Faerie Winter

Review Time! Faerie Winter is the sequel to Bones of Faerie by Janni Lee Simner. The series is a dystopian dark fantasy which is quite different from everything else I’ve read! If you haven’t read Bones of Faerie seriously think about reading it because it’s so different! Thanks to Random House for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Liza is a summoner. She can draw life to herself, even from beyond the grave. And because magic works both ways, she can drive life away. Months ago, she used her powers to banish her dangerous father and to rescue her mother, lost in dreams, from the ruined land of Faerie.



Born in the wake of the war between humanity and Faerie, Liza lived in a world where green things never slept, where trees sought to root in living flesh and bone. But now the forests have fallen silent. Even the evergreens' branches are bare. Winter crops won't grow, and the threat of starvation looms. And deep in the forest a dark, malevolent will is at work. To face it, Liza will have to find within herself something more powerful than magic alone.



The Short Story? – The highly anticipated sequel to Bones of Faerie does not disappoint! Simner has written yet another seductive dark fantasy set in a dystopian environment! Enticing and dangerous, Faerie Winter is beautifully dark and brilliant! For fans of the supernatural with an exciting new edge, this one is for you!

The Long Story? – One of the things I love about this novel was the setting. The series is set in a dystopian world which is interlaced with magic. Unlike most dystopian societies which are modern rubbles, Simner has created a dystopian society that has travelled back in time to the Middle Ages. Not only has she incorporated dark fantasy into her story. The whole world is shadowed by the dangers of magic, the trees long for blood and the faeries are evil. Beautifully written and well-planned, Simner has written a novel filled with adventure, loss and hope. Very original and highly entertaining. It’s one to be enjoyed by lovers of all things dystopian or paranormal.

It annoys me to no end that the protagonist is called Liza. If only the ‘z’ was an‘s’ then it could have been a story about me!!! :) However it’s impossible to dislike Liza, she’s a very strong heroine. Level-headed, brave, selfless and intelligent. She’s someone to be admired. Matthew, our love interest doesn’t play a huge role in this novel but I love him anyway for always being there for Liza. Karin, the faerie who cares for humans and Kyle the brave little boy who I had grown to love. A wonderful cast of characters, well-developed and filled with personality.

Faerie Winter is like nothing you’ve ever read before. A clever tale about a world that’s falling apart, a race of beings that want to wipe out human population and a girl who has the power to change everything. Beautiful, exciting and dangerous, Faeries Winter is a brilliant companion to Bones of Faerie. To be loved by readers of all ages, if you’re looking for something new, this is a guaranteed good read.

Rating – 4.5/5


Badass Bookie xx

He's So Not Worth It

Review Time! He’s So Not Worth it by Kieran Scott is the sequel to She’s So Dead to Us (which is one of my favourite books all time). It’s a “just because” review so I’m reviewing this book for me because it’s so awesome! If you haven’t started this series you need to! It’s a library copy *gasp* I haven’t been to the library in at least six months…

(Goodreads) Ally Ryan, come on down to the Jersey Shore and forget your troubles!



Have you recently been humilated in front of your friends and family at your former best friends birthday party? Was your almost boyfriend partly responsible for that humilation by withholding some vital information about where your estrangerd father is? Did you come home to find said estranged father sitting on your stoop?
Jake Graydon, an exciting opportunity is waiting for you in the service industry!


Are your grades so low your parents have grounded you for the summer? Did you the girl you really like unceremoniously leave you behind? Would you rather eat dirt than see your friends again? Then a job at the local coffee shop is just the ticket! Suprisingly, Ally's father is the new manager so you get to be reminded of her nearly every day. Maybe it's time to start flirting with your best friend's ex or even taking school a bit more seriously. Especially when you finally see Ally and she's hanging around with some loser and it's couldn't be more clear that she is over you.


Have a great summer!


The Short Story? – If Gossip Girl had an offspring and moved to the suburbs, this would be it. All the glamorous lives of the rich and young with more likable characters but just has dramatic lives. You know I can’t resist a good book about “Rich Bitch Bennies” (direct term from the book) but mix it in with a totally cute romance? I was hooked from the first page! Scott doesn’t fail to impress! Loved it!

The Long Story? - I’ve named Scott, Queen of Cliff Hangers. I thought the ending of She’s So Dead to Us was fantastic but the ending of He’s So Not Worth It was a killer. I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t like novels about the exciting and glamorous lives of rich, suburban American teens. I love the plot, filled with drama and tension, hot guys and romance – it just can’t get any better! I guess for me what stands out about this series is that it’s so unpredictable and while it’s about the superficial lives of teenagers who have nothing better to do than ruin other people’s lives, it’s for something real about it. The romance has build up and it’s a tough love but it’s SO worth it!

When I said the characters were likeable I meant it! I love Gossip Girl but sometimes the characters do things that completely frustrate you! Not saying I liked every character in this book, I mean I started off “hating” Shannon but she redeems herself in the end! The novel is told from the perspectives of Jake and Ally ( a couple who can’t be more perfect for each other, yet life gets in the way and they can’t be together – not exactly star-crossed) both characters I’ve grown close to. Ally’s really a very likeable character, she’s strong, level-headed and she’s not rich! She’s gone from riches to rags (and she’s going back to riches) but she cares about things other than shopping. Jake is not perfect but after meeting Ally, he’s changed a lot and I admire that he’s willing to change himself so that he can be with Ally. A beautiful couple, I hope they get their chance at a happy ending!

He’s So Not Worth It is the deliciously, scandalous sequel to He’s So Not Worth It – if you haven’t read the series do it! One of my favourite YA sequels of the year, Scott does not disappoint! Beautifully written, well-planned and wonderfully characterized. Scott has written a teen drama that’s bound to captivate your attention! I look forward to the next book in the series!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Ten Things We Shouldn't Have Done

Review time! Ten Things We Shouldn’t Have Done is the latest novel by Sarah Mlynowski, author of Bras and Broomsticks and Gimme a Call. I loved her Bras and Broomsticks series so I eagerly anticipated this novel! It’s been on my radar for months and I would like to thank Hachette for sending me a review copy!

(Goodreads) 2 girls + 3 guys + 1 house – parents = 10 things April and her friends did that they (definitely, maybe, probably) shouldn't have.

If given the opportunity, what sixteen-year-old wouldn't jump at the chance to move in with a friend and live parent-free? Although maybe "opportunity" isn't the right word, since April had to tell her dad a tiny little untruth to make it happen (see #1: "Lied to Our Parents"). But she and her housemate Vi are totally responsible and able to take care of themselves. How they ended up "Skipping School" (#3), "Throwing a Crazy Party" (#8), "Buying a Hot Tub" (#4), and, um, "Harboring a Fugitive" (#7) at all is kind of a mystery to them.

The Short Story? – Mlynowski has written the perfect novel for teens! Everything from growing up to sexuality, Ten Things We Shouldn’t Have Done is a coming-to-age novel written at its best! A crazy wonderful plot, a real romance and a protagonist that reflects how we all feel sometimes. Ten Things We Shouldn’t Have Done is a funny new YA!

The Long Story? – I think Mlynowski has written every teen’s dream down on paper. A crazy plot that’s sure to bring rounds of laughter. The plot is a little far-fetched but yet at the same things, completely believable. Teenagers are great liars and if we put our minds to it, anything can be done (even the things that shouldn’t be done). While Ten Things We Shouldn’t Have Done, is a very enjoyable novel it also covers more serious problems teens face like neglect and sex. It’s the perfect coming-to-age novel because among all the laughs it talks about the issues that teenagers face every day. A YA contemporary like no other!

I love Mlynowski’s books because not only are her plots crazy and enjoyable but her characters are likeable and funny. There is depth to them and while they’re out-going, they also harbor the same insecurities and problems that have shadowed every one of our lives one time or another. April was a fantastic protagonist. She’s got a out-going personality and she’s just one of those characters that grow on you instantly. I really felt that I could connect with April, she’s funny, sweet and confident. I absolutely adored Vi, she a wonderful friend and without a friend like her in this novel, it wouldn’t have been the same. However I really think it was the boys who stole the show. Dean could possibly the funniest characters I have yet encountered. He was hilarious. Hudson is MINE!!! What a cutie, one to grow on you instantly and he’s a complete sweetheart!

Ten Things We Shouldn’t have Done is a beautiful YA contemporary that will leave in you laughter. Mlynowski does not disappoint, beautifully written and a fantastic plot. This is the ideal coming-to-age novel. A novel about choices, consequences and dealing with everything from neglect to break-up. Funny, cute and captivating, Ten Things We Shouldn’t have Done is a remarkable novel!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #35

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. Basically we share the bookish contents of our mailbox with all the other bookworms out there! I participate in IMM every two weeks, awesome book hurl this week! I love my Aussie Publishers, they're totally awesome!!! :)

For Review -

Vicious Little Darlings by Katherine Easer

Velvet by Mary Hooper

After Obsession by Carrie Jones and Steve Wedel

Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

Wildwood by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis

Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver

Where There's a Wolf, There's a Way by Lisi Harrison

Pan's Whisper by Sue Lawson

Forbidden by Jana Oliver

Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers

Born at Midnight by C. C. Hunter

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

Emerald by Karen Wallace

Birthmarked by Caragh O'Brien

Prized by Caragh O'Brien

(Thanks to Bloomsbury, Penguin, Harpercollins, Pan Macmillan, Walker, Simon and Schuster and Hachette!)

That's all!

What's in your IMM? Leave a link!

Badass Bookie xx

The Lost Saint

Review time! The Lost Saint is the sequel to The Dark Divine by Bree Despain. I read The Dark Divine at the start of last year and I almost completely forgot what the novel was about! What I can remember is that it was awesome! Thanks to Hardie Grant for sending me a review copy!

(Goodreads) A family destroyed. A love threatened. An enemy returns.



Grace Divine made the ultimate sacrifice to cure Daniel Kalbi. She was infected with the werewolf curse while trying to save him, and lost her beloved brother in the process.

Desperate to find Jude, Grace befriends Talbot, a newcomer to town. But as the two grow closer, Grace's relationship with Daniel is put in danger - in more ways than one. Unaware of the dark path she is walking, Grace begins to give into the wolf inside of her - not realizing that an enemy has returned and a deadly trap is about to be sprung.


The Short Story? – What a phenomenal sequel! I believe this is one of those series’ that just gets better and better! A completely intoxicating love story, a dark and seductive plot and a brave heroine whose willing to make life and death sacrifices for the one she loves. Despain has written a beautifully, sinister novel that will leave you craving for more!

The Long Story? – I literally couldn’t put this book down! I powered through all 407 pages of it! Completely addictive, I stayed up past midnight trying to finish it (I eventually fell asleep but picked it up first thing). All I can say is that it’s a stunning sequel, I couldn’t think how it could have been more perfect! Werewolves aren’t my favourite “night-bumpy” but I’m seriously considering a change of status. Fantastic plot packed with action and mystery interlaced with a complicated romance! Some of the best romances I’ve read in a long time! Intense, breath-taking and heart-breaking! I can see the start of a love triangle but this is one case where a love triangle is acceptable. Amazing novel!

I’m aware that I’m blabbering but seriously, I didn’t think The Dark Divine was THAT amazing yet The Lost Saint completely blew me away! Not only was the plot brilliant but the characterization is fantastic too! I feel like I’m bonding with Grace, she’s definitely grown more mature and she’s a true heroine. Daniel is…well, I can definitely understand the attraction. He’s good-looking, he’s kind and funny in the brooding way and he’s definitely less annoying than some male leads (I really am NOT a fan of Edward Cullen- I loved the saga but Edward Cullen was bo-ring) but I’m torn between Team Daniel and Team Talbot. Dan has made some pretty stupid mistakes throughout the novel and eventually he redeems himself but Talbot was there for Grace through everything and it’s frustrating that I can’t state my team! Fantastic character development! Despain really has outdone herself!

I think it’s completely worth it for you to read The Dark Divine just so that you can read The Lost Saint. To match their sassy titles (seriously how cool are they?) they’re exciting, dark and seductive. Beautifully written, addictive and intense! A romance that will put Edward and Bella to shame. The Lost Saint is a stunner of a sequel! Step over vampires, these wolves are taking the spotlight!

Rating – 6/5 (LOVED it!)


Badass Bookie xx

Sirenz

Review Time! Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman is a 2011 YA Debut. Following the current trend, it’s another Greek Mythology related debut however it’s got an extra sparkle to it so it’s really one of a kind! Thanks so much to Natalie and Charlotte for sending me a review copy (and the prettiest swag I’ve ever seen).

(Goodreads) Bickering frenemies Meg and Shar are doing some serious damage at a midnight sample sale when the fashionistas find themselves arguing over a pair of shoes-with fatal consequences. One innocent bystander later, the girls are suddenly at the mercy of Hades, Lord of the Underworld himself. To make them atone for what they've done, Hades forces the teens to become special-assignment Sirens, luring to the Underworld an individual whose unholy contract is up.

Finding that delicate balance between their fashion addiction and their new part-time job in the eternal hellfire biz turns out to be harder than Meg and Shar expected, especially when an entire pantheon of Greek deities decides to get involved. Then there's the matter of the fine print in their own contracts...

The Short Story? –You can tell it’s going to be a glamorous read by its Tiffany blue cover! A funny and cute debut that’s bound to make you laugh out loud. Bennardo and Zaman has written a novel like no other! Fantastic characters, beautifully written, well-planned and a plot filled with crazy wonderful things! Fashion is about to get downright dirty.

The Long Story? – I’ve read plenty of YA debuts this year and they were all pretty good but some were just better than others. Sirenz was definitely one of the better debuts I’ve this year. As I mentioned, it’s Greek Mythology with an extra sparkle. Very funny, very cute and very dramatic. Who knew Gods and Goddess’ could be such prima donnas? Well-written, comfortable to read and a glamorous storyline, I read Sirenz cover to cover. One to be enjoyed by readers of all ages, if you’re a fashion fanatic looking for a new read – pick Sirenz, it’s the new “it” book.

Sirenz is told from the alternating perspectives of Shar and Meg – two frenemies. My guess would be that Bennardo wrote through one character and Zaman wrote through another (Charlotte – Shar and Natalie – Meg…maybe? Did I get it right?). I love books that are told from different characters so instant brownie points. What I really loved about the characterization is that Shar and Meg are so different yet they can work past their differences to eliminate a “common enemy”. Both characters are funny, brave, adorable and quirky yet they are so different. It’s almost like Bennardo and Zaman has worked little bits of their own personality into these characters. Well developed and likeable, without Shar and Meg, this debut wouldn’t be the same. Another thing I like about the characterization was the Gods and Goddess’, Bennardo and Zaman decided to ditch the Good Samaritan act and have created these prima donna divine figures. Designer clad (kind of bitchy) Goddess’, sleazy (but badass) Gods – it’s like the creators of the world have swapped personalities with the cast of Gossip Girl. I love it! Very original!

It goes without saying that I strongly recommend that everyone single one of you, go to the nearest book shop (or Book Depo) and buy yourself a copy! It’s a guaranteed good read, very funny and cute, one that contemporary and rom-com lovers will enjoy equally as much has the paranormal crowd. Beautifully written, I look forward to reading more of Bennardo and Zaman’s writing. Sirenz is an original debut that will leave you in laugher!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx

Fury

Review Time! Fury by Elizabeth Miles is a 2011 YA Debut. The novel was released last month is Australia and do yourself a favor and get a copy from your nearest bookshelf ASAP! It’s not just a pretty cover… Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Sometimes sorry isn't enough....



It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...


Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.


On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

Em and Chase have been chosen.


The Short Story? – A dark and seductive debut that will leave you craving for more! Dangerous, dark and sinister, Miles has written a captivating story about revenge, regret and karma. Fury will leave you sitting on the edge of your seats. A heart-pounding tale filled with the fear of the supernatural, a new twist on Greek Mythology. Fury will grab you by the next and never let you go.

The Long Story? – I was a little confused by the plot, it was fantastic but for such a complex build-up the ending was really, really simple. I thought there would be a little more to the novel but Fury was really just about bad karma. I can see that from the ending that the sequel would be much bigger and dramatic so I’m really looking forward to the second book in this seductive series. Fury was filled with mystery and this dark atmosphere. It was well planned and well written, it had just the right touch of suspense and it was just fantastic. With this debut, the line between reality and the supernatural was blurred. It’s a not a very heavy paranormal - if that makes sense. It’s rather realistic and the Furies just symbolize sweet revenge which is a truth. Definitely a debut that both paranormal and non-paranormal readers will enjoy!

For the characterization, we started with two main characters. Em and Chase – it’s almost like two different stories but their lives overlap slightly. As the novel progresses, their stories slowly become one until near the end when we end up with only one protagonist. It’s rather clever how Miles have portrayed Em and Chase. She has given them this innocence as if they are not fully aware of how serious their sins are. They’re both likeable characters so I really didn’t like to see them on the wrong side of Furies. I honestly thought Em and Chase were going to end up together and battle the Furies as a couple BUT that didn’t happen – the ending was pretty good though! I liked how Miles have worked the Furies in as important characters and not as just “prop”, she has given them personality and physical characteristics so that each girl is her own character – very clever! Overall a very good cast!

For readers who like their novels a little dark and sinister, Fury is not to be missed! A seductive debut filled with beautiful writing and prose. A captivating plot and a unique cast. Fury is deliciously dangerous and a little terrifying. One to keep your eyes out for, Miles has entered the YA community with a bang. Sweet revenge has never looked hotter!

Rating – 5/5


Badass Bookie xx