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Hollyweird #1
The Zombie Always Knocks Twice
Hollywood, California, is known for swimming pools,
movie stars…and now the risen dead.
Hollywood can be a difficult place to grow up, especially if you’re Kristine Golden, a fifteen-year-old necromancer with a sworn duty to lay the risen dead back to rest and no desire to be in the movie business.
When handsome deadie Alex Romero swaggers into her life, Kris must keep her promise, despite her growing feelings for him. If that’s not enough to give a girl a headache, a murderous zombie comes knocking at Kris’s door, rocking her world and threatening her family.
Can Kris solve the mystery of the rampaging zombie before someone else winds up dead? Or will the walking dead take over Hollywood and turn it into…Hollyweird?
REVIEWS:
"The Zombie Always Knocks Twice is your 'backstage pass' to the hidden underbelly of Hollywood, the one few tourists get to see, where there are almost as many 'Deadies' as there are starlets. In this trailblazing mash-up of zombies and movie buffs, E. Van Lowe puts the 'weird'—not to mention totally awesome—in Hollyweird! It's Buffy meets Entourage—with a little Columbo thrown in for good measure—in this incredibly hilarious, twisted, action-packed mash-up of zombies, necromancers, murder, made for TV movies and a fair sprinkling of old Hollywood lore for good measure. Whip-snap pacing, a kick butt heroine, a plot involving zombies, starlets, movie studios, murder, mystery and enough shady characters to fill Central Casting, The Zombie Always Knocks Twice is your ticket to a grand adventure worthy of the big screen." —Rusty Fischer, author of Zombies Don't Cry
"If you want an insight into the secret underworld of Hollyweird, complete with zombies, grave goblins and fast-talking necromancers then look no further than The Zombie Always Knocks Twice. E. Van Lowe is a writing force to be reckoned with and you are in masterful hands from the first page to the last. I loved everything about this fabulous, funny, snarky book and am giving it a big zombie thumbs up!" —Amanda Ashby, author of Zombie Queen of Newbury High
"Hooray for E. Van Lowe's The Zombie Always Knocks Twice, which breathes new life into the YA Paranormal genre with more than a little bit of tongue in cheek and a whole lot of fun. Lead by a teenage necromancer who loves to quote movie themes, wears pink fuzzy ear muffs and is desperately trying not to fail algebra, the cast of characters keeps the reader engaged and breathlessly awaiting the next installment." —The Paranormal Romance Guild
movie stars…and now the risen dead.
Hollywood can be a difficult place to grow up, especially if you’re Kristine Golden, a fifteen-year-old necromancer with a sworn duty to lay the risen dead back to rest and no desire to be in the movie business.
When handsome deadie Alex Romero swaggers into her life, Kris must keep her promise, despite her growing feelings for him. If that’s not enough to give a girl a headache, a murderous zombie comes knocking at Kris’s door, rocking her world and threatening her family.
Can Kris solve the mystery of the rampaging zombie before someone else winds up dead? Or will the walking dead take over Hollywood and turn it into…Hollyweird?
REVIEWS:
"The Zombie Always Knocks Twice is your 'backstage pass' to the hidden underbelly of Hollywood, the one few tourists get to see, where there are almost as many 'Deadies' as there are starlets. In this trailblazing mash-up of zombies and movie buffs, E. Van Lowe puts the 'weird'—not to mention totally awesome—in Hollyweird! It's Buffy meets Entourage—with a little Columbo thrown in for good measure—in this incredibly hilarious, twisted, action-packed mash-up of zombies, necromancers, murder, made for TV movies and a fair sprinkling of old Hollywood lore for good measure. Whip-snap pacing, a kick butt heroine, a plot involving zombies, starlets, movie studios, murder, mystery and enough shady characters to fill Central Casting, The Zombie Always Knocks Twice is your ticket to a grand adventure worthy of the big screen." —Rusty Fischer, author of Zombies Don't Cry
"If you want an insight into the secret underworld of Hollyweird, complete with zombies, grave goblins and fast-talking necromancers then look no further than The Zombie Always Knocks Twice. E. Van Lowe is a writing force to be reckoned with and you are in masterful hands from the first page to the last. I loved everything about this fabulous, funny, snarky book and am giving it a big zombie thumbs up!" —Amanda Ashby, author of Zombie Queen of Newbury High
"Hooray for E. Van Lowe's The Zombie Always Knocks Twice, which breathes new life into the YA Paranormal genre with more than a little bit of tongue in cheek and a whole lot of fun. Lead by a teenage necromancer who loves to quote movie themes, wears pink fuzzy ear muffs and is desperately trying not to fail algebra, the cast of characters keeps the reader engaged and breathlessly awaiting the next installment." —The Paranormal Romance Guild
Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2012
1 person is currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
E. Van Lowe
15 books221 followersE. Van Lowe is an author, television writer/producer who has worked on such TV shows as "The Cosby Show," "Even Stevens," and "Homeboys In Outer Space." He has been nominated for both an Emmy and an Academy Award. His first YA Paranormal novel, "Never Slow Dance With A Zombie," was a selection of The Scholastic Book Club, and a nominee for an American Library Association Award. “Boyfriend From Hell,” “Earth Angel,” “Heaven Sent,” and “Falling” are the four books of the Falling Angels Saga.
E lives in Beverly Hills California with his spouse, a werewolf, several zombies and a fairy godmother who grants him wishes from time-to-time.
E lives in Beverly Hills California with his spouse, a werewolf, several zombies and a fairy godmother who grants him wishes from time-to-time.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 29, 2012
Very nice book! It took me some pages to get me hooked, but when I did I couldn't put the book down. I kept reading even while dining.
I liked Kris, probably because she's a little like me (minus the necromancy thing!).
And at some point I got to like Alex too. Wait... Did I say "like"? Scratch that. I got to love him.
Can't say the same about Talia, though.
I hope I will get to know Randy better in the next book. I'd like to see more of his friendship with Kris.
Hated to the bones Anne Marie.
Willie is still a mystery. I can't say I like him. And I can't say I don't. I just don't know what to think of him. He's done some arguable things and I was surprised Kris let him get aways with his excuses so easily. But still... we have Alex thanks to him, right? So, why complain?
Cordelia.... well, let's just say I wanted to beat the hell out of her and see that stupid smile erased from her face.
Kris's father... he disappointed me once or twice on his attitude toward Kris's powers... He didn't seem to me the type of man with the so called balls. But then, we'll see more of him in the next book, I guess.
Speaking of which, I can't wait to read it! Yeah, I know, I have to wait long before that time comes. But still, a girl can always dream, right?
I liked Kris, probably because she's a little like me (minus the necromancy thing!).
And at some point I got to like Alex too. Wait... Did I say "like"? Scratch that. I got to love him.
Can't say the same about Talia, though.
I hope I will get to know Randy better in the next book. I'd like to see more of his friendship with Kris.
Hated to the bones Anne Marie.
Willie is still a mystery. I can't say I like him. And I can't say I don't. I just don't know what to think of him. He's done some arguable things and I was surprised Kris let him get aways with his excuses so easily. But still... we have Alex thanks to him, right? So, why complain?
Cordelia.... well, let's just say I wanted to beat the hell out of her and see that stupid smile erased from her face.
Kris's father... he disappointed me once or twice on his attitude toward Kris's powers... He didn't seem to me the type of man with the so called balls. But then, we'll see more of him in the next book, I guess.
Speaking of which, I can't wait to read it! Yeah, I know, I have to wait long before that time comes. But still, a girl can always dream, right?
May 9, 2013
A rollicking good read, moving along with verve and humorous insight. Had a hard time stopping to make dinner.
September 28, 2012
My Impressions:
Where do I begin with how wonderful this book is?
Characters:
Regardless of what the story's about, you need great characters. This book was not short on that.
Kris Golden is endearing, smart, brave, and fun to hang out with. Yes, if she was real, and I was about 30 years younger, I'd want to get a job at her dad's diner or hunt deadies with her. She has a great voice. Funny without being over the top. There were a few times where she said something that sounded older than her years--perhaps a bit of the author leaking onto the page. But it wasn't often. I like how she grew within the story, how her relationship with her dad strengthened, and how she said her piece to her sister at the end. I'm especially happy that there is so much room to grow for all of them, which means more books. Yay!
There were a couple of times I wanted to slap or yell at her sister, Anne Marie, lol. I'm glad the conflict was within her personal life as well as the plot. It gave more credibility to her world, and it showed more of who Kris was and how she dealt with things.
Her relationship with Alex was extra special. I liked how they shared this common bond--him needing her and her needing him at times. The way things blossomed felt very real to me, and I remember smiling when they and Marci raced to find the zombie toward the end. I understood why Kris ended up feeling as she did for Alex. hehe I'm such a tease. ;)
Since Diverse Pages is about MCoC (main characters of color), I feel I need to at least mention Kris' heritage. Thing is though, I'm adding this paragraph after writing the entire review. I "forgot" about it. Other than a couple of mentions of how Kris has "the look" (light skinned biracial, 15 year-old auditioning for a musical), and a nasty memory of classmates teasing her because her dad's white and mom's black, Kris' race isn't a part of the plot. And I love this. It's not a story about her ethnicity. It's a story about a necromancer who just happens to be biracial. Duh!
Plot:
The book moved fast with minimal descriptions of the setting (Hollywood), and this was great to me. I'm not big on descriptions. They can water down the pace. That didn't happen with this book. It flowed great. Thing is, the writing is spot on. Mr. Van Lowe has such a gift for his craft, that I never disbelieved the action. It was interesting, fun, and funny at times.
The zombie, once we found out what was going on, was adorable. Yes, adorable. I love how it ended--satisfying--yet with enough of the story left for the next book. As a writer, I enjoyed how all the aspects of Kris' life were weaved intricately yet smoothly into the plot. This is what made Kris and everything feel so real.
Cover:
It's cute, but I feel like it doesn't display the true heart of the story. I think it touched on the overall feeling of the book though. It tells you what's in store--a fun, entertaining book. Having finished it though, I feel the book is so much more than what the cover lead me to believe.
Overall, I adored this book and am looking forward to the next installment. When I started reading, I hoped I'd like it. I never expected to love it as much as I did. It pulled me in from the beginning. I read a small chunk of it while waiting at an appointment and later that evening, while cooking, I kept thinking how I needed to get back to Kris. I finished the book the next day. :)
If you like light paranormals with sassy protagonists, if you were a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and if you just love well-written books, then this is one you must read. Don't believe me? Go read the first pages on Amazon ;)
Find out more about our rating process at here
This review was submitted by Jennifer Fischetto
Where do I begin with how wonderful this book is?
Characters:
Regardless of what the story's about, you need great characters. This book was not short on that.
Kris Golden is endearing, smart, brave, and fun to hang out with. Yes, if she was real, and I was about 30 years younger, I'd want to get a job at her dad's diner or hunt deadies with her. She has a great voice. Funny without being over the top. There were a few times where she said something that sounded older than her years--perhaps a bit of the author leaking onto the page. But it wasn't often. I like how she grew within the story, how her relationship with her dad strengthened, and how she said her piece to her sister at the end. I'm especially happy that there is so much room to grow for all of them, which means more books. Yay!
There were a couple of times I wanted to slap or yell at her sister, Anne Marie, lol. I'm glad the conflict was within her personal life as well as the plot. It gave more credibility to her world, and it showed more of who Kris was and how she dealt with things.
Her relationship with Alex was extra special. I liked how they shared this common bond--him needing her and her needing him at times. The way things blossomed felt very real to me, and I remember smiling when they and Marci raced to find the zombie toward the end. I understood why Kris ended up feeling as she did for Alex. hehe I'm such a tease. ;)
Since Diverse Pages is about MCoC (main characters of color), I feel I need to at least mention Kris' heritage. Thing is though, I'm adding this paragraph after writing the entire review. I "forgot" about it. Other than a couple of mentions of how Kris has "the look" (light skinned biracial, 15 year-old auditioning for a musical), and a nasty memory of classmates teasing her because her dad's white and mom's black, Kris' race isn't a part of the plot. And I love this. It's not a story about her ethnicity. It's a story about a necromancer who just happens to be biracial. Duh!
Plot:
The book moved fast with minimal descriptions of the setting (Hollywood), and this was great to me. I'm not big on descriptions. They can water down the pace. That didn't happen with this book. It flowed great. Thing is, the writing is spot on. Mr. Van Lowe has such a gift for his craft, that I never disbelieved the action. It was interesting, fun, and funny at times.
The zombie, once we found out what was going on, was adorable. Yes, adorable. I love how it ended--satisfying--yet with enough of the story left for the next book. As a writer, I enjoyed how all the aspects of Kris' life were weaved intricately yet smoothly into the plot. This is what made Kris and everything feel so real.
Cover:
It's cute, but I feel like it doesn't display the true heart of the story. I think it touched on the overall feeling of the book though. It tells you what's in store--a fun, entertaining book. Having finished it though, I feel the book is so much more than what the cover lead me to believe.
Overall, I adored this book and am looking forward to the next installment. When I started reading, I hoped I'd like it. I never expected to love it as much as I did. It pulled me in from the beginning. I read a small chunk of it while waiting at an appointment and later that evening, while cooking, I kept thinking how I needed to get back to Kris. I finished the book the next day. :)
If you like light paranormals with sassy protagonists, if you were a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and if you just love well-written books, then this is one you must read. Don't believe me? Go read the first pages on Amazon ;)
Find out more about our rating process at here
This review was submitted by Jennifer Fischetto
September 23, 2012
The Zombie Always Knocks Twice is a first person young adult story featuring female protagonist Kris Golden. This is book one in a new series called Hollyweird.
On the surface Kris is a normal fifteen year old girl. She lives in Hollywood and has an agent who books her auditions for shows. She goes to school, works part time at Disco Diva’s Diner, and has a father who loves her even though he smothers her a little. Oh, and she doesn’t have a boyfriend and is failing algebra II. Just a typical teenage girl…
But Kris is also a necromancer. She can spot the walking dead and raise the dead, but it’s her sworn duty to lay the risen dead back to rest. It’s a duty Kris takes very seriously, even though she worries about her peers thinking she’s weird. It’s a secret she doesn’t talk about, except with her family and the man who trained her.
Kris is busy working at the diner when she spots a dead girl. The girl takes off, and Kris gives chase. Unfortunately the dead girl is fast and she evades Kris. Thus starts Kris’s search for the dead girl and the person who raised her from the dead. Then there’s murder…
Kris is a very likeable character. She adores her solo parent father, but has problems after the return of her runaway sister. She’s a loyal friend and determined to carry out her necromancer duties to the best of her abilities.
Alex, her romantic interest, is interesting—a famous actor—and I’m curious as to where this relationship will go. I grew to like Alex. Despite his fame, he comes across as sincere.
The rest of the secondary characters have their own agendas, and they usually end up making Kris’s life more difficult. I enjoyed the Hollywood setting with Kris’s semi-normal world jostling up against the world of movie stars.
My only quibble is that the story took a couple of chapters to get going for me, but after that it was plain-sailing with excellent chapter hooks that kept me turning the pages.
I loved The Zombie Always Knocks Twice. Once the story hits its stride it’s fast paced and enjoyable with each plot twist complicating Kris’s life. The main puzzle of the dead girl is solved by the end of the story, but the subplot related to Kris’s romantic interest isn’t tied up yet. Even so, I was happy with the conclusion, and thought Kris was both courageous and likeable—the perfect heroine. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended.
This book was provided by the author and Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
On the surface Kris is a normal fifteen year old girl. She lives in Hollywood and has an agent who books her auditions for shows. She goes to school, works part time at Disco Diva’s Diner, and has a father who loves her even though he smothers her a little. Oh, and she doesn’t have a boyfriend and is failing algebra II. Just a typical teenage girl…
But Kris is also a necromancer. She can spot the walking dead and raise the dead, but it’s her sworn duty to lay the risen dead back to rest. It’s a duty Kris takes very seriously, even though she worries about her peers thinking she’s weird. It’s a secret she doesn’t talk about, except with her family and the man who trained her.
Kris is busy working at the diner when she spots a dead girl. The girl takes off, and Kris gives chase. Unfortunately the dead girl is fast and she evades Kris. Thus starts Kris’s search for the dead girl and the person who raised her from the dead. Then there’s murder…
Kris is a very likeable character. She adores her solo parent father, but has problems after the return of her runaway sister. She’s a loyal friend and determined to carry out her necromancer duties to the best of her abilities.
Alex, her romantic interest, is interesting—a famous actor—and I’m curious as to where this relationship will go. I grew to like Alex. Despite his fame, he comes across as sincere.
The rest of the secondary characters have their own agendas, and they usually end up making Kris’s life more difficult. I enjoyed the Hollywood setting with Kris’s semi-normal world jostling up against the world of movie stars.
My only quibble is that the story took a couple of chapters to get going for me, but after that it was plain-sailing with excellent chapter hooks that kept me turning the pages.
I loved The Zombie Always Knocks Twice. Once the story hits its stride it’s fast paced and enjoyable with each plot twist complicating Kris’s life. The main puzzle of the dead girl is solved by the end of the story, but the subplot related to Kris’s romantic interest isn’t tied up yet. Even so, I was happy with the conclusion, and thought Kris was both courageous and likeable—the perfect heroine. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. Recommended.
This book was provided by the author and Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.
October 17, 2012
Tongue-in-cheek hilarious; just in time for Halloween reading!
Move over Buffy, there's a new girl with a new Power in town. Meet Kristine Golden, teen necromancer.
Kris refers to them as "deadies". Wandering dead people seem to come out of the woodwork, one even goes so far as to come through the woodwork. Someone has raised some bodies and it's her job to lay them back to rest. These deadies are not gruesome, they wander unnoticed. They are pale but recognizable and appear to be alive. One is even a TV star. Who is going around raising the dead from instructions given in a video on YouTube? What happens when a deadie refuses to rest?
This young adult book is off-beat, funny but sad in a way. The thought of dead teens who have been raised, but can't take their place back in society is sad. So is the thought that some of these deadies were out of the loop when they were alive. Is this their chance to get back at their tormentors? Zombies are the result of botched raisings and considered unstable, yet some are friendly in a brutish way.
The hilarity of many aspects of the book take the edge off any sadness. I mean really, a YouTube instruction video? Great fun! Kris wears fuzzy pink earmuffs to keep out the demanding spirit voices that surround her. She's sharp as a tack, quick-witted, and tongue firmly in cheek! Is it possible she might fall for a deadie? We'll have to wait and wonder for the next installment.
The whole concept of this book obviously comes from a rich imagination and E. Van Lowe without a doubt has that percolating to brew a fully entertaining read, leaving me wanting more. Fortunately, Hollyweird is a series. Young adult fiction or not, this grandmother completely enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next installment. In fact, I'm looking forward to reading other E. Van Lowe books too, this writer fascinates with his unique imagination. Oh yes, the Zombie? He definitely always knocks twice ... hard!
Move over Buffy, there's a new girl with a new Power in town. Meet Kristine Golden, teen necromancer.
Kris refers to them as "deadies". Wandering dead people seem to come out of the woodwork, one even goes so far as to come through the woodwork. Someone has raised some bodies and it's her job to lay them back to rest. These deadies are not gruesome, they wander unnoticed. They are pale but recognizable and appear to be alive. One is even a TV star. Who is going around raising the dead from instructions given in a video on YouTube? What happens when a deadie refuses to rest?
This young adult book is off-beat, funny but sad in a way. The thought of dead teens who have been raised, but can't take their place back in society is sad. So is the thought that some of these deadies were out of the loop when they were alive. Is this their chance to get back at their tormentors? Zombies are the result of botched raisings and considered unstable, yet some are friendly in a brutish way.
The hilarity of many aspects of the book take the edge off any sadness. I mean really, a YouTube instruction video? Great fun! Kris wears fuzzy pink earmuffs to keep out the demanding spirit voices that surround her. She's sharp as a tack, quick-witted, and tongue firmly in cheek! Is it possible she might fall for a deadie? We'll have to wait and wonder for the next installment.
The whole concept of this book obviously comes from a rich imagination and E. Van Lowe without a doubt has that percolating to brew a fully entertaining read, leaving me wanting more. Fortunately, Hollyweird is a series. Young adult fiction or not, this grandmother completely enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next installment. In fact, I'm looking forward to reading other E. Van Lowe books too, this writer fascinates with his unique imagination. Oh yes, the Zombie? He definitely always knocks twice ... hard!
November 6, 2012
Knock Knock!
Who's There?
Braaaaainnnnnnnsssss
I was pretty excited to read 'The Zombie Always Knocks Twice'. I sure do love zombies. Though I usually go for the scary content, I thought this would be a great change. And it WAS a great change!
This is a story about Kristine, who has the power to raise the dead, but sworn to lay the already risen back to rest and keep nature's balance. She is a young teenager, struggling with being comfortable with her power and her own skin. At a party, which both she and her friend Talia, both crash, she meets the tv star Alex Romero, and almost immediately she knows that Alex is... not quite natural..... As they band together to help an innocent girl and the zombie, who did in fact, knock twice on Kristine's door, find rest, they form a bond. Their attraction is slow growing, which I liked. No instant love here, which is my personal preference. But her sworn duty makes things a little.. complicated.. where Alex is concerned.
It is pretty amazing and I commend the author for writing from a teenager's perspective so well. All the characters were developed very well, and I could relate to a few. But mostly I connected with Kristine, who is quirky, at times insecure and unsure of herself, but able to hold to her responsibilities and duties, even though most times, her power felt like such a burden for someone who just wanted to be 'normal'.
This was a really fun novel, with lots of quirky moments and some serious tones as well. It was very hard putting this story down. I highly recommend this read, and I cannot wait for the next installment of this series!
*I received a eBook copy of this book as a gift from the author; this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.*
September 7, 2012
Today's review is on The Zombie Always Knocks Twice by E. Van Lowe
As far as YA books go, this one is pretty good. Filled with the usual drama you would expect from a female outcast's perspective, Lowe has been able to add his own flair of paranormalacy.
Kristine "Kris" Golden is different. And it's not just her mixed heritage. As though being half Caucasian and half African American wasn't bad enough, she has this "gift." That is, if you can call being able to raise the dead a gift. But raising the dead is just half of the problem. She also has a sworn duty to lay the risen dead back to rest.
It's been pretty quiet all in all though. Sure she's still bombarded by the various spirits wandering her Hollywood stomping grounds, but there hasn't been a true deadie bothering her for some time. That all changes however when she comes across three in a span of a few days.
Now Kris has to solve the possible murder of a cheerleader, defend herself from a love struck Zombie, and not fall in love with the handsome Alex Romero. Oh yeah, they are all dead, and she'll have to lay all three of those "people" to rest. Eventually.
Lowe's experience shines through with The Zombie. Though I feel that the characters of Talia, Ann Marie, Randy, and her father were weak in this first installment, there is room for their growth as the series continues.
No sex, no explicit violence, just some good wholesome fun for young readers who have an affinity for the paranormal.
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
As far as YA books go, this one is pretty good. Filled with the usual drama you would expect from a female outcast's perspective, Lowe has been able to add his own flair of paranormalacy.
Kristine "Kris" Golden is different. And it's not just her mixed heritage. As though being half Caucasian and half African American wasn't bad enough, she has this "gift." That is, if you can call being able to raise the dead a gift. But raising the dead is just half of the problem. She also has a sworn duty to lay the risen dead back to rest.
It's been pretty quiet all in all though. Sure she's still bombarded by the various spirits wandering her Hollywood stomping grounds, but there hasn't been a true deadie bothering her for some time. That all changes however when she comes across three in a span of a few days.
Now Kris has to solve the possible murder of a cheerleader, defend herself from a love struck Zombie, and not fall in love with the handsome Alex Romero. Oh yeah, they are all dead, and she'll have to lay all three of those "people" to rest. Eventually.
Lowe's experience shines through with The Zombie. Though I feel that the characters of Talia, Ann Marie, Randy, and her father were weak in this first installment, there is room for their growth as the series continues.
No sex, no explicit violence, just some good wholesome fun for young readers who have an affinity for the paranormal.
4 of 5 stars
Available at Amazon
November 7, 2012
I gave this book 3.5 stars
**I won this book in a First Reads Giveaway on goodreads.com**
This review can also be found here
I liked this book. It was fun and entertaining. It combined the supernatural with mystery and humor. Even some sweet romance.
I liked the main character Kris. She was independent and strong. She didn't rely on anybody else to make things happen, if she set her mind to something she wanted to do it herself. She kept her cool while dealing with everything that was thrown her way. From the zombie to her powers as a necromancer.
And when Alex Romero was introduced I fell in love. He's witty, funny and protective. What isn't to love about that?
However, I hated her sister Anne Marie. She was a snarky brat who needed to get told off. She thought life revolved around her and her own problems. Well sorry but it doesn't!
The book flowed really well. It took me a little while to get into it but once I did it was hard for me to put down. The author's writing is phenomenal and easy to understand. He has the ability to write a teenage girls point of view perfectly.
I would recommend this book for people who enjoy mystery when paired with the paranormal. If you like funny books then this one is definitely for you.
**I won this book in a First Reads Giveaway on goodreads.com**
This review can also be found here
I liked this book. It was fun and entertaining. It combined the supernatural with mystery and humor. Even some sweet romance.
I liked the main character Kris. She was independent and strong. She didn't rely on anybody else to make things happen, if she set her mind to something she wanted to do it herself. She kept her cool while dealing with everything that was thrown her way. From the zombie to her powers as a necromancer.
And when Alex Romero was introduced I fell in love. He's witty, funny and protective. What isn't to love about that?
However, I hated her sister Anne Marie. She was a snarky brat who needed to get told off. She thought life revolved around her and her own problems. Well sorry but it doesn't!
The book flowed really well. It took me a little while to get into it but once I did it was hard for me to put down. The author's writing is phenomenal and easy to understand. He has the ability to write a teenage girls point of view perfectly.
I would recommend this book for people who enjoy mystery when paired with the paranormal. If you like funny books then this one is definitely for you.
September 24, 2012
For me E. Van Lowe is one of those authors that never fails to entertain. His writing is easy to read and fast paced. His characters are quirky and fun, the plots unique and suspenseful. The Zombie Always Knocks Twice reads like a paranormal Veronica Mars which is one of my all time favorites, and I can see this being an amazing tv series if done right.
I love the way Lowe works family dynamics into a zombie book, of all things. Kris and her dad seemed to have such a great relationship until her sister Anne Marie showed up after running away and being gone for two years. Not only does her sister come back but all of the sudden Kris's gift is needed more than it has been, and with Anne Marie is quick to point out to dear old dad that Kris's gift is endangering everyone's life. Gee, thanks sis. Now let's just throw a little more at an already stressed Kris and give her a hot dead guy that needs her help as well.
If you're already a fan of Lowe's books I think you'll be glad to know that this series is starting out just as great as his others. If you haven't read Lowe yet and you like paranormal stories then you should definitely check out this book and his others. I can't wait to see what Kris gets into in the next book.
I love the way Lowe works family dynamics into a zombie book, of all things. Kris and her dad seemed to have such a great relationship until her sister Anne Marie showed up after running away and being gone for two years. Not only does her sister come back but all of the sudden Kris's gift is needed more than it has been, and with Anne Marie is quick to point out to dear old dad that Kris's gift is endangering everyone's life. Gee, thanks sis. Now let's just throw a little more at an already stressed Kris and give her a hot dead guy that needs her help as well.
If you're already a fan of Lowe's books I think you'll be glad to know that this series is starting out just as great as his others. If you haven't read Lowe yet and you like paranormal stories then you should definitely check out this book and his others. I can't wait to see what Kris gets into in the next book.
December 29, 2012
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
I loved this book! I never thought I'd say this about a zombie, but Alex is freakin' dreamy! *sighs* Hold on, let me back up...
So, Kris is a necromancer and it is in her job description to put these poor zombies back to rest.
Alex is a hot TV star in some vamp series...and he is also a deadie (AKA a zombie). All he wants is to be put back to rest. Kris agrees...until she starts to develop feelings for Alex. Then she starts to wonder..
There are also other deadies running around Hollywood, one in particular that is quite aggressive toward Kris. Kris needs to put these deadies to rest, but not before figuring out who and why they were brought back in the first place.
So many twists and turns and OhMyGods Alex! At first I was a little iffy about this arrogant punk...but boy, he is just the sweetest thing ever!
There's something about E's writing that's just so fun and sucks me right in. If you have not read any of his book, I recommend you get on it and check them out!
I loved this book! I never thought I'd say this about a zombie, but Alex is freakin' dreamy! *sighs* Hold on, let me back up...
So, Kris is a necromancer and it is in her job description to put these poor zombies back to rest.
Alex is a hot TV star in some vamp series...and he is also a deadie (AKA a zombie). All he wants is to be put back to rest. Kris agrees...until she starts to develop feelings for Alex. Then she starts to wonder..
There are also other deadies running around Hollywood, one in particular that is quite aggressive toward Kris. Kris needs to put these deadies to rest, but not before figuring out who and why they were brought back in the first place.
So many twists and turns and OhMyGods Alex! At first I was a little iffy about this arrogant punk...but boy, he is just the sweetest thing ever!
There's something about E's writing that's just so fun and sucks me right in. If you have not read any of his book, I recommend you get on it and check them out!
November 4, 2012
E. Van Lowe is no stranger to the YA paranormal genre. His 'Falling Angels' series is fast tracking it up the Amazon list of best children's books and is hailed by reviewers as one of the best YA paranormal series written.
Now E. has come out with book one of his new "Hollyweird" series. In The Zombie Always Knocks Twice, we meet 15 year old, Kristine Golden, a typical young girl living in Hollywood. Ok, so maybe she's not "typical". You see, Kris just happens the be a necromancer. Yes, she can see the dead.
Usually, the dead need some type of assistance from Kris, and she is most times able to give it. One day a dangerous zombie shows up threatening Kris's family. Will she be able to protect them?
Once again, E. Van Lowe uses his unique writing style, filled with fun characters, a sense of humor and a heroine that can handle herself against the undead.
This may be categorized as YA paranormal, but it certainly should not be limited to just teens. This is a book that will appeal to any fan of the paranormal romance genre and it certainly can stand up to some of the best out there today.
Pick up or download a copy. You'll be glad you did!
Now E. has come out with book one of his new "Hollyweird" series. In The Zombie Always Knocks Twice, we meet 15 year old, Kristine Golden, a typical young girl living in Hollywood. Ok, so maybe she's not "typical". You see, Kris just happens the be a necromancer. Yes, she can see the dead.
Usually, the dead need some type of assistance from Kris, and she is most times able to give it. One day a dangerous zombie shows up threatening Kris's family. Will she be able to protect them?
Once again, E. Van Lowe uses his unique writing style, filled with fun characters, a sense of humor and a heroine that can handle herself against the undead.
This may be categorized as YA paranormal, but it certainly should not be limited to just teens. This is a book that will appeal to any fan of the paranormal romance genre and it certainly can stand up to some of the best out there today.
Pick up or download a copy. You'll be glad you did!
April 2, 2013
This book was really fun. It reminded me a lot of Buffy especially the early seasons with the quirky dialog and humorous paranormal situations. I liked Kris a lot, I though she was a really spunky girl who always attacked the situation head on. She wasn't one to hide from her duties as a necromancer no matter how hard the job got for her.
I also liked Alex, the guy Kris was crushing on who happened to be this famous television star and also undead. Alex comes to her to send him back into the Earth because he's tired of living but not really living and this became more than a job for her and the possibility of this really started to weigh on her because they became very close friends and Kris develops feelings for him despite herself and I could understand why. Alex threw himself into her crazy zombie hunting world without question and they became a team. Their bantering back and forth was really cute and their relationship was very sweet as well. Even though Kris was in control of things at least most of the time, Alex always had her back and looked out for her.
Overall, this was cute book, I really liked it and look forward to reading more about Kris and Alex.
I also liked Alex, the guy Kris was crushing on who happened to be this famous television star and also undead. Alex comes to her to send him back into the Earth because he's tired of living but not really living and this became more than a job for her and the possibility of this really started to weigh on her because they became very close friends and Kris develops feelings for him despite herself and I could understand why. Alex threw himself into her crazy zombie hunting world without question and they became a team. Their bantering back and forth was really cute and their relationship was very sweet as well. Even though Kris was in control of things at least most of the time, Alex always had her back and looked out for her.
Overall, this was cute book, I really liked it and look forward to reading more about Kris and Alex.
October 24, 2012
Although I loved Boyfriend From Hell and Earth Angel, it's clear E. Van Lowe stepped up his game for The Zombie Always Knocks Twice. Written with a strong voice that resonats with all of the guts and naïveté of a real teenager, this book is welcome relief from overly angsty and percosious YA characters.
I completely connected with Kris. I understood her motivations and felt her struggles right along with her. Plus, I love any heroine who sticks to her guns and doesn't melt at the first sign of attention from a hot guy.
Alex was delish, the cheerleaders were perfectly nasty, and Anne Marie got on my very last nerve. I'm sure that's exactly what E. Van Lowe wanted. I will say Talia is a guilt pleasure and is just too much fun, though maybe I was supposed to take less pleasure in her character than I did.
I can confidently say Van Lowe wrapped me up in his Hollyweird world and I can't wait to read the next installment.
I completely connected with Kris. I understood her motivations and felt her struggles right along with her. Plus, I love any heroine who sticks to her guns and doesn't melt at the first sign of attention from a hot guy.
Alex was delish, the cheerleaders were perfectly nasty, and Anne Marie got on my very last nerve. I'm sure that's exactly what E. Van Lowe wanted. I will say Talia is a guilt pleasure and is just too much fun, though maybe I was supposed to take less pleasure in her character than I did.
I can confidently say Van Lowe wrapped me up in his Hollyweird world and I can't wait to read the next installment.
September 19, 2012
Background: Kris is a fifteen year old girl with some pretty weird powers, she is a necromancer and it is her duty to return those raised from the grave back to their peaceful state. This all seems fine normally, but trying to do this, deal with your father, and pass algebra II, it is getting frustrating.
Review: Such a fun read. kris is independent and strong, and trying to solve all life's problems way too soon in her own life. The book is fast paced and full of twists, surprises, a mystery, and drama that keeps the reader intrigued. Kris has a crazy friend that is always getting into trouble, meets a boy that is a TV star who needs her help, is dealing with a raised cheerleader, a zombie, and her father and sister acting nuts.... All of this made for great laughs and suspense. Looking forward to book 2.
Review: Such a fun read. kris is independent and strong, and trying to solve all life's problems way too soon in her own life. The book is fast paced and full of twists, surprises, a mystery, and drama that keeps the reader intrigued. Kris has a crazy friend that is always getting into trouble, meets a boy that is a TV star who needs her help, is dealing with a raised cheerleader, a zombie, and her father and sister acting nuts.... All of this made for great laughs and suspense. Looking forward to book 2.
November 9, 2012
A fun, fast-paced read, thrilling but not too scary. The spunky teen heroine, Kris Golden, can send the dead back where they belong but isn't so great at finding herself a boyfriend or passing algebra. Who would have thought that teenage necromancers and zombies roam the streets of Hollywood, befriending both stars and high schoolers? Check out for this funny new series.
September 30, 2012
I am a fan of E.'s books and this is no exception. It was a very fun read, and fitting for the season.
I love a good zombie story too. This definitely fit that bill. I will say, there were moments I thought were kinda gross, or graphic, but not so out-of-hand that teens can't read it. It is definitely one the kids will enjoy too!
I love a good zombie story too. This definitely fit that bill. I will say, there were moments I thought were kinda gross, or graphic, but not so out-of-hand that teens can't read it. It is definitely one the kids will enjoy too!
November 13, 2012
I thought this book was a lot of fun. I liked the main character a lot. Maybe it is shallow on my part, but sometimes I wanted her to get the best of some of the not so likeable. Didn't love the resolution. But all
in all, a good read.
in all, a good read.
July 21, 2013
This is was a unique read about a teen necromancer, that also solves mysteries too. I have to say it was a fun ride from start to finish and cannot wait, for the release of the 2nd book Mommy Deadest. It is on my must read list for sure. Very good Stuff!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2012
Review coming soon.
December 26, 2012
Liked it. Entertaining. Not too deep. Definitely Young Adult, i'll read the second one
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