My personal favourite cover is Saltwater Moon. I love the artistic border, the beautiful font and mostly the romantic feel it has to it.
I try not judge a book by it's cover as I have been burnt a couple of times but with covers like these it is hard to resist. All these books are on my to-be-read list for this summer which is fast approaching here.
I am going to trying a make this a regularly meme at my blog to share the Aussie book love. I also will be doing one for debut authors as well. So check back for those.
Goodreads Description Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie's always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.
Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. So much for normal.
My Review:-
Favourite Quote:- "The doctor was a pleasant werewolf in her midforties. I hadn’t been in here since I sprained my ankle two years ago. And, no, it wasn’t in some exciting way, being chased through a graveyard by a vamp or anything. I sprained it while rocking out to my iPod alone in my room. Apparently hip-hop is not my calling."
Paranormalcy was a fun and cute read that I found myself smiling the whole way through. It did have a very youthful feel to it but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. It contains a bit of mystery and romance, lots of humour and too many different types of paranormals to count. I thought the storyline was unique and refreshing and the writing engaging.
Evie was a fun character. She was quirky, could kick butt when needed but was still very girly. She is the kind of character you want to hug but also give her some advice on life. And Lend what a sweetheart! I thought his paranormal talent was unique and sometimes kind of freaky. I thought the romance was super cute, moved at a nice pace and didn’t overtake the story.
The only thing that I didn’t like about this book was Reth, Evie's ex boyfriend. He annoyed me with his constant let me fill you line. Every time he appeared I rolled my eyes! I think Evie best friend Lish summed up perfectly how I felt about him "Bleep stupid bleep bleep faeries and their bleep bleep bleep obsessions. He had better stop bleep bleep bleep the bleep bleep rules or I will bleep bleep bleep the little bleeeeeeep.”
Overall, a great start to this series that left me excited to read more! However this book won’t be for everyone it might be a bit cutesy for some adult readers since she does have a pink bedazzled taser named tasey!
Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View. ParaJunkee also asks us follower's to answer a question each week, so today's question for the follow is:
If you have, or would have a daughter, what book would you want your daughter to read?
There are so many but I would say my top pick is The Dairy Queen Series by Catherine Gilbert Murdock. DJ, the main character is so inspiring and just makes you want to be a better person.
Thanks for checking out my little blog! Make sure to leave a comment and follow so I can return the favour.
Goodreads Description - Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing ... and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago. Then she meets Ryan and Carly has to decide ... Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?
My Review: -
Favourite Quote:- “The ocean is a vivid emerald colour and the wind ruffles the wave faces so that they shatter the sunlight like glass. Seeing that glittering skin always tightens my throat with joy. It’s stupid, but that how I feel: joyous. I forget about the underbelly of things, my secrets, and I feel easy and free. I know that I’m meant to stay on the surface and be happy. Just enjoy being alive.”
I don’t know why but I find it so hard to write reviews for books I love. I have been struggling with this review for days now and I don‘t think I will do it the justice it deserves. So I am going to try a different approach. I am going to list the Reasons why I loved Raw Blue:-
- This book is truly Australian. The language, the surf culture, the characters, it all feels like home to me.
- It is effortless to read. It just has a nice flow to it. Still can’t believe this is her debut novel.
- It was intense, honest and beautiful. It is still lingering in my thoughts.
- Believable characters. I think characters should work for their happily ever. You want to see them grow and change. And Eagar did this perfectly.
- Carly is such a compelling character. You can’t help but become emotionally invested. And it keeps you up at night reading because you just want to know that things will turn out right for her.
- Ahhh…Ryan ‘mate‘. I have found a new literary crush. What I liked about him was that he wasn’t letting his past dictate his future and that he never gave up on Carly when a lot of guys would have said it was too hard.
- Danny, a 15 year old surfer, because he made me laugh. Every scene he was in he stole the show.
- Because the way Eagar wrote about the ocean it felt like it was another character. It made me want to go down to the beach and watch the waves roll in.
- Because most of all it was a story about love. Falling in love, doing the things that you love and loving yourself.
Again just trying out another meme to see what I like. "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
A contemporary YA novel about a girl who, years after her mother's death, gets a fresh start in a new seaside town. She seems to be outrunning the past, but discovers that the sea glass she wears around her neck is not just a token of her mother's memory but a connection to the very stretch of water she now calls home.
This first thing that grabbed my attention was the stunning cover. Absolutely beautiful!
The blurb makes it sound kind of mysterious and has me wondering what happened in her past. Also because there is couple holding hands on the cover I figure there is going to be a bit of a love story in it and that will please my romantic sap side. It is a debut author for 2011 and I love supporting new authors.
Goodreads Description - With her rare ability to breathe fire, Jacinda is special even among the draki—the descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon forms. But when Jacinda’s rebelliousness leads her family to flee into the human world, she struggles to adapt, even as her draki spirit fades. The one thing that revives it is Will, whose family hunts her kind. Jacinda can’t resist getting closer to him, even though she knows she’s risking not only her life but the draki’s most closely guarded secret.
My Review:-
Favourite Quote:- Quiet surrounds us. So thick I can taste it. He sends me a sidelong glance, the gold of his hazel eyes sparking warmth in my chest, igniting a burn I thought was dying.
Wow, what a stunning book! Firelight was a beautiful tale of forbidden love, danger and mythical abilities. I had high hopes for this book and it didn’t disappoint.
You can tell Jordan is an experienced writer. The way it flowed, the way it captivated me from the first page, it was just magical. I have so many quotes that I love from this book. Just an absolutely beautiful story.
I adore Jacinda. She showed so much strength for her age while struggling to choose between what’s right for her family and what’s right for herself. She is a relatable character apart from the whole dragon thing. She isn't perfect, doesn't always follow the rules and sometimes just doesn't know what the right thing to do is. We all struggle in life especially at the age of 16 and Jordan captures that well. Will is a crush worthy character. I can tell he is going to have a lot fans. Mysterious, protective and a caring soul. Jacinda and Will definitely have great chemistry. Sparks were flying. And oh my those kissing scenes were gorgeous. There is a solid bunch of secondary characters but the only one who stood out to me was Cassian. He is an interesting guy even if we know little about him. It sounds like he will be a major part in the next instalment and hopefully we will get to understand the guy behind the dragon. You can tell Jordan has really thought about her characters and what journey they are going to take over this series.
Okay I did have one minor little complaint but that was more to do with my mood than the actual book. The whole mean girl thing bugged me. I thought Jordan wrote it well but I just wanted one book where the girls in the story got along and weren't fighting over a boy. I guess that is not realistic unfortunately.
Ending of course was a big cliffhanger. I could see it coming about 30 pages before the end and starting screaming oh no! But don’t let that stop you from getting Firelight right now because I thought it was well worth the pain of a cliffhanger.
Overall, a breathtaking read that I suggest you pick up next time your at the bookstore.
Rating:- 5/5
Note: I love the cover! It is even more gorgeous when you have it your hands :)
Want more info: Check out Sophie Jordan's website.
I thought I would try out some memes until I figured out my blog style. In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie.
I bought all this lovely books from my favourite little bookstore called 'The Really Good Bookstore'. I did have eight in my hands originally and then I cut it down to four otherwise I don't think I would have been let in the house.
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner - The Maze Runner blew my mind and no doubt this will too.
The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos - A vampire tale that I'm sure that will fill my craving for a good YA paranormal romance. Also a debut novel of 2010.
Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta - Big fan of Marchetta as you all know. Can't wait to read see her take on fantasy as she usually does complicated contemporary fiction. An Aussie author, yay!
Raw Blue by Kristy Eagar - I have read some great reviews for this Aussie title. So far it is gut wrenching but really good.
Also this week I have changed my blog layout. I think the lighter colour background makes it easier to read. Eventually I will change it to something that reflects me a little better.
My wonderful friend Eva-Maria shared this trailer for a French animation series called Minuscule the other day over at Goodreads. It not book related but it is too funny not share. I love the grasshopper's evil little laugh and I am going to have to buy the DVD now. I hope you enjoy it and are having a wonderful weekend!
Goodreads Description: "Let me make it in time. Let me meet Shadow. The guy who paints in the dark. Paints birds trapped on brick walls and people lost in ghost forests. Paints guys with grass growing from their hearts and girls with buzzing lawn mowers."
It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about.
His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere.
Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls.
But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.
My Review:-
Favourite Quote:"For a while, for as long as you're looking at it, that painting is the world and you get to be in it."
I decided to give Graffiti Moon a try after reading my friends Nomes' review. And I am so glad I did because it was brilliant!
The story is written in both Lucy’s and Ed’s point of view. You have got to love dual narration where you get into both character's minds. There is also some poetry from Poet (Shadow‘s friend) thrown in as well just to mix it up a bit more. And despite all these elements it never gets confusing or feels like the author is repeating herself. The writing has a lyrical feel to it and Crowley definitely has a way with words. The way she described the art in the story I felt like I was standing there looking at it and I wish I was. So beautifully descriptive. The plot was set over the course of one night and it was fast paced and had plenty of surprises. I think the cover describes the plot the so well "an artist, a dreamer, a long, mean night".
Crowley writes vibrant and believable characters. Lucy, I liked instantly. She was smart but also a dreamer and wasn’t afraid to break a guy nose if he deserves it. Ed is definitely a crush worthy character although I wasn’t sure at first. But underneath that troublemaker image is a sweet guy with a beautiful artistic soul that doesn’t realise his own self worth. Lucy and Ed had plenty of witty banter and loads of chemistry. There also was lots of funny moments provided by a great mix of secondary characters.
Overall a clever, funny and heartfelt story. The only problem is I did not want this story to end!
Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View. This is my first time participating in Follow Friday. So I look forward to meeting lots of fellow book bloggers.
ParaJunkee also asks us follower's to answer a question each week, so today's question for the follow is:
What are you currently reading? Basically, what book is that?
I am reading Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley, an Australian author. So far really good. Captivating from the first page. I just wish I had more time to read it!
Thanks for checking out my little blog! Make sure to leave a comment so I can return the favour.
The way the story unravelled was amazing. Such a complex plot that constantly surprised me. I love so many of Marchetta's books but this is my absolute favourite. You will find no other book like it!
This book blew my mind. When I finished reading it I couldn't get it out of my head. Such a pulse pounding read. This book lived up to all the hype and more. Katniss would have to be one of my favourite characters of all time - strong willed, clever and brave. This series is not to be missed!
What an amazing debut novel about friendship, love and music. It is a beautifully written story filled with characters that capture your heart. A book that I didn't want to put down.
Not only is this a beautiful story about letting go and falling in love, it is just as beautiful on the inside. It is filled with postcards, photos, journal entries, receipts, playlists, quotes, menus. Another amazing debut of 2010!
A wonderful, coming-of-age love story from a fresh new voice in YA fiction.
'Miss Amelia Hayes, welcome to The Land of Dreams. I am the staff trainer. I will call you grasshopper and you will call me sensei and I will give you the good oil. Right? And just so you know, I'm open to all kinds of bribery.'
From the moment 15-year-old Amelia begins work on the checkout at Woolworths she is sunk, gone, lost...head-over-heels in love with Chris. Chris is the funny, charming, man-about-Woolies, but he's 21, and the 6-year difference in their ages may as well be 100. Chris and Amelia talk about everything from Second Wave Feminism to Great Expectations and Alien but will he ever look at her in the way she wants him to? And if he does, will it be everything she hopes? For ages 15+.
My Review:-
Favourite Quote: He didn’t move straight away. He looked at me and, with full eye-contact for maximum impact, said ‘You are the real thing, youngster. I hope you will never change’. Before moving slowly back to his own register.
I know a compliment when I hear one, even if I don’t fully understand the nature of it. The hammer shot that last nail in one strong blow.
Wow. This is such a honest and heartfelt coming of age story. It brought back so many memories of being 15. trying to figure out the world and of course having a crush on someone out of my league.
This is not a cute and fluffy read. There is definitely a lot of funny moments but this book is also a little bit heart wrenching at times. The writing is effortless to read and it is easy to get caught up in Amelia and Chris‘ lives. I enjoyed the dual points of view that allowed us to really get a feel of what both characters were thinking. With Chris' point of view, it never felt like a female author was trying to write what she thinks a male would be feeling. His point of view surprised me with it's raw honesty.
You can’t help but fall in love with both Amelia and Chris. The both show so much growth throughout the book. My heart went out to Amelia. Such a hopeful character. Mature for her age in some ways but also naive. But most of all very relatable. It brought back both the joy and agony of being 15. I loved Chris even if he did make some poor choices. He is a flawed character but has a good heart. His side of the story allowed us to see that guys can be just as confused and vulnerable when it comes to love as us girls.
I liked the ending, it was realistic but I would have loved it more if there was an epilogue of a couple years down the track to see what was happening in Amelia and Chris' lives. This book doesn’t need a sequel but I want one.
Overall, a stunning Australian author debut and I hope we hear more from Laura Buzo.
GoodReads Description Melina Marchetta's brilliant, heart-wrenching new novel takes up the story of the group of friends from her best-selling, much-loved book Saving Francesca - only this time it's five years later and Thomas Mackee is the one who needs saving.
Thomas Mackee wants oblivion. Wants to forget parents who leave and friends he used to care about and a string of one-night stands, and favourite uncles being blown to smithereens on their way to work on the other side of the world.
But when his flatmates turn him out of the house, Tom moves in with his single, pregnant aunt, Georgie. And starts working at the Union pub with his former friends. And winds up living with his grieving father again. And remembers how he abandoned Tara Finke two years ago, after his uncle's death.
And in a year when everything's broken, Tom realises that his family and friends need him to help put the pieces back together as much as he needs them.
Review
"Maybe she'd always been there. Maybe strangers enter your heart first and then you spent the rest of your life searching for them."
Marchetta is a writing god!!! I have spent the day re-reading parts of this book that I love. I didn’t want this story to end.
The Piper’s Son is set 5 years after Saving Francesca. It is from Thomas Mackee’s POV and also his Aunty Georgia‘s, POV. Thomas Mackee isn’t the loveable misfit we all remember, he is sad and pissed off at the world. He is grieving the loss of his Uncle Joe and dealing with his family and his world falling apart. Georgie is also dealing with her grief but also falling pregnant to her ex who cheated on her 7 years ago. This is the story of Thomas and Georgie putting their lives back together.
The writing is brilliant, it pulls you into Thomas & Georgie's world. It doesn’t feel like you are being told a story, it feels like you are there with the characters. I became emotionally invested in them and it was heart wrenching at times. But thank goodness Marchetta balance the pain with hope and threw in humour to match the heart ache.
The characters are amazing. Flawed, realistic and loveable. I admit after reading Saving Francesca I had a bit of a crush on Thomas Mackee and this book didn’t help with that. Even if he did make me mad which happened a lot. We get flashbacks of his relationship with Tara. And also get to watch him try and rebuild that relationship through emails and telephone calls. I loved the emails, I loved seeing Tom put his feelings out there! We are introduced to Georgie and I adored her story. She was dealing with guilt about the baby, at what costs did it come. And she never believed she deserved happiness. I could have read a whole book just about her. We get to see Francesca, Will and Justine again. Jimmy though was mentioned briefly but is absent (here’s hoping Marchetta writes a book about his life!).
Overall, another favourite from Marchetta. A book I will read over and over again!
Rating: 5/5
Note: I don’t think I would call this book YA. Not that I don’t think mature teens wouldn’t enjoy it but I would classify this book as adult.
Hi, my name is Nic and I am a book addict! I can't live without my daily dose of reading. I love getting lost in really good book. My addiction didn't happen overnight. I had been reading adult paranormal and contemporary for a few years. I enjoyed them but I didn't feel the need to read. My friend suggested I try Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy (yes the other vampire series) and that is when my addiction started especially for young adult fiction.
I am starting this blog because I love talking books. I am grateful that I found Goodreads which allowed me to express my thoughts and connect with people over books. I have recently discovered a passion for YA Aussie authors and also debut authors. They will be what I will try to focus my blog on.
Happy reading and I hope you enjoy my little blog.
Nic
P.S. A big thank you to Nomes @ inkcrush and Jen @ makeshift bookmark for giving me some helpful advice on how to set up my blog.
Most of the books I review are copies that I have bought myself. I will happily accept requests from publishers and authors to read and review. I mostly read all genre in YA but will read the occasional adult contemporary and paranormal.
I will try to do my best to review books in a timely manner. I post all my reviews here on Irresistible Reads and also Goodreads.
My reviews will reflect my honest opinion. My reviews might not always be positive (as some books are just not for me) but they will always be fair. I appreciate how much hard work an author puts into writing their book.
Please contact me should you have any questions at irresistiblereads@hotmail.com.
Nic from Brisbane, Australia. I love nothing more than curling up with a good book to escape at the end of day especially YA fiction. Please feel free to contact me at irresistiblereads@hotmail.com
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