Book Review: Solid by Shelley Workinger

Solid (Solid #1) by Shelley Workinger
Publication date:  July, 2010
Source:  Thanks to Shelley Workinger

Teens who discover they were secretly genetically altered before birth are brought together at a classified site where they forge new friendships, find love, develop "super-abilities," and even unearth a conspiracy.

Mini Review:

Solid was a fun and engaging read that I devoured in one sitting.

Workinger writing had a really great flow making it an effortless read from start to finish.   The plot had a familiar feeling yet it managed to still surprise me a couple of times.  The first half of the book had great pacing but the second half felt a little rushed and I would have liked it to be a little more detailed.  That being said it is only 220 pages so I think Workinger fitted in as much as she could in that small amount of pages.

The characters are instantly likeable and definitely will bring a smile to your face.  Clio, does feel like the average girl making her easy to relate too.  While the secondary characters were an entertaining bunch.   There is also some romance. But that is were I had a little trouble.  While I thought it was sweet I couldn't understand why Clio and Jack had a instant connection.   I would have like a little more build up.

Overall Solid was a good start to the series.  It definitely left me wanting to read more.

Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Cover: 2.5/5 - I like the purple on the black background.  It certainly makes you look twice.

***DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS AMAZING OFFER  If you buy a copy of Settling (Solid #2) in July you can get a free copy of Solid (kindle or PDF).  Visit Shelley Workinger website for more details.

For more reviews:  Musing of YA Reader

Matched by Ally Condie

Matched by Ally Condie
Publication date: 30th November, 2010

Goodreads description:  Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.  The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review:

Favourite Quote: "Once you want something, everything changes. Now I want everything. More and more and more."

Matched is a book that I have been desperately waiting for and one that was surrounded by a lot of hype.  And I have to say after I finished reading it I feel a little disappointed.  Matched was good but it wasn't that great epic story I was expecting.

What I liked most about this book was the prose.  It was really beautiful. 

"So in the middle of all the noise, I point to the sky. I hope he understands what I mean, because I mean so many things: My heart will always fly his name. I won't go gentle. I'll find a way to soar like the angels in the stories and I will find him. And I know he understands as he looks straight at me, deep into my eyes. His lips move silently, and I know what he says: the words of a poem that only two people in the world know. Tears well up but I blink them away. Because if there is one moment in my life that I want to see clearly, this is it."

The concept was interesting and the world building is well thought out.  It really feels like this could be our future.   But the pace was just too slow for me and that was my biggest problem with Matched.  Basically, after a little while I got a tad bit bored.  There was too much details and not enough action.  I kept waiting for something exciting to happen and when it did the book ended.

Cassia, Ky and Xander they were certainly likeable and interesting but I never really got emotionally invested in them.   Also I felt the romance lacked a little spark and didn't really feel the connection between Cassia and Ky.  I couldn't understand how they could love each other already.  If Cassia had been in love with Xander I would have completely understood because of the years of the close friendship they had.

I am however looking forward to the next installment despite my problems with Matched.  I think it will have all the things that I felt the first book was missing.

Overall, not a bad start to this series.  It just lacked that little something special for me.

Overall Rating: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
Romance: 3/5
Cover: 4/5

For More Info:  Ally Condie's website

For More Reviews: Inkcrush and Daisy Chain Book Reviews

Fury by Shirley Marr

Goodreads Description -
Let me tell you my story.
Not just the facts I know you want to hear.
If I’m going to tell you my story,I’m telling it my way.
Strap yourself in...Eliza Boans has everything.
A big house.
A great education.
A bright future.
So why is she sitting in a police station confessing to murder?

My Review:

Favourite Quote: "Isn't it funny? The things we say, that come back to bite us. Maybe there's no such thing as innocent words after all."

Fury is smart, dark, edgy, brilliantly written and unexpected in many ways.

Shirley Marr had delivered a page turning novel that has a strong and compelling narrative. All you know at the beginning is Eliza is a killer. You don't know who, why or how. So you are sitting on the edge waiting to find out what happened as this well thought out plot smoothly and slowly comes together. The writing has a nice flow as Fury effortless goes from present to the past.

As I mentioned above Fury is unexpected but in a good way. What was surprising is how much by the end it had got under my skin to the point it made me cry. There were two scenes that made my heart ache. For days those moments just lingered. I guess going into this book I was expecting all suspense and drama but there were fun, sweet and tender moments of friendship and some raw and gritty moments that reminds you how cruel life can be sometimes.

Eliza, the main character, is not the nicest person.  She is mean and a bit of snob, but surprisingly I liked her because she never pretends to be someone she is not. And she is also not that typical teen voice. I think Eliza sums herself up perfectly in the book 'hot-tempered, unreasonable and I do stupid impulsive things...'. But she is a loyal friend to those close to her. She certainly hasn't had it easy with her absent father and her mother that is never around. By the end I had connected with on a more in-depth level than I expected.

Overall, Shirley Marr had delivered a thrilling and intensely readable debut novel.

Overall Rating: 5/5

Writing Style: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Cover: 5/5

For More Info: Shirley Marr's website.

For more reviews: Inkcrush, Lost In Stories and Girl Friday.

Note: This would be a great book for those who are participating in the Aussie YA Reading Challenge. Also stayed tuned for an interview with Shirley Marr.

Cover info:  These were some of the covers suggested for Fury.  For more covers check out Shirley Marr's website .

Thank you to Shirley Marr for providing me with a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This Is Shyness by Leanne Hall

Goodreads Description - A guy who howls. A girl on a mission to forget.

In the suburb of Shyness, where the sun doesn’t rise and the border crackles with a strange energy, Wolfboy meets a stranger at the Diabetic Hotel. She tells him her name is Wildgirl, and she dares him to be her guide through the endless night.

But then they are mugged by the sugar-crazed Kidds. And what plays out is moving, reckless...dangerous. There are things that can only be said in the dark. And one long night is time enough to change your life.

My Review:-

Favourite Quote: 'There are changes that creep up on you slowly, and then there are sudden changes that rip your apart, so that you don't know who you are anymore.'

This Is Shyness is delightfully different.  I have been thinking for days now, how I am going to review this totally unexpected, completely original but brilliant book. 

First of all the world of Shyness is so unique.  It is like the rest of world is normal and this one little suburb is covered in constant darkness and full of unexplainable things and not really anyone knows about it.   At first I question the world a little bit but then I got pulled into the story thanks to Hall's remarkable writing and just went with it and focused on the adventure these two characters, named Wolfboy and Wildgril, where having. 

Leanne Hall writing is simple but beautiful.  It is not overly descriptive but you can imagine the world, the adventure and the characters emotions perfectly.  The book is written from both Wolfboy and Wildgirl's points of views and flows from one to another effortless. 

Wildgirl and Wolfboy are both edgy, charming and real characters. Both have issues that are avoiding.   You can't help be drawn to these two and wish you were surrounded in darkness and there on the adventure with them.  The romance in this book is very subtle, just the way I like it.

'I can't believe how funny she is.  I've hit the jackpot here.  If I was different  person, if my life was less complicated, if I had more to offer her than just sadness, if I didn't feel so tired from the weight of the entire world pressing down on me, then this would be the moment I would try to kiss her.' 

There is one little thing that may bother some readers about this book.  At the end I was with left with a couple of little questions.  It left me wondering if Hall going to write more on this world. If she did I would be lining up for it on release day.  However just a warning if you like your books wrapped up perfectly with a bow on top this may annoy you. 

Overall, This Is Shyness is refreshing read and outstanding debut.    I can't wait to see what Hall has install for us next.

Rating: 4.5/5

For more reviews: Inkcrush and Goodreads

Want more info:  Leanne Hall's blog

Watch the trailer (one of my favourites of 2010):


This Is Shyness from All Things Considered on Vimeo.

Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Goodreads Description - 
Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris—until she meets Étienne St. Claire: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.
As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near-misses end with the French kiss Anna—and readers—have long awaited?

My Review: -

Favourite Quote: "So what do I wish for? Something I'm not sure I want? Someone I'm not sure I need? Or someone I know I can't have?"

J'adore ce livre.  In English - I love this book.  I have been reading one fantastic review after another and trust me Anna and The French Kiss lives up to all the hype.  And now I am going to have to insist that every book lover I know read this book because to me it is the perfect love story.  Here is why:-

Because like true life the path of love never runs smoothly.  Anna and St Clair didn't just instantly get together they had to overcome issues.   I find it much more believable when characters work towards their happily ever after.  It seems like maybe this could happen to you (apart from the whole living in Paris thing - although that would be nice!)

Anna and St. Clair's romance happens slowly and naturally.  It is nice to see a relationship bloom from friendship to a deeper connection.  You can see all the little and big reasons (like great hair - just kidding, sort of) why these two fell in love.

Because Perkins included and wrote with perfect detail all the understated moments like accidentally brushing arms or touching legs that helps you really feel the chemistry between these two. 

One of his legs rests against mine.  Despite the two layers of pants between us, I feel naked and vulnerable.  He shifts again and now my entire leg, from calf to thigh rests against him.  I smell his hair.  Mmm.  NO!

Because of the brilliant writing.  It is hard to describe but it is like the words just disappear and you are just feeling this story.   I am still shocked this is Stephanie Perkins debut novel.  The dialogue was suprisingly funny and witty. 

I mean, really. Who sends their kid to boarding school? It's so Hogwarts. Only mine doesn't have cute boy wizards or magic candy or flying lessons.

I also didn't expect so much depth to the characters.  Anna and St. Clair will capture your heart and you won't want to let go. 

So be prepared to fall in love with St Clair and Anna and of course Paris.   Je l'ai aimé. LISEZ-LE!  (I loved it. READ IT!)

Rating: 5/5

Other rave reviews: Inkcrush Words on Paper and Not Enough Bookshelves (a big thank you to Alexa who I won this book from)

For More Info check out: Stephanie Perkins' website

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Goodreads Description - Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker, bookworm and band geek, plays second clarinet and spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey
dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to center stage of her own life—and, despite her nonexistent history with boys, suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two. Toby was Bailey’s boyfriend; his grief mirrors Lennie’s own. Joe is the new boy in
town, a transplant from Paris whose nearly magical grin is matched only by his musical talent. For Lennie, they’re the sun and the moon; one boy takes her out of her sorrow, the other comforts her in it. But just like their celestial counterparts, they can’t collide without the whole wide world exploding.

This remarkable debut is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Francesca Lia Block. Just as much a celebration of love as it is a portrait of loss, Lennie’s struggle to sort her own melody out of the noise around her is always honest, often hilarious, and ultimately unforgettable.
_______________________________________________________________________

My Review:-

Favourite Quote: 'I look into his sorrowless eyes and a door in my heart blows open.  And when we kiss, I see that on the other side of that door is the sky.'

This review is not going to be like normal because The Sky Is Everywhere is so STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL it hard to get the words out.  So I thought I use some pictures to help express my thoughts.

The Sky Is Everywhere made my heart ache.  The above picture pretty much sums up Lennie's life and also the way it made me feel while reading it.   My emotions were all caught up in this story thanks to Jandy Nelson utterly gorgeous writing.  All the poems and notes scattered throughout this book really captured the pain Lenny was feeling.  But there were also funny and happier moments that warmed my heart as well.

Lennie, I could really empathise with her and feel her pain as she looked for a way to deal with it.  I didn't always like her choices but completely understood them and it was wonderful to watch her grow and work towards happiness.   This story also has interesting secondary characters that are just as well crafted.  You could feel Toby, Gran and Big's pain as you watched each of them deal with their grief differently and Sarah's confusion and hurt as Lennie pushes her away. 

The romance in this book is that epic, forever, two souls connecting, kind of love.  It does happen somewhat fast but it works because of the writing that really expresses how Lennie feels when she is with Joe.  And also because of Joe ('quel major dork', 'bat bat bat' - for those of you have read the book it will make sense).  He has such a gorgeous soul.  And well his passion for music makes it hard not to fall for him.  He has found a place with my other literary crushes.

I really wished I could have written some more detail and depth to this review to express how I felt but I am hoping these pictures will get across the words I can't.  Overall, this book is a story about love, that I fell in love with. 

Rating: 5/5

Check out more rave reviews: Inkcrush or  Musty Pages

Some interesting info:  The UK edition which I have has colour photographs inside of the notes/poems that Lennie wrote.  It also has blue ink.  Very pretty!

Check out the book trailer: It would have to be one of my favourite book trailers!

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Goodreads Description - Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.


My Review:-

My Favourite Quote: "No matter where you go or what you do to distract yourself, reality catches up with you eventually".

I have never heard of the term The Duff (The Designated Ugly Fat Friend) before I bought this book.  I thought maybe it was just a term used in the States.  But apparently not. It is even used here in Australia.   As I was paying for the book at the counter, the owner of the bookstore said  'we used to use the same phrase 20 years ago.  Every group has a DUFF'.

It got me thinking about what role I played in my group.  Was I The Duff? But after reading this I realised it is not a bad thing thanks to Keplinger.  As Bianca says "I was the Duff.  And that was a good thing .  Because anyone who didn't feel like the Duff must not have friends.  Every girl feels unattractive sometimes.......I should be proud to be the Duff.  Proud to have great friends who, in their mind, were my Duffs."   That is just one of the reasons why I loved this book.

The DUFF is funny, smart, honest, and a heartwarming.  It is about all the important issues that all teens deal with - love, friendship, family and insecurities.  Sounds like an emotional read but it is not really.  It had that lighter fun feel to it.  A book that you will want to pick up and read again just to feel good.  And I am amazed this is Keplinger debut novel and she was only 17 when she wrote it.  It is a effortless read that had a nice pace and was always entertaining.  

Bianca, is instantly likeable character that cause me laughter and heart ache.   I think Wesley sums her up perfectly "What you are is an intelligent, sassy, sarcastic, cynical, neurotic, loyal, compassionate girl". She is confused at times and definitely has some family issues but completely relatable.  Bianca doesn't deal with her issues and rather bottles them up inside and looks for other ways to escape them.
 
Now on to my dear Wesley.  He makes a great distraction for Bianca.  I have to admit at first I disliked him with a passion but as he grew on Bianca, he grew on me too.  Definitely a sweetheart (well kind of) hiding as a bad boy.   And when you put Bianca and Wes together sparks fly.  These two would have to be one of my favourite literary couple because of their witty banter.
 
The only tiny issue I had with this book was the ending.  I liked Bianca and Wes' ending that wasn't the problem.   But rather the secondary characters - all there issues seemed to be resolved perfectly especially Bianca's Dad and Toby.  It was just a tiny bit too perfect because we all know not everybody gets happy endings.

Overall, The DUFF is a fantastic debut that you shouldn't miss.

Rating: 4.5/5

Note: Lots of colourful language and sex scenes.  So if you are sensitive to this maybe this book isn't for you.

Want more info: Check out Kody Keplinger website.

Keplinger is working on her second novel called A Midsummer's Nightmare.   Here is what Keplinger says in an interviews about it  "I had a story about a girl who has a one-night stand with a boy who later becomes her stepbrother. My next project is very much inspired by the dark, twistedness of my favorite movie EVER–Cruel Intentions"  Check out Old people writing for teens interview with Keplinger.

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Goodreads Description - Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

My Review:-

Favourite Quote: "I could smell his fear but was intrigued by the other, more alluring scents beneath it.  Clover, rain, sun-warmed fields.  I leaned toward him, taking in the shape of his lips, the light in his pale green eyes.  He wasn't looking at me like I was a freak.  His eyes were full of fear and wanting.  I wondered what he could see in my eyes". 

What an incredible debut!  Nightshade was a gripping read that will pull readers into it unique and beautiful world full of passion, mystery and romance.

Right from page one I was drawn into this complex plot.  So much history and plenty of secrets that slowly unravelled.  It definitely kept me turning the pages to figure out what the Keeper's were hiding. 

The characters from Nightshade are well crafted.  Calla is a strong, smart, genuine and loyal.  You have to admire her strenght.  She had many hard decisions but she always choose to do the right thing.    Not only will you adore Calla but also the entertaining bunch of secondary characters like Ansel, Mason, Bryn and Dax.  They bring some funnier moments to this intense story. 

Let's get to the romance.  One word for it DELICIOUS!  This love triangle actually worked.  Both Shay and Ren were just as strong characters as each other and you could understand Calla's confusion.  But I am so team Ren.  He was just sexy as hell and I am crushing on him big time.  Although I have a funny feeling he is not going to end up with the girl and I might have to write an email to Andrea Cremer begging her to make sure Calla picks him.

Now the ending...talk about major cliffhanger.  On a rating of 1 to 10.  Definitely a 10.  Why do authors do that to us and then make us wait for forever for the sequel.  It drives me crazy.  Thankfully Cremer is releasing Wolfsbane on 12th July, 2011.  So only 8 months instead of the usual 1 year and it can't come soon enough!  I really need more.

Overall, Nightshade lived up to all the hype and is one of the best paranormal romance reads of the year!

Rating: 4.5/5

Want to read more awesome reviews for Nightshade: Makeshift Bookmark and Bibliophie Brouhaha

For More Info: Check out the Nightshade website

Trailer:

Freefall by Mindi Scott

Goodreads Description - How do you come back from the point of no return?

Seth McCoy was the last person to see his best friend Isaac alive, and the first to find him dead. It was just another night, just another party, just another time where Isaac drank too much and passed out on the lawn. Only this time, Isaac didn’t wake up.

Convinced that his own actions led to his friend’s death, Seth is torn between turning his life around . . . or losing himself completely.

Then he meets Rosetta: so beautiful and so different from everything and everyone he's ever known. But Rosetta has secrets of her own, and Seth will soon realize he isn’t the only one who needs saving . . .

My Review:-

Favourite Quote:  "But maybe it's like free-falling.  You feel like you'd rather do anything than have to face it, but once you do it you realize it's the best feeling you've ever had."

Lately I have been craving contemporary fiction and Freefall filled my need nicely.  It had all the things that I look for - good writing, a plot that gets you thinking and most importantly honest characters.

Freefall is not a tear jerker but a book that gets under your skin.    My emotional reading experience went a little like this - sad, hopeful, happy, extremely happy, sad, anxious, ahhhh happy again.  Scott's writing talent is the characters she creates.  You become invested in them and the compelling journey they are on.  

Seth is flawed, honest and broken.  He caused me plenty of anxiety waiting to see if he could turn his life around and making it extremely hard to stop reading.   Rosetta, was a surprising character. She was sweet,  sometimes shy and a lot more complicated than I thought.  I could easily relate to her, especially her awkwardness and shyness around Seth.  There is one scene in the book where she is trying to get Seth to kiss her and uses a metaphor.  It is quite funny and something that I would have done.  

Seth and Rosetta had a strong connection.  They both could relate to loss, guilt and fear. Their romance was a little bit awkward at first, there were mistakes, misunderstandings but plenty of sweet moments too:

"She smiled at me in that way she has that gets me all wound up, but somehow calms me at the same time."

It was just nice to see an honest portrayal of a teenage relationship. 

Overall, a wonderful debut.  A book that took me on a emotional ride but in the end left me feeling good.

Rating: 4.5 stars


For More Info check out Mindi Scott's website.

Some interesting info: On Mindi Scott's website you can read her old diary enteries from age 13 to 16.  Very entertaining - worth a read.

She was originally going to call Freefall The Fake McCoy, then Scratching at the 8-ball before settling on Freefall.

Check out the Trailer:

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

Goodreads Description - Violet Eden is dreading her seventeenth birthday dinner. After all, it’s hard to get too excited about the day that marks the anniversary of your mother’s death. The one bright spot is that Lincoln will be there. Sexy, mature and aloof, he is Violet’s idea of perfection. But why does he seem so reluctant to be anything more than a friend?

After he gives her the world’s most incredible kiss – and then abandons her on her front doorstep – Violet is determined to get some answers. But nothing could have prepared her for Lincoln’s explanation: he is Grigori – part angel and part human – and Violet is his eternal partner.

Without warning, Violet’s world is turned upside down. She never believed in God, let alone angels. But there’s no denying the strange changes in her body ... and her feelings for Lincoln. Suddenly, she can’t stand to be around him. Luckily, Phoenix, an exiled angel, has come into her life. He’s intense and enigmatic, but at least he never lied to her.

As Violet gets caught up in an ancient battle between dark and light, she must choose her path. The wrong choice could cost not only her life, but her eternity...

My Review:-

Favourite Quote: "Why are you so afraid to be more than ordinary?"

I wanted so badly to love this book especially since Shirvington is a debut Australian author but unfortunately I am left with mixed feelings about it. There were certain aspects of this book that I did thoroughly enjoy but other parts fell short.  

First off, my favourite thing about this book was the beautiful prose. Here is just one example:

"I slowly opened my eyes. The sun speared its first bright rays of golden orange into the sky and I leapt from the cliff with the sorrowful knowledge that no matter what the outcome, at very least, part of me would die that day."

Shirvington really shows some talent as a writer.

The concept of this book was interesting and unique with it whole hierarchy of angels. At first it was a little bit confusing but as the story went on it unfolded nicely. 

The romance in this book was both gorgeous and smoking hot! I didn’t particularly like the whole love triangle thing but I liked the chemistry Shirvington created.  The way she described Violet's emotions and thoughts during those romantic moments. For example:

“Then he touched my lips with his, trembling and I knew control was on tenuous string. But it still wasn’t enough. If I couldn’t have the control I wanted, then maybe I’d be better off with none at all.”

The trouble I had with this novel was the characters. For me they just seemed a little bit too perfect. Looks, money, smart, an apartment with a doorman, a parent that doesn’t care what you do but still loves you etc. I need to feel like I can relate to the characters. Either I see something of myself in them or somebody I know but I couldn’t.

Also Violet the main character is only 17 years old and sometimes the situations she was in or actions seemed more like something a 25 year old would do. For me personally I think the characters would have worked better if they had been adults. It would have made the scenes more realistic.

Overall, this book had loads of potential but for me it was just an okay read. I am sure it will have lots of fans especially if you love Angel books and love triangles (eg Fallen). The sequel Entice is out in 2011 and despite this books flaw I will be giving it a read.

Rating: 2.5 stars

For more info check out Embrace website

My blogger friend Cass enjoyed this book. Go check out her review and her author interview at Words on Paper

Check out the awesome trailer:

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

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! 

Rating: 4/5

Want more info: Kiersten White's website

Want to read more reviews: Makeshift Bookmark

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

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.

An amazing read.

Rating: 5/5

Want more info:- Kirsty Eagar's website

Want to read more amazing reviews for Raw Blue:- Inkcrush & Musty Pages

Note:-  I would recommend this book for older teens & adults.

Good Oil by Laura Buzo

 Goodreads Description

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.

Rating: 5/5