Alice in Zombieland (White Rabbit Chronicles #1)

This was a decent book. It started quickly, which I like. I hate when something takes 100+ pages to even start the real plot. It took a while for me to get through, having a lot of well, boring parts. The take on zombies this book has is kind of weird. No one knows how it really even started... seriously? Maybe it will explain more in the second novel. Though I like that the author Gena Showalter tried to do something different. It's refreshing because so many movies and books have to do with zombies these days. I loved Ali's random way to describe stuff. The horse rectum thing had me laughing.

I liked Kat. She was funny, loyal, and oh so charming. It was pretty predictable that she would have some kind of illness. It's still very sad though. I liked how she'd string Frosty along. They're such a cute couple. You can see how much he cares for her. I really hope she tells him about her health soon.

Cole was just... irk. He was too controlling. I know he was the leader and only wanted to keep everyone safe, but still. People have to be able to breathe sometimes! I just didn't really like him.

Ali... I hated and loved her all at the same time. I wish she would've made Cole work harder and not do pretty much everything he said. I did like how strong she was, killing her 'pops' and father. I could never kill my father. She wasn't scared to do what needed to be done (with the zombies... now with Cole...). I also can't wait to see how her skills develop over the next two books.

There were only two things in this book I didn't see coming; Dr Wright and the killing of her 'pops'. It was easy to see that her father would be a zombie, that she'd be the most gifted one of the group, & that Kat was very sick. It's not a book I'd ever want to read again, but I will finish the series just to know what happens to Kitty Kat.

I really loved this book, despite it not being quite what I'd imagined. I thought that Alice would fall down the rabbit hole and land in a Wonderland filled with zombies. However, the Alice in Wonderland references are fairly light. I got more of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer feel from it, which is never a bad thing!

Alice is an incredibly strong character. She’s fierce and brave, and I really liked her. I connected well with the writing style and loved the humour. The story is unique and stands out as very different from anything I’ve come across before.

ALICE IN ZOMBIELAND is captivating and interesting, and I enjoyed every minute.

I am honestly in awe of Gena Showalters two books in this adventurous series. This tale is nothing like Alice In Wonderland but it is definitely one to read. It's a tale of a girl named Alice Bell who's family tragically die in a car accident on the night of Ali's birthday, she is filled with regret and guilt. She is a very curious person and starts to question her Dad's whole life's existence and protecting them from the 'zombies and monsters of the dark.' Ali finds an unexpected friend in Hospital- Kat, they instantly click and have been as close as sisters. Ali moves schools and lives with her Nan and Pops. Ali doesn't have a clue in which her life is directing her until she meets bad boy Cole; it was love at first sight *literally.* What Ali doesn't know is that Cole and his friends are really fighting something that she could never begin to imagine.

This isn't a zombie-fied Alice in Wonderland story, you have been warned. The only thing that's remotely close to Alice in Wonderland is the white rabbit cloud in the sky and the zombie-fied titled chapters (i.e. Down the Zombie Hole, Eerily Curious and Eerily Curiouser, etc., etc). I am extremely disappointed about this. Oh I was so excited! Nevertheless, this was an OK read, but not my cup of tea.

If romance from this novel started so fast like this in real life, I swear we'd all have it. It was unbelievably unrealistic and just... fast. Everyone was irritated that Bella and Edward's relationship happened 'fast', then they'll be even more irritated with this insta-romance. Trust me. At least Bella and Edward started dating 5 months after they'd met; I know for a fact most of you guys would start dating a guy you like in a heartbeat. So there. (Sighs) Alice in Zombieland: even though you had me giggling a few times, crying out from shock a few times, and had me at the edge of my seat a few times, I am still left with bitter disappointment. I do, however, love the fact that this was a clean book (no swearing). I am sorry to say I do not plan on reading Through the Zombie Glass (Such an amazing title! Too bad it has nothing to do with Through the Looking Glass. HUMPH!)

Alice Bell, our protagonist, was not an amiable character. I had no feelings for her at all. In the beginning I already wanted to throw this book in anger because she said she would hate her mother if she didn't let Emma (her little sister) go to her ballet show... like what? She was very pushy towards her mother and father, causing their death including Emma's. That's when she noticed the Zombies. The ones her father has been constantly warning them about. It's the reason he seemed crazy; the reason he wanted his daughters in the house by nightfall everyday; the reason he wanted them trained. Now Alice is only left with guilt and is forced to move in with her grandparents.

Annnnnd that's how Alice and Cole meet. She arrives at a new school, meets new people, and lock eyes with the hottest boy in school - making them see this weird vision of them together kissing and now they want to know each other. Yawn. Aren't y'all tired of reading stories like this? The hottest bad boy never dates a girl in school until a new girl comes along and they fall in love. It's not tiring? It is for me. I will admit it's action packed and that was the only thing enjoyable (hence the reason for my rating). You all might like this and I hope you find it more interesting than I did.

I absolutely love Alice in Wonderland retellings. I'm also becoming a huge fan of zombie books and by combining those two things you'd think I would be absolutely in love right? Well only kind of. I did love the second half of the book, I just found the beginning pretty boring.

There is only so much you can take when the main character doesn't really do anything. Yes, I know, her family just died, but still the book could have had a lot of the moping, doing nothing part cut out. Once she starts school it gets a little better and then when she finally joins up with Cole's group things get interesting.

The idea of teenagers going out and hunting zombies is pretty cool. The thing that really makes this story is what the zombies actually are. They aren't your typical zombies that go around eating human flesh, they're more of a spirit form. I really have never seen zombies done in this way and that really makes this book stand out.

I really wasn't a huge fan of Alice in the beginning. I got pretty bored while she moped and did nothing. As the story went on however, she turned out to be a pretty tough character who knew how to kick zombie butt. Then there's Cole, the love interest. He's tall, dark and brooding. Oh and he's major trouble. What isn't to love? He's actually pretty sweet and kind once you break through that bad boy shell of his too. One of my favorite character's was Kat. She was funny and outgoing. Spunky and outspoken. She was just an all around enjoyable character, I found myself looking forward to the parts where she made an appearance.

This is definitely a unique twist on the zombie story which I really liked. I am definitely going to be picking up the sequel when it comes out and I can't wait until the next trip into Zombieland.

originally published to http://www.nobentspines.blogspot.com/2012/11/alice-in-zombiela-nd-gena-showalter.html

Well, I'll just start off with this is not exactly what I was expecting. I'm still not sure if that was really good or bad. Huh. Before everything I can tell you this appeals more towards general paranormal romance fans that fans of horror and such. The gore factor is a 0-0.5 while the other stuff is more of a 7 or 8(out of 10). Well, here goes nothing.


Ali
Alice(Ali) is a shy, stubborn, not easily intimidated, funny with a sense of humor (Ali to Frosty and it's not at all what you're gonna think)"Okay, here’s a hint. A lot of people were there. There was some screaming, definitely some writing. A looot of touching." girl of 16 that has had everything taken from her but given enough to survive. Although she doesn't know it yet. Since the car crash her sister has been watching her and every time _____ is about to happen she puts a white rabbit in the sky(that's about was original Alice in Wonderland as we get....besides her name)

Ali's little sister actually played at pretty decent part of the book for being killed so early in the book. She was the watcher and felt a sense of protection over her older, zombie slaying sister (how cool is that title?!?!)
Cole is this super hot, bossy zombie slaying who in the beginning wants to push her us against the wall and kiss her until they're both breathless and that makes him want to kill her. Later in the book he just wants to kiss her...or kill her....maybe just some of both. hehe. And what's even more adorable about them....he's so protective of her and it is too freaking well.... adorable. Lol "“Cole was watching Justin as if he wanted to flay the skin from his bones, throw it down and play “Dance, Dance Revolution” on it.”( this is Ali's thought as Justin-another boy who likes her- walks away from her)
You guys have no idea how happy I was when they finally kissed. It was amazing and steamy and (almost) perfect. THANKS A LOT FROSTY!!! grrrrr
Cole
Cole
*Poppy+Bronx....unexpected but amazing.*
Oh and by the way, I hate you Wren and Justin and Jaclyn.....you bring shame to the name. So glad its not spelled the same or I'd have a fit. Hmph.

Grandparents slang/dating/sex talk omg hahahahhahahhahhhahahaha I seriously almost died like every time they tried to do teenage slang. Nobody does it like us. (;



OMG KAT! I love her so much. She was an amazing addition to the story. He ego was sky high and wrapped around the world. I wanted her and Frosty back together asap. Like a week ago. They are perfect they should have never broken up. Well I understand why they did....
Kat Parker
Kat

“"He ignored me, thank God, saying to Kat, "Let go of Frosty's leash. You're choking the life out of him."
Kat's eyes narrowed to tiny slits, a sure sign of her aggression. "He deserves to choke. He didn't keep little frosty in his pants this summer." the words snapped like a whip.
"He did." Cole snapped back with unwavering confidence.
"Not."
"Did."
"Not!"
"Did,"
"Not, not, not!" she shouted with a stomp of her foot.
"What are we five?" Cole said.
"Six.”

I felt so sorry for her. And I loved how she was always like "True Story" twas hilarious.


I loved how at the end all the guys who are Zombie Hunters are all like big brothers to Ali.

In the end, like I said not AIW but may be good may be bad....that's for you to decide.

Everything about Alice in Zombieland drew me in; from its intriguing blurb, to the gorgeous cover, to it being loosely based upon Alice in Wonderland, a classic everyone loves. I wasn’t expecting a retelling, so much as a few similarities and whilst I feel that the premise is a bit misleading, I’m not too fussed because honestly, I was having too much fun to notice!

Ali led the story beautifully; strong, determined and brave, she had me cheering her on each step of the way; I can’t wait to meet up with her again. Cole is definite bad boy material. He’s dark, brooding, rough around the edges, but as the story moves along, you start to see a sweet, softer side of him start to show, especially when he’s with Ali. My favourite aspect was definitely the relationship between Cole and Ali. One minute they were bantering, the next they were disagreeing and the next they were kissing like there was no tomorrow – see what I mean? Fun times!

Ali’s new best friend, Kat, is funky, funny and full of energy. Not only she is an amazing friend to Ali but she brightens up the story with her energetic, bubbly, personality making the story even more enjoyable. Let it be known, that when Kat’s around, there is never a dull moment in sight.

Gena Showalter has revamped the old zombie tale and made it her own. This was my first zombie experience and I am happy to say, it didn’t disappoint! This is the start of a great series and with all the action that went down during Alice in Zombieland, this is only the tip of the iceberg; Ali’s story has only just begun.

What an amazing and unique story!!! Gena Showalter really outdid herself - and with a zombie story! And if you know me at all, you know that I am not a fan if zombies, I really don't understand the craze behind it, sorry! But the whole concept of this story being inspired by Alice in Wonderland really drew me in - and did not disappoint. Most of the time, I was able to pick out which characters were who and what imagery's where taken from the original 'Wonderland' story. A few where not so easy to figure out until after I finished reading it and had some time to think about it...

Alice is your typical teen, for the most part she is happy and loves her family, especially her little sister. And even though her father is 'disturbed and paranoid' and doesn't allow the family to do certain things because of it, she seems to handle it well... most of the time.
In a blink of an eye, Alice loses her family in a tragic car accident... was her father right? Were his nightmarish monster fears true?... but Alice is in too much pain to think twice about it. Her family is gone and now she has to go live with her grandparents in a neighboring town next to hers. Which also means she has to go to a new school, make new friends and try to live a life without her family. Without her little sister. She will just have to do what she can do for now...

Until she meets Cole.

The minute Alice's eyes land on Cole there is a fierce connection - but do not be discouraged, this is no insta-love in the making. This is something else, something more that needs to be figured out, and soon... it doesn't help that Cole is a badass with swoon-worthy good looks even with the tattoos and constant bruises. He is strong, a leader and will fiercely protect what is his. But don't let him fool you and push you away, there is a well-meaning and soft side to Cole that takes a while to poke into and get used to. He knows things, things that Alice has been guessing at and she needs him to tell her if she's right or if she is as crazy as her father was.
Alice is strong and an amazing heroine - she is not afraid to feel her sadness, do what's right, speak her mind and surprisingly, with all that she's been through and continues to go through, has an amazing sense of humor. She will not be told what to do nor be backed into a corner. She is prepared to fight back to honor her family and protect her new family and friends.

There is never a dull moment in 'Zombieland' - set at a great ongoing pace and never a predictable moment - the zombies are everywhere. And not in the way that you think they are. Few can see these zombies. And even fewer people can stop these zombies from killing, or worse, creating other zombies.

A zombie-story like no other! Gena Showalter met all of my 'Wonderland' expectations and gave me so much more! Whether your a fan of fairy-tales or gory zombies, this is definitely a book to read and add to your shelf!

As soon as I heard about this book, I super wanted to get my hands on it. Zombie retelling of Alice in Wonderland? Umm, yes, please! How could that possibly go wrong? Well, it turns out, it could go wrong in a number of ways. Alice in Zombieland has a certain appeal, but not the one that I suspect most readers will be expecting when they crack its spine.

The very first thing you need to know about Alice in Zombieland: it has nothing whatsoever to do with Alice in Wonderland. Just sit back and soak that in. The only Alice in Wonderland references are in the title, the chapter titles and the white rabbit cloud that serves as an omen of doom throughout the book. These three things do not a retelling make. In fact, the links are so limited and on such a surface level that it appears this facade was set up only to bring in more readers; this may work, but those hear for Alice in Wonderland are going to be disappointed.

The next thing you need to know: the zombies aren't really zombies. Showalter decided to try to do something new and original with zombies. She sort of succeeded, but mostly just managed in making them confusing and less cool. See, I wouldn't really call these guys zombies at all; I would call them ghosts. If you're thinking, Wait, What?, believe me, I am with you, friend. These 'zombies' inhabit a spirit plane, and are visible only to people with zombie-fighting powers. From what I was able to gather, they're basically evil ghosts, their evil manifesting in rot.

In theory, I guess this was sort of a cool idea, but, come on, the whole point of zombies is being corporeal right? My biggest issue with this, though, was that it seemed a bit uneven. For zombie fighting, the slayers leave their bodies behind and fight in spirit, because they cannot punch the zombies as a living person. What happens to them in spirit will manifest on their bodies, though. The zombies have no interest in the body. If this is the case, why do they go nom on humans who can't see them? The precise degree to which the zombies were spirits was not entirely clear to me, and I'm just having major suspension of disbelief issues with the whole things. Can't we just call them evil spirits?

The third thing you need to know: Gena Showalter is a romance author. A lot of romance authors are branching into young adult these days, since there is a huge market in YA for romance. Some of these transitions are better than others. Most of the time, though, it's entirely obvious what the author's background is, although Inara Scott did surprise me. Alice in Zombieland is more about the romance than about anything else.

The story itself does entertain, assuming you can put those issues aside, but it's a mindless sort of fun, like when a real zombie eats your brain. How much you like this novel will depend to a large degree on whether you find Showalter's writing amusing. She tries pretty hard to be funny, and, if you don't think she is, it's not going to be pretty. Some of her jokes worked for me, but others fell flat.

Speaking of flat, let's talk about Alice, or Ali as she prefers to be called. No, I'm not talking about her chest (although she does complain about her boobs not being huge a couple of times maybe), but about her personality. Well, Ali does try really hard to have a personality. The problem is that she doesn't back up her inner sass and thoughts with actions, at least not at the important moments. Ali is one of those characters that thinks she is the biggest badass of them all, but really isn't.

One of the few characters that I really liked was Kat, Ali's best friend. Thought Kat is someone I would loathe to pieces in real life, she was really realistic and reliable for a YA best friend. She has substance, flaws and owns who she is, good and bad. When Ali needs help, Kat's there. If people are mean to Ali, you can bet that Kat will threaten either a verbal or physical smack down. Kat truly has her back. This would be great is Ali in any way returned the favor. Ali constantly forgets about Kat, and doesn't pay much attention to what's going on with Kat or to inquire if she's okay. Ali is an awful friend, but, when they're together, all of Ali's thoughts are about just how much she loves Kat. Actions speak louder, Ali dearest.

Then there's the romance portion of the evening. We have yet another half-hearted love triangle. Actually, it's probably not even half-hearted; it's more like quarter-hearted or sixteenth-hearted or something. As the hot new girl in school, Ali immediately attracts the attention of the two hottest guys (who obviously loathed one another even before the competition over Ali), straight-laced Justin and bad boy Cole. Not for one single second of the book is there a question of Justin every standing a chance, making him an incredibly pathetic, whiny character.

Showalter did avoid instalove sort of, but she didn't want to have to cut back on the number of kissing scenes. Solution: every day when Cole and Ali first make eye contact they share visions. These visions are not of anything practical or plot-enhancing (well, they are once or twice, but COME ON), but of Ali and Cole having incredibly hot make out sessions. Meanwhile, they're staring at each other like major dopes. Of course, when they do kiss irl, they nearly get off right on the dance floor at a club, because they're so into one another and omg it's so amazing. RIGHT.

As a couple, they really irritate me. I should be happy because, despite her immense attraction to Cole, Ali does try to keep a level head. She refuses to date him officially until such a time as she feels she knows him well enough to make that kind of commitment. Unfortunately, she spends pretty much all of her time wanting to bitch slap his ex out of jealousy and having smexy visions with him. In classic YA style, too, he constantly tells her what to do and she snarks in her head while doing precisely what he pleases. In one scene, Kat tells her about a text from her on/off bf Frosty (THAT NAME) asking her to do something, and Ali thinks about a text from Cole TELLING her to do something and smiles like that's CHARMING. No, it's goddamn not. Stop it.

My favorite characters by far, though, and my favorite part of the whole book, were Ali's grandparents, who take her in after her family dies. Sassy grandparents are such wonderful characters, and these are such sassboxes. I seriously loved their interrogations of the boyfriends and their attempts to use modern slang. They were sweet, caring, and funny.

Depending on your expectations and what you like out of a book, you might love this. I was entertained for the most part, although the book could have been shorter. However, the issues were so major and my interest in the characters so moderate that I do not personally plan on continuing with this series. This gets a rating of frustrated meh.