Poison Princess

Review Time! The Poison Princess is the first book in The Arcana Chronicles by Kresley Cole, the best selling author the Immortals After Dark series. This is a 2012 YA Debut which was how the novel initially caught my eye ( that and the gorgeous cover!). You can purchase a copy of the book from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the review copy!

(Goodreads) She could save the world—or destroy it.

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.

But she can’t do either alone.

With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?

Who can Evie trust?

As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

The Short Story? - Story started out a little slowly and cliched but when things picked up, they really PICKED UP. Interesting concept of combining legends of the tarot cards with a post apocalyptic zombie tale. When the characters moved past the initial stereotypical personalities and developed as individuals, they became absolutely brilliant. The Poison Princess is a novel that takes time to ease in but overall very enjoyable and unique! I really enjoyed it!

The Long Story? - This is one of those books that you either love or hate. I've read a lot of raving reviews about it and a lot of DNF recounts and I can see where both sides are coming from because for a while I thought I was going to put the book down as well but I pushed through and I was rewarded with a phenomenal ending. I'm not going to lie, the start was really boring, really cliched and I didn't have a lot of respect for either Jackson or Evie but as the novel progressed the plot picked up, the became less shallow and more structured. There is a lot going on in the book and at the start, I had a hard time wrapping my head around it. It's a interesting concept but it's so complex to read this novel, you really need maximum concentration. The writing was pretty good and the ending was just mind-blowing. I can already see that book two is going to be better than book one so push through because it's definitely going to be worth it!

The characters started out a little too cliched. The rich cheerleader with the amazing boyfriend, good grades and everyone in her pocket meets the poor bad boy from the wrong side of town who also happens to be super good looking and a womanizer. I'm not one to shun books for being cliched but this is a little too far cliched so I was a little iffy about the characterisation. However once the story progressed and the characters started to develop, they started to grow on me. The further we got into the book, the more Evie started to develop and by the end she really was quite a badass. Jack, isn't your typical bad boy. For one, he is actually a BAD BOY meaning he is a jerk and he probably WOULD burn your house down and that was refreshing. The two of them have a strange relationship but there is no denying the chemistry between the two.

The Poison Princess is definitely one of those books that you either love or hate or love and hate. It's not the best book but I still think it's worth a read. While the start was a little boring, the ending was spectacular and I have no doubt that book 2 will be even more awesome! If you're looking for something different, give Poison Princess a go!

What's It Worth? - Squeeze Into the Budget/ Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Throne of Glass

Review Time! Published August 2nd, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is a 2012 YA Debut! There has been so much hype about Throne of Glass, I'm sure everyone has heard about it and if you're like me - I bet you're dying to get your hands on a copy! You can purchase a copy of the book from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy!

(Goodreads) In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind, but she made a fatal mistake: she got caught.

Young Captain Westfall offers her a deal: her freedom in return for one huge sacrifice. Celaena must represent the prince in a to-the-death tournament—fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lose, she is about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassin’s heart be melted?

The Short Story? - Maas doesn't fail to impress with her highly anticipated debut, Throne of Glass! Assassins, royalty, saving the kingdom and romance, Throne of Glass is an extraordinary debut with wonderful characters and a phenomenal plot. Beautifully written and set in a medieval world, where magic is banned and the king is evil, Throne of Glass is highly entertaining and exciting to read. I would definitely recommend this to fans of Graceling by Kristin Cashore!

The Long Story? - There has been quite a few mixed reviews about this book but *I* really liked Throne of Glass. Before writing this review, I read through some of the negative reviews and I don't agree with them because for me, Throne of Glass was fantastic! I loved the concept of the storyline, the assassin who must now fight for the very people who she hates to gain her freedom and Maas did a beautiful job turning this idea into words on paper. A beautifully told story packed with action and romance. I would have liked to see more world-building, Maas imagined this wonderful medieval world and it seemed like a shame that she didn't use the majority of it. I would have liked to see scenes that were set outside the castle but overall, still a great debut that I would highly recommend to fans of Graceling by Kristin Cashore!

The characterisation was good. Maas has set a solid foundation for her characters and I'm very intrigued to see where they progress from here. Celaena is the kind of girl I would love to call a friend, she's strong, quite quick tempered and unafraid to voice her opinions. She's a flirt and she loves to joke but underneath that, she's a lost girl and her journey to finding herself has so far been very captivating. Dorian reminded me of Archer from Fire by Kristin Cashore. He was a huge flirt but his heart was in the right place and his love for Celaena was quite obvious towards the end. Chaol, was amazing. There is just this air of mystery around him, he keeps to himself, he's ruggedly handsome and gruff, there was just something about him that made him more intriguing than Dorian. He was less polished and more realistic. I wouldn't call the romance a love triangle but it's probably the start of a love triangle, both boys clearly have feelings for Celaena and I'm keen to see who she chooses.

In a nutshell, Throne of Glass was thoroughly entertaining! I would definitely pick this up if you're a fan of Kristin Cashore or Maria V. Snyder or YA fantasy in general. Maas has written an extraordinary debut that will appeal to a wide audience. Beautifully written, fantastic characters and a captivating and engrossing plot that kept me entertained from start to finish. I can't wait to see where the story leads Celaena next. Two thumbs up!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Pushing the Limits

Review Time! Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry is a 2012 YA Debut! Released July 25th in Australia and August 3rd in US - this is probably one of my most anticipated YA contemporaries of 2012! The cover is just gorgeous and Badass Bookie is also featuring Katie has August Debut of the Month! You can purchase a copy of the book from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Dymocks. Thanks to Harlequin Teen for the review copy!

(Goodreads) No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with "freaky" scars on her arms. Even Echo can't remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking-hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo's world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she'll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again.

The Short Story? -  Pushing the Limits is a powerful contemporary that will stay with you long after the last page. McGarry's debut is a bittersweet romance about love, loss, grief and moving on. Two of the most beautifully developed characters, a plot the will bring tears to your eyes and a love story that will touch your heart - Pushing the Limits is a phenomenal debut! For fans of Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles, here comes another favourite!

The Long Story? - Pushing the Limits was completely amazing! This one is definitely in my top 5 contemporaries of the year! Since hearing about it earlier this year, I knew I was going to like but I didn't think I was going to like it THIS MUCH. McGarry is a remarkable writer, to be able to switch between gender perspectives and to do it so well - that's something. I absolutely adored the story line, McGarry has incorporated a little bit of everything into the plot and the outcome is a spectacular love story with so much depth, it hurt to read in parts. Everything from the complicated romance to the loss and grief felt by both characters was deeply moving and incredibly touching. Paired with McGarry's beautiful narrative voice and prose, Pushing the Limits couldn't have been more perfect! Definitely recommend this to anyone who's a fan of Perfect Chemistry by simon Elkeles. Bad boys, good girls and an epic romance - a must read!

The characterisation is definitely my favourite part of the novel! Both Echo ( lovely name!) and Noah were beautiful characters. Authentic teenagers, each dealing with problems of their own. Both characters were easy to connect with and reading the novel through their perspectives was just amazing! Echo is probably one of my favourite female protagonists of this year, she's been through so so so much and yet she overcomes her loses and learns to love again. She deals with so many issues that teens everywhere can relate such as dysfunctional families, the loss of a loved one and a low self esteem. This girl really has been through hell and still manages to come up on top! Noah is really the driving force behind Echo. He's such an amazing character and the love he feels for Echo is so evident even through the pages. The thing that sets Noah aside from the other bad boys of YA fiction is that he, himself has been through a terrible childhood yet he still manages to be Echo's rock. They're a brilliant couple and their love story is phenomenal!

Overall, Pushing the Limits is a very well-written YA contemporary. It's a nice balance between the fun and the serious which are my favourite types of contemporaries! McGarry is a beautiful writer with a narrative voice that really just shines. An excellent plot, a heart-warming romance and characters that are down-to-earth and completely amazing and loveable. I would definitely recommend Pushing the Limits to readers of YA looking for something beautiful and memorable!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck/ Break Out the Piggybank


Badass Bookie xx

Insignia

Review Time! Insignia by S.J. Kincaid is a 2012 YA Debut, released in July, this is probably one of my most anticipated debuts of the year. Not only has it already been optioned for film by FOX, the 3-book deal sold for a whooping 6 figures! You can purchase the book at The Nile | Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks | The Book Depository. Thanks to 5 Mile Press for the review copy!

(Goodreads) More than anything, Tom Raines wants to be important, though his shadowy life is anything but that. For years, Tom’s drifted from casino to casino with his unlucky gambler of a dad, gaming for their survival. Keeping a roof over their heads depends on a careful combination of skill, luck, con artistry, and staying invisible.

Then one day, Tom stops being invisible. Someone’s been watching his virtual-reality prowess, and he’s offered the incredible—a place at the Pentagonal Spire, an elite military academy. There, Tom’s instincts for combat will be put to the test, and if he passes, he’ll become a member of the Intrasolar Forces, helping to lead his country to victory in World War Three. Finally, he’ll be someone important: a superhuman war machine with the tech skills that every virtual-reality warrior dreams of. Life at the Spire holds everything that Tom’s always wanted—friends, the possibility of a girlfriend, and a life where his every action matters—but what will it cost him?

The Short Story? - A spectacular debut that will appeal to readers of all ages and genders! Kincaid's Insignia definitely lives up to it's reputation. With excellent world-building, a refreshingly young protagonist and a captivating and exciting plot - there is something in Insignia for everyone. Beautifully written novel with a prose that really makes the story flow, Insignia is a remarkable debut that gives true meaning to YA science fiction!

The Long Story? - I don't often mention books having the "wow-factor" in my reviews because they generally don't. Loving a book and it having "wow-factor" are two very different things. I can safely say that Insignia was one of those books with "wow-factor". Kincaid's debut just completely blew me away! It's one of those books that really stick with you after you finish it, the premise for the novel is just so unique and interesting and creative - I honestly wonder how anyone can come up with a plot like this. The world-building is excellent, it's more science fiction than dystopian but it is a futuristic YA  and the detail Kincaid puts in her description makes everything just so vivid in my mind. It's a very technologically advanced world and I'm mind blown by all these cool gadgets that's she's come up with. In terms of the plot itself, I really enjoyed it. There was action, drama, tension, a little bit of mystery and even some romance. Personally there were parts of the novel that I thought could have been sped up a little but looking at the big picture, it was quite amazing! REALLY AMAZING!

In terms of YA, the protagonist Tom is quite young. That was one of the aspects of the novel I was worried about, I find that while I have no trouble relating to characters of the opposite sex - age sometimes make them hard for me to sympathise with. I completely worried for nothing because I can't even imagine Insignia without Tom now! He was such a boy, the way he thinks, the way he speaks, his action everything just screamed GUY and that was okay! He was refreshingly different from other protagonist I have met through YA fiction. He was loyal, compassionate and a little fearless but he's also ruthless, hot headed and not exactly the best decision maker. I liked his flawed personality and he's daunting past. I just loved how much Tom grew up throughout Insignia. He's matured into a better version of who he started off as and that's what character development is! Very well done!

In a nutshell, I can't recommend this book enough! Insignia definitely has the "wow-factor", even if it's not your type of book - it's still worth checking out because the premise of this debut is just breathtakingly amazing. Kincaid's world-building leaves little to imagination and just brings these vivid images of a technology dominated world. Beautifully written, fanatic protagonist and an enjoyable plot. Insignia will keep you entertained from start to finish!

What's it Worth? - Break out the Piggybank


Badass Bookie xx

The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf

Review Time! Most of you would not have heard of this book because it's an Australia 2012 YA Debut! The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina published by Walker Books Australia this month is a MUST READ. You can purchase a copy of the book at Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy!

(Goodreads) The Reckoning destroyed civilisation. Rising from the ashes, some people have developed unique abilities, and society is scared of them. Guided by the ancient spirits of the land, Ashala Wolf will do anything to keep them safe. When Ashala is captured, she realises she has been betrayed by someone she trusted. When her interrogator starts digging in her memories for information, she doubts she can protect her people forever. Will the Tribe survive the interrogation of Ashala Wolf?

The Short Story? - This one took me by utter surprise. I still can't believe how much I enjoyed it! The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is definitely one of my favourite YA dystopians that I've read this year! Bringing YA dystopian together with elements of the Dreaming ( aboriginal legends), The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is a show of fresh talent with an authentic narrative voice and a intriguing plot! Kwaymullina's debut is absolutely breath-taking!

The Long Story? - To be honest I had no idea this was a dystopian YA. The blurb and title and cover are all so sneaky! I went into this novel expecting some kind of paranormal romance with a wolf pack. I WAS WRONG. The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is such a beautifully written story. The premise of the novel is quite unique as this dystopian society does have a supernatural touch. The "outlaws" are people who have been gifted with special talents. I also loved how the author brought some of her indigenous heritage into the novel. She has used parts of the Dreaming to explain the back story for the novel and she's also kind of incorporated australia in general into the novel which is something I loved! It's so unique and combined with the refreshingly authentic narrative voice, I definitely recommend this one to EVERYONE! The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is something special indeed!

The characterisation was great. Ashala Wolf was a unique character. Firstly, she was an indigenous australian and I really enjoyed that perspective of the novel as YA novels seem to never feature characters with different coloured skin tones. I also loved her personality. She was fierce, loyal, kind and more than anything readers can connect with her. The pain she has endured makes her more human, more like us. I also really liked Justin, initially he came off as a little bit of a jerk which I guess is how the author has chosen to portray him but as the novel progresses, I felt myself forming a bond with this beautiful boy! Other notable characters include Ember, Georgia and Jaz. All very wonderful characters!

In a nutshell, The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is definitely one novel you don't want to miss out on! Not only is it Aussie, it's dystopian WITH an australian twist! Fantastic characters, wonderful plot and beautifully written. Kwaymullina is a brilliant writer with a authentic and refreshingly YA voice, I can't wait to see what she has install for us next! The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is a phenomenal debut!


What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank


Badass Bookie xx

The Forsaken

Review Time! The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse is a 2012 YA Debut! It's also one of Badass Bookie's July Debut of the Month books! Check out Lisa's debutante profile HERE and win a copy of The Forsaken HERE (Int'l). AND if you're not going to leave it to chance you can purchase a copy of The Forksaken at The Nile | Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Lisa M. Stasse and Hachette for both review copies! :)

(Goodreads) As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up.

The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway.

The Short Story? - A fast-paced dystopian debut with something for everyone! The Forsaken is a brilliantly written dystopian with excellent world-building, an original and exciting plot and captivating characters that stay with you long after the last page! A brand new concept mixed with the much loved dystopian elements of YA fiction, The Forsaken is a memorable debut! Must-read!

The Long Story? - The Forsaken is definitely one of the most unique YA dystopians I've read. The premise is rather unique because why it does have a controlling government-like figure, the novel is more of a survival-based post apocalyptic YA. The story is set on an deserted island which kinda serves as a penal colony for teenagers who shows signs of rebellion against the government. On the island, the kids are split up into two groups. One group are devotees to the Monk ( a mysterious unknown man) and one group is "normal" and the "normal" group of teens are trying to find a way off the island. That's a little on the background, I absolutely loved the plot of the novel! It has been described as Lost meets Lord of the Flies but I can neither confirm nor deny because I haven't watched Lost or read Lord of the Flies. However, it's a very fast-paced, action-packed plot. It's quite a dangerous adventure that leaves your heart-pounding. Stasse has kinda incorporated the "and then there were none" element into The Forsaken so along the way, people die and others go missing or get taken. It's definitely one of the darker dystopians that I've read. I would highly recommend loves of Divergent or Enclave to read this one!

While Stasse introduces a lot of characters into the novel, the characterisation of these characters is rather brief. This is probably a good thing because along the way of their journey to freedom, a lot of them either a) die or b) get taken so forming an emotional bond with each and every one for them would probably cause you a lot of grief. However the characterisation of "main" characters was done really well. Alenna, our protagonist, went through one heck of a transformation. She really had toughen up to survive on the island and eventually she become a little bit of a leader. She was determined, level-headed and easy to connect with. Alenna lost her parents at a young age so she was pretty independent to begin with but getting put on the island really gave her a backbone. I adored her. Gadya was a great supporting character, feisty, quick temper and a lot of fun but in the end proved to be a loyal friend. There was a romance thread through the book but it wasn't even remotely important in the big picture. I personally thought the novel would probably have been better without. It was a little rushed and felt a little unnatural but the idea of Alenna and Liam as a couple still makes me HAPPY!

Overall, The Forsaken is a highly recommend YA dystopian. It's beautifully written and narrated, the plot was unique and the premise was very different. Loved the characters, loved the setting and the ending definitely calls for a spectacular sequel! I look forward to book 2 and to see where the plot takes Alenna. A remarkable debut that is probably one of the most impressive dystopians I've read in 2012. Put this one on your radar!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

( UK/ Australian Cover)


Badass Bookie xx

Cold Fury

Review Time! Happy Book Birthday to Cold Fury by T.M. Goeglein and before you even read my review, you should all go get yourself a copy because this debut is EPIC! You can buy online from The Book Depository | Fishpond | Amazon. If you're looking for a 2012 YA Debut written by a male author through a females perspective - I would go with Cold Fury! Thanks to T.M. Goeglein for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Sara Jane Rispoli is a normal sixteen-year-old coping with school and a budding romance--until her parents and brother are kidnapped and she discovers her family is deeply embedded in the Chicago Outfit (aka the mob).

Now on the run from a masked assassin, rogue cops and her turncoat uncle, Sara Jane is chased and attacked at every turn, fighting back with cold fury as she searches for her family. It's a quest that takes her through concealed doors and forgotten speakeasies--a city hiding in plain sight. Though armed with a .45 and 96K in cash, an old tattered notebook might be her best defense--hidden in its pages the secret to "ultimate power." It's why she's being pursued, why her family was taken, and could be the key to saving all of their lives.

The Short Story? - This is probably one of my favourite debuts of the year... I don't know yet for sure since it's "only" July but OH MY GOODNESS, this book was EPIC. It was so good, I can't even find fault it in - IT WAS PERFECT. Fast-paced, action-packed, mystery, suspense, thriller, mobsters, boys, money, sidekicks, Chicago, those are just a few words about Cold Fury. If that hasn't perked your attention, how about we add a kick- ass protagonist to the list? And let's not forget a refreshingly unique narrative voice! This is an incredible debut, Cold Fury is a MUST-READ.

The Long Story? - Everyone is more then welcome to stop reading my review right now and go buy the book because I have nothing but good words for Cold Fury. Cold Fury was phenomenal. It's a very fast-paced book where everything happens over only a short period of time. It was almost like one thing happened and then you turn the page and OH NO something else has gone wrong! Unpredictable, Goeglein drops plenty of bombs throughout the novel that really surprised me (in a good way). I loved how the novel is about the Chicago Mobs, I don't know about anyone else but I LOVE books and movies about mafias etc etc. Cold Fury is definitely a book that will appeal to both girls and boys. If you're not a fan of romance, this would also appeal to you as romance really does take the backseat. Filled with car chases, bare knuckle fights and more villains than a comic book, Cold Fury is a remarkable debut that I recommend to everyone!

Feel free to stop reading now and buy the book because I'm now going to gush about how amazing the characterisation is. Sara Jane is probably one of my favourite protagonists ever in terms of badassness. This girl has clearly got her priorities straight because family always comes first and no boy will get in the way of that! She's also a old movie lover, boxer chick and italian  - if you're not in love with her already, read Cold Fury and you will be! There were lots of characters in the novel but there they were more of a come and go sort and there are too many of them for me to list but some of my favourites were - Willy who might have been old but could still kick ass, Tyler who had that bad boy quality that I  really liked, Max who was adorable boyfriend material, Doug who was an awesome sidekick and Lou because he was so so so strong and brave! Definitely great characterisation!

In a nutshell, Cold Fury was a roller-coaster ride of a debut! I can't recommend it to you enough, seriously this might be one of my favourite debts of the year! Goeglein's beautifully written debut is pure entertainment from cover to cover. A brilliant protagonist, an incredible plot and a unique take on the YA genre that will appeal to both male and female readers!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank


Badass Bookie xx

Deadly Hemlock

Review Time! I'm been in the worst reading slump lately and no matter how much I *try* to read, I can't! I think I've developed ADD and some form of dyslexia that prevents me from reading :( Anyway, Deadly Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock is a 2012 YA Debut that I was SUPER excited to read!!! Thank-you Simon and Schuster for the review copy :)

(Goodreads) Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.
Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf. 

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control. 

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk. 

The Short Story? - Peacock is bring the wolf pack back into DA HOOD! Jumpstarting the slowly dying YA paranormal genre, Deadly Hemlock is HANDS DOWN one of my favourite werewolf reads of all time! With a great cast of characters, a unique plot with the right mix of mystery, action and romance and a fantastic and refreshing narrative voice, Deadly Hemlock is a remarkable debut that had me hooked from cover to cover! Fans of the supernatural? Grab a copy of Deadly Hemlock!

The Long Story? - In this dark age where I haven't been able to get into any book, Deadly Hemlock called out to me. I finished it in less than a day which is a record for me - that's just how good it was! With a killer plot ( pun intended) and Peacock's refreshingly comfortable and unique narrative voice, I absolutely devoured this book. It's no secret that I love a little bit of mystery and romance in my novels, throw in a murder or two and I'm SOLD. Deadly Hemlock had the perfect combination mystery, romance, action and drama. It's such a complex plot that explaining it in this review does it no justice! The only word that I can think to describe it is beautiful. Deadly Hemlock is a beautifully haunting debut that really sells the YA PNR genre, I can't wait to read the sequel!

The characterisation was great. I absolutely loved Mac, honestly one of my favourite protagonists. She's down-to-earth, level headed and more importantly she always sees the good in people and it's not like she's a damsel in distress either. She's tough but she also knows what her limits. She's not trying to play hero, she's just trying to work past the death of Sarah. Kyle was a great love interest, I thought he was  very good boyfriend material and I really liked he's protective personality. He obviously really loves Mac. However Jason was the real scene-stealer. There was this bad-boy, tortured quality about him that just CALLED out to me. Definitely a neat cast of main characters!

In a nutshell, I really don't know how I can get you all to read this book without sounding like a complete psychopath. Hopefully I sold you because this is definitely one debut that stood out from the rest! Refreshing,  I very much enjoyed the fact that the romance was the focus of the novel, THERE WAS A BIGGER PICTURE. Deadly Hemlock completely blew me away with it's beautiful narration, complex plot and amazing characters! Two thumbs up! :)

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank


Badass Bookie xx

Struck

Review Time! Struck by Jennifer Bosworth is a 2012 YA Debut about a girl who's a lightning addict! It's a dystopian and with such a big dystopian market, it's important to stand out and I really thought that  Struck was appealing! You can purchase a copy from The Book Depository | Booktopia | The Nile | Fishpond. Thanks to Random House for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Mia Price is a lightning addict. She's survived countless strikes, but her craving to connect to the energy in storms endangers her life and the lives of those around her.

Los Angeles, where lightning rarely strikes, is one of the few places Mia feels safe from her addiction. But when an earthquake devastates the city, her haven is transformed into a minefield of chaos and danger. The beaches become massive tent cities. Downtown is a crumbling wasteland, where a traveling party moves to a different empty building each night, the revelers drawn to the destruction by a force they cannot deny. Two warring cults rise to power, and both see Mia as the key to their opposing doomsday prophecies. They believe she has a connection to the freak electrical storm that caused the quake, and to the far more devastating storm that is yet to come.

Mia wants to trust the enigmatic and alluring Jeremy when he promises to protect her, but she fears he isn't who he claims to be. In the end, the passion and power that brought them together could be their downfall. When the final disaster strikes, Mia must risk unleashing the full horror of her strength to save the people she loves, or lose everything.

The Short Story? - Struck really struck ( pun-intended!) me as a well- written dystopian YA! Bosworth's debut has very impressive world-building, careful attention to detail and characters that were both bold and likeable. Beautifully written, Bosworth has a rich narrative voice that shines through our badass protagonist Mia! Wonderful plot, a nice romance tagline and an open ended ending that leaves me craving more! Well done!

The Long Story? - Struck was one of those novels that was extremely detailed. The whole plot only carries out over 4 days yet Bosworth has put some much information and detail into her novel that it's nearly 400 pages long. However this doesn't necessarily mean that it was slow and boring because it definitely wasn't! For me, I liked how jam-packed the book was, it's set over a short period of time yet Bosworth has incorporated so much into it, there's action, romance, suspense, mystery and drama. The plot is also incorporates lot's of religious mythology and futuristic realism into it. As far as a dystopian novel goes, this is definitely one that really shines in the market! Definitely recommending this one to you all!

I thought the characters were very nicely done. Mia was a beautifully flawed character, I liked how Bosworth has given her imperfection to make her more relatable and memorable. Mia is a strong character, I feel she's very down-to-earth, tough and she's got a likeable personality. Some of her decisions aren't the best but she always has good intentions behind her actions. I really liked Jeremy, he wasn't a "typical" love interest. He's attitude and personality is more serious and not the stereotypical possessive or extremely nice and loving personalities of most YA boys. Mia's mum really annoyed me in parts of the novel but I think the frustration was intentional on the author's part to make Mia look more independent. I also thought Parker was a strong character. Definitely a great cast.

Overall, Struck was an enjoyable and well-written debut. Bosworth has created a very realistic dystopian society that is both raw and beautiful. I think I would have liked Bosworth take more risks with her plot maybe kill off a character but as it is, I was very happy with it! With great characters, a wonderful plot and a fantastic love story, Struck is definitely one impressive read!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

Changeling

Review Time! Changeling marks Philippa Gregory's YA Debut. Philippa Gregory is the bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl and couple of other adult historical fictions. Although I haven't read any of her other novels, I was so psyched to start reading Changeling! Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.  
  
Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.   
  
Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.

The Short Story? - Changeling is one of those books that you either love or hate because it all comes down to - do you like Historical Fiction? As a lover of historical fiction, Changeling was right down my street! A beautiful historical setting, two very interesting protagonist and an alluring plot filled with mystery. Gregory has written a solid debut and I can't not wait to see what she has planned for us next!

The Long Story? - It's a really short book, 250 pages give or take so there aren't really any pages to spare for batting around the bush. I'm thoroughly impressed with Gregory's ability to set the scene, build characters and develop an intriguing in such few pages! The plot came off as very solid, there was mystery, drama and romance. It's weird because Changeling was like a collection of small plots interweaved into a bigger picture. Luca is an inquirer who goes around Italy solving mysteries and serving justice and in Changeling he solves two mysteries and the novel finished with him heading back no the road to solve he's next mystery. Gregory's debut is definitely different and her writing is very rich and detailed. Highly recommend this to lovers of Historical YA fiction :)

Personally I thought the characterisation let the book down a little. They were really great characters but there were some cases where I though they were too stupid to live. It felt like Gregory deliberating stupidified them to keep the story going. As the novel progressed, this became less frequent until the characters become intelligent cookies, so that was great! Changeling is told from the alternative POVs of Luca and Isolde. Luca and Isolde were good protagonists, I liked how Gregory has given them personalities that fitted with the period of time Changeling was set it. Both characters were level-headed and kind however I think the character l liked the most most was Isolde's best friend - Ishraq. OMG, this girl is totally badass! Educated, too cool and know show to fight! My hero <3 Overall, it was a good cast and I would like to see them all develop in the sequel! :)

All in all, Changeling was a very enjoyable read. Aside from my slight problems with the character at the start, I think Gregory's YA debut is thoroughly enjoyable and definitely very different! If you're fan of historical fiction, Changeling is definitely right down your alleyway! Filled with drama and mystery and the touch of romance, I can't wait to see what the sequels brings! :)

What's it Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget/ Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

Stormdancer

Review Time! My good friend Jay wrote a book. And last week I read it. IT WAS AWESOME O_O That aside, Stormdancer is a 2012 YA Debut but more than that's IT'S PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN! Jay is absolutely hilarious, so please go visit him at his new snazzy website - Jay Kristoff. You can pre-order the book here - Fishpond | The Nile | The Book Depository. Thanks to Macmillan for the ARC!

(Goodreads) A DYING LAND 

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

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST 

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

A HIDDEN GIFT 

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

The Short Story? - There are not enough words to describe how extraordinary this debut is. Let's leave it at it's got a "wow-factor"that puts other books of the YA genre to shame! Kristoff is one hell of a talented writer and the more you read, the more you crave. Absolutely beautiful world-building and characterisation. Kristoff refreshingly original debut brings back the good old YA where loyalty and saving the world was more important than kissing boys! Two thumbs up for Stormdancer!

The Long Story? - Upon finishing Stormdancer, two words kept flashing in my head - MIND BLOWN. With such a competitive YA market, he has managed to write a unique novel that appeals both male and female readers! Some of the most beautiful world-building I've ever read, Kristoff's strong narrative voice and excellent use of language has painted a vivid picture of his "japanese steampunk" inspired dystopian society in my head. It's not a world I want to find myself in but it's a world that has been beautifully built. The plot was also a surprise to me because in all honesty, "Aussie Author"  and "Japanese Steampunk" was all I needed to hear - I got a lot more than I bargained for. Stormdancer had a little bit of everything, action, danger, romance, excitement, fear, loss and hope, I don't know how Kristoff did it but there is definitely something in this novel for everyone. Remarkable debut that will definitely appeal to YA readers, you're looking at one of the best 2012 YA Debuts I've read yet :)

More than anything, Stormdancer is about the unlikely friendship between a girl and a griffin and the characterisation focuses very heavily on them both. Yukiko is a badass with enough badass-ness to rival yours truly. A kind heart, a fierce attitude ( she doesn't take nonsense) and some dangerous fighting skills, I couldn't have asked for a better heroine for a novel like this. Buruu completely stole my heart, it doesn't matter that he's not human because he's still the most attractive male in Stormdancer ( not literally, he's one hell of a sexy griffin!). Buruu protectiveness over Yukiko and his loyalty to her is absolutely heart-warming! The companionship betweenYukiko and Buruu completely dominate the novel and it's through this friendship that we see change for the better for them both! Of course, there are actual boys in this novel, a gorgeous one called Hiro and a undeniable sweet one called Kin, I gave a little piece of my heart to both but my love for Buruu over powers everything <3

In a nutshell, writing this review has given me a headache. There is so much I want to say but then this part of me screams "NO. DON'T SPOIL IT" so I leave you with the vague but hopefully persuasive review! Kristoff has written a phenomenal debut that I truly hope all of you get the chance to read. Did I mention beautiful world-building? A badass heroine? A mighty griffin? and lot's of action? Because you'll find them all in Stormdancer!

What's it Worth? - Break Out Your Piggybank ( and pre-order a copy!) 

Badass Bookie xx

Disclaimer: This is a honest review. My opinion wasn't swayed by my friendship with Jay or the 100 million dollars he promised me. For you guys, I turned down money to live a life in poverty. Peace.

A Witch in Winter

Review Time! This one's been sitting on my shelf for a while now and after receiving the sequel for review a couple of weeks ago - I couldn't think of a better time to read A Witch in Winter! I absolutely adore witchy YA reads and if you do too then you should definitely purchase a copy of A Witch in Winter from - The Book Depository | Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia! Thanks to Hachette for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) Anna Winterson doesn't know she's a witch and would probably mock you for believing in magic, but after moving to the small town of Winter with her father, she learns more than she ever wanted to about power. When Anna meets Seth, she is smitten, but when she enchants him to love her, she unwittingly amplifies a deadly conflict between two witch clans and splits her own heart in two. She wants to love Seth, to let him love her – but if it is her magic that's controlling his passion, then she is as monstrous as the witch clan who are trying to use her amazing powers for their own gain.

The Short Story ? - A delightful read with a fresh take on paranormal romance! A Witch in Winter's small seaside town setting is perfect for the eerily beautiful story that Warburton has written! Fantastic characters including a adorably sweet protagonist and a gorgeous boy with a english accent! A Witch in Winter is definitely not one to be missed if you're a fan for witchcraft, the english scenery and a romance like no other, this one is for you! :)

The Long Story ? - A Witch in Winter is one of those books that you can easily slip into and lose track of time. One of my favourite things about this novel was the setting, the little town of Winter has this memorising quality about it. The way I picture it - it's a tiny town, dark, eerie and quiet. The perfect setting for a witchy paranormal! Another thing I loved was the romance tagline, for Anna and Seth it wasn't love at first sight, it was love at first love potion! I love that Anna accidentally bewitched Seth and how their fake romances eventually turned into a real one! I love the mystery behind Anna's witch heritage. I really enjoyed the majority of the plot but I thought the ending was a little too timid? I would have thought the "final battle" would have been bigger? Perhaps longer? I don't know! Overall, it was still one of the better paranormal reads I've read this year!

The characterisation was well done! Anna is a very done-to-earth and easily likeable girl! She's nice, sweet and funny! Normally I wouldn't buy the whole nice girl and most popular guy ever romance but it kinda works with A Witch in Winter because it all started out as a accidental bewitching! Seth is extremely likeable and not just because he's good-looking and speaks in a english accent but he's love for Anna really comes through as the novel progresses and I thought it was extremely sweet how much in love they are! I also really liked Abe ( who I thought was totally badass) and Emmeline who might be a little socially awkward but is a loyal friend and a great witch!

A Witch in Winter is definitely a novel work checking out! With all the paranormal romances out there featuring vampire this and werewolf that, it's good to go back to basics where magic WAS the paranormal! I'm so lucky to have acquired a copy for the sequel because I can't wait to see what happens next! Beautifully written, great plot, fantastic romance and the town of Winter is just magical! :)


What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

The Selection

Review Time! The Selection by Kiera Cass is a 2012 YA Debut. Despite all the controversies and bad review surround this book, I was super excited to read it because I don't believe in judging a book before I read it! And it turned out to be great! You can purchase your copies from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia. Thanks goes to HarperCollins for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals…

It’s the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon's love.

Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.

Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don’t know is that America has a secret — one which could throw the whole competition… and change her life forever.

The Short Story? - One of my favourite 2012 YA Debuts I've read this year! I think people shouldn't be so quick to judge because Cass is a brilliant writer with a wonderful imagination. Absolutely amazing plot and fantastic world-building! America Singer is such a memorable character and this is one love triangle that I approve of! A phenomenal debut that hasn't received the justice it deserves, bookie highly recommends it to everyone!

The Long Story? - Children, you must all stop judging a book by a bad review because you don't know what you're missing! The Selection completely blew me away! This is the first book since my reading slump that's made me think "wow-factor". To sum it up "The Selection is one of favourite dystopian reads EVER". I loved the concept of the Selection, the Bachelor meets the Hunger Games sums up the concept pretty well. Cass's dystopian society is very different, while there are lots of rules and regulations, it's definitely less controlling than most of the dystopian worlds I've seen in YA literature. I also liked the concept of a caste system, it definitely makes the story more interesting and gives the romance a nice twist. Which leads me to say, I really like the romance in The Selection, towards the end, a love triangle became undeniable although the signs were there throughout the novel. However this is one love triangle I'm excited about because I'm absolutely torn between the two gores boys although I'm leaning towards Maxon! Really enjoyed it! :)

The characterisation was fantastic! America Singer, despite her name is really down-to-earth and easy to connect with. I liked her level-headed, tough girl, tom boy character! And she's got such a honest and sweet personality, it easy to see why she's got two gorgeous boys all over her! It helps she's pretty too! Aspen is sweet and damn good-looking but I don't think I know him well enough to have a good verdict on his character, he makes rare appearances in the novel but I'm positive he plays a bigger role in the next book! Maxon! TEAM MAXON! What a gorgeous prince! Maxon is probably the nicest royal you'll ever find in a book and he's got great arms (apparently). I'm not going to lie, I really think America should end up with Maxon because Maxon is always there for her even when she didn't want him! Overall, wonderful characterisation that I couldn't have done better myself! :)

In a nutshell, I really wish everyone would rethink their opinions about the novel. The Selection is a phenomenal debut that has taken my breath away! I can not wait to see what Cass has install for us next! Fantastic plot, excellent world-building and wonderful characters - it's so unlike me to be unable to find fault in a novel yet I was happy with every aspect of The Selection! A remarkable debut that won't leave you disappointed!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank


Badass Bookie xx

Of Poseidon

Review Time! Happy Australian Release Day Anna Banks! All my fabulous Australian readers - Of Poseidon is on sale today at your nearest bookstores today! If you're looking to purchase online here are some awesome bookstores - Fishpond | Booktopia | The Book Depository. Super excited to review this 2012 YA Debut, thanks to Hardie Grant Egmont for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) Galen is strong, protective and gorgeous, with striking violet eyes and a body to make you shiver - and that's just when he's in human form. He's from the House of Triton, god of the sea, and he's searching for a girl with the gift of Poseidon to save his brother from marrying a fraud. Emma is a human. Or so she thinks. When Emma meets Galen on the beach, they both sense a sizzling chemistry. But can Galen convince her that she holds the key to his kingdom - without letting on that he's falling for her?

The Short Story? - A wonderfully sweet YA Debut! The first word that comes to mind when describing Of Poseidon is 'gentle' ( relative term). There is a fine line between peaceful and boring and Banks is definitely on the right side of that line! A very comfortable read with a sizzling romance and a beautiful supernatural touch. Of Poseidon is every bit as awesome as we all expected it to be!

The Long Story? - The book certainly started with a bang, remember when I said 'gentle' was a relative term? Well the first few chapters were anything but gentle. However as the story progressed, the novel became really peaceful ( also a relative term). Of Poseidon is like a stroll in the park, a leisurely pace -which is so comfortable you stay past your bedtime, quite peaceful - meaning no one is trying to kill our protagonist and gentle - Banks isn't trying to shove supernatural down your throat. Everything about this book is comforting and enjoyable. I really liked plot, it wasn't very action packed but Banks has developed a plot that hold my interest and that's all I ask for. My main problem with the book was that I didn't quite understand the whole " Of Poseidon" aspect. Apparently if you have the gift of Poseidon, you're meant to be the saviour of the your race but if two kingdoms are already at odds - what's the point? It's hard to explain but overall a very solid debut that I thoroughly enjoyed and would think you will too!

The characterisation was good too! I really liked Emma, her personality was really likeable! She was nice, shy but also feisty and able to hold her own side of an argument. I can't help but think she's a little inconsiderate especially when her best friend dies - I mean I would be in mooring forever but she got over it as soon as Galen pops up? And it was a "tad" unbelievable when she just "accepts" that she's not human! I mean there was like pretty much NO FREAKING OUT - too convenient? I THINK SO! Although overall, I still really liked Emma! Galen was SOOOO cute! I'm normally not into the whole possessive boyfriend thing but on this particular merman - it was so "fitting". Emma and Galen romance is  one epic tagline! I also grew a soft spot for Taref because I'm really into funny boys you know?

Overall Of Poseidon is quite possibly ( okay definitely) my favourite mermaid book! It feels nice to read a paranormal romance that's told with such a comfortable narrative voice in such a leisurely pace. It almost feels like a fiction break from fiction. Great characterisation, loved the plot, killer cliff hanger and the writing was beautiful! Of Poseidon is truly an extraordinary debut that's waiting to be discovered! Two thumbs up!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck/ Break Out the Piggy Bank


Badass Bookie xx

Disharmony

Review Time! Disharmony by Leah Giarratano is an Australian 2012 YA Debut. Released on the 23rd of May, the novel is available for purchase at Fishpond | The Nile |  Booktopia! If anyone is looking for an fantastic Aussie YA - definitely check out Disharmony! Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) A psychopath... an empath... a genius. 

Three siblings who will save the world – or destroy it.
They know nothing of each other. They know nothing of the Telling. 
But they’ll need to learn fast if they’re going to survive...

A gripping new series about a collision of worlds, the power of destiny, and the darkness in us all...

The Short Story? - A novel that will satisfy both male and female readers of all ages! Giarratano has brought back YA fiction without the heavy romance tag-a-long. A very appealing plot and a solid ending, I thoroughly enjoyed this "out of the ordinary" debut! Told from alternative perspectives, the novel gives a brilliant insight into two very different lifestyles and craftily intertwines the lives of two very different teenagers. If you're looking for a supernatural read with unique approach Disharmony will please!

The Long Story? - I went into the novel not known what to expect and I finished the novel feeling really satisfied with what I've read. Giarratano's YA debut is definitely something different and unique. The plot is quite complex and really weaves the supernatural with the ordinary. The whole story revolves around these three siblings the Psychopath, the Empath and the Genius. These sibling save the power to change the world for the better and the worse. The novel was quite slow moving, a little too much world-building and character-building I think. It's good that Giarratano's put so much effort into settling readers comfortably into this world of fiction she's created but the pace was just slightly too slow. There wasn't much action for the majority but it finished really strong. I loved the ending and especially the cliff hanger it kind of finished upon. Definitely one I can recommend to both male and female readers because romance is far from the storyline. I enjoyed it, there was room for improvement but overall a solid debut!

The characterisation was very well done. Maybe a little too well done with the slow pace but nevertheless the novel offered plenty of opportunities to connect with the characters. Disharmony is told from alternating perspectives of the Psychopath - Luke and the Empath - Samantha who are twins that were separated from birth. The twins knew nothing of each other until 3/4 of the way through the book and they lived very different lifestyles. I loved how Giarratano has built up this wonderful gypsy world for Sam to grow up in and this harsh, brutal Juvenile Detention centre upbringing for Luke. It really fits their whole Psychopath and Empath take. Luke doesn't seem like a Psychopath to me, he has high tolerance of bullying and pain but to me he seems like a slightly disturbed nice kid. I'm keen to see where Giarratano takes him in the sequel. Sam is lovely, very compassionate and she holds her family and friends close. We didn't meet the Genius until the very end and he still remains a mystery but from what I can see, Giarratano will undoubtedly develop his characters very well as well!

All in all, it was a very strong debut. There were aspects such as the pace that I didn't like but the majority of the novel was fantastic. I loved the world-building, I loved the unique plot and I love the characters. Giarratano has debuted into the YA market with a remarkable novel that's bother original and compelling. Even slow pace I found it very hard to put the novel down! One to put on your radar - Disharmony will appeal to readers of all ages and sexes.

What's it Worth? - Squeeze Into Your Budget/ Hand Over Your Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

Pretty Crooked

Review Time! My first review post-exam week and I'm feeling pretty good but extremely tired! I haven't had a good nights sleep ( without stress and more than 6 hours for a week) and my brain is fried so I apologise if the review turns out to be choppy. Anyway Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig is a 2012 YA Debut. And thank-you to Becca @ Reading Wishes for the gifted copy! She's such a sweetie!

(Goodreads) Willa’s secret plan seems all too simple: take from the rich kids at Valley Prep and give to the poor ones.

Yet Willa’s turn as Robin Hood at her ultra-exclusive high school is anything but. Bilking her “friends”-known to everyone as the Glitterati-without them suspecting a thing, is far from easy. Learning how to pick pockets and break into lockers is as difficult as she’d thought it’d be. Delivering care packages to the scholarship girls, who are ostracized just for being from the “wrong” side of town, is way more fun than she’d expected.

The complication Willa didn’t expect, though, is Aidan Murphy, Valley Prep’s most notorious (and gorgeous) ace-degenerate. His mere existence is distracting Willa from what matters most to her-evening the social playing field between the have and have-nots. There’s no time for crushes and flirting with boys, especially conceited and obnoxious trust-funders like Aidan.

But when the cops start investigating the string of burglaries at Valley Prep and the Glitterati begin to seek revenge, could he wind up being the person that Willa trusts most?

The Short Story? - Very cute and very sweet. If you're looking for a novel for pure enjoyment than look no further than Pretty Crooked. Sometimes I forget what YA novels were like before authors introduced vampires, dying family members and teenage depression. Ludwig is bringing back the best of YA and Pretty Crooked is a spectacular debut! Great characters, fluffy plot and a great narrative voice!

The Long Story? - The best way I can describe this novel is YA. It's the very definition of YA, slightly cliched with the expensive school and new girl who doesn't fit in, the new friends who are mean and popular and of course the gorgeous guy! All around, it's very enjoyable and it's a safe read. You can't possibly hate Willa and Pretty Crooked because it's so sweet - this was YA before it got infiltrated by vampires, werewolves and the whatnot. Ludwig is bringing the classic YA scenarios and I'm LOVING IT! I have this fetish with novels about thieves, spies and assassins. Pretty Crooked falls into the thieves section but it's only minor. A wonderfully plotted story, loved the cliff hanger and the romance was so so so cute. Definitely a good beach read, light and fluffy with  a little cheek. Loved it!

Willa was a great protagonist. I would have liked to see an older character for a modern Robin Hood retelling, that way her crimes might have been a little more dangerous and less childish? While I loved the concept of the novel, pairing it with a 15 year old protagonist was a little ehhhhh. Nevertheless, what a sweet girl! Willa is completely adorable and she has a big heart! She definitely also has a sense of humour and good judgement in people. I really wished Ludwig made her just THAT much older. I would have like it better with a 17-year old protagonist because it would have been a little more believable. Aidan was  very cool ( and cute!). He definitely is a charmer but he's no Noah Shaw or Jace Wayland although he did have swoon-worthy scenes! Overall it was a solid characterisation!

In a nutshell Pretty Crooked was a great read! It's manageable read and once you get into it, the pages just fly! It wasn't perfect but I really liked the cute, funny and fluffy nature of the plot. It's been a long time since I've read a YA novel that was JUST FOR FUN. I mean no one died or got a broken heart! Ludwig's debut is definitely worth a checking out! I really did enjoy it!


What's it Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget/ Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

172 Hours on the Moon

Review Time! 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad was originally published in Norwegian. However the novel has been translated to english by Tara F. Chace. I'd never heard of the book before it showed up in my mailbox but after I read the press release I was really intrigued so I gave it a go! You can buy book here at The Book Depository US Cover/ AUS Cover. Thanks to Hachette for the review copy! :)

 (Goodreads) It’s been more than forty years since NASA sent the first men to the moon, and to grab some much-needed funding and attention, they decide to launch an historic international lottery in which three lucky teenagers can win a week-long trip to moon base DARLAH 2—a place that no one but top government officials even knew existed until now. The three winners, Antoine, Midori, and Mia, come from all over the world. But just before the scheduled launch, the teenagers each experience strange, inexplicable events. Little do they know that there was a reason NASA never sent anyone back there until now—a sinister reason. But the countdown has already begun. . .

The Short Story? - Imagine a horror movie and a sci-fi movie had a bookish baby. That would be 172 Hours on the Moon. Harstad YA debut is an amazing ( and scary) work of fiction that's completely twisted my mind. I now fear space travel, teenage girls and aliens. Nevertheless, this is one novel that's got the "wow factor" - you should definitely check it up! It's an edge-of-your-seat roller coaster ride that will send shivers down your spine...

The Long Story? - This novel took me by surprise. The novel was much better written than I would have thought. The plot was brilliant ( and scary). What a powerful YA debut! There are a lot of fantastic books out there but only a few have the "wow factor" and 172 Hours on the Moon has definitely got it. It's evident a great deal of research was invested in the writing of this novel. The line between fiction and fact is blurred and I'm almost convinced that a raging psychopath alien is somewhere on earth. Harstad has definitely got his NASA facts and using them he's written a killer novel ( quite literally). The plot is filled with mystery, suspense, dead ends and unexpected endings. My heart was pounding throughout the novel, I had shivers, I couldn't bring myself to go upstairs alone. This is a scary novel, it's more horror than sci-fi. If you're looking for a thrill - 172 Hours on the Moon is just DARING you.

The characterisation was good although Harstad only briefly touched up on each character. I could connect with them but not as deeply as I wanted to. Mia was definitely the "main" protagonist during the novel. While Harstad switched between telling the story from one character's perspective to another character's perspective but it was mainly Mia. Mia was so so so brave! I mentioned this is like a horror/sci-fi right? Well if I was Mia - I would have bawled my eyes out and than curled up into a fetal position and waited for death. She was strong for herself, for Antoine and for Midori. Her brief romance with Antonie was so cute and it was heat breaking too. I don't want to spoil the book but the tragic ending was undeserved for such a brave heroine. Harstad has beautifully developed these characters with fears, dreams and futures and for everything to fall apart in the end - it was brave for the characters and for the author. Dangerously cruel - well played Harstad.

All in all, this novel blew my mind. I'm being quite vague with this review because if I say too much - I would spoil it. And the last thing I want is to spoil the story for anyone. A book with the "wow factor" is definitely worth a read. A complex yet brilliant plot, characters that give brave a new meaning and a debut author who's unafraid to cut his looses. A dangerously thrilling debut - 172 Hours on the Moon will haunt you long after the last page!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

*Hint - If you do decide to read the novel, there are these transcript like pages at the back - READ THEM! You won't understand without reading them!

Badass Bookie xx