This fun pocket-sized field guide should be a part of any monster hunter’s or monster curious fan’s reference library. It is recommended to be included in any survival kit as it contains invaluable information on how to deal with the dreaded confrontation with Vampires, Werewolves and Zombies.

There is a section for each creature which includes the mythology and history, different types of creatures and the geographical location in which they are found. Also included are warning signs, tracking guides and surviving the threat.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a great little field guide that is chock full of information. It will provide you with everything you need to know when tracking these monsters or surviving an unexpected meeting. It also features a handy section to record evidence of sightings.

I was very pleased with the look and feel of the book. It measures about 4’x6’, has a hardcover, a ribbon marker and the paper is of a substantially weighted stock. It is the perfect size to slip in your pocket. The layout is pleasing to the eye, and the fold out maps and illustrations are stunning.

The book is lighthearted and fun but it also explores the history and mythology as well as first known literary references in each category. Some of my favorite sections were warning signs, helpful phrases and zombie indicators. I have included a brief example of each:

“Werewolf Warning Signs
Is the subject partial to donning floral nightgowns and caps? Does it turn around several times before lying down? Does the subject loathe vegetarians, except when paired with a fine Bordeaux?

Say it in Romanian; Helpful Phrases
I need a doctor quickly, “E nevoie de un doctor, repede”
Blood Transfusion, “Transfuzie de sange.”

Zombie Indicators
Limited vocabulary; groaning
Is the subject attracted to you for your (say it mit uns now) “Braiiinnnsss!”?”

Book Stats:

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 168 pages
• Publisher: Peter Pauper Press (February 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593596472
• ISBN-13: 978-1593596477

To purchase a print copy of Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies: Compendium Monstrum from Amazon click here.
To purchase a Kindle copy of Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies: Compendium Monstrum from Amazon click here.

To purchase a print copy of Vampires, Werewolves, Zombies: Compendium Monstrum from Barnes & Noble click here.

Review by Brit @ Bitten by Books 4 out of 5 Tombstones

Well, I just got back from Barnes & Noble *groans* and got out of there for just under $55.00 bucks this time. The member card saved us five bills (of the one dollar variety) and some change. So I bet you want to know what you have to look forward to seeing here in the coming weeks for review….

I picked up several NEW releases. Rogue (Werecats, Book 2) by Rachel Vincent. Lady & the Vamp (Immortality Bites, Book 3) by Michelle Rowen. The Accidental Werewolf by Dakota Cassidy. I also found two new (to me) titles that I hadn’t heard of before. Blue Is For Nightmares which is book one of four in the Stacey Brown Series by Laurie Faria Stolarz which I found in the YA (young adult) section. Last but not least, La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock.

These books are now a part of the Weird Stuff In My Desk Bookstore. The bookstore is filled with most of the books I have read over the last two years. So, if you want to see what I have been up to since retiring from my last business and what I like to read, please check it out! My preference is to read books that are in a series. I just hate it when the story ends. LOL You may need to know that I am a bit obsessive about my series, so the store is laid out with the books in ORDER of where they fall in each series. There will definitely be more added over the next few weeks. I have read a TON of books. Who knows, maybe I will even get around to reviewing them all.

I am pretty backlogged right now on book reviews, so just a peak at what will be coming up in the next couple of weeks. These are books I have already read that need to be reviewed.

• The Darkest Kiss (Riley Jensen, Guardian, Book 6) (4/29/08 release)
• Black Magic Woman (Quincy Morris Supernatural Investigation)
• Happy Hour at Casa Dracula (Casa Dracula Series, Book 1)
• Midnight Brunch (Casa Dracula Series, Book 2)
• One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, Book 2) (4/29/08 release)
• The Housewives tarot: A Domestic Divination Kit with Deck and Instruction Book

Hey everybody!

Be sure to head over to the Shape Shifters Romance blog everyday this week for a chance to win some awesome prizes. It is FREE to enter!

Here’s a little blurb about their blog.

“Welcome to a world of darkness. Where the moon holds power over the hearts of men and beast.
Man and Animal
Animal and Man.
Beneath the power of the moon
Their hearts collide.

Within these pages you will find the words of the authors who bring you the most animalistic of lovers, the most natural of romance. For within these pages you will learn about ShapeShifter Romance.”

If you like romance with a supernatural / paranormal twist, then this is a must read blog for you. You will find authors; AJ Hampton, Jennifer St. Giles, Lori Devoti, Marcia Colette, Rebecca York, Teresa D’Amario and Terry Spear.

So here’s the deal. Monday through Friday of THIS week these lovely authors will be giving away prizes on the Shape Shifters Romance blog. All you have to do is find the post of the week and answer the question they provide. Today’s question was really easy and interesting. You can go over and check out what my answer was. For those of you who may be saying to themselves “I never win anything”, this is a great chance to prove yourself wrong. I don’t win often, BUT I entered a contest at another author website last month and won an ARC (advanced reading copy) of their upcoming book which is in a favorite series of mine. (watch for the review later this week). I was SHOCKED, but oh so glad I stopped by and entered.

While I was checking out the authors mentioned above, I realized that one of them is giving away a free item, all you have to do is email them. Visit each of their sites to figure out who it is. I have already requested my FREE goody!

Have fun!