Shut Out

Review Time! Shut Out is the second book by Kody Keplinger who wrote The DUFF ( which is one of my favourite books all time!). This is a "just because" review so I don't need to review it, it wasn't sent to me from publishers but I WANT to review it! Thanks to Lillie @ Read My Mind who gifted me with an ARC! ( Honestly, she's one nice blogger!)

(Goodreads) Most high school sports teams have rivalries with other schools. At Hamilton High, it's a civil war: the football team versus the soccer team. And for her part, Lissa is sick of it. Her quarterback boyfriend, Randy, is always ditching her to go pick a fight with the soccer team or to prank their locker room. And on three separate occasions Randy's car has been egged while he and Lissa were inside, making out. She is done competing with a bunch of sweaty boys for her own boyfriend's attention.



Lissa decides to end the rivalry once and for all: she and the other players' girlfriends go on a hookup strike. The boys won't get any action from them until the football and soccer teams make peace. What they don't count on is a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first. And Lissa never sees her own sexual tension with the leader of the boys, Cash Sterling, coming.

The Short Story? - I wouldn't have expected anything less from Keplinger! Another amazing rom-com that will surely keep you up til the wee hours of morning! Beautifully written, funny, witty and realistic Shut Out is what every teen needs to read! What's better than an old-fashioned boy vs. girl rivalry? For fans of Stephanie Perkins, Keplinger is going to be your new best friend!

The Long Story? - I love Keplinger because her books always holds content that's relevant to the lives of growing teens. Sexuality, friendships, boys - it's realistic fiction, yet it's very very funny! I've always liked the idea of Boy vs. Girl - which is the dominate sex? DUN DUN DUN. The plot of Shut Out was very funny and clever. The concept of ending a rivalry with a sex strike but backfires turning it into a Boy vs. Girl rivalry? Pure Entertainment! Not to mention the great romance, the sizzling chemistry between Cash and Lissa had me hooked. Well-written and infused with humour, Shut Out is definitely a novel you wouldn't want to miss!

I still looking for a book with a protagonist called Lisa. Lissa ( short for Melissa) is close but not CLOSE ENOUGH! I want to be special like all the Jessicas and Laurens out there! Anyway I really liked Lissa. Really she works at the library, cares for her family and friends and she's nice and sweet! What's not to love? What more is that she's level-headed and she thinks before she acts and she doesn't drop everything for a boy! Very likable character! Randy...your typical cliched footballer. Cash - gorgeous. It's a sort-of love triangle because Lissa is with Randy but she loves Cash? So I wouldn't really consider it as a love triangle! Great cast, loved all the girls ( and the boys too)!

I'll finish off by saying - Shut Out was brilliant! Filled with romance, wit and humour, I was hooked from the first page! Kody Keplinger is a brilliant writer with a fantastic YA voice, I can't wait to see what she has install for us next! Highly entertaining, I would definitely ditch Friday nights to stay in and read this! Shut Out is a novel about a rivalry gone wrong. Amazing!

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

Wolfsbane

Review Time! Wolfsbane is the sequel to Nightshade by Andrea Cremer. I'm still a little upset they got rid of the pretty covers but what is done is done right? The cover that's shown in this review is the UK/AUS cover which is not too bad  but seriously the old covers were so much more catchy! Anyway, thanks to Hachette for sending me a review copy!

(Goodreads) Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered.

But then the Searchers make her an offer,one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack and the man she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.

The Short Story? - The highly anticipated sequel to Nightshade does not disappoint! Fast-paced and packed with action and romance, Wolfsbane is bound to sate your craving for words! Truths unfold, lies resurface and the ultimate decision between love and loyalty. A captivating novel filled drama and tension, Cremer has written yet another masterpiece that will leave you craving for more!

The Long Story? - The plot was stuffed to the brim with action, romance and drama. Wolfsbane picks up from where Nightshade ended, therefore the start was a little confusing. I have an awful memory and honestly it took me at least 90 pages to get back into the story. I thought Shay was still human!!! Anyway, I've rekindled with my love for the series, Wolfsbane was brilliant. Well-written, organised and comfortable. Everything flowed, it was so easy to read! We learn quite alot about the history of the Keepers, Searchers and Guardians and I don't know how Cremer comes up with these extravagant ideas! Lot's of heart-pounding action and plenty of romance, definitely one for all to enjoy!

I really admire Cremer because not only does she have to give her character's human characteristics, she has to give them animal ones too. She has to incorporate the animal half of them into her writing and that's surely not a piece of cake. Our protagonist Calla, is a strong heroine. Through the course of Wolfsbane I only grew to like her more and more. She's level-headed and she's not one of those silly little girls who drop everything for love. Important things like saving Ren. Ren...made some pretty silly mistakes in this novel and I was shocked by hiss actions but I understand why he did it. Ren loves Calla who ditched him to run of with Shay, who wouldn't be hurt? Still, the ending suggests that Calla and Ren are not over so TEAM REN! Shay, has good intentions but I really don't like to boy! I really don't see what Calla sees in him but then love s blind right? It's a love triangle but I hope Cremer has written it so that it's not too cliched.

I'll leave you with a very strong encouragement to pick up the series. It's nothing like anything you have ever read! This is one AMAZING series. Cremer is a fantastic story-teller and her writing is beautiful. After the cliff-hanger ending, I can't wait to read Bloodrose! Wolfsbane is a brilliant sequel that's filled with love, loss and loyalty. One heck of a page-turner, you'll regret not picking it up!

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

The Lying Game

Review Time! The Lying Game is the start of a new YA series by New York Times Bestselling author, Sara Shepard. You might have heard of Pretty Little Liars? Well, she wrote it! The Lying Game is now also a TV series created by ABC family, along with Pretty Little Liars. Thanks so much to Harpercollins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) I had a life anyone would kill for.


Then someone did.


The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.


Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

The Short Story? – A highly addictive beginning to a fantastic series! The Lying Game is going to keep you up to the wee hours of the morning. Filled with mystery, suspense and dirty secrets – this is the insider’s scoop to the dirty laundry of the rich and young. The Lying Game is sinister and dangerous. All the glam of Gossip Girl with a killer edge!


The Long Story? – Shepard has done it again! I don’t know where the lady gets all these plots from but they are brilliant! Another twisted tale starring the poor little rich girl. From the first page I was hooked on. Shepard writes yet another clever story filled with dirty secrets, killer intentions and enough mystery and suspense to keep you up thinking at night! Beautifully written, well planned and comfortable to read, The Lying Game is addictive! Shepard keeps readers guessing throughout the entire novel, just when you think you’ve solved the mystery something turns up to question your decisions! Put on your detective hats on, we have a murder to solve!

Shepard is the Queen of Mystery. From her plot to her characters, she gives “air of mystery” an entirely different meaning. I love her characterization. She has a way of developing characters so that they can carry all their dirty secret and keep their air of mystery without getting to the point of being vague. She created this entire cast of characters with different personalities and every one of them has dirty secrets and less than pure intentions. Emma (pretending to be Sutton) our protagonist is a very likeable character. She’s nice, her intentions are good and she’s putting her life on the line trying to solve this murder. I’m sniffing out a possible romance between Emma and Ethan (who is really smexy), let’s hope they get together in Never Have I Ever shall we? Characters are wonderfully portrayed and well developed, definitely a cast that you will love.

I have to hand it to Shepard! She never fails to impress. Who doesn’t love book about the rich and beautiful with killer intentions (literally)? An addictive new series that will leave you craving for more! A murder that set everything in motion, a long-lost twin sister living the life of a dead girl, a murderer who would do anything to stay unknown. Glamorous, sinister and dangerous, The Lying Game will leave you hooked on for dear life!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #34

Hey Lovelies! It's In My Mailbox time! IMM is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren where we all show the bookish contents of our mailbox! If you've been with me for some time, you will know I'm lazy and only take part every second week! So my bookish hurl for the last two weeks...

For Review -

Dark Angel by Eden Maguire

Ten Things We Shouldn't Have Done by Sarah Mlynowski

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Nocturne by Christine Johnson ( not pictured)

( Thanks to Hachette and Simon and Schuster)

Bought -

Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Won/RAK -

The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

Entwined by Heather Dixon

( Thanks to Kai @ Amaterasu Reads and Kristen @ The Book Monsters)

Trade -

One Night that Changes Everything by Lauren Barnholdt

I Now Pronounce You as Someone Else by Erin McCahan

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Fallen by Lauren Kate

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

( Thanks to Holly, Tez and Lux)

That's all!

Badass Bookie xx

Spellbound

Review Time! Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz is a 2011 YA debut. Again, if you don't recognise the cover it's because it's the Australian edition. The US cover is good but not AS good :P This ones been on my radar and lot's of mixed reviews, hope my review sways your decision to read it! Thanks to Harlequin Teen for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But her new posh Upper East Side prep school? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to — Brendan
Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks, who is also the richest kid in school.


Even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps shatter whenever she walks by, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams. Visions of herself in past lives — visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else...

The Short Story? - An impressive YA paranormal debut! Who doesn't love a story about rich kids in Manhattan with a paranormal twist? Spellbound is a novel that I can honestly say was a fantastic love story. A spellbinding ( pun intended) romance, a curse that brings death and a plot filled with drama and tension. A captivating mix of danger and humour. A charming novel that will bring out raw emotions!

The Long Story? - I was sold by 'posh Upper East Side prep school'. Um, WHO DOESN'T LIKE BOOKS ABOUT RICH BITCH BENNIES? Although the kids were actually pretty nice with exceptions of course but no blood sacrifices or oaths in this novel. I don't know how you can give this novel something like a 1/5 or 2/5 or even a 3/5, I mean it's was so cute! It wasn't perfect but it was "this" close.

The plot was really good. It wasn't perfect, there was this "tiny" detail that really got on my nerves but overall I actually really, really enjoyed it! It was different because a) no vampires b) no werewolves and c) it's more about a curse that's a little supernatural rather than "things that go bump with the night". I can safely say that all the characters are human even if some are reincarnated souls. Well-written and a very organised and planned plot. Lot's of drama, tension and romance. There's even a heart-pounding chase! The thing that really did it for me was the romance though. A great love story, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it! I love the idea of star-crossed lover who are reincarnated souls destined to be together in every lifetime only to be torn apart. It's really, really clever and as a romance junkie I loved every minute of it. Shultz is a great writer who infuses her writing with humour. Definitely one I would recommend you to check out!

Shultz has a very strong and comfortable YA voice which is carried out through our protagonist Emma. I like my protagonists to be a little flawed because it's so cliched to have the "perfect" main character and Emma wasn't perfect but she was extremely likable. Firstly, she had a great sense of humour, something that I always look for in my mains. Secondly, she has a backbone, you can't be a heroine if you're scared all the time - I don't like weak characters. Thirdly, she was nice and she had personality - it annoys me to no end when I read books where mains have boring personalities or worse - no personalities at all. Brendan, one of my favourite "guy" characters of the year. He was fun and nice and sweet and had a sense of humour and I just couldn't help but fall in love with him! A great cast and very well developed!

If you're sitting at home hesitating about this book, I hope you read it because I really enjoyed. A very charming debut, I'm sure that Shultz has more install for us but Spellbound was a great novel. Fantastic plot, beautifully written, a great love story and character you'll love. A paranormal debut that is both dark and dangerous yet funny and witty! Spellbound will captivate you, a definite crowd pleaser!

Rating - 4.5/5 ( it's "this" close to a 5/5)

Badass Bookie xx

All These Things I've Done

Review Time! All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin, who hasn't heard about this book? In case you don't recognise the cover, it's the same book as the one with the chocolate heart on the front? Can't say I prefer the US cover though, this one is stunning! Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Sixteen year-old Anya becomes the head of a mafia family after her parents are both murdered by rival gangs. Although Anya is embroiled in the criminal world, she is determined to keep her brother and sister out of the mafia family, but her father's relatives aren't so keen to let them go. When Anya's violent ex-boyfriend is poisoned with contaminated chocolate – chocolate that is produced illegally by Anya's mafia family – she is arrested for attempted murder and sent to the notorious jail on Manhattan Island.



Eventually she is freed by the new D.A. in town, who believes she has been framed. But this D.A. is the father of Win, a boy at school to whom Anya feels irresistibly drawn, and her freedom comes with conditions. Win's father wants to be mayor, and he can't risk having his ambition jeopardised by rumours spreading that his son is seeing a member of a notorious crime family. Anya knows she risks the safety of her family by seeing Win again, but the feeling between them may be too strong to resist...

The Short Story? - The Godfather has a baby girl! All These Things I've Done is a dystopian debut like no other! Original, intense, dark and dangerous, readers will be hooked onto Anya's adventures in the notorious criminal world of future Manhattan. A world where chocolate is illegal, an epic romance and a girl who has to choose between her family and her love. Packed with drama and tension, All These Things I've Done is a moving story about a girl and her never ending struggles.

The Long Story? - I surprise even myself how much I enjoy reading about criminals and mafia families. Don't know whether that makes me evil or weird but... I love Ally Carter books and this is sort of like an Ally Carter book but set in the future with less action and more romance. In other words, it's right down my alley.

When I said Zevin has written a dystopian like no other I wasn't joking. I have a love/hate relationship with YA dystopian, I love the whole idea of creating a new society based on the flaws of human nature but I hate how all the plots evolve around this idea of freedom. Honestly, it's getting a little old. So when I picked up All These Things I've Done, I wasn't all that excited. First thing I released - Hey, this isn't so bad. I actually like this Anya chick. Second thing - Ohhhh this is awfully realistic almost like reading  a contemporary, thank God we're not being given the whole 'fight for freedom' shebang. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, Zevin has written a Dystopian that crosses over with YA contemporary. Anya isn't trying to overthrow the government, she's just trying to take control of her life, LIKE A NORMAL TEENAGER. Filled with family dramas ( this girl's life really is quite a mess), the dangers of the criminal world of future Manhattan and a love story that both heartbreaking and moving, I would definitely recommend this to all the YA readers out there looking for something different!

I really liked Anya, she was level-headed, realistic and willing to make sacrifices for her family, which is something I admire. She's willing to put her family before love something not a lot of girls would do. She was exposed to the cruelty of the world at a young age since both of her parents were murdered. She has to look after her sister and her brother yet she still struggles to live a somewhat normal life. At sixteen, she's been through so much more than other girls. A truly admirable and courageous character. Win our love interest is great, I don't really know him well enough but he obviously cares about Anya and loves her. It helps that he's hot :P However the person the person who truly stole my heart was Yuri Ono, I really wish Anya would get together with him *sigh*. He was kind, considerate and he understood her pain, if not for the measly age difference, they would be perfect! Look forward to seeing more of him in the next book!

It's almost impossible to find someone who doesn't like to read Dystopian so I recommend this to all the Dystopian lovers! All These Things I've Done is well-written and original, a dystopian like no other! ( Lisa, you've said that already1) It's realistic, it's dark, it's dangerous. A captivating story told by a girl who lives in the heart of Manhattans criminal world. A struggle between love and family, it's a novel that will linger long after the last page. This one is a keeper.

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

Lola and the Boy Next Door

Review time! Stephanie Perkins is the author of Anna and the French Kiss ( great book! go read it!) and Lola and the Boy Next Door is the highly anticipated companion novel. I can hardly express how excited I was when the mailman delivered it to me, I took photos, PHOTOS.Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.


When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.
 
The Short Story? - Lola is...totally, epically, completely awesome! Funny, cute and romantic, Lola and the Boy Next Door is the best rom-com since well, Anna and the French Kiss! Fantastic characterisation ( did I mention that Etienne and Anna make an appearance???), awesome plot and one swoon-worthy romance! A fantastic YA voice, Perkins has written yet another winner!

The Long Story? - Lola and the Boy Next Door was almost too hot to handle. I mean a novel with both Etienne AND Cricket, wow it was really heating up! I had ridiculously high expectations for Lola because Anna was life-changing - like really it changed me, it was my Eat, Pray, Love. Luckily Lola did not disappoint or else I would have probably cried.

I’ll start by explaining who Lola is. It goes without saying that Lola is our protagonist, the star of the show. I really liked Lola, she was funny, cute, different and a very nice girl. I liked her outrageous fashion, I mean costume choices, I liked her gay parents (okay, this is got to be coolest thing ever! Her parents are sooooo awesome!), I even liked her boyfriend Max, although he wasn’t really my type. The boy next door is Cricket. He’s got to be one of my favourite fictional boyfriends! He’s a total sweetie and he’s completely amazing, I’m surprised that I didn’t melt into a puddle. I want a boyfriend just like Cricket!!! Both leads were very likeable and well-developed characters but the best part of the characterization was that Etienne and Anna made a re-appearance! My love for Etienne has renewed and I hope he marries Anna and they live happily ever after with their friendly neighbors Lola and Cricket. This characterization is as close to perfection as it would ever get!


The plot was funny and cute and hopelessly romantic. In a nutshell, Lola has this great life and a great boyfriend until Cricket moves back in next door and she has to face her feelings for the boy next door again. I loved it, I read it from cover to cover in less than a day and I wish I could experience the joy of reading Lola for the first time again. Well-written, original and comfortable, Lola started with a bang and ended with a grand finale. Romance junkies would approve, paranormal fanatics would secretly enjoy and YA readers, Lola and the Boy Next Door should be placed on your TBR immediately because this is YA at its best!

I hope that everyone of you booklovers, rush to get your hands on a copy and ditch your boyfriends to read Lola and the Boy Next Door because it’s totally worth. Perkins is an author I’ve grown to love and admire, her books are like my Bible and I can’t wait to see what she has install for us next. Fantastic characterization, wonderful plot and excellent writing. Lola and the Boy Next Door is a rom-com that you won’t want to miss!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Haunting Violet

Review Time! Alyxandra Harvey is the author of the Drake Chronicles (which I haven’t read). Haunting Violet is the start of her new series. I haven’t read any of her previous work however I really enjoyed Haunting Violet. Thanks so much to Bloomsbury for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Violet Willoughby doesn't believe in ghosts. But they believe in her. After spending years participating in her mother's elaborate ruse as a fraudulent medium, Violet is about as skeptical as they come in all matters supernatural. Now that she is being visited by a very persistent ghost, one who suffered a violent death, Violet can no longer ignore her unique ability. She must figure out what this ghost is trying to communicate, and quickly because the killer is still on the loose.


Afraid of ruining her chance to escape her mother's scheming through an advantageous marriage, Violet must keep her ability secret. The only person who can help her is Colin, a friend she's known since childhood, and whom she has grown to love. He understands the true Violet, but helping her on this path means they might never be together. Can Violet find a way to help this ghost without ruining her own chance at a future free of lies?

The Short Story? – A hauntingly beautiful tale set in the late 1800’s. A murder mystery with a dark paranormal twist. A girl with a morbid ability. A romance that will captivate the hearts of readers. Haunting Violet is a fantastic paranormal that will leave you craving for more. All the glam of the 1800’s and all the dirty secrets of the privileged.

The Long Story? – I surprised myself by how much I enjoyed this novel! I had it on my radar but I’ve never read anything by Alyxandra Harvey so I was a little hesitant but after reading Haunting Violet I think I’ll give her Drake Chronicles a go! Fantastic novel that is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. The cover is also quite catchy too!

It’s clear that quite a deal of planning went into the plot. It was structured and the story flowed. I’ve always admired authors who write murder mystery because they have to plan the murder, pick a murderer and then keep readers guessing. It’s tough and to write a murder mystery with a paranormal twist set in the 1800’s is quite impressive. Haunting Violet was a spectacular page-turner from the start to the finish. Packed with suspense and mystery, it keeps readers guessing. Throughout the novel, there are hints and clues for who’s the murderer however it’s not til the end when everything clicks. I have to admit I was shocked to find out who murdered the girl! Another one of my favorite aspects of the novel was the novel. It’s a very cute romance, stealing kisses here and there. It’s a romance that will leave you anticipating the next kiss! For fans of The Pretty Little Liars and The Luxe, here comes of the offspring!

A nice cast of characters. Violet was a likeable protagonist, her intentions were pure and her commitment to solving the murder was admirable. I fell in love with Colin, he was so protective of Violet and together they’re absolutely the cutest couple. There was assorted cast of minor characters and by far my favourite was Elizabeth. She reminded me a little of myself actually, a little crazy, very bubbly and always happy. She’s Violet best friends and a little bit of a drama queen. My least favourite character was Violet’s mum who was really quite horrible. However all in all, it was a well developed cast of characters.

I would definitely recommend Haunting Violet for the paranormal crowd. I haven’t been reading as many paranormals lately but this is still one of the better ones I’ve read this year. A fantastic novel from start to finish, beautifully-written and a dark, captivating plot. If you’re like me and enjoy a good paranormal with an engrossing plot, Haunting Violet is the way to go!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Shatter Me

Review Time! Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi is a 2011 YA Debut, keeping up with the trend, this is another dystopian! We’ve had plenty of great dystopia novels this year but this is definitely one of the better ones I’ve read! Shatter Me will be released in November this year. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the ARC!

(Goodreads) Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days. The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.



The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior 
 
The Short Story? - A remarkable debut! One of the best dystopias I’ve read this year! A heart-pounding plot, a passionate romance and a heroine like no other. Shatter Me is a gripping page-turner that kept me up way past my bedtime! Beautifully written and captivating, I read this cover to cover! Shatter Me is not to be missed!

The Long Story? – I don’t get the cover. It doesn’t really relate to the book and it does no justice for HOW AWESOM E this novel is! Some people like it but for me it’s really not catchy enough. Dystopian is quite a trend in YA right now (so long vampires!) and I’ve read many of them, some I liked, some I didn’t but this is definitely one of the ones that will be talked about because it’s brilliant!

In a nutshell, Shatter Me is about a girl called Juliette whose touch can kill and so she’s locked away in a mental asylum. Enter Adam, hot sexy boy who she thinks she knows from her childhood and suddenly everything is different. The Reestablishment wants her to be a weapon for them but Juliette is ready to fight and so the story goes on from there. The plot was a phenomenal page-turner! From the first word to the last, I hooked on. Engrossing, exciting, original and addictive, this debut is packed with adventure and romance. Not a boring moment, Shatter Me has left me craving for me! For fans of Matched by Ally Condie and Divergent by Veronica Roth!

The characters were very likeable. All were very developed, complex and well portrayed. Juliette was a fantastic protagonist. It’s easy to connect with her because her emotions are so real and she’s gone through so much pain. She’s lonely and she blames herself for this and that until Adam comes along and it’s all really touching. Adam was perfect for love attraction, the things he says just make me want to *swoooon*, there is this part in the book where he’s telling Juliette why he loves her and I just fell in love with him. What a great guy! I sniffing up a love-triangle but I COULD be wrong. Warner is the antagonist but honestly I think he’s quite alright and according to me, I think Juliette has a wee bit of a crush on him, she just doesn’t know it yet!

What else can I say? Put this one on your radar because you’ll regret not reading it. It’s going to be THE talk, trust me on this one. Mafi has written a debut like no other, an epic romance, a controlling society and a girl with a morbid ability! It’s one to be enjoyed by everyone! Shatter Me is an captivating debut filled with danger, romance and adventure. Beautifully written, it’s a must read!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

The Language of Flowers

Review Time! I mentioned on Twitter that Debut of the Month starts on the 17th this month but since I haven't received the posts from the author, I guess I'll post the review of the book first! The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh is a 2011 YA Debut. It could crossover to Adult fiction sooo I guess it's one for everyone! Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the ARC!

(Goodreads) The Victorian language of flowers was used to express emotions: honeysuckle for devotion, azaleas for passion, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it has been more useful in communicating feelings like grief, mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen, Victoria has nowhere to go, and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. When her talent is discovered by a local florist, she discovers her gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But it takes meeting a mysterious vendor at the flower market for her to realise what's been missing in her own life, and as she starts to fall for him, she's forced to confront a painful secret from her past, and decide whether it's worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.

The Short Story? – A heartbreaking story about forgiveness, love and moving on. Beautifully written, this is an original debut that moved me to tears. A refreshingly realistic plot, a fantastic cast of characters and a heartfelt romance entwined with a long journey of hardship. Diffenbaugh has told a story that is bound to be a classic.


The Long Story? – Honestly I was a little iffy about this one. When I first received a review request and blog feature from Pan I really thought hard about turning it down. It seemed too real, too mature and not YA enough. After finishing the book, I’m so glad I gave this one a chance because it’s beautiful, truly, wonderfully, one of the most touching books I’ve ever read.

Victoria is one of the most realistic characters I’ve met in fiction. She’s authentic, she’s 3D. There’s more to her than her looks, her friends and the boy she’s chasing. She’s a complicated character who was exposed to the real world at a young age. She’s an orphan who doesn’t believe in love, in moving on, in forgiveness and the emotional journey she ventures is quite spectacular. Every character in the book plays an important part in Victoria’s journey and it’s really surprises me who the littlest thing like $5 can play such a significant role in someone life. A wonderful cast of characters.

The plot suggests that it’s a cross-over between YA and Adult, it’s clearly written for an older YA audience but I found that I really enjoyed it and I’m 100% teen. The Language of Flowers is clearly just as much of an emotional journey as a physical one. Well-written and easy to read, from the first page to the last I was captivated by the hardships, the characters and how the story unfolds. I stayed up late and woke up early to finish this book, a touching page-turner about how flowers could bring people together and teach them to love again. For fans of Gayle Forman and Courtney Summers. It’s a YA contemporary that will longer long after the last page.

The Language of Flowers is a must-read. Diffenbaugh has written a spectacular debut that will move you to tears. A novel about forgiveness, love and moving on, it’s a fantastic story with an important message behind it. A tear-jerker that’s beautiful from the start to the finish. A journey that will make you laugh, cry, happy and sad. The Language of Flowers will be read by generations to come, it’s a modern classic in the making.

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

The DUFF

Review Time! The DUFF by Kody Keplinger is a 2010 YA Debut, it was one of the debuts that I didn't discover until the start of this year :) I'm kicking myself for not reading this earlier because I loved, LOVED it! Thanks so much to Amelia @ Imagination in Focus and Lillie @ Alise on Life for sending me copies ( yes, I got two on the same day! Kind of a funny story...)

(Goodreads) Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.



But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.


Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone


The Short Story? – I don’t know how anyone can give The DUFF anything less than a 5/5! This is probably the best contemporary I have read this year! I loved everything, EVERYTHING about it! The plot, the characters, the writing, Kody Keplinger has written a remarkable debut that stands out from the rest. Cute and funny, The DUFF explores everything teen, from dysfunctional families to sexuality! A Must-Read!


The Long Story? - I consider myself more of a paranormal girl but lately I have been reading sooooo many contemporaries! I just finished Lola and the Boy Next Door (review to come this week-ish) and I wonder why am I not a contemporary girl? The DUFF is one of the best contemporaries I’ve ever read, it’s on my favorites shelf yet I’ve seen mixed review about it?

The first thing that caught my eye about The DUFF was the concept of ‘Enemies with Benefits’ I mean we always, ALWAYS hear about Friends with Benefits (in fact isn’t there a movie out now?) but enemies? Colour me intrigued. So then I picked up the book and I couldn’t put it down! It made me laugh, it made me angry, it made me “want” to cry (apparently I’m heartless – no tears) and it made me want sad, one thing for sure – Keplinger has a way with words to bring out raw emotion in readers! Lots of romance, lot’s of laughter – for fans of Anna and the French Kiss! I loved the concept of The DUFF ( Designated Ugly Fat Friend), I have no idea how Keplinger came up with The DUFF but it’s a rom-com with an excellent message, nobody’s perfect and everyone feels like The DUFF sometimes ( god, I feel like The DUFF right now…) It’s a keeper!

The characterization was fantastic! Bianca is one of my favorite characters of the year! She’s not perfect (I don’t know why protagonists have to be flawless, the ugly truth is you are never going to find someone who’s flawless) but she’s strong and she doesn’t let other people push her around! Wesley is a hunk, a very sexy hunk. Bianca how did you land yourself with a guy like Wesley, should I dye my hair red? Wesley is more than a pretty face though, he’s sweet, a little cocky (but we love them like that right?) and he’s just another lost little sheep. Bianca and Wesley both come from dysfunctional families and I guess that’s where they connection begins but it’s an epic romance!

What can I do to get you to read the book? A trade maybe? If you read this book, leave a comment telling me to read a book of your choice that WILL make me cry? How about that? The DUFF is one not to be misses (I’m actually serious…) I loved it, my friends loved it (yes, I had to share *shudders*) and you will love it! One of the best rom-com, contemporary, teen novels out there!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Imaginary Girls

Review Time! Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma is a 2011 YA Debut, it’s got a killer cover so even without reading it you know it’s going to be a totally awesome book (I judge book but don’t judge me!). The blurb is actually very deceiving so read on to find out why! Thanks to Murdoch Australia for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Chloe's older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can't be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby's friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby.

But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.


The Short Story? – Another mind-bending psychological thriller with a supernatural touch! A phenomenal debut that will stay with you long after the very last page. A tale of two girls, a mystery that will leave your mind in a jumble and an ending you’ll never guess. Dark and engrossing, Imaginary Girls will keep you up late!

The Long Story? – The blurb is so deceiving, there is no way you could read it and then think ‘yep, it’s a psychological thriller’, I was thinking a murder mystery something more along the lines of Pretty Little Liars but wow, I was in for a surprise. Colour me shocked because with my expectations down the drain, I had no idea what to expect!

Psychological thriller is a new genre I’ve been reading more of lately. I guess the definition of it would be ‘mind-bending plot with some supernatural element that will leave you guessing’. Imaginary Girls fits the criteria perfectly but it was even more confusing than the standard psy-thriller. Honestly I couldn’t tell what was an illusion and what was reality throughout the novel. Psy-thrillers are meant to blur the line between reality and illusion but Ren Suma took it to a whole new level! Chilling, dark and mysterious, Imaginary will keep you guessing to the end! The novel had a great flow, it’s well-written and our protagonist has a fantastic narrative voice! For fans of Shift by Em Bailey and In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane. This is the next big thing!

Without the characters, this novel would be nothing. Not in the literal sense but without the excellent character development I don’t think the novel would have been the same. Ruby, Chloe and London were the heart of the novel. The secrets between them are what kept the story going. Ruby is a complex character, she’s wild and I keep thinking that she’s not quite human. She’s got this amazing bewitching power over everyone yet she’s not entirely happy. Chloe lives to please Ruby yet she knows Ruby is nothing ordinary and a small part of her fears her sister. London is the problem, she’s the living dead girl, she’s the evidence of Ruby’s power and she’s what is mind-bending because she’s not even meant to be alive yet she is… A great cast of characters, well portrayed and developed!

Imaginary Girls is a novel about life, death and the thin line between the two. It’s about a summer and a sisterhood that changed everything. It’s about the living dead. This debut will leave your mind in knots and goose bumps on your arms. Chilling, dark and engrossing, Imaginary Girls is a phenomenal debut, both addicting and well-written, this one will leave you hanging on every single word. Colour yourself intrigued because this one is fantastic!

Rating – 4/5


Badass Bookie

In My Mailbox #33 - The Month Long Edition

Guten Morgen! I'm still lying in bed but I had to get this post up today since I've been putting it off for two weeks. Also I don't want to take the photos again! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren. Basically we share the bookish contents of our mailbox!

I ususally participate every two weeks but I got lazy so this is a month-long edition!

For Review -

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

Twisted by Gena Showalter

Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington

Shelter by Harlan Coben

Hereafter by Tara Hudson

The Lying Game by Sara Shepard

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

When We Were Two by Robert Newton

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore ( Read and Reviewed)

Beautiful Days by Anna Godberson

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins ( Already Read, Brilliant)

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare ( Swap Anyone? Brand New?)

Guyaholic by Carolyn Mackler

Deception by Lee Nicholas

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin

Thanks to Harlequin Teen, Hachette, Harpercollins. Penguin, Walker Books, Bloomsbury and Pan Macmillan

Won/Swapped/ETC. -

Signed Witched of the East End by Melissa De La Cruz

Girl Parts by John Cusick

From Willa with Love by Coleen Murtagh Paratore

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

Supernaturally by Kiersten White

Swoon by Nina Malkin

Signed Inside Out by Maria V. Synder

Signed Outside In by Maria V. Synder

Thanks to Rachel @ Fiktshun, Laura @ Earophia, Alexis @ Pages of Forbidden Love, Nikki and Harlequin Teen!

Thanks all for now!

Badass Bookie xx

The Naughty List

Review Time! Okay I’m going to make this whole week a Review Catch-Up week so that next week when Debut of the Month is I’m not going to fall even further behind with my reviews! This is a “just because” review, I’m reviewing this one just because I want to tell you guys how awesome it is! Thanks to Jess @ She Known as Jess BlogSpot for this awesome read!

(Goodreads) As if being a purrfect cheerleader isn't enough responsibility! Tessa Crimson's the sweet and spunky leader of the SOS (Society of Smitten Kittens), a cheer squad-turned-spy society dedicated to bringing dastardly boyfriends to justice, one cheater at a time. Boyfriend-busting wouldn't be so bad . . . except that so far, every suspect on the Naughty List has been proven 100% guilty!



When Tessa's own boyfriend shows up on the List, she turns her sleuthing skills on him. Is Aiden just as naughty as all the rest, or will Tessa's sneaky ways end in catastrophe?


The Naughty List. Is your boyfriend on it?
 
The Short Story? – Cute and funny, this rom-com is going to rock your socks off! For lovers of Anna and the French Kiss and Kody Keplinger novels, The Naughty List is the next best thing! Funny, cute, fluffy and one for the romance junkies, The Naughty List will make you laugh and cry (okay the ending made me cry). Definitely one for all the girls out there!

The Long Story? – This novel is so “American”, for an Aussie girl like me, its pure entertainment! Cheerleaders who double up as spies who catch cheating boyfriends, hot basketball playing boyfriends, bitchy girls trying steal your boyfriend, lockers ( okay, I have one of these) and cafeteria food! Boyfriends, boyfriends, boyfriends! It’s like watching a teenage drama :) I loved the plot of The Naughty List, it’s funny, cute and a light read that can be enjoyed by all! It’s a little clichéd with the whole cheerleader and jock thing but for me that’s what makes it a fantastic novel. Old-fashioned stereotypes make the best novels. Why make it all complicated with the ugly duckling and the school golden boy when you can just KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). My advice for all the girlies out there is to ditch your date and read this book instead :)

The characterization was fantastic! Tessa is a fantastic protagonist, she’s like a ball of energy and she’s so positive! She’s kind, sweet and funny, one of those girls you can’t help but love! Aiden is perfect boyfriend material, he’s smexy, considerate and a total sweetheart. How many guys would cry for you? Together, I can finally understand what it means when someone says “Golden Couple”. Christian, the guy who’s trying to tear Tessa and Aidan apart so that he can have Tessa for himself is for the lack of a better description…a total creep. He’s a hot creep but still he’s so creepy! Borderline stalker and how can someone be hot if they’re not a musician or a jock or not human? Totally kills the whole point of YA fiction: P

The Naughty List is a novel every girl will love and enjoy! It’s clichéd, it’s a little silly but it’s rom-com and just because, it’s allowed to be clichéd and a little silly! Well-written, fantastic plot and an epic romance, I can’t wait to read the sequel! Do yourself a favor and get yourself a copy, it’s totally awesome :P Bookie approves!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Tiger's Quest ( Don't Look at the Cover, It's a 6/5 Review!)

Review Time! Tiger’s Quest is the sequel to Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck. Don’t let the cover put you off, it’s actually a fantastic book! I reviewed Tiger’s Curse a while back and I mentioned that it was one of my favorites, well Tiger’s Quest did not disappoint! Thanks Hachette for sending me a review copy!

(Goodreads) Kelsey Hayes is no ordinary college freshman. In fact, the eighteen-year-old girl has just returned from India, where she risked her life—and her heart—to rescue a handsome Indian prince from a terrible curse. Back home in Oregon, Kelsey is determined to move on, despite the lingering feelings she has for the man she left behind. She meets Li, a completely average guy who offers the promise of an ordinary, curse-free life. But just when Kelsey is ready to move on, Ren reenters her life, on a quest to reclaim her heart. Danger threatens their newly rekindled love and to save him, Kelsey must journey with someone else—a man who wants her for himself. The saga begun in Tiger’s Curse continues in Tiger’s Quest, as Kelsey finds herself in an epic battle between good and evil. From the shores of the Pacific Northwest to the jungles of India, the mountains of Nepal and Tibet, and the mystical realm of Shangri-la, this suspenseful tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption is not to be missed.

The Short Story? – Another publishing sensation! This series just keeps getting better and better! Tiger’s Quest does not fail to please, a fantastic plot filled with action and drama, characters that you can’t help but love and an epic romance filled with sizzling chemistry! Rich with Indian culture, Tiger’s Quest is original, engrossing and addictive. This one’s a keeper!

The Long Story? – Tiger’s Curse started off as a self-published e-book on Kindle and it spent months on the best-sellers list. I found this on Google so I don’t know whether it’s true or not :) but this series is definitely a hidden gem and I’m so glad that the publishers finally picked this one up because it’s so good! This series is one that I’m adding to my favorite’s shelf!

The plot was fantastic, filled with adventure, action and romantic tension. Even without the fantastic adventures each book holds, the romance makes this series a must-read. Some of the best romance I have ever read, I lived to read the next sizzling exchange between Ren and Kelsey. There is a development of a love-triangle in this novel and better yet it’s between Ren, Ren’s little brother Kishan and Kelsey! I loved this book from the start to finish, I was hoping for a little more Ren and Kelsey but after that killer-ending I would think that Tiger’s Voyage would be very, very, very interesting and I can’t wait till November to read it! I’ll trade my brother for a copy? The plot was very well developed and writing flowed really easily. It was easy to understand, even with all the Indian culture references. Brownie points for Houck for all the research that must have gone into this novel, extra brownie points for picking Indian mythology instead of vampires or pop culture! Definitely a hidden gem everyone should read!

With each novel I just fall more in love with all the characters. With the recent development of the love triangle I’m torn between Ren and Kishan. I have to admit that since I met Kishan I kind of knew there will be a love triangle somewhere along the line. I’m currently Team Ren even with the tragic developments at the end of the novel (I felt like crying, so so so sad), I love Kishan but it’s like Rose and Dimitri, they’re just meant to be! Kelsey, I just grow to admire her with every novel. She’s brave, kind and a total sweetheart. Ren can only be seen as Kelsey’s other half, it’s true love and he’s so smexy even if he was such a jerk at the end ( not he’s fault). Kishan really makes himself out to be quite a gentlemen but… Team Ren! Wonderful characterization!

Houck is a brilliant writer. I don’t know why people are slamming her about her writing because I love how she writes. She’s a fantastic story-teller and her novels are easy to hooked onto, it’s comfortable, beautiful and well-written! I can’t wait to read Tiger’s Voyage especially after the sneak peek, lot’s of tension and drama to look forward to!

Famous last words? I don’t care how you do it but you must get your hands on a copy of Tiger’s Curse and Tiger’s Quest because they’re brilliant! I can guarantee you will enjoy them, they’re filled with romance, drama and tension. They’re a heart-pounding adventure that will live you craving for more. They will force you to stay up till the middle of the night, they’re everything you could ask for in a good book! This one’s a must read!

Rating – 6/5

Badass Bookie xx

Lament

Review Time! I was planning to post a "just because review" today but when I looked at my "not just because review pile" I knew that unless I tackle one of these it's going to keep of growing and unlike my money tree, I don't want to this one to grow ;) Thanks to Scholastic for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan is a painfully shy but prodigiously gifted musician. She's about to find out she's also a cloverhand—one who can see faeries. Deirdre finds herself infatuated with a mysterious boy who enters her ordinary suburban life, seemingly out of thin air. Trouble is, the enigmatic and gorgeous Luke turns out to be a gallowglass—a soulless faerie assassin. An equally hunky—and equally dangerous—dark faerie soldier named Aodhan is also stalking Deirdre. Sworn enemies, Luke and Aodhan each have a deadly assignment from the Faerie Queen. Namely, kill Deirdre before her music captures the attention of the Fae and threatens the Queen's sovereignty. Caught in the crossfire with Deirdre is James, her wisecracking but loyal best friend. Deirdre had been wishing her life weren't so dull, but getting trapped in the middle of a centuries-old faerie war isn't exactly what she had in mind . . .

The Short Story? -  A beautiful almost fairy-tale like novel! Maggie Stiefvatar does not disappoint with Lament! Soft and enticing narrative voice, a spell-bounding and touching romance and a plot that brings raw emotions out of readers. Lament is a beautifully written pararnormal that will leave you wanting more!

The Long Story? – We all know that Maggie Stiefvater writes fantastic books! Her Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy is an absolute publishing sensation. I’ll be honest and admit I’ve only read Shiver (which was brilliant) but I have Linger and Forever on my shelf so I’ll get around to them very soon ;) Lament is the first in her “Faerie” series (I have no idea what they’re actually called)!


The plot was my favourite part of the novel, I love all things paranormal and have read many novels about faeries but this would definitely be my favourite of the bunch. It’s got this almost fairytale feel to it, the whole book just flowed so easily. The story was easy to follow and it was pretty straightforward. The faeries want Deirdre dead, Luke is a faerie assassin but can’t bring himself to kill Deirdre because he’s in love with her. The novel is based around this Romeo and Juliet like romance, Luke and Deirdre love each other but life gets in the way…DUN DUN DUN what will they do? I guess what separates Lament from the rest is that it’s so well-written that it doesn’t feel that the whole novel is based around this forbidden romance, even if it is the heart of the novel. Stiefvater has written Lament in a way so that it feels that there is something bigger to the novel than what the readers are let in on (and there is). It’s definitely getting brownie points for originality and a fantastic romance, one for the romance junkies out there!

The characterization was beautiful. I absolutely loved Deirdre and it was so easy to connect to her. No, I don’t have a swoon-worthy guy declaring his love for me and I hope I’m not going to be assassinated but she has so many mundane human problems that every teen experiences. Controlling parents, no car and all the typical adolescent problems. Who hasn’t been there and done that? Not to mention, Deirdre was strong, brave, kind and compassionate, fantastic heroine! Luke was different – in a good way. Every other book I have read portrays faeries as these cold, evil, not capable of emotion beings but Luke wasn’t like that. He made jokes, jokes. I guess he isn’t really a faerie but…

Maggie Stiefvater if I ever become rich and famous, I’ll definitely pay you to write my biography. If anyone can make the most ordinary things sound interesting, it’s you. What a fantastic story teller! Stiefvater has a narrative voice like no other, soft, enticing, dangerous and yet very powerful. You can literally feel the power behind her words. I was staying way past my bed time trying to finish Lament and it was worth it. Comfortable and easy to get into, it’s one of those books that you can get stuck into right away!

Lament is a captivating tale about true love and hardships. Written by one of YA’s most recognized authors, Lament is not to disappoint. A fantastic story from start to finish, I loved every minute of it! Wonderful characterization and a highly original plot, Lament is one for all to enjoy! A paranormal phenomenon that will leave you craving for more!

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

The Power of Six

Review Time! The Power of Six is the sequel to the bestselling science fiction I Am Number Four. For those of you who haven't read the book, you've seen the movie adaption with Alex Pettyfer (*drool*) right? If you haven't...um, WHICH ROCK DO YOU LIVE UNDER? Both the book and the movie is amazing! Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) I've seen him on the news. Followed the stories about what happened in Ohio. John Smith, out there, on the run. To the world, he's a mystery. But to me . . . he's one of us.



Nine of us came here, but sometimes I wonder if time has changed us—if we all still believe in our mission. How can I know? There are six of us left. We're hiding, blending in, avoiding contact with one another . . . but our Legacies are developing, and soon we'll be equipped to fight. Is John Number Four, and is his appearance the sign I've been waiting for? And what about Number Five and Six? Could one of them be the raven-haired girl with the stormy eyes from my dreams? The girl with powers that are beyond anything I could ever imagine? The girl who may be strong enough to bring the six of us together?


They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They tried to catch Number Four in Ohio—and failed.

I am Number Seven. And I'm ready to fight
 
The Short Story? - If I had to describe this book in one word it would be - Perfect. I loved every minute, every word, every single little thing. A fast-paced, action-packed, heart-pounding sequel to one of the best science fictions I have ever read! The Power of Six is not to disappoint! Fantastic new characters, a brilliant plot with no boring moments and YA voice like no other!

The Long Story? - For those who don't know I Am Number Four and The Power of Six is written by James Frey and Jobie Hughes but they're written it under the name of Pittacus Lore who's a Lorien Elder :) It's about aliens but not in the traditional sense because theses aliens are actually...not looking to take over the world and are kinda "hot" :P

I loved, LOVED the plot! I liked I Am Number Four but The Power of Six was so much better! While the action in I Am Number Four was all crammed into the last few chapters, The Power of Six picked up pace immediately! Superpowers, aliens, villians, a high speed chase ( every good book needs a high speed chase), totally out of this world ( literally) weapons,creatures and hot guys *drool*, what else can you ask for? The Power of Six was the ultimate-page turner! Well-written and a great flow, the story was without boring moments! It's one heart-pounding, life and death situation after another. Highly addictive, The Power of Six will grip onto you and never let you go. One to enjoy by both boys and girls of all ages! Plenty of action, drama and romance, you would be silly not to pick this up!

What a great cast of characters! We're already met John and Sam during I Am Number Four and briefly met Six but it's during The Power of Six when we meet the rest of the ass-kicking, badass alien! Not a lot about Sarah but after what she did, I don't think I can ever like her again :( Lot's of romantic tension between John and Six though...will they be "together" in the next novel? We also meet Number Seven, Nine and someone who you never thought would have existed but she does...she's an alien too :) There were plenty of other human characters who played significant part in John, Sam and Six's adventure but when there are aliens in the picture...they get first priority in this review! :P

James Frey and Jobie Hughes write really well together. The Power of Six was well-written and had a wonderful flow to it. Unlike I Am Number Four, this book was written so that it alternated between the perspectives of John ( Four) and Marina ( Seven). My guess is that Frey wrote one perspective and Hughes wrote another, which also explains why I Am Number Four was a little disjointed ( as it had to be written by two authors through one perspective). It was comfortable and all I can say is that I can't wait to read the next book!

I'll conclude this review with some really, really, really great advice - PICK UP A COPY OF THE POWER SIX! Not a fan of science-fiction? Doesn't matter because neither am I and I LOVED this book! Fast- paced, addictive and well-written! For fans of ass-kicking characters and non-stop action ( and maybe some romance). An epic sequel to one of the best science fiction I've ever read!

Rating - 6/5

Badass Bookie xx