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Confessions of Sylva Slasher
Spring Break Gets Wild on the Liveliest Cruise in the Pacific. Until the Undead Crash the Party.
Eighteen-year-old Sylva Slasher and her friends raise the dead for a living for police investigations and mourning families. Two years after Brandon (her high school crush) is assumed dead, Sylva's friends convince her to go on a spring break cruise in an effort to suppress her growing depression over him.
But when passengers mysteriously die and reanimate into flesh-eating zombies unlike the calm brainless ones she's used to raising, Sylva plunges into a horrifying struggle between a ship infested with the undead and the scariest thing of all: a second chance with Brandon after she discovers he's still alive.
Will they rekindle the spark of a possible romance? Will the possible extinction of the human race get in the way? What happens is a unexpected twist no one could predict.
This is a zombie story that eats right to the core and leaves you licking your chops for more!
Praise for Confessions of Sylva Slasher: "A treat for Buffy fans--but 100% Ace Antonio Hall's own twisted vision. Breathes new life into the living dead; run, don't shamble, to get a copy!" -Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of Red Planet Blues
Eighteen-year-old Sylva Slasher and her friends raise the dead for a living for police investigations and mourning families. Two years after Brandon (her high school crush) is assumed dead, Sylva's friends convince her to go on a spring break cruise in an effort to suppress her growing depression over him.
But when passengers mysteriously die and reanimate into flesh-eating zombies unlike the calm brainless ones she's used to raising, Sylva plunges into a horrifying struggle between a ship infested with the undead and the scariest thing of all: a second chance with Brandon after she discovers he's still alive.
Will they rekindle the spark of a possible romance? Will the possible extinction of the human race get in the way? What happens is a unexpected twist no one could predict.
This is a zombie story that eats right to the core and leaves you licking your chops for more!
Praise for Confessions of Sylva Slasher: "A treat for Buffy fans--but 100% Ace Antonio Hall's own twisted vision. Breathes new life into the living dead; run, don't shamble, to get a copy!" -Robert J. Sawyer, Hugo Award-winning author of Red Planet Blues
418 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2013
4 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Ace Antonio Hall
9 books209 followersAce Antonio Hall (born July 4th, 1966) is an American urban fantasy and horror writer. He is best known as the creator of Sylva Slasher, a teenage zombie slasher who also raises the dead for police investigations, which includes novels and short story collections. He was born in New York, but grew up in Jacksonville, Florida with his grandmother, Sula G. Wells.
He is the youngest son of artist and jazz songwriter, Christopher Hall and RN Alice Hall (Thomas). A former Director of Education for NYC schools and the Sylvan Learning Center, Hall earned a BFA from Long Island University. While teaching English, he studied to be a certified ACE personal trainer with the Equinox Fitness Club one summer, but never pursued it professionally. Hall currently lives in Los Angeles with his bonsai named Bonnie.
He is the youngest son of artist and jazz songwriter, Christopher Hall and RN Alice Hall (Thomas). A former Director of Education for NYC schools and the Sylvan Learning Center, Hall earned a BFA from Long Island University. While teaching English, he studied to be a certified ACE personal trainer with the Equinox Fitness Club one summer, but never pursued it professionally. Hall currently lives in Los Angeles with his bonsai named Bonnie.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 6, 2014
Zombies seem to be a new passion of mine lately so I was excited to get the opportunity to read and review The Confessions of Sylva Slasher by Ace Antonio Hall. I was pulled into the story quickly as Sylva discovers odd behavior and weird stuff aboard the party cruise. Rapidly escalating terror soon has Sylva fully occupied and had me intently tagging along with her as she and a small band of heroes become mired in the blood and guts battle for survival.
Several twists left me reeling, as the book took several macabre turns before ending in a highly satisfactory and unforeseen manner. I had a lot of fun reading this tale. Slyva is a spunky, smart protagonist who always had me in her corner regardless of the situations she landed in. This is not your run-of-the-mill Zombie bash but rather a cleverly structured story unlike anything I have come across. Suspend disbelief and enjoy this fast-paced romp.
This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
Several twists left me reeling, as the book took several macabre turns before ending in a highly satisfactory and unforeseen manner. I had a lot of fun reading this tale. Slyva is a spunky, smart protagonist who always had me in her corner regardless of the situations she landed in. This is not your run-of-the-mill Zombie bash but rather a cleverly structured story unlike anything I have come across. Suspend disbelief and enjoy this fast-paced romp.
This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review.
Reviewed by Laurie-J
March 17, 2014
Sylva Fleischer aka Sylva Slasher and her friends get paid to raise the dead for the police and for family members who what a second chance to say good bye to their loved ones. Sylva is still in morning herself as she lost her boyfriend Brandon a couple of years ago. Her friends thinking and knowing that she needs to let Brandon go and move on with her life book a cruise on a ship for all of them during spring break. They are hoping that the cruise will help to cheer Sylva up and to also get her out of her depressive state of mind. There is a party on board the cruise ship where everyone dresses up in costumes.
So you can image everyone's surprise when the ship is overrun by zombies. They see a zombie and they think that someone has on a cool costume until they try to eat them. At the beginning of the book Sylva sees this lady sitting on bench and she is real sick. She tries to call 911 on her phone but she has no signal on the ship. Then she sees two girls and asks them if she can borrow one of their phones to call 911 but they just think that she is crazy because of the party. But when she turns back around the woman is gone so Sylva thinks she is crazy herself.
Sylva is not only on the ship to have fun her and her friends Flip and Emily are there to do a job as well. They are killing two birds with one stone as the saying goes. They are going to raise this dude from the dead so that his family can say good bye to him. Just as they are in the middle of raising this dude chaos breaks out. People are turning into zombies left and right. Sylva and her friends are having a hard time fighting for their lives and trying to stay alive long enough for help to arrive to get off the ship.
I really have enjoyed reading The Confessions of Sylva Slasher with the new twist on zombies or deadheads as Sylva and her friends, Emily and Flip call them sometimes. Well the people on the cruise ship that are turning into zombies are not exactly deadheads though. The difference between a zombie and a deadhead is that a deadhead is someone has died and has been raised from the dead where as a zombie is someone who has died and has turned. Sylva was a great person with a lot of witty comments. She is someone that you would want to hang out with and help her to raise the deadheads and then get the chance to help her kick some zombie butt when them kukri knives. I would love to read more of the "Slasher" and have her back while kicking zombie butt.
So you can image everyone's surprise when the ship is overrun by zombies. They see a zombie and they think that someone has on a cool costume until they try to eat them. At the beginning of the book Sylva sees this lady sitting on bench and she is real sick. She tries to call 911 on her phone but she has no signal on the ship. Then she sees two girls and asks them if she can borrow one of their phones to call 911 but they just think that she is crazy because of the party. But when she turns back around the woman is gone so Sylva thinks she is crazy herself.
Sylva is not only on the ship to have fun her and her friends Flip and Emily are there to do a job as well. They are killing two birds with one stone as the saying goes. They are going to raise this dude from the dead so that his family can say good bye to him. Just as they are in the middle of raising this dude chaos breaks out. People are turning into zombies left and right. Sylva and her friends are having a hard time fighting for their lives and trying to stay alive long enough for help to arrive to get off the ship.
I really have enjoyed reading The Confessions of Sylva Slasher with the new twist on zombies or deadheads as Sylva and her friends, Emily and Flip call them sometimes. Well the people on the cruise ship that are turning into zombies are not exactly deadheads though. The difference between a zombie and a deadhead is that a deadhead is someone has died and has been raised from the dead where as a zombie is someone who has died and has turned. Sylva was a great person with a lot of witty comments. She is someone that you would want to hang out with and help her to raise the deadheads and then get the chance to help her kick some zombie butt when them kukri knives. I would love to read more of the "Slasher" and have her back while kicking zombie butt.
March 8, 2014
So here’s the skinny. Sylva is a necromancer and along with her friends, they raise the dead so loved ones can say goodbye and they also help in criminal cases.
The raising on their party cruise doesn’t quite go as expected. Soon the ship is overrun with slathering zombies and the gore fest begins.
It just so happens this is the two-year anniversary for the death of Sylva’s boyfriend Brandon.
Imagine her surprise when she discovers he’s very much alive.
How could I resist another zombie story. Seems like I’ve been reading a lot of them and am always surprised at how much I enjoy them. The Confessions of Sylva Slasher joins that rank.
There’s no easing into it with this book. The first chapter gave me chill bumps.
Then the next chapter takes you back several hours earlier. I just knew something was going to go wrong with the raising, but the author rocked me back in my seat when he let loose that shocker. Sure didn’t see it coming.
And that’s the way it is all through this book.
Sylva finds out her dead boyfriend isn’t, she’s up to her eyeballs in zombies, and a weird being that moves so fast she can only glimpse a black blur and a bushy tail had me wondering who, if any, might survive the cruise.
I couldn’t imagine being trapped on a ship with all this going on. There’s nowhere to run, no rescue waiting on the other end of your 911 call. It’s all up to you whether you live or die.
The unexpected curve balls the author threw at me had me wondering how there could be a happy ending. I’m not going to tell you whether it was or not, I’m just going to say it was good, real good.
I’ve never been on a cruise and I’m now rethinking that desire. The apocalypse is coming, don’t ya know.
I received this book for my honest and unbiased review.
The raising on their party cruise doesn’t quite go as expected. Soon the ship is overrun with slathering zombies and the gore fest begins.
It just so happens this is the two-year anniversary for the death of Sylva’s boyfriend Brandon.
Imagine her surprise when she discovers he’s very much alive.
How could I resist another zombie story. Seems like I’ve been reading a lot of them and am always surprised at how much I enjoy them. The Confessions of Sylva Slasher joins that rank.
There’s no easing into it with this book. The first chapter gave me chill bumps.
Then the next chapter takes you back several hours earlier. I just knew something was going to go wrong with the raising, but the author rocked me back in my seat when he let loose that shocker. Sure didn’t see it coming.
And that’s the way it is all through this book.
Sylva finds out her dead boyfriend isn’t, she’s up to her eyeballs in zombies, and a weird being that moves so fast she can only glimpse a black blur and a bushy tail had me wondering who, if any, might survive the cruise.
I couldn’t imagine being trapped on a ship with all this going on. There’s nowhere to run, no rescue waiting on the other end of your 911 call. It’s all up to you whether you live or die.
The unexpected curve balls the author threw at me had me wondering how there could be a happy ending. I’m not going to tell you whether it was or not, I’m just going to say it was good, real good.
I’ve never been on a cruise and I’m now rethinking that desire. The apocalypse is coming, don’t ya know.
I received this book for my honest and unbiased review.
May 3, 2014
A believable teen voice offering a wealth of cultural detail ties the separate parts of Ace Antonio Hall’s Confessions of Sylva Slasher together, and keeps the reader on edge, wondering what strange turn the tale will take next. Like the TV series Lost, the story’s split into parts with different emphases, that seem to hurry on in different directions. But, like Lost, it all comes together in the end. To be honest, if anyone ever makes a TV series of it, I hope they’ll add more parts and I’ll look forward to watching it.
First there’s the zombie’s on a pleasure cruise tale, where Sylva, who raises the dead (temporarily) for a living, is going to do a show. She’s too young for alcohol, but that doesn’t stop everyone else from drinking too much. Add corn maze living dead, all gruesomely convincing, and wait till the power goes out, then... well, scary, exciting battles and desperate escapes ensue. And then...
Now there are covert ops and evil scientists and everyone’s trapped on an island. And then...
But it all makes a weird sort of sense, like Lost, even when it doesn’t make sense. Sylva’s a great main character, loyal to her friends, mourning her lost love, irreverent and fun, and, well, full of surprises I guess.
Confessions of Sylva Slasher is a long read, just like Lost was a long series. I’d have happily taken each part as a book on its own. And I’d happily read more parts before the end. Offering the intriguingly unexpected in a great take on the standard package, this one's cool, fun, and scary. Enjoy.
Disclosure: I invited the author to my blog when the book was touring, and I’m offering my honest review of the book.
First there’s the zombie’s on a pleasure cruise tale, where Sylva, who raises the dead (temporarily) for a living, is going to do a show. She’s too young for alcohol, but that doesn’t stop everyone else from drinking too much. Add corn maze living dead, all gruesomely convincing, and wait till the power goes out, then... well, scary, exciting battles and desperate escapes ensue. And then...
Now there are covert ops and evil scientists and everyone’s trapped on an island. And then...
But it all makes a weird sort of sense, like Lost, even when it doesn’t make sense. Sylva’s a great main character, loyal to her friends, mourning her lost love, irreverent and fun, and, well, full of surprises I guess.
Confessions of Sylva Slasher is a long read, just like Lost was a long series. I’d have happily taken each part as a book on its own. And I’d happily read more parts before the end. Offering the intriguingly unexpected in a great take on the standard package, this one's cool, fun, and scary. Enjoy.
Disclosure: I invited the author to my blog when the book was touring, and I’m offering my honest review of the book.
November 4, 2015
Confessions of Sylva Slasher by Ace Antonio Hall
Sylva Fleischer is an eighteen year old girl working for the Police department. Her job is the raise the dead, she does this for families in mourning as well. Two years after her boyfriend Brandon dies she to go on a cruise with her friends to try to overcome her depression.
But once she leaves she finds that she is in a world with flesh eating zombies. She and her friends have to fight for their lives and she inadvertently becomes known as Sylva Slasher. Add to it she sees Brandon...is he really Dead? And what is happening to her? And what exactly did happen to her parents? These are questions she may not like the answers to.
An original story that moves at a fast pace with a lot of action, secrets, and humor. Sylva is very likable, her approach on life is that of a young lady her age with a lot of humor.
There are secrets revealed about her parents, she has to accept (what she learns) or just cope with the truth. There are events in her life that she does not expect, and again she has to adjust and accept.
A well written zombie story. Very original, with likable characters and so much action I was on the edge-of-my seat. I liked the added humor and the surprises, I like a story that keeps me guessing. Overall I found Confessions of Sylva Slasher entertaining and very enjoyable. Those who love a great zombie story should enjoy it as well!
Sylva Fleischer is an eighteen year old girl working for the Police department. Her job is the raise the dead, she does this for families in mourning as well. Two years after her boyfriend Brandon dies she to go on a cruise with her friends to try to overcome her depression.
But once she leaves she finds that she is in a world with flesh eating zombies. She and her friends have to fight for their lives and she inadvertently becomes known as Sylva Slasher. Add to it she sees Brandon...is he really Dead? And what is happening to her? And what exactly did happen to her parents? These are questions she may not like the answers to.
An original story that moves at a fast pace with a lot of action, secrets, and humor. Sylva is very likable, her approach on life is that of a young lady her age with a lot of humor.
There are secrets revealed about her parents, she has to accept (what she learns) or just cope with the truth. There are events in her life that she does not expect, and again she has to adjust and accept.
A well written zombie story. Very original, with likable characters and so much action I was on the edge-of-my seat. I liked the added humor and the surprises, I like a story that keeps me guessing. Overall I found Confessions of Sylva Slasher entertaining and very enjoyable. Those who love a great zombie story should enjoy it as well!
March 13, 2014
An interesting mix of zombies and urban fantasy, I definitely liked The Confessions of Sylva Slasher and thought it was a fun read. While there were elements which reminded me of other books I've read and various TV series, I still thought it was pretty original over all. What I thought was well done was the pacing. The book took off and didn't let up through the whole thing, and I was definitely entertained. I'll also say there were some developments that I wasn't expecting, but it added to the story in a positive way.
Sylva Slasher, as I read the story, reminded me a bit of a mix of Anita Blake and Buffy. I think that's why I developed a liking for her from the beginning. She was a great main character – a bit sarcastic at times, but I also found her fascinating. I also liked the fact this book was written in first person, so we really get to see what's going on in Sylva's mind. I also liked the secondary characters as well, especially Katie and Emily at the beginning of the book.
For anyone who's a fan of urban fantasy, zombies, and shows like Buffy, I highly recommend this book. I give it a rating of 4/5 stars.
Sylva Slasher, as I read the story, reminded me a bit of a mix of Anita Blake and Buffy. I think that's why I developed a liking for her from the beginning. She was a great main character – a bit sarcastic at times, but I also found her fascinating. I also liked the fact this book was written in first person, so we really get to see what's going on in Sylva's mind. I also liked the secondary characters as well, especially Katie and Emily at the beginning of the book.
For anyone who's a fan of urban fantasy, zombies, and shows like Buffy, I highly recommend this book. I give it a rating of 4/5 stars.
November 4, 2014
Kinda has that Sucker Punch flip to it. Zombies vs Mental Patients.
An urban fantasy clash of zombies, vampires and werewolves. A clever thinking girl and drops of blood spatter.
This book actually won me a KINDLE FIRE! I end up buying a copy and then received a copy from author signed. I'm glad to own this book I had low expectations on it. Because YA books are not really my thing.
Equal plot twist, fair amounts of blood a little bit of love & hate and zombies. Great Read!
An urban fantasy clash of zombies, vampires and werewolves. A clever thinking girl and drops of blood spatter.
This book actually won me a KINDLE FIRE! I end up buying a copy and then received a copy from author signed. I'm glad to own this book I had low expectations on it. Because YA books are not really my thing.
Equal plot twist, fair amounts of blood a little bit of love & hate and zombies. Great Read!
July 6, 2013
This book is so much fun! It is a must read for any zombie fan. Ace has captured everything that makes this genre great.
January 2, 2015
What I Thought:
Ace's book has hit the nail on the head. This read combines all our favourite horror characters in an end-of-the-human race mash-up. Mix that in with a strong lead character, who happens to be a kick-ass girl, whose job is (was) necromancy. Ultimate result - utter brilliance!
Reading through this book was able to give me a bit of a flashback to my youth, as it had lots of social references, such as the 'W' Whatever sign, though I'm not certain the youth now would relate, but this may just be the case in the UK. I still enjoyed the great banter that the group shared, as it really levelled out the story.
I thought the book was a brilliant mix of blood, guts and determination, with a sprinkling of the undead, and really liked reading each step of Slyva's journey.
I did (sort-of) foresee one of the major events, but never thought things would pan out the way they did, with regards to that event. I found Sylva's strength, maturity and heroic nature refreshing and truly addicting. With everything that happens and has happened, she just keeps getting done what needs to get done.
I thought Ace's writing was excellent, especially for the YA category. It is fast-paced, fun, exciting and appeals to a younger audience. It is also written in a way that appeals to older audiences, but definitely has the feel of YA, which is spot on.
His characters have depth, personality and Ace made sure to not have his characters stray from what is expected of them. Not once was I left thinking 'WHAT?! He/She wouldn't do that!,' which I often find happens in horror films.
Finally, I really found this book engaging and addicting. I couldn't wait to read more. I like that there was a lot going on in the book, and it all came together as we approached the final chapters.
Overall, this was a fab read. I liked every page and really enjoyed reading it. It left you wanting more, after each time you had to put it down. The pace and characters were done well and I seriously enjoyed a mash up of all my favourite horror characters. I loved Sylva! She was a great all-round character, but not one who was cocky or thought she knew everything, just a great zombie-killer. I highly recommend checking this book out, especially if you are or know a YA reader!
Ace's book has hit the nail on the head. This read combines all our favourite horror characters in an end-of-the-human race mash-up. Mix that in with a strong lead character, who happens to be a kick-ass girl, whose job is (was) necromancy. Ultimate result - utter brilliance!
Reading through this book was able to give me a bit of a flashback to my youth, as it had lots of social references, such as the 'W' Whatever sign, though I'm not certain the youth now would relate, but this may just be the case in the UK. I still enjoyed the great banter that the group shared, as it really levelled out the story.
I thought the book was a brilliant mix of blood, guts and determination, with a sprinkling of the undead, and really liked reading each step of Slyva's journey.
I did (sort-of) foresee one of the major events, but never thought things would pan out the way they did, with regards to that event. I found Sylva's strength, maturity and heroic nature refreshing and truly addicting. With everything that happens and has happened, she just keeps getting done what needs to get done.
I thought Ace's writing was excellent, especially for the YA category. It is fast-paced, fun, exciting and appeals to a younger audience. It is also written in a way that appeals to older audiences, but definitely has the feel of YA, which is spot on.
His characters have depth, personality and Ace made sure to not have his characters stray from what is expected of them. Not once was I left thinking 'WHAT?! He/She wouldn't do that!,' which I often find happens in horror films.
Finally, I really found this book engaging and addicting. I couldn't wait to read more. I like that there was a lot going on in the book, and it all came together as we approached the final chapters.
Overall, this was a fab read. I liked every page and really enjoyed reading it. It left you wanting more, after each time you had to put it down. The pace and characters were done well and I seriously enjoyed a mash up of all my favourite horror characters. I loved Sylva! She was a great all-round character, but not one who was cocky or thought she knew everything, just a great zombie-killer. I highly recommend checking this book out, especially if you are or know a YA reader!
April 20, 2016
Sylva Fleischer is your typical eighteen-year-old girl...almost. Her job, along with some friends, is to raise the dead for those who are in mourning and need closure and for the police department. When her friends and her decide to take their Spring Break on a cruise, everything started normally. However, the passengers suddenly contract a disease that causes their deaths. Eventually their deaths lead to a zombie epidemic on the cruise ship, which can be problematic.
Join Sylva Fleischer (or "Sylva Slasher") and her faithful friends on an adventure that is unique and terrifying. Will the group be able to survive the zombie epidemic? Will they find out how this disease started? And the ultimate question - will they be able to stop before it spreads?
There were a few times where I questioned if I enjoyed this read or not. Some scenes were too long for me, such as, the "dream scenes". I also felt that there were times when scenes did not smoothly transition to the next. It could've been the intention for what was happening at the time, but I did not enjoy these parts of the book. Not to spoil much, but the mention of the "ruby slippers" also confused me. I can guess what these were relating to, but wasn't directly said.
On the other hand, one of my favorite parts of this book was the ending. I've read that some do not appreciate the ending, but I found the conclusion intriguing and really enjoyed reading it. I felt it connected some dots, but also left the reader with a sense of awe.
Overall, Confessions of Sylva Slasher was well-written, unique, and has an enjoyable ending. This would be very appealing for young adults. Not only is the protagonist is young, but her maturity seems accurate for her eighteen-year-old age. I would recommend this read to young adults who like paranormal horror and do not mind some graphic scenes.
Join Sylva Fleischer (or "Sylva Slasher") and her faithful friends on an adventure that is unique and terrifying. Will the group be able to survive the zombie epidemic? Will they find out how this disease started? And the ultimate question - will they be able to stop before it spreads?
There were a few times where I questioned if I enjoyed this read or not. Some scenes were too long for me, such as, the "dream scenes". I also felt that there were times when scenes did not smoothly transition to the next. It could've been the intention for what was happening at the time, but I did not enjoy these parts of the book. Not to spoil much, but the mention of the "ruby slippers" also confused me. I can guess what these were relating to, but wasn't directly said.
On the other hand, one of my favorite parts of this book was the ending. I've read that some do not appreciate the ending, but I found the conclusion intriguing and really enjoyed reading it. I felt it connected some dots, but also left the reader with a sense of awe.
Overall, Confessions of Sylva Slasher was well-written, unique, and has an enjoyable ending. This would be very appealing for young adults. Not only is the protagonist is young, but her maturity seems accurate for her eighteen-year-old age. I would recommend this read to young adults who like paranormal horror and do not mind some graphic scenes.
September 24, 2014
This book posed a quandary for me. It’s a YA and it’s written first person from a teen girl’s point of view – however the language used is very ‘teen’ which isn’t necessarily a bad thing as its meant for that age group, however to me personally, a YA read should tread a fine line and span over teenagers into adults. YA gives the opportunity to write a book that is open to both teen and adult audiences alike – and from an evil commercial point of view, this is where the money is.
I’m an adult, I also write and read YA fiction. But I did find Slyva as the main character and narrator a little annoying at times. Her language was spot on, but I struggled to identify with her, and as a reader, that limited my overall enjoyment of the book.
From a writer’s perspective, the plot was great, it reminded me of a teen version of Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake series. The concept of a zombie filled cruise was pretty scary; confined spaces and monsters is a killer combination. I also liked how it started at a later, more exciting part of the book to draw you in; and to split this with a chapter stopped any storyline confusion.
The front cover is very much like a graphic novel and might cause a little confusion for would-be readers who are simply browsing for a new read. In saying that though, it does set the age well as a teen read.
Overall, I’d give The Confessions of Slyva Slasher 3 out of 5 stars to an adult audience and 5 out 5 stars for teen readers (I don’t normally split star ratings, but felt I’d be doing the book a disservice if I didn’t)
I’m an adult, I also write and read YA fiction. But I did find Slyva as the main character and narrator a little annoying at times. Her language was spot on, but I struggled to identify with her, and as a reader, that limited my overall enjoyment of the book.
From a writer’s perspective, the plot was great, it reminded me of a teen version of Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake series. The concept of a zombie filled cruise was pretty scary; confined spaces and monsters is a killer combination. I also liked how it started at a later, more exciting part of the book to draw you in; and to split this with a chapter stopped any storyline confusion.
The front cover is very much like a graphic novel and might cause a little confusion for would-be readers who are simply browsing for a new read. In saying that though, it does set the age well as a teen read.
Overall, I’d give The Confessions of Slyva Slasher 3 out of 5 stars to an adult audience and 5 out 5 stars for teen readers (I don’t normally split star ratings, but felt I’d be doing the book a disservice if I didn’t)
October 21, 2015
**We received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through the Juniper Grove Review Library**
With a necromancer and plenty of undead creatures roaming the new world, it's clear this is an urban fantasy/horror. The world building was a bit shaky, for me, near the end, but it's undeniable that the action and adventure were addictive.
Sylva is a modern day necromancer of eighteen years old. She's made her business a bit of an entertainment when boarding the costume-themed cruise for a ritual raising that goes a bit sideways on her and from there, the story tumbles into place.
There's so much awesome action that isn't redundant or predictable. Who you think are safe, aren't necessarily so and I find this always puts me on edge, especially with vibrant characters like Sylva, Emily & Flip. I also really enjoyed the injection of the Hawaiian modern culture. Anya was an unstoppable villain, of sorts.
The part leading up to the ending was a bit distracting. Suddenly, like her, I didn't know what was real and what wasn't and it was confusing for a while. I almost gave this a 4 star because of it felt like there were two different stories that were mashed together, but I realized I liked both versions.
CONCLUSION
This story likes to take you on an unpredictable adventure that I think urban fantasy fans would like. There's a sassy main character and plenty of vibrant characters to love and hate.
With a necromancer and plenty of undead creatures roaming the new world, it's clear this is an urban fantasy/horror. The world building was a bit shaky, for me, near the end, but it's undeniable that the action and adventure were addictive.
Sylva is a modern day necromancer of eighteen years old. She's made her business a bit of an entertainment when boarding the costume-themed cruise for a ritual raising that goes a bit sideways on her and from there, the story tumbles into place.
There's so much awesome action that isn't redundant or predictable. Who you think are safe, aren't necessarily so and I find this always puts me on edge, especially with vibrant characters like Sylva, Emily & Flip. I also really enjoyed the injection of the Hawaiian modern culture. Anya was an unstoppable villain, of sorts.
The part leading up to the ending was a bit distracting. Suddenly, like her, I didn't know what was real and what wasn't and it was confusing for a while. I almost gave this a 4 star because of it felt like there were two different stories that were mashed together, but I realized I liked both versions.
CONCLUSION
This story likes to take you on an unpredictable adventure that I think urban fantasy fans would like. There's a sassy main character and plenty of vibrant characters to love and hate.
January 2, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review
There was more than one time while reading The Confessions of Sylva Slasher that I wished it was in graphic novel format. The descriptions were so vivid, so interesting, I desperately wanted to see them from the author's perspective.
I love a good horror book, and lately zombie novels have been catching my eye. There's just something about a slashing through a sea of zombies that I find inordinately satisfying. This novel is full of action, imagination, and fascinating characters.
Sylva is great-- definitely what I like in a heroine: witty, sassy, tough with awesome battle moves. In fact all of the characters are quite interesting and well-developed. Sylva raises zombies for a living-- dead loved ones for a final goodbye, that sort of thing. I think Mr. Hall did a great job creating a unique voice for Slyva. Her distinct personality really shines through on every page.
Full of twists, turns, and excitement, sometimes I couldn't seem to turn the pages fast enough. I can't really go into more detail about the plot without spoilers, so let's leave it at this: If you like nonstop zombie goodness with an intriguing story line and a kickass heroine, look no further than The Confessions of Slyva Slasher.
There was more than one time while reading The Confessions of Sylva Slasher that I wished it was in graphic novel format. The descriptions were so vivid, so interesting, I desperately wanted to see them from the author's perspective.
I love a good horror book, and lately zombie novels have been catching my eye. There's just something about a slashing through a sea of zombies that I find inordinately satisfying. This novel is full of action, imagination, and fascinating characters.
Sylva is great-- definitely what I like in a heroine: witty, sassy, tough with awesome battle moves. In fact all of the characters are quite interesting and well-developed. Sylva raises zombies for a living-- dead loved ones for a final goodbye, that sort of thing. I think Mr. Hall did a great job creating a unique voice for Slyva. Her distinct personality really shines through on every page.
Full of twists, turns, and excitement, sometimes I couldn't seem to turn the pages fast enough. I can't really go into more detail about the plot without spoilers, so let's leave it at this: If you like nonstop zombie goodness with an intriguing story line and a kickass heroine, look no further than The Confessions of Slyva Slasher.
March 6, 2014
This not my usual type of story this was almost to different for me. The Confession of Sylva Slasher was gory. I f you like the zombie Apocalypse with some gore and the end of the world as we know it then have I got the book for you! Sylva will take you on an adventure with the likes of things never have been seen before and likely never to be seen again. This story will leave with your head spinning and you barely hanging on to the edge of your seat. I completely sure that I knew how this story would play out and end.I could not have been more wrong. I don't know if I will be reading anymore about Sylva Slasher as she just wasn't my type. But , for all you horror story zombie loving world coming to an end people out there I highly recommend this book to you!
February 25, 2016
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book, but one thing that caught my attention and stuck with me throughout this book is why the heck someone would want a g-string when in the middle of a zombie apocalypse? Come on! That's absolutely absurd. A g-string on a normal day is absurd.
Okay. Enough about the g-string. I really did enjoy reading this book. It's got zombies and vampires, and zombie birds and something I totally didn't see coming. Sylva Slasher totally lives up to her name and will not disappoint readers who love reading about zombies getting their butts kicked. And the twist, there was such a twist I didn't see coming. I'm kinda hoping there will be more about Sylva in the future.
I really enjoyed this book, but one thing that caught my attention and stuck with me throughout this book is why the heck someone would want a g-string when in the middle of a zombie apocalypse? Come on! That's absolutely absurd. A g-string on a normal day is absurd.
Okay. Enough about the g-string. I really did enjoy reading this book. It's got zombies and vampires, and zombie birds and something I totally didn't see coming. Sylva Slasher totally lives up to her name and will not disappoint readers who love reading about zombies getting their butts kicked. And the twist, there was such a twist I didn't see coming. I'm kinda hoping there will be more about Sylva in the future.
April 10, 2016
*I was given this ebook for free for an honest review.
Sylva is not your weak heroine!! She is a necromancer who is ready to kick zombie butt!!!
Sylva and some of her friends go on a cruise just to have a good time, and then you know what hits the fan! She had to work hard to try and contain the damage!
This was a fun read and I was turning the pages in one sitting because I had to see what was going to happen next!! If you like zombie books and a strong female lead, this is the book for you!!
Sylva is not your weak heroine!! She is a necromancer who is ready to kick zombie butt!!!
Sylva and some of her friends go on a cruise just to have a good time, and then you know what hits the fan! She had to work hard to try and contain the damage!
This was a fun read and I was turning the pages in one sitting because I had to see what was going to happen next!! If you like zombie books and a strong female lead, this is the book for you!!
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