Genesis

Review Time! I just finished my last exam two hours ago, nine exams in a week - my brain is fried. Worst of all - I haven't read since Sunday! Anyway, to celebrate finishing my exams I'm going to post a review for Genesis by Lara Morgan. It's an Aussie Dystopian/Sci-Fi and read on for my thoughts....

(Goodreads) Five hundred years into the future, the world is a different place. The Melt has sunk most of the coastal cities and Newperth is divided into the haves, the “Centrals”; the have-nots, the “Bankers”; and the fringe dwellers, the “Ferals”.



Rosie Black is a Banker. When Rosie finds an unusual box, she has no idea of the grave consequences of her discovery. A mysterious organisation wants it – and will kill to get it.


Forced to rely on two strangers, Rosie is on the run. But who can she trust? Pip, the too attractive Feral, or the secretive man he calls boss?


From Earth to Mars, Rosie must learn the secrets of the box – before it’s too late.

The Short Story? - If Across the Universe and All These Things I've Done had an offspring this would be it! It's the best of both worlds ( quite literally), set on Earth and in Mars, Genesis is thrilling YA Dystopian that's will leaving wondering what's next! Packed to the brim with action, Morgan has written a Dystopian that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

The Long Story? - I admit Genesis was a little hard to get into and I think partly it was because I was a little stressed about exams but also the length of the novel is a little discouraging. It's a pretty solid read ( 450 pages) and I like to stick to the 300s but once you do get the grasp of everything, it's quite a fantastic dystopian! It's pretty full-on, a very action-packed plot. There are a few life and death moments, a trip to mars, a little bit of saving the world, a little evil mastermind and a little bit of cat and mouse! It's definitely one that both boys and girls would find enjoyable. I'm little disappointed that romance was such a minor aspect of the novel because romance is so important to me and Genesis had so much potential for a great romance line. It just kept building up and yet not much happened! Keen to see where everything leads in the sequel!

Again with the characterisation, I found that it was one of those books that take time to grow on you. I wasn't really sure about Rosie for the first couple of chapters. It was really slow character development and I couldn't really connect with her! However when the cat and mouse chase starts, Rosie's inner heroine makes a show and that's when I took an instant liking of her! Pip was probably my favourite characters of the book, he wasn't a main but I felt he was the most developed. He had a unique personality, he had character and he had depth. He also had a sense of humour and I love that in a characters! Overall, a nice cast!

Although the book starts a little slowly, it's definitely one that I would recommend everyone to read! For lovers of dystopian, this is like nothing you have read before! A fantastic, action-packed YA. Morgan has written a spectacular novel that's both beautifully written and wonderfully organised. A clever plot, a nice cast of characters and a heroine that's saving the world, this is an Aussie must-read!

Rating - 4/5

Badass Bookie xx

Shift by Em Bailey

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

(Goodreads) Olive Corbett is definitely NOT crazy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rating - 5/5

Badass Bookie xx

Embrace

Review Time! Embrace is the first novel in the Violet Eden Chapters, it's also the debut of Australian author, Jessica Shirvington. Embrace is currently not avaliable in the US for purchase but you can pre-order it $8.50 on Book Depository ( HERE ). I'm very excited to review this, as it's my first Aussie author novel I've read this year! Thanks to T. at Hachette for sending a copy for review!

( Goodreads ) Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner. Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels.

But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

The Short Story ? - The first novel in a brand new angel series that is exciting and original. A fresh take-on the 'angel' mythology and a brand new unique YA voice. Jessica Shirvington's debut is an excellent addition to the YA paranormal literature!

The Long Story ? - It's actually a little awkward reading a novel written by an YA aussie author. They are such a small bunch that I simply can't not feel proud of them ( even if I didn't write the book) but it also means I have high expectations. Jessica Shirvington is an excellent writer who has a unique and distinctive writing style. Embrace is exciting and fast-paced and well-written but there are also flaws to the novel. However, don't let that put you off because the goods outweigh the bad and seriously, how many perfect novels have you read anyway?

One of the highlights of this novel for me is the originality. Angel mythology is one aspect of paranormal YA that is used often, not over-used ( like vampires) but it's fairly common. The fresh take on fallen angels, good and evil and human/angel hybrids is one of the things that make Embrace memorable. It's shown clearly that the author has done thorough research and had well-planned her plot before beginning the writing process. While we commonly read novels about fallen angels and nephilim it's not often we read about fallen angels that are both good and evil or about Grigori ( brand new name for human/angel hybrids) who act as protectors of the human race. It's even more uncommon to read about angels that only physical form after they are fallen which means angels are actually incorporeal. These are only examples of the originality, the author as portrayed in this novel.

Another highlight would be the fast-paced and adventurous plot. While I thought the action in this novel was not of my taste, it was nevertheless exciting to read. The constant battle between good and evil, internally and externally was both thrilling and extravagant keeping the reader at the edge of their seat. Filled with twists and turns, I felt like I was part of the novel myself. Both the beginning and the ending were satisfying which is one of the first things I look for in a novel.

I had a little bit of a problem with the characterisation. Although, Jessica, has managed to portray and describe her characters brilliantly. I found it hard to connect with any of them. Quite frankly, I thought Violet was a little hard to relate to putting aside her half angel heritage. Her personality tended to swing from normal teenager dealing with a big change to depressed, angry teenager who doesn't want to change in a matter of a few pages. Her personality changes throughout the book didn't flow nicely, changing from one extreme to another which was a little annoying and confusing.

Also, the romance in this novel I personally thougth could have been written a little better. While both love interests were without a doubt 'hot' and well portrayed. Lincoln being the 'good' guy who Violet has always been in love with and Phoenix being the 'bad' guy who Violet can't just can't keep but be attracted to, it's a well developed love triangle but it lacked passion. I thought even in kissing scenes and 'other' scenes while it's obvious they're in love it's a little distant. A little like reading a YA novel with a MG based romance. However, I'm liked that the romance wasn't one-sided. It's a balanced love-triangle where the reader doesn't know who Violet will pick to be with until the very last chapters.

Overall, Embrace was a enjoyable and original start to a series with a great deal of potential. I believe this will be one of those series' that get better with each book which is good since I have the second book sitting on my shelf at the moment ;) Very unique writing style filled with dry humour and witty lines. Fast-paced and action packed as well as a blossoming romance with many obstacles ahead. I can't wait to read more about Violet's adventures! Rating 4/5 ( I had to take marks off for the flaws but overall it was really enjoyable and hard not to like! )

Badass Bookie xx

Aussie YA Challenge 2011 Sign- Up Post

I swore that I was going to only enter the 2011 Debut Challenge and then I entered the Book Bucket List Challenge and now I signing up for the 2011 Aussie YA Challenge. I guess it's only right that I enter this since, I am Aussie :P 

" Australian participants - Read at least 12 young adult books by Australian authors from 1st January, 2011 to 31st December, 2011.



International participants - Read at least 6 young adult books by Australian authors from 1st January, 2011 to 31st December, 2011.


They can be old or new titles, however no re-reads.


It is open to everyone. You don’t have to be a blogger but you MUST POST A REVIEW. Reviews can be posted anywhere - Blogs, Goodreads, Shelfari or non-bloggers can even do a guest post on a blog like mine.


You can join anytime. The challenge runs from 1st January 2011 to 31st December, 2011.


There will be prizes throughout the year and guest posts and interviews from some awesome Aussie authors. "

My list includes -

Bold - All the ones I own

Tomorrow When the War Begian by John Marsden
Good Oil by Laura Buzo
Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar
Saltwater Vampire by Kirsty Eagar
Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood
Swerve by Phillip Gwynne
Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Beatles Meets Destiny by Gabrielle Williams
Mercy by Rebecca Lim
Little Paradise by Gabrielle Wang
Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell

My fellow readers, I strongly encourage to join this challenge! Believe or not, Aussie YA fiction is actually really good! Sure, the US has some good stuff ( okay fantasic stuff) but we're not bad either! Aussie pride, we're educatd people, we don't all live in the outback ;)

I read some amazing stuff like The Book Thief, A Little Wanting Song and Finnikin of the Rock!

Now go and join and support AUSSIES!!!!!

Badass Bookie xx