Hidden Among Us

Review time! Hidden Among Us is the latest YA novel from UK based author, Katy Moran! I'm not sure whether you guys are aware but The Book Depository has started this awesome affiliate-reviewer program where they are sending review copies to their affiliates for review! I was lucky enough to be offered a review copy of Hidden Among Us so today I bring you my review! You can purchase a copy of Hidden Among US from The Book Depository!

(Goodreads) When Lissy meets a mysterious and strangely beautiful boy on her way to Hopesay Edge, she is deeply unsettled by their encounter.

She discovers that the boy, Larkspur, is a member of the Hidden, an ancient group of elven people, whose secrets lie buried at Hopesay Reach. Before long, Lissy and her brother Rafe find themselves caught by a powerful magic and fighting to escape a bargain that can never be broken.

The Short Story? - A dark and grim spin on the classic faerie lore, Hidden Among Us is a thrilling and dangerous novel about a curse, a girl and a secret race of Fae looking for vengeance and revenge. An original plot, wonderful use of multiple perspectives and an exciting climax, Hidden Among Us is unlike anything I've read! Twisted, eery and sinister, these faeries aren't the ones from your bedtime stories!

The Long Story? - I'm a little on the fence about this one because for me, this was one of those books that wasn't bad but I can't really say I loved it either - it was an average book. It was a good plot, well-developed although confusing at times. The book also has a rather slow pace, there build-up was long and there isn't much action until the 50 or so pages. However apart from that I really did enjoy the plot, it was dark and sinister, very different from your typical YA faerie novel. It was very clever and I liked how the ending is kind of open-ended so the book works as a stand-alone but it could also be a series, I'm pretty sure it's a stand-alone but you can never tell with the YA market! My biggest concern with the book however was the prose. I feel like the narration really let the book down because I know I would have enjoyed the book a whole lot more if the writing wasn't so middle-grade. I really felt the writing style clashed with the plot because on one hand you have this beautifully dark and grim plot about killer faeries and then the prose is all "targeted towards 7th graders" - it just didn't work for me which is such a shame but nevertheless excellent plot!

I know a lot of people found the multiple perspectives very confusing but I personally really enjoyed it because it gave me a better sense of both the story and the characters. It also made the book unique and interesting. Although Lissy was the "main" character, I didn't really connect with her, we were so different from each other, it was a little hard for me to find sympathy for her or put myself in her shoes. She's also a little whiny and helpless which aren't the best traits to have in a protagonist. However I very much enjoyed Joe's character, I like his loyalty and his caring nature, he barely knows Lissy and her family yet in the short amount of time they're been together, he has been nothing but supporting (Joe's the stepbrother BTW, well sorta). I also really like Larkspur, he was actually my favourite character even if he wasn't a main. Very well portrayed, I LOVED his compassion and there is something beautiful about his loneliness and internal torment. My biggest characterisation peeve was probably Mariam, the mother. She was a horrible mother and an unrealistic character. I mean, what kind of parent, sits down and writes in a diary, feeling sorry for herself, while one of her kids is dying and the other one has been kidnapped by supernatural creatures, WHO DOES THAT? Overall it was a good characterisation, not the best but decent.

This wasn't the easiest book to review because there was a lot of pros and cons to weight up, it's definitely one of those books that not everyone is going enjoy. There are a couple of flaws however in the end, I still enjoyed Hidden Among Us and I would recommend it. Good characters, beautiful plot and a spectacular ending, if you're looking for something original, dark and supernatural, I would invest in a copy of Hidden Among Us!

What's it Worth - Squeeze into the Budget

Badass Bookie xx

The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf

Review Time! Most of you would not have heard of this book because it's an Australia 2012 YA Debut! The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina published by Walker Books Australia this month is a MUST READ. You can purchase a copy of the book at Fishpond | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy!

(Goodreads) The Reckoning destroyed civilisation. Rising from the ashes, some people have developed unique abilities, and society is scared of them. Guided by the ancient spirits of the land, Ashala Wolf will do anything to keep them safe. When Ashala is captured, she realises she has been betrayed by someone she trusted. When her interrogator starts digging in her memories for information, she doubts she can protect her people forever. Will the Tribe survive the interrogation of Ashala Wolf?

The Short Story? - This one took me by utter surprise. I still can't believe how much I enjoyed it! The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is definitely one of my favourite YA dystopians that I've read this year! Bringing YA dystopian together with elements of the Dreaming ( aboriginal legends), The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is a show of fresh talent with an authentic narrative voice and a intriguing plot! Kwaymullina's debut is absolutely breath-taking!

The Long Story? - To be honest I had no idea this was a dystopian YA. The blurb and title and cover are all so sneaky! I went into this novel expecting some kind of paranormal romance with a wolf pack. I WAS WRONG. The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is such a beautifully written story. The premise of the novel is quite unique as this dystopian society does have a supernatural touch. The "outlaws" are people who have been gifted with special talents. I also loved how the author brought some of her indigenous heritage into the novel. She has used parts of the Dreaming to explain the back story for the novel and she's also kind of incorporated australia in general into the novel which is something I loved! It's so unique and combined with the refreshingly authentic narrative voice, I definitely recommend this one to EVERYONE! The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is something special indeed!

The characterisation was great. Ashala Wolf was a unique character. Firstly, she was an indigenous australian and I really enjoyed that perspective of the novel as YA novels seem to never feature characters with different coloured skin tones. I also loved her personality. She was fierce, loyal, kind and more than anything readers can connect with her. The pain she has endured makes her more human, more like us. I also really liked Justin, initially he came off as a little bit of a jerk which I guess is how the author has chosen to portray him but as the novel progresses, I felt myself forming a bond with this beautiful boy! Other notable characters include Ember, Georgia and Jaz. All very wonderful characters!

In a nutshell, The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is definitely one novel you don't want to miss out on! Not only is it Aussie, it's dystopian WITH an australian twist! Fantastic characters, wonderful plot and beautifully written. Kwaymullina is a brilliant writer with a authentic and refreshingly YA voice, I can't wait to see what she has install for us next! The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is a phenomenal debut!


What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank


Badass Bookie xx

Girl, Stolen

Review Time! I'm a tad behind on all my reviews but I just had to get this review up after finished the book very late last night! Girl, Stolen by April Henry is relatively speaking an old release however it's only been out here in Australia for 4 months - SO IT'S NEW TO US O_O Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) How do you escape when you can’t see the way out?

Sixteen-year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of a car while her mother fills her prescription. Before Cheyenne realizes what has happened, the car is being stolen from the car park. Cheyenne is not only sick with pneumonia – she is also blind. Griffin, the teenage driver, hadn’t meant to kidnap her – he was just stealing a car for the gang. But once Griffin’s dad finds out that Cheyenne’s father is the president of Nike, everything changes – now there’s a reason to keep her. Will Cheyenne be able to survive this harrowing ordeal, and escape? And if so, at what price?

The Short Story? - A speedy read that completely floored me. Girl, Stolen sank it's hooks into me and refused to put me down! A heart-pounding story about a blind girl who gets kidnapped, Henry has written a sensation of a thriller! I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this one! Every page was direct and written to force me to read faster and faster. Excellent characterisation with a very fitting and realistic setting. Girl, Stolen is a must-read!

The Long Story? - I wasn't sure what to expect when I read the blurb because with plots like these, the novel can be either really awesome or really lame. Luckily it was the former. Girl, Stolen is a very quick read yet it's probably got more power of readers than most YA novels that have over 400 pages. Henry is very direct with her writing and every sentence has an emphasis behind it. One of my favourite parts of the plot was the "blind girl" part. Getting kidnapped is bad enough but blind girl with pneumonia get's kidnapped? SOLD. A heart-pounding adventure from start to finish, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! I can't recommend this book enough to your all, it's probably one that you might overlook in a bookstore but seriously - IT'S WORTH IT!

The characterisation was another perk of the novel. Cheyenne was a fantastic protagonist for this kind of story. She hasn't had the best of luck with losing her mother, going blind and now getting kidnapped but even through the most nerve-wrecking situation she tries to keep calm and use what she has. She's smart, level-headed and she knows her limitation. If Cheyenne entered The Hunger Games, she'll win. The story is told from twin perspectives of Cheyenne and Griffin. Griffin accidentally kidnapped Cheyenne. He was only meant to steal the car but got the kid with it too. Griffin is not a bad guy but he's been mislead, abused and neglected. I liked how over the course of the novel, Henry develops Griffin as a character. Overall, the characterisations as truly well done, very realistic character with believable flaws and a heart-breaking back story.

In a nutshell - Girl, Stolen is definitely one YA novel every reader should read! It's perfect for a night in, quick, direct and unputdownable from cover to cover! Nicely narrated, excellent characterisation and a plot that has truly impressed me with it lack of sugar coating and originality. This is a realistic YA thriller that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck


Badass Bookie xx

City of Fallen Angels

Review Time! So I’m a “little” late on the program but I’ve finally finished City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare, as many of you already know COFA is the fourth installment in the phenomenal YA Fantasy series – Mortal Instruments. The first book is getting turned into a movie so it must be pretty good! Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy!

(Goodreads) The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most important of all—Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend. 

But nothing comes without a price. 

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her. His mother just found out he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other. 

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. 

The Short Story? – More or less what I expected which means it’s totally awesome! Clare has written another fantastic novel that has left me begging for more – Queen of Cliffhangers! As always, brilliantly witty, filled with humor, one heck of a twisted plot and characters that will stay with you forever along with Harry Potter and for the better or worse – Edward Cullen. Bravo Clare – you’ve done it again!

The Long Story? – I’m thrilled that Clare decided not to finish the series after book 3 and signed up for another 3 books because I LOVE this series! COFA is a little different to the first three books and it almost feels like reading an entirely different series in the fact that the same characters have started a new chapter of their lives – a new adventure. The characters are faced with a new threat and the ending suggests that an epic showdown will be necessary. There are more references to the Infernal Devices in COFA and some new characters have been introduced. Clare has the skill to switch from humor to serious in a blink of an eye and I found my elf at odds constantly laughing and then gripping the edge of my seat with a pounding hart! Beautifully written, COFA is a must-read for fans of YA fiction (in general!)

As far as characterization goes, aside from new minor characters and further development in earlier introduced characters. I found it really weird reading COFA at first because it wasn’t focused on Clary and Jace. The novel told from the perspectives of a variety of different characters and each of their individual stories build up to be become the bigger picture. I feel like after reading COFA, I understand more about Simon (who is kind of the “main” character) and while I’m still completely Jace and Clary 4EVA – Simon deserves his shot at happiness. He’s a pretty decent guy aside from the wee mistake he made! I starting to *really* like Kyle (aka Jordan) and a teaser for those like me – Jace and Clary 4EVA is really heating up! Fabulous!

In the end it all comes down to – to read or not to read. Two thumbs up for me, Clare is a highly talented writer and her novels can be enjoyed by readers of all ages and genres. I enjoyed COFA and many of you will too! Beautifully written, great characterization and a fantastic plot. Another fantastic novel in a unputdownable series!

What’s it Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Clockwork Prince

Review Time! Clockwork Prince is the second book in the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare, the best-selling author of The Mortal Instruments which is being made into a film to be released this year. While I’m on the subject, the cover of The City of Lost Souls was released yesterday and you guys have to check it out, it’s smokin’ hot! Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

The Short Story? – Clare strikes again. Headlines say ‘Girl left in state of shock after reading epically awesome book – Is this the work of Clare?’ I can’t even find the right words to describe this book, it’s magnificent, extraordinary, work of a genius! Other books just dim in its awesomeness! Beautifully written, Clockwork Prince proved that historical fiction can be cool and groovy too! Please read on for a review that’s not just crap!

The Long Story? – I know The Short Story is just a load of crap but I had to get all the gushing out before I could actually focus on writing something decent. Out of all of Cassandra Clare’s book this is probably my favourite. Clockwork Prince was more like the calm before the storm, in terms of action and epic showdowns, there wasn’t many but there were plenty of hidden agendas, betrayals, revealed secrets and swoon-worthy kissing. Lots of development in the romance department not just between Tessa, Jem and Will but between other characters as well. I think Clockwork Prince gives ‘in the name of Love’ a whole definition, the things people do for love is astonishing and sweet and romantic and left me thinking why I couldn’t be born in the 19^th century. Beautifully written, Clare weaves her type of magic throughout the book. The pull of suspense, the drama of the romance and the moments of humor that made me laugh. Only a fool would give Clockwork Prince a miss!

Clockwork Prince was definitely a huge step for all the characters when it came to developing. Some of the better and some for the worst. Jessamine was the biggest disappointments of the novel, I can’t believe what she did but again ‘the things we do in the name of love’. Some of the characters developed courage - one of my favorite parts of the novel was when Henry and Charlotte finally told each other how they feel. Some developed hope and some developed love. We see a stronger and better Jem and that made me really happy. It goes without saying that Jem is my favorite character and that I hope everything works out between Tessa and him. However a part of me also wants Will to be happy and that’s the thing with love triangles, someone is going to come out hurt. It’s a complicated love triangle and I do believe I know how the trilogy will end and it will break my heart (and I will cry and cry and cry some more) but some things are meant to be. Nevertheless, Clare develops her characters like a professional and you can’t seem to hate them (not even the villains).

Clockwork Prince is a captivating sequel that will bring both laughter and tears. Clare has written extraordinary tale with the perfect balance of romance and adventure. A combination of steampunk and fantasy, this historical fiction is bound to be a modern classic (and I’m glad I have a collector’s edition!). One for all to enjoy, Clare has yet to publish a book that doesn’t leave me in a frenzy for more! Bring on the Storm!

What’s it Worth? – Break out the Piggy Bank

Badass Bookie xx