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

Saving June

Review Time! Next week is exam block so I’m STILL going to be MIA for the whole of this week. However my reviews are starting to pile up again so I though I’ll attack a few before I go back to my rock. Saving June by Hannah Harrington is a 2011 YA Debut. Thanks a bunch to Harlequin Teen Australia for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) Harper Scott’s older sister has always been the perfect one so when June takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.



When her divorcing parents decide to split her sister’s ashes into his-and-her urns, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She’ll steal the ashes and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He’s a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession and nothing in common with Harper’s sister. But Jake had a connection with June, and when he insists on joining them, Harper’s just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanour and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs.

Except June wasn’t the only one hiding something. Jake’s keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper’s life upside down again.
 
The Short Story? – Moving, touching, amazing. One of my favourite contemporary YAs of the year. A tear-jerker that will captivate the hearts of readers. Beautifully written, a brilliant plot and a powerful emotional journey of life after grief. A bittersweet love story, a road trip to California and a secret that will change everything! Let’s all go on a road trip to save June!

The Long Story? – I’m anti-dark contemporary. I don’t like stories about grief, drugs, suicide or any other problems of the kind. I was a little iffy about this one but I’ve read some pretty spectacular reviews I had to give it a go. I’m so grateful that I gave Saving June a go because it was beautiful. This is contemporary at its finest. Harrington has written a phenomenal debut that will captivate the hearts of every one of you. Saving June is a road trip novel, one of the many YA trends but it an emotional journey as much as a physical one. Harper, Laney and Jake are on the path to healing after Harper’s sister June commits suicide. They decide to drive all the way to California to scatter June’s ashes in the pacific because it was June’s dream to live in California. A road trip full of tears and laughter, fantastic music, the unexpected, epic detours and a bittersweet love story. Saving June is on its way to being a modern day classic.

Harper, Laney and Jake are very likeable characters. More than that, you can relate to them because every one of them is flawed and they have their own issues to deal with. They examples of typical teenagers that have problems and face neglect, loneliness, grief and disappointment. Very, very beautiful characterization. Harper is my girl. She’s clearly hurting inside yet she holds it together. She’s sassy, funny and stubborn yet she’s got her heart in the right place. I honestly felt I could relate to her. Laney is the best friend I never have. She’s loyal, funny, a total drama queen yet she has her own problems as well. Lastly, I want a boyfriend like Jake. He’s your typical bad boy but he has this really sweet side as well. Nothing is ever boring when he’s in the picture. If I had to pick to go on a road trip with anyone, it would be Harper, Laney and Jake.

Saving June is a spectacular debut about love, loss and grief. Bittersweet, beautiful and incredibly moving. This is the captivating story about three teens on an epic road trip to California and the secrets, tears, laughter and detours that they share on the way. Go get yourself a copy (I mean it) and don’t read this book in public because YOU WILL CRY. I salute you, Harrington, a phenomenal debut that captivated my heart!

Rating – 6/5


Badass Bookie xx

Born at Midnight

Review Time! Just wanted to say a big thank-you to everyone, I just reached 1100 and I 'm so psyched - no seriously I'm so happy! Born at Midnight is a 2011 YA Debut written by C. C. Hunter. This one has been on my radar for months! Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the review copy!

(Goodreads) One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever. Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.” Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.



Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either. Or does she? They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason. As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas. Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past. Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart.

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…


The Short Story? - Fantastic debut! If you're like me, a lover of everything paranormal and in search of a great romance - this one is for you! A very clever and highly entertaining YA novel with a interesting and complex romance. Full of drama, hot guys and tension. Comfortable and easy to read, definitely one worth checking out!

The Long Story? - It has a love triangle, just putting it out there. I'm not a fan and neither are alot of you but take it from a anti-love tranglist, I actually thought this wasn't so bad. Firstly, without the love triangle I don't think the novel would have been as interesting because while there is a bit of action it's more of a easing readers into the ideas of supernatural kind of book. Secondly, it's quite a balanced love triangle. The novel isn't swaying me to one guy or the other which is good because I want to get to know them before I judge! The plot itself was quite steady, nothing really BIG happens. There is no showdown, it's almost like a contemporary, very much of a emotional "finding yourself" plot with a paranormal touch!

I've already mentioned the love-triangle so now I'll introduce you to the people. I quite like the characters, they were entertaining and very funny! Kylie was likable character and a excellent protagonist. She's had all these bad things happen to her and yet she stills strong, even through denial that she is anything but human. Lucas, is your cliched bad boy but he's so sweet ( once you get to know him) that you can't fall in love with him! Derek is the good guy who is always there for Kylie. He's also a sweetie and it's just so hard to chose between the two. They're both so different yet the same :P

For lovers of YA paranormal with a complex and well done romance. Born at Midnight is a remarkable debut that deals with issues teenagers face daily with a paranormal twist. Unput-downable and engrossing, I can't wait to read the sequel. Anther extraordinary debut waiting to be read!

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

Sirenz

Review Time! Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman is a 2011 YA Debut. Following the current trend, it’s another Greek Mythology related debut however it’s got an extra sparkle to it so it’s really one of a kind! Thanks so much to Natalie and Charlotte for sending me a review copy (and the prettiest swag I’ve ever seen).

(Goodreads) Bickering frenemies Meg and Shar are doing some serious damage at a midnight sample sale when the fashionistas find themselves arguing over a pair of shoes-with fatal consequences. One innocent bystander later, the girls are suddenly at the mercy of Hades, Lord of the Underworld himself. To make them atone for what they've done, Hades forces the teens to become special-assignment Sirens, luring to the Underworld an individual whose unholy contract is up.

Finding that delicate balance between their fashion addiction and their new part-time job in the eternal hellfire biz turns out to be harder than Meg and Shar expected, especially when an entire pantheon of Greek deities decides to get involved. Then there's the matter of the fine print in their own contracts...

The Short Story? –You can tell it’s going to be a glamorous read by its Tiffany blue cover! A funny and cute debut that’s bound to make you laugh out loud. Bennardo and Zaman has written a novel like no other! Fantastic characters, beautifully written, well-planned and a plot filled with crazy wonderful things! Fashion is about to get downright dirty.

The Long Story? – I’ve read plenty of YA debuts this year and they were all pretty good but some were just better than others. Sirenz was definitely one of the better debuts I’ve this year. As I mentioned, it’s Greek Mythology with an extra sparkle. Very funny, very cute and very dramatic. Who knew Gods and Goddess’ could be such prima donnas? Well-written, comfortable to read and a glamorous storyline, I read Sirenz cover to cover. One to be enjoyed by readers of all ages, if you’re a fashion fanatic looking for a new read – pick Sirenz, it’s the new “it” book.

Sirenz is told from the alternating perspectives of Shar and Meg – two frenemies. My guess would be that Bennardo wrote through one character and Zaman wrote through another (Charlotte – Shar and Natalie – Meg…maybe? Did I get it right?). I love books that are told from different characters so instant brownie points. What I really loved about the characterization is that Shar and Meg are so different yet they can work past their differences to eliminate a “common enemy”. Both characters are funny, brave, adorable and quirky yet they are so different. It’s almost like Bennardo and Zaman has worked little bits of their own personality into these characters. Well developed and likeable, without Shar and Meg, this debut wouldn’t be the same. Another thing I like about the characterization was the Gods and Goddess’, Bennardo and Zaman decided to ditch the Good Samaritan act and have created these prima donna divine figures. Designer clad (kind of bitchy) Goddess’, sleazy (but badass) Gods – it’s like the creators of the world have swapped personalities with the cast of Gossip Girl. I love it! Very original!

It goes without saying that I strongly recommend that everyone single one of you, go to the nearest book shop (or Book Depo) and buy yourself a copy! It’s a guaranteed good read, very funny and cute, one that contemporary and rom-com lovers will enjoy equally as much has the paranormal crowd. Beautifully written, I look forward to reading more of Bennardo and Zaman’s writing. Sirenz is an original debut that will leave you in laugher!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Fury

Review Time! Fury by Elizabeth Miles is a 2011 YA Debut. The novel was released last month is Australia and do yourself a favor and get a copy from your nearest bookshelf ASAP! It’s not just a pretty cover… Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Sometimes sorry isn't enough....



It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...


Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.


On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.


The Short Story? – A dark and seductive debut that will leave you craving for more! Dangerous, dark and sinister, Miles has written a captivating story about revenge, regret and karma. Fury will leave you sitting on the edge of your seats. A heart-pounding tale filled with the fear of the supernatural, a new twist on Greek Mythology. Fury will grab you by the next and never let you go.

The Long Story? – I was a little confused by the plot, it was fantastic but for such a complex build-up the ending was really, really simple. I thought there would be a little more to the novel but Fury was really just about bad karma. I can see that from the ending that the sequel would be much bigger and dramatic so I’m really looking forward to the second book in this seductive series. Fury was filled with mystery and this dark atmosphere. It was well planned and well written, it had just the right touch of suspense and it was just fantastic. With this debut, the line between reality and the supernatural was blurred. It’s a not a very heavy paranormal - if that makes sense. It’s rather realistic and the Furies just symbolize sweet revenge which is a truth. Definitely a debut that both paranormal and non-paranormal readers will enjoy!

For the characterization, we started with two main characters. Em and Chase – it’s almost like two different stories but their lives overlap slightly. As the novel progresses, their stories slowly become one until near the end when we end up with only one protagonist. It’s rather clever how Miles have portrayed Em and Chase. She has given them this innocence as if they are not fully aware of how serious their sins are. They’re both likeable characters so I really didn’t like to see them on the wrong side of Furies. I honestly thought Em and Chase were going to end up together and battle the Furies as a couple BUT that didn’t happen – the ending was pretty good though! I liked how Miles have worked the Furies in as important characters and not as just “prop”, she has given them personality and physical characteristics so that each girl is her own character – very clever! Overall a very good cast!

For readers who like their novels a little dark and sinister, Fury is not to be missed! A seductive debut filled with beautiful writing and prose. A captivating plot and a unique cast. Fury is deliciously dangerous and a little terrifying. One to keep your eyes out for, Miles has entered the YA community with a bang. Sweet revenge has never looked hotter!

Rating – 5/5


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

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

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

Blood Magic

Review Time! Blood Magic by Tessa Gratton is a 2011 YA Debut, I’ve kept an eye on this one since December last year when I went Debutante hunting for my event. Witchcraft isn’t something I usually read (unless it’s Harry Potter) but Blood Magic sounded so intriguing! Thanks to Random House for the ARC!

(Goodreads) For Nick Pardee and Silla Kennicot, the cemetery is the center of everything.

Nick is a city boy angry at being forced to move back to the nowhere town of Yaleylah, Missouri where he grew up. He can’t help remembering his mom and the blood magic she practiced – memories he’s tried for five years to escape. Silla, though, doesn’t want to forget; her parents’ apparent murder-suicide left her numb and needing answers. When a book of magic spells in her dad’s handwriting appears on her doorstep, she sees her chance to unravel the mystery of their deaths.

Together they plunge into the world of dark magic, but when a hundred-year-old blood witch comes hunting for the bones of Silla’s parents and the spell book, Nick and Silla will have to let go of everything they believe about who they are, the nature of life and death, and the deadly secrets that hide in blood
 
 The Short Story? – A fresh take on witchcraft! Original and captivating, fans of all things paranormal will love this debut! A dark and enticing plot, a protagonist with a haunted past and a romance that’s like no other. A thrilling novel with a brilliant narrative voice, a fantastic debut!

The Long Story? – To be honest, my final thought about the book is still a jumble. You should definitely read it because it’s a really great book but for me I felt as if it didn’t meet my expectations. There was all this hype about the book and so when I read it, it’s was brilliant but I was kind of expecting more. I think I’m just over thinking it because this was a fantastic debut!

My main problem was the plot. I felt all the suspense and mystery was excellent but the action was all bunched into the last 50 pages of the book and for a book with 400 pages, I felt that there should have been a little more evenly spread. Perhaps two big heart-pounding moments instead of one. It was well-written and a fantastic flow though and the final showdown was amazing, grip-the-edge-of-the-seat-amazing. I also like how Gratton has worked all this mystery, suspense and secrets into the novel, they acted has little hooks that didn’t let you go! I stayed up past my bedtime (not that I “really” have one) to finish this novel, the ending is really is brilliant! If not for anything else, you should definitely read this book because it’s got an ending that will rock your world! :P Also the romance is to die for, Silla and Nick are probably one of the cutest couples I’ve met this year. Small town, girl who took a turn for the worse, new guy in town, loves her for who she is and not who she used to be. Filled with sizzling kisses, romance junkies will approve!

The characterization is great. Gratton has written the novel so that the story alternates between being told from Silla’s perspective to Nick’s perspective, therefore by the end of the novel we know both of them pretty well. I especially liked Silla’s character, she was a great protagonist – her and Nick both were – but there was depth to her. She wasn’t what readers wanted her to be, she was flawed and she wasn’t afraid to admit that she’s torn by the grief of her parent’s death. She was strong and kind and I really loved her character. Nick was hilarious, he was such a boy! Sarcastic, proud and lots of attitude but you just got to love the boy, he really was just so funny! He also had this sweet and kind nature that came out when he was with Silla and I liked that, he was someone who didn’t have to put on a show for his girlfriend because he wanted to be himself with her. Reese, Silla’s brother was also a fantastic character, the novel probably wouldn’t have been the same without him and I’m sad he didn’t’ get a happy ending!

In a nutshell – Blood Magic is really something. It’s interesting, it’s engrossing and it’s got a fantastic romance. The characters are great, I loved both Silla and Nick. Gratton has a very unique YA voice and she writes brilliantly in a male’s perspective (so good that I think she should write more books from a guy’s perspective). Again, the action was great, I just wished that it wasn’t all bunched together at the end, although if it was spread out over the course of the book, it probably wouldn’t have had the same effect. For lovers of the supernatural, Blood Magic is one that you would want to check out!

Rating – 4/5

Badass Bookie xx

Hunting Lila

Review Time! Hunting Lila written by Sarah Alderson is a 2011 YA Debut. I hadn’t heard anything about this one before it arrived unexpected on my doorstep, I’ve seen the cover floating around here and there but I never took the initiative to Google the blurb ;) Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the review copy!

(Goodreads) 17-year-old Lila has two secrets she's prepared to take to the grave. The first is that she can move things just by looking at them. The second is that she's been in love with her brother's best friend, Alex, since forever. Or thereabouts.After a mugging on the streets of South London goes horribly wrong and exposes her unique ability, Lila decides to run to the only people she can trust - her brother and Alex. They live in Southern California where they work for a secret organisation called The Unit, and Lila discovers that the two of them are hunting down the men who murdered her mother five years before. And that they've found them. Trying to uncover the truth of why her mother was killed, and the real remit of The Unit, Lila becomes a pawn in a dangerous game. Struggling to keep her secrets in a world where nothing and no one is quite as they seem, Lila quickly realises that she is not alone - there are others out there just like her - people with special powers -and her mother's killer is one of them...

The Short Story? – Absolutely amazing! Hunting Lila is not only one of my favourite debuts of the year but one of my favourite books all time! I love it! Exciting, engrossing and action-packed, Hunting Lila is supernatural thriller that’s mind-blowing! Fantastic characters, edgy and original plot and a refreshing YA voice! This one’s a must read!

The Long Story? – I honestly had no idea about the novel before it turned up on my doorstep, I had no knowledge about the book besides the fact that the cover is rather striking. It’s wasn’t until I read the Media Release did the first seeds of interest plant themselves in my head. ‘With X-men-style talents, hot action and even hotter boys’ …see how good it sounds!

The plot was amazing! It’s original, fast-paced, action-packed and intriguing! It’s starts of a little slowly but it soon picks up before turning into a grip-the-edge-of-chair non-stop action filled storyline! There’s even a high speed chase (every good book needs a high speed chase right?) Add in some awesome fight scenes, some dirty secrets, supernatural powers and hot, sexy boys and you have… Hunting Lila! For fans of I Am Number Four, Superheroes and action-packed novels with a great romance Hunting Lila is a must-read!

I think this is one of the few novels I have read where the ratio of male leads outnumber the female leads. So the main protagonist is a girl, her name is Lila and she’s got special powers. I always get these confused but she’s either Telekinetic (I think it’s this one) or Telepathic. The whole novel is based around this superhuman ability of hers and how it leads her to escape to California where she find her brother and the love her life (and my life) Alex. Alex is everything, he’s hot, sexy, kind, considerate, smart, protective and ticks all the other requirements for perfect boyfriend material. I’m only highlighting two of the many great characters in the novel. It’s really a fabulous cast!

Sarah Alderson writes brilliant books for teens – fact. Sarah Alderson needs to finish the sequel to Hunting Lila ASAP – opinion. Alderson is a talented writer with a unique style and a strong YA voice. Her words are powerful and her writing is comfortable to read. The novel is a good length and what more can I say? I just want to gush on about how good it is!!!

Hunting Lila is a refreshingly original debut filled with superpowers, hot boys, non-stop action and a high speed car chase (sorta)! Well written, exciting, captivating and absolutely fantastic! I can’t wait to read the sequel to this astonishing debut! It’s a keeper :)

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Shift by Em Bailey

Review Time! Shift by Em Bailey is an Aussie ( *squeal*) YA 2011 Debut! I'm so excited to review this because I don't think many of you know about this book right? Well, just a heads up - it's amazing! Shift is released next month and thanks so much to Hardi Grant for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Olive Corbett is definitely NOT crazy.

Not anymore. These days she takes her meds like a good girl, hangs out with her best friend Ami, and stays the hell away from the toxic girls she used to be friends with.

She doesn’t need a boyfriend. Especially not a lifesaver-type with a nice smile. And she doesn’t need the drama of that creepy new girl Miranda, who has somehow latched on to Olive's ex-best friend.

Yet from a distance, Olive can see there's something sinister about the new friendship. Something almost... parasitic. Maybe the wild rumours ARE true. Maybe Miranda is a killer...

But who would believe Olive? She does have a habit of letting her imagination run away with her...

The Short Story? - A mind-blowing debut! Seriously, my own level of enjoyment took me by surprise but this is seriously one heck of a good book! A psychological thriller that will haunt you long after the last page! For lovers of all things mystery and suspense! Excellent plot, fantastic characters and well-written. Edgy and original, Shift by Em Bailey is one of my favourite debuts of the year!

The Long Story? - This took me completely by surprise. It's one of those hidden treasures that I left on the shelf for too long, should have read this ages ago! I was surprised to find that I actually really, really, enjoyed this novel! Would definitely recommend everyone to check it out! Mind-blowing!

I loved the plot, loved it so so so much. It was exciting, edgy, original and had this dark appeal to it. I'm not a huge fan of psychological thrillers although I have read a few good ones but Shift was amazing. A novel filled with mystery, suspense and a touch of paranormal. A novel that will haunt your thoughts long after the last page, mind-bending story line! I don't know how Bailey comes up with all this stuff but it's pure genius! I was hooked onto every word and couldn't get enough. A captivating novel about friendship, betrayal, deception, loss and grief.

The characters were great! Fantastic characterisation! Olive is a nut case, she's mentally troubled but she's kind, witty and quirky. Miranda, is slightly disturbing, a real mystery. No one really knows who she is but she's popular, beautiful and just not quite normal. Bailey's developed her characters perfectly and portrayed them so that they all have captivating personalities! While the plot was brilliant without these characters to keep it going, I would have lost interest. The character's were essential, they're all well developed yet they hold this air of secrecy and mystery. They all have their dirty secrets that don't want to be found. Very intriguing cast!

Bailey's writing was another highlight of the novel. I look forward to reading more of Bailey's work as she sure can write! Her words flow nicely together, it's a comfortable pace and the language is easy to understand. Her narrative voice is strong and enticing, I was hanging onto every word! Very, very well-written, this is one of those rare novel where the plot, the characters and the writing are all excellent! Definitely one not to be missed!

Shift is a psychological thriller that's both engrossing and chilling. A novel where the line between reality and fantasy is blurred and readers are kept guessing. Mind-bending plot that's highly original and intriguing characters that give 'air of mystery' a whole new definition. Wonderfully written, exciting, edgy, dark and filled with mystery and suspense. Shift is a remarkable debut!

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

Clarity

Review Time! Clarity by Kim Harrington is a 2011 YA Debut, I quite sure that most of you have read it or at least heard of it? I was very excited to receive an ARC from Scholastic and since I just finished it ten minutes ago, my thoughts are still buzzing around my head! Thanks to Scholastic for the copy!

(Goodreads) Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift.


And a curse.


When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most
 
 The Short Story? – A thrilling murder mystery! Original, captivating and well-written, Harrington has written a debut like no other. Combining elements of the supernatural with mystery and suspense, Clarity was engrossing, exciting and edgy. A remarkable debut, this one is for fans of The Body Finder!

The Long Story? – The blurb on the back of the ARC didn’t really give much away about the novel, I was under the impression that Clarity was a paranormal romance from the non-spoiler reviews I have read. I was totally of the mark, it’s a thriller/murder mystery something that’s not very YA and the only other series I can think that’s remotely close is The Body Finder.

The plot was different – in a good way. It’s very original and it’s a novel that can be enjoyed by everyone because it’s not quite paranormal but it’s not quite contemporary either, it’s somewhere in the middle and throw in a murder (or murders) and you have a winner! Harrington’s debut is exciting, full of mystery and suspense and it’s a page-turner. It’s one of those books where you’re dragged into the novel, put in the protagonist’s shoes and experiencing the events yourself. You’re driving yourself made wondering who the murderer could be, who the liar is and who’s telling the truth. I was hanging onto every word, flicking the pages faster and barely stopped myself from peeking at the end. Fantastic from start to finish, fast-paced and dangerous!

The characters were really well developed. Clare (Clarity) was a fantastic protagonist. I felt I could connect to her from the very beginning and her personality really makes it hard not to love her. She’s strong, confident, a little sarcastic and funny. She’s got a lot of strength and courage, very well developed and portrayed. Justin, one of our love interest (yes, it’s a love triangle but it’s one of the good love triangles where you’re not constantly annoyed at them) is an absolute sweetie, I admit at the start I wasn’t all that much of a fan (boo hiss for cheaters) but over the course of the novel, he really proved himself worthy and now I swoon a little every time he talks! Gabriel (what an sexy name) is the night to Justin’s day, he’s got the bad boy thing down pact and while I love the bad boys, Justin really stole my heart in this one! Minor characters – Nate, Perry and even Tiffany- were all very unique in their own way and they are all a great bunch of people I would love to meet!

Harrington’s got a fantastic narrative voice. Best thing? She actually sounds like she’s sixteen, this is how teenagers talk and she’s got the attitude in a nutshell! Sarcasm mixed with humor, it’s really one of the best narrative voices I’ve read! It’s not that it’s strong or forceful but it’s so realistic, I felt myself being pulled into the novel! It’s something many authors never perfect but Harrington’s got this one in the bag, talking like a teenager? Check.

Clarity is a remarkable debut like no other! What do get when you cross a little seaside town with three murders that go unexplained? A gripping thriller that leaves you reading way past your bed-time! Exciting, fast-paced and dangerous, Clarity is an epic page-turner!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Enclave

Review Time! Enclave is a 2011 YA Debut written by Ann Aguirre. It's a post-apocalyptic/ dystopian novel and it was definitely one of my most anticipated reads of the year! Thanks to Ann Aguirre for sending me a signed copy!

(Goodreads) Welcome to the Apocalypse. In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.


As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

The Short Story? - For fans of The Hunger Games and Divergent, here comes the next big thing! Exciting, edgy and addictive, Enclave is your Friday Night Entertainment packed into a neat 260 pages novel! Fast-paced and original. Enclave is a remarkable debut that should be read by all!

The Long Story? - Enclave had me from the start. I like dystopian novels but it's the post-apocalyptic/ survival-based that's the cherry on top. From the moment I read the blurb, I just knew I had to read Enclave! It was everything I thought it would be and more! Fantastic, one of my favourite dystopian novels of the year!

With dystopian, every setting is different but when it comes to originality, I usually find it very lacking. They all pretty much sum up to the same thing, freedom to love, to think, to be who they are. In turn this air of depression falls over the whole novel. Enclave was different. Yes, there was the key element of longing for freedom and the unknown but there was more to the plot then that. There was a beginning, a crisis and then there was ending. It was a layered plot that was more than just ' I want freedom, oh hot boy, help me fight for freedom'. Exciting. edgy and a fantastic page-turner, I was hanging onto every word!

The characters were great! Deuce ( who's name is great) is one of the best characters I have encountered. Following in the footsteps of Katniss Everdeen, Deuce is a strong heroine who refuses to let gender get in her way of doing great things! She's someone I've grown to admire, her choices reflect on her kind nature and she's fearless. Fade is a great love interest, he's got the whole 'air of mystery' surrounding him and he's smexy ;P Plus the love romantic development only draws the reader further and further into the story! Stalker was the third part of a cleverly crafted love triangle. I can't wait to see where the romance leads the three of them in the next book!

Overall, Enclave was the perfect read for a night in! Quick, exciting and lots of sizzling romantic tension, what more can a girl ask for? A beautifully crafted post-apocalyptic world, a life or death situation and a novel about hardship, survival, freedom and love. Fantastic plot, great characters and well-written, Enclave is one not to be missed, for lovers of all things Dystopian! The next big thing after The Hunger Games, here comes Enclave!

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

The Girl in the Steel Corset

Review Time! The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross is a 2011 YA debut, it’s steampunk and set in the 1800’s ( double *fist pump*) I would like to thank Harlequin Teen for sending me a review copy and Rachel @ Fiktshun for sending me a hardcover copy!

(Goodreads) In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the thing inside her.



When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch.


Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.


Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.


But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her
 
The Short Story? – This book is so awesome that I have it in both paperback and hardback. Clockwork Angel meets The Luxe, it’s the best of both worlds! All the glam The Luxe and all the handsome young man and supernatural action of Clockwork Angel. Witty, exciting and swoon-worthily romantic. Un-put-downable, stunning debut, this is the ultimate page-turner.

The Long Story? – Why in the name of Books didn’t I read this one earlier? Why? Why? Why? I’m kicking for myself for leaving this one on my shelf for so long, I loved it. From the start to the end, it was fantastic! I can’t pin it on one thing that made me love it but there is something different about The Girl in the Steel Corset that makes it hard not to love.

One of the best plots I have read this year. It’s not really paranormal and yet there is this supernatural vibe going on. There is this logical explanation behind all the supernaturalnous of the whole novel that it’s somewhere between historical contempt and historical paranormal, closer to the latter. I’ve read many brilliant, brilliant books this year but The Girl in the Steel Corset was different, there was a purpose. It can be easily seen that a lot of planning went into the novel. All the threads that weaved throughout the novel were tied neatly together at the end except for the one that turned into the cliff-hanger ending. It wasn’t just a love story, it wasn’t one of those novels that were badly planned where the author went ‘Oh, I almost forgot to put a conflict in, let me just slotted in here’ It was neat and clever and brilliant. Non-stop action, romantic tension and badass characters.

As far as characterization goes, it’s like reading about superheroes, which I guess in a way they are. They’re crime-stoppers with super-human abilities (or intelligence …or both). Finley, our protagonist is my new best friend. Absolutely loved this girl, she was strong, clever, shy at times and brave. She was a badass heroine. Emily is too smart for me to describe but she’s completely adorable. Sam is Sam ( you’ll understand once you read the book) and my two gorgeous boys Griffin and Jack share my affection. Best love triangle I have ever read, I can’t even pick a side which how awesome the romance is. So much tension and so many *swoon* worthy moments :P

Cross’s writing is fantastic. Very strong narrative voice and it’s quite engrossing, I couldn’t put it down, it was addictive! Comfortable writing style and easy to read language, it’s a novel for all lovers of fiction. A great novel and a fantastic genre!

This book is made of awesome pretty much sums it all up. Do yourself a favor and pick up not only one but two copies of the book because you need a copy to read over and over again and another to stick on your shelf and admire :P Brilliant, original, witty and an absolute page-turner. The Girl in the Steel Corset is a stunner of a debut and I can’t wait to read the next book!

Rating – 6/5

Badass Bookie xx

Flawless

Review Time! My hiatus is over today! I’m back for another week of reviews and discussion posts and Debut of the Month which starts this Friday! Flawless by Lara Chapman is a 2011 YA Debut and a big thank-you goes to Bloomsbury for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Sarah Burke is just about perfect. She's got killer blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, and impeccable grades. There's just one tiny-all right, enormous-flaw: her nose. But even that's not so bad. Sarah's got the best best friend and big goals for print journalism fame.



On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking?

This hip retelling of Cyrano de Bergerac is filled with hilariously misguided matchmaking, sweet romance, and a gentle reminder that we should all embrace our flaws.


The Short Story? – A cute, funny, quirky read! Brilliant plot, great characters and the perfect read for a night in or a day at the beach! Fantastic re-telling of Cyrano de Bergera. Beautifully written and highly addictive, Flawless is a debut for all to enjoy!

The Long Story? – Besides paranormal romance, my favourite thing to read is cute, funny contemporary love stories with a guaranteed happy ending and they’re actually pretty hard books to find. We have plenty of contemporary love stories out there but are they all well-written? No, most of them are silly and embarrassing and you spend almost as much time putting it down as you do reading it. Luckily Flawless wasn’t one of those.

The plot was cute and funny and right down my alley. I’ve read a few reviews saying they didn’t like the plot, mentioning that it was too predictable. Flawless was predictable and the ending was pretty easy to guess but I really think the author wanted to include the clichés in plot, I do think it was all planned. I personally thought the plot was brilliant, for me it wasn’t about how predictable the ending was but more about how the author tends to write the rest of the book leading up to the ending and Chapman did it brilliantly. It was funny, it was cute and it was a “light” read, full of romance and girl drama. It’s a novel that every girl would love to read. Hot guys, friendship dramas and full of romance, Flawless is the ultimate read for girls!

The characterization was fantastic! Our protagonist Sarah was one of my favourite characters to meet this year. She was fun, smart, loyal and hard-working. She wants people to accept her for who she is and even when she knows life would be easier if she got a nose job (yes, her nose really sounds pretty big). She was easy to love and I would definitely want a friend like her. Rock, our love interest was absolutely amazing, it was love at first sight for me too! Smart, sexy and the biggest cutie ever, I can totally see why Sarah’s head over heels in love with him. I had some trouble with Kirsten, we didn’t really manage to bond til the very end. I found her selfish, inconsiderate and annoying most of the time, I kind of thought of her as the villain, even though she was the best friend but in the end it became obvious that she really was a good friend. Friendship is a really big factor in the novel and it’s something we all can relate to!

Another one of my favourite things about the novel was the writing. Chapman is a fantastic author, her narrative voice was funny and comfortable and it’s so “teen”. She has a great way of words and it’s so easy to read Flawless because the words just flow. I was hanging onto every word and craving for more even after the very last page. Brilliant new talent and I look forward to reading what she has install for us next!

Flawless is definitely a novel I would recommend everyone to check out sometime soon, it’s a really quick read and it’s so comfortable that it becomes highly addictive. Cute, funny and awfully romantic, it’s a novel everyone would love! Lovers of Anna and the French Kiss and The Lonely Hearts Club would love this! Brilliant, Flawless is a truly fantastic debut!

Rating – 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

The Goddess Test

Review Time! The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter is a 2011 YA Debut based around Greek Mythology, which is becoming quite a trend now isn’t it? The Goddess Test will be released in Australia in August, thank-you to Harlequin Teen for the ARC and for US readers, go get yourself a copy!

(Goodreads) It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

The Short Story? – A beautiful debut centred around the popular Greek Myth of Hades and Persephone. Edgy, exciting and engrossing. A brilliant plot about love, betrayal and sacrifice filled with mystery and suspense. Strong, unique narrative voice and a wonderful cast of characters. One of the best romances I have read this year!

The Long Story? – I was very excited to read this! I have this fascination with Greek Mythology and I was actually going to buy myself a copy of The Goddess Test when the lovely people at Harlequin sent me an ARC! High expectations were met and before I go on to blabber about how amazing this was, I CAN’T WAIT FOR GODDESS INTERUPPTED!!!

The blurb pretty much explains the novel in a nutshell. Hades or Henry is looking for a new bride and Kate is to take the Goddess Test because she wants to save her mother, the prize is immortality and so far no one has succeeded. You either succeed or you die trying to succeed. It’s a brilliant plot, very exciting and unpredictable, filled with dark secrets, twists and turns. It could have easily been a YA thriller is not for the Greek Mythology tie-in. An easy pace and a great balance between action and romance. Lovers of paranormal as well as contemporary would love this. Very original not like any other novel I have read. Great ending. It’s plot that leaves readers wanting for more. I actually turned the last page and went ‘that’s it? But we’re just getting to the good bit!”

My favourite part of the novel would be the characterisation. Very clever of Carter to include all the Olympians into the novel but by giving them different names, readers don’t know who’s who til the very end. I kind of gave it away for myself when I read the list of Gods first before reading the novel. So the appeal of guessing which characters was which God was lost. Nevertheless, it was different and interesting to see what personalities and physical appearances Carter gave each of the characters. Very well developed and portrayed, I do think I’ve fallen in love with half of the Gods. Great cast.

One of the other things I that I really enjoyed was the romance. It played quite a major role in the novel, it’s a love story. We read all about the undeniable attraction between Henry and Kate but obstacles in their way stop them from being together. I’m probably making it sound very clichéd but it’s actually one of the best and more original love stories I have read in YA fiction. It’s not a marketed romance, it’s one for all to enjoy, especially romance junkies like me :P

If I had to describe The Goddess Test in three words they’ll be – beautiful, romantic and captivating. It’s a novel that you simply can’t put down, I read it til the early hours of the morning and suffered from a headache the next day but it was totally worth it. Carter is a brilliant new YA voice and I look forward to reading more of her work. Refreshingly original, engrossing storyline and a romance that leaves you wanting more. The Goddess Test is one for all to enjoy.

Rating -5/5

Badass Bookie xx

In the Arms of Stone Angels

Review Time! I'm really excited to review this one because I haven't seen all that many reviews for this book! In the Arms of Stone Angels written by Jordan Dane is a 2011 YA Debut! The US cover is different ( this one is prettier :P)! A big thank-you to Harlequin Teen for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Two years ago Brenna did the unthinkable. She witnessed the aftermath of a murder and accused her only true friend — the first boy she ever loved — of being a killer.


Now sixteen, Brenna returns to Oklahoma only to discover that Isaac ‘White Bird’ Henry isn’t in juvie. The half-breed outcast is in a mental hospital, frozen in time, locked in his mind at the worst moment of his life. When Brenna touches him, she’s pulled into his hellish vision quest, seeing terrifying demons and illusions she doesn’t understand.


Feeling isolated and alone, Brenna’s up against the whole town: targeted by bullying former classmates, a bigoted small town sheriff and a tribe who refuses to help one of their own.


But when Brenna realises she’s as trapped by the past as White Bird is, this time she won’t turn her back on him. She’s the only one who can free them both. Even if she has to expose her secret — a ‘gift’ she’s kept hidden her whole life

The Short Story? - A psychological thriller with a paranormal twist. Refreshingly original, eerily beautiful and emotionally raw. In the Arms of Stone Angels is a remarkable debut that will stay with you long after the last page. A tear-jerker, a mystery and a murder that tore two friends -two lovers- apart. Pretty Little Liars but more about emotions and less about designer clothes!

The Long Story? - It wasn't what I thought it would be. Honestly I was thinking more paranormal romance but I really loved how it turned out to be. It's nicer the way it is, more original and less clichéd. I've never actually read a psychological thriller before but I really enjoyed this one. In the Arms of Stone Angels is a novel I would recommend to everyone and anyone. It's doesn't get enough attention.

The plot was brilliant. It's a rather slow paced novel but it fits with the novel, it was easier to keep up with what was going on and believe me, there was alot going on. It's a murder mystery and basically Brenna is trying to find out what really happened two years ago. It's unpredictable and exciting, lots of suspense and heart pounding moments. However the murder mystery is really only half of the plot, the other half is an emotional journey Brenna takes to find herself and what's important to her. I wouldn't actually say it's a paranormal because the only thing paranormal about it is Brenna ability to see ghosts and the American Indian aspects of it. It's a novel for contemporary lovers looking for something new.

The characterisation is well thought out and Dane has managed to create some diversity in her characters cast. Our love interest and the 'heart' of the novel is a boy called 'White Bird' or Isaac Henry and he's American Indian. The latter part of the novel is heavily based around American Indian culture and it's all very different because authors are using characters with different background more often as minor characters but to make a main character not 'white' it's quite admirable and respectful. Our protagonist Brenna is someone I grew to really like. She's strong and capable but she's trapped under all this guilt that she can't move on, as the novel progresses we see slight changes in her personality and she's really grows to be someone confident and mature. Fantastic characterisation.

Last but not least, I would like to talk about Dane's writing. One of the best written YA novels I have read. Deeply moving, almost lyrical words stringed together, creating a unique and beautiful narrative voice. Easy to read and comfortable sentence structure Dane has one of the most beautiful YA voices I have read yet.

One of the best debuts I have read this year, beautiful, captivating, moving and breathtaking. In the Arms of Stone Angels is a novel about overcoming guilt, finding who you are and learning how to love again. This one’s a keeper.

Rating – 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

Winter's Shadow

Review Time! So I know all I have been posting lately are reviews but I'm seriously behind on them and it's killing me to see the review stack grow higher and higher. This will be my fifth consecutive review BUT tomorrow starts Debut of the Month and to make it up to you guys, I have two Debut Authors and NINE (9) books to giveaway! Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Blake Duchamp... He's all that Winter Adams can think of. Ever since their fateful meeting at Pilgrim's Lament. Ever since he looked at her with those emerald eyes. Ever since he saved her life.


But Blake isn't all that he seems. There is a strangeness about him, something dark and otherworldly. Something dangerous. In his attic is a secret he would kill to defend, but Winter seems to have a special ability to make him forget his duty. And he is her only protection against the gathering darkness.


The only problem is, to protect Winter, Blake must risk exposing her to an even greater danger. Himself

The Short Story ? - A remarkable debut! An original paranormal romance that will leave your heart aching for more. Beautifully written, a dark and captivating plot and fantastic characters that you will grow to love! M.J.'s debut is a master piece that will stay with you long after the last page! A paranormal romance you wouldn't want to miss!

The Long Story ? - Can I point out the M.J. is a guy? And that he's written Winter's Shadow from the perspective of a girl? To add that he's actually written a decent novel, fantastic actually! I'm quite biast in thinking that guys can't write well in perspectives of girls but M.J. has definitely proved me wrong! Not only is his novel captivating but the words he puts to paper are simply wonderful, enticing and makes you want to read on and on. He has a great YA voice and a unique writing style that is  very memorable. I actually though M.J. was a girl to begin with! ( Yes, that's just how ninja skilled he is)

While the blurb might suggest something along the lines of Twilight, I really couldn't make the connection and I'm always looking for flaws in novels. Yes, the novel has the 'love at first sight with the paranormal twist' element but Blake is definitely not a vampire and  I personally liked the romance in Winter's Shadow better than Twilight. However the romance is still developing and I would like to see where Winter and Blake's passionate, undeniable love for each other goes in the sequel. It's a rather slow paced novel but it's got a nice flow to it ( not boring though) and to an extent quite normal. Contemporary lovers might find this one in their taste.

The characters were well developed. Just to clear thing's up, Winter is actually our protagonist. Blake is the love of her life and hides a dark secret, brownie points for M.J. for picking something paranormal that hasn't been written about. I actually grew to like Winter very much, she's sweet and brave but more than anything she's real, she's believable. A nice cast of minor characters, some who annoyedme while others I found entertaining.

Winter's Shadow is a romance you wouldn't want to miss! Dark, haunting and beautiful, it's unforgettable and amazing! A fresh take on the paranormal, a guy writing as a girl and a romance that gives love a whole new meaning! A remarkable debut! M.J. is Australian too :P

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

Angelfire

Review Time! Angelfire written by Courtney Alison Moulton is a 2011 YA Debut, that I've been dying to read! I read it a few weeks ago but I'm lazy and slack and haven't bothered to review it til now :P I would like to thank Shannon @ Stalking in Bookshelves for sending me a lovely hard covered copy for April RAK! Oh! And counting this towards my Bucket List Challenge.

(Goodreads) When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.


A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.


While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember.

The Short Story ? - A fantastic debut! Fast-paced and action-packed, one of the most adventurous novels I have read! Brilliant characters, gripping plot and beautifully written. Angelfire is a paranormal debut you wouldn't want to miss! Looking for a summer read? You found one!

The Long Story ? - I was absolutely thrilled to find this book waiting for me on my doorstep, it's one of the debuts that I've had my eyes on for a long time. I initially heard about this novel from Kristi @ The Story Siren who plans the 2011 Debut Author challenge. Thanks again to Shannon for the RAK ;)

The plot would probably be the highlight for me. It was a rather slow start but for the novel to flow well and for readers to understand what's going on, it was necessary. I sometimes feel that paranormals are the hardest books to write because not only do you have to tell a story but you have to explain the story behind the story as well. In this case, the story behind the story was told at the start. So after we all warmed up to the idea of Angels and Demons, we're pretty much taken on a roller coaster ride. Non.Stop.Action. I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat! Lot's of action, lot's of fighting and lots of romance! You'll never get bored with this one!

The characterisation very well-developed. Our protagonist, Ellie, was badass enough to be my sister! On a emotional level I can really understand some of the stress and pain Ellie goes through as she decides between wanting a normal life and saving the world from evil, she's a strong heroine that I've grown to admire. Will, her smexy guardian is exactly that, sexy as hell! He's got the protective streak down pact as well as the good looks, hopefully we get to see more of Ellie and Will's blossoming romance in the sequel ( Wings of the Wicked)

Overall, Angelfire is an extraordinary debut that I would strongly recommend to lovers of action and paranormal. Even if you don't normally read paranormal, I encourage to check this one out! I prefer to read paranormal romance that's more romance than paranormal but this action-save the world stuff is really great too! Kick-ass plot, fantastic characters and beautifully written!

Rating - 4/5 ( I would have like to see a little more romance, personal thing so don't let it stop you from reading this awesome debut!)

Badass Bookie xx