Book Review: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: The Classic Regency Romance - Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem!is pretty much exactly what it says it is - the text from Austen's classic work with numerous and sometimes random references to zombies, combat skills, and lots of mayhem and violence.

I have to admit I couldn't resist checking this book out. I thought it would be a good laugh and an interesting twist on the original story. Well, the first several pages were funny and then the gore, violence, and repetitive references began to just annoy me. I started skimming pages, reading my favorite scenes from the original, hoping they weren't materially changed (they weren't). I just didn't want to finish it, though. Too much of the same. And the violence was pretty vile as well. People who enjoy zombie violence and humor will get a kick out of it (especially if their wife or girlfriend loves the book/movie) and then they might even know the general outline of the story.

Read-alike:
Mr. Darcy, Vampyreby Amanda Grange (love the title, probably won't pick it up)

RATINGS:
s-factor: none
(that I noticed)

mrg-factor: X
He threw in a few crass jokes.

v-factor: ->->->->->
It was pretty gross. And descriptive.

Overall rating: *

Book Review: The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison

The Princess and the Hound were both extremely intriguing characters in this unusual fairy tale-esque book. The handsome prince possesses some unusual magic while the princess is best friends with her hound - can the two learn to love one another, despite their impending marriage?

This was not a typical fairy tale story. I loved the character development, the lack of love at first sight and actual work involved in their relationship. Also, the plot was quite interesting as well, with twists and turns unexpected throughout. The feel of the setting and the well-drawn characters make this a wonderful book for someone looking for a not-quite-perfect fairy tale.

Read-alikes:
A new companion book The Princess and the Bearon my TBR pile
Mira, Mirrorby Mette Ivie Harrison (she has a very unique style)
A bit like Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: none

Overall rating: *****

A Slowly Shrinking Pile (I think)

I might actually be shrinking my pile more than I am growing it (well, actually I think it is in equilibrium right now, but I'm thinking positive). I only acquired four books since my last library loot post (oh, more than two weeks ago now). I guess my hold list is dwindling!

The Ultimate Giftby Jim Stovall (loved the movie)
The Princess and the Bearby Mette Ivie Harrison (yeah!)
Magic Studyand Fire Studyby Maria V. Snyder (couldn't wait for the sequels to Poison Study)

P.S. as an extra note, I have been entering every single contest for Catching Fire I have seen. Here are just two going on right now:
Lauren Barnholdt has a signed one (!)
The Shady Glade has one (still open since she's having technical difficulties)
I know my odds aren't very good, but I still have to keep trying :)