Monthly Archives: July 2011

Finally See Nathan Fillion at Comic Con

Barbara Vey -- July 27th, 2011

Lucky audience member who got to read with Nathan Fillion

Comic Con, this year, didn’t seem as crazy as in the past. Maybe I’m just getting used to it, but although it was sold out every day, there seemed to be more breathing room on the conference floor. This could have been because there were so many people at the panels on the other floors. Also, several events were held at the Hilton this year.

I actually got into the Castle panel this year. This is a must see event for every Castle fan because Nathan Fillion alone is worth the price of Comic Con admission. While the rest of the cast is is introduced and walks on stage, the audience found Nathan popping up from under the table. He is the ultimate class clown leaving the packed room in stitches every time he commented. While his co-star, Stana Kanic wasn’t able to make it, they picked someone from the audience to go on stage and read the opening segment of Castle with Nathan. It was adorable and the young woman was giddy with hero worship. Nathan also endeared himself by giving autographing Green Lantern rings and giving them away.

Vampire panel

Lisa Kessler attended a panel of paranormal writers, Vampires and Others— How do you make a relationship work when you or your significant other lack a pulse or face other mortal-challenged issues? On the panel was Patricia Briggs (The Mercy Thompson series), Nancy Holder (The Crusade series), Linda Thomas-Sundstrom (The Golden Vampire), S.G. Browne (Fated), Clay and Susan Griffith (The Vampire Empire series), and Christine Cody (Bloodlands). The lively panel gave the in the audience some handy tongue-in-cheek “relationship” advice for dating supernatural creatures of all forms. They also shared their love of creating story tension in their books by bringing in supernatural problems. One of the highlights was hearing S.G. Browne perform a Green Eggs and Ham zombie version… So funny!

Everyday I made it a point to stop at the publishers booths to see who was signing. Speaking as an attendee and a reader, I was pretty disappointed with the attitudes of employees. Most seemed like they didn’t want to be there and only the Disney group made any time to come over and talk. The rest were too busy talking to each other, texting on their phones or just acting bored. Even those handing things out looked like they’d rather be somewhere else. I even witnessed an older customer ask about getting a list of those who would be signing only be to told, “There’s one posted over there.” When she asked if there was one she could take so she could plan her day the worker handed her a pencil and told her to copy it down and not in a nice way. As a reader and customer myself, I would steer clear of that publisher in the future. Don’t people realize that that they are representing real companies that are not in the best shape today and every bit of good will can only help. Not only that, but just being nice to someone is a good thing. Publishers may want to screen their workers to make sure they are “people persons” when working these public events. They are the face of their company. (One worker did recognize me on the last day and I did get some extra attention, but everyone should be treated that way.)

I did manage to get some Drive By Videos. They had the original DeLoren from Back to the Future on display. You could have your picture taken in the car for a donation and all monies went to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Joe Maddalena of Hollywood Treasure on the SyFy Channel let me sit in the car and I met a special star there.

As I was wandering through the autograph hall I happened to see a young woman who looked extremely familiar and being the shy person I am, I told her I knew her from somewhere and once I saw her name badge I knew for sure. She told me here name was Shawna and she thought no one would recognize her with her red contacts on, but I’m pretty sure no one was looking at her eyes.

Spy vs Spy

Sunday was Kids Day and these two came as the Spy vs Spy guys from Mad Magazine.

Bottom Line: I had to catch a plane, so I missed the Buffy singalong, but I think I’ll watch it now.

Tweet this post!

Sunday Matinée

Barbara Vey -- July 24th, 2011

7 Replies

I’m still enjoying Comic Con…last day. I’ll be posting my final thoughts tomorrow. In the mean time if you’re looking for a new read? Here’s some new releases that might interest you!

Guilty Pleasures by Bertrice Small

The Eternal Engagement by Mary B Morrison

Desired by Ginger Garrett

The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Potzsch

Nobodys Child by Austin Boyd

If you have a book video you’d like considered, please send it to me at bvey@publishersweekly.com

Bottom Line: My last day to hear young girls scream every time Twilight is mentioned.

Tweet this post!

Friday at Comic Con

Barbara Vey -- July 23rd, 2011

29 Replies

Mekhi Phifer, Alexa Havens, John Barrowman

Mekhi Phifer, Eve Myles, John Barrowman of Torchwood

They give you two really thick books when you register for Comic Con. They’re filled will information on the exhibitors, schedule of events, panels, autograph signings and locations of booths. Since it opens at 9:30, I arrived a few minutes past only to find out that if you want to get autographs of the big guns here, you need to stand in line (that’s a common theme here) and receive a ticket (or wrist band) at 9 a.m. It was in the fine print of the program. So, I really couldn’t get near any of those people yesterday. Let me just say that the security here is tighter than for the president (seriously).

I tried, unsuccessfully, to get into the Torchwood (although a friend with an in at the conference let me in to take a quick picture) and William Shatner panels. It was torture to stand outside and hear all the laughter coming from both rooms. I opted to browse the main floor of the convention center. There are rows and rows of comic books, t-shirts (one booth boasted over 200,000 in stock), artwork, books, toys, games and gadgets. I barely made it half way through before lunch.

The movie and television studios have huge spaces and large crowds as they offer free stuff. There are giant screens all over that promote movies, tv shows and video games. They are packed in like sardines there. I try to avoid it.

Anne Sowards and Patricia Briggs

Lisa Kessler was at the spotlight on Patricia Briggs. Patricia was joined by her long-time editor, Anne Sowards. Together they discussed Patricia’s publishing journey as well as the future of her popular Mercy Thompson series. It was exciting to see so many readers line up at the microphone to ask questions, eager to learn more about the author and the series they love. Patricia also delighted her fans with some personal stories from home, including introducing her husband who sat out in the audience.
.
.

Saul Rubinek, Joanne Kelly, Eddie McClintock

Although I couldn’t get into the Eureka panel, I finally made it into Warehouse 13. The actors all seemed genuinely surprised at the filled to capacity ballroom. Eddie McClintock even ran through the crowd taking pictures before the panel started. Although they talked about how much fun they all had making the show, they refused to give out any spoilers. Executive producer, Jack Kenny, did admit that it was like running a day care with the cast.

Vyxin and Kent

.
.
I also caught up with one of my favorite teams from The Amazing Race. Kent and Vyxin, who were just on the All-Star edition last season, gave me some insights into what it’s really like to speed travel the world. It’s stressful and exhausting but a lot of fun. They both agreed that they’d do it again.
.
.
.
.
.
.

Steven Moyer, aka Vampire Bill, Anna Paquin aka Sookie Stackhouse, and Alan Ball the exec. producer

Lisa Kessler attended the True Blood panel along with thousands of other TB fans. They gave us a sneak peek into what’s in store the rest of this season! Without giving away any spoilers, let me just say… WOW!!! This is going to be a great season!!! When they turned over the microphone to fans, one woman asked the question that followers of Charlaine Harris’ were wondering…”After following the book so closely for Season one, why have you ventured away from the books in recent seasons?” Alan Ball the creator/producer of True Blood explained that the books are “Sookie’s story”. You only see what Sookie sees in the books, but on a television series, he’s able to open up the world a bit and show you what’s happening with the other characters. He said he tries to keep the rules of the world she established the same, while taking creative liberties with the other characters’ plotlines. He also promised we would be learning about more supernaturals this season… WooHoo!

Jenna Busch (moderator), Laeta Kalogridis, Marjorie Liu, Marti Noxen, Gale Anne Hurd, Jane Espenson,

I finished the day with a panel called Girls Gone Genre. The panel consisted Marti Noxon (screenwriter/producer, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Mad Men, Fright Night), Gale Anne Hurd (producer, The Walking Dead, Terminator, Aliens), Jane Esperson (Torchwood: Miracle Day), Laeta Kalogridis (Avatar), and Marjorie Liu (writer, X-23, Daken: Dark Wolverine, Black Widow, Dirk & Steele novel series). They talked about the difficulties in trying to get strong women movies made and I found it interesting when it was suggested that The Terminator should have been called The Sarah Connor Story because it really is about her, but obviously that’s not a title that would necessarily resonate with males. I felt very empowered when I left, so a great way to end the day.

Bottom Line: I’m sure this is not what Walt Disney had in mind when he created the Disney Princesses.

Not so Disney Princesses

Tweet this post!

San Diego Comic Con

Barbara Vey -- July 22nd, 2011

13 Replies

Just a small section of the convention center

I cannot express the importance of a good pair of shoes at Comic Con. The amount of walking and standing is indescribable. Someone told me it’s 6 football fields long and there are 2 floors. I don’t know if that’s true, but it sure feels like it when I’m finally done for the day and I can take my shoes off.

Typical Comic Con fan

Thursday was a very busy day as the full convention was underway. Fans came decked out as their favorite characters and it’s funny to think of walking by Captain Jack Sparrow or Dr. Who and not even giving them a second look because that’s the norm around here. I do get a kick out of the little kids who are in awe of everything. A couple of them were in front of me with their weary mother and they were jumping up and down screaming, “Robots! Robots! Robots!” They wanted their pictures taken with the two girls who just had clunky, colored boxes on, but the kids saw amazing robots.

No Damsels in Distress Here

One panel I didn’t want to miss was No Damsels in Distress Here with Kathy Reichs, Carrie Vaughn, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Marie Lu, Chloe Neill, Jeanne Stein, Merrie deStephano and Seanan McGuire. They talked about kick-ass heroines but by the time I got there, it was already at capacity and they wouldn’t let anyone else in. I did manage to beg to be let in so I could at least get one (and they stressed I could only take one) picture.

All the lines were horrendous with people sitting on the floor because it’s not uncommon to wait a couple of hours to get into certain sessions. Although there were many I would have liked to attend, I couldn’t justify the wait time.

Felicia Day and me

I did have a fan girl moment though when I caught Felicia Day as she was at The Guild booth about to sign autographs. Although she was too busy for a video interview, I found myself gushing about her amazing web series, The Guild (go watch it if you haven’t already since each episode is only a couple of minutes long…hilarious!), her quirky guest appearance on Eureka (it’s on Hulu.com if you don’t have cable) and her super fun Tweets and musings on Google+. I did snag a picture with her just because I’m sure she’d want it for her scrapbook. Delightful, lovely person.

Lyle Underkoffler VP, Digital Media and Carlotta Quattrocolo

An extra treat for me was being invited to the Disney party. You all know I used to work for Disney for a while and I’m a bonafide Disneyholic, so it waslike traveling into fantasyland. But a very techno fantasy land. They had stations set up with iPads and demonstrations about the Disney app and how to get Disney comics on your iPhone, iPad and iTouch. The really cool thing is that along with new stories, they also have the old, original comics that remember as a kid. I used to own a lot of those comic books (why did you throw them away, Mom?). Although you can buy them individually or as bundles, they also offer free comic books and they have several special ones exclusively for Comic Con. While you are reading them, if something unexpected happens, you may hear a “zonk” or “pow” or some kind of sound effect. Just a cute little touch. In talking to Lyle, my head started to spin when he was telling me about all the new ideas that are out there to make the reading experience for you and your kids even more entertaining, but he was quick to stress that digital isn’t the only game in town. Traditional comic are here to stay, but even those will find a way to be interactive and inovative. I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

I ended the night with a stop at the Avon party. Lucky for me it was held at the same hotel (my feet were doing the happy dance). I caught up with Kim Harrison for the first time. We did a great video, but after viewing it found it too dark and poor quality, so I’ll try to find her again. We did talk about this being her first San Diego Comic Con, but she felt she was among her “people.” Kim was signing her new graphic novel.

Bottom Line: I have a very ambitious schedule mapped out for today, but I haven’t told my feet about it yet.

Tweet this post!

Preview Night at Comic Con

Barbara Vey -- July 21st, 2011

50 Replies

One of the displays at Hasbro

All pumped up for the opening of Comic Con and for Preview Day when they only allow a limited number of people in, so even though it’s still crowded, there’s some breathing room before the crush starts on Thursday. Local San Diego author, Lisa Kessler, volunteered to be my videographer, so we were in line for the 3 p.m. start of registration. Thanks to the great organization of Comic Con, we zipped through the long line and soon were legal attendees with huge convention bags to fill with all the giveaways and 2 thick Comic Con programs. My bag had a picture of The Vampire Diaries, but I really wanted the Batman one.

I guess we didn’t read the fine print, so even though registration was open at 3, the actual Preview Night did not start until 6. Actually time went by pretty fast as I ran into some people I knew including The Book Reporter’s Carol Fitzgerald who’s website caters to readers and boasts over 8,500 book groups. We had a great discussion about books and the fact that more and more publishers are making their presence known at Comic Con.

Spiderman made out of Legos

Lisa and I decided to dump our over sized bags in the car instead of dragging them around the conference center. It was a good move because once you get in, several places are giving away smaller, more managable bags. On the way we passed the huge tented area where people were setting up for the night with sleeping bags and lawn chairs while they waited for the Twilight panel on Thursday. Was I ever that young and that excited to camp out over night to listen to some people talk about my favorite book or movie…yeah, probably, but thank goodness those crazy days are over.

Favorite t-shirt seen

The thing that you first notice when you get in in the sheer magnitude of the place. Where to start? A lot of the bigger displays have things hanging from the ceiling so it’s easy to find the major studios, Hasbro Toys and DC Comics. But the smaller stands offer some the more original items. Lots of t-shirts with clever sayings, posters with animated women with very large breasts and impossibly small waists and not many clothes (but that’s pretty much what you always see in comics), collectibles for almost anything you can imagine and many different kinds of books. Any Star Wars fan can appreciate the t-shirt that reads: Regrets…Those were the droids you were looking for. Yes, nerd alert…loved it!!

DeLorean from Back to the Future

They even had the DeLorean there from Back to the Future. You could sit in it for $20, but the good news on that is that all the money raised went to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. It was amazing to see it up close and maybe I’ll go sit in it yet this week.

I saw Lou Ferrigno (the Incredible Hulk) taking pictures with fans for $30 each. He’s pretty much a staple at these things and by today there will be a lot more past icons doing the same thing.

Sherrilyn Kenyon always has a big booth where she sells her books, character merchandise and gives away posters, buttons and backpacks. This year she’ll not only be on a panel, but there is a spotlight section done on her and she received the coveted “Guest” ribbon. Her autographing lines are legendary, but this year she has even more reason to celebrate. I managed to snag her for a Drive By Video between her busy schedule. Check out her incredible news.

Bottom Line: I’m pooped already and this puppy is just getting started, so I’d better head home and rest up for the rest of the busy week.

Tweet this post!

Off to Comic Con

Barbara Vey -- July 19th, 2011

22 Replies

Well, I’m off to Comic Con in San Diego. Every year more and more authors seem to attend. Not only do they write books that appeal to the Comic Con crowd, but many have branched off into graphic novels and comic books.

Comic Con is a huge convention that spans several football fields. Attendance is around 140,000 rabid fans that come for the panels, television, movies, collectibles and comics. It’s a diverse group that just seems to enjoy a good time. I’m prepared with my video camera and hope to get some interesting people to talk to me.

If you’re going, let me know and we’ll try to connect. If you’re not going, check out the list of attendees and let me know if you have any questions you’d like me to ask.

Bottom Line: My favorite comic book characters were Scrooge McDuck and Archie…probably won’t see them there.

Tweet this post!

Thrillerfest

Barbara Vey -- July 18th, 2011

30 Replies

Sheila Clover English

Today’s Cub Reporter is Sheila Clover English reporting from Thrillerfest. Sheila English owns Circle of Seven Productions and Reader’s Entertainment. She chairs International Thriller Writer’s Organization Social Media department and is a closet case geek girl. Her favorite book is Jane Eyre and she feels only the 2006 movie adaptation is worth owning.

Over 800 people attended ThrillerFest in New York this year and I was one of them! I had just attended the RWA conference and decided to just stay in NY over the holiday and go right into attending ThrillerFest. I had the best time in NY!

Debut author's breakfast

Back to Manhattan for ThrillerFest where CraftFest and AgentFest were already started. AgentFest is like speed dating and it was interesting just to watch it. I attended some workshops and started stalking…uh, I mean seeking my favorite authors. I met Diana Gabaldon for the first time and she was so charming! Oh! I did meet Ken Follet for the first time too. Love the accent! Workshops included Steve Berry’s POV, Psychic Distance and Passive Voice, D.P. Lyle MD’s Forensics in Fiction and my own lecture on Social Media Marketing for Thrillers. There were dozens of workshops on craft, marketing and the industry. The debut author’s breakfast is always a special event as it showcases the authors who books will be published in the coming year. Lots of new authors to be on the lookout for.
/

During the banquet where they do the awards ceremony Doug Preston and Joe Moore were getting everyone ready to start the ceremony and were thanking everyone who made ThrillerFest possible. Right before everything started they said they wanted to acknowledge someone for an outstanding achievement and as they were saying how wonderful this person is I sat there wishing I was that wonderful! As it turned out they were talking about me!! Who knew?! LOL I won a Telly Award for the ThrillerFest event video I did and they love the video so much they gave me a special little shout out. I felt like I had won the lotto!

Jeffrey Deaver and debut author Jennifer Hillier

Jeffery Deaver and debut author Jennifer Hillier

R.L. Stine received the Thriller Master award and his speech was captivating, funny and insightful. He talked about seeing Ray Bradbury once and that he got all tongue tied and almost started crying be was so overwhelmed when Ray knew who he was. It just reminded me how we all have our heroes no matter who we are. He also said that “Family is there to keep you humble.” and he went on to tell us that he was interviewed on the Today Show which most people would be very excited about. He got home and there was a note from his wife that said, “You looked great. Now go plunge the toilet.” Yes, even R. L. Stine has to plunge the toilet from time to time.

The after party was amazing and I got to hang out with James Rollins, Joseph Finder, Heather Graham and I even got to chat with R. L. Stine. I had the the most amazing time time!

This was the best ThrillerFest I’ve ever attended. They’re all good, but this one was especially fun for me. And even though I ended my NY trip by getting into a stolen cab for my ride back to the airport, it is still one of the most fun NY trips I’ve ever had! Yes, stolen. I figured that out when I finally noticed the cab did not display the license, rules, laws and prices which are all legally supposed to be on display in the cab. Not to worry about the cab. I made it to the airport safe and sound, turned in the guy, didn’t have to pay for the ride, got my luggage and made it to the plane on time. All in all, quite the adventure!

Bottom line: New York can’t be beat for publishing parties and celebrity spotting! It was a thrill!

Tweet this post!

Sunday Matinee

Barbara Vey -- July 17th, 2011

25 Replies

Went to see Harry Potter this week and I also rewatched all the earlier movies. It was fascinating watching the characters grow up and now I have the urge to reread all the books. I’m kind of sad to see the series end, but I’ve still got Cowboys and Aliens to look forward to this summer. Now here’s a few book trailers to make you anxious to read the book.

Fight for Love by Delaney Diamond

Spectra by Joanne Elder

The Breath of God by Jeffery Small

The Return of Captain John Emmett by Elizabeth Speller

If you have a book video you’d like considered, please send it to me at bvey@publishersweekly.com

Bottom Line: “It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” ~ Albus Dumbledore (by way of J.K. Rowling)

Tweet this post!

Cabot and Roberts’ Views on What’s Expected in Romance

Barbara Vey -- July 15th, 2011

7 Replies

Last week I wrote a blog about Family Planning and Romance based on the article by Susan Quilliam. The response was pretty much the way I felt that reading a romance book will not make you think the fiction you are reading is real life. ABC News featured a video clip of Meg Cabot and Nora Roberts giving their views of this subject.

Now I want to know what fiction actor Doug Hutchison, 51, was reading when he married a 16 year old girl. I think that the girl really needs to start reading some books (or at least talk to a responsible adult about what she is getting herself into). They were married in Las Vegas with her mother’s permission and they put out this statement, “We’re aware that our vast age difference is extremely controversial but we’re very much in love and want to get the message out there that true love can be ageless.” Maybe it’s a publicity stunt. At least wait until she is 18. Now I’m a big believer in Happily Ever After, but this is just creepy to me.

How do you feel about this? Is it ok with you? Is this romance? Maybe Susan Quilliam will have something to say about this.

Bottom Line: Romance is not the root of all evil.

Tweet this post!

WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- July 13th, 2011

34 Replies

Finally unpacked from RWA and I’m not sure why it takes me longer to unpack then to pack. I guess it’s because I’m leaving again next week for San Diego Comic Con, so some things will come out of the suitcase (dress shoes, sparkly jacket) and new stuff goes in (tennies, t-shirts). And the basics will just stay where they are. But, while I’ve been gone, the WW Ladies have been busy reading.

Heidi

Playing for Keeps by LuAnn McLane

Read by Heidi

Noah Falcon may think he’s returning to Cricket Creek, Kentucky with his tail between his legs, but the town is excited to have their hometown celebrity back home! Now Noah is taking the lead in the community play opposite Olivia Lawson. Olivia likes to have her life in order, and a prim and proper attitude. With Noah’s return, her world has been turned upside down and she isn’t sure whether she really likes it topsy turvy or not.

I felt like I was living in a romantic fairy tale movie while reading this first book in the Cricket Creek Series. You have all the ingredients for a perfect dish: romance, spice, turmoil, misunderstanding, and a perfect ending. Ah, what a way to kick off some summer reading.

joysann

Quicksilver by Amanda Quick

Brilliance Audio

Listened to by joysann

Though it looks like natural causes, glass light readers are being murdered, which puts the strongly Talented Virginia Dean in real danger. Owen Sweetwater is investigating these murders with the use of his paranormal powers, and finds himself quite keen to keep an eye on Miss Dean as he recognizes that the two compliment each other, both with their magics and with the passion that flares between them. But a mysterious killer has targeted Virginia, and Owen uses all the resources of his family and heritage to keep her safe.

Quicksilver is the newest of the Arcane Society novels, with their timelines of past, present and future. This one is historical, taking place in Victorian London, and narrator Anne Flosnik enchants with her rich, aristocratic sounding voice, giving a sense of the culture and bringing color to the characters. I found listening to Quicksilver a pleasure, with its perfect blend of magic, mystery, suspense, and passionate romance.

Kym L

Making Waves By Tawna Fenske

Read by Kym L.

Due to a phenomenally high I.Q. and short attention span, Juli has always found it difficult to fit in. Now her most recent job has ended with an offer of three weeks severance pay and a membership to the Scone of the Month Club. No matter. This will give Juli the opportunity to fulfill her Uncle’s dying wish that his ashes be scattered at sea. Unfortunately for her, a bad reaction to seasickness medication results in Juli becoming an accidental stowaway on Alex’s modern day pirate ship. But, Alex and his friends aren’t your average seafaring bandits. They’ve taken to the high seas to wreak vengeance on a crooked boss who left them high and dry and sans pension funds. Will the group become a real crew? Or will Juli be once more set adrift?

When I received the advance copy of Making Waves, I was thrilled. Though I enjoy other kinds of romance, contemporaries have always been my favorite, especially those that sparkle with humor. Fenske’s book fits the bill, and to find not only a new book, but also a new author was a real treat.

Ashley

The Queen’s Gamble by Barbara Kyle

Read by Ashley

This Thornleigh adventure takes place during Queen Elizabeth’s first major crisis. Isabel and her Spanish husband Carlos, return from the New World, to help the Thornleigh family and before they know it they are swept up in crisis in England. French troops have landed in Scotland and are now threatening England. Carlos and Isabel soon discover that they are forced to be on opposing sides in the war, and realize that if they make it out of the war alive, their marriage might not survive.

m
The Queen’s Gamble is a fast- paced and action- packed adventure that expertly blends fiction with history. It is a pulsating story of valor and greed, love and passion, and the tremendous cost of loyalty. This book kept me on the edge of seat for the entire novel.

Shelby

Siren’s Call by Devyn Quinn

Read by Shelby
Tessa Lonike lives a life of solitude, hiding her secret on her family’s island while her two sisters live on the mainland, but one night when she witnesses a man, Kenneth Randall, go under the water during a storm and not come up, she jumps in to save him, using her mermaid tail and mermaid kiss to keep him alive. Later, he comes back into her life to somehow try to repay her. Just as their romance blossoms,Tessa’s archaeologist ex-boyfriend Jack shows up, claiming he has found proof of the family secret Tessa and her family have kept hidden for so long. Following Jake to the site of the dig in the middle of the ocean, Together they travel to battle the evil merqueen.

I love this book, with its mingling of fantasy and real life, never too sure who is good and who is evil. You think you know the characters but people in the story are always changing as are the situations and it’s a tangled web of action, hope, despair, mystery and romance. Overall a very enthralling novel that made me definitely want to keep reading!

joysann

Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

Blackstone Audio

Listened to by joysann

The world has fallen apart, and, as a zombie, R can’t remember anything before, even any more of his name, though sometimes there are pieces of memory, usually after a dinner of human brain. After an unusually vigorous meal makes him aware of Julie, he rescues the young woman from certain consumption, and his association with her brings life and color into his dead world. R finds himself becoming more aware as their mystifying relationship becomes friendship, and he begins to conceive that a future might be possible.

I was surprised by how intrigued I was by this story, told in first person by the zombie. I started with misgivings about its unusual premise, but was quickly drawn in by the compelling, artful writing and the magic of narrator Kevin Kenerly’s beautiful voice. I’m sure it would be as fascinating in print, for Warm Bodies is a blend of horror and love story, a gruesome darkness redeemed by wonder, humor and hope.

Bottom Line: “‘Tis the good reader that makes the good book…” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tweet this post!