrugs and rolls his eyes while looking up to Heaven (in the cabin with the blind man, played by Gene Hackman, after "toasting"). Found it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT5zP5...
Tammy K. wrote: "4 Laura Bretz's "What Zombie's Fear: The Ballad of Ryan Fullerton" This one was a mixed bag..."I was enjoying the story quite a bit, and you're right -- the author just got kind of lost. Or maybe I just got lost? I ended up hating the story because of the ending.
I wonder if the duct tape trick would work on The Walking Dead?
I enjoyed the Donte visits(view spoiler)
Randy wrote: "Tammy K. wrote: "Tonia Brown's "Bob" (a short story). While a bit slow in the beginning. this one developed into a humorous twisted tale."Until this one, I've found the collection to be a disappo..."
I was thinking something along those lines too, lol. I couldn't remember which movie though I saw it in, but that was the type of character I was seeing.
Randy wrote: "...The whole scene in the alley, I was picturing Peter Boyle from Young Frankenstein, where he shrugs and rolls his eyes while looking up to Heaven (in the cabin with the blind man, played by Gene Hackman, after "toasting")..." Yes! Randy that is a great fit.
Still more disappointing stories. Sigh. So far, I've not been encouraged at all to see what else any of these authors have done.>> Catt Dahman's "Mr. Romero's Warriors"
I agree with Tammy -- I had no connection to the story, and just not my thing. I just got bored.
>> Mia Darien's "Descent"
Unfortunately, I'm exactly the opposite of Tammy here. Again, just not my thing. I had no interest in the story at all, just got bored more.
Randy,I'm curious to see what you think of the last two.
10 - Dana Fredsti's "You'll Never Be Lunch In This Town Again"OK this was a dud for me. I've never been one for the whole "Hollywood" fascination. I do not read the gossip rags, or watch TV shows which revolve around the lives of actors, the way movies are cast/filmed. Honestly, it is all rubbish to me.
I imagine that there are individuals who live for that drama.
I imagine that of those individuals who live for the Hollywood drama, there are a handful of individuals who also happen to like zombie apocalypse books/movies.
I am not that in that handful!
I was utterly bored with this plot. I admit to skimming through the last pages of this read.
I give this book 5 serious Yawns and one star.
11 - Belinda Frisch's "Payback, Zombie Anthology Edition "The name is appropriate for this one. Certainly gruesome, and twisted, but I liked it :-)
The titles of the next two installments make me think that this serial is going to be very dark by the time it's done.
Might make for a good Halloween chill read.
12 - April Grey's "I'll Love Ya Forever, But..."Short, cute, made me smile. Really, how blonde could you be? :D
Tammy K. wrote: "10 - Dana Fredsti's "You'll Never Be Lunch In This Town Again"OK this was a dud for me. I've never been one for the whole "Hollywood" fascination. I do not read the gossip rags, or watch TV shows..."
#10 - "You'll Never Be Lunch..." - I completely agree it was a flop for me too. I had to force myself to read this. I fell asleep two nights on a row trying to read it. The best part was the end, because it was over. I don't remember feeling this was about a book/story before.
#11 - "Payback..." - I was confused at first, but the title definitely fits. I is a evil story line and I think I would like to read the series to it and it would all click together better.
#12 - "Love Ya Forever, But..." - I really liked this one. I chuckled most the way through thinking of a guy that looked like grandpa from The Munsters coming home from work to Stepford-like type wife. Short and sweet8)#13 - "The Price of Convenience" - I was confused about this one, esp. since there is no mention of a plague or disease outbreak. I did find humor in Thea once things changed in the story and she ran like a mad woman, I laughed. I really did enjoy the scene in the store.
#14 - "Free Candy" - I realized here that all the shorts were going to be connected. So I found this one a little funny and a little creepy at how close to home it could be (thank goodness, my youngest has finally outgrown this phase).
Just a note:
The final two short stories by Michelle Kilmer & Rebecca Hansen continue where "Free Candy" leaves off.
13 - Michelle Kilmer & Rebecca Hansen's - from The Sprea d: A Zombie Short Story Collection: "The Price of Conveni ence"14 - Michelle Kilmer & Rebecca Hansen's - from The Sprea d: A Zombie Short Story Collection: "Free Candy"
These two are the same story line. With one taking up where the other one left off.
By themselves they were too fragmented. Taken together they make for a decent beginning of a book.
It was just enough to encourage me to read on.
I'll probably look for this one on Amazon.
So for an excerpt it was pretty good.
Looks like we were both typing our thoughts at the same time :-). You beat.
As a side note, I am still currently reading: Tamara Rose Blodgett's "Death Whispers" .I read a couple chapters a day.
The young adult element (teen angst and first teen romance) make me cringe and put the book down every time, but the supernatural element (psychic powers, necromancy, and fire throwing) pulls me back.
It is a good dystopian, supernatural plot. If only .... Yeah.
Special note to Randy, it has several typos. I can not count how many times it say one instead of on , or vice versa. There are a couple words that seem to get "misused" Fairly often.
But like I said, it is a dang good plot.
Tammy K. wrote: "Looks like we were both typing our thoughts at the same time :-). You beat."I noticed that, lol.
I cheated and read the next short and the excpert by Michelle Kilmer. The story line continues on with the short, so now I am going to have to find the collection. The excerpt is from the beginning of her book, and I'll be looking for it too. I just kept reading, then realized I'd read too far, they were that interesting. I almost slipped here and put my notes down for them too with the other. Yikes! Would have been a major spoiler no no
I'm glad we are doing this in a buddy read.I would have put this book down already based off the duds that I've encountered.
There are a couple ok reads here and three that I am pleased to have found, but if not for this commitment I wouldn't have I would stop now.
There is a mix of short stories, book excerpts, flash fiction, and complete books included. This being the case, the breakdown for the discussions may need to be adjusted as we go along. (I am new at leading a buddy read so I am open for suggestions and flexible)
The first section to read will be:
Story 1 is an excerpt with a length of approx. 2 chapters. Stories 2 and 3 are both short stories. Story 4 is a complete book with approx. 7 chapters.
Start reading on Friday Sept 6 and we will discuss no sooner than Monday Sept. 9.
We can decide as a group how often we would like to discuss stories. After these first stories, there are 16 short stories, 5 excerpts, 2 flash fiction and 9 complete books left.
We can continue in alphabetical order or divide them into different groups by length. I want to make sure we are all "on the same page". Then I will post the order. I have a chart made with their length and info so it won't take me long to post once we decide how we want to do it.
Please leave me your suggestions. Hopefully this posts correctly. Thanks to Tammy and everyone for your patience 8)
Starting Tues. 9-10 we will read the following to be discussed on Thurs. 9-12 (If this is too much we can continue the last one into the next reading group.)
Let me know if this is too many or not enough. At this type of schedule, we could read about 3-4 short stories and a complete book twice a week. The longest complete book is 25 chapters and falls schedule wise in where we could do it as a separate read, she has two entries. But we can discuss that later, it is about 4 reads out. 8)
Starting Friday Sept. 13 we will read the following to be discussed on Monday Sept. 16. These are all short stories.
If there are any questions just send me a message.