Here's my review for the wonderful new book Sarah J Maas has created. I loveeeeeee it.
And a big, big thank you to Bloomsbury Australia for sending me a copy of it.
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Tuesday, 21 April 2015
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
Book Review | The Walls Around Us by Nova Ren Suma.
The Walls Around Us is a ghostly story of suspense told in two voices - one still living and one long dead. On the outside, there's Violet, an eighteen-year-old dancer days away from the life of her dreams when something threatens to expose the shocking truth of her achievement. On the inside, within the walls of a girls' juvenile detention centre, there's Amber, locked up for so long she can't imagine freedom. Tying these two worlds together is Orianna, who holds the key to unlocking all the girls' darkest mysteries.
We hear Amber's story and Violet's, and through them Orianna's, first from one angle, then from another, until gradually we beging to get the whole picture - which is not necessarily the one that either Amber or Violet wants us to see.
Nova Ren Suma tells a supernatural tale of guilt and innocence, and what happens when one is mistaken for the other." (synopsis and cover from (x)
When I saw that Nova Ren Suma had a new book coming out, I clicked the request button without even reading the premise. That is how big a fangirl I am about Nova Ren Suma. Unfortunately I was left with very mixed feelings.
Violet is a ballerina on her way to Julliard, her whole life ahead of her. Amber is in jail for allegedly murdering her abusive step-father. She also happens to be dead. The two are linked by one person: Orianna. Violet's best friend, and Amber's cellmate. But Orianna shouldn't be in jail, and only through Violet and Amber are we able to learn why.
The Walls Around Us opens with a bang and it took me a fair few chapters before the shock would stop. Ok, I will admit that perhaps I should've read the premise. But the cacophony of words left me with a lot of lingering confusion.
I'll start with the one thing I utterly adored. The writing. This comes as no shock to anybody who knows me. Suma's style is remarkable and her writing still manages to make me speechless, even after three books. Its lyrical quality is something I very deeply aspire to. If there's anything you should read this for, it's the writing.
And this is where the positives end, unfortunately.
Pacing-wise, The Walls Around Us was something I found very easy to put down. It just didn't capture my attention, and I think it's in part due to my detachment towards the characters.
I wasn't a fan of them. Violet in particular, I found nasty and wholly unsympathetic. This isn't usually an issue for me, but it unfortunately didn't work in this book.
As I mentioned above, I also found the book mildly disorientating. It certainly didn't last the entirety of the novel, but it did last as long as it took me to properly read the premise.
It really pains me that I didn't love this as much as I wanted to. While the writing was a stand-out element, I found everything else to be lacking. 2 stars.
Rating: ** (2 Stars)
Publication Date: 24th of March 2015
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Want to buy this? You can get it here:
Thank you to Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC.
Sunday, 15 March 2015
Book Review | The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski.
While Arin fights to keep his country's freedom from the hands of his enemy, he suspects that Kestrel knows more than she shows. As Kestrel comes closer to uncovering a shocking secret, it might not be a dagger in the dark that cuts him open, but the truth.
Lies will come undone, and Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them in this second book in the breathtaking Winner's trilogy." (synopsis and cover from (x)
Oh boy. This book guys. Rutkoski sucked me right back into the world. So, so good.
At the end of The Winner's Curse, Kestrel sacrificed her freedom to save Arin and his country. In The Winner's Crime, she's walking the fine line of politics and espionage.
This book is good, guys. Marie Rutkoski has upped the stakes in every way and it just stuns me how well she's pulled it off.
Kestrel, for one. She really comes into her own in this novel. In the first book, she had a few stumbles. She was an amateur in the real life version of Bite & Sting. In The Winner's Crime however, Kestrel has learnt from her mistakes and become ten times smarter. She grew into everything I'd hoped she would be. It's fantastic.
In fact, I'd say that all of the characters really come into their own in The Winner's Crime. Arin has had to mature and quickly. He is stuck. Which takes priority: his country or his heart? For him, this novel is one of a balancing act, with one ultimately losing out.
The political intrigue, the manipulation, the games that are played, emit from the characters. It's a highlight of the novel for me.
Rutkoski continues to do a wonderful job at world-building. A large portion of the novel takes place in Valoria and she does a fantastic job at creating an entirely new culture. The hustle and bustle of the city is really well-done, and makes for an unputdownable read. I tried to put it down, multiple times, and I couldn't do it.
And the writing. What can I say about the writing that hasn't already been said? It's lethal elegance matched the tone of the novel to a tee. There was a lyrical quality that made me want to cry. Rutkoski is one of my favourite authors stylistically, and she certainly didn't disappoint.
If there was any negative, it'd have to be that cliffhanger. Amiright? It shredded my heart to pieces and I don't know how I'm going to be able to cope for another year.
'Wow' is the only word that comes to mind with this book. Trust me when I say it will not disappoint. 4.5 stars.
The political intrigue, the manipulation, the games that are played, emit from the characters. It's a highlight of the novel for me.
Rutkoski continues to do a wonderful job at world-building. A large portion of the novel takes place in Valoria and she does a fantastic job at creating an entirely new culture. The hustle and bustle of the city is really well-done, and makes for an unputdownable read. I tried to put it down, multiple times, and I couldn't do it.
And the writing. What can I say about the writing that hasn't already been said? It's lethal elegance matched the tone of the novel to a tee. There was a lyrical quality that made me want to cry. Rutkoski is one of my favourite authors stylistically, and she certainly didn't disappoint.
If there was any negative, it'd have to be that cliffhanger. Amiright? It shredded my heart to pieces and I don't know how I'm going to be able to cope for another year.
'Wow' is the only word that comes to mind with this book. Trust me when I say it will not disappoint. 4.5 stars.
Rating: ****.5 (4.5 stars)
Publication Date: March 12th 2015
Publisher: Bloomsbury Australia
Do you want to buy the book? Here are some places you can get it:
Thank you to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC
Friday, 6 February 2015
Book Review | I Was Here by Gayle Forman.
This characteristically powerful novel follows eighteen-year-old Cody Reynolds in the months following her best friend's shocking suicide.
As Cody numbly searches for answers as to why Meg took her own life, she begins a journey of self-discovery which takes her to a terrifying precipice, and forces her to question not only her relationship with the Meg she thought she knew, but her own understanding of life, love, death and forgiveness.
A phenomenally moving story, I Was Here explores the sadly all-too-familiar issue of suicide and self-harm, addressing it in an authentic way with sensitivity and honesty." (synopsis and picture from (x)
I screamed when my old boss called me up and was like, 'do you want a proof copy of Gayle Forman's new book?' I wish I hadn't, but I did actually scream. Needless to say, my expectations were high. Unfortunately, I was left feeling a little disappointed.
Cody's been best friends with Meg since forever, and when Meg ends her life, Cody doesn't know how to cope. When she goes up to Meg's college town to pack her belongings, Cody realises that a lot remained unsaid between them. And she was going to figure out what.
I just want to start off this review by saying that I think this book might be perhaps a little more appropriate for an older audience. Now that that's out of the way, let's begin!
Like I mentioned above, I had very high expectations for this book. And while Forman does a good job with some elements of the novel, I found other aspects were severely lacking. But first: the good things.
I liked Cody. I liked her snark and sass and I appreciated that she was trying to mourn in her own way. Because mourning is a really personal thing, and nobody does it in the same manner. Likewise, I think the author did a great job with most of the secondary characters. She fleshes (most) of them out in a way that makes you connect to them quickly.
That's in part to the writing. I loved the writing. I can never fault Gayle Forman for her writing. The voice she created was clear and wonderful.
The biggest thing, however, that I think the author does the best - the most important thing - is how she looks at suicide and how it affects loved ones. Because that's what this story is about: it's about a girl who has lost her best friend and feels like half of her life has been lost and she doesn't know where to go. It's about her figuring out how to pick up the pieces and keep moving. And it's something I don't think enough people pay attention to. The what-happens-after.
There are, however, some not so great things.
Firstly, Ben. He didn't convince me as a love interest. He wasn't well-fleshed out and I felt like his and Cody's relationship was stilted at best. There just wasn't the spark between the two that I'd seen in her previous novels. Also, Ben tended to growl a lot. This was hugely amusing to me. Did anyone else pick that up?
I also wish we'd been able to see more of Meg and Cody's relationship. I understand that Meg is dead, so it makes things a little difficult, but. But. Because I didn't see a lot of their friendship on the page, I found it hard to believe that they were best friends.
More than anything, I guess I'm just a little disappointed. I Was Here didn't move me nearly as much as her other novels have. While some elements were wonderfully done, and Forman's portrayal of grief was exquisite, I found the lack of development in the key friendship stilted the book. 3 stars.
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Australia
Publication Date: 1st February 2015
Want to buy this book? You can get it here:
Tuesday, 6 January 2015
BEDJ #6 | Top 10 Books of 2014.
The Top 10 Books of 2014:
Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone by Kat Rosenfield | ✭✭✭✭ |
Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg | ✭✭✭✭✭ |
The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski | ✭✭✭✭ |
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy | ✭✭✭✭ |
Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang | ✭✭✭✭✭ |
Sabriel by Garth Nix | ✭✭✭✭ |
Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas | ✭✭✭✭ |
The Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann | ✭✭✭✭✭ |
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood | ✭✭✭✭✭ |
Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay | ✭✭✭ |
Sunday, 4 January 2015
BEDJ #4 | The Mime Order by Samantha Shannon.
As Scion turns its all-seeing eye on Paige, the mime-lords and mime-queens of the city's gangs are invited to a rare meeting of the Unnatural Assembly. Jaxon Hall and his Seven Seals prepare to take centre stage, but there are bitter fault lines running through the clairvoyant community and dark secrets around every corner.
The the Rephaim begin crawling out from the shadows. But where is Warden? Paige must keep moving, from Seven Dials to Grub Street to the secret catacombs of Camden, until the fate of the underworld can be decided. Will Paige know who to trust? The hunt for the Dreamwalker is on." (synopsis and picture from (x)
From the get-go I knew this book would take a different direction to the first one - in fact this seems to be Shannon's favourite thing to do: change the direction of the whole story at the very end. But it worked, and I really liked it.
Paige has escaped Sheol I. Her, along with a small number of other clairvoyants have made it back to London. But things don't go back to normal. No, instead Scion puts every effort into ensuring Paige is found. And she herself can't go back to the normality of the gangs. People need to be warned about the Rephaim. And she's the only one who can do anything about it.
Like I mentioned before, I didn't really know where this book would go. It worried me initially, but I think Shannon successfully pulled off progression of both the story, and the characters.
This is seen primarily in Paige herself. After spending time in the harsh conditions of Sheol I, she doesn't know how she fits back into the general scheme of things. Instead of becoming a wallflower and passive, she really comes into her own. She is a character that shouldn't be reckoned with. While she has a few stumbles along the way, she knows what's right and pushes herself to ensure it remains that way. I love Paige as a main character. In this book, we see a new side to her - a more ruthless side. It's fantastic.
The dynamics of Paige's relationship with Warden also change. In the first book, there is a clear line they shouldn't cross. In The Mime Order, that's not necessarily a thing anymore. The tension is at an all time high. I won't lie, there was a few moments of furious blushing on my part.
Shannon also did a wonderful job at rebuilding the world of Scion London. Unfortunately, we don't see a lot of it in the first book. As a result, the author has to remind us what it's all about, and then develop it more. She does a fantastic job at it. The descriptions of London are vivid and the little details she brings to the city make it all the more realistic.
The writing has also improved. My reservations from the first book have disappeared in this one. I really liked and appreciated it.
My only problem with The Mime Order is the pacing. For the most part, it's good. There is a little bit of inconsistency though. Understandably, the novel takes a while to gain momentum. New settings always do this. Once it does, however, it's like nothing can stop it. I felt compelled to continue reading.
This book is a bit of an oddball because it feels like not a lot happens, but a lot actually does. It's just not of the action-battle variety. Instead, it's quiet and creeps up on you. It's incredible because the author has all these little threads of side-plots that you don't think much of, but Shannon then turns around and makes it into a much bigger, more important thing later on. It's fantastic.
Overall, a great follow-up to The Bone Season. If you weren't sure about continuing the series, I think this book is proof that a lot is going to happen, and you really should. I'm very happily going to go along for the ride. 4 stars.
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Australia
Publication Date: 27th January 2015
Want to buy this book? You can get it here:
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury providing me with an e-ARC.
This review will also appear on Book Nerd Reviews
Thursday, 18 December 2014
Wednesday, 19 November 2014
Book Review | The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood.
Yes, guys. I'm back on YouTube. Sort of. I don't know. We'll see how we go. I know I'm a little awkward in this, but please remember that it's been nearly a year since the last time I did this.
And don't worry, this blog is still going to be active. I pinky promise. I have this bad tendency of neglecting one platform and focusing all my attention on the other, but I'm going to try and avoid that this time.
Ok. That's all. Normal blog posts will start up again soon.
Monday, 3 November 2014
Book Review | Tape by Steven Camden.
In 1993, Ryan records a diary on an old tape. He talks about his mother's death, about his dreams, about his love for a new girl at school who doesn't even know he exists.
In 2013, Ameliah moves in with her grandmother after her parents die. There, she finds a tape in the spare room. A tape with a boy's voice on it - a voice she can't quite hear, but which seems to be speaking to her.
Ryan and Amelia are connected by more than just a tape.
This is their story." (synopsis and cover from (x)
I got this book back in January, read it in July, and couldn't find the words to review it until November. So now, here we are. Apologies for the long wait.
Tape is about a boy and a girl: Ryan, and Ameliah. Ryan lives in 1993, and has lost his mother. Ameliah lives in 2013, and has lost both of her parents. See the parallels? One day, they both flick a switch and while recording a tape, hear each other's voices. That's when it hits them: they are more connected than they initially realised.
When I first read the blurb, I was all like, 'Yeahhh, this sounds like a young adult version of The Lakehouse.* Trippy.' Unfortunately, I found that what was in the blurb was very different to what the actual story was.
I had a lot of problems with this novel. And honestly? I couldn't finish it. We'll start with the cons though so I can finish on the one positive note.
This book was painfully slow. Like, painfully slow. I read up until about halfway through the novel, and virtually nothing had happened. They had sort-of talked through the tape cassette, but it was seen as a freak blip - something that couldn't have actually happened. While the writing was interesting, I feel like perhaps it was being used as the thing that was supposed to carry the novel. I don't think the writing was strong enough to do that.
I also found the characters quite ill-developed. This goes hand in hand with the whole 'not-a-lot-happening' thing. Likewise, I felt like there was a disparity between the age we, the readers, were told, and the age the dialogue painted them at. I kept assuming they were around fifteen, but in the book, we are reminded again and again they're thirteen or fourteen. It threw me for a bit of a whirl, to be honest.
Finally, I found it predictable. I quickly scanned the last few pages, and all of my suspicions had been confirmed there. While I liked that there was an emphasis on a different sort of love to romance, it was obvious (to me).
The one thing I liked: the writing. It was interesting, different. Camden didn't use the typical quotation marks, and it intrigued me.
Overall, not hugely impressed by the book. The pacing really just threw me and I found the novel difficult to enjoy, as a result. 2 stars.
*You know, that movie with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves? Yea.
Rating: ** (2 Stars)
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Publication Date: 30 January 2014
Want to buy the book? You can get it here:
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia for sending me a review copy
Monday, 8 September 2014
Book Review | Falling Into Place by Amy Zhang.
Why? Why did Liz Emerson decide that the world would be better off without her? Why did she give up? Vividly told by an unexpected and surprising narrator, this heartbreaking and nonlinear novel pieces together the short and devastating life of Meridian High's most popular junior girl.
Mass, acceleration, momentum, force - Liz didn't understand it in physics, and ever as her Mercedes hurtles toward the tree, she doesn't understand it now. How do we impact one another? How do our actions reverberate? What does it mean to be a friend? To love someone? To be a daughter? Or a mother? Is life truly more than cause and effect?
Amy Zhang's haunting and universal story will appeal to fans of Lauren Oliver, Gayle Forman, and Jay Asher." (synopsis from (x)
Remember how, about a month back, I reviewed 'Take Back The Skies,' and was like, 'Well, I definitely feel like an underachiever,' because the author was my age and she'd published something? And not just any something, but a novel-something? Yes? Well, this is another case of that. But, the feeling is even worse because I adore this book.
'Falling into Place,' written by (18-year old) Amy Zhang, is the story of Liz Emerson. She is the most popular girl in school, and she has decided to commit suicide. One day after class, she crashes her car, and the next, she's fighting for life. Told from a non-linear and fascinating perspective, this book absolutely stunned me.
I'll try and refrain from gushing too much, but I can't promise you anything.
I'll start with my favourite, favourite thing - the writing. Oh my gosh, the writing. I loved, loved, loved it. Much like with 'We Were Liars,' I found that it was the writing that really pushed me along. It's got a peculiar quality to it: The very first page grips you and it feels like you can't breathe until you finish the novel. It's not a huge book, but it really packs a punch. Right in the stomach.
I also loved the perspective. I won't spoil it for you, but it's not your typical first-person narrative. It's not necessarily third-person either. I will say this though - I'm pretty sure I've never read anything like it
There's one thing that really struck me in the book though. I'm not sure if it's necessarily a good thing or a bad thing, but it's something I need to mention. 'Falling into Place' makes you extremely aware of your mortality (and everyone else's). So, if you're like me, and prone to neuroticism, just be aware that you might have an existential crisis midway through the book.
I was in shock when the book ended. I'd kind of gobbled it all up within a day, and then it finished a little abruptly. I'm not criticising that - I think it was a good way to end. Just know that a state of shock is a not uncommon feeling.
I read in the blurb that people were comparing this book to Gayle Forman's books. While I definitely see that (especially so with If I Stay), it's executed very differently and can definitely stand on its own.
I love this book. It's on my top reads for 2014. 4.5 stars.
Rating: ****.5 (4.5 stars)
Publisher: Harper Collins Australia
Publication Date: 1st September 2014
Want to buy the book? You can get it here:
Thank you to Harper Collins Australia and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC.
This review will also appear on Book Nerd Reviews.
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Book Review | Heir of Fire by Sarah J Maas.
While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?
This third novel in the Throne of Glass sequence, from New York Times bestselling author Sarah J Maas, is packed with more heart-stopping action, devastating drama and swoonsome romance, and introduces some fierce new heroines to love and hate." (synopsis from NetGalley)
I have been fondly referring to this book as the 'second round of set-up' for the Throne of Glass series. Surprisingly, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Celaena Sardothien is back, and she's mourning the loss of her closest friend. Ordered across the seas, she now has a new mission. Before she can do anything, someone finds her first. Someone she'd hoped she'd never meet.
Look, if we're being totally honest, I was weary with how this series was going to progress (given that Celaena is now on another continent and things are suddenly spread across seas and whatnot). This was undoubtably a new direction, and I worried that it wouldn't live up to my expectations (which, admittedly, are really, really high). Given this, Heir of Fire was done really well.
I only really had two issues with the book. One: the pacing. Heir of Fire was a little slower than it's predecessors. Given that Maas had to create this new continent (which she did exceptionally well, mind you) and the story's new direction, this was to be expected. It took its time in ramping up the speed. Still, it was slow. However, around halfway through, things really started to pick up. I found myself prioritising reading the novel over doing uni work (this happens often, but for context, I was reading this when I had six assignments due in a two week period).
My other issue is a really, really minor one: Manon Blackbeak. It's not that I hate her. It's not even that I dislike her. I just haven't entirely warmed up to her yet. It'll happen. Just not right now.
Now, the good things (and brace yourself, because there's a lot).
As you all very well know, Celaena Sardothien is my absolute-favourite-character-in-the-entire-world. I am ridiculously protective of her. She's a bad-ass with all the assassin-y skills. But you know what else she really enjoys? Shopping. Pampering herself. She is my favourite. In this novel, she was as great as ever. Admittedly, in the beginning I found her moping a little irritating. But then I got it - in this instalment, we see Celaena's vulnerability at an all time peak. Further development of the greatest character ever? I think yes.
Of the original characters, I think they were developed further, and it was great seeing what was happening back in Adarlan. My heart is a little crushed. I won't say why because *spoilers*
Of most of the new characters, I got very quickly invested. Particularly so in Aedion (who I found had some very similar parallels to Celaena - unsurprising, I suppose) and Rowan (who I think has a wonderful dynamic with her). And before you ask, no. No, I don't ship Rowan and Celaena. That relationship is purely platonic in my eyes.
As I mentioned before, Maas did a wonderful job with the new world of Wendlyn. Superb. Also, DRAGONS. They're coming. (Well, wyverns. But I've looked it up. They're pretty much the same thing).
I am so fricking keen to see where this series is going. Maas didn't exactly leave us on a cliffhanger in the normal sense. Nothing happened suddenly in the last pages. It's more of a cliffhanger of anticipation for the rest of the series.
Basically: Buy it the day it comes out. Then we can actually talk.
Rating: **** (4 Stars)
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: September 11th 2014
Want to buy it? You can get it here:
Thank you to Bloomsbury Australia and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC
Monday, 1 September 2014
Book Review | Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins.
His head jolts up. For a long time, a very long time, he just stares at me.
And then...he blinks. "Isla?"
Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on brooding artist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And, after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer break, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to face uncertainty about their futures, and the very real possibility of being apart.
Set against the stunning backdrops of New York, Paris and Barcelona, this is a gorgeous, heart-wrenching and irresistible story of true love, and the perfect conclusion to Stephanie Perkins's beloved series." (synopsis from (x)
The time has come, my friends. Isla and the Happily Ever After has finally been released (or, more rather, it finally arrived), and I am here to review it for you.
The first thing you'll notice about this book is that it is different to Anna and Lola. It's different in main character, in tone, in plot. Do not go into this novel expecting something similar to the prior two books. It isn't.
But I think it works.
The things I liked: the characters. This is a no-brainer, because Stephanie Perkins does character and she does it really, really well. Both Josh and Isla become multi-faceted and we see both the flaws and virtues of their characters develop throughout the novel.
I'll start with Isla. Islaislaisla. She's the main character in this little happily ever after
Where Anna and Lola are sure of who they are as people, and where they want to go in life, Isla is different. She has insecurities - big ones. She's terrified of the future, because she doesn't know where she's going. She's shy. She doesn't like taking risks. Isla got to me in a way I never expected. I loved her
Josh. Josh made me want a boyfriend. No, let me rephrase that
The two together were adorable. Very often, I found myself thinking 'Oh my gosh, you nerds. Stop it, I love you.' There are just a lot of very sweet moments in this book. Another way this book is different? There are some more explicit moments, so you know. Be aware of that. Because it took me by surprise.
Setting, as always, was done to perfection. I loved being back in Paris, and loved being (however briefly) in Barcelona even more. I wished we'd seen more of New York, but obviously, Europe was the place to be.
My main problem with the novel was the placement of conflict. Like I've mentioned a lot, Perkins doesn't keep to the similar formula she uses in Anna and Lola. It sent me into a bit of a loop. Why? Because instead of being one of the first things we're introduced to, it doesn't become a *thing* until we're on the other side of the halfway mark.
I guess it'd be easy to argue that Isla's insecurities are in fact, the conflict, but they're not really present until the *big thing* happens. But because of this, it felt like there wasn't actually much of a conflict. It isn't a huge issue, it's just messing with my mind a bit.
We do get to see some of Cricket and Lola, and Anna and Etienne. However, it is very, very brief. And something happens. But I'm not saying what, because that would be cheating.
Overall, a very sweet final companion novel. Isla, I love. Josh, I love. Conflict placement, not so much. 4 stars.
Rating: **** (4 Stars)
Publisher: Usborne
Publication Date: 14th August 2014 (or, if you're from Australia, sometime in September)
Want to buy it? You can get it here:
Saturday, 30 August 2014
Book Review | The Rapunzel Dilemma by Jennifer Kloester.
It's not just the other students who are making life difficult. Lily's got a secret she's not sure how to handle, but she finds that a room in one of the Academy's deserted towers makes a perfect refuge. Lily can't stay locked in the tower forever, though. And when she meets the mysterious Ronan Carver, everything starts to change.
A fast-paced modern fairytale and companion novel to The Cinderella Moment, form talented YA author Jennifer Kloester." (Synopsis from (x)
The Rapunzel Dilemma. A companion novel to The Cinderella Moment, and my first Jennifer Kloester book. Unfortunately, I was a little disappointed.
I found the novel to just be ok. There was nothing to really scream home about.
I found most of the characters to be way underdeveloped. Lily came across as spoilt, childish and frustrating. Where I should have started liking her more as the story went along, I instead found her annoying, and grew to dislike her more and more.
I had very non-feelings towards Ronan. For most of the novel, he was made out as this very *mysterious* character. All his back story was revealed at once, and I just couldn't really sympathise with him. I also felt that there wasn't a huge amount of chemistry between Lily and Ronan.
The dialogue itself came across as stilted and occasionally repetitive (in that characters would find out something, we'd read about it and then they'd reiterate the discovery to another character). I also found the plot mildly predictable.
There were, however, definitely moments that were endearing (I'm looking at you, Dover scene). The school itself looked fascinating, and I feel like you could tell that the author definitely put in a lot of research.
While I didn't enjoy the novel, I do see it as being really popular with a younger audience. 2 stars.
I found the novel to just be ok. There was nothing to really scream home about.
I found most of the characters to be way underdeveloped. Lily came across as spoilt, childish and frustrating. Where I should have started liking her more as the story went along, I instead found her annoying, and grew to dislike her more and more.
I had very non-feelings towards Ronan. For most of the novel, he was made out as this very *mysterious* character. All his back story was revealed at once, and I just couldn't really sympathise with him. I also felt that there wasn't a huge amount of chemistry between Lily and Ronan.
The dialogue itself came across as stilted and occasionally repetitive (in that characters would find out something, we'd read about it and then they'd reiterate the discovery to another character). I also found the plot mildly predictable.
There were, however, definitely moments that were endearing (I'm looking at you, Dover scene). The school itself looked fascinating, and I feel like you could tell that the author definitely put in a lot of research.
While I didn't enjoy the novel, I do see it as being really popular with a younger audience. 2 stars.
Rating: ** (2 stars)
Publisher: Penguin Books Australia
Publication Date: 27th August 2014
Want to buy the book? You can get it here:
Thank you to Penguin Australia and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC.
This review will also appear on Book Nerd Reviews.
Wednesday, 6 August 2014
Book Review | Let's Get Lost by Adi Alsaid.
Four teens across the country have only one thing in common: a girl named LEILA. She crashes into their lives in her absurdly red car at the moment they need most.
There's HUDSON, a small-town mechanic who is willing to throw away his dreams for true love. And BREE, a runaway who seizes every Tuesday-- and a few stolen goods along the way. ELLIOT believes in happy endings...until his own life goes off-script. And SONIA worries that when she lost her boyfriend, she also lost the ability to love.
Hudson, Bree, Elliot and Sonia find a friend in Leila. And when Leila leaves them, their lives are forever changed. But it is during Leila's own 4,268-mile journey that she discovers the most important truth - sometimes, what you need most is right where you started. And maybe the only way to find what you're looking for it to get lost along the way." (synopsis and cover from (x).
Let's Get Lost is an interesting, unique novel from a talented debut author.
The story focuses on five strangers. Four of whom have no commonalities whatsoever with the exception of the fifth person: a girl whose name is Leila. She is on a road trip and this novel is the misadventures and sidesteps along the way.
To be honest, it's a little difficult to review this one. Why? Because there's two ways of thinking about it.
1) You can look at and review it in its entirety. Or
2) You can look at each of the strangers as separate short stories.
Because that's what it is; with the exception of Leila, there are no similarities. They are literally snapshots of one characters life. Whether it's done successfully is something else entirely. I'll get to this in a little more detail later on.
Onward! The good stuff.
Number one: I love, love, love the concept. From the get-go, it's one of those novels that asks all the right questions. On this occasion: how can one person, one perfectly pleasant stranger, affect the life of others? I don't know about you guys, but that is something that I am utterly fascinated by, and I really appreciate that the author decided to explore this.
Number two: Distinct voices. All the characters were very separate from each other. This works well in terms of the reading experience. I never had to go back and double check who exactly I was reading, because it was very clear from the start.
Number three: The writing. Unsurprisingly, given how well the voices were written, the writing itself was very well done. There were definitely lines that I felt were provocative and thoughtful. I just really appreciated the tone of it.
Now, for the negatives. I want to warn you in advance that I'll be referring to things that I mentioned above. Like I said, the novel is fundamentally broken up into five short stories. This would be totally fine, but if we go with the idea to review them as separate short stories, I found them too broad in nature. Short stories are supposed to be a snapshot. However, the author attempts to include a lot of plot and a lot of development. I'd argue that perhaps it's too much.
I also think that it comes across as a little disjointed. The stop and start of the strangers' stories disrupted the flow of the full arc of the story (does that make sense?). Every time I started to truly get involved in it, we'd have finished that character's arc and be onto the next person.
Given this, it was hard to find a huge amount of development within the characters. Alsaid definitely attempted to show it, however I feel he might've failed in some regards. For instance, I wasn't a huge fan of Bree. She definitely was one of the more obvious cases of growth. I didn't particularly like her in the start, and I still couldn't feel for her by the end.
Let's Get Lost is a fascinating concept that has been solidly illustrated by the author. I look forward to reading more of his work. 3 stars.
Rating: *** (3 Stars)
Publisher: Harlequin Teen Australia
Publication Date: 1st August 2014
Want to buy the book? You can get it here:
Thank you to Harlequin Teen Australia and NetGalley for this e-ARC.
This review will also appear on Book Nerd Reviews
Wednesday, 23 July 2014
Book Review | My Salinger Year by Joanna Rakoff.
Poignant, keenly observed and irresistibly funny, My Salinger Year is a memoir about literary New York in the late 1990's, a pre-digital world on the cusp of vanishing, where a young woman finds herself swept into one of the last great figures of the century. Above all, it is the coming-of-age story of a talented writer and a testament to the universal power of books to shape our lives." (synopsis from (x).
I haven't really ever reviewed a non-fiction book before, so you'll have to forgive me if it isn't too great.
We are introduced to Joanna Rakoff, circa 1996. She has just left London, and consequently graduate school, to try it out in the real world. She finds herself in New York City, with a socialist boyfriend and a new-found job at a literary agency. But this agency isn't like any other - they're the agency that looks after J.D. Salinger. This is the story of Ms Rakoff's year at the Agency.
One thing I've really been trying to do more this year is read non-fiction. Like with most people, I'm sure, when I think of genre, I think 'boring.' I'm happy to say that this is one book that did not bore me. In fact, I really enjoyed it.
This is a really shallow thing to start off with, but the cover is just gorgeous. It's bright, eye-catching, and it screams New York. I adore it.
Another thing: the voice was good. It gave off an introspective-vibe, and wasn't afraid to be a little self-depricative. There was humour and humbleness, and it was a real breeze to read. Unsurprisingly, because of this, it was also quite well-written.
I found that the pacing was really good. It kept the reader well-invested in the story. One thing I was worried about, coming into it, was that it really had the capacity to get caught up in the minor details, and wallow in them. My Salinger Year didn't do this at all. It was the perfect length. It didn't dwell on too much, but it didn't rush through the year either.
I also really loved how Ms Rakoff wrote about New York. It was lovely. It was almost a character in itself, and most certainly made me want to go back.
My one negative is that I feel like the ending was rushed. While it made sense - given the namesake and whatnot, I feel like it could've been achieved differently. Throughout the book, we dwell in the past. When rushed into the present, there is a really abrupt change in tone. It felt like the author was like, 'well, now I need to tell you everything you missed in the past ten years and here's how it's changed since then.' I didn't like it.
Overall, a really enjoyable read. Definitely recommend if you're trying to get into more non-fiction.
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: June 1st 2014
Want to read this book? You can get it here:
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for this e-ARC
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Book Review | We Were Liars by E. Lockhart.
One: Come in with as little knowledge about the plot as possible.
Two: Come in with as few expectations as possible.
Three: Experience the book. Do not try to deliberate or uncover why things happen the way they do.
For these reasons, and these reasons alone, I have included no synopsis (even if the synopsis itself is really vague).
First things first
The writing is pretty spectacular. If you need any reason to read this, read it for the writing. It's haunting. It's gorgeous. It's so goddamn poetic. I actually get flustered when I think about the writing in this. I know by typing this, I'm disregarding Rule #2 entirely, but the writing is the highlight of the book for me.
In fact, I'd argue that the writing is what really propels the story. We Were Liars is not a huge book. It's only about 240 pages. But on a technical level, there isn't a huge amount of plot development. Nevertheless, the writing makes it wickedly compelling. This is kind of unique in situation, but it really works for the tone of the novel.
Likewise, it's only a small novel, but it really packs a punch. Especially that ending. This is where Rule #3 comes in. Don't try and guess, otherwise the whole effect of the book will be ruined. You'll be a little heartbroken but, after much consideration, it will make sense. I promise.
I also really liked the characters? They were just generally fascinating and multi-faceted people, that were really interesting to read about.
If I had to give the book one critique, it would be this. Especially at the beginning, I found myself confused. Most of the characters were introduced at once, and this left me grasping at straws. It took me a while to get that this character was apart of that family, while another character was that other family.
Overall, however We Were Liars is a fantastic read. Easily up there in my top 2014 books so far. It's just a book you really need to experience. 4 stars.
Rating: **** (4 stars)
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication Date: 1st of August 2014
Want to buy this book? You can get it here:
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with an ARC
*sorry, for reasons unknown, I can now no longer say 'first things first' without that bloody song popping into my head. it's a problem.
*sorry, for reasons unknown, I can now no longer say 'first things first' without that bloody song popping into my head. it's a problem.
Saturday, 12 July 2014
A Little Announcement.
In the last few weeks, a little thing has happened and now that it is properly out in the world, I thought it was about time I actually told you guys. As a blogger, one thing I do a lot is read other blogs. Particularly, book blogs. It's a lot of fun, and it's one of my primary ways of knowing what's happening. Recently (and by recently, I probably mean a couple of months ago), I found a new site: Book Nerd Reviews.
The obsession hit fast and with force. Somehow, I came across blog post from 2013 asking for a co-blogger. Of course, I didn't actually see the date. Why would I bother with the details? Anyway, I sent off my application, quick smart.
A week or so later, a reply comes. It's Melissa. She informs me that the post in question was from last year. My embarrassment is at an ultimate high. And then she asks, 'Do you want to be a contributor?'
And that's where it's at. This is why I'm here. Guys, I'm going to be a contributor at Book Nerd Reviews. Don't fear! The reviews won't stop here on this tiny blog. I'll still be doing my thing (or trying to). I'll just be over there as well.
I'm just very excited! Melissa and Kristy are lovely human beings, and I can tell it's going to be a blast. The blog itself is also pretty fab. Obviously.
I'll stop typing now before I become even more rambly. But that's my news!
&&&
On another note, what are some good blogs you guys like? I'm on the hunt for a few good 'uns. Lemme know in the comments. :)
Sunday, 22 June 2014
Book Review | The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen.
And so begins her journey back to her kingdom's heart, to claim the throne, earn the loyalty of her people, overturn her mother's legacy and redeem the Tearling from the forces of corruption and dark magic that are threatening to destroy it. But Kelsea's story is not just about her learning the true nature of her inheritance - it's about a heroine who must learn to acknowledge and live with the realities of coming of age in all its insecurities and attractions, alongside the ethical dilemmas of ruling justly and fairly while simply trying to stay alive." (synopsis from NetGalley)
I won't lie. I first heard about this book when I heard about Emma Watson and the movie rights. That's what sucked me in. After reading it, I definitely see some potential.
Kelsea Glynn has lived in a hidden away cottage, deep in a forest for all her life. Why? So she doesn't get killed. On her 19th birthday, everything changes. She now has to be a queen. Accompanied by her personal guard, she has to learn to survive in world she increasingly knows nothing about.
So, the things I liked about this book.
Firstly, the plot. It's an interesting concept. Kelsea is going from a place where she can absolutely trust the people she's surrounded by (even if they're only two people) to trusting few. She's going from being around nearly nobody, to a lot of people. It's interesting watching the transition.
The characters themselves, I thought, also really added to the story. I really liked the Queen's Guard, particularly Mace and Kelsea's personal bodyguard (whose name has escaped me). I'm also really intrigued by The Fetch, and am interested to see how he plays into all of this.
I had some issues with Kelsea. For the most part, she was an intelligent, savvy heroine. It was refreshing and I really liked her. But then, repeatedly, I'd find her have this obsession with beauty. I don't know whether the author did this on purpose. I don't know whether Johansen did it to show that Kelsea is a well-rounded character with flaws, or to show that perhaps she isn't as different to her mother as is suggested. Nevertheless, it was increasingly frustrating and mildly distracting.
An 'eh' thing: the pacing. While I personally had no problem with it, there is a focus on the introspective. This isn't entirely typical in a fantasy story. Not every person will like this. In fact, some may find that the story is slowed down by it.
Another 'eh' thing: There was a lot of perspectives, and perhaps not as much development. I understand and recognise that all the perspectives were necessary to see the full picture of the plot, but.
My biggest problem with this novel is the world building. It's been weeks since I finished it, and I'm still so confused. It's marketed as a 'Hunger Games meets Game of Thrones,' which in itself is an odd combination. The novel doesn't pull that off.
Johansen used titles like 'New London,' which made me think it was a sort of steampunk world. If not that, then it was based in a new world, or an alternate universe. But then, there were none of the typical technologies. Everything hinted at a medieval setting. But then they'd use specific terms for things like arthritis - in a classic medieval setting, they wouldn't have a name for it, they'd simply call it an 'aching of the bones.' This made me think that it was set in the future.
Nothing was ever fully explained. Because of this, I couldn't place myself in a specific world. This led me to being confounded again and again. It was actually a little distressing.
Overall, there's definitely potential in this series. I just wish we'd seen more of it in the first book.
Rating: ** (2 Stars)
Publisher: Transworld Publishers
Publication Date: July 17th 2014
Want to buy this book? You can get it here:
Thank you to NetGalley and Transworld Publishers for providing me with an e-ARC
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
Book Review | Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski.
When Class 10B got their flu shots, they expected some side effects. Maybe a sore arm. Maybe a headache. They definitely didn't expect to get telepathy. But suddenly they could hear what everyone was thinking. Their friends. Their teachers. Their parents. Now they all know that Tess has a crush on her best friend, Teddy. That Mackenzie cheated on Cooper. That Nurse Carmichael used to be a stripper. Some of them will thrive. Some of them will break. None of them will ever be the same.
A smart and funny story about friendship, first love and surviving high school from the bestselling author of Ten Things We Shouldn't Have Done." (synopsis from (x)
Don't Even Think About It is my first foray into Sarah Mlynowski's novels, and unfortunately I'm a little disappointed.
Like any other homeroom, the class of 10B don't really like each other or know each other. Until one day, when they get their flu shots. The next thing they know, they can hear other people's thoughts. Other people can hear their thoughts. A side effect to the flu shot? It seems likely. Now they have to band together and decide. To tell or not to tell?
I'll start with the good things.
I was really enraptured at first. It's written in a similar vein to The Virgin Suicides in terms of it being written in first person plural. You don't come across that a lot in fiction. I was curious. How was this going to play out? Would the book take a haunting tone?
I also thought it was an interesting concept. What would happen? While telepathy is by no means a new idea, I appreciate that Mlynowski explored a different side to the typical telepathy story.
I also found the book really easy to read. It's fluffy and quick. Perfect for summer. Perfect if you don't want to think too hard.
Now, for the not so great.
I'm always really hesitant to read books with a wide cast of main characters. Generally, they fall into the trap of being seriously underdeveloped. Unfortunately, Don't Even Think About It fell. While some of the characters are developed, most (like Pi or Mackenzie) come across as one-sided. This made it incredibly difficult for me to sympathise with them. It was unfortunate.
I also found that not a lot happened. Despite being an interesting concept, a lot of the plot was 'Do we tell our parents?' or 'Do we not tell our parents?' Because of this, I found myself getting bored quickly. I'm usually ok with character-driven novels, but seeing as there was a lack of development in character, this isn't really the case this time.
Overall, if you want a summer read, this book is ideal for you. While an interesting take on telepathy, unfortunately it lacks a certain something. The development in both plot and character is a little weak, and makes the reading experience a little boring.
Rating: ** (2 stars)
Publisher: Orchard Books
Publication Date: May 1st 2014
Want to buy this book? You can get it here:
Thank you to NetGalley and Orchard Books for providing me with this e-ARC
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Book Review | Cracked by Clare Strahan.
At fifteen, Clover is finding the going tougher than she expected. Her life is close to being derailed on the rocky terrain of family, friendship, first love, acts of defiance and a planet on the brink of environmental disaster. So when Keek breaks his promise to her, and school sucks, and her mother is impossible, and her beloved old dog is dying, and her dad is in the wind, and the girls at school are awful and the footy-boys are bullies and she's arrested for vandalism - well, what else can she be but a little it broken? Can Clover pull herself together - or will she spiral further out of control?
When life feels like it's fracturing, how do you find a way to feel whole?" (synopsis from (x)
Cracked is a quiet and lovely debut novel, with a quintessential Australian tone to it.
Clover is fifteen and she is not enjoying school. Her teachers suck, she doesn't have a lot of friends, and she is dubbed as the weird kid. After a minor incident with her teacher, Clover re-befriends Keek, a former-friend slash misfit himself. We watch as over the year, Clover learns about herself and what she stands for. All the while, she is hoping she won't break.
So, what did I love about Cracked?
First up, the tone. It was very, very clear from the get-go that this book was Australian. Everything from the country town to the slang. It was really well-done, and it wasn't ever overbearing. I think people who weren't Australian would still enjoy the book and not get confused.
This leads in a little bit to the writing. Hands down, it my favourite aspect of the story. I'm a sucker for good writing, and this story had really great writing. I adored it. I found myself reaching for the metaphorical highlighter. There were just so many quotes that I found relatable and interesting and profound. Loved, loved, loved it.
I also thought that most of the characters were well-rounded and sweet. I found myself relating just as much to Clover's Mother, as Clover herself. The interactions between all the characters were authentic and I just appreciated them.
The next opinion I have is in the middle ground. Cracked was this quietly compelling book. What I mean by that, is you could put it down for a few days and not care to read it. But the second you picked it back up, you got sucked right back into the story. I can't tell if that's a good thing or not.
Now for the not so great things.
Clover sometimes really annoyed me. I don't know if that's me starting to show my age (I hope not) but she just bothered me at times. I felt like she could be very selfish. I thought she treated her mother terribly. Sometimes I thought she treated Keek terribly. I couldn't wrap my head around it.
My other issue with the novel wraps neatly into my issue with Clover. I sometimes found the plot overdramatic. I can't tell if that was the author's intention (i.e. everything's dramatic to a teenager) or not. Specifically towards the end, when *spoiler alert* happened, I just found it a little unbelievable. I just don't think fifteen/sixteen year olds would do something like that. But, hey. Maybe I just have really sensible friends. I don't know. I just found some things entirely unbelievable. They were few and sparse, and that's why I think I noticed them more than I would've normally.
Overall, I think this was a really interesting story. Cracked is one of those quiet novels that creeps up on you. You suddenly find yourself caring about the characters, about what happens. I keenly appreciated the lyrical aesthetic to the writing. It's a solid debut from an Australian author, and I'm keen to see where she's headed.
Rating: *** (3 stars)
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication Date: 1st June 2014
Want to buy this book? You can pre-order it here:
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for providing me with this ARC
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