Saturday 14 November 2015

These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly

Well, talk about the most satisfying of unsatisfying endings. It's just *sigh*  when you know two people are so right together and then cliffhangers and- ughhhh. I'm facing a mixture of emotions right now.

These Shallow Graves. Where to start?

I think I'll start with Eddie. EDDIE! I cannot express how much I wish a man like him truly existed. His character actually effected me in more ways than one. His strength and his rustic charm and... and I'm swooning right now. Literally.

On the topic of strong characters may I just express how much I loved our main heroine, Josephine Montfort? Jo's wit and courage in the face of all that opposes her just leaps off the pages of this novel and I even found myself in awe of everything Jo overcame. Oh boy, did I have an unhealthy attachment to these characters!

And the plot! Oh the plot! (ahem, calm down Kat) Everything moved at a pace that I loved to keep up with. Just when you think you know which way things are going to turn, BAM! Another plot twist or amazing revelation.

I should probably summarise, forgive me. Here we go.

So Jo's father dies tragically but things don't add up. Was it an accident? Suicide? Or, dare I say, murder?

With the help of the ruggedly sexy reporter Eddie, Jo finds herself on this fast-paced, action-adventure to find some answers. Along the way she picks up some bad habits, meets some courageous new friends and discovers the truth of not only her father's death but also the justice needed for those who deserved it. (Honestly that's how much I can give away at this time. I'm under great personal restraint here, you have no idea)

So yeah, incredibly strong characters and the fast-paced plot combined to create a real thriller of a story! And to be honest, I took one look at the whole "mystery-thriller" genre and groaned internally. I used to find books of this kind to be extremely dull. Well, from now on I think I might be a little more open-minded when it comes to this sort of thing. These Shallow Graves has definitely changed my opinion on YA crime/mystery and I'm thankful for it.

Interesting quote: "This is the best thing, Jo. The city stretched out before you, glittering like a sack of diamonds. Yours for the taking. A drink and a smoke and no one to please but yourself. Freedom."

4 out of 5 stars.

These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly

Well, talk about the most satisfying of unsatisfying endings. It's just *sigh*  when you know two people are so right together and then cliffhangers and- ughhhh. I'm facing a mixture of emotions right now.

These Shallow Graves. Where to start?

I think I'll start with Eddie. EDDIE! I cannot express how much I wish a man like him truly existed. His character actually effected me in more ways than one. His strength and his rustic charm and... and I'm swooning right now. Literally.

On the topic of strong characters may I just express how much I loved our main heroine, Josephine Montfort? Jo's wit and courage in the face of all that opposes her just leaps off the pages of this novel and I even found myself in awe of everything Jo overcame. Oh boy, did I have an unhealthy attachment to these characters!

And the plot! Oh the plot! (ahem, calm down Kat) Everything moved at a pace that I loved to keep up with. Just when you think you know which way things are going to turn, BAM! Another plot twist or amazing revelation.

I should probably summarise, forgive me. Here we go.

So Jo's father dies tragically but things don't add up. Was it an accident? Suicide? Or, dare I say, murder?

With the help of the ruggedly sexy reporter Eddie, Jo finds herself on this fast-paced, action-adventure to find some answers. Along the way she picks up some bad habits, meets some courageous new friends and discovers the truth of not only her father's death but also the justice needed for those who deserved it. (Honestly that's how much I can give away at this time. I'm under great personal restraint here, you have no idea)

So yeah, incredibly strong characters and the fast-paced plot combined to create a real thriller of a story! And to be honest, I took one look at the whole "mystery-thriller" genre and groaned internally. I used to find books of this kind to be extremely dull. Well, from now on I think I might be a little more open-minded when it comes to this sort of thing. These Shallow Graves has definitely changed my opinion on YA crime/mystery and I'm thankful for it.

Interesting quote: "This is the best thing, Jo. The city stretched out before you, glittering like a sack of diamonds. Yours for the taking. A drink and a smoke and no one to please but yourself. Freedom."

4 out of 5 stars.

Friday 13 November 2015

Monsters by Emerald Fennell

More twisted than Birdy and more gruesome than Black Cairn Point... *maniacal cackling* this book was a treat to read!

Sometimes you just want something that is straight to the point and brutal in it's execution and that is exactly what Monsters supplied. Fennell's writing was as blunt as blunt can be and that provoked a strong emotional response in the reader. Because that's what we want right? Books that can make us feel something...

Every small description, even if it was about something minor, was so simplistic and blunt that I found myself feeling uneasy and almost uncomfortable in some places. You know... in the best way possible of course!

We centre in on one of those classic tortured souls, the ones that make these stories all the more interesting to read. As the story is from a first-person perspective, we never actually learn the main characters name but we learn that she's well... different. Her aunt and uncle, whilst being partially (if not so), neglectful of their niece aren't there emotionally which I think led this insanely interesting character into her twisted ways. But I'm here to review the story not profile the characters.

Now just because I can't put a fault on this novel doesn't mean that it is perfect. Like it's characters this novel has depths to which I couldn't even see and that made it an eye-opener. As previously mentioned the bluntness of the writing hit home in all the right places and was just the right amount of creepy to make your skin crawl.

All I can say, and this could be a contributor to the straight-forward nature of the story, but the plot events didn't necessarily connect in a flowing manner. To me the story seemed choppy and disconnected and, let me remind you, THIS IS NOT A BAD THING. This, like the creepy nature of the plot twists and character developments, was a much-needed addition to add to the overall sombre and sinister tone of the book.

Interesting quote: "I really like my school but, honestly, I think it would be better if someone just burned the place to the ground."

4 out of 5 stars.

Monsters by Emerald Fennell

More twisted than Birdy and more gruesome than Black Cairn Point... *maniacal cackling* this book was a treat to read!

Sometimes you just want something that is straight to the point and brutal in it's execution and that is exactly what Monsters supplied. Fennell's writing was as blunt as blunt can be and that provoked a strong emotional response in the reader. Because that's what we want right? Books that can make us feel something...

Every small description, even if it was about something minor, was so simplistic and blunt that I found myself feeling uneasy and almost uncomfortable in some places. You know... in the best way possible of course!

We centre in on one of those classic tortured souls, the ones that make these stories all the more interesting to read. As the story is from a first-person perspective, we never actually learn the main characters name but we learn that she's well... different. Her aunt and uncle, whilst being partially (if not so), neglectful of their niece aren't there emotionally which I think led this insanely interesting character into her twisted ways. But I'm here to review the story not profile the characters.

Now just because I can't put a fault on this novel doesn't mean that it is perfect. Like it's characters this novel has depths to which I couldn't even see and that made it an eye-opener. As previously mentioned the bluntness of the writing hit home in all the right places and was just the right amount of creepy to make your skin crawl.

All I can say, and this could be a contributor to the straight-forward nature of the story, but the plot events didn't necessarily connect in a flowing manner. To me the story seemed choppy and disconnected and, let me remind you, THIS IS NOT A BAD THING. This, like the creepy nature of the plot twists and character developments, was a much-needed addition to add to the overall sombre and sinister tone of the book.

Interesting quote: "I really like my school but, honestly, I think it would be better if someone just burned the place to the ground."

4 out of 5 stars.

Thursday 1 October 2015

When I Was Me by Hilary Freeman

Okay, so When I Was Me poses some really great ideas and potential for a great story. With some tweaking the characters could be really admirable and bring the story to life. The theories and interesting science fiction behind the story made it a very thoughtful and unique experience.

Unfortunately that's where it ends.

I wish I could write more positive things. I don't like posting negative reviews. But, apart from being very unique with it's ideas and responses to a common fictional problem, this story sheds no positivity in any other areas.

Firstly, I'd like to talk about the main character, Ella. There is very little to be admired about her, she's stuck-up and self-centred. Though it may be a tired cliché amongst teen fiction, I believe that this generation is becoming used to strong, powerhouse females able to defend themselves on their own and take charge of the situation. Collins' Katniss, Clare's Clary and, for decades, Rowling's Hermione have moulded the idea of a perfect heroine. The fact that Ella defies these traits could be a refreshing change but instead just makes everything (ie: the plot, other characters and setting) drag on so much more.

When the going gets tough, normally, the girl gets going. She doesn't, however, get going to her new boyfriend of two dates and suddenly engage in "passionate and lustful" sex. Her sudden desperation to be held when faced with the ultimatum that will make the course of the story should make the readers sympathetic of her situation. Instead the sex was as forced as the romance was. The character of Will/Billy was without depth and his relationship with Ella was bone dry.

Consequently this led to a haphazard array of misplaced events and plot twists. Some were even left without conclusion!

SPOILER ALERT

After Ella emerges back into her old body after committing suicide from her parallel body their is no further mention of the mysterious old lady that she repeatedly hallucinated about. Every mention of the old woman made the story a little more interesting and gave it more depth. This was immediately dashed when this plot point was not accurately finalised.

~~~

My final point can either be considered a positive or a negative for the story depending on the interpretation of the reader.

The only character which stood out from all the rest was Daniel. His ingenuity about Ella's situation made him interesting but also really compelling and kept me asking questions like; how does he know this stuff? Can he be trusted? Is he hiding something? And so on and so forth.

However Ella's self-centred nature makes her oblivious to the point that, if he so desired, Daniel had her completely under his control. I'm just saying that she really rushed into trusting him. None of her decisions seemed very well-thought out.

Overall I can't say this story was a complete waste of time. It was certainly an experience. The only positive was that it made my think and consider the idea of parallel universes. I thought about it until my head hurt. But unfortunately the quality of this story goes no further than that.

1 out of 5 stars.


When I Was Me by Hilary Freeman

Okay, so When I Was Me poses some really great ideas and potential for a great story. With some tweaking the characters could be really admirable and bring the story to life. The theories and interesting science fiction behind the story made it a very thoughtful and unique experience.

Unfortunately that's where it ends.

I wish I could write more positive things. I don't like posting negative reviews. But, apart from being very unique with it's ideas and responses to a common fictional problem, this story sheds no positivity in any other areas.

Firstly, I'd like to talk about the main character, Ella. There is very little to be admired about her, she's stuck-up and self-centred. Though it may be a tired cliché amongst teen fiction, I believe that this generation is becoming used to strong, powerhouse females able to defend themselves on their own and take charge of the situation. Collins' Katniss, Clare's Clary and, for decades, Rowling's Hermione have moulded the idea of a perfect heroine. The fact that Ella defies these traits could be a refreshing change but instead just makes everything (ie: the plot, other characters and setting) drag on so much more.

When the going gets tough, normally, the girl gets going. She doesn't, however, get going to her new boyfriend of two dates and suddenly engage in "passionate and lustful" sex. Her sudden desperation to be held when faced with the ultimatum that will make the course of the story should make the readers sympathetic of her situation. Instead the sex was as forced as the romance was. The character of Will/Billy was without depth and his relationship with Ella was bone dry.

Consequently this led to a haphazard array of misplaced events and plot twists. Some were even left without conclusion!

SPOILER ALERT

After Ella emerges back into her old body after committing suicide from her parallel body their is no further mention of the mysterious old lady that she repeatedly hallucinated about. Every mention of the old woman made the story a little more interesting and gave it more depth. This was immediately dashed when this plot point was not accurately finalised.

~~~

My final point can either be considered a positive or a negative for the story depending on the interpretation of the reader.

The only character which stood out from all the rest was Daniel. His ingenuity about Ella's situation made him interesting but also really compelling and kept me asking questions like; how does he know this stuff? Can he be trusted? Is he hiding something? And so on and so forth.

However Ella's self-centred nature makes her oblivious to the point that, if he so desired, Daniel had her completely under his control. I'm just saying that she really rushed into trusting him. None of her decisions seemed very well-thought out.

Overall I can't say this story was a complete waste of time. It was certainly an experience. The only positive was that it made my think and consider the idea of parallel universes. I thought about it until my head hurt. But unfortunately the quality of this story goes no further than that.

1 out of 5 stars.


Monday 21 September 2015

All of the Above by James Dawson

I am not able to put how good this book is into words. At this point I'm simply resorting to guttural sounds. UGHHHHHH

All of the Above by James Dawson was a book that so accurately captured the idea of teenagers and sexuality that I realised, when the story ended, that I really had connected to the characters in the story. And when they lose a friend, as did I, when they laughed, I did too.

This may sound strange but it wasn't until the end of the novel that I realised the story was written by a man. Dawson managed to give his main character, Toria, such a voice, even when she speaks on behalf of her friends, all you want to do is read on.

Again, I have to talk about my initial feelings going into the first chapter. Firstly, the word CLICHE jumped out at me like a flashing neon light. New girl moving to a new town, she meets a bunch of misfits, meets a boy yada yada yada. It was like Perks of Being a Wallflower meets Mean Girls.

But there was none of that. This books fits into it's own category.

Instead of a boring, meningeal plot this book was jam packed with twists, curves and full on plot loopdy loops. Without giving too much away, all I can say is that there's loss, struggle and romance. The perfect ingredients to teen drama.

Like Green's Margo Roth Speigelman or Alaska Young, Polly Wolff manages to encapsulate the very idea of someone so sculpted by the idea of being different that it makes the reader wish that this person truly existed just so that their very existence could prove society's ideals wrong.

One major thing I would also like to point out is how Dawson confronts the idea of teens having sex. In most stories I've read, sex is described as this big and scary and poisonous thing that should be mostly avoided. All of the Above's sex scenes and discussions were not only realistic to the modernity of the story but made the idea seem less daunting and a thing, that should still be considered a big step, but still be fun and enjoyable. This was refreshing to me and made the story all the more fun to read.

I'd like to conclude this review with a new feature that I'm introducing, my favourite quote from the book;

"Some people are candles, some people are fireworks."

4 out of 5 stars.


All of the Above by James Dawson

I am not able to put how good this book is into words. At this point I'm simply resorting to guttural sounds. UGHHHHHH

All of the Above by James Dawson was a book that so accurately captured the idea of teenagers and sexuality that I realised, when the story ended, that I really had connected to the characters in the story. And when they lose a friend, as did I, when they laughed, I did too.

This may sound strange but it wasn't until the end of the novel that I realised the story was written by a man. Dawson managed to give his main character, Toria, such a voice, even when she speaks on behalf of her friends, all you want to do is read on.

Again, I have to talk about my initial feelings going into the first chapter. Firstly, the word CLICHE jumped out at me like a flashing neon light. New girl moving to a new town, she meets a bunch of misfits, meets a boy yada yada yada. It was like Perks of Being a Wallflower meets Mean Girls.

But there was none of that. This books fits into it's own category.

Instead of a boring, meningeal plot this book was jam packed with twists, curves and full on plot loopdy loops. Without giving too much away, all I can say is that there's loss, struggle and romance. The perfect ingredients to teen drama.

Like Green's Margo Roth Speigelman or Alaska Young, Polly Wolff manages to encapsulate the very idea of someone so sculpted by the idea of being different that it makes the reader wish that this person truly existed just so that their very existence could prove society's ideals wrong.

One major thing I would also like to point out is how Dawson confronts the idea of teens having sex. In most stories I've read, sex is described as this big and scary and poisonous thing that should be mostly avoided. All of the Above's sex scenes and discussions were not only realistic to the modernity of the story but made the idea seem less daunting and a thing, that should still be considered a big step, but still be fun and enjoyable. This was refreshing to me and made the story all the more fun to read.

I'd like to conclude this review with a new feature that I'm introducing, my favourite quote from the book;

"Some people are candles, some people are fireworks."

4 out of 5 stars.


Wednesday 26 August 2015

Black Cairn Point by Claire McFall

And now, ladies and gents, another book that had me rocking in a corner. And not in the good way.

If Birdy had you creeped out and questioning everyone you meet, then Black Cairn Point will not just have you questioning strangers. But have you question your friends as well. And you'll never want to go camping again, no way Jose.

My original opinion on this novel from writer Claire McFall was dull. Dull and in desperate need of some answers. One hundred pages in and I'm still left wondering where this is going and when it's going to take off.

The action starts and more questions are raised. My brow is furrowed in the what-the-hell-is-going-on kind of way and I'm left seriously confused. I had my suspicions and, similarly to Birdy, they were shot to death by an ultimate plot twist that was also deeply disturbing. You know, the best kind!

This book did have it's flaws though and they numbered more than most.

I've already mentioned the dry plot (up until the end of course) but there's also the generic characters to consider. Subtract the twist at the end I was getting a sort of Breakfast Club vibe from each character in this story. Darren, the jock, Emma, the princess, Martin, the brain etc. This could be just an added feature to highlight the intricately proceeding plot but I just found the characters difficult and pandering.

The one thing I did like about this story however, was what I mentioned before, it's intricacy. The plot, though dry, evolved into something very neat and it's creepiness was set up in a series of minor leaps and bounds that was just enough to keep it going towards an exciting climax. One thing I will point out is though, I only wish that this could've begun right from the beginning. The start didn't grab me like I think most books should.

Black Cairn Point was a somewhat interesting read. Definitely unique and cleverly put together. My only problem is that the plot did not grab me from page one.

3 out of 5 stars.

Black Cairn Point by Claire McFall

And now, ladies and gents, another book that had me rocking in a corner. And not in the good way.

If Birdy had you creeped out and questioning everyone you meet, then Black Cairn Point will not just have you questioning strangers. But have you question your friends as well. And you'll never want to go camping again, no way Jose.

My original opinion on this novel from writer Claire McFall was dull. Dull and in desperate need of some answers. One hundred pages in and I'm still left wondering where this is going and when it's going to take off.

The action starts and more questions are raised. My brow is furrowed in the what-the-hell-is-going-on kind of way and I'm left seriously confused. I had my suspicions and, similarly to Birdy, they were shot to death by an ultimate plot twist that was also deeply disturbing. You know, the best kind!

This book did have it's flaws though and they numbered more than most.

I've already mentioned the dry plot (up until the end of course) but there's also the generic characters to consider. Subtract the twist at the end I was getting a sort of Breakfast Club vibe from each character in this story. Darren, the jock, Emma, the princess, Martin, the brain etc. This could be just an added feature to highlight the intricately proceeding plot but I just found the characters difficult and pandering.

The one thing I did like about this story however, was what I mentioned before, it's intricacy. The plot, though dry, evolved into something very neat and it's creepiness was set up in a series of minor leaps and bounds that was just enough to keep it going towards an exciting climax. One thing I will point out is though, I only wish that this could've begun right from the beginning. The start didn't grab me like I think most books should.

Black Cairn Point was a somewhat interesting read. Definitely unique and cleverly put together. My only problem is that the plot did not grab me from page one.

3 out of 5 stars.

Monday 24 August 2015

Trouble is a Friend Of Mine by Stephanie Tromly

What a flawless read! Like the Spring days to come or receiving a surprise birthday card, this story was a delight to experience. It was just one of those things that tends to brighten someone's day.

I will admit, I am one of those readers that looks at the crime-solving genre and immediately hits the snooze button in my brain. And I look at teenage mystery stories with even less excitement. So naturally I had low expectations going in.

How wrong I was! Not only was the writing fluid and expressive but Tromly manages to make each one of her characters lovable. Yes, even the bullies that you just want to love to hate. Also, if you're a teenage girl and you don't end up falling in love with Digby even just a little by the end of the book then you may have something seriously wrong with you.

This book was similar to watching a TV show. Not as mind-numbing, but just as effortless. Our protagonist, Zoe, is ordinary. That's it. She's just a regular girl (not unlike you or me) who finds an adventure on her doorstep. This adventure comes in the form of Digby, the school's local troublemaker/detective/brutally-honest-outcast-with-a-kind-of-dark-past.

There is something so beautiful about this though. This book didn't make me wish guys were like this in real life. It didn't give me unreal expectations about friendship or enemies-turned-friends. This book made me believe that if you don't got out searching for adventure than eventually it'll find you and turn your seemingly ordinary life into something special. It may come in the form of some sexy stranger on your doorstep or in the form of a new friend but this book gives me hope that adventure will come. No matter what.

5 out of 5 stars.


Trouble is a Friend Of Mine by Stephanie Tromly

What a flawless read! Like the Spring days to come or receiving a surprise birthday card, this story was a delight to experience. It was just one of those things that tends to brighten someone's day.

I will admit, I am one of those readers that looks at the crime-solving genre and immediately hits the snooze button in my brain. And I look at teenage mystery stories with even less excitement. So naturally I had low expectations going in.

How wrong I was! Not only was the writing fluid and expressive but Tromly manages to make each one of her characters lovable. Yes, even the bullies that you just want to love to hate. Also, if you're a teenage girl and you don't end up falling in love with Digby even just a little by the end of the book then you may have something seriously wrong with you.

This book was similar to watching a TV show. Not as mind-numbing, but just as effortless. Our protagonist, Zoe, is ordinary. That's it. She's just a regular girl (not unlike you or me) who finds an adventure on her doorstep. This adventure comes in the form of Digby, the school's local troublemaker/detective/brutally-honest-outcast-with-a-kind-of-dark-past.

There is something so beautiful about this though. This book didn't make me wish guys were like this in real life. It didn't give me unreal expectations about friendship or enemies-turned-friends. This book made me believe that if you don't got out searching for adventure than eventually it'll find you and turn your seemingly ordinary life into something special. It may come in the form of some sexy stranger on your doorstep or in the form of a new friend but this book gives me hope that adventure will come. No matter what.

5 out of 5 stars.


Sunday 26 July 2015

Paperweight by Meg Haston

Whilst reading this book I had the exquisite privilege of joining an anorexia nervosa sufferer and survivor on their journey to recovery. Haston's way of writing makes the sufferings of her characters seem real and brutal which makes for an interesting read.

The story centres in around Stevie, a young bulimia sufferer, who undergoes the terrible struggle of losing someone you love and paying the ultimate price for it. Horrifically enough however, it is a price that she brings upon herself, spiraling deeper and deeper in a whirlpool of guilt and denial.

Stevie goes from being a particularly normal teenager to getting sucked into seedy bars and binge drinking where she meets Eden, a hypnotic and dangerous girl who brings Stevie and her beloved brother Josh under her spell.

What made this story special is that with every chapter you get a little more insight into who the character is and how they go to where they are. If you consider the story a little boring at first, stick with it, because the story gets as warped as the mental disease itself.

As she resists the pull of her treatment and her shrink (cleverly nicknamed Shrink), Stevie reflects on her life up until her brother's untimely death in a car accident. Things start to boil between her and Eden and what Stevie thought was an ideal friendship evolves into something deeper.

Overall this novel was definitely a unique experience to read and it made me think a little deeper about life and those most affected by it's twists and turns. If a book that makes you think twice is what interests you, then this is most certainly a book worth your time.

4 out of 5 stars.

Paperweight by Meg Haston

Whilst reading this book I had the exquisite privilege of joining an anorexia nervosa sufferer and survivor on their journey to recovery. Haston's way of writing makes the sufferings of her characters seem real and brutal which makes for an interesting read.

The story centres in around Stevie, a young bulimia sufferer, who undergoes the terrible struggle of losing someone you love and paying the ultimate price for it. Horrifically enough however, it is a price that she brings upon herself, spiraling deeper and deeper in a whirlpool of guilt and denial.

Stevie goes from being a particularly normal teenager to getting sucked into seedy bars and binge drinking where she meets Eden, a hypnotic and dangerous girl who brings Stevie and her beloved brother Josh under her spell.

What made this story special is that with every chapter you get a little more insight into who the character is and how they go to where they are. If you consider the story a little boring at first, stick with it, because the story gets as warped as the mental disease itself.

As she resists the pull of her treatment and her shrink (cleverly nicknamed Shrink), Stevie reflects on her life up until her brother's untimely death in a car accident. Things start to boil between her and Eden and what Stevie thought was an ideal friendship evolves into something deeper.

Overall this novel was definitely a unique experience to read and it made me think a little deeper about life and those most affected by it's twists and turns. If a book that makes you think twice is what interests you, then this is most certainly a book worth your time.

4 out of 5 stars.

Sunday 19 July 2015

Lorali by Laura Dockrill

I honestly believe that mermaids are lore that haven't been touched on enough in fiction. Luckily enough, this book, Lorali, was a treat to read, and the artistic writing makes it unique.

Lorali is a newly surfaced mermaid who, before she can even get a taste of the human world, meets cute and level-headed Rory who most readers will fall in love with immediately. His awkward but noble take on the world will leave you wondering why most guys can't be like that.

Honestly this story had all the things that make a great story; romance, humor, culture, artistry and sexy pirates.

I prefer to liken reading this book to floating in the ocean along with it's characters. At times it was quite peaceful and then the plot starts to rumble and things get exciting.

What was most exciting was that Dockrill's writing had the touch of a true artist because not only did she put herself into the minds of her characters, something that some authors struggle with, but she captured the essence of the sea itself and turned it into a character and that is something that I admired. It also made for something unique to read.

However, the writing did get very complicated very fast and at times that made it a little overwhelming to read. It doesn't exactly beat around the bush. I'm pretty sure that if you don't catch on quick to what the characters are actually talking about then this book will be a bit of a hard slog.

But overall this novel was a pleasure to read and I greatly enjoyed it. The characters were entertaining and the refreshing take on the mermaid myth was something that I had never experienced before. Dockrill pretty much hit the nail on the head with the imagery and authenticity of her characters and plot features.

If this book doesn't become a hit fast then young readers need a serious reality check. Lorali deserves to become an instant classic because I believe that it's just what young adults need right now.

4.5 out of 5 stars : )

Lorali by Laura Dockrill

I honestly believe that mermaids are lore that haven't been touched on enough in fiction. Luckily enough, this book, Lorali, was a treat to read, and the artistic writing makes it unique.

Lorali is a newly surfaced mermaid who, before she can even get a taste of the human world, meets cute and level-headed Rory who most readers will fall in love with immediately. His awkward but noble take on the world will leave you wondering why most guys can't be like that.

Honestly this story had all the things that make a great story; romance, humor, culture, artistry and sexy pirates.

I prefer to liken reading this book to floating in the ocean along with it's characters. At times it was quite peaceful and then the plot starts to rumble and things get exciting.

What was most exciting was that Dockrill's writing had the touch of a true artist because not only did she put herself into the minds of her characters, something that some authors struggle with, but she captured the essence of the sea itself and turned it into a character and that is something that I admired. It also made for something unique to read.

However, the writing did get very complicated very fast and at times that made it a little overwhelming to read. It doesn't exactly beat around the bush. I'm pretty sure that if you don't catch on quick to what the characters are actually talking about then this book will be a bit of a hard slog.

But overall this novel was a pleasure to read and I greatly enjoyed it. The characters were entertaining and the refreshing take on the mermaid myth was something that I had never experienced before. Dockrill pretty much hit the nail on the head with the imagery and authenticity of her characters and plot features.

If this book doesn't become a hit fast then young readers need a serious reality check. Lorali deserves to become an instant classic because I believe that it's just what young adults need right now.

4.5 out of 5 stars : )

Friday 10 July 2015

Birdy by Jess Vallance

You know that moment in a horror movie when the killer takes of his mask and it turns out to be the best friend? That feeling of shock and awe and you can't blink for fear that you'll miss some important detail? Well I can tell you one thing, this story supersedes that moment.. and it wasn't the best friend. It was someone more shocking and unimaginable. This story messed me up. You know, in a good way of course!

Birdy by Jess Vallance made me feel mixed emotions the entire ride. At first I felt curious. This curiosity was prompted by the front cover. I know the classic saying tells us readers not to judge but the inkblots and the description of "one obsession" had me wondering at how this story of two friends would turn as dark as Hot Key Books described it. Twenty-four chapters in and I'm still wondering.

It is with great restraint that I hold back from telling you how the story ends but I can tell you that if you're worried that halfway through the story gets a little dry (like I was today) keep at it, because it's all explained in a dark and very disturbing way.

And that, my friends, is why I absolutely LOVED this story!

Meet Frances, a lonesome-beyond-lonely loner who has no friends but doesn't struggle with that fact. On the contrary, she embraces it. Quite frankly she embraces everything in her depressing life; her mother's suicide, her father's anonymity and the mental deterioration of the grandparents who look after her.

Enter Alberta, nicknamed Bert, a glamorous and wealthy student who is placed in Frances' custody at school. Frances is tasked with showing Bert the ropes and how to survive the hellish torment that is public school.

The two become close friends yet Bert's horrifying past catches up with her and a mysterious trouble-maker is determined to make her adjustment to this new life as difficult as possible.

It's just... ugh... you think you know the answer! You think you know how everything is going to play out and then WHAM! The story sends you a whopper of a curve ball.

So, this story's strengths? Well for one thing, the huge plot twist at the end gives it a lot of merit (and that's as much as I can tell you). Another interesting thing about this story is that it revolves around a seemingly cheery friendship, two people becoming so enamored with each other, that you barely stop to notice the dark scenery. What I noticed after I looked deeper into this novel is that it actually takes place in quite a black and white, murky environment and I think, in a way, that foreshadows the events to come.

The story was quite realistic as well and at first that might've made it come off as a bit dry. But that is probably one of Birdy's main strengths, the shocking realism in the characters and the situation.

I'm not sure if this can be counted as a fault but one thing I did identify in this story was the feeling of being dragged on. I constantly felt that the story had yet to kick off and that when it did it better have one hell of a climax. Yes, I was satisfied with the result.

I'm going to urge all teenage readers (do be weary of the explicit content. I'd say ages 14+) as well as my school library to have this book on their shelves. Phenomenal.

4.5/5 stars. 

Birdy by Jess Vallance

You know that moment in a horror movie when the killer takes of his mask and it turns out to be the best friend? That feeling of shock and awe and you can't blink for fear that you'll miss some important detail? Well I can tell you one thing, this story supersedes that moment.. and it wasn't the best friend. It was someone more shocking and unimaginable. This story messed me up. You know, in a good way of course!

Birdy by Jess Vallance made me feel mixed emotions the entire ride. At first I felt curious. This curiosity was prompted by the front cover. I know the classic saying tells us readers not to judge but the inkblots and the description of "one obsession" had me wondering at how this story of two friends would turn as dark as Hot Key Books described it. Twenty-four chapters in and I'm still wondering.

It is with great restraint that I hold back from telling you how the story ends but I can tell you that if you're worried that halfway through the story gets a little dry (like I was today) keep at it, because it's all explained in a dark and very disturbing way.

And that, my friends, is why I absolutely LOVED this story!

Meet Frances, a lonesome-beyond-lonely loner who has no friends but doesn't struggle with that fact. On the contrary, she embraces it. Quite frankly she embraces everything in her depressing life; her mother's suicide, her father's anonymity and the mental deterioration of the grandparents who look after her.

Enter Alberta, nicknamed Bert, a glamorous and wealthy student who is placed in Frances' custody at school. Frances is tasked with showing Bert the ropes and how to survive the hellish torment that is public school.

The two become close friends yet Bert's horrifying past catches up with her and a mysterious trouble-maker is determined to make her adjustment to this new life as difficult as possible.

It's just... ugh... you think you know the answer! You think you know how everything is going to play out and then WHAM! The story sends you a whopper of a curve ball.

So, this story's strengths? Well for one thing, the huge plot twist at the end gives it a lot of merit (and that's as much as I can tell you). Another interesting thing about this story is that it revolves around a seemingly cheery friendship, two people becoming so enamored with each other, that you barely stop to notice the dark scenery. What I noticed after I looked deeper into this novel is that it actually takes place in quite a black and white, murky environment and I think, in a way, that foreshadows the events to come.

The story was quite realistic as well and at first that might've made it come off as a bit dry. But that is probably one of Birdy's main strengths, the shocking realism in the characters and the situation.

I'm not sure if this can be counted as a fault but one thing I did identify in this story was the feeling of being dragged on. I constantly felt that the story had yet to kick off and that when it did it better have one hell of a climax. Yes, I was satisfied with the result.

I'm going to urge all teenage readers (do be weary of the explicit content. I'd say ages 14+) as well as my school library to have this book on their shelves. Phenomenal.

4.5/5 stars. 

Sunday 14 June 2015

How To Be Bad by E. Lockhart, Lauren Myracle and Sarah Mlynowski

Honestly... average.

I won't say that there weren't good points, there were, but out of the books I've read How To Be Bad fits into the lower (not lowest!) category of quality.

Okay so the story centres around a badly planned roadtrip undertaken by three friends; Mel, Jesse and Vicks. Jesse is the group's highly religious and level-headed thinker who is quick to jump to conclusions and can be hot-headed when she wants to be. Out of all three of them I found her the last person I could relate to and honestly she became a slight annoyance over the course of the story.

Vicks, Jesse's best friend, managed to make her snarky quips a little more bearable and her snappy humor and easygoing nature towards Mel (the outsider) makes her a likeable character. Unfortunately that's where it stops because after she breaks up with her boyfriend after two weeks of separation for no absolute rational reason AT ALL, her character also becomes a little tiresome.

Mel = the only character I could partially relate to. Aside from being rich and a middle child, Mel is the awkward duck stuck in the middle of Jesse and Vicks and she is sort of the middle ground between Vicks' badassery (new word!) and Jesse's saint-like personality. Mel actually reminded me of myself.

The story takes place over the course of a weekend and each character undergoes their own arc of sorts. Jesse reveals a secret that she had kept close to the chest, Vicks both breaks up and makes progress with her boyfriend and Mel claims the one thing she's wanted since she became the new girl: friends.

It pains me to say it but the romances were also very unrealistic, especially for a story that sets up the premise of being semi-possible. Falling in love with a hitchhiker you meet after breaking into a museum and then getting cutesy with him at a party with all his drunk friends is not only highly impossible but also could be considered VERY DANGEROUS. Like seriously, do not try that in real life.

How To Be Bad is quite a free-spirited and quaint novel but it paints a picture of dull and poorly developed characters in an unrealistic and all-too-convenient world of sexy strangers and zero felonies.

All in all not a complete waste of time, but not a ground-breaking one either. Like I said- average.

Also, footnote!

Some of my viewers have requested a rating system so I'm introducing a 5 star system for future books.

In case you're wondering, this book receives 2 out of 5 stars : )

How To Be Bad by E. Lockhart, Lauren Myracle and Sarah Mlynowski

Honestly... average.

I won't say that there weren't good points, there were, but out of the books I've read How To Be Bad fits into the lower (not lowest!) category of quality.

Okay so the story centres around a badly planned roadtrip undertaken by three friends; Mel, Jesse and Vicks. Jesse is the group's highly religious and level-headed thinker who is quick to jump to conclusions and can be hot-headed when she wants to be. Out of all three of them I found her the last person I could relate to and honestly she became a slight annoyance over the course of the story.

Vicks, Jesse's best friend, managed to make her snarky quips a little more bearable and her snappy humor and easygoing nature towards Mel (the outsider) makes her a likeable character. Unfortunately that's where it stops because after she breaks up with her boyfriend after two weeks of separation for no absolute rational reason AT ALL, her character also becomes a little tiresome.

Mel = the only character I could partially relate to. Aside from being rich and a middle child, Mel is the awkward duck stuck in the middle of Jesse and Vicks and she is sort of the middle ground between Vicks' badassery (new word!) and Jesse's saint-like personality. Mel actually reminded me of myself.

The story takes place over the course of a weekend and each character undergoes their own arc of sorts. Jesse reveals a secret that she had kept close to the chest, Vicks both breaks up and makes progress with her boyfriend and Mel claims the one thing she's wanted since she became the new girl: friends.

It pains me to say it but the romances were also very unrealistic, especially for a story that sets up the premise of being semi-possible. Falling in love with a hitchhiker you meet after breaking into a museum and then getting cutesy with him at a party with all his drunk friends is not only highly impossible but also could be considered VERY DANGEROUS. Like seriously, do not try that in real life.

How To Be Bad is quite a free-spirited and quaint novel but it paints a picture of dull and poorly developed characters in an unrealistic and all-too-convenient world of sexy strangers and zero felonies.

All in all not a complete waste of time, but not a ground-breaking one either. Like I said- average.

Also, footnote!

Some of my viewers have requested a rating system so I'm introducing a 5 star system for future books.

In case you're wondering, this book receives 2 out of 5 stars : )

Tuesday 9 June 2015

Being a Girl by Hayley Long

An exciting morning for this blogger today as I awoke to the delightful sound of books being delivered to my doorstep. Thanks a heap to Hot Key Books and The Five Mile Press for adding me to the reading list for their monthly books. Not only is being a book blogger a wonderful experience but it means that I get real, addressed-only-to-me, mail! It's more exciting than it sounds.

So my first book to review is Being a Girl by Hayley Long.

I read this non-fiction beauty in under an hour cover to cover. Why you ask? Because it was just so lovely! Not only is Long able to connect with her readers, teenagers, but she is able to grasp the appropriate humor and feeling that I have found is quite unique.

Being a Girl is a ten chapter non-fiction novel about, well, being a girl and the hardships of puberty. What was superb about it was that not only was it able to communicate these ideas with humor but the heavy stuff was not taken as lightly and that supplied a realistic feel to the information.

The strength of this story: it's comedy. Not often do I find myself so taken with a book that it makes me laugh out loud and this one did. Funnily enough, when the author writes that you should say something out loud to yourself, you actually do it. No matter how weird the looks are that you get from the people on the bus, or in the library, or your dog.

Long covered many serious and awkward topics from bullying to sex and I found that I could relate to her advice and reasoning. It's obvious that she has a unique understanding into the teen mind mixed with the maturity that comes from someone who has experienced the changes girls go through first-hand.

The only nit I will pick about it though was that sometimes the advice didn't seem as fitting or realistic as it could've been. For example; applying confidence to a situation does not solve it. It makes it better, sure, but it's not the key to life's problems. In that area only, the book lost some realism points.

Aside from that, Being a Girl was an effortless and energetic book that made me smile on multiple occasions. If you're a struggling teen girl out there who needs to know what the hell is happening inside her body and outside of it then this is the book for you. A worthwhile read for all girls, I guarantee.

Being a Girl by Hayley Long

An exciting morning for this blogger today as I awoke to the delightful sound of books being delivered to my doorstep. Thanks a heap to Hot Key Books and The Five Mile Press for adding me to the reading list for their monthly books. Not only is being a book blogger a wonderful experience but it means that I get real, addressed-only-to-me, mail! It's more exciting than it sounds.

So my first book to review is Being a Girl by Hayley Long.

I read this non-fiction beauty in under an hour cover to cover. Why you ask? Because it was just so lovely! Not only is Long able to connect with her readers, teenagers, but she is able to grasp the appropriate humor and feeling that I have found is quite unique.

Being a Girl is a ten chapter non-fiction novel about, well, being a girl and the hardships of puberty. What was superb about it was that not only was it able to communicate these ideas with humor but the heavy stuff was not taken as lightly and that supplied a realistic feel to the information.

The strength of this story: it's comedy. Not often do I find myself so taken with a book that it makes me laugh out loud and this one did. Funnily enough, when the author writes that you should say something out loud to yourself, you actually do it. No matter how weird the looks are that you get from the people on the bus, or in the library, or your dog.

Long covered many serious and awkward topics from bullying to sex and I found that I could relate to her advice and reasoning. It's obvious that she has a unique understanding into the teen mind mixed with the maturity that comes from someone who has experienced the changes girls go through first-hand.

The only nit I will pick about it though was that sometimes the advice didn't seem as fitting or realistic as it could've been. For example; applying confidence to a situation does not solve it. It makes it better, sure, but it's not the key to life's problems. In that area only, the book lost some realism points.

Aside from that, Being a Girl was an effortless and energetic book that made me smile on multiple occasions. If you're a struggling teen girl out there who needs to know what the hell is happening inside her body and outside of it then this is the book for you. A worthwhile read for all girls, I guarantee.

Monday 1 June 2015

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

So *stretches fingers and applies badass expression to face* let's review!

Over the weekend I had my nose stuck in this book The Impossible Knife of Memory which I was able to grab at the Reading Matters excursion in Melbourne. I was lucky enough to meet the fabulous Laurie Halse Anderson in the flesh and she was one of the nicest ladies I had ever met. From reading her book I could tell that she had put a lot of herself in it and it was a very personal experience which made it all the more enjoyable to read.

Center in on our main character, Hayley Kincain as she struggles with a highly traumatized post-war veteran father. Sounds tragic right? Throw in a love story and it starts to give you the fuzzies in the tummy.

Hayley meets adorkably sweet Finnegan Ramos, nicknamed Finn, who eventually falls for her (after being a obstinate jerk at the beginning) and she for him. After her dad threatens to sabotage the relationship with his constant requirement of being looked after, Hayley realises that there is only one thing she can do to ensure that Finn sticks around: let him in.

What I particularly liked about this book was the layers to it. Each character, no matter how small, is dealing with something major and that's what makes it an enjoyable (?) slap in the face by reality. Hayley's dad's substance and alcohol abuse remind us that even those strongest can also be affected by trauma. The book had a lovely, real feel to it and that's what made it enjoyable to read.

Finn's sarcastic and witty nature made me wish that guys were like those in books and I ended up falling in love with him every time I turned a page.

Anderson's strength is definitely in the layers of her story. The shortness of her chapters were really the strength of the chronology of the story as it tended to mix between length of time jumps which was interesting in the fact that it kept me going. At some points the story was even written from the nightmarish point of view of the father's flashbacks and that made for an extra flavour.

I also found it surprisingly easy to relate to Hayley. Her struggles with school are realistic as is her attitude towards it. I could imagine myself in her position just as easily as one might slip into a different pair of trousers.

All in all, a pleasant read. The theme behind it was heavy but the romance just made for two conflicting worlds that co-exist in a really interesting way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to all young readers.

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

So *stretches fingers and applies badass expression to face* let's review!

Over the weekend I had my nose stuck in this book The Impossible Knife of Memory which I was able to grab at the Reading Matters excursion in Melbourne. I was lucky enough to meet the fabulous Laurie Halse Anderson in the flesh and she was one of the nicest ladies I had ever met. From reading her book I could tell that she had put a lot of herself in it and it was a very personal experience which made it all the more enjoyable to read.

Center in on our main character, Hayley Kincain as she struggles with a highly traumatized post-war veteran father. Sounds tragic right? Throw in a love story and it starts to give you the fuzzies in the tummy.

Hayley meets adorkably sweet Finnegan Ramos, nicknamed Finn, who eventually falls for her (after being a obstinate jerk at the beginning) and she for him. After her dad threatens to sabotage the relationship with his constant requirement of being looked after, Hayley realises that there is only one thing she can do to ensure that Finn sticks around: let him in.

What I particularly liked about this book was the layers to it. Each character, no matter how small, is dealing with something major and that's what makes it an enjoyable (?) slap in the face by reality. Hayley's dad's substance and alcohol abuse remind us that even those strongest can also be affected by trauma. The book had a lovely, real feel to it and that's what made it enjoyable to read.

Finn's sarcastic and witty nature made me wish that guys were like those in books and I ended up falling in love with him every time I turned a page.

Anderson's strength is definitely in the layers of her story. The shortness of her chapters were really the strength of the chronology of the story as it tended to mix between length of time jumps which was interesting in the fact that it kept me going. At some points the story was even written from the nightmarish point of view of the father's flashbacks and that made for an extra flavour.

I also found it surprisingly easy to relate to Hayley. Her struggles with school are realistic as is her attitude towards it. I could imagine myself in her position just as easily as one might slip into a different pair of trousers.

All in all, a pleasant read. The theme behind it was heavy but the romance just made for two conflicting worlds that co-exist in a really interesting way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to all young readers.