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by eden

Vampire skeletons—fact or hype for paranormal romance books?

June 5, 2012 in Paranormal Romance Books

Source: naharnet.com

First it was last week’s zombie apocalypse news, this week it’s the discovery of centuries-old vampire skeletons. It seems like the real world is turning into a setting for a series of paranormal romance books. Maybe I won’t have to worry so much about my upcoming 18th birthday—we may just be living in an apocalypse world by then.

According to Channel News Asia, skeletons that were treated for vampirism were unearthed in Bulgaria. Scientists found skeletons with stakes thrust through their chests—and whether you’re read any paranormal romance books or not, everyone knows what the best method for killing vampires is.

The old school legend says that evil people were magically transformed into vampires when they died. Young adult fantasy books often take creative liberties, making vampires out of those simply bitten by other vampires or catching plagues that instill a craving for blood. While the existence of vampires in Bulgaria has never really been confirmed, what has been proven is the widespread superstition that if rods were thrust into the corpses of those who were evil during their lifetime, this would prevent them from becoming vampires. While in fantasy and adventure books, this usually happens once the person is already a vampire, maybe the Bulgarians had it right by taking preventive action. Maybe that’s exactly why there is no recorded existence of vampires there! The people took care of the problem before it happened.

According to Bozhidar Dimitrov, the head of the National History Museum in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, over 100 corpses stabbed to prevent vampirism have been discovered over the last decade. He said that in some parts of Bulgaria, this was a regular practice, up until the beginning of the 20th century. Sounds like their people definitely took fantasy and adventure books featuring vampires to heart.

While young adult fantasy novels like Twilight or Vampire Academy brought vampires to our minds in recent years, hopefully it won’t lead to these superstitions being made popular again. Who knows, if zombie-ism can occur, maybe vampires really can exist too.

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by eden

The best romance fantasy novels of all time

May 24, 2012 in Post Apocalyptic Books, Romance fantasy novels

Source: weirdthings.com

Since I love to escape into romance fantasy novels and science fiction and fantasy books, I figured I should make a list of my absolute, all-time favorites. That way I’ll know which ones to pack in case the Uni-Gov comes knocking on my door. I’ll need some material to keep my mind distracted when I actually do have to escape. I know not what the road ahead of me has in store, so if I have a few romance fantasy novels, at least I’ll be able to have a place where I can get into a fantasy state of mind.

For awhile, I was really into paranormal romance books, so yes, I did follow the masses and check out that old classic Twilight series. I admit, it’s a favorite. I’d take it with me if I had the room.

Another of my favorite paranormal romance novels is Vampire Academy. A boarding school where vampires learn the ways of magic? Sign me up! St. Vladimir’s Academy sounds rad to me. Plus, the forbidden romance is pretty delicious.

Since I love science fiction and fantasy books, I was thrilled to find one with some romance woven in. Gifted with mysterious powers and pointed ears, Analia is held captive in a world she doesn’t belong in, When she escapes and hides on a merchant ship, she meets and starts to fall for a devastatingly handsome demon who has the power to save her. It’s a really cool and unique story, with graphic, way out there elements that take me to another world, as well as all the romantic twists and turns that set the best adventure romance novels apart from the rest.

Those are probably the only YA novels I’d have to take with me. As much as I love YA, there’s something about the classic fantasy romance novels that makes you want to keep re-reading them. A perfect example is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. It’s the ultimate tale of jealousy and obsessive love. Witnessing Gatsby’s attempts to win back Daisy’s love is just so sad and riveting—it’s like you want to look away but you just can’t.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, a sort of remake of one of the most famous romance fantasy novels by Jane Austen. The idyllic town of Meryton is transformed into zombie mayhem by a mysterious plague. As the dead come back to life, we get to see a new kind of butt-kicking Elizabeth Bennet—she’s a sword-throwing zombie assassin. We follow the same story of her romantic tug o’war with the super arrogant Mr. Darcy. I’d bet he’d be a Coal in the New World.  All the fun of the best adventure romance novels but with more blood than you would ever imagine.

I think the absolute greatest of all fantasy romance novels is Gone With the Wind. I could read this book over and over again. You want to strangle Scarlett so many times throughout the book, to make her see what’s she about to lose and get her to stop with the self-sabotage. I love the ending, bittersweet as it is. It’s so easy as a reader to fall in love with Scarlett and her ability to survive, you want so badly for her to finally find true happiness. If I only could take one book with me, this would be the one.

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by ethics officer

Adventure romance novels can help you find a mate

May 11, 2012 in Adventure romance tips

Source: longnightsilentcries.blogspot.com

I know about the surge of popularity in dystopia right now. Heard all about it, read all about it—it’s everywhere. Yet while many Pearls bury their noses in post apocalyptic books, they could be reading something that could actually help them with their plight. Yes, dystopia is something we can all relate to, but if you really need an escape, you may as well have it be through something that can help you as well. It’s all about multitasking in this apocalypse world!

So put down the apocalypse world novels and focus on the task at hand—finding a mate. If you truly find it necessary to partake in the primitive act of reading, then pick up something you can get insight and tips from: adventure romance novels!

Yes, adventure romance novels can be silly, but you can learn about the push and pull that so many relationships endure before taking the big step of commitment. You can see how a romantic hero woos his heroine, and how she holds out a little and doesn’t give him the whole package all at once. Reading these types of books can allow you to see patterns that occur and what to expect when you think you’ve found the one.

The difference is, this is the one who may save your life. It’s more important than anything else right now.

When I was younger, I used to love post apocalyptic books, but now I realize it’s just because I could relate to the settings and worlds they took place in. Plus, I appreciated the plight of the protagonists. But since I already live in an apocalypse world, I’m not really going to learn anything from those types of novels. I soon realized that if I wanted to learn about relationships and how to catch myself a mate, I needed to pick up a few series of adventure romance novels so I could see how this mating thing was done. While they can be really sappy and unrealistic in some ways, they also taught me how to behave if I wanted certain reactions, and more importantly, how to attract others and be an appealing mate.

Once I put down the apocalypse world novels and urban fantasy books and picked up the ones about romance, I became a male magnet. Luckily, I’m a Coal, but I still truly believe that people of all races and classes can benefit from reading about romance, even Pearls. Plus, it’s a much more optimistic form of literature—while I love the darkness of apocalyptic books and most urban fantasy books, reading about love and happily ever after gave me a little bit of hope and an actual escape from the evil world ours evolved into after the Heat came. I truly think it made me a more positive and confident person, which in turn, helped me get where I am today—MATED!

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by eden

Why I love urban fantasy and post apocalyptic books

April 20, 2012 in Urban Fantasy

Source: Freegreatpicture.com

I never got into vampires and wizardry—give me some urban fantasy books and I’m good. Take me to an apocalypse world and let me go along for the ride with the protagonist as she navigates the trifles created by society. Maybe it’s because I’m a Pearl, or because my world is post apocalyptic. Or maybe it’s just because I relate to their situation, even if takes place in a world that’s completely unfamiliar to me.

Clearly, I’m not the only one. The days of Twilight are over—it’s all about dystopian and post apocalyptic books like Save the Pearls right now. Yes, I couldn’t wait to see The Hunger Games after I devoured the trilogy. It was so cool to watch Katniss, obviously because I could relate to her plight living in that horrific totalitarian state, but it was more than that—I could see how she handled her situation and apply some of what she did towards dealing with my own life. I could identify with what she was going through and see how she handled it, knowingly and, at times, unknowingly.

While young adult books are super popular right now, especially those set in a dystopian or apocalypse world, I recently found out that this subgenre has a history that goes back forever. In the past month, I read George Orwell’s 1984, Aldous Huxley’s A Brave New World and Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time. I told myself I was doing this as research for the Save the Pearls project, but I think I was looking for something else—maybe answers for why the world is the way it is or ways to deal with my current situation. Tick, tick, tock… it’s only a matter of months before my personal romantic apocalypse hits.

I think that even if I lived in the Old World, I’d still love post apocalyptic books. I feel like the chaos and harsh rules are similar to what it feels like being a teenager. You have to grow up so fast in my world, so I feel like I’m already middle-aged at 18 (technically, I almost am). But I remember feeling like I didn’t need rules and was smart enough to do whatever I wanted.

When it comes to urban fantasy novels, it’s the same thing. I like that not everything is made up or imaginary—it’s the perfect mix of some fantastic parts but some based in reality. They kind of give me hope… at least when there’s a hopeful ending.

Most of all, I think I love these books because they’re exciting.  Just like in most young adult books, we get to watch the character’s journey, as they become a different better version of themselves.

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by ethics officer

Full moons—sign of the apocalypse world?

March 8, 2012 in Apocalypse World

Many people believe that every full moon is a sign of an apocalypse world—especially a blue moon. Even more believe that when the moon is full, emergency rooms and jails are packed, if not overflowing. These same people blame everything from increases in crime and psychotic behavior to stock market fluctuations and traffic accidents on the “lunar effect” of a full moon. If you ask me, they’ve read one too many romance fantasy novels.

History books reveal that in 19th-century England, lawyers often used the “not guilty by reason of the full moon” defense to get their clients off the hook—and it worked. Psychiatrist Arnold Lieber wrote a best seller, How the Moon Affects You, where he posited that since the human body is 65 percent water, the moon has the same effect on it that it has on the pull on the ocean’s tides. In actuality, he may have read too many romance fantasy novels himself.

While it’s easy to fall into the mindset that the full moon could bring the onset of an apocalypse world, especially with all the Mayan calendar hype, I would bet my life that it’s impossible.

Many studies have been conducted over the years, attempting to show that there really is such a thing as a “lunar effect.” A study of homicides in Dade County, Florida claimed that there was an upsurge in killings in the 24 hours before and after the full moon. However, other researchers in the same county claimed this to be pure urban fantasy due to the dubious statistical methods the other researchers has used. When the study was reevaluated, the findings were shown to be incorrect.

Another study claimed that more traffic accidents occurred during a full moon. More urban fantasy—the study was conducted on a weekend, when traffic accident statistics are higher in general. In 1985, two famous scientists, Rotton and Kelly, did what “meta-analysis” of 37 studies of the “lunar effect.” Their research culminated in this fact: the moon accounted for less than 3/100 of 1 percent of the monthly variation.

Just like all the other rumors of the impending apocalypse world, these claims of a lunar effect fall apart when looked at closely. You don’t need to be a historian to realize this—you just need to be able to look at the facts. The reasoning about the moon having the same pull on our bodies as it does the ocean’s tide doesn’t make sense. Tides don’t occur just once or twice a month like a full moon does—they happen once or twice a day. At full and new moons, the sun, earth and moon are lined up, resulting in higher tides. Plus, the change in tides rarely is greater than 10 feet.

Keep reading your science fiction and fantasy books, but don’t let them get you in a tizzy. Chances are you have absolutely nothing to worry about, except for a nightmare or two.

Source: wayseers.eu

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by ethics officer

Are the rumors true—or is it just science fiction and fantasy?

March 2, 2012 in Urban Fantasy

We all know it’s the year 2012 and if you’re a science fiction and fantasy aficionado, you’ve heard all the theories about the end of the world. Predictions of swine flu and H1N1 outbreaks, terrorist attacks, wars in the Middle East, global warming and The Great Meltdown are rampant. Yet are they backed by any bit of truth whatsoever or are they simply fodder for the next best urban fantasy novels?

December 21, 2012 is the actual end of the 5,126-year Mayan calendar, aka a sign of the apocalypse. If I were a science fiction and fantasy writer, I’d be basing my next novel around that. I can see the marketing campaign now 12/21/12—the end of a beautiful mess. The numbers are perfect and the possibilities endless.

Hundreds of thousands of young adults (and some not-so-young) are lining up to see the latest dark urban fantasy and dystopian novels turned into films. There seems to be a fascination, albeit a little sick, with watching the future-as-a-nightmare come to fruition. Young adult books with dystopian titles are being released by the masses, with fans letting their imaginations run amok with scenarios of everything from viruses and flesh eating zombies to totalitarian leaders and an absolute scarcity of food and other resources.

As we wonder what the future holds, could we actually be manifesting these pipe dreams into reality? If books like The Secret and other pop culture phenomena touting the power of our thought and the Law of Attraction are accurate, and readers continue flocking to read and set their attention on the latest young adult books with post apocalyptic scenarios, we could theoretically set these disastrous circumstances into motion, couldn’t we? As people everywhere, Pearls and Coals alike, stockpile food and weaponry, prepare for zombie altercations and obtain vaccinations for the most obscure diseases, aren’t they actually setting their intention on creating these exact circumstances?

Regardless of what 2012 brings us, the obsession seems to have only begun. As we continue to work to save the Pearls, the rest of our population seems focused on all these imaginary, mythical threats. Perhaps focusing on a world of fantasy is the only way some can deal with impending doom. Either way, we’ll keep trying to help as many Pearls as possible survive their real life threats and face their ultimate destiny.

Source: Open.Salon.com

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by ethics officer

Hot Jobs for an Apocalypse World

January 5, 2012 in Apocalypse World

Yes, it’s true—2012 is here and whether or not the apocalypse world is upon us, there are masses preparing for the worst case scenario. Since we’re in the habit of trying to save the Pearls, we’ve got an arsenal of strategies to prepare you for this science fiction and fantasy series of speculations that so many of you are most likely subscribing to.

Whether we’re overcome by zombies or the Coals unleash a plan to eradicate the Pearls, once the apocalypse world is in full effect, supplies are going to be scarce. At some point, when we start getting back on track with some form of society, we’re going to need some skills that are specific to this new world we’ll be living in. This means an entirely new career path for all those who want to survive—and those who dream of becoming authors of young adult fantasy novels need not apply. That MFA, degree in Art History or certificate in online marketing is probably not going to be too handy once we find ourselves fighting for our lives.

On all those sites like Monster, Craigs List and MSN, there are already a slew of what they call “recession-proof jobs,” and those for areas in failed economies, like the places where foreclosures were rampant. One of the number one post-meltdown jobs that will stand the test of all the atrocities any type of apocalypse world can incur is: Nurse.

It’s hard to think of what could be more valuable than a nurse in times of distress. Even those of you who had that dream of writing young adult fantasy novels can find some romance in nursing others back to health.

While all the best science fiction and fantasy novels lead us to believe that zombies will be out to kill and eat us all, we don’t know this for a fact. When was the last time you actually hung out with a zombie? In fact, the undead may need our help as well. That brings me to another hot career for the apocalypse world: Mortician. This will come in handy no matter what form the end of the world occurs in—whether it’s zombies, natural disasters or in the sad case that we don’t save the Pearls.

There will be piles of dead to embalm and prepare for funerals and eventual burials. Morticians will be critical to preventing the spread of whatever diseases occur in the aftermath. Plus, even when their lives are at stake, people are by nature very superstitious and will go to great lengths to ensure their loved ones receive proper burials. Not the most enticing career, but fundamental to the survival of whatever is left of the population, and therefore, very lucrative.

Source: Medcitynews.com

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by eden

Resolutions— Keeping the Fantasy Romance Alive

December 30, 2011 in Eden's Posts

I’m working on my resolutions, even though 2012 could be my last year here, since I’m a lowly, coming-of-age Pearl. I’ve got two sets of resolutions: the first is focused on keeping my fantasy romance alive—because if I don’t, I’m history.

Become a better listener. Sometimes your mate needs you to just be there and listen, so I’m going to focus on doing that, instead of always trying to come up with a solution. I’ve got enough on my plate with the Save the Pearls campaign, working on my young adult fantasy novels and preparing for 2012—I just need to be there to listen, not solve everything.

Make time for dates. I’m going to come up with new things we can try to do together and make sure that we squeeze one-on-one time in whenever we can get away with it. I’m going to keep the fantasy romance alive by treating every time like it’s a first date—I’ll get dressed up and make sure my Midnight Luster is applied perfectly, make my room looks nice and not talk about the romantic apocalypse with him anymore!

Get myself together. I’m going to get in the best shape possible, which will help me prepare for the instance of an apocalypse world as well. My plan is to study hand-to-hand combat so that I can be as strong as the heroines of all my favorite young adult fantasy novels.

Be appreciative. Instead of worrying about what I think Jamal’s doing wrong or what he isn’t doing, I plan to show my appreciation for what he does do. I’m going to make sure that I don’t complain and instead give lots of compliments.

Be positive. I’m also going to look at the glass as half full—meaning, I will think positively about my future and forget about the possibility of a romantic apocalypse.

Source: Realityolympia.com

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by ethics officer

Is the Apocalypse World upon us?

December 22, 2011 in Apocalypse World

Since the solstice is upon us, many are talking about all the signs and rumors around the future existence of an apocalypse world. While I agree that we should prepare for the worst, at the same time, some of these rumors have no basis and others simply stem from a paranoid mentality. Many cite the Gulf oil spill, the tsunami in Japan, various earthquakes throughout the world and the uprisings in the Middle East as indicators of the end of the world. In reality, science shows us that these natural disasters are exactly that, and not the result of the anger of the gods above. This is not science fiction and fantasy—this is a real world we live in, and if we have anything to worry about, it’s The Heat or the inability to find a mate.

Many others, especially those who spend their days buried in  young adult fantasy books, refer to the “Mayan prediction of the 2012 apocalypse.” They cite the Mayan’s ability to predict future events, but there is no physical evidence of the 2012 prediction—they simply had a calendar system that ended in 2012. The Mayans never said the world would end that year, and modern day Mayans show irritation at this widespread rumor. Again, more fodder for science fiction and fantasy books.

In terms of other “signs” of an apocalypse world referred to by proponents of this rumor, oil spills happen often—according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, approximately one billion gallons of oil spills into oceans each year. While devastating, natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis have occurred for thousands of years. And we’re still here, aren’t we?

While they may not be written about in the oh-so-popular young adult fantasy books, uprisings in the Middle East have gone on since the beginning of time.

Whether or not 2012 brings “the end,” via the Heat, the Uni-Gov or the apocalypse of 2012, people are capitalizing on it. There’s been a flood of films, young adult books, survival kits and more to hit the marketplace. It sounds like a hoax and a half to this Ethics Officer! The only real threat of an apocalypse we really have to worry about is the one caused by the Heat or what the Uni-Gov has in store for Pearls. Instead of falling for the hype, my advice is to spend your time trying to find a mate or a way to permanently protect yourself from the heat.

Source: Belieftnet.com

 

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by eden

Creating the perfect adventure romance

December 10, 2011 in Apocalypse World

We’ve received a lot of emails lately with members asking how to turn their stale relationship into the adventure romance of their dreams. This is a great question—we turned to some of our dating and mating experts to see what tips they had for creating the kind of relationship that will sustain a lifetime in an apocalypse world.

First off, all men crave adventure, so it’s important for women to make them feel like they don’t have to give up their adventurous side when they settle down. In fact, you want to inspire and encourage your mate to do adventurous things, with and without you. If you can add elements of fantasy and adventure into the relationship, neither one of you will get bored.

This doesn’t mean you have to climb Mount Everest and run marathons—though that could be cool—it’s about being willing to get out of your comfort zone. It can be as simple as trying exotic foods, going on road trips, getting couples massages or taking a surprise vacation. Think about when you read about romance in young adult books—the protagonist’s life always is an adventure, and they usually end up with the one they want, don’t they?

Just being open to new experiences is sexy and shows that you’re confident and fearless. That alone is enough to spice up a relationship with all the fantasy and adventure you need. It may have to be when we find ourselves in an apocalypse world, as we won’t have access to luxuries like vacations or massages. By becoming adventurous now, you’ll have the tools you need to stir the pot with some adventure when your resources are more limited.

Even if you’re single at the moment, start upping your adventurous ante now, so that when you find a mate, he’ll see that side of you and be ready to cross mountains and rivers to be with you. Observe friends who are in satisfying relationships, read young adult books to see what the protagonists do, and stretch the boundaries of your comfort zone every chance you get.

 

Source: Yolopt.com

 

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