Blog Tour (Review) of SPILL ZONE #2: THE BROKEN VOW Written by Scott Westerfeld and Illustrated by Alex Puvilland (YA)

*A finished-hardcover copies of  SPILL ZONE and THE BROKEN VOW (Spill Zone #2) were sent to me for free by the publisher, Macmillan, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own. Any problems, concerns, questions, etc. please contact me via email - thebumblegirl@rocketmail.com - Thank you!

SPILL ZONE: THE BROKEN VOW

Spill Zone #2

Written by Scott Westerfeld

Illustrated by Alex Puvilland

Release date: July 10th, 2018

Published by First Second (Macmillan) 

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian/Sci-Fi Mystery 

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: Hardcover

SUMMARY

All hell breaks loose in the second volume of New York Times-bestselling author Scott Westerfeld's visionary graphic novel duology.

Three years ago an event destroyed the small city of Poughkeepsie, forever changing reality within its borders. Strange manifestations and lethal dangers now await anyone who enters the Spill Zone. Addison got close enough to the Spill Zone to touch it, literally. She survived the encounter but came back changed.

It turns out she's not alone. North Korea has its own Spill Zone, and a young man named Don Jae is the only one who made it out alive. Alive, but changed. Now Addison, Don Jae, and, curiously, a rag doll named Vespertine, share an unholy bond and uncanny powers.

From Scott Westerfeld, the inspired imagination behind the New York Times bestsellers UGLIES and LEVIATHAN, comes THE BROKEN VOW, the second volume of our highly anticipated new graphic novel series. 

MY REVIEW

*A finished-hardcover copies of  SPILL ZONE and THE BROKEN VOW (Spill Zone #2) were sent to me for free by the publisher, Macmillan, for an honest review. All thoughts here are my very own.

Another page-turner! So much action and the story continues to flow effortlessly!

THE BROKEN VOW picks up right where book one left off... 

Addison has sold off the last of her pictures from the zone and now has enough money to "retire" and take care of her sister, Lexi. But. It seems that Addison may have spent too much time in the zone and she is feeling a bit off... and she not only learns that her Lexi's crazed doll has a huge role in why the Spill happened; there is also another survivor from a different Spill that happened in North Korea who comes looking for Addison for help. Together, they try to understand and figure out why the Spill happened and how to either control the Zone or end it all... 

And guys - the creepy doll, named Vespertine, is still creepy as all heck!

But she's also sassy and kind of grows on you. Trust me - you'll be rooting for her halfway through the storyline! 

Again, the illustrations are so vividly bright and yet still so eerie! The colors make the "monsters" look animated enough to jump off the page. And the style is just right - realistic enough to make the story creepier than it is already, but hard to look away. You really don't want to miss a single detail.

My one and an only TINY little bit of gripe with this book - I want more! 

Although we do get some answers and things seem to end on a well enough note, there is still potential for more and I still have a few questions...

I definitely recommend this series to those who not only enjoy graphic novels and comic books but to someone who really loves to immerse themselves into a new world with an open mind and vivid imagination. There is just so much that these books have to offer!

Check out the first volume in the

SPILL ZONE series now!

SPILL ZONE

Written by Scott Westerfeld

Illustrated by Alex Puvilland

Release date: May 2nd, 2017

Published by First Second (Macmillan) 

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian/Sci-Fi Mystery 

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Format read: Hardcover

Paperback edition

SUMMARY

Nobody's ever really explained the Spill. 

Was it an angelic visitation? A nanotech accident? A porthole opening from another world?

Whatever it was, no one's allowed in the Spill Zone these days except government scientists and hazmat teams. But a few intrepid explorers know how to sneak through the patrols and steer clear of the dangers inside the Zone. 

Addison Merrick is one such explorer, dedicated to finding out what happened that night and to unraveling the events that took her parents and left her little sister mute and disconnected from the world.

Here is my 5-star review of it!!!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Scott Westerfeld

Scott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling author of YA. He was born in Texas and now lives in Sydney and New York City. In 2001, Westerfeld married fellow author Justine Larbalestier.

He is best known for the Uglies and Leviathan series, and his next book, Afterworlds, comes out September 23, 2014.

His book Evolution's Darling was a New York Times Notable Book and won a Special Citation for the 2000 Philip K. Dick Award. So Yesterday won a Victorian Premier's Award and both Leviathan and Midnighters 1: The Secret Hour won Aurealis Awards. Peeps and Uglies were both named as Best Books for Young Adults 2006 by the American Library Association.

GOODREADS / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / INSTAGRAM

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR - Alex Puvilland

GOODREADS

Review: SPILL ZONE (The Spill Zone #1) by Scott Westerfeld (YA)

SPILL ZONE

The Spill Zone #1

by Scott Westerfeld

Illustrated by Alex Puvilland

Color by Hilary Sycamore

Release date: May 2nd, 2017

Published by First Second (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi/Apocalyptic Graphic Novel

Format: Hardcover, eBook

Format read: Hardcover from the publisher.

SUMMARY

Nobody's ever really explained the Spill.

Was it an angelic visitation? A nanotech accident? A porthole opening from another world?

Whatever it was, no one's allowed in the Spill Zone these days except government scientists and hazmat teams. But a few intrepid explorers know how to sneak through the patrols and steer clear of the dangers inside the Zone. 

Addison Merrick is one such explorer, dedicated to finding out what happened that night, and to unraveling the events that took her parents and left her little sister mute and disconnected from the world. 

Photo courtesy of First Second Books.

MY REVIEW

An unexplained 'spill', creepy zombie-like puppet people, odd creatures and a creepy rag doll who seems to know it all... SPILL ZONE is an epic start to an intriguing and story!

Addison wasn't home when the 'spill' happened and no one knows exactly how or why it happened; and no one goes back to try to figure it out. Going into the zone is illegal and forbidden. And no one goes in. Except for Addison. She has been going back to her hometown whenever she can to take photographs of  what happened and what is there now - eerie talking cats, a form of electricity that glows and can chase after you and zombies that whisper warnings. It's how she makes a living to support herself and her little sister. However, she has quickly made rules for herself in order to get in and out of the spill zone safely - remain anonymous and unseen, never get off her motorbike, to stay on the main roads and never touch anything! Are just a few of her strict rules. But, when a collector of her pictures tracks her down and gives her an offer she can't refuse - an offer that can possibly help her sister who hasn't spoken since the incident. Can she risk her life in the spill zone to get what this "collector" wants?

The illustrations are quite amazing! Every frame supports the fast paced story, the creepiness, the danger and consequences that can happen if things go wrong while poking around. SO much world-building, all so naturally put together - realistic and memorable!

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading suspenseful mysterious with glowing rats, intuitive rag dolls, and post-apocalyptic worlds! Whether your a graphic novel reader or not, there isn't anything that should keep you from picking up this book!

*I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.

All thoughts here are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Scott Westerfeld

Scott Westerfeld is a New York Times bestselling author of YA. He was born in Texas and now lives in Sydney and New York City. 

In 2001, he married fellow author Justine Larbalestier.

He is best known for the Uglies, Leviathan and Zeroes series, and his standaone book, Afterworlds.

His book Evolution's Darling was a New York Times Notable Book, and won a Special Citation for the 2000 Philip K. Dick Award. So Yesterday won a Victorian Premier's Award and both Leviathan and Midnighters 1: The Secret Hour won Aurealis Awards. Peeps and Uglies were both named as Best Books for Young Adults 2006 by the American Library Association.  

LINKS

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

Blog Tour (Review, Recipe and Giveaway): PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA by Andi Watson (YA)

I am so giddy to be a part of today's tour!

Who can resist a royal vampire chef who knows exactly what everyone's treat is? 

A chef with a sweet tooth of his own! One so severe, that he has lost his incisors due to cavity problems! lol

In COUNT SPATULA'S GUIDE TO BAKING Blog Tour, the author, Andi Watson, via Count Spatula, will be sharing some advice on how to run your own magical kitchen with never-before-seen comics, recipes and other kitchen perils!!! 

PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA Blog Tour

PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA

by Andi Watson

Release date: February 24th, 2015

Published by: First Second (Macmillan)

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal/Romance Graphic Novel

Format: Hardcover, Paperback and eBook 

Format read: Paperback from the publisher.

SUMMARY

Princess Decomposia is overworked and underappreciated.

This princess of the underworld has plenty of her own work to do but always seems to find herself doing her layabout father's job, as well. The king doesn't feel quite well, you see. Ever. So the princess is left scurrying through the halls, dodging her mummy, werewolf, and ghost subjects, always running behind and always buried under a ton of paperwork. Oh, and her father just fired the chef, so now she has to hire a new cook as well.

Luckily for Princess Decomposia, she makes a good hire in Count Spatula, the vampire chef with a sweet tooth. He's a charming go-getter of a blood-sucker, and pretty soon the two young ghouls become friends. And then... more than friends? Maybe eventually, but first Princess Decomposia has to sort out her life. And with Count Spatula at her side, you can be sure she'll succeed.

GUEST POST

Today, we have the sublime pleasure of having Count Spatula stop by with one of his most delicious recipes!!! UNDERWORLD DIRT PIE is full of chocolatey goodness!!! It is really easy to make, AND, there is NO baking involved!!! 

YUMMM... 

 

*Note: My kids and I did attempt to "bake" this recipe. However, halfway through one child became ill by his own accord and we were not able to complete part two of the recipe. 

We plan to start over and finish the recipe later this week :) 

MY REVIEW

Fun, imaginative and adorable - this graphic novel had me smiling the whole entire time! This amusing little story not only brought on some much needed laughter, it also gives insight to family matters, being brave and how a friendship can possibly blossom into more.

Let's start with Princess Decomposia! The Princess is unbelievably understanding, thoughtful, helpful and caring. Her father, King Wulfrun, has been "ill" for quite some time now and heavily depends on his daughter to take on his responsibilities as he would. Princess Decomposia does not like to upset her father, nor does she want to disappoint anyone, so she overwhelms herself daily with countless meaningless tasks that could easily be handled by their loyal subjects, if only, her father were not so controlling.
King Wulfrun, he is quite a handful. Rather quick to judge and a picky eater. He opts to stay in bed than get up and handle things himself. It has become quite easy and habitual for him to delegate from afar and with high expectations.
When King Wulfrun fires another royal chef, he gives Princess Decomposia another task - find a new royal chef that will abide to his dietary needs. Overworked and very tired, she puts her needs aside and starts interviewing different chefs for the position...
Count Spatula is full of life! He is eager to please everyone with his special recipes. Recipes that make everyone feel warm and happy again. Princess Decomposia feels that he is exactly what they need and hires him immediately... and this is where the fun really begins!!!

With Count Spatula's help (and recipes!!!), Princess Decomposia learns that she is worthy - that her time, work and happiness should be appreciated. That it was time to overcome her father's overbearing needs, put him in his place and speak up for herself. It is not easy for a child, no matter what their age may be, to stand up to a parent and tell them what needs to be done. We all deserve to be happy.
Also, the need to feel a connection to someone is something that no one can ever just shrug off. No one should ever be lonely, nor should they have to chose their family and/or work over friendships and more. Yes, things can be complicated, but, with determination, one can overcome obstacles for the impossible. And it was so wonderful to see Princess Decomposia come into her own and get what she deserves.

The illustrations are are quirky and simple. I really enjoyed the black and white blocks and scratchy tone to them, and couldn't imagine it any better! Each frame help build the story and move the dialogue along effortlessly. 

A much loved graphic novel that I will thoroughly enjoy over and over again! I really recommend this to all graphic novel and comic book lovers! Also to those looking to branch out and have a quick, fun read!!!

*A paperback was sent to me from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

GIVEAWAY

- Paperback copy of PRINCESS DECOMPOSIA AND COUNT SPATULA by Andi Watson

- Must be 14yo+

- US/Canada Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Andi Watson

Andrew "Andi" Watson (born 1969) is a British cartoonist and illustrator best known for the graphic novels Breakfast After Noon, Slow News Day and his series Love Fights, published by Oni Press and Slave Labor Graphics.

Watson has also worked for more mainstream American comic publishers with some work at DC Comics, a twelve-issue limited series at Marvel Comics, with the majority at Dark Horse Comics, moving recently to Image Comics.

Goodreads

Waiting On Wednesday #114: NIMONA by Noelle Stevenson (YA)

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!!

The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!

And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 

What I'm currently waiting for... 

NIMONA

by Noelle Stevenson

Expected release date: May 19th, 2015

Published by: Harper Collins

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Graphic Novel  

Format: Paperback, eBook

SUMMARY

Lord Ballister Blackheart has a point to make, and his point is that the good guys aren't as good as they seem. He makes a comfortable living as a supervillain, but never really seems to accomplish much - until he takes on a new sidekick, Nimona, a shapeshifter with her own ideas of how things should be done. 

Unfortunately, most of those ideas involve blowing things up. 

Now Ballister must teach his young protégé some restraint and try to keep her from destroying everything, while simultaneously attempting to expose the dark dealings of those who claim to be the protectors of the kingdom - including his former best friend turned nemesis, Ambrosius Goldenloin.

Originally published online, Nimona has been nominated for a Harvey award for Best Online Comics Work, was named one of io9's top ten Best New and Short Webcomics of 2012, and has been awarded the Cartoonist Studio Prize for Best Webcomic of 2012 by Slate Magazine and the Center for Cartoon Studies.

Why I'm waiting for NIMONA...

First... because it's Noelle Stevenson!!!

She is the author/illustrator to my most favorite comic book right now, LUMBERJANES!!!

(She's also done some work on Rainbow Rowell's books and the Adventure Time comic books!!!)

Second... because I luuuuurve all things graphic novel/comic books!!!
And I need more in my life!!!

Lastly... because there's a supervillain and a shapeshifter!!!

P.S... did you see that cool cover?!?!?

SO, what are you waiting for this week???

Blog Tour (Excerpt, Review and Giveaway): THE HOCKEY SAINT by Howard Shapiro (YA)

The Hockey Saint Blog Tour

THE HOCKEY SAINT

Forever Friends Trilogy #2

by Howard Shapiro

Illustrated by Marica Inoue and Andres Mossa

Release date: September 10th, 2014

Published by: Animal Media Group

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Graphic Novel

Format: Paperback, eBook

Format read: Paperback from the publisher

SUMMARY

The highly anticipated sequel to "The Stereoypical Freaks" and the 2nd book in the "Forever Friends" Trilogy, this is "The Hockey Saint"

Twenty-one year old Jeremiah Jacobson is the world's best hockey player, but he wasn't prepared for the frenzy and scrutiny that came with that title. Tom Leonard is an average college sophomore... just a guy trying to find his place in the world as he sorts through issues that are both very real and seemingly insurmountable. 

Through a chance meeting, these two strike up an unlikely friendship. Their bond is tested when Tom discovers that his idol isn't as perfect up close as he seems from afar. With Jeremiah living a little too much in the moment and with his past catching up to him, will Tom be able to help him before it's too late?

EXCERPT

PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon / The Book Depository




MY REVIEW






*A paperback copy was sent to me from the publisher for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

GIVEAWAY

(1) Winner will receive a $30.00 Amazon Gift Card, T-Shirt and a Signed Copy of The Hockey Saint by Howard Shapiro.

(1) Winner will receive a T-Shirt and a Signed Copy of The Hockey Saint by Howard Shapiro.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*Bumbles and Fairy-Tales will not be held responsible for any lost, damaged, unclaimed etc. prizes.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Howard Shapiro

HOWARD SHAPIRO lives in Pittsburgh, PA with his wife and two sons. 

The Controller for the Pittsburgh-based Visual Effects firm, Animal Inc., he has also written four children’s books and The Stereotypical Freaks will be his debut Graphic Novel. His 2008 book, Hockey Player for Life, has been the #1 downloaded children’s hockey e-book on Amazon’s Kindle chart since its arrival as an e-book in November of 2011. His, Hockey Days book was the only book featured in the December 2007 Sporting News Annual Gift Guide as a Best Buy Gift for Children. 
Through a corporate sponsorship program he set up (and maintains), since the 2010-11 season, both of his children’s hockey books have been given to NHL teams (over 2,500 copies to date) for use in their community and educational initiatives. Since 2006 his annual charity raffle, which he matches dollar for dollar donated, has raised funds for several hockey-related charities including the Mario Lemieux Foundation, Hockey Fights Cancer and the Keith and Lisa Primeau Scholarship Fund. 

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Jean Book Nerd Tours

Review: THROUGH THE WOODS by Emily Carroll (YA Graphic Novel)

THROUGH THE WOODS

by Emily Carroll

Release date: July 15th, 2014

Published by: Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster)

Genre: Young Adult Graphic Novel - Fairytale

Format: Hardback, Paperback, eBook

Format read: Paperback I purchased.

SUMMARY

A fantastically dark and timeless graphic debut, for fans of Grimm Tales, The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and the works of Neil Gaiman 

'It came from the woods. Most strange things do.'

Five mysterious, spine-tingling stories follow journeys into (and out of?) the eerie abyss.

These chilling tales spring from the macabre imagination of acclaimed and award-winning comic creator Emily Carroll.

Come take a walk in the woods and see what awaits you there.

MY REVIEW

The most hauntingly beautiful book I have ever seen! The illustrations alone will creep into your brain and burrow in for nightmares to come. The writing and dialogue has a way of whispering right into your ear, giving chills and everlasting goosebumps. I don't think I will ever be able to convey into appropriate words how brilliant this graphic novel is. Emily Carroll has upped my fairytale expectations to a point that I will probably never be able to find another novel that will captivate like this.

First, I must gush over the book's cover and its illustrations; the cover effectively sets the tone to the stories and will draw you in whether or not you want to be. The woods are enchanting and inviting, just look at those dead white trees on the cover - they are raised and textured, and if you look closer, you can see claws branching out to grab at you. You will be captivated by each story; and you will probably skim through the whole book needing to see the stories before you can actually bring yourself to actually read them. That's the beauty of this graphic novel, you don't have to read it in order to feel the eeriness. The words, the dialogue, adds to the horror, suspense and thrill.

There are five short stories. But the one that spoke to me the most and will forever give me chills is the second one called A Lady's Hands are Cold... it reminded me of Edgar Allen Poe's short story, The Tell-Tale Heart.  A girl's father marries her off and is sent to go live in her groom's ornate home. Her handmaids dress her richly and she only sees her husband at dinner. Every night she goes to her room and hears an eerie voice, a woman's voice singing the saddest tune, throughout the house - the walls, the floors. After a few nights she is overcome by the woman's grief and goes to investigate where it is coming from... now, let your imagination run. It will not compare to what unfolds for this girl.

And then the ending, the 'conclusion' of the entire book, is a story on its own too. It is by far my favorite part of the book since it seems to be an obvious nod to Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. Yes, the entire book does have an influence from this fairytale as well, but here, here is where it all starts and ends, and it is truly brilliant!

All who love graphic novels, fairytales and/or horror chilling stories will truly appreciate everything about Through the Woods - the quality, the details, the storytelling - these stories will linger on your mind for years to come...  a picture book like no other.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Emily Carroll

"My name is Emily Carroll, and I was born in June of 1983. I grew up in London (Ontario) but moved to Vancouver for work after graduating Sheridan College's Classical Animation program. 

I have since moved back to Ontario, and now live in Stratford with my wife, Kate Craig. We have a very large cat.

My comics have appeared in several anthologies, such as The Anthology Project V2, Explorer: The Mystery Boxes, kus! #9, Little Heart, Creepy #9 (Dark Horse), Fairy Tale Comics (First Second), The Witching Hour (Vertigo), and others. 

My first book, Through the Woods, a collection of short horror stories, is being published by Margaret K. McElderry Book in July 2014, and be Faber and Faber in the UK. "

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