The Indigo Spell

Review Time! The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead is the third book in the Bloodlines series, a spin-off the bestselling Vampire Academy series, which is being turned into a movie (yay!). I'm a huge fan of the VA series and I've enjoyed the first two books of the Bloodlines series, you can purchase a copy of The Indigo Spell from The Book Depository | Fishpond | The Nile | Bookworld. Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

The Short Story? - My favourite book of the series so far, The Indigo Spell was nothing short of amazing! This is definitely two steps forward for Mead, a spectacular plot filled with action, suspense and danger. Beautifully written, a compelling narrative voice and fantastic development in the characterisation department - I'm so proud of Sydney! However the romance definitely took the spotlight, FINALLY Mead throws the readers a bone! A pleasure to read from cover to cover, Mead does not disappoint with the latest edition to her spin off series!

The Long Story? - Although I enjoyed The Golden Lily very much, it was nothing compared to my love for The Indigo Spell. You guys are lucky I'm not blabbering and talking mush right now because my feels for this novel are ALL OVER THE PLACE. The plot was nothing short of perfect - what The Golden Lily lacked in action, Mead has doubled in The Indigo Spell. Multiple plots weaved together to create a bigger picture, there was something enticing for everyone. A little mystery, action, suspense, tension, drama and let's not forget - romance. I was initially against the idea of Adrian and Sydney but The Indigo Spell has proven to me that they CAN work. I'm so happy that everything is working out and that things are HAPPENING instead of just kinky chemistry between the two. THIS, is the reason I fell in love with Mead's novels, her beautiful balance in her plots, compelling narrative voice and the ease of the prose! Entertaining and exciting, The Indigo Spell is not one to be missed!

Although The Golden Lily made a lot of headway in the characterisation development, I think The Indigo Spell really hit the nail on the head. I wasn't the biggest fan of Sydney to begin with, partly because of her relationship with Adrian ( who I used to think belonged with Rose) and partly because her personality wasn't very likeable. I find that it's very difficult for me to connect with characters that have a very serious personality and Sydney was the poster child for serious. She has come so far from Bloodlines and she's really turned into someone I have grown to adore and respect! I can't wait to see further development in Fiery Heart! If Adrian wasn't perfect enough to begin with, he is now. I would be lying if I said that I didn't think Sydney has changed Adrian for the better. He is still as sassy and charming as ever but he's so much more now. Adrian Ivashkov is just perfect!

Fans of Richelle Mead definitely have something to look forward to in The Indigo Spell, one of my favourite books of the year so far, I couldn't put it down! New elements, new romance, new friendships and new developments, The Indigo Spell is the book of fresh beginnings. Wonderful characterisation, excellent plot developments and a blossoming romance, Mead's The Indigo Spell is original, entertaining and seductive. Beautifully written, I await impatiently for the release of Fiery Heart!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggy Bank 

Badass Bookie xx

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Prodigy

Review Time! Prodigy by Marie Lu is the long anticipated sequel to Legend, a phenomenal 2011 YA Debut. You can read my review of Legend - HERE (It's really good!!!). I was so excited to read Prodigy and it was an added bonus that I read it so soon after I finished Legend so the story was still fresh! You can purchase a copy of Legend from The Book Depository | The Nile | Fishpond | Bookworld. Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

The Short Story? - Inspired by Les Miserables, Lu's dystopian YA series is an absolute stunner! With the perfect combination of action and romance, Prodigy exceeded all my expectations for the series! Beautiful character building, well written and the plot was exploding with secret agendas, twists and turns! A land mine of a plot, a beautifully flawed yet strong romance and two characters that stole my heart in their own ways. Lu has truly outdone herself with this extraordinary sequel to a phenomenal debut. Prodigy was completely and utterly amazing!

The Long Story? - One of the worst things that can happen with a series or trilogy is a downhill story. You don't want to read a mind blowing debut and then a completely lacking sequel. Fortunately in this case, Prodigy met all my expectations and then some! I absolutely loved it! There was drama, tension, action, mystery and to wrap it up, a romance tagline. It was just the perfect combination of everything that I love all between a beautiful cover. Well written and brilliantly planned, it's going to be pretty hard to beat a plot like this, I feel sorry for whatever book I have to review next! I also loved the introduction of new characters, the new turn of events AT THE VERY END are going to be very interesting. Undoubtedly, the next book is going to be even more amazing than Prodigy and I can't wait for it! Lu has done a spectacular job with this dystopian YA series, truly a polished gem!

To fall in love with a book, you must fall in love with the characters first and I fell head over heels in love with both June and Day. Initially I was a little hesitant about the characters because they're awfully young for such a dramatised plot, I mean at 15 I wasn't starting revolutions or saving the republic however both have shown outstanding maturity and ugh, I just love them soooo much! June, it's astounding how much she's grown since Legend, she's really had it tough and the way she's dealt with everything is just so brave! Day, apart from being incredibly good looking was so perfect. He wasn't too nice and yes, in parts he was a little bit of a jerk but the way he always pulls through and his love June is so sweet! One of the best coupling in the YA genre, I couldn't be any happier! Although I love June and Day together, I can't help but wonder whether there will be anything between June and Anden. It probably won't be a love triangle but the best romances are the ones that survive all the obstacles!

I like to think of myself as a reasonable book critic, I always try to see the positive and the negative and in this case, I just can't find a negative! I enjoyed it immensely and while it wasn't The Gathering Dark ( which is my favourite book in the entire world!), Prodigy was as close to perfection as I'm willing to say! I highly recommend checking out this series, definitely worth a read! Lu better have something mind shattering planned for book 3 if she wants to meet all my high expectations! Two thumbs up for Prodigy!

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

Badass Bookie xx

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Legend

Review Time! Legend by Marie Lu is a 2011 YA Debut which makes it - quite old. I hadn't had much luck with this book with two copies getting lost in the mail until I finally got my hands on a copy! Legend has been picked up by Hollywood and will be made into film! YAY LET US CONQUER HOLLYWOOD TOGETHER. You can purchase a copy of Legend from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld.

(Goodreads) What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

The Short Story? - I really enjoyed this book! I did have a few minor problems with the novel but overall I can definitely see the appeal of Legend to the YA market! Lu is a brilliant writer and Legend is a stand out among the dystopian genre with it's intense action and beautiful romance. Loved the alternating perspective and great world building. Highly recommended to fans of edgy YA dystopian! Expect a cat and mouse game with an expected twist!

The Long Story? - I don't know why but I got the impression upon picking up the book that I wasn't going to enjoy it, luckily I was wrong and I *did* enjoy it. There were aspects of Legend that seemed a little generic and predictable but on the whole it was a refreshingly original addition to the dystopian genre. I liked the cat and mouse aspect of the novel and I liked the bombshells Lu dropped right at the end. I didn't start off loving the story, it was a little slow and I just didn't see badass aspect of the novel I was expecting but as the novel progressed I saw a lot more action. Legend actually ended up being one of those books that I found very hard to put down! The romance was very well executed as well and more importantly - NO LOVE TRIANGLE. I also loved the world building, I've always had a fascination with the military and to combine that with a futuristic society and a criminal on the wrong side of the law - Lu really did put a lot of thought into the plot. Definitely not a waste of time, I can't wait to read Prodigy!

Initially I didn't know what to make of June, she was so distant and unemotional that it was hard to "get" her as a character. However at the same time it reflected quite well the theme of a controlling society. She wasn't allowed to let her emotions get in the way of serving the republic. As the novel progressed June did become more approachable and when Day came into the picture I *really* started to like her. I also loved the prodigy aspect of June, some people might argue that perfection is boring but June isn't perfect and being a prodigy only made her a unique and extraordinary. While I did end up loving June it was really Day that made the novel for me. His fierce love for his family and his devotion to doing whatever was possible to help them is deeply moving. However it was Day's older brother John who stole my heart. OMG this gorgeous boy stole me heart and then broke it with his sacrifice for Day, that loyalty between the brothers is a true bromance! Great characterisation on Lu's part!

If you don't mind a little bit of a wait at the start of the novel, Legend is one to pick up. Filled with intense action, romance, betrayal and secret agendas - the futuristic world of the republic is more twisted than words can describe. Fantastic characters and beautifully written, June and Day are definitely up to something and I can't wait to find out what in the sequel! Two thumbs up for Legend!

What's it worth? - Hand Over The Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

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The Golden Lily

Review Time! The Golden Lily is the second book in the Bloodlines series by Richelle Mead which is a spin-off series from her bestsellingVampire Academy series ( which I LOVE). I know a lot of you have already read this but I thought it would be better to read this closer to the release of Indigo Spell which comes out next month! You can purchase a copy from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.

Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.

But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.

When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.

Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

The Short Story? - It ain't no Vampire Academy but it's getting there! I'm finding myself to overcome my disapproval for Sydrian and actually starting to well, like them together! The plot could have done with a little more action but I feel like it was a solid book and it definitely contributed to the series as a whole. Loved the character development and as always, Mead's writing is like liquid gold! Definitely not a waste of time and I can't wait to see where Sydney and her gang are headed to next!

The Long Story? - A little bit of a back story, I am strongly against the idea of Sydney and Adrian. I feel like the fact that Adrian is moving on is disrespectful to the idea of him and Rose together, it kinda cheapens the previous romance - THE romance that I was pining for and I don't like that. After reading The Golden Lily I feel like I understand the chemistry between Sydney and Adrian a little better which means I not as against them together, I guess I AM warming up to this romance! In terms of the plot for this novel, it definitely wasn't as strong as Bloodlines, in parts I even found it a little boring. Quite slow and there wasn't even a body count! I respect that Mead probably wrote The Golden Lily is as a stepping stone between Bloodlines and The Indigo Spell and it was more of a characterisation book and that was probably a good idea in terms of me warming up to Sydrian but doesn't do much for the plot itself. That said, things do happen in the book that might shock but I just found it s tad bit predictable. Like I said, it ain't no Vampire Academy but it's getting there!

I feel like the focal point of The Golden Lily rests in it's character development category which was something that I really enjoyed. I loved the experience of growing closer to the characters but also getting a feel of the chemistry between Sydney and Adrian which I found a little lacking in Bloodlines. I was never a big fan of Sydney, she was the type of girl I would avoid, she just worries too much and she's so organised and beyond her years! She's kinda a socially awkward bean. However I did grow to admire her in this novel and the small changes in her really make a huge differences. She's a little more chilled now which makes her a little more human! Adrian is Adrian and if you know me, you know I love Adrian to BITS. He's just charming and the complete opposite of Sydney but somehow together they work. Also its' more of a blooming romance at the moment, they're not "official" but it's plainly obvious that they're SOOOOO into each other! Loved the Dimtri cameos and everyone else was brilliant too!

I wanted to keep this review a little vague because it's not a first in the series and I don't want to ruin it for anyone of you who are looking to read Bloodlines and The Golden Lily. In a nutshell, I was looking for a little more in the plot department but I got everything I wanted from the characterisation department so it wasn't too bad! On top of that I can see an epic romance in the making and being one of my favourite authors of all time I'm sure Mead has something spectacular planned for us all for The Indigo Spell!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie

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The Farm

Review time! Okay you guys have NO idea how big my review pile is right now, I am at least 20 books behind and I'm making my way through at snail pace. The Farm by Emily McKay is YA debut novel ( or at least that's what Goodreads tell me). It was one of those books just popped out of no where, not much hype, it was just THERE and it was GOOD. You can purchase a copy of The Farm from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Life was different in the Before: before vampires began devouring humans in a swarm across America; before the surviving young people were rounded up and quarantined. These days, we know what those quarantines are—holding pens where human blood is turned into more food for the undead monsters, known as Ticks. Surrounded by electrical fences, most kids try to survive the Farms by turning on each other…

And when trust is a thing of the past, escape is nearly impossible.

Lily and her twin sister Mel have a plan. Though Mel can barely communicate, her autism helps her notice things no one else notices—like the portion of electrical fence that gets turned off every night. Getting across won’t be easy, but as Lily gathers what they need to escape, a familiar face appears out of nowhere, offering to help…

Carter was a schoolmate of Lily’s in the Before. Managing to evade capture until now, he has valuable knowledge of the outside world. But like everyone on the Farm, Carter has his own agenda, and he knows that behind the Ticks is an even more dangerous threat to the human race...

The Short Story? - If you liked Julie Kagawa's The Immortal Rules, I highly recommend The Farm by Emily Mckay. While the books are very different, the world building shows similarities. Set in a post apocalyptic world over run by blood-sucking vampire hybrids, this is a story of survival, saving the world and family love ( and other types of love too). Fast-paced, edgy and dangerous, if you like your heroes in pairs and completely down to earth, The Farm is just the book for you!

The Long Story? - I went into this novel not knowing what to expect, it arrived on my doorstep one morning and I picked it up, read it and was completely blown away! It's a fairly long book and there was a little bit of a wait for the story to pick up but once it picked up, IT REALLY PICKED UP. McKay's debut is almost like a post apocalyptic road trip WITHOUT the music and WITH the blood sucking vampire hybrids waiting to kill you every night. The Farm is different, edgy, gritty and more than anything it's exciting. Survivor on the road with a body count, vampires and an unlikely bunch of teens ( and there much older vampire protector/dude that's just there). McKay's The Farm is absolutely spectacular!

Another aspect of the novel I loved beside the whole road trip from hell aspect was the characterisation. McKay has not only explored a supernatural aspect with her debut but she also touches base on many issues like autism and teenage pregnancy. The Farm is told from multiple POVs. Lily who is essentially the protagonist is a brilliant character. I strongly admire her love for her autistic sister Mel, it's really tough especially for an 18 year old girl yet Lily knows all about love, sacrifice and perseverance. I also really enjoyed the parts of the novel written from Mel's perspective because they didn't really make sense, the whole thing was in riddles yet some how it fitted with the atmosphere of the novel perfectly. Carter who is Lily's love interest in the novel also got his own chapters and I loved how we can see a relationship from both parties, it just makes it more authentic and interesting. Overall McKay truly outdid herself with the characterisation!

The Farm is a hauntingly beautiful story to match an equally as beautiful cover. A phenomenal debut from McKay I can't wait to see what she has install for us next. Definitely pick this one up because aside from the totally awesome roadtrippy plot, the characterisation and writing is completely and utterly amazing. I don't regret reading this one at all! Two thumbs up for post apocalyptic vampires that don't sparkle!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

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The Rise Of Nine

Review Time! I totally lied when I said I would be back last week because as you can see, there is STILL a lack of posts on the blog! It's just been so busy lately, with travelling and school, blogging really HAS taken a backseat but I PROMISE I will be back SOON. The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore is the third book in the Lorien Legacies series. You can purchase a copy of the book from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I'd been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.

Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .

I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we're looking for the others--including John.

But so are they.
They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They caught me in New York--but I escaped.
I am Number Six.
They want to finish what they started.
But they'll have to fight us first

The Short Story? - The Rise of Nine was so good that it put me in a reading slump (and I'm still suffering). Pittacus Lore, you've done it again. You've managed to rise above all my high expectations. The Rise of Nine was absolutely phenomenal, this is definitely my favourite book of the series by far! Filled with action, conflict and intense drama, this edgy and fast-paced YA sci-fi will leave you craving for more! A complex and action-packed plot, fantastic characters and some major world-saving, The Rise of Nine is a must read!

The Long Story? - I have so much love for this book that I have to choose carefully what I write or the whole review will be a pile of mush and exclamation marks. There are not enough words to describe how amazing this book is. The plot is so well developed and I love how Lore manages to write through the perspectives of so many characters without confusing readers. The alternating perspectives between Four, Six and Seven really makes the novel seem more intense. It's a well planned plot thats both complex and exciting. It's fast-packed and action-packed yet somehow Lore manages to squeeze in moments of friendship and love. Reading The Rise of Nine is like riding the world's fastest roller coaster without a seatbelt on. If anyone knows how to write a good sci-fi, it's Pittacus Lore.

There is a significant amount of character development in this novel mainly due to the introduction of more characters. John ( Four) is more of less the same and he's definitely one of those characters that you can't help but adore. Marina ( Seven) is coming out of her shell! We get to see a stronger and more independent Marina in The Rise of Nine and it's so refreshing. Six, I just have so much love for her! She's badass, tough and confident and more importantly she's a really nice girl. She's definitely my favourite character! Nine, initially I wasn't a huge fan of Nine because he was a little bit of a jerk but as the novel progresses, you get to understand him better and he really grows on you. Ella ( Ten), cute as ever! And Eight, this guy cracks me up and he is just one of those characters that you automatically fall in love with! Overall, a really great cast of characters, my only complaint is that I STILL HAVE NOT MET FIVE.

If there is one book that deserves to be read, it's The Rise of Nine. YOU HAVE TO READ IT! This series is absolutely amazing and I would highly recommend everyone to pick it up. The Rise of Nine was everything that I expected it to be and more, action-packed plot, fantastic characters and wonderfully written. Easily addictive, highly entertaining and never fails to impress, The Lorien Legacies is sci-fi at it's finest. A must-read!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx

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