Crown of Midnight

Review Time! This review is way overdue but I'm excited to be finally reviewing it, Crown of Midnight is the eagerly anticipated sequel to Sarah J. Maas' sizzling 2012 YA Debut, Throne of Glass! I absolutely loved the first book so it was without question that Crown of Midnight was one of those few books I did manage to read this year! You can purchase a copy of Crow of Midnight from The Book Depository | Fishpond | The Nile | Bookworld. Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy! (Much love SERIOUSLY LOVE YOU GUYS!)

(Goodreads) Eighteen-year-old Celaena Sardothien is bold, daring and beautiful – the perfect seductress and the greatest assassin her world has ever known. But though she won the King’s contest and became his champion, Celaena has been granted neither her liberty nor the freedom to follow her heart. The slavery of the suffocating salt mines of Endovier that scarred her past is nothing compared to a life bound to her darkest enemy, a king whose rule is so dark and evil it is near impossible to defy. Celaena faces a choice that is tearing her heart to pieces: kill in cold blood for a man she hates, or risk sentencing those she loves to death. Celaena must decide what she will fight for: survival, love or the future of a kingdom. Because an assassin cannot have it all . . . And trying to may just destroy her.

The Short Story? - There are not enough words in the english language to describe how amazing this sequel was! I don't know about you but I was expecting the second book flop and instead Maas outwrote herself with this spectacular sequel that absolutely blew my mind to pieces and took me to plot heaven. Seriously - I DIE. This book was one of the best sequels I've ever read, the plot was fast-paced, action-packed and filled with heart-stopping romance and jaw-dropping twists and turns. I fell head over heels in love again with Celaena and Chaol, I'm pretty much living my love story through them. Beautifully written, Maas shows true talent with this pleasing and captivating sequel, Crown of Midnight gets two thumbs up from the Badass Bookie!

The Long Story? - Honestly, this book is amazing beyond words (but perhaps numbers can help. A 4.52 average rating on Goodreads with a total of 9048 ratings - IMPRESSIVE). There is little not to love about the storyline of Crown of Midnight. It was fast-paced and filled with action, suspense and mystery. Basically everything needed to make a good book. I remember reading through this book and finding myself constantly shocked by the unpredictability and unexpected twists in the book. Maas definitely knows how to drop bombs (you emotional terrorist!) in the right places. I can't get through this review without at least talking about the SIZZLING chemistry between Celaena and Chaol, probably one of my favourite couples, the romance between the two has definitely blossomed in this sequel however there are so many obstacles for them to overcome, my heart truly breaks! Beautifully written, I'm 120% pleased with the plot, LOVE LOVE LOVE what Maas has accomplished and I look forward to a third book!

Celaena is one of those characters that I felt an instant connection to from the very first moment we were introduced to each other and over the course of two books I've grown even closer to her. She's just so strong and independent. If I was ever placed in any situation that was similar to what Celaena has gone through, I wouldn't have survived. She's so badass yet there is this sweet side to her which she only shows when she is around Chaol. She's so strong yet vulnerable. I liked how in Crown of Midnight, the story was told in alternating perspectives between Celaena, Chaol and Dorian because it truly brings the reader closer to the character. I found this was especially the case with Chaol, on the outside he is so proper and serious yet after reading his perspective you can totally see that he is a passionate man who truly find himself head over heels in love with Celaena. I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Dorian because he truly is the other guy in this situation, I'm certain a part of Celaena still loves him but I'm rooting for Chaol along with 98% of the other readers! I couldn't have been happier with the characters!

It seems to me after that raving review that there is not much I didn't like about the book ( or nothing). No wait, I hate the long wait til the THIRD BOOK AFTER THAT ENDING. Maas has truly written an extraordinary sequel that will please many if not all followers of the series, fantastic plot, great characterisation and beautiful writing. A top effort!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx

Dance of Shadows

Review Time! Dance of Shadows is the debut novel of YA author, Yelena Black! I originally had this review planned for February BUT before I could finish the book, someone stole my copy of the book from the common room - HOW RUDE. However Cass @ Words on Paper was nice enough to send me her copy! You can purchase a copy of Dance of Shadows from Fishpond | The Book Depository | The Nile | Bookworld. Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Vanessa doesn’t believe that her sister is a runaway. She wouldn’t leave her family behind without saying a word. The only way Vanessa can discover the truth behind her mysterious disappearance is to follow in Margaret’s footsteps, but to do so she risks her sanity and maybe even her life . . .

Vanessa Adler is one of the talented few to get a place at the acclaimed New York Ballet Academy. Between backbreaking rehearsals for the school’s production of The Firebird she desperately tries to find out what happened to her sister before she vanished. There are rumors that the pressure of performing the lead role, the same role Vanessa is now rehearsing for, drove her mad. Other girls have gone missing too. Can the role be cursed? Vanessa’s new relationship with leading-man Zep only seems to complicate things further. What is he hiding from her and can she really trust him?

The Short Story? - Dark, seductive and exciting, Dance of Shadows is an refreshingly original debut. A great combination of dance and the supernatural, Black has written a beautiful yet eery novel of mystery, suspense and the unexpected. Captivating plot and well written, my only problem with the novel was some of the characterisation. Overall, an enticing and edgy debut that taunts readers to devour the story from cover to cover.

The Long Story? - Even though I used to dance, I've never been all that fascinated with dance novels. They're a little too girly for me and I honestly don't really understand the appeal of ballet (only ever did Jazz and Tap). So going into this novel I was a little hesitant however I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. My biggest concern was that the dance and supernatural element would over power an actual plot. I didn't really want a novel about some girl who falls in love with some dancer dude who turns out to be a vampire. LUCKY ENOUGH, that wasn't the plot. It's a really subtle supernatural element that carries through the novel. It's a mystery and we don't find out what's really happening until the very end. All we know is that girls are disappearing and something funky is going on with the choreographer. It's the kind novel that takes a lot of restraint not to flip ahead because the suspense will absolutely KILL you! Brilliant plot, I can't fault because I love supernatural elements and I love mysteries!

Characterisation was really the problem area for me, I didn't find myself caring all that much for Vanessa. As a protagonist, she's quite distant from her readers. I don't think her character was developed enough and what I did see of her, she was annoying and insecure and whiney and kinda depressing. I know a lot of other reviewers really enjoyed her character but we just didn't click. It's probably just a personal thing because I kind of the opposite of Vanessa but it did let down the novel a little for me. There is a guy involved named Zep although I don't really understand their "love", I don't mind instant love when it done well but in this case, I didn't think any romance was necessary. I would have been happy with a straight up YA novel without the boy. I did like Vanessa's friends though, they were portrayed really well. Fun and caring and loyal, they're the kind people I would be friends with. Overall, the characterisation definitely wasn't a forte for me but it wasn't horrible either.

Dance of Shadows is one of those debuts that everyone is either going to love or hate depending on how much you're willing to forgive and look the other way. I really enjoyed it, the characterisation was a little bit of a let down but not so much that it ruined the book for me. The plot was fantastic and the writing was really engaging, it's a pretty decent debut and I'm definitely going to follow through with the series because I'm sure there is going to be character growth in the books to come!

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

Badass Bookie xx

Something Like Normal

Review Time! Something Like Normal by Trish Doller is a 2012 YA Debut published by Bloomsbury back in June of 2012. I really wanted to read this sooner but reading corresponded with pretty much everything else in my life and I only just had the chance to pick it up lately! You can purchase a copy of the book from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy!

(Goodreads) When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero.

The Short Story? - A bittersweet love story dealing with the aftermath of war, grief, friendship and finding normal again. Doller's debut is a phenomenal novel about love, loss, family and moving on. Realistic characters that are beautifully flawed, this is a cast of characters that will steal your hearts. Deeply moving and well-written, Doller's debut is one of a kind. Definitely a must read for contemporary fiction lovers!

The Long Story? - I knew without even opening the book that this was going to be amazing because THE BOOK IS LESS THAN 300 PAGES ( YAY FOR SHORT BOOKS!) and obviously my presumption that this book was going to be amazing turned out to be correct, for such a small book, it packed quite a punch. Normally I wouldn't be the kind of girl to pick up a book about grief and all that shebang but I have a thing for War novels. I can't even begin to explain how amazing this book is! Something Like Normals follows Travis, a young men who has returned from Afghanistan and is struggling to adjust make to his old life. The world is unravelling around him as he deals with the death of his brother in arms and through his transition he meets a girl who helps him find a new normal. The story is so beautiful and the love story so bittersweet, yet all together it works perfectly. This is definitely a contemporary novel you wouldn't want to miss, one of my 2012 favourites!

One of the things that automatically stood out to me was Travis's voice throughout the novel. It's harsh, there is non of the sugar coating but it's realistic. He tells it like it is. Travis is such a beautifully flawed character and his internal struggle so unique and heartbreaking, I felt an instant connection to him. He definitely isn't a nice guy and in fact some of his action make him a jerk but in the end you just can't help but love him, flaws and all. Harper is perfect for Travis and while there was a point in the novel where I didn't think they should be together, the chemistry between the two is just amazing. More than that, Harper is such a beautiful character, she's so considerate, understanding and just loving. The characterisation is definitely one of the biggest perks of the novel for me, absolutely beautiful characters!

Something Like Normal is an extraordinary love story but more than that it deals with a lot of serious issues in a manner which makes you really think and FEEL. I have nothing but high praise for Doller's debut, Something Like Normal is unlike anything I have read, realistic, bittersweet and heartbreaking. One of my favourites of 2012, this is definitely one to read before the year is up!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank

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

Burn Mark

Review Time! I feel like if I leave Burn Mark any longer on the review pile, I'm going to have to go to confession because it's been there for weeks and guilt is eating away at me! Burn Mark by Laura Powell is paranormal romance that I very much enjoyed! If you're looking to purchase the book, here are some of my favourite bookstores - Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Angus and Robertson | Dymocks. Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Glory is from a family of witches and lives beyond the law. She is desperate to develop her powers and become a witch herself. Lucas is the son of the Chief Prosecutor for the Inquisition—the witches’ mortal enemy—and his privileged life is very different to the forbidden world that he lives alongside.

And then on the same day, it hits them both. Glory and Lucas develop the Fae—the mark of the witch. In one fell stroke, their lives are inextricably bound together, whether they like it or not . . .

The Short Story? - A very original approach to YA paranormal! Beautiful world building and a thrilling plot, Burn Mark was filled with action, drama and the endearing romance of first love. Told with a unique narrative voice, Burn Mark is a brilliant novel with so much to offer readers! With fantastic characters, a british setting and the paranormal touch, this is definitely one to put on the radar!

The Long Story? - Burn Mark was a solid read, there were parts in which I was a little iffy about but all in all, I very much enjoyed it! One of my favourite things about Burn Mark is it's premise. Set in modern day Britain where witchcraft is openly accepted ability (although feared) - the novel offers something different and unique. I loved the world-building Powell took upon, she has somehow weaved witches into her story in way that seems less paranormal romance and more futuristic reality. One of my main concerns with Burn Mark was the pace, the plot was really slow to pick up and I thought it would have been better to be more direct. However once we passed that slow curve, I very much enjoyed Burn Mark. The plot is well planned, it's an entertaining novel and it's definitely worth putting on your radar. Brilliant unique!

The characterisation was very well done. The novel is told from the dual perspectives of Grace and Lucas. Both characters are a little young in my opinion, I don't know many 15 year olds that can handle this kind of excitement in their life but YA is YA. I really liked Lucas, he was a very likeable character. That softly spoken personality of his is very attractive and he's a very nice boy! Over the course of the book I also grew to really like Grace, initially I thought she was too brash. Lacked manners, bad attitude, not very ladylike but her attitude is really just protection. Losing her mother at a young age has really done a number of this girl! Both characters played key roles in the novel and they compliment each other beautifully. The whole opposites attract theory really shows through! :) Overall, great characters!

All in all, Burn Mark was definitely a solid novel with a  unique premises and an interesting plot. I would definitely recommend everyone to give this novel a try. I certainly enjoyed it and I'm sure many of you will too! The pace was a little slower than what I would have like but in the end, it didn't really matter! I can't wait to see what the sequel brings us after the bombshell Powell dropped right at the end! Put this one on your radar!

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


Badass Bookie xx

Going Underground

Review Time! I'm finally slipping back into a nice reading schedule although I still kinda pulling through a reading slump ( they're so hard to pull through!). Anyway, I've decided to read and review a book that's been sitting on my shelf for a while now because I feel bad for the neglecting them. Going Underground by Susan Vaught got picked, you can purchase a copy of the book from - Booktopia | The Nile | Fishpond | The Book Depository Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) Del is a good kid who's been caught in horrible circumstances. At seventeen, he's trying to put his life together after an incident in his past that made him a social outcast-and a felon. As a result, he can't get into college; the only job he can find is digging graves; and when he finally meets a girl he might fall in love with, there's a sea of complications that threatens to bring the world crashing down around him again. But what has Del done? In flashbacks to Del's fourteenth year, we slowly learn the truth: his girlfriend texted him a revealing photo of herself, a teacher confiscated his phone, and soon the police were involved.

Basing her story on real-life cases of teens in trouble with the law for texting explicit photos, Susan Vaught has created a moving portrait of an immensely likable character caught in a highly controversial legal scenario.

The Short Story? - I'm completely floored by this bittersweet YA contemporary. Vaught has created this highly controversial scenario that deals with a very authentic teenager and his problems with the law. Firstly, the male POV is a real highlight and treat, Del is such an aspiring character. Beautifully written, deeply moving and thoroughly enjoyable. Going Underground is a very unique YA contemporary!

The Long Story? - When I first started Going Underground I wasn't too keen because I was in the middle of exam preparation, I was in a reading slump and I just wasn't in the mood for a serius contemporary read. So I put the book down and read something else. When I picked up Going Underground, my whole perspective of the novel changed. I really enjoyed, it's not really in my comfort zone but I enjoyed it. Vaught explores some deep issues in Going Underground including trouble with the law, sexting, child pornography and rape (heavy - I know). The plot is incredibly bittersweet, Del really has coped the worst of life and Going Underground is kind of a moving-on story and teaching readers that there is always hope. We follow Del through his everyday life and it's a very aspiring story. I don't want to get too deep into the plot and spoil it but contemporary fans would definitely dig this one.

One of the best things I like about this book was the protagonist - Del. Going Underground told from a males POV (perk) and Del was brilliant ( another perk). He's such an aspiring character, he's so so so strong. Life has really given him lemons yet he soldiers on. The turning point for Del was really his meeting with Livia, who is the love interest. This novel definitely doesn't focus of romance, in fact it plays a really minor part. The majority of the novel was about Del moving with his life, choosing what's best for him and fighting for it. I felt a real connection to Del as a character because he's a really sweet but completely misunderstood boy and his troubled past really does haunt him everyday. I really, REALLY though Del was a very well developed character :)

Overall, Going Underground wasn't my favourite contemporary read of the year ( that honour goes to The Fault in Our Stars by John Green) but it's definitely one of the better ones I've read. The male POV is refreshing and Del is a very authentic character. It's a very realistic scenario and covers some difficult topics that are usually unexplored in YA fiction. I'll definitely recommend Going Underground to YA readers who enjoys contemporary fiction about second chances and teen issues!

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


Badass Bookie xx

Fracture

Review Time! This novel's been sitting on the review pile for a week now and I think it's high time that I reviewed it! So I'm a little late to party being like the only person who hasn't read the book yet but still, this is a review for the minority who haven't read it and those who are interested in my thoughts *cough* everyone *cough*! Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) Eleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it? 

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

The Short Story? - A thought-provoking psychological thriller! Refreshingly different debut that had my mind twisted into a knot and my heart thumping. Miranda's eerily beautiful debut is a must-read if you love your contemporary with a touch of the chilling supernatural. Unnatural, captivating, mind-bending and completely addictive - Fracture will haunt you long after the last page.

The Long Story? -  I REJOICE, at the short length of the book. Sitting under 300 pages I practically did a happy dance when I received the book in the mail. That said, Miranda has an amazing skill of fitting one  heck of a heart-pounding story in such few pages. What a powerful novel! I'm a huge fan of psychological thrillers because even if they do make you extremely confused at the best of times, they're dark and eerily creepy! One of the best things about Fracture is that Miranda has a very clear idea of her plot and she has the ability of depicting exactly what she means through few words. Get this, I did not get lost ONCE. It's an very original story, it's quite hard to explain the plot with ruining it for everyone so I'm going to say. If you like your contemporaries border-lining the supernatural - this one is for you. If you like a little mystery with your novels - this one is for you. If you like mind-benders and thought-provoking novels - this one is for you. If you liked Before I Fall or If I Stay - this one is for you. Capish? :D

The characterisation was fantastic. I know I say this for a lot of books but it's actually quite hard to find books with REALLY good characterisation. I felt I found that in Fracture, I really connected with Delaney. The voice Miranda has given Delaney is absolutely amazing, she's so real. A wonderfully developed protagonist, I can't find a flaw in Delaney, she's kind, shy, quiet, funny but more than anything she's flawed. That's what makes a great characters, the ones with flaws and Delaney was just the ideal protagonist. I LOVED Decker - what a great guy. I want a best friend like him! Troy, rubbed me the wrong way. I know he's meant to be mysterious and all but he kind of came off as a creep. However his personality eventually made sense as the book drew to a close. Overall, great cast - we have a protagonist, antagonist and a prince in shiny armour - what more to ask for?

Fracture is a must-read. Miranda has such a beautiful prose and narrative voice, it would a shame to give this remarkable debut a miss! A eerily haunting plot that explores the thin line between life, death and everything in between. A cast of characters that's both well developed and interesting and a unique YA voice that compels you to read faster and faster. Fracture is a delicious psychological thriller that will linger long after the last page.

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

Deception

Review Time! Deception by Lee Nichols was a 2010 YA Debut however it was only published in Australia last year. I seem to always keep my review copies on the shelf for a while before reading them (maybe it’s like wine, gets better the longer it’s on the shelf ;P) Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy!

(Goodreads) When Emma Vaile’s parents go missing while away on a mysterious business trip, she’s left all alone in her creepy old house. But her brother’s very cute best friend, Bennett Stern—Emma’s knight in J. Crew armor—arrives unexpectedly to whisk her away to New England. There, Emma settles into his family’s museum-like mansion and enrolls at an old-fashioned private school. She quickly finds friends in the popular legacy crowd at Thatcher and spends her free time crushing on Bennett. 

But the eerie visions she’s been hiding from everyone have gotten worse. Emma has memories of Thatcher that she can’t explain—it’s as if she’s returning home to a place she’s never been. Finally, Emma confides in Bennett and learns she is a ghostkeeper, a person who can communicate with ghosts. Bennett brought Emma to Thatcher to protect her, but now he needs her help tracking an other-worldly murderer.

The Short Story? – A very filling read! Nichols has written a wicked novel with everything from forbidden romance to murder mysteries! With a ghostly twist, Nichols has developed a very interesting plot filled with adventure and action. Very well developed character with good depth and personality, it’s one for all the enjoy!

The Long Story? – It was one of those books that you read and enjoy but it doesn’t really sway one way or another. An inbetweener, the books you read and enjoy but can’t really work out why you enjoyed it. Nichols has written a very filling story, the plot is very solid. It’s got a little bit of everything, romance, action, mystery, suspense and adventure. The writing flows and its very nicely paced, comfortable read  - a novel that you can easily lose yourself in! Very original, I don’t think I’ve ever read anything novel about Ghostkeepers. One definitely for the paranormal YA readers who enjoy and it’s just a great novel that’s going to leave you feeling very satisfied!

The things about the characters that really stood out to me was their backgrounds. Nichols has developed further on her characters, not only giving them a personality and a “life” but a history as well. There is history about their heritage and also personal history like what event shaped them to be who they are. It’s really quite an excellent characterization effort! Emma was a very “human” character, she had her flaws and her insecurities and that really stood out to me. You have characters who are just perfect in everyway and they’re nice but they’re not relatable. Bennett was cute, he had his moments but he made a good impression! I also loved the romance build-up, thank God for no insta-love! Keen to see where it leads in Betrayal!

In a nutshell, I can’t *really* explain why I loved this novel but I did. It’s just one of those feel-good reads that you can rest kick-up your feet and know you’re going to enjoy! Great plot, fantastic writing, amazing characterization – don’t pass up on Deception because it’s really worth your time and money :) Thumbs up!

What’s its Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Vicious Little Darlings

Review Time! The 2012 Debutante Event is on this month @ Badass Bookie but I’m hoping the event won’t disturb my review schedule therefore I’m going ahead with posting review frequently throughout the month. Vicious Little Darlings by Katherine Easer is a 2011 YA Debut that I unfortunately didn’t get to review last year! Thanks to Bloomsbury for the review copy :)

(Goodreads) Sarah Weaver wasn't looking forward to starting at an all-girls school. But that was before she met Maddy. Maddy and her best friend, Agnes, are fun and rich and interesting-and for some reason, they seem to really like Sarah. Before long, Maddy and Agnes have moved Sarah into a big house off campus, where they cook together, buy each other presents, and share each other's secrets. So why does Sarah feel like something's bizarrely wrong? As more and more cracks start to show in Maddy's and Agnes's perfect veneers, Sarah notices some strange and disturbing things: Maddy's compulsive lying, Agnes's obsession with Maddy, and the deterioration of their friendship. And just when Sarah begins to question her own sanity, things turns deadly.


The Short Story? – A dark and twisted tale for fans of Pretty Little Liars and Imaginary Girls. Easer has written a sinfully filling debut about what happens when friendship gets real nasty. Addictive and entertaining, Vicious Little Darlings will challenge the meaning of friendship and push the limits of too far. A thriller like no other, Vicious Little Darlings will haunt you long after the last page.

The Long Story? – This book can only be described as the offspring of Pretty Little Liars and Imaginary Girls. All the twisted darkness and dirty secrets of PLL balanced with the artfully blurred sense of reality of Imaginary Girls. Vicious Little Darlings was very original and it really made me think. You couldn’t really separate a lie from the truth and throughout the whole book it’s like a mass of highly entertaining confusion. Loaded with secret agendas, betrayals, lies and death plots, the novel is dark and twisted and surprisingly addictive. Beautifully written, it’s comfortable to read and it really flows so you pretty much devour the novel. Easer has wonderfully complimented her complex and unpredictable plot with beautiful prose.

The whole novel is based around three girls, there are novels where the characters are fitted into the story but this is a novel where the story is fitted around the characters. The whole plot is based around the friendship of Maddy and Agnes and the intrusion of the new girl, Sarah. The novel is told through the perspective of Sarah who is embraced into the rich and glamorous lives of Maddy and Agnes however soon she find herself caught in a web of lies and a twisted friendship. Sarah wasn’t very well-developed physically, I still have no idea what she looks like or whether she’s pretty but she has depth and character which is more what the book is based around. The psychological side of things. Maddy and Agnes really did my head in because until the very end, it wasn’t clear who the nice one was and who was the mean one. Very deceptive characterization, Easer has created these very strong characters with hidden agendas.

Quite plainly, Vicious Little Darlings is a debut that really surprised me. A very psychological approach to telling a story yet the dark and twisted nature of the characters was transferred to the readers. Again, it’s sinfully filling and highly entertaining. The reality is blurred hiding secrets and lies behind the grime. Easer has written an unforgettable debut about a friendship turned vicious.

What’s its Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx