Drowning Instinct

Review Time! Drowning Instinct is the first contemporary novel from dystopian YA author, Ilsa J. Bick! I haven't actually read anything else by Bick although I do own the first two books in her Ashes trilogy! Very excited to review this one today because UGH, *feelings*. You can purchase a copy of this book from The Book Depository | Fishpond | The Nile | Bookworld. Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Jenna is sweet sixteen, the age when a girl is supposed to find her prince.

Instead she finds Mr Anderson – intelligent, handsome, married Mr Anderson, who just happens to be her chemistry teacher. With a dark past and a difficult family, Jenna is just happy to have someone to protect her, to worry about her, to love her.

But should she be suspicious of Mr Anderson’s reputation for helping ‘damaged’ students?

Why is the most popular girl in school suddenly jealous of her? And where is Mr Anderson’s wife?

This is a love story that breaks all the rules, but that won’t stop it breaking your heart.

The Short Story? - My favourite read of the year so far, Drowning Instinct takes forbidden romance to a whole new level. Incredibly raw and undoubtedly powerful, Bick explores the complexity behind a romance that is morally wrong. Dark, grim and utterly compelling, Bick's Drowning Instinct blurs the lines between right and wrong. Refreshingly original and beautifully written, Drowning Instinct takes YA fiction to a whole new level.

The Long Story? - This definitely isn't a novel for everyone, it explores the moral ambiguity behind a teacher and student love affair. On top of that, it also explores very serious psychological issues and dysfunctional families. So it's not a very happy book, for a contemporary fiction novel, it's definitely more teeth and claws then fluff and clouds. That said, it was absolutely brilliant. It was beautifully written, the narration was compelling and the plot was full of twists and turns. I know there are a couple of YA books that take on the teacher/student relationship aspect but none have been done as well as this. It was raw, full of emotion and refreshingly real. Bick isn't trying to sell the whole "THIS IS WRONG"perspective, in fact she writes such a beautiful love story that you question whether the love affair between Jenna and Mr Anderson is so wrong that it is right? It's such a beautiful complexity that pushes boundaries and blurs the lines. It's unpredictable and chaotic yet there is something compelling about the novel, I couldn't put it down!

The novel is completely narrated by our protagonist Jenna which allowed readers to form a deeper connection to her character. It probably also influenced our perspective of the book since it was very subjective however I thought that was actually a good thing because it really gave insight into Jenna's character . I really like Jenna, she was so broken and incredibly real that reading the book, I just felt waves of emotion crash over me as Jenna's life crumbled to pieces. She's gone through so much and yet nothing seems to be going right until she meets Mr. Anderson. I actually really liked his character, he wasn't despicable or pedophiliac, I genuinely believed that he loved Jenna and their romance was so many degrees of wrong yet you can't help but secretly wish things turned out differently.

Drowning Instinct is not a book for the light-hearted. It's dark and twisted and grim, it's explores touchy subjects that many authors wouldn't ever consider writing. It's a bold book and a gamble but I think Bick pulled it off really well, it was a beautiful love story that was different and not something that you usually find in YA. The characters were complex and truly troubled on so many levels. It's a book about companionship and love and questioning whether something is wrong if two people are truly in love and it's about the consequences of loving too much. Edgy, raw and chilling, Dark Instinct is a publishing phenomenal.

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx

Torn

Review Time! Torn is the second novel from 2011 YA debut author Cat Clarke! Her debut, Entangled (Review) was one of my favourite debuts of 2011 and I can't tell you how excited I was to read Torn! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC unfortunately I didn't get around to reading it till the end of 2012! You can purchase a copy of Torn from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Four girls. One dead body. A whole lot of guilt.

Alice King isn’t expecting the holiday of a lifetime when she sets off with her classmates on a trip to the Scottish wilderness, but she’s not exactly prepared for an experience beyond her darkest nightmares…

Alice and her best friend Cass are stuck in a cabin with Polly, the social outcast, and Rae, the moody emo-girl. Then there’s Tara – queen of mean. Powerful, beautiful and cruel, she likes nothing better than putting people down.

Cass decides it’s time to teach Tara a lesson she’ll never forget. And so begins a series of events that will change the lives of these girls forever...

The Short Story? - There were aspects of Torn that I really enjoyed but other aspects that I found lacking. I didn't love this one as much as I thought I would yet there was something about Torn that made it very easy to read and slip into. Eerily captivaitng, Torn is a novel about a girl who killed her best friend, dealing with dirty secrets and overwhelming guilt and self redemption. Clarke's Torn is a poignant novel about regret, friendship and the secrets that destroy. A killer work of mystery thriller, this one is for fans of disturbing realistic fiction.

The Long Story? - This book is right down my alley except it wasn't. I thought I was going to love this book and I would have if something more happened in the novel. I found it a little repetitive and that kind of put me off and the ending was a little bit of an anticlimax, I feel like in this case, an epilogue was essential. However if we moved past the repetition and anticlimax, the novel wasn't all that bad. Some disturbing part of me loves realistic fiction about girls who commit murders and friends with secret agendas. The murdering part of the story itself was fantastic, I loved it, it was a complete page turner and the unravelling after the act was committed was brilliant too. There was a "Lady Macbeth effect" happening -  hallucination and suicides from the guilt, the internal struggle between the truth and self preservation, the balance between right and wrong. The plot itself was fantastic, I just wished the repetition wasn't there, it would just made the book that much better!

The characterisation was pretty good. I felt that Clarke has thought it through and she has a character playing every possible role. Someone who is manipulative, someone to master the plan, someone whose guilt destroys her and someone who is fighting with herself to do the right thing. Alice, out protagonist is simply a victim in this story, someone who didn't want anything to do with an accidental murder but has live with the guilt because she was unfortunately roped into it because of the best friend card. The readers got to see in depth her internal struggle and I have so much sympathy for her. Cass and Polly weren't very likeable characters and I think that was the point, to make them into antagonists. Conniving school girls who are trying to hide the terrible truth about what happened to Tara. I also feel sorry for Rae who like Alice was a victim in this whole incident but whose guilt got the better of her. As for the romance, it was very bittersweet but it obviously wasn't going to become anything.

Ultimately, Torn is a novel about a prank gone wrong and the deadly consequences of one mistake. It's a novel about guilt and unravelling. I often wonder what the novel would have turned out like if the girls had just told someone about the accident instead of hiding it. I think Clarke has written a great novel that could have been better with some adjustments and improvements. Great characterisation and beautifully written, I haven't lost faith in Clarke and I'm sure whatever she has planned for us next will be phenomenal!

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

Badass Bookie xx

A Corner Of White

Review Time! I apologise for being MIA on the blog recently BUT I'm back now! A Corner Of White by Jaclyn Moriarty (Author of Feeling Sorry for Celia) is the first book in The Colours of Madeleine series. This is an Aussie YA that was published by Pan Macmillan in September. You can purchase your own copy of this book from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Madeleine Tully lives in Cambridge, England, the World – a city of spires, Isaac Newton and Auntie’s Tea Shop.

Elliot Baranski lives in Bonfire, the Farms, the Kingdom of Cello – where seasons roam, the Butterfly Child sleeps in a glass jar, and bells warn of attacks from dangerous Colours.

They are worlds apart – until a crack opens up between them; a corner of white – the slim seam of a letter.

A mesmerising story of two worlds; the cracks between them, the science that binds them and the colours that infuse them.

The Short Story? - Fans of Jaclyn Moriarty will definitely enjoy her latest YA,  A Corner Of White! With the perfect combination of contemporary and fantasy, Moriarty has created not one but two worlds that are joined together by two very well developed characters. A slow but well planned plot, characters with depth and rich prose, from one of Australia's finest YA authors comes the start of a new series that will be enjoyed by many! A Corner of White will appeal to readers of YA fantasy and contemporary!

The Long Story? - This book took me forever to read for two reasons. A) I was in a reading slump and B) the book is quite chunky. There were aspects of the novel that I liked but also aspects of the novel that didn't sit well with me. One of the things I didn't enjoy about the novel was the slow pace. A Corner of White is a really slowed pace novel, the plot tends to ponder along and for someone who loves action-packed and fast pace novels, this just wasn't my cup of tea. The plot was interesting, I liked how Moriarty has interweaved to different worlds into one story, essentially it's two plots that are connected and in turn form a larger picture. One of the worlds is very fantasy based and the other one is very realistic hence the combination of contemporary and fantasy. I enjoyed the plot well enough and despite the slow pace, overall it was a really interesting and unique read. I liked how romance wasn't the focal point of the novel, I liked the family issues that the two protagonists were facing and I liked how everything worked out in the end. It's quite a confusing book but once you get the ball rolling, it's truly quite brilliant.

The characterisation is definitely my favourite part of the novel. The benefit of  a novel written about two worlds is that it follows two different characters. However instead of two different perspectives of the same plot, each character has its own story. Madeleine was a really great character, initially I couldn't quite figure her out because she's a really complex character whose actions and personality are rather confusing however once you start to connect with Madeleine, her character really comes to life! Elliot was a wonderful character and I felt myself connect better with him than Madeleine because of a variety of reasons but mostly because the issues Elliot tackles throughout the novel made him appeal to me more and also his personality really complimented mine. Fantastic protagonist, a wonderful cast of secondary characters and overall just a job well done in the characterisation department!

In a nutshell, A Corner of White is a novel that readers of YA will enjoy. If you don't mind a novel with a slow pace and some initial confusion, this book is definitely worth checking out! Moriarty latest YA novel is the perfect combination of contemporary fiction and YA fantasy. With a complex and brilliant plot and beautiful characters, A Corner of White is one to put on the radar!

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

Badass Bookie xx

Spark

Review Time! Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan is the sequel to Glow (My Review), the first book in the Sky Chasers Trilogy! I'm reading Spark for Presenting Lenore's Dystopian August which is a fabulous event you guys should all go check out! You can purchase a copy Spark here - The Nile | Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. Kieran has led the boys safely up to this point, and now that the girls are back, their mission seems slightly less impossible: to chase down the New Horizon, and save their parents from the enemy ship. But nothing is truly as it seems…Kieran’s leadership methods have raised Seth’s hackles— and Waverly’s suspicions. Is this really her fiancé? The handsome, loving boy she was torn from just a short time before? More and more, she finds her thoughts aligned with Seth’s. But if Seth is Kieran’s Enemy No. 1, what does that make her? 

In one night, a strange explosion rocks the Empyrean—shooting them off course and delaying their pursuit of the New Horizon—and Seth is mysteriously released from the brig. Seth is the most obvious suspect for the explosion, and Waverly the most obvious suspect for releasing him. As the tension reaches a boiling point, will Seth be able to find the true culprit before Kieran locks them both away—or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? With the balance of power precarious and the clock ticking, every decision counts… every step brings them closer to a new beginning, or a sudden end...

The Short Story? -  Ryan does not fail to impress in this in action-packed, fast-paced and completely engrossing sequel to Glow! While I loved Glow, my love for Spark cannot even compare - this novel is absolutely brilliant! The characterisation was so intense, reading this book was an emotional roller coaster. The plot was amazing, filled from cover to cover with action, mystery, suspense and romance. I highly recommend this series to lovers of Beth Revis' Across the Universe series - this is definitely a series you don't want to miss out on!

The Long Story? - Honestly, my love for Spark is one fat surprise to me. I loved Glow but it wasn't amazing and I guess my expectations for Spark weren't very high but this book is absolutely amazing! I liked the plot of Spark a lot more than Glow, it was more intense and it was really interesting to see how these teenagers were going to run the ship by themselves. There was so much responsibility and it was exciting to see them take on the role as the adults. Ryan also has a unique take on the dystopian element of "control and rebellion", I loved the idea of a religious cult in space. I also really liked the mystery and suspense element in the story and the action was a nice touch as well! Beautifully written and paired with such a unique plot, Spark is a spectacular sequel. I would definitely encourage people who have read Glow to pick it up and if you're looking for a new sci-fi/dystopian series, you should definitely check out Glow and Spark!

What really stood out to me in Spark was the characterisation. This is definitely my favourite aspect of the novel. Ryan's character portrayal brings was fantastic. She gives them depth and all her characters just bring so much raw emotion out of readers ( or just me). I've definitely come to like Waverly more than I did in Glow, she grew so much as a person since the previous novel. I think the horrific events have changed her and as she worked past the guilt and grief, she's really come up on top as a better, more confident person. I absolutely hated Kieran during this novel and I think that's how Ryan wanted us to feel towards him. He was a jerk and power has completely corrupted his mind, he's self absorbed and I had the strongest urge to punch him in the face. I really hope he changes his attitude and reflects on his actions because there is nothing attractive about boys who are jerks. Seth has done a complete 180, he's gone from being the bad guy to the good guy and he really grew on me in Spark. I would like to see more of him in the next book.

For those of you who have read Glow, I would highly recommend you to pick Spark up ASAP because this one is even more amazing than Glow! If you love space travel, dystopian and lots of action, mystery and a romance tagline you should check out this series! I personally can't wait for Book #3 which is going to be even more amazing because that cliff hanger ending calls for an epic finale to a brilliant series! A must-read!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx

Stormdancer

Review Time! My good friend Jay wrote a book. And last week I read it. IT WAS AWESOME O_O That aside, Stormdancer is a 2012 YA Debut but more than that's IT'S PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN! Jay is absolutely hilarious, so please go visit him at his new snazzy website - Jay Kristoff. You can pre-order the book here - Fishpond | The Nile | The Book Depository. Thanks to Macmillan for the ARC!

(Goodreads) A DYING LAND 

The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals that once roamed its wilds have departed forever. 

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST 

The hunters of Shima's imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger – a legendary creature, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death. 

A HIDDEN GIFT 

Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her. 

The Short Story? - There are not enough words to describe how extraordinary this debut is. Let's leave it at it's got a "wow-factor"that puts other books of the YA genre to shame! Kristoff is one hell of a talented writer and the more you read, the more you crave. Absolutely beautiful world-building and characterisation. Kristoff refreshingly original debut brings back the good old YA where loyalty and saving the world was more important than kissing boys! Two thumbs up for Stormdancer!

The Long Story? - Upon finishing Stormdancer, two words kept flashing in my head - MIND BLOWN. With such a competitive YA market, he has managed to write a unique novel that appeals both male and female readers! Some of the most beautiful world-building I've ever read, Kristoff's strong narrative voice and excellent use of language has painted a vivid picture of his "japanese steampunk" inspired dystopian society in my head. It's not a world I want to find myself in but it's a world that has been beautifully built. The plot was also a surprise to me because in all honesty, "Aussie Author"  and "Japanese Steampunk" was all I needed to hear - I got a lot more than I bargained for. Stormdancer had a little bit of everything, action, danger, romance, excitement, fear, loss and hope, I don't know how Kristoff did it but there is definitely something in this novel for everyone. Remarkable debut that will definitely appeal to YA readers, you're looking at one of the best 2012 YA Debuts I've read yet :)

More than anything, Stormdancer is about the unlikely friendship between a girl and a griffin and the characterisation focuses very heavily on them both. Yukiko is a badass with enough badass-ness to rival yours truly. A kind heart, a fierce attitude ( she doesn't take nonsense) and some dangerous fighting skills, I couldn't have asked for a better heroine for a novel like this. Buruu completely stole my heart, it doesn't matter that he's not human because he's still the most attractive male in Stormdancer ( not literally, he's one hell of a sexy griffin!). Buruu protectiveness over Yukiko and his loyalty to her is absolutely heart-warming! The companionship betweenYukiko and Buruu completely dominate the novel and it's through this friendship that we see change for the better for them both! Of course, there are actual boys in this novel, a gorgeous one called Hiro and a undeniable sweet one called Kin, I gave a little piece of my heart to both but my love for Buruu over powers everything <3

In a nutshell, writing this review has given me a headache. There is so much I want to say but then this part of me screams "NO. DON'T SPOIL IT" so I leave you with the vague but hopefully persuasive review! Kristoff has written a phenomenal debut that I truly hope all of you get the chance to read. Did I mention beautiful world-building? A badass heroine? A mighty griffin? and lot's of action? Because you'll find them all in Stormdancer!

What's it Worth? - Break Out Your Piggybank ( and pre-order a copy!) 

Badass Bookie xx

Disclaimer: This is a honest review. My opinion wasn't swayed by my friendship with Jay or the 100 million dollars he promised me. For you guys, I turned down money to live a life in poverty. Peace.

Fated

Review Time! Fated by Alyson Noel marks the start of Alyson's brand new YA series called Soul Seekers. Alyson is the best selling author of the Immortal series as wells the spin-off Riley Blooms series. I wasn't a fan of Noel's Immortal series so I was a little hesitant when starting Fated but it didn't let me down! Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the ARC and finished copy!

(Goodreads) Strange things are happening to Daire Santos. Crows mock her, glowing people stalk her, time stops without warning, and a beautiful boy with unearthly blue eyes haunts all her dreams. Fearing for her daughter’s sanity, Daire’s mother sends her to live with the grandmother she’s never met. A woman who recognizes the visions for what they truly are—the call to her destiny as a Soul Seeker—one who can navigate the worlds between the living and dead.

There on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico, Daire sets out to harness her mystical powers. But it’s when she meets Dace, the boy from her dreams, that her whole world is shaken to its core. Now Daire is forced to discover if Dace is the one guy she's meant to be with...or if he’s allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

The Short Story? - Fated took me by surprise, I wasn't expecting anything amazing but amazing was what  I got! Noel has combined a supernatural, saving-the-world plot with the cultural shenanigans of the American Indians. It wasn't perfect but it definitely was highly enjoyable. Loved the plot, the characters were very well developed and I very much enjoyed Noel's writing. Fated's got Badass Bookie's tick of approval ;)

The Long Story? - If the Immortal series is putting you off Fated, I can see where you're coming from but there is nothing to worry about. I stopped after reading book 2 of Noel's other YA series but Fated has really got me hooked and I'm eagerly awaiting the next one! The problem when incorporating cultural shenanigans into a novel is that it can sometimes get a little confusing. There were a couple of spots where I was reading words and thinking "okay, WHATTTTTT just happened?" however, those were rare and the plot as a whole was very well done! Started off quite slowly but the build up really suiting the setting and the characters. I loved the ending, very adventurous and enjoyable. Noel's wiring style is very good in Fated, I very much loved the narrative voice! Overall, a very solid start to a new series - I'm impressed!

I really like the characterisation. Lots of character building, especially for the protagonist - Daire. Initially I really wanted to slap some manners into her. She was such a rude girl! I think Noel was trying to play out the whole Hollywood Prima Donna and it was a great touch because it really highlighted the change in personality as Daire embraced her role as a seeker :) Dace was the most adoring guy! He's your typical YA good "guy". ANNNNNND for those girls out there who are possessive of their boys, THERE'S TWO OF THEM! Yes, Dace as a (evil) twin brother called Cade who looks exactly like him! More of them to go around! *High5* Noel! Overall, it was a well thought out characterisation, Daire's grandmother was really cool! :D

Overall, a very well written and refreshingly original YA paranormal! I'm very pleased with Fated and I can't wait where the sequel take's Daire and Dace. Honestly, I was prepared to be disappointed by Fated and yet it's surprised me with it's fantastic characterisation and solid plot. I definitely recommend this novel to readers who loved In the Arms of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane and YA Paranormal in general!


What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

Winter's Light

Review Time! I tried to get this up before now but time hates me ( I'm sorry Charlotte - please forgive me)! On the bright side - it's still a couple of months before the Australian release date. Winter's Light is the sequel to Winter's Shadow by M.J. Hearle which was a 2011 YA Debut. Everyone be very impressed because this book is written by a guy in a female perspectives. Thank-you Pan Macmillan for the ARC!

(Goodreads) Blake is gone. 

He sacrificed himself to save Winter, leaving her alone, unprotected... hunted. 

An ancient enemy is rising, but Winter is no longer the innocent girl who was fated to die at Pilgrim's Lament. She will not wait to be saved. She will do what she must to survive, even accept an unsavoury alliance with those who destroyed her love. 

In the gathering darkness, the enemy of an enemy is not always a friend, and Winter must find the strength to stand alone and fight for the one she loves. For she is the key to unlocking the secrets beyond the veil of shadows. 

And she is Blake's only hope.

The Short Story? - A fantastic addition to a deliciously enticing paranormal series! Hearle sure know how to write one heck of a cliff hanger! Winter's Light was a treat to read from cover to cover. Filled with mystery, action, sacrifice and loss Winter's Light completely blew me away! A sequel I would definitely invest in, Hearle hauntingly beautiful world-building will have you craving for more!

The Long Story? - I did a double-take when I first received the book - it's HUGE. Sitting at 440 pages, for someone like me who rarely ventures past the 350 page mark - I was a little unnerved. However Winter's Light had me hooked from page 1 and I was completely captivated by this well-written story. I think it's safe to say that I enjoyed Winter's Light more than Winter's Shadow. Romance takes a backseat  but it still plays a huge part directing the course of the novel. Hearle take us out of small town Hagan's Bluff and into France where Winter is faced with new challenges that will do anything to separate her from her beloved Blake. Fantastic twists and turns, completely unpredictable and filled with action. I'm especially impressed with the final showdown, Hearle has written a fantastic finale in which he has left as a cliff-hanger *shakes fist*! One thing is for sure though, I will be biting my nails waiting for the release of book 3! Extraordinary work!

I don't think I'm ever going to get over how well Hearle writes as a girl, I harbour secret theories about his gender.... but that aside, the characterisation was superb! From the moment we were introduced to Winter in Winter's Shadow, I've always taken a liking to her. She's quite timid and shy but she's got a heart of gold and her determination and faith and love really is something to be admired. She's a strong character and in many ways she's a heroine but I feel that at times she's a little bit of a damsel in distress. I think what Winter needs is martial arts lessons! But she's such an amazing character, I really admire her strength. I've taken a liking to Jasmine and Sam in Winter's Light, both play an essential role in the novel and their fierce friendship with Winter was touching.

In a nutshell - Winter's Light completely took me by surprise. I wasn't sure what I was expecting but it wasn't this beautifully crafted novel that makes some of the other YA paranormals I've read look like ... well, crap. Loved Hearle's world-building, the concept of the Deadlands and the Bane and everything in between was original and a delight for a reader's imagination. Fantastic characters that inspired me and make me want to jump in the pages and fight besides them. Winter's Light is an unputdownable novel that's a jewel amongst the rest. Two thumbs up!

What's It Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck/ Break Out the Piggy Bank


Badass Bookie xx

Exile

Review Time! STOP – don’t scroll pass because this is a review that needs to be read! DON’T LOOK AT THE COVER! I have a lineup of reviews to be posted but I pushed them all back to review this one. Partly because I know there isn’t a lot of reviews for this book out there and partly because it’s still fresh in my mind so I don’t want to forget anything. Thanks to Pan Macmillan for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Samantha has lived in Tanzania since she was three years old. Her parents run an exclusive travel lodge and are too absorbed by their own affairs to pay much attention to their daughter. The mother sips expat gin and tonics under the midday sun; the father, a former S.A.S. officer turned mercenary, busies himself with dead end coup d'etats and clandestine love affairs with local women. Samantha learns quickly that affection comes at a premium, at a price she is always willing to pay, however shallow and transitory the experience, however hollow the love on offer. Before long, her reputation precedes her, losing her friends as quickly as it gains her admirers amongst the town's less savoury elements, for whom consent is barely an afterthought. When Samantha meets Victor, middle-aged and, like her father, a mercenary, she falls for him instantly, persuading herself that his love will finally free her from her past. But Victor is already married, and she is not the first young girl to catch his wandering eye. Exile is the first part of a powerful and gritty trilogy that explores the listless, self-destructive lives of rootless, European ex-pats, laying bare intractable post-colonial tensions and capturing effortlessly the tragic beauty of a continent run into the ground and sinking into the mire.

The Short Story? – For fans of Go Ask Alice, Exile is a powerful novel that tells the story of the downfall of a girl living in Tanzania, Africa. Exploring issues like drugs, sex and everything in between, Ejersbo has written a coming-to-age novel like no other. Exploring the dark side of growing up, Exile shows the ugly side of life and what happens when a good time turns bad.

The Long Story? – It’s definitely outside my comfort zone and I would normally give it a pass but Exile was translated from Danish to English and the novel was only published after the death of its author, Ejersbo. The novels proved to be popular in Denmark so I gave it a go. As far as dark contemporaries go, this is one of the good ones. The book follows a girl called Samantha through four years of her adolescents in which she explores drugs, sex, alcohol and rebellion. It’s written for a more mature audience and it’s written in a diary kind of way. There are no chapters but the book is separated into years. It’s very similar to Go Ask Alice, however Exile also focuses on the life of white people living in Africa. Surprisingly it was a very easy book to get into. It covers quite a lot of heavy topics but the narration makes it comfortable to read. Quite an unexpected ending but overall, what a POWERFUL novel. One to be remembered.

There are so many things I want to say about the characterization. Samantha, our protagonist, got what she deserved but at the same time, I sympathized for her. She’s very rebellious and doesn’t have a good reputation among her peers but her attitude reflects on her upbringing. She didn’t grow up with a stable family and her actions are influenced by her parents. Her mum’s an alcoholic and her dad’s never home and he cheats. She’s fond of her sister but she never grew up with a good role model. Her actions, many of them, were wrong and she didn’t get a happy ending but it was the ending she deserved after everything she has done. I don’t want to spoil it but it’s about the life of a girl who is unsure of who she is and is slowly deteriorating away. The book solely focuses on Samantha and the other characters are really just there to support her. The characterization and the plot go hand in hand and Exile really makes you rethink what you know.

I know my review is very vague but I don’t want to spoil it but everyone. It’s one without a doubt that would be enjoyed by fans of dark contemporaries. If you liked Go Ask Alice, this one is a must-read. Ejersbo really knows how to hit the nail on the head and this novel is nothing is extremely powerful. Well-written and worthy of your time, Exile is a memorable story about everything that can go wrong when you’re a teen.

What’s its Worth? – Hand over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx