Reviews

Chemistry by C.L. Lynch

Only show reviews with written explanations

grinchonagoodday's review

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

2.75

I Loved this book! I added it to my KU Queue months ago and kept passing it up. When I finally picked it up I could not put it down. I realized a few chapters in that I had been smiling just about the whole time I had been reading. There were several laugh out loud moments as well. Stella is a real girl. She has opinions, mood swings, curves and a penchant for violence (when necessary of course) She is also a bit impulsive. The dynamic between Stella and her parents was great too (one of my favorite things about this book). It was great that she wasn't a teenager running wild like they are in so many other stories. Stella's story is compared to Bella's (well...look at the cover) but, while there are similarities, it wasn't a 'retelling' of the twilight saga with zombies. Speaking of zombies... I, admittedly, don't read many zombie books so I can't compare this to any others. I will say that the zombie world created here is well rounded. I didn't find too many logic holes which was helped in part to Stella's questions (she's very logical). The author did well with her creation of this world, I didn't feel like I had to stretch my imagination during my 'visit'.

100pagesaday's review

Go to review page

4.0

Highshcooler, Stella Blunt has just received the worst news of her life- her mother has gotten a new job and they will be moving from Nova Scotia to Vancouver. Stella is on the heavier side, tends to say what she thinks and knows kung-fu, making friends is not her forte. Stella puts on her big girl panties, as her dad says and makes the best of her first day at her new school. Stella hears a wide variety of fat jokes, and her chemistry lab partner, Howard apparently can't do much except ogle and drool directly at Stella. Stella is having a hard enough time without the one person at school who might have a lower social status then herself crushing hard on her; but the next day Howard is completely different- polite, charming and interesting. Howard can't help but be around Stella and a relationship forms, but Stella knows that Howard and his family are different. As soon as Howard spills the beans about essentially being a zombie, an outbreak happens. They all seem to want Stella's brain in particular and the Feds are blaming Howard's family for the whole thing.

Chemistry is a play on the Twilight series that fixes many of the criticisms that Twilight garnered. Stella herself is outspoken, not afraid to ask questions, tough and not your typical body type. Stella's parents are also very present, supportive and hilarious. They are involved in her life and have plenty of awkward conversations, just like real highschool kids have to go though. One of my favorite lines was " ...while I completely acknowledge and recognize that you are not responsible for men's reactions to you, teenage boy's brains do tend to shut down when they see a pretty girl. "It's all about the boobs," said my father." Howard also isn't your typical pretty boy and because of his condition, he is seen as an outcast. However, because of his elongated time as a teenage boy, he has a gentle nature and a lot of insight. I did like how the Z03818 virus was explained and how Howie and his family were still more on the living side of the virus than the dead. The romance in the story did move pretty quickly with love found within a matter of days. Although, the action, mystery and suspense of the zombie outbreak was on point and was a great blend of conspiracy, danger and chainsaw actions. Overall, a perfect read for paranormal romance lovers!

librarianshell's review

Go to review page

4.0

This book was quite amusing. It definitely followed [b:Twilight|41865|Twilight (Twilight, #1)|Stephenie Meyer|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1361039443s/41865.jpg|3212258] for some of the plot, but it was also it's own story. Frankly, I didn't know what was going to happen in it--being a parody, that's saying something.

Stella was a unique character, though I found her outbursts to be a bit dramatic and language-filled. However, her insults were quite creative at times--in a good way. Howard's "undying" love was a bit cheesy, but I suppose that's to be expected. I really loved the relationship between Stella and her parents. It was so refreshing to read about parents of teens who were not painted as idiots. Also, Stella's respect for them was great.

I look forward to [a:C.L. Lynch|15860946|C.L. Lynch|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1475516607p2/15860946.jpg]'s next book in this series!

bookloversofi's review

Go to review page

4.0

*I received a copy of the book via NetGally in exchange for a honest review , Thanks!*

Full review on A Book. A Thought.

This was so good guys, much better than I thought it would be.

description

When you see the book cover you probably think, what is this ?, a kind of Twilight with a zombie thing?.
Well the truth that is far from that, I've loved the way that writer to put everything in this story, the characters are incredible, each with a personality super different from the other, but what stands out more to this book, is that isn't at all a typical story, it's catchy, original and above all, super fun. I really like this book !!. , And although that isn't something that specifically searches in a book, but when humor is so cleverly incorporated to the plot, it just makes you enjoy it. it has been one of my easiest and quickest readings of the year!

A very good book debut for the author, without doubt I would like to read more of her work in the future! :)

wedontneednostickinnames's review

Go to review page

4.0

I've never read Twilight, so I know I'm missing a lot of things. But I really enjoyed this book. Stella and her parents are fantastic. Zombies are very much not my bag, but the book really worked, and was a good read. I'm about to start the sequel.

bookish_infusion's review

Go to review page

5.0

5 FREAKING STARS!!

I was swept away but how awesome and fun this book was!

I kept sending updates to my friend about everything and was so invested in the story. I love the main characters, and how badass Stella is and how cute and adorable Howie is.

I have a special spot in my heart for Stella's parents and her relationship with them. I want to be friends with Stella's dad!

It became an instant favorite right away.

Can't wait to read History!

P.S. I totally recommend the audiobook, the voice actor made a stellar job!