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4.0 AVERAGE
4.0 AVERAGE
4.5 Stars
After finishing the first book in the White Trash Zombie series earlier this month I just had to jump straight into the second one. What can I say? This series is addictive because it's so much fun; it doesn't shy away from the inherent ridiculousness we often associate with zombie stories - especially those budget zombie movies that make us wonder how they ever got made in the first place - and yet Rowland fills her take on zombies with such endearing characters and tongue-in-cheek wit that it's impossible not to enjoy these novels even when they border on the bizarre.
Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues basically takes off immediately from where My Life as a White Trash Zombie left off. A couple of weeks have passed, but nothing more, and we see Angel still enjoying the new, better life she had to die to achieve. But hey, why get frustrated with being undead when you can just chow down on brains and carry on as normal?
Soon enough, however, it's clear that Angel's in for a rough ride. She's held up at gunpoint at work and barely anyone believes her, she meets her new boyfriend's uncle who turns out to have a huge stick up his ass, only made worse when she discovers her boyfriend will do pretty much anything he says; including pretending that the two of them aren't dating, and somewhere out there the person who's been chopping heads off zombies may still be after them.
And to top it all off, Angel only has a few weeks to study for and take her GED or she'll find herself in prison.
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first one, mainly because I've grown very fond of Angel and I was frustrated with all the crap she was being put through. Having said that, I did love that she didn't just lie down and take it; whenever someone called her a liar she put them straight, and whenever Marcus started acting like his uncle's pet she called him out on it. Angel doesn't take any shit, and I love that about her.
I still recommend this series, whether you're a hardened zombie fan or you're a newbie to the genre, and I can't wait to read the others!
After finishing the first book in the White Trash Zombie series earlier this month I just had to jump straight into the second one. What can I say? This series is addictive because it's so much fun; it doesn't shy away from the inherent ridiculousness we often associate with zombie stories - especially those budget zombie movies that make us wonder how they ever got made in the first place - and yet Rowland fills her take on zombies with such endearing characters and tongue-in-cheek wit that it's impossible not to enjoy these novels even when they border on the bizarre.
Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues basically takes off immediately from where My Life as a White Trash Zombie left off. A couple of weeks have passed, but nothing more, and we see Angel still enjoying the new, better life she had to die to achieve. But hey, why get frustrated with being undead when you can just chow down on brains and carry on as normal?
Soon enough, however, it's clear that Angel's in for a rough ride. She's held up at gunpoint at work and barely anyone believes her, she meets her new boyfriend's uncle who turns out to have a huge stick up his ass, only made worse when she discovers her boyfriend will do pretty much anything he says; including pretending that the two of them aren't dating, and somewhere out there the person who's been chopping heads off zombies may still be after them.
And to top it all off, Angel only has a few weeks to study for and take her GED or she'll find herself in prison.
I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as the first one, mainly because I've grown very fond of Angel and I was frustrated with all the crap she was being put through. Having said that, I did love that she didn't just lie down and take it; whenever someone called her a liar she put them straight, and whenever Marcus started acting like his uncle's pet she called him out on it. Angel doesn't take any shit, and I love that about her.
I still recommend this series, whether you're a hardened zombie fan or you're a newbie to the genre, and I can't wait to read the others!
I tend to prefer my zombies shambling. Fast or slow, no matter; it’s the survival/contagion aspect that fascinates me. How else is a hypochondriac supposed to enjoy a disease apocalypse without worrying it could become real? But Diana Rowland has created an unusual take on zombies with her “White Trash Zombie” series featuring a high school dropout who recently discovered she has an unavoidable craving for brains. While it’s definitely escapist entertainment, the unpredictable plotting and an unusual narrator elevate it above average.
Since the day Angel woke up in a hospital room with a mysterious note and a six-pack of strangely energizing smoothies, her life has undergone a complete change. A purposeless drug addict before the change, zombiism has cured her of drug cravings and mind-numbing highs. (Downside: a need for brains). A mysterious benefactor connects her with a position in the county morgue, Angel begins a new life, so to speak: a job where her skills are valued, a group of colleagues that appreciate her and–finally–a sense of self-esteem. (Upside: a steady supply of brains in the morgue).
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Actually, I rated this one three and a half stars, but GR won't bother changing their system.
Review at: http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/even-white-trash-zombies-get-the-blues-by-diana-rowland/
and
Since the day Angel woke up in a hospital room with a mysterious note and a six-pack of strangely energizing smoothies, her life has undergone a complete change. A purposeless drug addict before the change, zombiism has cured her of drug cravings and mind-numbing highs. (Downside: a need for brains). A mysterious benefactor connects her with a position in the county morgue, Angel begins a new life, so to speak: a job where her skills are valued, a group of colleagues that appreciate her and–finally–a sense of self-esteem. (Upside: a steady supply of brains in the morgue).
****************************************
Actually, I rated this one three and a half stars, but GR won't bother changing their system.
Review at: http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2014/04/29/even-white-trash-zombies-get-the-blues-by-diana-rowland/
and
Got a freebie of this at an author signing at SDCC, so of course I had to check the series out. I bought the audio of the first one on sale at Audible and then moved right into this.
I liked this pretty well. It was better than the first, I think, although there still wasn't very much in the way of romance and wasn't quite as funny as I'd have liked it to be. More action and mystery, though, and it moved along quicker.
I liked this pretty well. It was better than the first, I think, although there still wasn't very much in the way of romance and wasn't quite as funny as I'd have liked it to be. More action and mystery, though, and it moved along quicker.
I liked it...in the end. The first 75% just felt like nothing was going on. And there were little things like Angel mentioning some dudes wouldn't recognize her out of her coroner's uniform. Look at the cover. Angel is supposed to have a very distinctive look. Little things like that bother the crap out of me. I'll pick up the next one but I'm in no rush.
Angel is even more fun to listen to in the second book.
The white trash zombie trope doesn't get old. The story takes up not long after the first book. Elements of the first book reappear in unexpected ways.
Diana Rowland's storytelling gets better by the book. Angel has moved beyond and grown up since the first book and she didn't magically end up back in the same situation. In fact the world opens up in some unexpected ways.
You get to meet more zombies, more baddies and some baddies turn out that they may not be so bad. I am happily anticipating the next book even now.
Go read it!
The white trash zombie trope doesn't get old. The story takes up not long after the first book. Elements of the first book reappear in unexpected ways.
Diana Rowland's storytelling gets better by the book. Angel has moved beyond and grown up since the first book and she didn't magically end up back in the same situation. In fact the world opens up in some unexpected ways.
You get to meet more zombies, more baddies and some baddies turn out that they may not be so bad. I am happily anticipating the next book even now.
Go read it!
I mostly listened to this on audiobook but also read the physical copy. I didn't remember much caring for the narrator in the first one but I think she grew on me in this one.
Plot & Pacing
I loved the plot for this one even more than the first book. Angel has started to get the hang of her new life as a zombie working at the Coroner's office, worried about meeting her new boyfriend's family and getting her GED when of course trouble strikes again. The mystery kept me stumped until the end and was a fun, wild ride. The pacing was perfect for the plot.
Setting & World-Building
Set in today's age, with some supernatural elements. As a Southern girl, I felt the author captured Angel's life very well.
Characters & Development
Angel's character continued to develop in this one. I loved how she battled with herself on how intelligent she was and how determined she was to prove to others that she could be as smart as the rest of them. Her self-deprecating humor reminded me of just how much I'd missed her as a character. I loved how she would throw herself into situations hoping for the best--it was relatable. I loved how Angel refused to be a doormat for anyone--she's developed a lot of self confidence for herself and as someone who has done the same in recent years, I am here for it.
I adore Derrel. Nick is beginning to grow on me more, And Dr. Leblanc is seriously the MVP. Marcus was a little annoying in this one due to his constantly dismissing Angel but it made their relationship interesting and I can't wait to see how that changes in the next book.
I was not expecting to like Angel's dad but he's honestly becoming one of the most redeemable characters I've ever read. He still has his flaws but his desire to try to be better for his daughter is admirable and I cannot wait to see how that continues to develop.
Ed's motivations for the first book are revealed and he becomes a little more understandable. I still love him as a character and though I don't approve of his actions in the previous book, I'm willing to forgive if he continues on the path he has. Poor Mary Ann, though.
The clerk at the bookstore, the owner of the cafe, and the receptionist who had to break the bad news to Angel are also awesome minor characters I'd love to see more of.
Character Relationships
Still love Angel's relationships with her coworkers. Her scenes with Nick were surprisingly light-hearted and fun. I got teary eyed at one scene between her and Derrel, and my heart warmed at the interaction between Angel and Dr. Leblanc in this one.
It was nice seeing Angel's relationship with Marcus be rocky considering everything else that was going on.
I was very surprised by Angel's dad and actually enjoyed all of their interactions in this one. Even the one with him being mad about Marcus and Angel not allowing him to wash away his role in the arrest (go, girl!).
Writing & Voice
The writing was fun and informative like before. Angel's voice really shines through and the narrator for the audio either improved or she's really beginning to grow on me.
Climax & Ending
I definitely wasn't expecting that climax and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I liked how it tied up Ed's motivation in the previous book. The overall ending wraps up some previous issues in a nice way and I loved that it wasn't super mushy and cringeworthy at the end like before.
Overall, I'd give this one 5 stars. I loved this one even more than the first and can't wait to see what happens to Angel next. I need a TV series about Angel and her crew!
Plot & Pacing
I loved the plot for this one even more than the first book. Angel has started to get the hang of her new life as a zombie working at the Coroner's office, worried about meeting her new boyfriend's family and getting her GED when of course trouble strikes again. The mystery kept me stumped until the end and was a fun, wild ride. The pacing was perfect for the plot.
Setting & World-Building
Set in today's age, with some supernatural elements. As a Southern girl, I felt the author captured Angel's life very well.
Characters & Development
Angel's character continued to develop in this one. I loved how she battled with herself on how intelligent she was and how determined she was to prove to others that she could be as smart as the rest of them. Her self-deprecating humor reminded me of just how much I'd missed her as a character. I loved how she would throw herself into situations hoping for the best--it was relatable. I loved how Angel refused to be a doormat for anyone--she's developed a lot of self confidence for herself and as someone who has done the same in recent years, I am here for it.
I adore Derrel. Nick is beginning to grow on me more, And Dr. Leblanc is seriously the MVP. Marcus was a little annoying in this one due to his constantly dismissing Angel but it made their relationship interesting and I can't wait to see how that changes in the next book.
I was not expecting to like Angel's dad but he's honestly becoming one of the most redeemable characters I've ever read. He still has his flaws but his desire to try to be better for his daughter is admirable and I cannot wait to see how that continues to develop.
Ed's motivations for the first book are revealed and he becomes a little more understandable. I still love him as a character and though I don't approve of his actions in the previous book, I'm willing to forgive if he continues on the path he has. Poor Mary Ann, though.
The clerk at the bookstore, the owner of the cafe, and the receptionist who had to break the bad news to Angel are also awesome minor characters I'd love to see more of.
Character Relationships
Still love Angel's relationships with her coworkers. Her scenes with Nick were surprisingly light-hearted and fun. I got teary eyed at one scene between her and Derrel, and my heart warmed at the interaction between Angel and Dr. Leblanc in this one.
It was nice seeing Angel's relationship with Marcus be rocky considering everything else that was going on.
I was very surprised by Angel's dad and actually enjoyed all of their interactions in this one. Even the one with him being mad about Marcus and Angel not allowing him to wash away his role in the arrest (go, girl!).
Writing & Voice
The writing was fun and informative like before. Angel's voice really shines through and the narrator for the audio either improved or she's really beginning to grow on me.
Climax & Ending
I definitely wasn't expecting that climax and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I liked how it tied up Ed's motivation in the previous book. The overall ending wraps up some previous issues in a nice way and I loved that it wasn't super mushy and cringeworthy at the end like before.
Overall, I'd give this one 5 stars. I loved this one even more than the first and can't wait to see what happens to Angel next. I need a TV series about Angel and her crew!
Okay, I think the White Trash Zombie series is becoming an all time favorite. If you're a fan of Liv from iZombie and Bryn from The Revivalist series by Rachel Caine.
I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I'm enjoying this series. The protagonist is flawed and makes mistakes, but she's genuinely trying to be a better person and still be herself. I'm looking forward to reading more of her adventures!
Book 1: My Life As a White Trash Zombie Review ★★★★☆
3 stars. This definitely suffered from second book syndrome. There’s no humor or charm like in the first one and also, nothing of significance happens until like 60-70% of the way through and then things got really awesome. That’s the only reason this got the three stars. The last half of this was so worth the slog of the first. There was a lot of action and suspense and it had me glued to my kindle until the end.
I will say that Angel is still such a badass character even though she seemed to have a lot of temper tantrums here for some reason. I loved the way she stood up to Marcus and kept continuously putting her foot down about him dismissing her concerns and opinions. That was great. She’s a character that really demands respect and I adore her for it. She deserves a way better love interest than Marcus. He just treats her like a child and doesn’t listen to her and having to deal with their relationship wore on my nerves. I just don’t like him.
I will definitely still continue on with this series because I’m already pretty attached to Angel and her journey. She is going through some fantastic character development and I really wanna see her continue to grow and better herself.
3 stars. This definitely suffered from second book syndrome. There’s no humor or charm like in the first one and also, nothing of significance happens until like 60-70% of the way through and then things got really awesome. That’s the only reason this got the three stars. The last half of this was so worth the slog of the first. There was a lot of action and suspense and it had me glued to my kindle until the end.
I will say that Angel is still such a badass character even though she seemed to have a lot of temper tantrums here for some reason. I loved the way she stood up to Marcus and kept continuously putting her foot down about him dismissing her concerns and opinions. That was great. She’s a character that really demands respect and I adore her for it. She deserves a way better love interest than Marcus. He just treats her like a child and doesn’t listen to her and having to deal with their relationship wore on my nerves. I just don’t like him.
I will definitely still continue on with this series because I’m already pretty attached to Angel and her journey. She is going through some fantastic character development and I really wanna see her continue to grow and better herself.