The Elite

Review Time! Okay so I was totally planning on posting a heap in January but instead I took another hiatus from posting (oops). In my defence, December was super busy on the blog AND I read a lot of books which need reviewing so I'm back (for now)! The Elite by Kiera Cass is the second book in the The Selection trilogy, I'm a huge fan of the first book so I'm glad that I found the time in December to finally get around to reading it! You can purchase a copy of The Elite from The Book Depository | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to HarperCollins for the review copy (sorry for the super late review)!

(Goodreads) Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

The Short Story? - I'm aware there is a lot of hate out there for The Elite but I'm not sorry for LOVING THE BOOK. I loved The Selection but The Elite was so much better, I laughed, I cried, the book was an emotional roller coaster. There was more action and while some people found the love triangle to be annoying, personally I think it's one of the high points of the novel. This series has quite possibly one of the best love triangles out there, there is drama, intensity and scandal - what more do you want from a love triangle? Well written, great characterisation, The Elite was an incredible sequel to The Selection.

The Long Story? - I like to read reviews of books before I read them because it gives me perspective on the book. Before I read The Elite, I read a bunch of horrible reviews about how terrible the book was however I disagree with every one of those reviews. Just because a book isn't typical to the genre doesn't mean it's a bad book. I think people need to be more open-minded about the dystopian genre. It doesn't HAVE to have a crazy amount of action, a body count and an over-the-top rebellion movement. So what if romance is the main focus, personally I think it's refreshingly different. The Elite provided a nice alternative to the typical dystopian genre and there was action and drama incorporated into the plot even if it wasn't the main focus. I'm not a fan of love triangles but when it's well done - they make pretty great books and the love triangle America, Maxon and Aspen is a roller coaster ride. Beautifully written, I think Cass did an incredible job with this sequel and I look forward to reading the last instalment.

I'm very impressed with the characterisation, I thoroughly enjoyed the characterisation in book one but the growth in America as a character was amazing. She's starting to stand up for what she believes in even if it means dire consequences, I'm starting to see a fighting spirit inside her. My connection to America as a reader is incredible and I completely emphasise with her. Definitely a great protagonist who I expect great things from in book three! I'm very torn over Maxon because I love him and I'm rooting for Maxon 120% however he made poor choices and he needs to stick up to his father, HE NEEDS TO GROW A BACKBONE. Aspen is lovely but is very much overshadowed in this book and from what I did see of him in the book, I didn't really love. He's an okay guy and he always has America's back but I just don't think he's the one for her (read: I wouldn't be upset if he died).

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Elite and it's definitely one of my favourite reads of 2013 (although I only read like 50 books). The writing was great, the characters were fantastic and I think Cass did a wonderful job with the world-building as we are starting to see more cracks in the society. I also loved the romance, the drama and the action of The Elite and I'm excited to see what kind of conclusion book 3 will bring. Two thumbs up for The Elite!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck 

Badass Bookie xx

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The Madness Underneath

Review Time! So I kinda fell off the blogging wagon again this week - there is just so much going on which my preparation for Germany and the term finishing up etc etc! However I do have a review for you today! The Madness Underneath is the sequel to Maureen Johnson's The Name of the Star - I didn't even know there was going to be sequel but HERE IT IS! You can purchase The Madness Underneath from Fishpond | The Book Depository | The Nile | Bookworld. Thanks to HarperCollins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) After her near-fatal run-in with the Jack the Ripper copycat, Rory Devereaux has been living in Bristol under the close watch of her parents. So when her therapist suddenly suggests she return to Wexford, Rory jumps at the chance to get back to her friends. But Rory’s brush with the Ripper touched her more than she thought possible: she’s become a human terminus, with the power to eliminate ghosts on contact. She soon finds out that the Shades—the city’s secret ghost-fighting police—are responsible for her return. The Ripper may be gone, but now there is a string of new inexplicable deaths threatening London. Rory has evidence that the deaths are no coincidence. Something much more sinister is going on, and now she must convince the squad to listen to her before it’s too late.

The Short Story? - The Madness Underneath started off as an average read for me -  after a stunning series debut, I almost felt like this sequel fell flat however as I progressively began to read, I started to enjoy the book more and more. It's a slower pace but nevertheless worth your time! Great plot, incredible ending and a great protagonist. Overall a very solid read, I'll definitely be continuing with the series!

The Long Story? - The Madness Underneath was a complete surprise to me. Not a bad surprise but a surprise nevertheless. When I heard Johnson was writing a sequel to The Name of the Star, my thoughts automatically turned to perhaps a new ghost psychopath on the loose or maybe the ripper returns but that's definitely not what The Madness Underneath is about. The plot follows our protagonist Rory as she struggles to find balance in her life again after the events set in the first novel. The plot lacks the intensity and the edge-of-your-seat action that was present in the first book, it's a more subdued plot. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but I love my fast-paced plots so I found myself a little bored in the middle of the novel. However to be blatantly honest, no matter how average the first half of the novel was, the ending totally made it worth the read. The ending was AMAZING. Dramatic, heart-breaking, romantic, tense and an absolute cliff-hanger - I must applaud Johnson for that spectacular finale!

The characterisation was good although I did have some minor issues regarding the development of secondary characters. I didn't feel the characters were being further developed. A lot of the characters are still a mystery to me and that makes it really difficult for me to understand their actions and connect with them. It's also the second book in the series so I sort of expected to finish the book with everyone figured out. That said the characterisation was still really fantastic! One of my favourite things about Johnson's writing is that all her characters are so unique and out of the norm. They're not all good-looking, unrealistic people! Theses are REAL characters. Our protagonist Rory, was a little weird BUT that's what I liked about her. Her personality was very out there and she loved to talk ( just like me!). Rory wasn't always likeable and some of her decisions were definitely a no-no but overall I felt like I could connect with her and that's all that mattered!

I always find sequels harder to review because I try to keep my reviews spoiler-free! The Madness Underneath was nothing like what I expected it to be but that didn't make it any less enjoyable! Johnson has a refreshingly different prose and her novels are always very well written. There were minor flaws in the characterisation and the plot however nothing could have made the novel less enjoyable! A killer ending (haha punz!), great protagonist and beautifully written, The Madness Underneath is definitely worth the read! It's an upward climb from here, eagerly anticipating the next book!

What's it Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget/ Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

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Venom

Review Time! Venom by Fiona Paul is a 2012 YA Debut that was published by HarperCollins in December of last year! This cover probably threw you off because it's the AUS/NZ cover however this is the very same book as this one - CLICK ME. I've always had a thing for historical YA and I was super excited to dig into Venom, read on to hear about what I think! You can purchase a copy of Venom from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld Thanks to HarperCollins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Cassandra Caravello is part of Venice′s wealthy elite. Her world is one of fabulous gowns, society parties and privilege, yet she longs for something more. While her fiancé is away studying in Paris, she has a chance meeting with an artist called Falco. He is attractive, audacious...and highly unsuitable.

When Cass stumbles upon the body of a murdered woman - with a bloody X carved across her heart - she′s drawn into a dangerous world of secret societies, courtesans and killers. Falco is quick to offer his assistance, but then another body is found and Cass starts receiving death threats... Is Falco more involved than she imagined? And will she be able to stay true to her fiancé, or succumb to her uncontrollable feelings for someone she′s not even sure she can trust?

The Short Story? - Definitely my favourite YA read of 2013 so far! Paul's debut novel is the perfect mix of mystery, thriller and romance. Deliciously dark and seductive, there is nothing more appealing than a romance set in renaissance Venice with a serial killer on the loose! Fantastic characters, good use of a love triangle (for once I approve!) and beautifully written. If you didn't think historical YA could be interesting, you are about to be proved wrong!

The Long Story? - There is nothing more appealing to a girl than a novel set in a romantic city and if it ain't Paris, Venice is definitely the next best thing. I absolutely adored Venom for multiple reason, Firstly the setting was very well done, I love Venice as it is but to make it renaissance Venice is just taking it to a whole new level. Add that to the culturally enriching plot filled with social hierarchy and the blossom of creativity, the whole book just gives off this strangely beautiful and seductive atmosphere. BUT WAIT, there more! Like the plot doesn't sound brilliant already, Paul comes up with the genius idea of throwing in a serial killer going around Venice and carving "x"s on girls chests, not to mention that the killer is on the hunt for our lovely protagonist Cassandra! Filled with mystery, suspense and one very delicious love affair, Venom is definitely a tantalising and spectacular read!

One of the most fascinating aspects of historical fiction is the use of social hierarchy. While we still do have a hierarchy of sorts, it's not as prominent as it was back in the 16th century Venice. I commend Paul on her excellent use of the social hierarchy to create 1) beautiful and realistic characters and 2) an utterly romantic but definitely forbidden romance. Cassandra was a great protagonist, while I'm not much of a fan for the name Cassandra (it's Venice, surely there are more romantic and unique names!), I am a huge fan of her personality. I liked how she didn't fit perfectly into society's expectations, I liked that she believed in love and I liked that she was brave and curious enough to investigate the murders. It was just very easy to connect with Cassandra, to grow to close to her as she grows to understand herself a little better. Falco was very charming and the whole "artist on the streets" aspect totally sold me! I did see the appeal in Falco and I thought his feelings for Cassandra were very real but I'm also very taken by Lucas who is very different from Falco yet charming in his own way. I don't know how Cassandra is going to choose between the two men because I'm having a hard time!

All in all, there isn't much not to like about Venom. Highly entertaining and periodically accurate ( I think, don't beat me with a stick if I'm wrong). Venom definitely has a little more to offer than your usual YA historical fiction. If you like novels about love and murders and Venice, Venom ticks all your checkpoints but also offers you so much more! I highly recommend this debut, Paul has truly outdid herself with this phenomenal start to a brand new series that I'm sure I will continue to love ! I can't wait for the sequel!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck/ Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx

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What's Left Of Me

Review Time! What's Left Of Me by Kat Zhang is a 2012 YA Debut published in October by HarperCollins. This is definitely a book that's gotten a lot of hype before it's release and I was really excited to receive this one for review! You can purchase a copy of the book from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Bookworld. Thanks to HaperCollins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

The Short Story? - What's Left Of Me definitely wasn't what I expected it to be but it was nevertheless quite enjoyable! This is a very "light dystopian" novel, in the likes of Delirium while resistance and rebellion is present, it's more of a emotional and developmental journey. The characterisation was good for what it was and the writing was comfortable and easy to slip into. If you're looking for a less intense dystopian YA, I strongly suggest you pick up What's Left Of Me!

The Long Story? - This is one that's gotten a lot of mixed reviews, some people love it while others enjoyed but didn't typically love it. Unfortunately I fall in the second group. I really did *enjoy* What's Left Of Me but for me it lacked a strong plot. YA dystopian is such a popular genre, books have to be more than enjoyable to stand out. The premise of the novel was good, very original and definitely very intriguing but the pace just didn't work with the novel and the "finding myself" aspect was way too overdone. I would have liked to see a little more action, a faster pace and maybe a short beginning because getting into the novel was a long process. That said, the ending was absolutely amazing and once the book took off, it really was a upwards curve. What's Left Of Me wasn't what I wanted it to be which doesn't make it any less enjoyable. Fans of Matched and Delirium will enjoy this one!

For what it was, the characterisation was well done. I've never been one of those readers who really stressed upon good characterisation but good characters make good novels. Eva/Addie were strong protagonists and they went through an amazing emotional journey. The whole process of them accepting who they are and learning to live and fight for what they want really was the main focus of the novel and I enjoyed this aspect ( although in some parts a little overdone!). As protagonists Eva/Addie weren't without flaws but I liked them well enough.  I really liked Ryan/ Devon, they were probably my favourite characters in the novel, their personalities were polar opposites and yet together they seem to work out really well. The characters on a whole were quite well developed and easy to connect with although I did have a problem with Hally/Lissa but that's irrelevant! Overall a solid characterisation ;)

All in all, despite the quite negative review What's Left Of Me was quite enjoyable! It was a slow start but once you got into the novel, it was brilliant. The basis of the novel is extraordinary and I wait to see where Zhang takes Eva/Addie next. Beautifully written, it can't go unmentioned that Zhang's simplistic writing style is incredibly easy to get lost in. Definitely check this one out if you loved Matched by Ally Condie and Delirium by Lauren Oliver!

What's It Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget/ Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

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Slide

Review Time! Slide by Jill Hathaway is a 2012 YA Debut published by HarperCollins Australia in March. Jill was one of my 2012 debutantes and Slide was one of the books that I was really looking forward to reading. Again, I planned to read this back earlier on but books just keep getting pushed back! You can purchase a copy of Slide from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Dymocks | Angus and Robertson. Thanks to HarperCollins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth--her sister's friend Sophie didn't kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn't actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else's mind and experiences the world through that person's eyes. She's slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed "friend" when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie's slashed body.
Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can't bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting distant lately, especially now that she's been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

The Short Story? - Jill Hathaway's YA thriller was a solid debut with an supernatural twist to a quite predictable murder mystery. I really enjoyed aspects of Slide especially the writing and the characterisation. A good ending and a great romance tagline, Hathaway is definitely not afraid to take risks with her plots. Overall a solid debut that will appeal to both contemporary and paranormal readers, this murder mystery is highly entertaining!

The Long Story? - While reading Slide, I spent some time on Goodreads reading the reviews and upon finishing the novel I found that I agreed with selective points that other reviewers talked about. I enjoyed Slide and I definitely think it's a book that lots of people will enjoy. In terms of murder mysteries, Slide is not as draining to read and this is probably because the ending was a little bit predictable. Hathaway did try to put a spin on the novel and but it kind of fell flat, nevertheless, Slide was entertaining and I *did* enjoy it. The romance tagline was very cute, there was a build up and the love story was really mushy which really fitted with the plot because this novel would have been downright depressing without a little bit cuteness. The ending though predictable still held some element of surprise, I don't want to spoil the ending but I thought that it was very brave of Hathaway to do what she did ( ha! vague!). Solid debut, Slide was very enjoyable.

The characterisation was probably my favourite aspect of the novel. I really enjoyed Vee as a protagonist, she was unique and not just because of her special sliding ability but because of her personality as well. I love characters that understand the importance of family and it was obvious that Vee really cared for her sister despite the fact that they're very different. I liked what I saw of Rollins although I do wish he played a bigger role in the novel since I love friendships in YA as well. The characterisation was very much just based on Vee and that was okay but variety is always good! Zane, was rather quickly developed but I could connect with Zane, he went through so much and I didn't think he deserved the ending that he got but I accepted it and it was somewhat fitting. Overall a great characterisation and I'm looking forward to see how all the characters with grow in the sequel.

Originally I thought Slide was a standalone novel because it wrapped up really nicely but after checking Goodreads, it seems as if there will be a sequel coming out next year. I will definitely be reading Imposter because I'm curious to see where Hathaway takes Vee and her ability next. Slide was a solid debut that was highly entertaining, if you're looking for a YA thriller that isn't too draining but at the same time still enjoyable, I would highly recommend for you all to read Slide!

What's it Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget/ Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

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Unravelling

Review Time! Starting the week with a review of Unravelling by Elizabeth Norris which is a 2012 YA Debut published by HarperCollins Australia back in June. I was so excited for this book and I was planning to read it sooner but it just kept getting pushed back and finally I found the time to read the book in August! You can purchase a copy of the book from Fishpond | The Nile | Booktopia | Dymocks. Thanks to HarperCollins for the review copy!

(Goodreads) STOP THE COUNTDOWN. SAVE THE WORLD…

Leaving the beach, seventeen-year-old Janelle Tenner is hit head on by a pickup truck.And killed.

Then Ben Michaels, resident stoner, is leaning over her. And even though it isn’t possible, she knows Ben somehow brought her back to life…

Meanwhile, Janelle’s father, a special agent for the FBI, starts working on a case that seems strangely connected to Ben. Digging in his files, Janelle finds a mysterious device – one that seems to be counting down to something that will happen in 23 days and 10 hours time.

That something? It might just be the end of the world. And if Janelle wants to stop it, she’s going to need to uncover Ben’s secrets – and keep from falling in love with him in the process…

The Short Story? - Elizabeth Norris's YA debut is a phenomenal science fiction that will appeal to lovers of I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore and Struck by Jennifer Bosworth. Beautifully written with rich and descriptive prose. The plot was filled with mystery, action, romance and excitement. Very edgy and different, Unravelling is definitely unlike any other book I've read. A good characterisation and a solid ending, Unravelling will appeal to readers of all ages and gender!

The Long Story? - Unravelling is quite a fast-paced novel, if you like books that dives right into the exciting stuff, you would enjoy this one. It's more of a science fiction mystery rather than a science fiction adventure. Think crime fiction with aliens. The plot was definitely the main aspect of the novel that appealed to me because there was an emphasis on the mystery aspect and a small focus on the romance which is different since romance seems to be focus in YA fiction more often than not these days. Another aspect I really liked was the ending which was really solid, in terms that it wasn't a cliff hanger - it was a small climax and honestly, I think you could read Unravelling as a standalone if you really wanted too however the ending was so bittersweet I would definitely recommend continuing on with the series. Absolutely spectacular debut!

The characterisation was good but it turned out to be the aspect of the novel that was overshadowed because it wasn't anything special. In fact there were parts of the characterisation that I found quite lacking, namely Ben. I adored Ben but I felt like I didn't know anything about him. I would have liked a  little more of a personality build up and even physical appearances are quite a blur, I can't even formulate what Ben looks like which is strange because the plot was so descriptive! However Janelle was very well developed. Her personality really shone through, I gathered that she was stubborn, protective and very strong. She's level-headed and she doesn't give up easily and more importantly, she is willing to see the good in people. Janelle goes through so much throughout the novel and for her to stay so strong really touched me. Good characterisation, I look forward to further development in the sequel!

All in all, Unravelling was quite an extraordinary debut! Phenomenal plot that really gives YA sci-fi a new meaning. In a market very much dominated by dystopia and paranormal romance, it's great to see a fresh voice tackle a different aspect of the YA genre. Dubbed as 24 meets X Files, Unravelling was very enjoyable. Hooked from the first page, this fast-paced sci-fi thriller was absolutely brilliant! Norris is definitely one to look out for!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

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