Carrier of the Mark

Review Time! Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon was another one of the 2011 left behinds. I intended to read the debut last year but there was so much to read and so little time, I just never got round to it! Luckily I managed to squeeze it into February so now I can review it for everyone else! ;) Thanks to Harper Collins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Their love was meant to be. 

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs. 

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

The Short Story? - Nothing like Twilight. Next time you meet anyone who says "Carrier of the Mark is like Twilight" tell them "Badass Bookie says you're a moron". Carrier of the Mark is a beautifully written debut with an extraordinary plot and wonderful characters. Fantastic characterisation and culturally enriching, Fallon has written a remarkable paranormal romance to be enjoyed by all!

The Long Story? - Comparing Carrier of the Mark to Twilight is like comparing McDonalds to a three course gourmet meal. Firstly just so EVERYONE understands - Twilight did not INVENT the "forbidden love plot" hence do not compare every "forbidden love plot" book to Twilight! Carrier of the Mark wasn't perfect but it doesn't deserve to be compared to Twilight ( unless you're looking at it through a positive light). The novel has an extraordinary plot with a unique setting. I loved how Fallon weaved celtic myths with fiction. Not only is it culturally enriching, it's enjoyable as well! The novel started out really well, I loved the plot and the complex idea of "Carrier of the Mark" and how it's related to all the the elements. My only "complaint" is that I thought the ending was rather an anticlimax ( like Twilight) - there was this huge build up and I expected a huge showdown and when it didn't happen I was left a little bit disappointed. Nevertheless, very enjoyable - Fallon writes beautifully!

 Same goes with characterisation. Adam isn't a sparkly vampire - I ACTUALLY like him and Megan is a fantastic protagonist who can stick up for herself and well, let's just say she doesn't whine. I adored Megan as a character, she had a sense of humour, she was sweet without being too sweet, she could stick up for herself and she could make her own decisions. Adam was a huge sweetie, I can't help but picture him as the perfect boyfriend - all chivalry and caring! However the one who stole my heart was Rian! Rian is Adam's brother and he completely nails the "bad boy" role and you know what? I'm a sucker for the bad boys... Overall, fantastic characterisation and again - nothing like Twilight!

In a nutshell - Carrier of the Mark was a pleasure to read! With fantastic characters and a wonderful plot, Fallon has written a remarkable debut that I enjoyed cover to cover! I can't wait to see what the sequel brings because I need another fix of the brilliant romance and Rian ;) Exciting, captivating and original - Carrier of the Mark is not to be missed!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

Hereafter

Review Time! This book has been sitting on my shelf for an age and it seemed unfair to read new releases when this one was just waiting to be read! Hereafter by Tara Hudson was a 2011 YA Debut (I think) and it seemed like a good read! Thanks to Harpercollins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

The Short Story? – A poignant ghost story about forbidden love. Hudson has written an eerily beautiful debut about a girl stuck in limbo and how saving a life could save your own. A bittersweet plot with a dark twist, Hudson has taken a unique approach and has given an original twist to traditional ghost stories. A haunting that’s worth the read!

The Long Story? – There were both goods and bads about the novel (mainly goods) but it came through as a solid read. I loved the romance aspect of the novel. It was a very cute and authentic love, I felt Amelia and Joshua really had a connection. The kissing scenes were very swoon-worthy! What I didn’t like was the insta-love. There was no build up, maybe it’s because death brought them together and it was a love at first death thing but I would have honestly like to see some build-up. Hudson has beautiful prose and reading Hereafter was very comfortable and it was a very speedy read. There wasn’t much conflict (quite a peaceful read!) and I just thought that the romance really stood out from the rest!

Characterization - I loved the fact that Amelia was very noble, she was willing to sacrifice her freedom and her life-after-death for someone who held little meaning to her. She was kind-hearted, she wants to save lives and she could really sympathize with others. However some of her actions really contradicted with her personality.  I can’t imagine her as someone who would squeak and totally just close-up when she’s around a guy and really they were just bad word choices from the author but there were moments like that which really made me cringe.  Joshua was a sweetheart, the attraction is understandable. Aside from a few hiccups it was a good cast.

More than anything, Hudson really has worked in the originality factor when it comes to ghost stories. I’m more used to ghosts who cause trouble and kill people rather than saving lives. The romance was really sweet, I wish Amelia and Joshua would just keep kissing!!! Beautiful prose, a ghost story with a dark twist and a forbidden romance. Hudson has written a solid debut!

What’s its Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx