Confessions Of An Angry Girl

Review Time! I'm currently on holidays and I've been completely slacking off with my reading and reviewing! Forgive me lovely readers! Confessions of An Angry Girl by Louis Rozett is a 2012 YA Debut that was published by Harlequin Teen Australia in September. You can purchase a copy of the from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Harlequin Teen for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Rose Zarelli, self-proclaimed word geek and angry girl, has some confessions to make…. 

1. I'm livid all the time. Why? My dad died. My mom barely talks. My brother abandoned us. I think I'm allowed to be irate,don't you?

2. I make people furious regularly. Want an example? I kissed Jamie Forta, a badass guy who might be dating a cheerleader. She is now enraged and out for blood. Mine. 

3. High school might as well be Mars. My best friend has been replaced by an alien, and I see red all the time. (Mars is red and "seeing red" means being angry—get it?)

Here are some other vocab words that describe my life: Inadequate. Insufferable. Intolerable. 

(Don't know what they mean? Look them up yourself.) 
(Sorry. That was rude.)

The Short Story? - An enjoyable read, Rozett has managed to tackle the controversial topic of starting high school with flair and humour. A strong and opinionated protagonist, a funny and realistic plot and a solid narrative voice, Confession Of An Angry Girl really hits the nail on the head with it's easy approach to life, death, grieving and surviving high school! Rozett's debut puts the ANGRY in angry girl!

The Long Story? - I'm on the fence about Confessions Of An Angry Girl, this book was obviously written for a younger audience and while it does cover a lot of controversial issues that affect people of all ages, I couldn't really get into the book. I *did* enjoy it but not as much as I thought I would.  The plot was solid, it was very realistic and very coming to age. In a way it was refreshing to read Confessions of An Angry Girl because the novel lacked real drama, it was all very superficial and very 'middle-grade'. On the other hand because of the lack of real drama, there were parts that I found really boring. The pace was a little slow for my liking and there wasn't really much depth in the romance side. To be frank, there were elements of the novel that I really liked such as the writing and the ending but overall, it wasn't really my cup of tea! I do know a lot of readers that loved the book but it wasn't love for me. Still enjoyable but not love!

My biggest problem with the novel was actually the protagonist. Now I know the novel is called Confessions Of An ANGRY Girl but I felt like Rose's anger just made it so difficult for me to connect with her. I just couldn't see her side of things and I felt like some of her actions were childish and that she just needed to grow up. Rose had plenty of reasons to be angry but Rose and I were like oil and water. It wasn't her, it was me. I'm not an angry person and I just find it so hard to see the world through Rose's perspective. Jamie was a great character although his role in the novel was really small and he wasn't quite a love interest, I liked what I saw of him. Rozett's characters are all very well developed and they're really strong characters in terms of personality and I'm disappointed that I couldn't connect with Rose as much as I wanted to but overall it was a good characterisation.

Confessions Of An Angry Girl is one of those novels that you're either going to love or hate, it's a very controversial debut. There were elements of the novel that I liked but overall it really wasn't *my* cup of tea due to various reason all which are my fault. It's definitely targeted at a younger audience so if you like MG-YA novels, you should definitely give this one a go! It wasn't for me but going through Goodreads Reviews, I'm definitely one of the minority which didn't enjoy the novel as much as I hoped to!

What's it Worth - Squeeze into the Budget

Badass Bookie xx

The Last Echo

Review Time! The Last Echo is the third book in The Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting. The Last Echo was published in June 2012 by Headline in Australia. This series is absolutely amazing and I was so excited to read this! You can purchase a copy of the book at Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Hachette for the review copy!

(Goodreads) In the end, all that's left is an Echo.

Before, Violet's morbid ability to sense the dead led her to uncover dark murders and long-buried secrets in her small town. Now that she's working with a special investigative team, Violet hopes she can help even more people--whether by saving a life or catching a killer.

Although she's relieved to finally be honest about what she can do, her instant connection with her mysterious partner, Rafe, is both confusing and unsettling, and their unique bond creates tension with her boyfriend, Jay. When she discovers the body of a college student murdered by "the collector," Violet refuses to give up on the case. With her own relationship on the line, Violet doesn't realize that the serial killer is looking to add to his collection and that she may have caught his eye. Will the life Violet has to save be her own?

The Short Story? - Derting does not disappoint with the highly anticipated third book in this heart pounding series! Filled with mystery, suspense and action, The Last Echo is hauntingly beautiful. A dark and twisted plot, characters that you'll love and a narrative voice that's rich and powerful, Derting couldn't have done a better job, continuing Violet's adventures as she grows to understand her "body finding" ability!

The Long Story? -  This is probably my favourite novel of the series so far. The Last Echo was just absolutely amazing. Violet's engagement in the plot was deeper than ever and as a character she's just developed so much from where she started. The plot was definitely my favourite part of the novel, it was so detailed and twisted and attention-grabbing. Derting's plots are always morbidly interesting with mystery and suspense. Her writing is beautiful, it's a comfortable read once you've adjusted to the third person perspective and to the strong narrative voice. In terms of romance, this novel was a little lacking which isn't exactly a bad thing but Jay and Violet's relationship is so wonderful, it seemed like a shame that Derting didn't play it out a little more. All in all, it's still a brilliant novel, if you're a follower of the series, you should read it as soon as possible and if you're not a follower, this series is absolutely amazing!

As I mentioned previously, Violet as  a character has developed so much in this novel. She's more engaged into the plot in terms that she's getting a better understanding of her talent and she's using it for a greater good. She's a lot tougher in this novel, in previous novels I have found that Violet occasionally suffers from the Bella Swan Syndrome where she's a damsel in distress but in this novel, she's really taken it upon herself to save herself and I really liked that about her. Rafe definitely plays a bigger role in The Last Echo, I'm intrigued to see where Derting takes his relationship with Violet in the next novel because there is so much chemistry between two yet Jay is so perfect for Violet. I really wished Jay had a bigger role in this novel, he really just wasn't all there and that was really a shame because I love Jay as a love interest. Overall, good characterisation!

In a nutshell, The Last Echo is definitely a book that comes with a tick of approval! Derting is such an amazing author and this series is the very definition of unique! A YA thriller with a touch of the supernatural, The Body Finder series will leave your heart pounding. The Last Echo was such an excellent read, great character devlopement in Violet, fantastic plot that was interesting and engaging and as always fantastic prose from a talented author! This is not to be missed!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Stormdancer + Giveaway!

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Book Profile

Name - Stormdancer (Goodreads)
Author - Jay Kristoff
Genre - YA Dystopian/Steampunk/Fantasy
Release Date - September 1st 2012
Available - The Book Depository | Fishpond | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A DYING LAND 
The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals that once roamed its wilds have departed forever. 

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST
The hunters of Shima’s imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger—a legendary creature, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death.

A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL
Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her. 

But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

The Insider's Scoop

1. Stormdancer was originally called The Last Stormdancer when I sold it to my agent. I later decided it was too close toThe Last Airbender, which is probably the film that ended M. Knight Shyamalan’s career. So I changed it.

2. The character of Hiro was originally called Ryuu, but I decided that would cause too much confusion with the Ryu clan. After I changed his name to Hiro, I also had to change Akihito’s name (he was originally called Akihiro). It’s verystrange to change the names of characters you’ve lived with for years.

3. Kin was going to be a female character, right up to the point when I started writing him in the scene on the Thunder Child.

4. A lot of Buruu’s more adorkable behaviour is based on observing my dog. He gets very jealous when my wife is paying attention to me instead of him. :)

5. Yukiko died in the original draft of Stormdancer.

~Giveaway~

In collaboration with Pan Macmillan Australia and THE MAN OF THE HOUR himself, we're giving away (2) Copies of Stormdancer + Bookmarks. One will go AUS only and the other one open Internationally. 

Rule of Entry -

- Open to Internationally 

- Ends 18th of October

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

   * Leaving comment on either of Jay's posts +1 each

   * Follow Me on Twitter +1

   * Follow Jay on Twitter +1

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Follow Badass Bookie via GFC/Linky or RSS +2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Jay Kristoff

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Bachelor Profile

Name – Jay Kristoff 

Debut – Stormdancer

Genre – YA Dystopian/Steampunk/Fantasy

Website– HERE

Blog -  Here

Twitter - HERE

Jay Kristoff is a Australian Martian who helps old ladies across the street by day and writes YA books by night. He also slays dragons, teaches Irish dancing and plays the ukulele. On a good day you'll find him at home and on a bad day you'll find him at home. He's hobbies include reading Manga, watching Glee and baking cookies in the shape of Dinosaurs. He has a beard.*

*I wrote Jay a new bio because the one they're putting on his book jacket is one BIG, FAT LIE. 

What Jay's Debuting In -  Yes. It’s a rocket pack. I should not need to explain any further, because IT’S A ROCKET PACK. ( Bookie's Note : Nuff said. This is SAH you Jay.)

Notes from a YA Debut Author

1. I’m wearing ugg boots as I type this. Rock and roll author life, right here folks.

2. I’m 6 feet, 7 inches tall. No, I can’t play basketball. The weather up here is delightful, thanks for asking.

3. I once dated a girl who was 5’2. This may astonish you, but it didn’t work out.

4. My worst job ever was stapling cardboard boxes for a bakery. I got paid 2 cents a box. Working at optimum speed, with wind conditions just right and the planets in conjunction, I could make nearly 1,000 boxes in an hour. To this day, I can’t look at a stapler without curling into the fetal position and weeping.

5. In my younger days, I had hair down to my waist. It once took a girl six hours to give me corn rows. I was in a band, and this one gig, I did this sweet helicopter headbang move and my hair got caught in the machine heads of my bass and I fell off the stage. True story.

6. I’ve never tasted a strawberry. Which is odd when I think about it.

7. My wife and I got married in Rome. Just because.

8. I once went almost 3 days without sleep. For a bet. Which I lost. :(

9. I started writing STORMDANCER in January 2010. It took 7 months to write. 3 months to find an agent for it. 2 months to get a book deal. And 18 months from date of sale for it to actually see print. I will have handed in my first draft of book 3 to my editors before book 1 hits shelves in the United States.

10. I try to personally thank anyone who writes me a positive review. I don’t know if that’s stalkerish, but I figure if someone has spent eight hours reading my book, and yet more time writing a review to try and convince their friends to read it too, the least I can do is say thank you. :P

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Bookie's Note: I'm so excited to feature Jay on the blog this month because he's one of my favourite authors LIKE EVER. WE ARE AUSSIES, HEAR US ROAR! (so much Aussie Pride!) Kristoff, how have you never tasted a strawberry? YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE MISSING. And I'm kinda hurt you didn't invite me to your wedding... Anywayz everyone come back tomorrow for the second half of Jay's feature and a giveaway!

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Silver + Giveaway

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Book Profile

Name - Silver (Goodreads)
Author - Talia Vance ( Debutante Profile )
Genre - YA Fantasy
Release Date - September 8th 2012
Available - The Book Depository | Fishpond | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

"As I step into the room, a silver flash blurs my vision. Before I can take a breath, the world falls away."

Brianna has always felt invisible. People stare right past her, including the one boy she can't resist, Blake Williams. But everything changes at a house party when Brianna's charm bracelet slips off and time stands still. In that one frozen, silver moment, Blake not only sees her, he recognizes something deep inside her that she's been hiding even from herself.

Discovering she is descended from Danu, the legendary Bandia of Celtic myth, Brianna finds herself questioning the truth of who she is. And when she accidentally binds her soul to Blake, their mutual attraction becomes undeniable.

But Blake has his own secret, one that could prove deadly for them both.
Bound together by forbidden magic, Brianna and Blake find themselves at the heart of an ancient feud that threatens to destroy their lives and their love. 

The Insider's Scoop

EXCERPT FROM SILVER:

“I just want to look.”  His voice is soft, seductive. 

I don’t move.  He lowers his chin and looks out from underneath thick lashes.  I know it’s just a bracelet, an accessory.  There is no logical reason for me to keep it from him.  But nothing about Blake or the feelings he stirs in me has anything to do with logic.  Everything is driven by some primitive instinct, animalistic urges that I should damn well ignore.  I unfurl my fingers, one at a time, still covering the bracelet with my palm.

Blake eases forward, placing his hand over mine.  I pull my hand away from the heat of his touch.  “Shhh,” he says, like he knows I’m a hare’s breath away from bolting.  He reaches for my hand again, taking the bracelet between his fingers and rubbing it lightly.   He examines the charms one at a time, stopping to touch the flower for a few seconds before his cocky smile is back.  “Someone in your family has a wicked sense of humor.”

How does he know that the charms came from my family?  “What do you mean?”

“This one.  Do you know what kind of flower it is?”

“Yes.”  At last, something tangible I can discuss intelligently.  “Anconitum.  Also called wolfsbane or monkshood.  It grows in the northern hemisphere.  My grandma even managed to grow some in her yard in San Francisco.”

“Wolfsbane.”  Blake laughs again.  “Just like you.  Hiding in plain sight.”

I push his hand away.  His eyes shine again in the dark, reflecting the stars.  I’ve been waiting so long for him to see me, that it’s every bit as terrifying as it is amazing.

“Can you take it off for a minute?”

 I cover the bracelet with my hand again. 

“Just to see if I’m right. You can put it right back on.” 

There have to be at least a dozen better explanations for my condition than a simple silver charm.  Maybe my pheromones are finally kicking in, albeit erratically.  Or Blake is just jealous of Austin.  Or Blake is drunk again.  I twist the chain and slowly unhook the shiny new clasp.  I let the bracelet drop into the palm of my hand, closing my fingers around it.

Blake stares at me harder. 

“Still me?”

“I think you have to let go.” 

I close my fingers tighter, not wanting to part with the chain in my hand.  I know it’s just a charm.  An odd little flower cast in silver.  I still don’t let go.

The bracelet has been in our family forever, so old that the story of its origin was lost generations ago.  Nana gave it to me shortly after the fire, my fire.  She said it would protect me.  And I loved the little horse and horse shoe charm that hung on either side of the strange flower.  I haven’t really thought much about it since she gave it to me.  I just always wore it.

Until last night. 

Blake outstretches his hand to take the chain.  “Humor me.”  He flashes his “you can’t resist me” grin.

All this time I’ve been waiting for him to grace me with that smile, and tonight it has no effect on me.  I’ve seen him use it too many times to think it means anything beyond a calculated effort to get what he wants.  I clutch the bracelet tighter.  “Why don’t you humor me?  Maybe I don’t want to give this to you.  Maybe there’s a reason I can’t.”  I link the chain back around my wrist.

“Listen to yourself.”  Blake’s voice is quiet.  “There is a reason.”

 “What is that, Blake?”

“So you can hide.”

I try to keep the panic from my voice.  “And what exactly am I hiding from?”

His dimples are out in full force.  “Bastards like me.”  

~Giveaway~

Nikki is giving away a SIGNED copy of Silver!

Rule of Entry -

- Open to US ONLY! 

- Ends 16th of October

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

   * Leaving comment on either of Talia's posts +1 each

   * Follow Me on Twitter +1

   * Follow Talia on Twitter +1

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Follow Badass Bookie via GFC/Linky or RSS +2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx