Catching Jordan

Review Time! Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally was released in December last year but if you're been with me for some time, you would know that Miranda was one of my 2012 Debutantes! BE JEALOUS because the lovely Miranda, sent me a personalised copy of Catching Jordan! THANK-YOU SO MUCH! It's definitely a prized possession!

(Goodreads) What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.

The Short Story? - A quick contemporary read and that has become one of my all-time favourites! Catching Jordan is an extraordinary debut thats explores problems like first love,friendship and neglect. A bittersweet story about a girl who's "one of the boys", her dreams and the boys who love her. Kenneally's YA debut is not to be missed - funny, thought provoking and completely unputdownable!

The Long Story? -  We don't get many sports related novels in YA and when we do they're usually rom-coms with some soccer matches thrown in between. I definitely wasn't expecting Catching Jordan to be so deep, honestly I was expecting a rom-com with no deeper meaning than enjoyment. Instead I get a complex contemporary romance with more depth than than the deep blue sea! Kenneally has an authentic YA voice that pulls you into the story and never lets you go. Easy to get lost within, Catching Jordan had a wonderfully bittersweet plot that had the right mixture of humour and "serious stuff". The novel explores issues such as meeting expectation, proving yourself and dealing with complicated (but insanely cute) boys! Kenneally's debut really was a jewel amongst the rocks, definitely one of my favourite contemporary reads in 2012! Two thumbs up!

I loved the characterisation of this debut! Catching Jordan had just about the most perfect cast ever! I think Jordan might be one of my favourite protagonist I've ever come across in a novel. She's such an inspiration to teenagers! She just doesn't take the crap that teenagers give everyday at school. She's confident, she's funny and more than anything she's a loyal friend. Sam Henry is a legend, not only is he the funniest character I've met, he's a huge sweetheart ( and a total guy!). Just thinking about Sam makes me smile - this is the kind of boy that's a keeper. Ty, he was great too but there is something off about he's possessive side for me although I'm sure plenty of girls would find it sexy! If you love amazing protagonists and complicated yet gorgeous boys - Catching Jordan is calling your name!

All in all, I think I could have written a better review for such a phenomenal debut but this is what happens when I leave books on the review pile for too long, the reviews get extremely choppy! I just hope  the fact that THIS NOVELS IS AMAZING AND EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT came across! Funny, cute and bittersweet, Catching Jordan is a refreshing contemporary that's that left no room for improvement, I'm keen to see where Kenneally takes Stealing Parker after such an amazing debut!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank 

Badass Bookie xx

Breakfast with the Bookie - How to Deal with Blogger Drama

Breakfast with the Bookie is a semi-weekly feature here @ Badass Bookie which is making a reappearance in 2012. Every other Wednesday morning, let's all grab our teas and coffees to gather and discuss and share our opinions! Everyone is welcome to join and make sure you leave a comment to state your opinion. Don't be shy!

Today's Topic : How to Deal with Blogger Drama 


Recently a small (but made out to be big) "thing" hit the Book Blogging community. I only found out about it yesterday and I was shocked to say the least but I don't think the "thing" really deserves all the drama surrounding it. In case you don't know what it's about Sarah @ Smart Bitches, Trashy Books sums it up pretty well in this article - Plagiarism and The Story Siren. You can also read Kristi's apologies HERE and HERE.

I don't know about you but I like to avoid drama as much as possible. It's not nice to single out people and to make a huge deal out of a "small" issue. There are people out there who love drama and I'm not judging them but for me - I like to stay well away. Here a list on how, just in case you're with me on peace :)

How to Deal with Blogger Drama - 

1) Ignore It - I KNOW it's hard. You want to put your two cents in as well BUT - don't do it. Seriously don't get involved. The more people who get involved and bigger it gets. If no one talked about it or joined the "stoning" - the problem would die down in a day or two but if we all get involved, attack the blogger, gang up, tweet about it, send nasty insults their way or something - IT WILL NEVER DIE DOWN. Drama is so overrated and it just makes us all look like mindless b*tches. Publishers, authors and literacy professionals are going to start looking down on the whole community. Don't get involved for the rest of us.

2) Nothing Nice to Say? Don't Say It - Haters are always going to hate. There are those among us who just can't let something go. Those who like to egg people on and make a mountain out of a mole hole - I ask you not to join them. Insult them in your head but don't put it into words because it really, really hurts people. A common term for this is bullying. Treat people how you want to be treated. Besides dissing someone only reflects badly on yourself. Don't get caught in the whirlwind and say something that you will later regret!

3) Forgive and Forget - Word.

That's my top 3 - I can think of plenty more but I want to know how everyone else deals with blogger drama so let's discuss!

Badass Bookie xx

The Immortal Rules + Giveaway

Review Time! The Immortal Rules is the start of a new series written by Julie Kagawa, the author of New York Times bestselling YA series, The Iron Fey! If you haven't heard of The Iron Fey - you must live under a rock because the Team Ash campaign is internationally renowned! The novel is on sale today so go out and purchase a copy! I'm also hosting a giveaway which is at the bottom of the page! Thanks to Harlequin Teen for the ARC!

(Goodreads) In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her.  And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

The Short Story? - I wouldn't have expected anything less from one of YA's most celebrated authors! Kagawa's post-apocalytic vampire tale finally sets the vampire record straight! This is definitely not just another vampire book, this is the good stuff - prepare for a re-education! Combining two of YA's best genres, The Immortal Rules has everything from a fierce and kickass heroine, zombies, killer smack downs and romance! Love dystopian? Hate vampires? Read Immortal Rules and I'll guarantee an attitude change! Bravo Kagawa!

The Long Story? - Personally, this was better than Iron Fey. I've only read the first book in the series but there's a reason I stopped - it just didn't hold my interest. On the other hand, The Immortal Rules had me hooked. The novel started off pretty slowly, initially Allie is human and Kagawa shows readers life through the perspective of humans in this post-apocalytic society. Then as Allie is changed, she shows readers life through the perspective of vampires. It's all quite clever. I must compliment Kagawa on her world-building skills, this society is definitely not one I hope to ever live in but it's authenticity can not be denied, it's scary but very real. About 60 pages into the novel, it really starts picking up and from there it's one heck of a roller coaster ride. A dangerous adventure right til the last word, it's completely addictive. The Immortal Rules will hook into you and never let go.

Allie and I got along famously. Allison Sekemoto is definitely the biggest badass in town now that Rose Hathaway decide to retire. Filled with sharp wit, fight and courage, Allie was the perfect heroine. She's definitely not the friendliest person but when a vampire, you have no need of friends. I can't wait to watch Allie develop, I'm very much liking this girl, she's a tough cookie! I really wished to see Allie fall for a vampire so when it turned out to be the very human, Zeke I was a tad disappointed. However Zeke is a terribly sweet guy and I couldn't help liking him. Everything about him  screams nice guy and I certainly don't think he'll be finishing last this time! BUT the guy who stole my heart was Kanin, so he's WAY to old for Allie and he's kinda her vampire daddy but he's so...excuse me while I wipe my drool! I'm definitely looking forward to Kanin's return because I'm very muck taken by this badass vampire! Overall, very good characterisation!

All in all, The Immortal Rules is probably the equivalent to a joyride - it's breathtakingly adventurous and dangerous. Once you slip into the fold of the story, it will hold onto you and never let you go! If you like your novels dangerous and exciting and your vampires not sparkly then The Immortal Rules is definitely your book! This post-apocalytic society is getting a wake-up in the name of Allison Sekemoto!


What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Where to Purchase - Amazon| Barnes and Noble| Harlequin| Indiebound| 

~Giveaway~

Thanks to Harlequin Teen, I have ONE (1) Hardcover Copy of The Immortal Rules to giveaway! This giveaway is open to US/CAN residents ONLY ( sorry but publishers request!).  To enter just fill out the form below.

Storm is COMING ( Blog Tour) + Giveaway ( Int'l)

A Storm is coming! Over the next week, forecasts are predicting a massive Storm front progressing steadily across the Southern blogosphere. Authorities warn of effects being felt across the globe, with multiple storm point touch downs, interviews, exclusive extras and massive prize packs. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to batten down the hatches for one epic storm event.

Whether you're one of these lucky people who've already read Storm by goddess-turned-author Brigid Kemmerer, or you're impatiently waiting, you have to know that this is one of the most exciting young adult paranormals 2012 has to offer. Over the next nine days, nine bloggers are very excited to be bringing you the Storm Blog Tour! Tune in to your feeds and favorite blogs for never before seen character interviews, a video chat, an interactive Q&A with Brigid, and an exclusive excerpt from Storm itself! If that's not exciting enough, there are fourteen massive prize packs up for grabs, both AU/NZ and internationally! Check out tour dates below, and be sure to tune in to each stop to enter the giveaway!

Schedule:

Monday 23rd April:  Chris/Becca/Hunter Interview - Read Me Love Me Bookmark Me
Tuesday 24th April: This or That with the Boys of Storm - Shiirleyy’s Bookshelf
Wednesday 25th April: Fantasy Casting - saz101
Thursday 26th April: Brigid Q&A: YOU ask the questions! - Eleusinian Mysteries
Friday 27th April: Keeping up with the Merrick Twins + Review Roundup - Badass Bookie
Saturday 28th April: Storm Excerpt - Forget-Me-Not
Sunday 29th April: Video chat - Book Probe
Monday 30 April:  Chris Interview - Reading Wishes
Tuesday 1st May: Guest Post by Brigid: Five Secrets of the Elemental Series - Amaterasu Reads

Giveaway Packs:

  

International Prize Pack 1:
Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark preorder 

International Prize Pack 2: 
 Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark ARC

International Prize 3:
Copy of Storm + Spark Pre-order



Australian Prize Pack: 
Storm ARC + Spark preorder

Australia/New Zealand Prize Packs (10 winners):
1 copy of STORM + 1 STORM book jacket  + 1 SPARK book jacket
Thanks to Allen & Unwin and Brigid!!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY »

Debut of the Month - All About The Wicked and the Just + Giveaway

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Book Profile

Name - The Wicked and the Just  (Goodreads)

Author - J. Anderson Coats

Genre - Historical

Release Date - 17th April 2012

Available - The Book Depository

Cecily’s father has ruined her life. He’s moving them to occupied Wales, where the king needs good strong Englishmen to keep down the vicious Welshmen. At least Cecily will finally be the lady of the house.

Gwenhwyfar knows all about that house. Once she dreamed of being the lady there herself, until the English destroyed the lives of everyone she knows. Now she must wait hand and foot on this bratty English girl.

While Cecily struggles to find her place amongst the snobby English landowners, Gwenhwyfar struggles just to survive. And outside the city walls, tensions are rising ever higher—until finally they must reach the breaking point.

The Insider's Scoop

Moderator: For today’s interview, we have Cecily and Gwenhwyfar from THE WICKED AND THE JUST by J. Anderson Coats.  They live in thirteenth-century English-occupied Wales, and they’re going to interview one another.  Cecily is English and Gwenhwyfar is Welsh.  They’ve agreed to be civil. Gwenhwyfar won the coin toss, so she’ll go first.

Gwenhwyfar: First question.  Why are you such a nasty, awful shrew?

Cecily:  Hmm.  That was going to be my first question.

Moderator: You know what?  I don’t think this is going to work.  From now on, I’ll ask the questions.  Gwenhwyfar, tell us what it was like in north Wales before the English came.

Gwenhwyfar:  Hard.  Sore hard.  Prince Llywelyn--who ruled here ere the English slew him in cold blood--had to levy high taxes to keep their lot at bay.  Some of the Welsh nobility were actually happy when the prince fell.  They thought things couldn’t get any worse.  They were, ahem, wrong.

Moderator:  So the taxes weren’t something the English brought with them. Interesting.  Cecily, what was the nicest surprise about Caernarvon?

Cecily:  I like how it can be provisioned by sea.  My father told me that if anyone---

Gwenhwyfar:  Don’t you look at me like that.

Cecily: ---if an-y-one ever tries to besiege it, they’ll rot without the walls for a thousand years ere the castle falls.  Ships can sail right up and load in provisions and there’s naught that can be done.  It was built that way special by his Grace the king.  He obviously knew exactly who he was dealing with.

Moderator:  Now now.  Civil, remember?  Gwenhwyfar, if you were in charge of Caernarvon for one day, what would you do?  And you can’t say “burn it down.”

Gwenhwyfar:  Can I say “hang all the English from trees?”

Moderator:  You know what?  This really isn’t working.  Interview’s over. Thank you both for coming.  Please try not to kill each other on the way out.

~Giveaway~

J is giving away a Signed finished copy and a swag pack

Rule of Entry -

- International 

- Ends 18th of May

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

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

   * Follow Me on Twitter +1

   * Follow J on Twitter +1

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Follow Badass Bookie +2

Debut of the Month - All About J. Anderson Coats ( The Wicked and the Just)

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Debutante Profile

Name - J. Anderson Coats
Debut - The Wicked and the Just
Genre - Historical
Website - HERE

Blog - HERE

Twitter - HERE

J. Anderson Coats has dug for crystals, held Lewis and Clark’s original hand-written journal and been a mile underground. She has a cool surgery scar unrelated to childbirth, she reads Latin, and she's been given the curse of Cromwell on a back-road in Connemara. On a clear day, she can see the Olympic mountains from her front window. On the foggy ones, she can smell the Puget Sound.

Dream Debutante Dress -  Since my book has a body count, it seemed appropriate!

Notes from a YA Debutante

 At first I was all, “Interesting facts about myself?  Next question.”  Then I realized that I might have a few.  Here goes:

As a very small child, I lived in Australia. My earliest memory is encountering a lizard with a blue tongue under a bush in my back yard.  I’m possibly one of a dozen or so American-born people who understands the rules of cricket.

When I was sixteen, I was a finalist in the now-defunct Sassy magazine’s Sassiest Girl in America contest.  I was flown to New York with five other girls from all corners of the country.  We were put up smack of the middle of midtown Manhattan in a $500-a-night hotel, ferried around to ritzy restaurants, taken shopping, made over and photographed for the magazine.  We stayed up late and skittered down hotel hallways in our pyjamas and flirted with the teenage bellhops and bonded like crazy.  Yes, this really happened.  I have pictures.

Three years later, I moved across the country.  I got on a plane with twenty dollars in my pocket, a baby on my hip, and most of my worldly possessions in a ratty army-surplus backpack thrown across one shoulder.  By age 22, I had a BA from a Seven Sisters college, a first master’s degree by 24, a second by 30, and a book contract by 32.  Sometimes I slept.

I once cut off the tip of my finger with a rotary quilting cutter.  Rather than go to the ER, I pressed the bit of finger back on, tied the whole thing up with a calico rag, applied pressure and elevation, and went about my day.  My husband was the one who made me go to the ER, mumbling about staph and disfigurement.  When I got there, the doctor asked what
happened.  I told him, “Freak quilting accident.”

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Bookie's Note: This month we're having TWO debutantes ( you're lucky that we all spoil you rotten!) Everyone please make J feel welcome, debuting is scary but at least she has Marissa's hand to hold! J, I LIVE IN AUSTRALIA and unfortunately I do not understand the rules of cricket or AFL ( quite sad really). You must share those Sassy magazine photographs with us! Now, I'll wrap it up and I'll see you guys tomorrow! :)

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Storybound + Giveaway

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Book Profile

Name - Storybound (Goodreads)

Author - Marissa Burt

Genre - MG Fantasy 

Release Date - 3rd April 2012

Available - The Book Depository

In the land of Story, children go to school to learn to be characters: a perfect Hero, a trusty Sidekick, even the most dastardly Villain. They take classes on Outdoor Experiential Questing and Backstory, while adults search for full-time character work in stories written just for them.

In our world, twelve-year-old Una Fairchild has always felt invisible. But all that changes when she stumbles upon a mysterious book buried deep in the basement of her school library, opens the cover, and suddenly finds herself transported to the magical land of Story.

But Story is not a perfect fairy tale. Una’s new friend Peter warns her about the grave danger she could face if anyone discovers her true identity. The devious Tale Keeper watches her every move. And there are whispers of a deadly secret that seems to revolve around Una herself....

The Insider's Scoop

Insider's Scoop on First Chapter

I've always loved to read, and my favorite stories are the ones that so immerse you in the world that you're sad to say goodbye to the characters after the story is over.  Storybound imagines a world where characters train to enter tales of their own and follows the adventures of Una Fairchild, a girl from the Readers' World who stumbles into the land of Story.

The opening scene is set in Una's library, and it was inspired by my own 7th grade study halls.  I had an odd schedule, so I would spend my study halls alone, with only the librarian to keep me on task.  Of course, I never did any homework.  Instead, I prowled about the shelves, reading through books systematically.  The mythology and folklore section was my favorite, and I spent many class periods there.  Sometimes this would transfer over into lunch period, where I'd sit at the cafeteria tables, reading while slurping my Cup 'o Noodle soup.  Yes, I was that girl.  My friends were very patient, as I look back on it now, since reading isn't exactly friendly behavior.  

In the original draft, Una takes the mysterious book she finds to the girls' locker room, a setting inspired by my own high school gym experience.  The brightly painted lockers, the smell of rubber athletic  equipment, and the cinder block walls all take me back to those afternoons of the 10-minute mile and relay races. Floor hockey days were my favorite.  If I ever find an adult floor hockey league, I'm totally in.  Alas, this scene was cut pretty early on, and Una ends up opening the book in the basement of her school library.  

When I wrote this, I pictured the basement of my college library.  Windowless brick walls.  Those moving shelves where all the magazines are archived.  And a bit of a musty smell.  I didn't study there too often, but maybe I should have.  As Una soon learns, untold treasures might be lurking on abandoned library shelves! 

~Giveaway~

Marissa is giving away signed hard-cover of STORYBOUND, bookmarks, and a tin of gourmet cocoa.

Rule of Entry -

- International (although I might have to leave the cocoa out depending on the country)

- Ends 16th of May

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

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

   * Follow Me on Twitter +1

   * Follow Marissa on Twitter +1

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Follow Badass Bookie +2