Perfect Scoundrels

Review Time! One simply does not review an Ally Carter novel without abusing CAPLOCKS and EXCLAMATION MARKS!!! After a long and painful wait, we finally have the 3rd book of Ally Carter's Heist Society series! This is one of my favourite series in the world and ugh, I'm still fangirling. You can purchase a copy of Perfect Scoundrels from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to Hachette Childrens for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Katarina Bishop and W.W. Hale the fifth were born to lead completely different lives: Kat comes from a long, proud line of loveable criminal masterminds, while Hale is the scion of one of the most seemingly perfect dynasties in the world. If their families have one thing in common, it's that they both know how to stay under the radar while getting--or stealing--whatever they want. No matter the risk, the Bishops can always be counted on, but in Hale's family, all bets are off when money is on the line. When Hale unexpectedly inherits his grandmother's billion dollar corporation, he quickly learns that there's no place for Kat and their old heists in his new role. But Kat won't let him go that easily, especially after she gets tipped off that his grandmother's will might have been altered in an elaborate con to steal the company's fortune. So instead of being the heir--this time, Hale might be the mark. Forced to keep a level head as she and her crew fight for one of their own, Kat comes up with an ambitious and far-reaching plan that only the Bishop family would dare attempt. To pull it off, Kat is prepared to do the impossible, but first, she has to decide if she's willing to save her boyfriend's company if it means losing the boy.

The Short Story? - If there is anything I know for sure, it's that Ally Carter never fails to impress. If any author can keep a reader hooked without a cliff hanger ending, it's Carter. Perfect Scoundrels was everything I hoped it would be and more, my favourite novel of the series so far, Carter pushes boundaries to a whole new level with this action-packed instalment of Kat's life of crime. Putting both Kat's abilities and her relationship with Hale to the test, Carter's Perfect Scoundrels is a phenomenally epic read!

The Long Story? - Ally Carter is a genius because ordinary people don't just don't have the brain capacity to spin such a complicated plot yet manage to tie every single loose thread before the last page. What a mind-blowing plot! I definitely wasn't expecting this heist to be so personal to the gang and I wasn't expecting all these developments between Kat and Hale. The feels I got just reading about all the obstacles that Kat had to go around romantically and on the job, just broke my heart. Perfect Scoundrel was nothing less than an emotional roller coaster. Unpredictable, complex and incredibly clever, the detail in this plot was just astonishing. I still cannot get over how sneaky Carter is, I'm half convinced her books are actually based on her own life because no one can write fiction THIS WELL. This is action-packed perfection. If you like edgy, dangerous and exciting books about teenage criminals, I definitely recommend Ally Carter's Heist Society series to you!

I'm a sucker for characters with charm and if there is anything that this group of teenagers have, it's charm. They're all charming in their own way and it's not just the looks although Hale is definitely very, VERY good-looking. It's the way they act and the manner their hold themselves. It's the cool and collected nature of their personalities. I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE THEM. Kat has grown so much from the first book, she's the same girl but...not. I feel like she's more confident and that her emotions come through better. She's easier to connect with and her relationship with Hale is just so natural and cute in the "not all in your face way". Their love for each other is subtle but it's very much there. To see their relationship strained under the intense plot that is Perfect Scoundrel really affected me because these characters are just so real to me. Hale definitely stole the show in this book, the death of his grandmother really affected him and his emotional unstableness in this book was heartbreaking to read. Perfect Scoundrels was definitely a book filled with emotional ups and downs and that's what makes a brilliant book. Fantastic!

I can't tell you how much I loved this book, Perfect Scoundrels was perfection in bookish form. Ally Carter is a literary genius. Filled with action and seductively dangerous and exciting, I highly recommend Perfect Scoundrels and the series as a whole to everyone who hasn't read it. This rush I get when reading this series is indescribable, absolutely fantastic! I await whatever Carter has planned for us next! A MUST READ!

What's it Worth? - STEAL IT. 

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

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

Out of Sight, Out of Time

Review Time! Today is the Australian ( and INTERNATIONAL) release date for Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter, the fifth book in the Gallagher Girls series! If you haven't read the books then crawl back under that rock and don't come out until you have! BEST BOOKS EVER! Thanks to Hachette Children's for the ARC and lovely finished copy too! :)

(Goodreads) The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, her memory is a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and dirt under her nails. All she wants is to go home. But even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers as Cammie and her friends face their most difficult challenge yet. With only their training and a few clues to guide them, the girls go in search of answers on the other side of the world. But the Circle is hot on their trail and will stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

The Short Story? - I'm convinced that Ally Carter works not-so-secretly for the CIA because the only way she can come up with these genius plots is if she's lived through them! The world would freeze over the day Carter writes a book that's less than perfect. Out of Sight, Out of Time was a heart-poundng adventure from cover to cover. If you like boys, spies, unpredictable plots and saving the world than I suggest you get down to the nearest bookstore!

The Long Story? - I can't even begin to describe how good this book was. From the first word - I was hooked. Completely addictive and exciting, Carter has artfully woven a story about a teenage anaesthetic spy, an international terrorist organisation and your typical boyfriend problems all in one. Brilliant and unpredictable plot - Carter never fails to please. Out of Sight, Out of Time is probably my favourite book of the series so far. Secrets revealed, agendas uncovered, memories resurfaced and a cliff hanger ending that's got me itching for Book #6. Carter is a brilliant writer with  beautiful prose, a vivid imagination and wonderful story-telling skills. One of my favourite authors, I wouldn't expect anything but the best from Carter!

Cammie is a wonderful protagonist. Over the course of 5 books I have grown to admire this wonderful girl. She's strong, confident and funny. Cammie continues to develop as a character throughout Out of Sight, Out of Time. We see a change in Cammie after she loses her memory yet this memory loss as helped her to overcome some obstacle and help her become a better person. Romance isn't a huge factor of the novel - it's one aspect in which I strongly admire Carter for. The ability to write such wonderful novels without the overuse of romance to lure YA readers. However, Zach always a man of mystery makes my heart squeeze every time he appears. It's clear that he cares about Cammie and let's face it - they could very well be the next Mr. and Mrs. Smith ( even though they're spies not assassins!)

I've got nothing but good for Out of Sight, Out of Time! I don't believe that anyone can find fault in Carter's writing! Excellent, original and unpredictable plots, amazing characterisation, a teasing romance and some of the best writing I've ever read. Carter's books just get better and better. If you're not hooked onto these books already - you need to be! Ally Carter, you're a saint!


What's it Worth? - Break Out the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

The Pale Assassin

Review Time! I’m trailing a little behind with my review lately! With school starting and everything, I haven’t had so much time to write down reviews. I NEED to start scheduling  :( The Pale Assassin is the first book in Pimpernelles series by Patricia Elliott, it’s a novel that I won a while back in a giveaway Hachette Children Australia hosted so thank-you Hachette!

(Goodreads) Spoiled, beautiful fourteen-year-old Eugénie de Boncoeur is accustomed to outrageous privilege. The French Revolution may rage around her, but Eugénie's luxurious lifestyle is only improved by visits from her brother, Armand, especially doting since the two were orphaned. What Eugénie doesn't know is that their guardian has promised her in marriage to the wealthy, vengeful Le Fantome, a revolutionary nursing a secret grudge against her family. As the Revolution becomes increasingly violent, Eugénie is shipped off to convent school. Finally, there is no place in France that is safe for her. Eugénie dusts off her lightly used brains and rises to the challenge of survival; and soon she is in the thick of turmoil and romance, confronting spies, secret agents, and double-crossing suitors in her quest to get out of France alive.

The Short Story? – A YA historical fiction that follows the dangers of the life of a young aristocrat during the French Revolution. Filled with knowledge, danger, secrets and hidden agendas. The Pale Assassin is a thrilling work of fiction that is both beautifully written and wonderfully plotted! Great characterization, this is not one to be missed!

The Long Story? – I’ve always been a sucker for historical fiction but I admit when I picked The Pimpernelles I didn’t have any knowledge about what the book was about. I just thought the cover was pretty! I very much liked the plot, the novel follows the life of a young aristocrat called Eugenie during the French Revolution. It follows her troubles, her fears and her adventure and journey to England. The Pale Assassin is a wealth of information about the French Revolution, even if it is fiction. I really learnt quite a bit about the Revolution through the novel. Filled with plots, secrets and hidden agendas – if you love a good thriller or mystery this one is a winner!

The characterization was accurate. Elliott portrayed characters so that their personalities and behaviors reflected on how the people would have acted during the French Revolution. Eugenie was a fantastic protagonist, we really see her develop and by the end of the novel, she becomes a true heroine. She starts of a little vain and clingy and whiny but I guess that’s how rich fourteen-year-old aristocrats would act! As the novel progresses and as she grows older, her sense of responsibility and awareness develops and you see a significant change of attitude. There were many secondary characters that I grew fond of including Julien, Guy, Belle and Manon. A very rich cast!

The Pale Assassin is perhaps not a very widely known YA work of historical fiction but it is definitely one that is worth a reading! Filled with adventure, secrets and heart-pounding moments, the novel is a roller-coaster ride of a read. Plenty of twists and turns and unpredictable outcomes, Elliott has written not only an enjoyable novel but also one that carries mystery and suspense! Fantastic read, I can’t wait to read the sequel!

What’s it Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx