Man Made Boy REVIEW + GIVEAWAY

Review Time! Man Made Boy is the latest book from YA author Jon Skovron (usually writes books that are dark, strange and humorous - he kinda looks like a vampire too). This review and giveaway was initially part of the Australian Blog Tour but that was back in November and I had exam block so I completely couldn't make my posting date! HOWEVER better late than never right? You can purchase Man Made Boy from The Book Depository | The Nile | Fishpond | Bookworld. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the review copy and the giveaway!

(Goodreads) Love can be a real monster.

Sixteen-year-old Boy’s never left home. When you’re the son of Frankenstein’s monster and the Bride, it’s tough to go out in public, unless you want to draw the attention of a torch-wielding mob. And since Boy and his family live in a secret enclave of monsters hidden under Times Square, it’s important they maintain a low profile.

Boy’s only interactions with the world are through the Internet, where he’s a hacker extraordinaire who can hide his hulking body and stitched-together face behind a layer of code. When conflict erupts at home, Boy runs away and embarks on a cross-country road trip with the granddaughters of Jekyll and Hyde, who introduce him to malls and diners, love and heartbreak. But no matter how far Boy runs, he can’t escape his demons—both literal and figurative—until he faces his family once more.

The Short Story? - An imaginative and interesting concept that was executed nicely! I definitely felt this book was directed more towards a male audience (male protagonist, writing seemed fit for more of a guy reader etc etc.) however I enjoyed it (and I'm SWEAR I'm not a guy) so it's definitely a book everyone can get into and enjoy! A coming to age novel about Boy, the son of Frankenstein and Bride and how he struggles between monster and man, obligations and desires and finding who he really is. Cute, funny and entertaining from cover to cover, Skovron's Man Made Boy is a hilarious story about a boy (haha!) who struggles to find his place in the world!

The Long Story? - I'm not really quite sure how to describe this book because it's not really a retelling or a re-imagining. It's more like a imagining of a what if situation...do you get me? I'm not a huge fan of coming-to-age novels (they're just not my cup of tea) however I thoroughly enjoyed Man Made Boy because although it was a coming-to-age novel, there were so many supernatural elements to the story. Firstly, the characters aren't human and secondly the plot was very different. In Skovron's world, monsters are living in hiding among humans. Boy's family is part of The Show, a broadway production run completely by monsters. The Show is a source of income as well as a haven for monsters in New York. Boy struggles between wanting to live a life of his own or staying at The Show. The pace of the book is a little slow and the writing style and narration takes a little to get used to however that aside, it was beautifully written, the plot was imaginative and interesting and a little bittersweet. The romance was cute and most importantly it was funny!

It's always easier for me to forge a connection with a character if they have boobs. Let's face it, girls understand girls (most of the time) better than they do of the opposite sex. It was a little hard to connect with Boy initially not only did he not have boobs, he was quiet and shy and conserved (which is three things that I definitely am not) however as the boob progressed, I found myself growing closer to Boy. You can definitely see Boy grow into a completely different person from cover to cover. He grew a backbone, he started living his own life and he gave himself an identity. It's wonderful when you can see a character grow throughout a novel as their experiences shape them into a different person. Boy was a fantastic character! Claire and Sophie were as different as day and night however I adored both characters. They were a very nice balance of each other and their relationship with Boy was completely adorable! 

I found myself enjoying Man Made Boy a lot more than I thought I would! It seemed like such a "guy book" and although there were elements that suggest this, overall I found myself thoroughly enjoying Skovron's humorous "sorta re-imagining" of Frankenstein. A highly unique concept that was executed very well with likeable characters and an interesting plot! I definitely recommend this book to lovers of both contemporary fiction and supernatural fiction!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY

Since I enjoyed Man Made Boy so much, Allen and Unwin has provided me with an opportunity to provide THREE (3) lucky winners with the same opportunity! We are giving away a copy of Man Made Boy by Jon Skovron to three AUSTRALIAN READERS!

- AUSTRALIAN RESIDENTS ONLY

- Ends 25th of December

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

   * Leaving comment on this review +3

   * Follow Me on Twitter +1

   * Follow Allen and Unwin on Twitter +1 (@AllenAndUnwin)

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

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Badass Bookie xx

Unravel Me

Review Time! The sequel to very well received 2011 YA debut, Shatter Me. Tahereh Mafi is back with the highly anticipated sequel, Unravel Me! This is one of my favourite YA dystopians and I think Mafi is a wonderfully talented writer! You can purchase a copy of Unravel Me from The Book Depository | The Nile | Fishpond | Bookworld. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Our lips touch and I know I'm going to split at the seams. He kisses me softly then strongly like he's lost me and he's found me and I'm slipping away and he's never going to let me go.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. A place for people like her - people with gifts - and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from the Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch. Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

Haunted by her past, terrified of her future, Juliette knows that in her present, she will have to make some life-changing choices.

Choices that may include choosing between her heart - and Adam's life.

The Short Story? - Unputdownable. I hate Mafi for making this so deliciously brilliant because I am without doubt going to fail midterms since I didn't study however it was totally worth it because Unravel Me was nothing less than perfect. I didn't think the series could get any better after Shatter Me but Mafi has proved me wrong with her beautifully written sequel. A roller coaster of emotions, a romance that has torn me in half and characters that bring out all the feelings, Unravel Me definitely has my approval.

The Long Story? - You have your novels that are brilliant and then you get these novels that just take your breath away. Unravel Me was one of them, literally unputdownable, I read nonstop from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon. Essentially Unravel Me is marketed as a dystopian YA however romance is really the focus of the whole series. I'm not going to lie - in this case, I prefer it that way because the romance is actually well written. It's not just two characters thrown together with some random tagging along for the ride. This is a very detailed and well planned love triangle that will legitimately leave you torn. More than that, there actually IS a plot even if it's a little overshadowed by the beautiful romance. There is a X-Men like element where the characters have superpowers, there's a corrupt government, a wasteland habitat and some rebellion. It's got everything that a great novel needs.

Warner really made the characterisation for me in Unravel Me. Without that beautiful inside into Warner's character, the characterisation would have been pretty meh. I'm not saying that there wasn't development for Juliette and Adam because there was. Juliette newfound confidence was a huge plus for me because I don't like whiny characters that feel sorry for themselves which was Juliette in a nutshell. I'm glad that Kenji have got her to come out of her shell and embrace her powers! Adam was still cute but he was so mopey and angry throughout the novel which wasn't like Adam at all, I mean, I know he has a reason to be mopey but still. The building of Warner's character was really what intrigued me, in Shatter Me we only saw a glimpse of the man he was under the hard exterior and in Unravel Me, it was like "unravelling" the mystery. So beautiful. I love you Warner. < 3

Everyone and their mothers should have a copy of this book because there aren't enough kind words to describe the epicness of this book, it's just amazing! I don't know how Mafi is going to top this book but she better do it and do it fast because I don't think I can wait another year for book #3. Two words - CHAPTER 62. That's enough of a reason to read Unravel Me. Perfection in 480 pages. Bravo Mafi. Well written.

What's it Worth? - Priceless.

Badass Bookie xx

Level 2

Review Time! Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans is a 2013 YA Debut and it's my first debutante review of the year! If you want to check out my feature with Lenore Appelhans check out the 2013 Debutante Event - HERE. I'm so excited to bring you my review of Level 2 and I'm sure quite a few of you are looking forward to reading this one as well! You can purchase a copy of Level 2 from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) I pause to look around the hive - all the podlike chambers are lit up as the drones shoot up on memories ... I've wanted to get out of here before, but now the tight quarters start to choke me. There has to be more to death than this.'

Felicia Ward is dead. Trapped in a stark white afterlife limbo, she spends endless days replaying memories, of her family, friends, boyfriend ... and of the guy who broke her heart. The guy who has just broken into Level 2 to find her.

Felicia learns that a rebellion is brewing, and it seems she is the key. Suspended between heaven and earth, she must make a choice. Between two worlds, two lives and two loves.

The Short Story? - Overall an enjoyable read with an unique and futuristic take on limbo. Appelhans' debut is definitely a refreshing addition to the YA science fiction genre. A plot that combines elements of both contemporary and science fiction, Appelhans has given the afterlife a new edge. Interesting characters, an original premise and fantastic writing, Level 2 is a great read to start off this year's YA debuts!

The Long Story? - Like I said, overall it was an enjoyable read, I feel like Appelhans had the right idea but it wasn't very well executed. Don't get me wrong, Level 2 was a fantastic book but it was a very hard book to follow. Details about Level 2 as a place was very vague and details about our protagonist Felicia was very vague. I think it was intentional on the author's part to string the readers along and slowly reveal information but because this was partly science fiction, it made reading the book very hard to get into as I couldn't understand what was going on. On top of that the story lacked a build up, it was a very abrupt story, one moment Felicia was living her afterlife through her memories and the next, she's the key to a rebellion? I would still be sitting on the fence, a little skeptic, about the book if it wasn't for the ending. The ending was phenomenal I feel like it's okay to forgive all the flaws of the novel just because the ending was so epic! It was honestly a blur of action, intense drama and sweet romance. Beautifully orchestrated so that the finale peaked and then gradually declined into a sweet ending, this is truly one of the best endings to a book I've read!

The characterisation was okay although I expect to see major character development in Level 3. Felicia was a difficult character to get a read on as she came off as someone who didn't even know what she wanted. She was confused and in turn I, as a reader, was confused. There were times where I felt Felicia was being ungrateful and whiny which aren't attractive traits in a protagonist but I came to understand her bitterness although Felicia really brought the whole thing on herself. Julian, I feel sorry for Julian more than anything. Felicia is a difficult girl and if I was Julian I would have left her to deal with her own issues a long time ago however somehow Julian puts up with her and even loves her even when all Felicia talks about is how he ruined her life and how she's in love with Neil (see? ungrateful). Neil, I honestly do not see the appeal in Neil, he was a nice guy but that was it. I really hope to see some good character development in Level 3, I think Appelhans has established a good base for all characters and now she just needs to develop them a little further.

I've never been the biggest fan of afterlife novels so Level 2 wasn't really down my alley however I very much enjoyed it and thought the ending was truly brilliant.  I'm sure the series can only go uphill from here and that Appelhans has something phenomenal planned to follow up on that ending. Solid characters, good plot and strong narrative voice, Level 2 is an enjoyable start to a unique and exciting new YA series!

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

Badass Bookie xx

The Diviners

Review Time! The Diviners is the latest book from the bestselling YA author of The Gemma Doyle Trilogy - Libba Bray! Libba also wrote Going Bovine and Beauty Queens (which was absolutely brilliant - you can check out my review Here). This is definitely a book that's been getting a great deal of hype lately. You can purchase a copy of The Diviners from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) 1920s New York. A teen clairvoyant. An old evil. It has begun...

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old home town and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City - and she is pos-i-tute-ly thrilled! New York is the city of speak-easies, rent parties, shopping and movie palaces, and soon enough Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfeld girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of the Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult - also known as 'The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies'.

When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of it. Even Evie's new pals - hoofers, numbers runners and activists, but all swell kids - are drawn into the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer - if he doesn't catch her first...

The Short Story? - Bray doesn't disappoint fans with the eagerly anticipated The Diviners! A combination of the dazzle and glamour of the roaring twenties and a Ripper-esque murder mystery, The Diviners is hauntingly beautiful. Written with Bray's signature prose and flair, The Diviners is definitely   unlike anything I've ever read. Filled with complex ideas, grisly murders and fantastic characters, The Diviners is your dose of historical fiction with a morbid twist!

The Long Story? - The size of The Diviners is absolutely terrifying. At 578 pages this is one of the biggest books I've tackled and while it did take me ages to finish, it was all worth it in the end. The complexity of the plot deserves every one of those 578 pages, I can not begin to describe how BIG the plot is. Bray takes historical fiction to a completely new level. She has incorporated a Ripper-esque murder mystery into an era usually reserved for dreams, parties and flappers. I absolutely loved the clash between the dark nature of the plot with the glamourous Twenties New York setting. More than that, Bray has incorporated so many side stories into the "big picture", the characters all have their own secret agendas and I just can't wait to see how the puzzle pieces fit together. Reading The Diviners is a little overwhelming there is so much going on and the more you read the more you crave, it's a book that deserves undivided attention but I don't regret reading any of the 578 pages!

The novel is written in alternating perspectives of countless characters and because of it's multiple narrators, I got to know all the characters pretty well. I could easily connect with Evie as I see aspects of my own personality in hers. She's such a vibrant person and while she's not all that aware of how her actions affect others, her heart is in the right place. Jericho hasn't entirely won me over because I find it difficult to understand his quiet and quite frankly, bland, personality. He's a little too nice and boring for me but I'm keen to see where Bray takes him in the sequel. Sam completely stole my heart, absolutely charming, this guy is right down my alley. Every novel needs their own Sam because they just give the novel that extra shine! A very entertaining cast of characters, I'm not going to go through them all but you will meet so many wonderful characters that you will have no desire to finish the novel.

In a nutshell, as far as historical fiction go The Diviners is a must read! I've always loved the glamour of the roaring twenties but with the supernatural twist of the plot, The Diviners just offers something more unpredictable, edgy and different. Beautifully written, Bray's The Diviners is the start of what is going to be a spectacular series! Highly recommended, if you enjoyed The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, this one is right down your alley!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Spark

Review Time! Spark by Brigid Kemmerer is the sequel to 2012 YA Debut Storm which is probably one of my favourite debuts of 2012! I can't even tell you how excited I was to read this one but at the same nervous because I DIDN'T WANT TO NOT LIKE IT ( luckily that wasn't a problem)! You can purchase a copy of Spark at Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) EARTH. FIRE. AIR. WATER.

He could feel flames coming through the floor, looking for him. Sparks and ash rained down. He wasn't going to make it. He was going to fail. Again. Then a hand closed over his wrist and pulled, hard.

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. 

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. So when an arsonist wreaks havoc on his town all the signs point to Gabriel.

Layne is strangely drawn to him. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let Layne know that the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

THE FUSE IS LIT…

The Short Story? - There is very little not to love about Spark - hot boys, steamy romance and interesting plot, you simply can't go wrong with this lethal combination. Kemmerer sequel to her highly acclaimed Storm is everything I expected! Beautifully written, a steamy romance and the most beautiful boy in the world! Completely extraordinary, if you haven't met the Merrick boys yet - you better get your introductions ready!

The Long Story? - Honestly you don't understand how excited I was to read this book, Storm absolutely blew my breath away ( haha PUNZ!) and Spark did not disappoint either! Storm is probably still my favourite despite the fact the man of my dreams is Gabriel Merrick. I guess I just didn't like the idea of him as TAKEN (grrrrr). The plot of Spark was interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed the novel however I felt that the novel was too concentrated around Gabriel and not enough on the bigger picture.  Don't get me wrong, I loved the heavy emphasis on Gabriel, I liked reading about his struggles, his issues and his romance with Layne but I would have liked to see the novel relate more to the bigger picture like it did in Storm. However overall, it was still a beautifully written novel, definitely better written than most YA novels on the market not to mention Spark is undeniable hot and steamy!

As always the characterisation is quite a treat! Gabriel Merrick - you are the sexiest guy I've ever met. To all the girls who like reading about bad boys, prepare the meet the very definition of bad boy. WORD, Gabriel brings all the girls to the yard! On top of his good looks, I loved how well developed as a character Gabriel is. He wasn't perfect and he is dealing with a lot of issues that many teens encounter in their teen years. Initially I had a lot of hate for Layne ( because she stole Gabriel from me) but you just have to love the girl! She's a tough cookie and I can see why Gabriel would fall for a girl like her. She is not without flaws but they definitely make her even more unique and beautiful. On top of the top notch characterisation, one of the best things about the novel is the alternating perspectives. I really enjoy novels that are told from the perspectives of two protagonists and Kemmerer just seems to have a knack for that!

In a nutshell, Spark is completely swoon-worthy! Lovers of Storm will definitely love Spark as well, written with the same flair and prose, Kemmerer's Spark is an excellent addition to this steamy series! Beautifully written, fantastic characterisation and an interesting plot. Spark is both a love story and a coming to age novel. It is fantasy and it is contemporary. Definitely find time to pick up and read Spark because it's not one to be missed!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Messy

Review Time! Messy by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan is the sequel to Spoiled which was a 2011 YA Debut. Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan are the bloggers behind the celebrity blog, Go Fug Yourself. You can read my review of Spoiled - HERE. You can purchase a copy of Messy at - Booktopia | The Nile | Fishpond. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Sometimes life gets messy.

After a rocky start in Spoiled, Brooke Berlin and her newly discovered half sister, Molly Dix, have settled into something like sisterly love, but the drama is far from over.

Now that Brooke's caught a taste of fame and her movie star father's attention, she wants to launch a blog that will position her as the ultimate Hollywood insider. But between schoolwork, party-planning committee meetings, and spa treatments, she hardly has the time to write it herself...

Enter Max McCormack, an aspiring author with a terrible after-school job pushing faux meat on the macrobiotic masses of La-La Land. Max reluctantly agrees to play Brooke's ghost-blogger for an impressive salary, and the site takes off, but how long can their lie last? In person, Brooke can't live up to the intellectual wit of openbrooke.com, and Max soon begins to resent hiding her genius behind a bandage dress-wearing blonde. Can the girls work together to stay on top, or will the truth come out and ruin everything they've built?

The Short Story? - Get ready for round two of absolute Hollywood hilarity! Cocks and Morgan have done it again, bringing the best of fashion, fame and hollywood glamour together in an epic sequel to Spoiled! Well narrated, fantastic plot and characters that make you laugh - ALOT. Very funny, very cute and cliched in the good way before cliched become a bad thing!

The Long Story? - Messy is perfect for any of you US bloggers looking for a beach read. It's hilarious and it's a novel that isn't meant to be taken seriously.I would call it more of a companion novel than a sequel because while the same characters appear, the plot is definitely continuous. The whole book is a little like a mockery of fame, glamour and Hollywood. It's over the top, exaggerating scandals and fashion passés and the drama queens personalities we associate with famous people. I really enjoyed the plot of the novel, I liked how the authors have incorporated a little of themselves ( the blogging) into the novel. It's very well narrated in third person but that also makes it a little harder to connect with the characters and really dig into the novel. The plot definitely was a win for me.

The characterisation was well-done. We see a lot of character development that wasn't seen in Spoiled. Brooke is definitely a lot nicer and more likeable. She's still got her melodramatic personality but it's Hollywood unless it's over the top right? I liked how Brooke also had a lot of insecurities which made it easier to relate to her. Definitely a very "fun" character. Max, you have to love Max. She is like the ultimate juxtaposition to what you would associate with Hollywood and she's hilarious. She's kind of got the whole typical teenager personalities mixed with a semi-goth wardrobe and a very funny sense of humour. The novel is told in alternative perspectives of Max and Brooke and I think the two main characters complimented each other beautifully.

In a nutshell, Messy is definitely one everyone should check out! I loved every moment of it from the white collar reference to the dancing queen remix. Brooke and Max are fantastic characters that will laugh out loud. Well written, great plot and in case you didn't get the memo already - COMPLETELY HILARIOUS. Two thumbs up for Messy!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

Team Human

Review Time! It's good to be back to regular blogging schedule, I have a whole bunch books I need to read and review! AND I'm THREE books behind on my Goodreads challenge which makes me really really sad :'( Anyway, Team Human is the most recent novel written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Justine Larbalestier. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the ARC! Purchase your copy at Fishpond!

(Goodreads) When a vampire shows up at Mel’s high school, it’s up to Mel to keep her best friend from falling in love with him. Add a mysterious disappearance, a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and poignant.

The Short Story? - Team Human is a highly original YA novel! Two of the most brilliant YA authors have come together to write one heck of a novel! A brilliant plot that antagonises vampires ( hey! that's different!), a romance tagline that's completely adorable and a feisty protagonist that really grows on you with her lack of grace and fierce loyalty. Team Human is the ultimate juxtaposition to YA paranormal mainstream. Brennan and Larbalestier are bringing back the human glory!

The Long Story? - The novel and I got off to a rough start but everything smoothed over about 80 pages into the novel. Team Human is a wonderfully unique idea and Brennan and Larbalestier are two very brilliant authors. The writing style took some time to get used to, mainly because of the different writing styles due to two authors. However over the course of the novel you get used to it! The plot  started off a little too fast and too slow at the same time. There was this massive rush of events in the first 20 pages and then it slowed considerably and kind of pondered along until about 80 pages in. The thing I liked the most about the plot was definitely originality. In YA we have no shortage of books supporting to paranormal but to get a novel that's Team Human is quite something. I enjoyed the book but I had higher expectations, some events were a little too predictable and others a little frustrating. However the idea was unique, I loved the romance tagline and the mystery element about Anna's missing dad was good! Overall, it was enjoyable!

I had some problems with the characters. Some people might describe Mel as feisty but to me, she came off as irritating and rude. I really felt like she lacked manners and some of the things that came out of her mouth should have been left unsaid. She grows onto you as you progress through the book and her intentions are good and her fierce loyalty is something truly admirable, she's just a really "explosive" character and that kinda clashes with my own personality. Cathy really annoyed me. I felt she was really 2D and she was too nice and ignorant. She was all lovesick over Francis ( which is kind of the point) but it just got a little too extreme sometimes, I felt the urge to shake her and say "GET A GRIP AND MAN UP!". Francis had noooo appeal so I didn't see the attraction and he was under developed. However I really liked Kit ( and the story behind his name) as well as Camille! Characterisation wasn't a highlight for the novel but the characters kinda fitted with the novel as a whole.

Team Human wasn't perfect but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. It was a rough start but I ended really loving the book, so much that I stayed up late to read it and woke up early to finish. Even with our clashing personalities, Mel was a good protagonist for Team Human, without such a strong-willed and fiery character, Team Human definitely would have lost to Team Vampire :D Overall, good writing, great plot, loved the romance and a solid cast. Thumbs up for Team Human!

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


Badass Bookie xx

Storm

Review Time! Storm by Brigid Kemmerer is a 2012 YA Debut,  it's releasing later this month both in Australia and the US. Before you even read my review, PRE ORDER YOUR COPY because it's beyond awesome! I've even linked you to The Book Depository or if you would like to purchase an Australian Copy ( with the pretty cover featured!) you can purchase from Booktopia. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the ARC for review!

(Goodreads) Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death. And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca. Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all. 
The storm is coming . . .

The Short Story? - Kemmerer's debut brings all the girls to the yard with the HOTTEST brotherhood in the history of HOTNESS! A truly unputdownable debut with the right combination of magic, romance and danger! A wonderfully developed plot filled with a badass heroine, a brotherhood of HOT HOT boys and enough action,  humour  and danger to rival even the best paranormal YA novels! A memorable debut that's not to be missed - this book is one heck of a roller coaster ride!

The Long Story? - Firstly, for a debut author this A-class writing! Either Kemmerer is secretly 16 or she's nailed the YA narrative voice FIRST TIME ROUND. Very authentic prose, comfortable to read, easy to get lost in. The plot was a lovely surprise, whatever expectation I had were definitely exceeded. Filled with danger, action and humour, Storm was a real treat to read! The book opened beautifully with a "girl saves boy" action scene followed by "meeting the family"( can I get a *swoon*) and then I was carried away by the storm of unexpected and unpredictable events ( pun intended). From the first page, Kemmerer had me hooked - definitely one of my favourite YA debuts of 2012 ( April? Psh, this is pure awesomeness). If you love hot boys, kickass heroines and magic - Storm might just be your next read!

I'm 100% happy with the characterisation. Okay, I admit I'm very much taken by the beauty of the Merrick brothers but that's not all! Becca is a very likeable protagonist. She's brave, she's funny and she's kickass - I think she's earned the title of a heroine. Her actions really reflect her personality and I think she see the good in people ( even if they act like big jerks). She's easy to connect with and she's had her fair share of high school drama. She's a tough girl! Chris, he's not my favourite Merrick brother but he's the one that Becca's taken a fancy of. He's definitely HOT and he's sweet in his own way. He's SUCH a guy, you know - unable to express his own feelings but feels incredibly jealous when THE GIRL talks to ANOTHER guy. There's also Hunter who I think is absolutely badass and hilarious. Fantastic characterisation.

In a nutshell, I think life must be very hard for Becca, she has to chose between Chris and Hunter, she gets to spend time with the Merrick boys and she's awesome? I'm insanely jealous of this girl! Storm is a spectacular debut that's A-class from cover to cover! An engrossing plot, an awesome heroine and the hottest YA boys to debut this year - if you're a girl ( or a guy!) and you love YA - I would click that Book Depository link up there ^ and preorder my copy today!

What's it's Worth - BREAK OUT YOUR PIGGYBANK


Badass Bookie xx

Spoiled

Review Time! It’s been a while since I’ve posted a review, I’ve read heaps but because it’s the first week of school, I haven’t had to time to actually write the review! Spoiled is a 2011 YA Debut written by internationally recognized celebrity bloggers - Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan @ Go Fug Yourself Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the ARC!

(Goodreads) 16-year-old Molly Dix loves her ordinary life in suburban Indiana, so when her single mother passes away, she is shocked to discover that her biological father is Brick Berlin, world famous movie star and red carpet regular.

Equally intrigued and terrified by her Hollywood lineage, Molly moves to Southern California and plunges head-first into the deep end of Beverly Hills celebrity life. Just as Molly thinks her new life and family couldn't get any stranger, she meets Brooke Berlin, her gorgeous and spoiled half-sister whom welcomes Molly to la-la land with a healthy dose of passive-aggressive "sisterly love." 

The Short Story? – A funny and glamorous debut that gives evil stepsister a whole new Hollywood outlook! Spoiled is a comfortable novel that will bring you laughter and exaggerated fashion showdowns from cover to cover! Cocks and Morgan has written a YA-pleaser filled with celebrities, limitless credit cards, designer shoes and frenemies!

The Long Story? – I adored this novel, it wasn’t love but it was affection. Spoiled is a typically “clichéd” YA novel, you could even call it satire. The novel is mocking the Hollywood life and the spoiled, trust-fund babes! There were goods and bads about the novel – mainly goods. I loved the endless drama, it was one showdown in Louboutins after another! What I didn’t like so much was the childish quality of the characters but then again – they’re spoiled right? Overall, it’s a very comfortable read that would bring you laughter from start to finish! Spoiled gives wicked stepsister (or in this case half-sister) a whole new meaning!

The characterization fitted with the plot and title. Initially I wasn’t a huge fan of Brooke, so she is MEANT to be spoiled but I wasn’t a big fan of her bratty attitude. As the novel progressed, I got to know her better and suddenly her attitude made sense, Spoiled actually covers a lot of heavy topics and issues that many teens all around the world face everyday. Neglect, loneliness, fear, insecurity and a few others. Brooke also undergoes a change of attitude towards the end of the novel and that really was a huge highlight for me! Molly was a sweetheart from the beginning, she’s been throughout a lot and while Brooke wasn’t the nicest person to her in the beginning, they eventually worked past the evil stepsister syndrome! An excellent novel where character development comes through very clearly!

Spoiled is a novel to be enjoyed by teen readers and reader who are forever eighteen. If you love celebrities, gossip, designer shoes and drama, this one is for you! Cocks and Morgan has written a funny debut about the not-so-glamorous life of the daughters of A-list. Good character development, fantastic plot and brilliant overall presentation of a novel. Spoiled is a YA- pleaser that will leave you with a feeling utterly entertained!

What’s its Worth? – Squeeze into the Budget/ Hand over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx