Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This topic is open for Discussion of Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel. Be prepared for SPOILERS.

Synopsis:
Can the living coexist with the living dead?

That’s the question that has New Victorian society fiercely divided ever since the mysterious plague known as “The Laz” hit the city of New London and turned thousands into walking corpses. But while some of these zombies are mindless monsters, hungry for human flesh, others can still think, speak, reason, and control their ravenous new appetites.

Just ask Nora Dearly, the young lady of means who was nearly kidnapped by a band of sinister zombies but valiantly rescued by a dashing young man . . . of the dead variety.

Nora and her savior, the young zombie soldier Bram Griswold, fell hopelessly in love. But others feel only fear and loathing for the reanimated dead. Now, as tensions grow between pro- and anti-zombie factions, battle lines are being drawn in the streets. And though Bram is no longer in the New Victorian army, he and his ex-commando zombie comrades are determined to help keep the peace. That means taking a dangerous stand between The Changed, a radical group of sentient zombies fighting for survival, and The Murder, a masked squad of urban guerrillas hellbent on destroying the living dead. But zombies aren’t the only ones in danger: Their living allies are also in The Murder’s crosshairs, and for one vengeful zealot, Nora Dearly is the number one target.

As paranoia, prejudice, and terrorist attacks threaten to plunge the city into full-scale war, Nora’s scientist father and his team continue their desperate race to unlock the secrets of “The Laz” and find a cure. But their efforts may be doomed when a mysterious zombie appears bearing an entirely new strain of the virus—and the nation of New Victoria braces for a new wave of the apocalypse.

Lia Habel’s spellbinding, suspenseful sequel to Dearly, Departed takes her imaginative mash-up of period romance, futuristic thriller, and zombie drama to a whole new level of innovative and irresistible storytelling.

Reserved

Just finished Dearly Departed. I really enjoyed it - loved the strong female characters (especially Pamela!). Looking forward to this one :)

Karen wrote: "Just finished Dearly Departed. I really enjoyed it - loved the strong female characters (especially Pamela!). Looking forward to this one :)"

It was surprisingly good wasn't it. A friend recommended it to me and I read it not knowing in advance it had a zombie human love story and I absolutely loved it.

@Lisarenee- Yes there are so many Zombie love stories right now, but I think this one was really strong. I loved the world she created and the female leads.

@Krsitin -I find with alot of trilogys the second book is the weakest (except for Delirium where I prefered the 2nd!), so I guess we will see. Interesting that the first one ended on a nice note too, it wasn't a cliffhanger and so makes the first book stand alone quite well. (Maybe the author didn't know if she'd get picked up for a sequel seeing that it was her first book?)

Kristin wrote: "I loved the first one too but people I have talked to said they are disappointed in the second one. Makes me nervous...."

I think the second one was nominated for an award. Hmmm...I guess we'll see.

I had to order the book as it isn't at the library yet, and isn't available on kindle. Hopefully it arrives in time!

I think it's a regional thing - I have no idea why but they sell kindle versions differently depending on your country (different ASINs) and sometimes even if it is available in the US, I can't buy it here. So bizarre!

Karen wrote: "I think it's a regional thing - I have no idea why but they sell kindle versions differently depending on your country (different ASINs) and sometimes even if it is available in the US, I can't buy..."

A friend got me a copy of a book written by an Australian author that wasn't yet available to the US. There were some phrases and words that the average American from the US would have no idea how to translate. They were changed in the US version. My guess is that's a two way street. If you put a US copy and an Australian copy side by side you might see some difference. Perhaps that would cause the delay in the kindle version?

It is possible, but that kind of editing here would be unnecessary as we have so much US tv/film etc we don't have trouble translating ;)
They just had a big court case here about the price differences for electronic content being so much more expensive here. Basically the companies just said "yep, we do it because we can"! Oh we'll, I still wouldn't live anywhere else :)

Got my copy in the mail! Feels weird to buy a paperback - it has been a while..lol. I'll have to donate it to my library when we're done :)

I didn't want an e-reader for a really long time a I didn't think I'd like it. But with doing alot of travelling I thought it would be a good idea, and now I've never looked back! I absolutely love it! The dictionary option and highlighting is what I miss the most when I go back to dead-tree books.
And you never know Kristin, there is that whole "grass is greener" saying! ;)

What pace do we want to read this one? 100 Pages or so a day?

sure, sounds good to me

lol! true ;)

I always wanted to go to Australia. See the kangaroos and Koalas. One day maybe.

I haven't been to where you guys live, but I have been to LA, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas, Washington and NYC and I have always enjoyed my time in the US. Each part is so different, but the people and food (and pharmaceutical ads!) are always interesting :)

My husband just picked up this book off our coffee table and said (incredulously) "what is that??"" Are you an emo??"
lol
I guess this cover does looks a bit that way!

Karen wrote: "My husband just picked up this book off our coffee table and said (incredulously) "what is that??"" Are you an emo??"
lol
I guess this cover does looks a bit that way!

Your cover looks so different from mine:

Yes, I think I like yours better!

Bram looks rather scary in yours. I'll have to add bigger pictures to the top post of both covers.

~ Lisarenee

Proposed reading schedule:

Date   Chapters   Pages 
May 26th 1 - 6 1 - 93 
May 27th 7 - 13 94 - 184
May 28th 14 - 21 185 - 293
May 29th 22 - 31 294 - 397
May 30th 32 - 39 398 - 482

Thanks :)
I'm not feeling so well today so I'm spending the day at home whch means I should get some good reading done!

I'll post questions in the morning. Back pain flared up tonight again and I can't think.

No problems. I should finish my current book today and then start on this so that timing is fine for me. Hope your back is better soon!

Questions and comments for Chapters 1 - 6

1) I confess, I had to read this part twice. There was a lot going on and it's been a while since I read Dearly, Departed. So it looks like for the most part humans and the walking dead are getting along. There are, however, pockets of resistance--which are to be expected. What did you think of the dock riot? We now know of a new group--The Changed. Do you think they are as peaceful as Martira said?

2) There are some fun lines in this one. Some of my favorites:
- "Better cold than old, pal"
- "You're a Zombie. If you're not missing body parts, you're doing it wrong!"
- "But I...I know bartitsu!"
"That's nice," I told him. "They know biting."

3) So Nora's dad and Dr. Elpinoy have a disagreement as to how to go about curing the Laz. Genetically re-engineering people seems a bit harsh, what do you think? Could Dearly not be seeing things clearly because he himself is now a zombie?

4) Necroslut? I guess we should have seen that one coming. A human zombie relationship would be hard for some to stomach. Who do you think the people were who stole the carriage? Why do I get the feeling they were zombies? Could they have been the constables with Inspector Ramirez that Martira dealt with at the end of the book?

5) Host seems an odd term to me to call the flesh hungry mindless zombies. What do you think? Does it reflect they're host to the disease?

6) Anyone else curious where this disease came from? Do you think we'll ever find out? Any theories?

7) What did you think of Laura and her walking garden? Myrtle and rose bushes just seem a bit far fetched (Yeah, the irony of that statement isn't lost on me. This being a zombie novel and all-lol). They're too big. She'd never be able to function.

8) Evola is an interesting character. I really like her.

9) What do you think it is about New London that puts Bram on edge?

10) Did we get a little foreshadowing? "If you get caught up in something, they'll deport you."

11) Odd statement from Nora's dad--"You have Mr. Griswold to look after you. (...) I won't be here forever, after all." That is true, but neither will Bram. Perhaps that's why he suggested she go to her relatives? Do you think it will happen?

13) What do yo think of Laura and Martira? What is the deal with the constables?

I wasn't able to read today, I'll try to catch up tomorrow.

1) I confess, I had to read this part twice. There was a lot going on and it's been a while since I read Dearly, Departed. So it looks like for the most part humans and the walking dead are getting along. There are, however, pockets of resistance--which are to be expected. What did you think of the dock riot? We now know of a new group--The Changed. Do you think they are as peaceful as Martira said?
Eventhough I read the first book not long ago it took me a bit to get into this aswell. I think I was a bit surprised with Nora being a bit like a love-sick puppy as I don't do well with too much sappy! and she was such a strong character in the first book.
To answer your question, I found the dock riot a bit confusing at first. I guess it makes sense though that the "living" would be scared and hunting down the "changed". I'm taking Martira at face value at the moment.

2) There are some fun lines in this one. Some of my favorites:
- "Better cold than old, pal"
- "You're a Zombie. If you're not missing body parts, you're doing it wrong!"
- "But I...I know bartitsu!"
"That's nice," I told him. "They know biting."

:)

3) So Nora's dad and Dr. Elpinoy have a disagreement as to how to go about curing the Laz. Genetically re-engineering people seems a bit harsh, what do you think? Could Dearly not be seeing things clearly because he himself is now a zombie?
You have to wonder if GE caused this in the first place?! And what happens with the existing living if only new humans are GEd? seemed an odd thing for the Dr to be so pasionate about. I think Dearly is a bit one-minded. Maybe there needs to be some kind of comprimise between the two schools of thought

4) Necroslut? I guess we should have seen that one coming. A human zombie relationship would be hard for some to stomach. Who do you think the people were who stole the carriage? Why do I get the feeling they were zombies? Could they have been the constables with Inspector Ramirez that Martira dealt with at the end of the book?
Pretty awful word! Hmmm.. perhaps they were the police? I don't know. I assumed it was a new anarchist type group of the living. although I'm not sure why they let them go unharmed if that was the case

5) Host seems an odd term to me to call the flesh hungry mindless zombies. What do you think? Does it reflect they're host to the disease?
I guess you do have to give names to differentiate the two types of zombies. And assuming it is a disease, then I guess "host" makes sense.

6) Anyone else curious where this disease came from? Do you think we'll ever find out? Any theories?
Yes, and I have a bad feeling it will be something to do with Dearly!

7) What did you think of Laura and her walking garden? Myrtle and rose bushes just seem a bit far fetched (Yeah, the irony of that statement isn't lost on me. This being a zombie novel and all-lol). They're too big. She'd never be able to function.
lol yes interesting concept, although once we find out why it made a bit more sense to me. Kind of creepy though!!

8) Evola is an interesting character. I really like her.
yes. The character I am having trouble with is "dog" as I keep thinking it is not a person they are talking about! and he doesn't seem to talk?

9) What do you think it is about New London that puts Bram on edge?
I think it is such a restrictive society and he has come from what we would consider a more "normal, free" society. It would also be hard to be around the living who are so distrustful.

10) Did we get a little foreshadowing? "If you get caught up in something, they'll deport you."
yes, but I wonder why the Punks would accept deportees?

11) Odd statement from Nora's dad--"You have Mr. Griswold to look after you. (...) I won't be here forever, after all." That is true, but neither will Bram. Perhaps that's why he suggested she go to her relatives? Do you think it will happen?
Perhaps. I thought he was just trying to get her out of the way again. was her father infected before Bram? I can't remember. Maybe he has less time left?

13) What do yo think of Laura and Martira? What is the deal with the constables?
I like this new storyline. Showing the underbelly of perfect New London. And I guess like all societies there are crocked cops! I'm looking forward to how this plays out

I've only just finished this section, so I'm behind too Lisarenee... no stress :)

Going to attempt to do yesterday's questions bear with me, I forgot to bring a mouse for my comuputer.

Questions and Comments for Chapters 7 - 13
14)It sounds like Pamela's mom is not dealing with Isambard's zombie condition all that well. I'm not sure she can accept it.

15)Pamela is having anxiety attacks and that's not good. I wish she'd take Lord Lopez's advice and tell her parents and see someone.

16)What do you think of Lord Lopez? Did you like him in the last book and want to know more about the man?

17)Any theories as to what happened to Aunt Gene? Is she alive and being held? Perhaps she found out something?

18) Michael is in something he really shouldn't be. The Murderer sounds like the Ku Klux Klan for zombies. Want to bet the gang he's running with will want to kill Bram?

19)Vespertine really seems to hate Nora and Pamela. I was surprised she wanted to join Michael's group. Were you? What is he hiding about his real self?

20) What did you think of the Changed's party? What was wrong with Haegens?

21) Samedi's got an intriguing past. I want to learn more.

22) What did you think of the bakery explosion and Pamela's reaction?

Silver Cloud Rolls Royce:

aww pretty!

14)It sounds like Pamela's mom is not dealing with Isambard's zombie condition all that well. I'm not sure she can accept it.
No, she seems convinced he will be "cured". I guess everyone deals with grief differently.. she is in the denial stage!

15)Pamela is having anxiety attacks and that's not good. I wish she'd take Lord Lopez's advice and tell her parents and see someone.
I want to smack her. One of the things I loved about the first book was the strong female characters. Pam needs to buck up!

16)What do you think of Lord Lopez? Did you like him in the last book and want to know more about the man?
I didn't really remember him that much from the first book, but I wonder how much of a coincidence it is that he was there for Pam and is now calling on them. Very interested to know more!

17)Any theories as to what happened to Aunt Gene? Is she alive and being held? Perhaps she found out something?
Strange one isn't it? I wonder if Michael really was the last person to see her? Surely if she was alive they would know by now?

18) Michael is in something he really shouldn't be. The Murderer sounds like the Ku Klux Klan for zombies. Want to bet the gang he's running with will want to kill Bram?
yes, seems we have the "changed" who are not so violent (yet) and the "murders" (what an awful name for a club!!). I think that these two gangs will face off very soon

19)Vespertine really seems to hate Nora and Pamela. I was surprised she wanted to join Michael's group. Were you? What is he hiding about his real self?
I'm not sure if she does, or if she is just staying close to Michael to see what he is up to. She was pretty appaulled with what he admitted to her

20) What did you think of the Changed's party? What was wrong with Haegens?
I think they are just trying to rebel and 'be free' kind of like the hippies in the 70s! Haegens really surprised me. I have to admit that there seem to be ALOT of characters in this book and I'm struggling a bit to place them all sometimes. This is when reading a series book it would be helpful for the writer to put a "cast of characters" and a blurb about them at the front of the book!

21) Samedi's got an intriguing past. I want to learn more.
yes, little tid bits here and there :)

22) What did you think of the bakery explosion and Pamela's reaction?
I find it strange that Michael would do this as revenge without actually claiming credit for it. I don't think he will be satisfied until she knows he did it and why. Pamela is annoying me right now. I guess I have no tolerance for PTSD...lol

I am so sorry. I just got back to my hotel and have been out since since 7:30 and never ate dinner. I am a very bad buddy and have gotten way behind. I am picking up a lot of books from BEA that I give away in the group, though. Tomorrow should be less hectic but will be at it until are 4:3 or 5:00.

No problems at all. I'm still getting through today's reading, it has been a busy week for me too. I'm fine with a slower pace :)

Oh that's annoying Krsitin. I find GR has funny gremlins sometimes!
Congrats on the promotion :) I know it can be hard to fit everything in sometimes, no problems!

Was so sour last night I could hardly move

Kristin wrote: "I am also not finding this one as good as the first one. Am I the only one? What is with sequels not keeping my interest lately..."

Yes that would be great

Kristin wrote: "I am also not finding this one as good as the first one. Am I the only one? What is with sequels not keeping my interest lately..."
I am getting into it, but it is not as much of an easy read as the first. Like Unwholly, it is introducing quite a bit of stuff which is slowing it down I think. I am only at page 293, but will try and finish it this weekend

Sorry to hear you are still so unwell Lisarenee :(

Not unwell just sore from hauling bags and being on my feet so long

I hope you get some good rest today!

I'm far behind aswell. I've had a very busy weekend so I haven't started chapter 22 yet!!

23) Finally dawned on me who mr. Delgado was. It was Jenny's dad. What has Michael done? I get they are zombies but they have families!
yes, very sad. I really don't like what his character has become

24) Poor Pamela. She finally confesses her fears to Nora but Nora didn't seem to have much of advice to give. She didn't even suggest for Pamela to tell her parents or get help. Seemed pretty crappy to me.
I'm not really liking Pamela much at the moment, I think by this stage of the book she should be developing, but she is just stuck in a rut

25) That was awfully nice of Lord Lopez to offer his house to them. I didn't realize understand why the Roes wouldn't want to go to someplace safer. But I have a sneaky suspicion he isn't as nice as he seems. Seems convient he was there when the bomb went off and now has a reason to offer them someplace to live.
yes I am wondering if he is the head of the Murder group (the green jacket guy)

26) I really feel for patient zero. Who do you think did all these experiments on him? Smoke being from the Changed and is now being treated as a prisoner. No wonder they are so angry.
Where did he come from and who did all those things? Something sinister is going on we don't know about yet. I am going to giuess it is something to do with Michael's dads business (the genetcis company)

27) Hagens is off the deep end. Seems like something else just have happened to make her so angry other than what happened with Company Z.
I'm not sure I get this yet either

28) I really like Laura. She seems like a nice zombie not an evil one like Hagens. But I think she just find Dog and run for it. agree

29) Michael is obsessed with Nora! Who do you think was actually after Nora and her carriage that night? I thought it was Micheal but he didn't know anything about it.
Isn't he something else!

30) I knew Coalhouse was going to run to Hagens!!! I hope he doesn't anything stupid to compromise all of them. Looks like she didn't want him anyway. I think we are getting ready for something really bad

No problems with 2 sections combined!!

31)So what do you think of Hagen's plan to use Smoke to scare people and keep the zombies safe? It sounds like she is just another person trying to use Smoke for their own advantage.
Yes, and what a stupid idea. This way of thinking really annoyed me. I thought as an army person she would be 'smarter'

32)I figured Micheal's dad was involved with the zombies but not that he was trying to make a profit from the Laz, which I am not really sure how that would happen. Was he saying that people would want to be turned into zombies or that he would make a profit from the cure? But then he made Smoke and the new strain so I am not sure what his end game is and how Micheal would play into them.
I think he wants to make money from the cure. Or maybe he actually just wants to reduce the population so only aristocrats are left? It seems odd this was just revealed quickly at the end

33)So we found out why Micheal's dad hates Nora's dad and it is all over a girl, Nora's mom. I was surprised by this revelation but we don't know much about her anyways.
True. And yet another storyline. I got whiplash from all the new bits being introduced!!

34)I thought Dr. Dearly's dream of a co living and dead school would be great and was very touching. Do you think this could ever happen?
I think it would be a long way down the track. This is kind of like looking at something like apartheid and how long it took to 'unite' South Africa (has that even properly happened yet??!!)

35) I will admit I was crying when Bram was telling Nora how much he loved her. But I think the, getting married was a bit extreme. I didn't really like that....I could see where they would want to but marriage is a big commitment and I don't think a 17 year old, no matter how much they think they have lost can fully grasp it. I might have been more ok with them just being engaged in the end.
Oh that is sweet you cried!! I was actually realy annoyed with the wedding bit. This book totally went in the direction of every other YA zombie/vampire romance and that disappointed me immensly

36)So many unanswered questions at the end. What happened with the punks? How are the punks connected to the zombies? What happens to Coalhouse? Hagens? Smoke? Lauru? Does Dog get a hand? Do they find a way to save all the zombies? I really hope there are more books to come....
I think you ladies know how I feel about series books that leave a zillion plot open. But more than that I really was sooooo disappointed in this book. The kick-ass fun female characters (Pam and Nora) were reduced to the usual stereotypical female YA zombie characters waiting for a man to be able to do anything and pining and whining. I REALLY didn't like the wedding. On top of all of this, my version of the book was full of spelling and punctuation errors so in all it felt like it was rushed and thrown together to make some money from the Zombie-romance popularity. I wish I knew more synonyms for disappointed.. I would write them all here in capitals! :)

Yes, true about Nora... That was the only part where her "old" character came back.
And Coalhouse - urgh! frustrating! :)

Questions and comments for Chapters 1 - 6

1) I confess, I had to read this part twice. There was a lot going on and it's been a while since I read Dearly, Departed. So it looks like for the most part humans and the walking dead are getting along. There are, however, pockets of resistance--which are to be expected. What did you think of the dock riot? We now know of a new group--The Changed. Do you think they are as peaceful as Martira said?

I read the first book last year and I did a re-read before starting this one. Thank goodness I did. I had to read the dock scene twice also. It was all a bit confusing. I'm not sensing that the changed are as calm and peaceful as Martira says but we shall see.

2) There are some fun lines in this one. Some of my favorites:
- "Better cold than old, pal"
- "You're a Zombie. If you're not missing body parts, you're doing it wrong!"
- "But I...I know bartitsu!"
"That's nice," I told him. "They know biting."

I like "Better cold than old, pal." I LOLed at some of these.

3) So Nora's dad and Dr. Elpinoy have a disagreement as to how to go about curing the Laz. Genetically re-engineering people seems a bit harsh, what do you think? Could Dearly not be seeing things clearly because he himself is now a zombie?

It does seem a bit harsh. I'm wondering if GE what started all this? Dearly seems to be a bit one sided. I'm wondering if Nora's blood is going to play a role in this.

4) Necroslut? I guess we should have seen that one coming. A human zombie relationship would be hard for some to stomach. Who do you think the people were who stole the carriage? Why do I get the feeling they were zombies? Could they have been the constables with Inspector Ramirez that Martira dealt with at the end of the book?

I'm not sure who stole the carriage but I get the feeling it was zombies too. I really don't know but it could have been the constables.

5) Host seems an odd term to me to call the flesh hungry mindless zombies. What do you think? Does it reflect they're host to the disease?

I think Host as an odd term too. When I think of the term "host" I think of "the carrier of something; like the carrier of a disease. I am wondering if the name does reflect that they are the "host" of the disease, meaning they carry it and spread it.

6) Anyone else curious where this disease came from? Do you think we'll ever find out? Any theories?

I am curious where it came from as it seems to be a nasty disease. I hope we find out where it came from :) It may have been accidental but I think Dearly plays a role in this disease.

7) What did you think of Laura and her walking garden? Myrtle and rose bushes just seem a bit far fetched (Yeah, the irony of that statement isn't lost on me. This being a zombie novel and all-lol). They're too big. She'd never be able to function.

UMMMMM this was kind of weird lol not to mention a little eerie but needless to say it was an interesting concept and made some sense/

8) Evola is an interesting character. I really like her.

I found her rather likeable too :)

9) What do you think it is about New London that puts Bram on edge?

I don't know. New London is a different kind of place than where he came from. It seems to be more confined in some ways. I also think he doesn't like the people of New London which is totally understandably as they aren't very trustworthy. It isn't always easy to live some where you aren't accustomed to.

10) Did we get a little foreshadowing? "If you get caught up in something, they'll deport you."

Makes me wonder, but yes, I think so.

11) Odd statement from Nora's dad--"You have Mr. Griswold to look after you. (...) I won't be here forever, after all." That is true, but neither will Bram. Perhaps that's why he suggested she go to her relatives? Do you think it will happen?

This was kind of strange. Bram won't be around for long either.Is Nora's blood going to be used as a cure for Bram where he will be around forever??? Or maybe all the zombies are going to die and she will be left alone so therefore she needs to go to her family. IDK LOL I don't know if it will happen or not simply because I don't see Nora leaving without Bram.

13) What do yo think of Laura and Martira? What is the deal with the constables?

I kind of like them lol. Not everyone in politics/law/judicial systems is straight as an arrow. It's always fun to see someone in that position be a bad guy.

Robin you have become the ninja BR reader...! It will be interesting to see what you think of this after your re-read of book #1:)

Karen wrote: "Robin you have become the ninja BR reader...! It will be interesting to see what you think of this after your re-read of book #1:)"

I am about halfway(actually more than halfway) through this one :) Getting ready to post another set of questions LOL

Questions and Comments for Chapters 7 - 13

14)It sounds like Pamela's mom is not dealing with Isambard's zombie condition all that well. I'm not sure she can accept it.

I don't think she is accepting it at all. She's seems to be in denial or believing that he will some how be cured. But in a way it is understandable as that is her child and she probably only wants the best for him and to see him live.

15)Pamela is having anxiety attacks and that's not good. I wish she'd take Lord Lopez's advice and tell her parents and see someone.

Pamela,to me, is a little bit annoying. I wish she would be a little more grown up about it and tell her parents also. Can I reach into the book and slap some sense into her PLEASE lol.

16)What do you think of Lord Lopez? Did you like him in the last book and want to know more about the man?

I find Lord Lopez to be interesting. I was kind of "iffy" about him in the last book but he seems to be growing on me in this one :) Yes, I definitely want to know more about him.

17)Any theories as to what happened to Aunt Gene? Is she alive and being held? Perhaps she found out something?

This was really odd. I don't have any theories about her but am kind of questioning Michael about being the last person to see her. I think you might be on to something about her knowing something and possible being held captive. Will be interesting to find out :)

18) Michael is in something he really shouldn't be. The Murderer sounds like the Ku Klux Klan for zombies. Want to bet the gang he's running with will want to kill Bram?

LOL I never thought about The Murder being like the KKK but nice analogy there :) I agree with you on that gang wanting to kill Bram. This is another interesting scene to see panned out.

19)Vespertine really seems to hate Nora and Pamela. I was surprised she wanted to join Michael's group. Were you? What is he hiding about his real self?

I don't know really what to make of this because she wasn't exactly thrilled about Michael's revelation. I don't know if she really wants to join that group or if she is just being nosy.

20) What did you think of the Changed's party? What was wrong with Haegens?

I'm not sure what the whole idea is behind this party. Are they trying to make a scene because they want to live freely and this is a way to get noticed? I'm not sure about Haegens. So many things are happening and there seems to be a lot of characters. I should have taken notes because I am finding myself flipping back, figuring out who/what they are because I am getting confused LOL

21) Samedi's got an intriguing past. I want to learn more.

I must agree :)

22) What did you think of the bakery explosion and Pamela's reaction?

Why did Michael not admit to doing this? Pamela oh Pamela. She is still annoying the heck out of me!!!!!

Section 3 Chapters 14-21

Mostly comments since I am so far behind.... Every time I say I am going to catch up something else happens.


23) Finally dawned on me who mr. Delgado was. It was Jenny's dad. What has Michael done? I get they are zombies but they have families!

LOL yep Mr. Delgado is Jenny's dad :) My thoughts exactly. I'm not really liking Michael. But I guess if anyone had to be like this I would want it to be him.

24) Poor Pamela. She finally confesses her fears to Nora but Nora didn't seem to have much of advice to give. She didn't even suggest for Pamela to tell her parents or get help. Seemed pretty crappy to me.

Pamela has really been jumping around on my last nerve. Is she ever going to grow up or are we going to have to deal with her being this annoying throughout the rest of the book. Pamela should have enough sense to tell her parents without being told by someone else.

25) That was awfully nice of Lord Lopez to offer his house to them. I didn't realize understand why the Roes wouldn't want to go to someplace safer. But I have a sneaky suspicion he isn't as nice as he seems. Seems convient he was there when the bomb went off and now has a reason to offer them someplace to live.

Yes, I am beginning to wonder myself how "nice" he really is.

26) I really feel for patient zero. Who do you think did all these experiments on him? Smoke being from the Changed and is now being treated as a prisoner. No wonder they are so angry.

I'm not sure I am understanding this about patient zero. Where did he come from? I do feel bad for him and hopefully we will find out more about him in the near future.

27) Hagens is off the deep end. Seems like something else just have happened to make her so angry other than what happened with Company Z.

This was an odd scene for me also. I seem to be getting more confused about these characters and the plot the further along I get in this book. Is this another little something we have yet to know about?

28) I really like Laura. She seems like a nice zombie not an evil one like Hagens. But I think she just find Dog and run for it.

I like Laura too but I am skeptical when I say that LOL because some of the characters start off likeable and then all of a sudden they do things that make them unlikeable...like Michael.

29) Michael is obsessed with Nora! Who do you think was actually after Nora and her carriage that night? I thought it was Micheal but he didn't know anything about it.

He most definitely is :( It's almost scary!!! He is one of the characters that you just don't know what he is going to do next. I can't even begin to guess who was after Nora and her carriage.

30) I knew Coalhouse was going to run to Hagens!!! I hope he doesn't anything stupid to compromise all of them.

Me too!!!!

I didn't find that Pamela improved. Which was such a shame as the female characters in the first book were independent and full of spunk.
Knowing how we both seem to feel about certain YA books I can't wait until you get to the end of this one to hear your thoughts.... bwahahahaha