My Book Haul/In My Mailbox

The Story Siren hosts a weekly meme where bloggers can share what goodies they've purchased/received this week. If you get a chance head over to The Story Siren and check out what everyone is up to!

I started my Christmas Shopping this week and I usually get books for a few people including my Mum. And it is a well known fact that I can't go into a book store without fondling the books on my own wish list - and I couldn't resist picking up a couple of myself! Well, they were on 3 for 2 and I had 4 books to get so I guess these were the free ones! :)

Zombie Apocalypse - Stephen Jones

Publisher: UK - Robinson Publishing (October 2010)

This is a 'mosaic novel' set in the near-future, when a desperate and ever-more controlling UK government decides to restore a sense of national pride with a New Festival of Britain. However, controversial plans to build on the site of an old church in South London releases a centuries-old plague that turns its victims into flesh-hungry ghouls whose bite or scratch passes the contagion on to others. Even worse, the virus may also have a supernatural origin with the power to revive the dead. Despite the attempts of the police, the military and those in power to understand and contain the infection commonly referred to as 'The Death', it soon sweeps across London, transforming everyone who comes into contact with it. With the city - and the country - falling into chaos, even a drastic attempt at a 'Final Solution' to eradicate the outbreak at its source fails to prevent it from spreading to Europe and then quickly throughout the rest of the world. Soon there is no more news coming out of Britain ...and it is up to those survivors in other countries to confront the flesh-eating invaders within their midst. Will humanity triumph over a world-wide zombie plague, or will the walking dead ultimately inherit the Earth? Told through various disparate and overlapping eye-witness accounts, through texts, e-mails, blogs, letters, diaries, transcripts, official reports and other forms of communication, a picture builds up of a world plunged into chaos - where the dead attack the living, and only one of them can be the ultimate victor.

I've seen this on a few other review sites and was curious. I picked it up in store and was fascinated by the mixture of news reports, letters to parents and diary entries that make up this novel. They are all written by different authors so it has a mixed flavour of styles making up one stories - can't wait to start reading this!

The Five Greatest Warriors (Jack West Junior 3) - Matthew Reilly

Publisher: UK - Orion Books (November 2010)

 With the end of the world fast approaching, Jack West Jnr must rebuild the final pieces of the fabled, ancient 'Machine' - the only thing that can prevent global catastrophe. But he is out of clues, out of leads . . . until he is presented with an ancient text about five unnamed warriors, great historical figures who were all in some way connected to the mysterious Machine. And so Jack and his loyal team set out to discover their identities - and their secrets. Soon Jack is on the trail of a legendary list of greats: from Moses to Genghis Khan and Napoleon, and finally to one most unlikely warrior, the unknown 'Fifth', who, it is said, will be there 'at the end of all things...'

I've read most of Matthew Reilly's stories for one reason - the excitement! There are usually adrenaline-fuelled quick reads that are like reading a popcorn blockbuster - immensely enjoyable and you don't have to think. In fact thinking probably ruins these books. Just let yourself get swept away...

Vampire Academy: Frostbite - Richelle Mead
Publisher: UK - Penguin

It's winter break at St Vladimir's, and a massive Strigoi vampire attack has put the school on high alert. This year's trip away from the academy to the wintery peaks of Idaho has suddenly become mandatory. But Rose's troubles seem to follow her wherever she goes - dealing with the pain of knowing that her relationship with her tutor Dimitri can never be, things get even more complicated when one her closest friends admits his feelings for her. The glittering winter landscape may create the illusion of safety but Rose - and her heart - are in more danger than she ever could have imagined...

The day after I finished the first Vampire Academy book I come across Frostbite reduced in my local newsagent - it felt like fate! I can't wait to start it!

So that's what I've treated myself to this week - have you treated yourself too? :)