October Trix-n-Treatz aComing

"By the pricking of my thumbs,
something wicked this way comes."

October Trix-n-Treatz

starts tomorrow

additional books featured...

InJane
by Douglas K. Pearson

In the Manor of the Ghost
by Tina Pinson


check out the first book reveal here and second reveal here

more to be revealed during the event...

AND

special guests sponsors:

Haunted Computer Books

Jasmine Becket-Griffith - Strangeling

Pot-Boilers Publishing

again more to be exposed during the event...

~*~
* image source siamese witch twins from Strangeling

* quote source: Act IV scene 1 of William Shakespeare's play Macbeth

-+0+o+ October Trix-n-Treatz schedule +o+0+-

This Blog Has Braaaains award

This Blog Has Braaaains award
created by The Photog Nazi

And so, the September Zombies event comes to a close. I hope you enjoyed this second year of zombie spotlights. Zombies will continue to trickle into my blog over the year but the horde will most likely invade again next year.

T H A N K
Y O U
dear readers
for being a part of
September Zombies 2010

Your comments and participation during the event
has made the month a fun one ;-D

Please note:

ALL vvb32 reads giveaways end today,
except for the Zombie Showdown which ends Oct 10, 2010.

AND winners will be announced and notified via email around Oct 5, 2010.

Special thanks to...

I want to pass on This Blog Has Braaaains award to all those listed below for participating in this year's zombie event.

Their awesome dedication and contribution to the zombie madness has made this event absolutely fabulous!

Participants please feel free to take the award and display it proudly on your blogs and pass it on.

=== THANKS TO: Zombiettes ===
Celia of Adventures of Cecelia Bedelia
Cecilia of the epic rat
Lexie of Poisoned Rationality
Misty of Book Rat
Titania of Fishmuffins of Doom

=== THANKS TO: Fellow Bloggers for guest posts ===
Sullivan McPig of Pearls Cast Before a McPig

M.A.D. of Mary Ann deBorde writes (and reads!)

=== THANKS TO: Top 5 Commenters ===
excluding zombiettes and event participants

Freda of Freda's Voice
k_sunshine1977
Kelly of Force Oblique
Carlos of Letras sem fundo
Kulsuma of sunshine and stardust

=== THANKS TO: Authors for guest posts and giveaways ===
After the End by Bonnie Dee

The Blooming by Tonia Brown

Dead Practices by Shells Walter

Deadtown by Nancy Holzner

Dust by Joan Frances Turner

Fried Green Zombies by John A. Allen

Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry

Killer Love by Joseph Graham

Lucky Stiff by Tonia Brown

Murdermouth: Zombie Bits by Scott Nicholson

Never Slow Dance With A Zombie by E. Van Lowe

Night Of The Living Trekkies by Kevin D. Anderson and Sam Stall

Rombies by Tom Taylor & Skye Ogden

Shakespeare Undead by Lori Handeland

Valley of the Dead by Kim Paffenroth

World is Dead edited by Kim Paffenroth

Zombie Moon by Lori Devoti


=== THANKS TO: Guest Sponsors ===
Buy Zombie

CSN Stores

Gestalt Publishing

Haunted Computer Books

Kreating Insecurities

La Femme Readers

Lovin' & Livin' Life in the 808

MarySew

Penguin Books

Quirk

Sonar4 Publications

Undead in the Head

Zombies & Toys

~*~
*Picnik was used for graphics creations for this event.

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===

Dust by Joan Frances Turner

Dust
by Joan Frances Turner

Published: 2010
Genre: Post-apocalypse, YA, Zombies
Paperback: 384 pages
Rating: 5

Description from the amazon:
What happens between death and life can change a girl.

Jessie is a zombie. And this is her story...

Nine years ago, Jessie was in a car crash and died. After she was buried, she awoke and tore through the earth to arise, reborn, as a zombie. Now Jessie's part of a gang. They fight, hunt, and dance together as one-something humans can never understand. There are darkplaces humans have learned to avoid, lest they run into zombie gangs.

But when a mysterious illness threatens the existence of both zombies and humans, Jessie must choose between looking away or staring down the madness-and hanging on to everything she now knows as life...

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): hoo

Serious zombies here.

Very interesting take on zombies in the future. I liked the presentation of the evolution of humans to zombies to other.

The gangs and zombie living style made me think of the Neanderthal period.

This book also gives a new meaning to dying and death.

*** Zombie Book Giveaway courtesy of author ***
sign up for this book giveaway - for US only

sign up for this book giveway - for international only


=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Zombie Showdown

The results...

Zombies vs. Unicorns

winner: 53% for ZOMBIES
47% unicorns

~*~
Zombies vs. Angels

winner: 60% for angels
40% zombies

~*~
Zombies vs. Vampires

winner: 89% for vampires
11% zombies

~*~
Zombies vs. Plants

winner: 55% for plants
45% for zombies

~*~
Zombies vs. Aliens

winner: 60% for ZOMBIES
40% for aliens

~*~

My zombies only won 2 of the 5 challenges. Boo-hoooo :-(

One commenter, Brizmus, said that for her Zombies would WIN if pitted against Mosquitoes.

OR

*** Last September Zombies Book Giveaway ***


WIN a PRIZE PACK from Zombies and Toys - lots of zombie thing-eezzzz

Open to all.

Offer ends: October 10, 2010 -- extended to Oct 13!

TO DO (2-parts):

1. Sign guestbook (if you haven't already).

2. OK, so who would zombies have to battle in order to W I N in your world?


Zombies for the WIN - entries received:

Brizmus: Zombies vs. mosquitoes

Alessandra: Zombies vs. werewolves

Zombie Girrrl: Zombies vs. yard gnomes

Fi-chan: Zombies vs. bacteria/viruses

debbie of twoofakind12: Zombies vs. cats

Bleumoon: Zombies vs. wasps

Kulsuma: Zombies vs. clowns

Sullivan McPig: Zombies vs. anything -- zombies always win

Mad Scientist: Zombies vs. sexy hot chiseled elves

Spav: Zombies vs. trolls

Throuthehaze: Zombies vs. penguins

Natasha: Zombies vs. turtles

Giada: Zombies vs. aye-aye

Sharli: Zombies vs. cockroaches

Stacey: Zombies vs. sharks

SiNn: Zombies vs. care bears

Llehn: Zombies vs. Justin Bieber

Nina: Zombies vs. bunnies

Stephanie: Zombies vs. snails

Michelle: Zombies vs. killer tomatoes

MarySew: Zombies vs. sharktopuss

Ashley: Zombies vs. caterpillars

Carlos: Zombies vs. balloon animals

Mommy Wants To Read: Zombies vs. Martha Stewart

Lesley: Zombies vs. Santa Claus

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - winner is here

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

~*~
* image source from shirtoid - yes you can get this image (without with September Zombies caption) on a t-shirt - please note artwork by K.M.Larwood

* image source zombie, mosquito



=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Zombie Plate: Dying to Live

One more on my wish list to share with you before the end of September Zombies...

Dying to Live:
A Novel of Life Among the Undead
by Kim Paffenroth
edited by D.L. Snell

Description from the amazon:
Jonah Caine, a lone survivor in a zombie-infested world, struggles to understand the apocalypse in which he lives. Unable to find a moral or sane reason for the horror that surrounds him, he is overwhelmed by violence and insignificance.

After wandering for months, Jonah's lonely existence dramatically changes when he discovers a group of survivors. Living in a museum-turned-compound, they are led jointly by Jack, an ever-practical and efficient military man, and Milton, a mysterious, quizzical prophet who holds a strange power over the dead. Both leaders share Jonah's anguish over the brutality of their world, as well as his hope for its beauty. Together with others, they build a community that reestablishes an island of order and humanity surrounded by relentless ghouls.

But this newfound peace is short-lived, as Jonah and his band of refugees clash with another group of survivors who remind them that the undead are not the only--nor the most grotesque--horrors they must face.

Excerpt of chapter one is here.

*** Zombie Book Giveaways courtesy of author ***

sign up for: World is Dead

sign up for: Valley of the Dead

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Zombie News Flash: Interview with a Zombie by Bonnie Dee

Received via hand delivery, crinkled with dark red smudges...

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Bonnie Dee
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

Interview with a Zombie by Bonnie Dee

Bonnie: Since becoming a zombie what are your feelings on the freedom inherent in a life devoid of societal constraints?

As a flesh-feeding, primitive being, do you feel liberated?

Zombie: *

BD: Moving on.

I see from your T-shirt that you were an Ohio State fan. Is that university your alma mater as well?

Can you tell me a little about your pre-zombie life?

Zombie: Grr.

Snort.

BD: (aside to guard) The bolts fastening those chains are secure, right? I thought I saw a little movement when she lunged just then.

(back to zombie) All right. One more question.

Remorse—do you experience any guilt at the lives you’ve taken?

Zombie: Grrr.

Roar.

Sound of snapping chain link.

BD: Aaaaarggh.

Gurgle.

*

~end

Interview with a Zombie by Bonnie Dee
Based on character from After the End. © 2009. All rights reserved.

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Bonnie Dee
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

*** Zombie eBook Giveaway courtesy of author ***

After the End
ebook
by Bonnie Dee

sign up for this ebook giveaway

Also, kindle edition is currently available for $2.39.

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

October Trix-n-Treatz: Letter

Back at the ranch, ahem, *cough* haunted house...

In the uppermost floor is a laboratory...

Bubbling and hissing sounds abound...

While vapors and steam fill the air...

~doc-tor Viiiii

* shuffle - shuffling with letter in hand *

~doc-tor Viiiii, a letter

Come, Igor.

* puts down bubbling beaker full of green goo *

~ doc-tor Viiiii, you want for me to open?

NO, no, give it here.

* removes googly-goggles and black leather gloves *

* reaches for the letter *



Thank you, Igor.

* shuffle - shuffles away *

hmmmmmmmmmmmm

* twirls the tip of his handlebar mustache while reading the letter*


October Trix-n-Treatz

additional books featured with giveaways...

The Brimstone Key
Grey Griffins: The Clockwork Chronicles #1:
by Derek Benz and Jon S. Lewis

The Half-Made World
by Felix Gilman

Picture the Dead
by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown

still more to be revealed later...
mwah... mwah... mwah-ha-ha-ha....

~*~
* image source haunted house, sealed letter

-+0+o+ October Trix-n-Treatz schedule +o+0+-

World is Dead

The World is Dead
edited by Kim Paffenroth
Description from the amazon:
The end of the world has come and gone. The dead have risen, and they've won. No more rallying of the troops. No miracle cure or weapon. Just lots of dead people walking around.

If the living dead won, what would the world be like?

This collection of eighteen tales-including entries from David Wellington, Jack Ketchum, and Gary A. Braunbeck-take up the call to answer that question.

People go to work. Have sex. Get drunk. Fall in love. Take revenge. Raise families. Watch TV. Laugh. Mourn. Murder. Pray.

The world is dead, but life goes on.

*** Zombie Book Giveaway courtesy of author ***

Open to all.

Offer ends: September 30, 2010

TO DO (2-parts):

1. Sign guestbook (if you haven't already).

2. Visit Kim's site and tell me the title of another book he has written.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - winner is here

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

October Trix-n-Treatz: Note

In a haunted house
far, far, away
or maybe just down the street...

Igor?

IGOR!

IIIIIGoRRRRRRRRRR!

* shuffle - shuffling our way *

~Yesss, doc-tor Viiiii

Igor, dispatch this note. I want to be certain the cook prepares proper meals for our guest at next month's festivities.

* twists the tip of his handlebar mustache *

And, make sure she orders plenty of brains and blood. We must cater to the special diets of some of our guests.

~Yesss, doc-tor Viiiii

* shuffle - shuffles away with note in hand*

the NOTE:



~*~
Books featured:

Cry Sanctuary
by Moira Rogers

Deadly Daggers
by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Deception
Haunting Emma
by Lee Nichols

The Home
by Scott Nicholson

She Smells The Dead
by E.J. Stevens

Strange Men in Pinstripe Suits
and other curious things
by Cate Gardner

StudyTrain
Volume 1
Reunion of the Untouchables
by Kurt Frenier

Thank You For The Flowers
by Scott Nicholson

Thinks and Things
by Crystal Johnson

The Wedding Gift
by Kathleen McKenna

still more to be revealed later...
mwah... mwah... mwah-ha-ha-ha....

~*~
* image source haunted house

* create your own post-it pics here

-+0+o+ October Trix-n-Treatz schedule +o+0+-

Love In A Time Of Zombies by Paul Gude

Love In A Time Of Zombies
by Paul Gude

Published: 2009
Genre: Action, Romance, Zombies
Paperback: 204 pages
Rating: 4

Description from the amazon:
Sex and zombies. That's all you really need to know.

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): blue velvet
A couple navigates out of a city filled with slow-moving zombies seeking refuge in the woods.

As the description states - there's that. Not of the romance-y type.

This one left me thinking of the pharmaceutical outfits out there. And, thoughts on the effects of drug usage as medication and recreational use in current day society came to mind as well.

Amusing quote:
The building loomed above them like certain doom. Its doors were smashed open like a hillbilly's mouth after a bar-fight, but no ghouls were visible on the inside.
- chapter 4, page 101

*** Zombie Book Giveaway ***
signup for this book giveaway


=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

The Blooming by Tonia Brown

The Blooming
by Tonia Brown

Published: 2010
Genre: Erotica, Zombies
Paperback: 254 pages
Rating: 4

Description from the amazon:
An Erotica Horror tale: When a documentary film crew is hired by an award winning botanist to film the wild life of a remote tropical island, they end up with more than just footage of trees and samples of bugs.

The doctor is in hot pursuit of a rare and powerful flower, while the rest of the crew is overwhelmed with sudden desire and find themselves in hot pursuit of each other. But things take a turn for the deadly when they learn the flower they are seeking is not only a powerful aphrodisiac, it also causes a unique infection that changes its victims hunger for flesh from sexual, to literal.

How do you balance running for your life from flesh eating zombies, with the overwhelming need to screw the brains out of anything still alive?

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): pollen - ain't your normal kind
Zombies in an island setting with lots of extreme lovin' -- where there's more to the meaning of a love bite.

I love Tonia's sense of humor! Amongst the heat of love and the horror of zombie action, I found myself chuckling.


*** Zombie Book Giveaway courtesy of author ***
signup for this book giveaway

~*~
* review ebook copy courtesy of author

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Zombie News Flash: Interview with The Queen

Received by pigeon...

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Lori Handeland
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

Q&A with The Queen by Lori Handeland

LH: What happened to you after you died?

Q: I died?

Really?

I do not recall.

The last I remember I was asleep; I deamed of a land where all my loved ones who have gone before awaited me.

I was happy.

Then suddenly I was pulled backward, away from the light by an unseen force.

The next thing I knew I was in a grave and I had to get out.

Once back upon the earth, I could no longer speak beyond a constant "Brr! Brrr!" as I chased an undeniable craving for human brains.

In my mind all I knew was that I must follow the dictates of the one who had raised me.

Kill Will Shakespeare and after him . . .

~end

Q&A with The Queen by Lori Handeland
Based on character from Shakespeare Undead. © 2010. All rights reserved.

~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~
by Lori Handeland
~-~-~-~-~ guest ~-~-~-~-~

*** Zombie Book Giveaway courtesy of author ***

Shakespeare Undead
by Lori Handeland

sign up for this book giveaway
note for the signup form: if you did not get bitten, just specify that "shakespeare" bit you

=== September Zombies schedule of events===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Zombie Plate: Pontypool Changes Everything

Another one to share with you from my zombie tbr pile...

Pontypool Changes Everything
by Tony Burgess

Description from the amazon:
The dark side of humanity is explored in this electrifying science fiction thriller in which an epidemic virus terrorizes the earth. Causing its inhabitants to strike out on murderous rampages, the virus is caught through conversation and, once contracted, leads its host on a strange journey—into another world where the undead roam the streets of the smallest towns and largest cities, hungry for human flesh.

Describing in chilling detail what it would be like if thousands suddenly caught such a virus and struck out on a mass, never-ending, cannibalistic spree, this terrifying narrative is perfect for those who are ready to explore their darkest secret imaginings through a sinister and compelling literary work of art.

fyi: there is also a movie version of this

~*~
* first heard of this from book review and movie review from Fishmuffins of Doom -- chilling


=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

After the End by Bonnie Dee

After the End
by Bonnie Dee
- ebook

Published: 2009
Genre: Post-apocalypse, Zombies
Rating: 4

Description from the amazon:
The end of the world is only the beginning.

Zombies are on the loose and the world is falling apart. In the tradition of apocalyptic novels such as Stephen King’s THE STAND, a group of strangers on a Manhattan subway are brought together in the name of survival.

The group follows the lead of Ari Brenner, a young man who doesn’t recognize his own leadership qualities and believes they follow him simply because he wears an army uniform. Lila Teske, a college student studying philosophy, finds her non-violent beliefs tested in the crucible of a zombie attack. There are other members of the diverse group, but the focus of the story is on Ari and Lila, two young people who learn about sacrifice and inner strength through the ordeal.

With the city’s infrastructure down and communication with the outside world curtailed the survivors head toward the nearest marina. When they meet a lab tech who may have a solution to the virus, they know his safety is paramount and it’s more important than ever that they get off the island.

But zombies aren’t the only danger that impedes them on their perilous journey.

My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): captain
A virus causes the zombie outbreak in this story that follows a group of survivors. Along with fighting against zombies the issues of individual and group dynamics in survival situations are addressed.

What got me thinking was the questions of to stay? or go?

In a zombocalypse world would you choose to stay put and wait for the cavalry? or be on the move and seek others?

fyi:kindle edition is currently available for $2.39.

Read an excerpt


*** Zombie eBook Giveaway courtesy of author ***

signup for this ebook giveaway


~*~
* review copy courtesy of author

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Zombie Plate: A Zombie Trilogy by Rhiannon Frater

As The World Dies: A Zombie Trilogy

The First Days

Fighting To Survive

Siege

by Rhiannon Frater

It was cover love and zombie premise that got me hooked onto this trilogy. As you can see the 3rd cover was used for my September Zombies button.


As you look at the covers it is interesting to see the progression of the women's predicament.

If there was a fourth cover, I envision and hope the duo would be standing victoriously on top of a pile of headless zombies. How about you? What would you like to see just based on the trilogy covers?

The books are now out-of-print and will not be available again until next year. However, you may be able to find a few copies online. I was able to get my set from the amazon last month. Snag yours while you can!

Description from the amazon:
Two very different women flee into the Texas Hill Country on the first day of the zombie rising. Together they struggle to rescue loved ones, find other survivors, and avoid the hungry undead.


FYI: here's Rhiannon's latest YA zombie book released last month (on my want list):

The Living Dead Boy and the Zombie Hunters:
A Young Adult Zombie Novel
by Rhiannon Frater

~*~
* image source zombie egg

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

Zombies vs. Aliens

OR

Inquiring minds want to know...

Who's your pick?

~*~
* image source zombie and alien

* beware: aliens invading during October Trix-n-Treatz - energize photon weapons

=== September Zombies schedule of events ===
with links to posts and giveaways from the other Zombiettes

In My Mailbox - 9.26.10

Some weeks are sweeeeeeeeeet!

Bought:

You may be see some of these during October Trix-n-Treatz...

Zombies vs. Unicorns
edited by: Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier
illustration by: Josh Cochran
signup for giveaway here

For Review:

Selling Hope - ARC
by Kristin O’Donnell Tubb - my review
Thanks Ksenia!
signup for giveaway here

StudyTrain
Volume 1
Reunion of the Untouchables
by Kurt Frenier
Thanks Kurt!
signup for giveaway here

The Wedding Gift
by Kathleen McKenna
Thanks Kathleen!
signup for giveaway here

Crux e-ARC
by Moira Rogers
Thanks Bree and Donna!

Undertow e-ARC
by Moira Rogers
Thanks Bree and Donna!

Won from contest:

These will appear again for November's WWII - Love is in the Air event...

Love Finds You in Victory Heights, Washington
by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss
Thanks to Jan from Eating Y.A. Books!

A Distant Melody:
A Novel (Wings of Glory)
By Sarah Sundin
Thanks to Jan from Eating Y.A. Books!

~*~
* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways to you

* image from Leafcutter Designs - world's smallest postal service

* In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren and inspired by Pop Culture Junkie. A post where we share books acquired via mailbox, library, store, etc.