Favourite YA Book Covers of 2011

One last post before the new year! I wanted to do more of these Favourites posts but I ha my birthday and Christmas and family and everything just kept getting in the way but anyway book covers! All these book covers are 2011 YA releases that I have read! Therefore, there might be prettier covers out there but I haven't read the book therefore it's not on the list! :)

Badass Bookie's Favourite YA Book Covers of 2011

1) Fury by Elizabeth Miles - Review

2) Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma - Review

3) Die For Me by Amy Plum - Review

4) Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - Review

5) The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter -Review

Runner - Ups

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare - Review to Come

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross - Review

Beautiful Days by Anna Godbersen - Review

Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson - Review

Where She Went by Gayle Forman - Review

Badass Bookie xx

Favourite YA Sequels of 2011!

The other day I wrote a post of my favourite YA Debuts today I'm posting my favourite sequels of 2011! This list only applies to novels that aren't the first book in the series! :) The novels are not necessarily published in 2011 but they have to be read by me (duh!) :)

Badass Bookie's Favourite Sequels of 2011

1) Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter - Review

Heist Society was one of my favourite reads of last year and I just devoured Uncommon Criminal. Ally Carter is simply brilliant and clever when it comes to action-packed novels. I respect that she writes her novels so that the romance is the centre of everything. This is one of my favourite series! You can't go wrong with Ally Carter!

2) Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare - Review to Come

It goes without saying that I'm in love with Clare's Shadowhunter world. I love The Mortal Instruments but I love The Infernal Devices series better! I only just finished this book last night and wow, completely blew my mind. No one writes romance like Cassandra Clare and no one can make me laugh like her! Clockwork Prince was everything I thought it would and more! A must-read! TEAM JEM <3 

3) Defiance by Lili. St Crow - Review

The Strange Angel series is one that I have come to love and Defiance is my favourite book of the series so far! I've only got Reckoning to read and part of the reason I haven't is because I don't want it to be the end! Dru is badass and fearless, she reminds me a lot of Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy and the boys in this book are just gorgeous! 

4) Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins - Review

I know technically that Lola is a companion novel not a sequel but when I think Lola I think Anna and they just seem like a series to me you know? Anyway, what is there not to love about Perkins? She's brilliant and her novels are a guaranteed funny, cute and romantic, ditch-your-date worthy reads! I have to say that I liked Anna better but Lola was amazing as well and many people have said they like Lola better so to each for their own!

5) Beautiful Days by Anna Godberson - Review

I'm officially in love with the Jazz Age, I mean, the glamour and the parties and the scandals! I wasn't that much of a fan of Godberson's The Luxe series but I found myself really enjoying this series! Beautiful Days was a combination of drama and romance and I fell in love with the characters as well as the 1920's. This is historical fiction at it's best!

Runner - Ups


Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins - Review 

The Lost Saint by Bree Despain - Review

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han - Review

Shadowspell by Jenna Black - Review

Where She Went by Gayle Forman - Review

Badass Bookie xx

Favourite YA Debuts of 2011!

Until the new year when The 2012 Debutante Event will begin, I'm going to do my yearly round -up posts including favourite debuts, favourite sequels, favourite covers, favourite boys....you get the point! The books mentioned in my 'favourites' post will only be of the books I have read in 2011! So today I'm going to start with my favourite 2011 YA Debuts! :)

Badass Bookie's Favourite YA Debuts of 2011

1) Divergent by Veronica Roth - Review 

This one seems to be on everyone's best reads of 2011 list and it should be there, I didn't really have high expectations for the book actually, I thought the cover wasn't so appealing but then I read the book and wow, it was mind-blowing, life-changing, body-shockingly amazing! Roth is a talented writer and Divergent is one of the best dystopias I have ever read! READ IT!

2) The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross - Review

Another unexpected favourite! I wasn't a big fan of steampunk before I read this debut but after reading it, I've definitely been keeping an eye out for more novels like this one! Great characters and great plot, it's set i the a 1800's which was a beautiful time and I honestly thought Cross did an excellent story-telling job. I can't wait to read the sequel!

3) Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini - Review

I have to give it to Starcrossed for a captivating romance line. Greek Mythology is a newish trend in YA fiction and Angelini has written this beautiful novel about forbidden love and fate and family honour. A very addictive kind of novel, I'm a total romance junkie and this was my dose. I couldn't put it down and I loved everything about it! Worth the money and time!

4) Die for Me by Amy Plum - Review

I sang very highly of this novel when I first read it and I still do! Again, really great romance and a really great setting. Paris, handsome mysterious young men and fighting evil? What's not to love about Die for Me? I was so GA GA over this novel because it was beautiful, Plum has written spectacular debut and it's very original. One of 2011's best!

5) Entangled by Cat Clarke - Review

Unlike the other favourite this one was more of a hidden gem and colour me shocked because I didn't think I would enjoy it. I usually find myself at odds when it comes to depressing sob stories but this one was different. A real tear-jerker and I really felt that I could connect with the main character, Grace. I don't think  I've ever gotten so angry over a book with Entangled but what Grace went through really broke my heart and I strongly recommend everyone to read this novel. 

Runner-Ups : 

I'm only going to give ranking to my top five but I have read so many fantastic debuts this year that I had to mention the ones that didn't rank in my top five. ALL these books also got a 5/5  ( and even 6/5! ) rating from your truly, every single one of them is worth your money and time so please support and read! 

Most Original and Culturally Different - In the Arms of Stone Angel by Jordan Dane ( Review )

Most Action- Packed and Totally Thrilling - Hunting Lila by Sarah Alderson ( Review )

Most Road-Tripy and Good Vibe Feeling - Saving June by Hannah Harrington ( Review )

Most Cute, Frothy, Funny and Romantic - Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik ( Review )

Most Just Read It and Awesome - Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi ( Review )

Badass Bookie xx

Touch of Power

Review time! Touch of Power is the newest novel by best-selling author, Maria V. Snyder. The novel is available for purchase today! Today is the international release date (US, UK and AUS) for Touch of Power so read my review and then go get a copy ;) Thanks so much to Harlequin Teen Australia for sending me an ARC.

(Goodreads) Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan assumes their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Territories, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.



Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life....
 
The Short Story? – Touch of Power is my favourite teen fantasy of 2011 – HANDS DOWN. Snyder has written an unforgettable and captivating start to a series that will definitely gain all the attention it deserves. Beautifully written, Touch of Power is a fantasy that will linger long after the last page. Wonderfully developed characters, a touching romance and a plot filled with adventure, readers are bound to love it!

The Long Story? – Touch of Power is the first of Snyder’s novels that I have read but after finishing it I felt obliged to start her Study series so I went out and got myself a copy of Poison Study ( which is great but in my opinion Touch of Power is better). Touch of Power had such a huge influence on me, I haven’t read as many teen fantasies lately with all the paranormal romance on the market but I really think that this novel will rekindle the love for many readers. This is fantasy written at its best, the right balance of romance, magic and adventure. One of my favourite aspects of the novel was the overshadowed romance, I’ve long forgotten that a novel can be great without the lure of romance. The magic, danger and adventure were the highlight of the novel and the romance was just a minority and THAT was brilliant! For lovers of The Study series and fantasy, here comes an extraordinary novel!

I was under the mistaken impression that unless a YA novel have teenage characters, it would not be enjoyable but how wrong am I! It seems that Snyder has a specialty of writing teen novels with adult characters and it’s brilliant and original! Avry (age 20) is our protagonist and I love this girl! I think Avry is a perfect example of a fantasy heroine. Strong, brave, loyal, a little stubborn and willing to die for the greater good. Her personality was well developed (same with all the other characters) and she has depth, Snyder has created a background that shapes who Avry is. Kerrick (age 25/26?) is another one of Snyder ‘perfect’ characters. Sometimes I think that the “physical beauty” of our love interests kind of overshadows how well developed a character really is. I really thought Snyder understood the importance of “inner beauty” so very well done! I felt that I grew to know many of the secondary characters just as well as the main characters and that was another highlight for me – wonderful characterization.

The novel hits stores today and I strongly encourage all of you to grab a copy! Touch of Power is an engrossing novel that will not disappoint! It’s a GURANTEED good read! This novel has had a huge influence on me. I laughed, I cried and in between I sat on the edge of my seat unable to put the book down. A heart-pounding adventure, a heroine like no other heroine, romance worthy of rejoice and a teen fantasy that’s on its way to the bestseller list! An unforgettable start to a series that I will eagerly anticipate. Touch of Power would make an excellent addition to your shelves ;) This one is a keeper!

Rating – 6/5


Badass Bookie xx

I'm Back! So lets get cracking....

And...I'm back! Did you guys miss me? I know I missed you guys! I can't apologise enough for post-poning the 2012 Debutante Event. Gah! I feel so horrible because I had everything planned out and then it all fell apart! I formally apologise to all my lovely debutantes and my lovely readers! The event WILL be going ahead starting from the 1st of January sorry about all this delay! 

My explanation? - After a series of very unfortunate events I ended up in China for a family holiday where internet restrictions are very very well, restrictive! They blocked Blogger and Twitter and Goodreads and Facebook so pretty much cutting me off from the blogosphere :( Luckily my family agreed that six weeks was way too long so we shortened our holiday to three weeks! So I just got off the plane two weeks ago and I'm ready to get down cracking! 

From today onwards, Badass Bookie will go back to normal so please, please, please visit my blog and me ( on twitter!) as much as you can because I have so much to catch up on :)

Note from -

Badass Bookie xx

Forbidden (Spoiler-free!)

Review Time! Trying to get all these reviews that are piling up out of the way, six more days til I'm home! This might be weird but I actually want this holiday to be over!!! Totally ruined so many things for me :/ ( and you!) Anyway Forbidden by Jana Oliver is the second book in the Demon Trappers series, also known as Soul Thief in the US. Jana is actually a 2011 Debut Author!

(Goodreads) Riley's beginning to think being a demon trapper isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her dad's been stolen by a necromancer, her boyfriend's gone all weird and she's getting warm and fuzzy feelings for someone who's seriously bad news. It's tempting to give it all up and try to be normal, but that's not an option. Because the demons have plans for Riley. 


And they're not the only ones...






The Short Story? - My love for Riley Blackthorne and her many suitors as been rekindled! I forgot how much I enjoyed reading about Riley and her demon trapping adventures! Riley is one badass heroine with some serious attitude and kickass moves. Fantastic developments to an action-packed plot filled with lies, betrayals and hidden agendas! Oliver has written fantastic sequel to a spectacular debut!


The Long Story? - Like all good urban fantasies, the plot of this series just keeps getting better and better. Unexpected developments, hidden agendas and betrayals and truths that left me astounded and  unsure of what to expect. Unpredictable and completely addictive, Oliver has written a sequel that's highly entertaining! Not only was there major developments in the plot but in the romances too! We encountered a change of heart, an expected ( sorta) romance and some major heartbreak. Anyone looking for an action-packed novel and loaded with twists and turns and lots of romantic tension, this is one hell ( pun intended) of a good read.


Since this is the second novel in the series we were introduced the most of the characters during the first novel however this novel was all about development - for the better and the worse. I grow to adore Riley more and more as we progress, she reminds me of Rose Hathaway from Vampire Academy who is my favorite heroine. Both characters have courage and fierce loyalty, they're passionate and pretty badass! Riley definitely matured a lot since her fathers death and while she makes plenty of mistakes at least she learns from them. With each encounter Riley grows wiser and I like that in a heroine! Simon is a cow but I never like him. Ori left me, I'm a little disappointed ( read very) in his actions but the show must go on right? I really hope to see Riley and Beck together in the next novel!


This series is seriously made of awesome and after a remarkable debut I didn't think Oliver could top it but she did! Forbidden was an excellent late night reading companion that I highly recommend everyone to check out. With a unique prose and an excellent sense of humor, Oliver has written an urban fantasy that will leave plenty of YA readers craving for more! I look forward to reading more of Riley's adventures!


Rating - 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Epic Fail

Review Time! Hey guys great news, instead of six weeks, I'm only going away for three! Therefore in a week and a half, I'll be back in Australia where Blogger is NOT blocked :) Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik is a 2011 YA Debut, it's a retelling of Pride and Prejudice and a fantastic YA contemporary!

(Goodreads) Will Elise’s love life be an epic win or an epic fail?

At Coral Tree Prep in Los Angeles, who your parents are can make or break you. Case in point:

As the son of Hollywood royalty, Derek Edwards is pretty much prince of the school—not that he deigns to acknowledge many of his loyal subjects.

As the daughter of the new principal, Elise Benton isn’t exactly on everyone’s must-sit-next-to-at-lunch list.

When Elise’s beautiful sister catches the eye of the prince’s best friend, Elise gets to spend a lot of time with Derek, making her the envy of every girl on campus. Except she refuses to fall for any of his rare smiles and instead warms up to his enemy, the surprisingly charming social outcast Webster Grant. But in this hilarious tale of fitting in and flirting, not all snubs are undeserved, not all celebrity brats are bratty, and pride and prejudice can get in the way of true love for only so long.

The Short Story? - From the moment I read the title, I knew this was going to be an awesome novel and I'm so glad that it didn't disappoint me! Funny ( read tears if laughter - legit), cute and overly romantic. Epic Fail is perfect for anyone looking for a great romance and a big laugh. Beautiful characterization and prose, I salute LaZebnik for an excellent debut!


The Long Story? - Honestly the novel should have be called Epicly Awesome or something because the novel  is certainly not an epic fail :) The jest of the novel is the same as every other retelling of Pride and Prejudice but the smaller details are what makes it awesome. Firstly, I love reading about preppy, rich people especially girls who have it all. Secondly, I love novels set in " preppy" schools and thirdly, I love the cliched " IT" boy! Basically Epic Fail was my type of a good read and the best part is that it's a Pride and Prejudice retelling, double awesome! Comfortable to read, easy to get into and beautiful prose, LaZebnik has not only come up with a genius plot but written it superbly as well! For fans of Pride and Prejudice and YA Rom-Com!


Eliza the protagonist is extremely funny and I love my characters with a sense of humor. It just gives the whole novel a happy feel! Eliza isn witty, sarcastic, funny and she's really a great character. She's very loyal t her sister and I can SO relate to her. Derek is more of the strong sand silent type but I think without him, the novel wouldn't have been so enjoyable. It was the difference in his and Eliza's personality that really made the novel memorable!  The supporting characters were ver well developed as well, overall, it was just a fantastic cast. Very nice characters :)


I guess I'll just leave you with this message - READ IT! I can't think of anyone who wouldn't like this novel! If you love Rom-Com, if you love P&P and if you love a novel that will have you rolling in laughter, this is your next read! Perfect for a night in or a day at the beach, LaZebnik has written a very fine debut that will definitely be remembered!


Rating - 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Dark Angel

Review Time! Hi guys! If you have heard earlier I have no access to Blogger where I am right now because the government has blocked it along with Twitter and Goodreads therefore I'm completely cut off aside from email contact. However I've going to be sending reviews and other posts through email for Kylie to post for me ( she's like super girl!). Dark Angel by Eden Maguire is a fairly recent release I just finished reading,  thanks to Hachette for the review copy! 

(Goodreads) Tania's heart belongs to Orlando. Nothing can rip them apart. Until the seduction begins in a flurry of glamour and magic, music and parties all orchestrated by the mysterious and mesmerising Zoran, an iconic rock star who has retired to a remote ranch in the nearby mountains. And there Tania meets the dark side. Can she resist temptation?









The Short Story - A paranormal romance that's both unique and unputdownable! Dark and seductive, Dark Angel is a refreshingly YA that will keep you on the edge of your seats. Beautifully written, fantastic characters and a romance like no other! Maguire has written a stunner of a novel that's bound to captivate a reader and never let go!


The Long Story - Fun Fact: Dark Angel has the same cover image as The Vespertine and The Goddess Test (AUS ). I'm don't think this one has been released in the US yet but it definitely will because it is SUCH A GREAST NOVEL. I honestly didn't think I would like it so much. Dark Angel has a fantastic plot, it's unique and hauntingly beautiful. The novel itself has a very dark edge. Fantastic writing, it's easy to get into and I powered through the novel. What I like best about this novel was that it was very unpredictable especially when it came to romance. I was under the impression that it was going to be a cliched love triangle and boy, was I wrong. For fan of the unpredictable and the paranormal, this one is not to be missed!


I really liked the characterization as well. Tania was  a great protagonist, very well developed with a 3D personality. She has flaws and fears and dreams like the rest of us which I liked. Honestly nothing in this novel can be called a cliche and that's what stood out to me, this originality. At the start I viewed Tania has kind of weak and clingy but as the novel progresses it can be seen that my initial thoughts were wrong! She's level headed, she's strong and she's loyal. Good qualities to have in a protagonist! Orlando didn't play that big of a role in this novel but he's the love interest so he seemed worth mentioning plus I really like him :) I liked this guy, he clearly loves Tania and that's what counts. He's not perfect despite what Tania  says but he's definitely a sweetie :)The romance in this novel is really cute and I think readers will appreciate the romance line because I know I did!


Overall, a fantastic YA paranormal romance that is not to be missed. Refreshingly different to anything I've read and thoroughly enjoyable. Dark Angel is seductively dark and deliciously sinister. I can't wait to read the sequel. A unique plot, a romance like no other and a loyal protagonist who kicks ass! Dark Angel is the perfect supernatural read for the summer!


Rating 5/5

Badass Bookie xx