Maggie's Kitchen by Caroline Beecham

Okay so, initially the combination of a wartime setting mixed with the idea of cooking began to hit the snooze button in my brain. I could tell from the get-go that this book wasn't going to be my cup of tea.

But it's a beautiful thing when a book opens up your mind to new genres and new experiences. Just like Maggie's Kitchen did for me. How amazing it is to become less closed off to certain genres and to now develop the ability to look a little deeper into what a story has to offer. Maggie's Kitchen offers to it's readers a story of bravery and spirit, fighting for one's dream despite the numerous obstacles threatening to prevent that. 

Beecham finds a gorgeous balance between all the layers presented to readers in this story; the threat of war, the strength of bonds between friends and family, a little bit of romance and the sheer determination of all characters. By balance I mean that each layer or device has it's own influence on the plot in just the right way that it keeps you hooked the entire time. Not in a confronting or surprising way, but in a gentle, subtle and uplifting way. 

You guys know how much I love strong protagonists who, hopefully, fight against stereotypes and don't act the Damsel-in-Distress. So I was pleasantly surprised when I was introduced to Maggie Johnson. Her strength in the face of opposition but also her willingness to accept her weaknesses and know when she needs the assistance and wisdom of her friends makes her the kind of character I could connect to. I felt Maggie's experiences, her wins and her losses, her desperation. And that's what makes for a story that someone can enjoy. 

This story promises historical fiction but it is not too strict on that. There is just enough of it to awaken you, the reader, into what times were like back then. Really, this is a book about life and all the curve balls it throws at you.

This wonderful light-hearted novel kept me entertained until the ending and even then I didn't want to close the back cover. If you're in need of a story to keep your spirits alive and remind you that your dreams are achievable with a little bit of hard work, then I would strongly recommend Maggie's Kitchen. 

Published: 27th July 2016, Allen & Unwin

Recommended Retail Price (RRP): $29.99

Rated 4 out of 5 stars. 

Don't forget to share the word around and find the page on Facebook and give it a like! This blog means the world to me and is such a great experience! 

Maggie's Kitchen by Caroline Beecham

Okay so, initially the combination of a wartime setting mixed with the idea of cooking began to hit the snooze button in my brain. I could tell from the get-go that this book wasn't going to be my cup of tea.

But it's a beautiful thing when a book opens up your mind to new genres and new experiences. Just like Maggie's Kitchen did for me. How amazing it is to become less closed off to certain genres and to now develop the ability to look a little deeper into what a story has to offer. Maggie's Kitchen offers to it's readers a story of bravery and spirit, fighting for one's dream despite the numerous obstacles threatening to prevent that. 

Beecham finds a gorgeous balance between all the layers presented to readers in this story; the threat of war, the strength of bonds between friends and family, a little bit of romance and the sheer determination of all characters. By balance I mean that each layer or device has it's own influence on the plot in just the right way that it keeps you hooked the entire time. Not in a confronting or surprising way, but in a gentle, subtle and uplifting way. 

You guys know how much I love strong protagonists who, hopefully, fight against stereotypes and don't act the Damsel-in-Distress. So I was pleasantly surprised when I was introduced to Maggie Johnson. Her strength in the face of opposition but also her willingness to accept her weaknesses and know when she needs the assistance and wisdom of her friends makes her the kind of character I could connect to. I felt Maggie's experiences, her wins and her losses, her desperation. And that's what makes for a story that someone can enjoy. 

This story promises historical fiction but it is not too strict on that. There is just enough of it to awaken you, the reader, into what times were like back then. Really, this is a book about life and all the curve balls it throws at you.

This wonderful light-hearted novel kept me entertained until the ending and even then I didn't want to close the back cover. If you're in need of a story to keep your spirits alive and remind you that your dreams are achievable with a little bit of hard work, then I would strongly recommend Maggie's Kitchen. 

Published: 27th July 2016, Allen & Unwin

Recommended Retail Price (RRP): $29.99

Rated 4 out of 5 stars. 

Don't forget to share the word around and find the page on Facebook and give it a like! This blog means the world to me and is such a great experience! 

Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman

This may be the most important review I have ever done. This is simply because this book, Northern Lights, is one of my most favourites of all time. So yes, this review is going to be extremely precious and biased. Sorry in advance.

So, let's jump right in.

Northern Lights presents a new layer of fantasy intertwined with intellect, humility and ingenious invention. By subtly promoting the idea of alternate universes, Pullman guides us through a universe of immense possibility. I would have to say that this presentation of alternate universes has been the best one I have encountered so far. By intricately weaving science and fantasy, something wholly new and unique is created.

The story centres in on Lyra, a feisty heroine who gets herself into a situation much bigger than her own true self. She must go on a quest with the sea-faring gyptians to find children wrongfully taken for experimentation.

If, like me, in your stories you look for noble and kind and funny sidekicks, then this book is perfect for you. Because no matter who you are in this story or who you follow, protagonist or antagonist, there is a daemon for everyone. A person's daemon is literally their soul incarnate, you can never be separated from them.

Without them, you are literally without a soul. Without a reason to live. I won't give away all the magical details of this fantastical connection. You want to know more? Read the book.

Pullman's writing style is fluid and intimate, with lengthy sentences and expressive dialogue. Every word and the way it's said gives the reader a deeper insight into who this character is and what their motive is. But even then there are layers and layers to these beloved characters that, much like the alternate universes themselves, allow for unexplored depths of the character and the story itself.

Deception, intrigue and a deep sense of unity and love, this story is a great tapestry of various themes and ideas that I think if it were done by anyone other than Pullman, it wouldn't have worked. Everything neatly ties together to create a joyful little bundle of a story that I feel should be up on the shelf with the classics. Lyra and Pan should be considered alongside Potter, Pevensie and Frodo. This is a story that every child should read and then read to their children after them.

Quote: “When he'd sworn at her and been sworn at in return, they became great friends.”  

I'm sure this won't come as a surprise but... 5 out of 5 stars.

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Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman

This may be the most important review I have ever done. This is simply because this book, Northern Lights, is one of my most favourites of all time. So yes, this review is going to be extremely precious and biased. Sorry in advance.

So, let's jump right in.

Northern Lights presents a new layer of fantasy intertwined with intellect, humility and ingenious invention. By subtly promoting the idea of alternate universes, Pullman guides us through a universe of immense possibility. I would have to say that this presentation of alternate universes has been the best one I have encountered so far. By intricately weaving science and fantasy, something wholly new and unique is created.

The story centres in on Lyra, a feisty heroine who gets herself into a situation much bigger than her own true self. She must go on a quest with the sea-faring gyptians to find children wrongfully taken for experimentation.

If, like me, in your stories you look for noble and kind and funny sidekicks, then this book is perfect for you. Because no matter who you are in this story or who you follow, protagonist or antagonist, there is a daemon for everyone. A person's daemon is literally their soul incarnate, you can never be separated from them.

Without them, you are literally without a soul. Without a reason to live. I won't give away all the magical details of this fantastical connection. You want to know more? Read the book.

Pullman's writing style is fluid and intimate, with lengthy sentences and expressive dialogue. Every word and the way it's said gives the reader a deeper insight into who this character is and what their motive is. But even then there are layers and layers to these beloved characters that, much like the alternate universes themselves, allow for unexplored depths of the character and the story itself.

Deception, intrigue and a deep sense of unity and love, this story is a great tapestry of various themes and ideas that I think if it were done by anyone other than Pullman, it wouldn't have worked. Everything neatly ties together to create a joyful little bundle of a story that I feel should be up on the shelf with the classics. Lyra and Pan should be considered alongside Potter, Pevensie and Frodo. This is a story that every child should read and then read to their children after them.

Quote: “When he'd sworn at her and been sworn at in return, they became great friends.”  

I'm sure this won't come as a surprise but... 5 out of 5 stars.

Don't forget to like the Facebook page! Thanks guys!

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar presents "not your typical love story". Whilst I had doubts about how Eagar would sell this unconventional romance, I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

It's a twist on your classic Romeo and Juliet tale. Teenagers from opposite sides meet, share some suggestive conversation and then... one ties the other to a chair (under unfavorable circumstances, I will say... *gulp*) and posts a picture of the prank to Instagram. Boom! Lovers.

Okay... so it didn't happen quite that quickly. Which brings me to my next point.

DISCLAIMER: This book is extremely graphic with intense sex/erotica scenes that could make someone feel really awkward especially if they are on a public bus. If such writing offends thee, do avoid this novel.

The eroticism isn't that much of a big deal, I guess. I'm trying to think of how the story could've progressed without it and coming up blank. It's kind of a big contributor to the movement of the plot. Just don't read it aloud to your friends in the middle of the school-yard. You get some weird looks.

So, back to the previously mentioned unconventionality. I liked it. I didn't think the romance would work, I honestly expected it to play out like any other teen fiction romance. But, like I said, this one surprised me. It's different and it works. It just adds to the overall spunk of the novel. But that isn't actually where the heart of the story really is.

What I couldn't imagine happening, what I didn't expect at all, was this book to touch on the theme of loss and death. This layer of the story, just existing below the surface of the concerns of most of the characters, adds an interesting level of depth. It turned the story into something real. It took me into a very real world with realistic characters but also very real themes that people have to deal with. The loss explored in this story is one that too many teenagers and young adults experienced. In fact (kind of spoilers here but not really) young drivers (17 – 25 years) represent one-quarter of all Australian road deaths, but are really only 10 – 15% of the licensed driver population. Think about that for a moment.

So, in truth, this book actually makes a very troubling theme apparent to young readers like myself. Because this loss happened to relatable characters who remind me a lot of some of my friends. Sometimes it's nice to receive a big chunk of "reality check" right in the face.

Okay so my last point on this novel is that, yes it does get quite enjoyable, but I found it started a little
confusingly. It was kind of like trying to sort out a tangle of multiple cords or strings and then straightening them out neatly. The first few chapters were kind of knotted and then things began to become clear. I suppose most books are like this and it adds to the complexity of the story but I just found it difficult to get into at the start. But then things got pretty cute with Blondie so it was okay. The story began to straighten out by that point.

Apart from this and some kind of cringey dialogue, I enjoyed this novel. Straight-forward and hard-hitting, I would definitely recommend to lovers of teen fiction over the ages of 16.

Quote: "And being different... along with all the other people being different."

3 out of 5 stars.

Don't forget that With Wicked Words does have a Facebook page. If you've found the site from the Facebook page then hey! Great to see you! For those who haven't liked it, find the page here; https://www.facebook.com/withwickedwords/

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar presents "not your typical love story". Whilst I had doubts about how Eagar would sell this unconventional romance, I'm happy to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

It's a twist on your classic Romeo and Juliet tale. Teenagers from opposite sides meet, share some suggestive conversation and then... one ties the other to a chair (under unfavorable circumstances, I will say... *gulp*) and posts a picture of the prank to Instagram. Boom! Lovers.

Okay... so it didn't happen quite that quickly. Which brings me to my next point.

DISCLAIMER: This book is extremely graphic with intense sex/erotica scenes that could make someone feel really awkward especially if they are on a public bus. If such writing offends thee, do avoid this novel.

The eroticism isn't that much of a big deal, I guess. I'm trying to think of how the story could've progressed without it and coming up blank. It's kind of a big contributor to the movement of the plot. Just don't read it aloud to your friends in the middle of the school-yard. You get some weird looks.

So, back to the previously mentioned unconventionality. I liked it. I didn't think the romance would work, I honestly expected it to play out like any other teen fiction romance. But, like I said, this one surprised me. It's different and it works. It just adds to the overall spunk of the novel. But that isn't actually where the heart of the story really is.

What I couldn't imagine happening, what I didn't expect at all, was this book to touch on the theme of loss and death. This layer of the story, just existing below the surface of the concerns of most of the characters, adds an interesting level of depth. It turned the story into something real. It took me into a very real world with realistic characters but also very real themes that people have to deal with. The loss explored in this story is one that too many teenagers and young adults experienced. In fact (kind of spoilers here but not really) young drivers (17 – 25 years) represent one-quarter of all Australian road deaths, but are really only 10 – 15% of the licensed driver population. Think about that for a moment.

So, in truth, this book actually makes a very troubling theme apparent to young readers like myself. Because this loss happened to relatable characters who remind me a lot of some of my friends. Sometimes it's nice to receive a big chunk of "reality check" right in the face.

Okay so my last point on this novel is that, yes it does get quite enjoyable, but I found it started a little
confusingly. It was kind of like trying to sort out a tangle of multiple cords or strings and then straightening them out neatly. The first few chapters were kind of knotted and then things began to become clear. I suppose most books are like this and it adds to the complexity of the story but I just found it difficult to get into at the start. But then things got pretty cute with Blondie so it was okay. The story began to straighten out by that point.

Apart from this and some kind of cringey dialogue, I enjoyed this novel. Straight-forward and hard-hitting, I would definitely recommend to lovers of teen fiction over the ages of 16.

Quote: "And being different... along with all the other people being different."

3 out of 5 stars.

Don't forget that With Wicked Words does have a Facebook page. If you've found the site from the Facebook page then hey! Great to see you! For those who haven't liked it, find the page here; https://www.facebook.com/withwickedwords/

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare ~FAN FAVOURITE~

So this was a risky endeavour to take on as the Mortal Instruments and it's prequel series, The Infernal Devices, are absolutely beloved by fans. Including me. However, today I promise to review from an unbiased perspective.

But, hang on a minute! Kat, where have you been? I'm glad you asked. Studying, my dears, studying. Philosophising and analysing linguistics, year 12 is taking my soul one relentless SAC at a time. But now, Kat's back in the reading game and it's time for a new review. Ah, it's good to be back.

So for those of you who have been living under a rock, let me break it down (possible pun?). The Mortal Instruments and the Infernal Devices explore the world of the Shadowhunters, half-angel half-human demon hunters who protect the mundane (human world). Through this book, Lady Midnight, we are introduced to a new series and therefore to new characters to fall in love with. 

The first book in the new Dark Artifices series, Lady Midnight, acquaints the readers with protagonist, Emma Carstairs. Whilst being extremely sassy and witty she can pack a punch too and is pretty deadly with her sword, Cortana. 

Now, being fairly experienced with Clare's past female protagonists I've gotta say that Emma stands out amongst the rest. I did like Clary (The Mortal Instruments) and Tessa (The Infernal Devices) but I found that it took them awhile to acquire the ability to stand on their own. They are portrayed as fairly independent at the start but if there's one girl who can certainly hold her own and doesn't really need anyone else, it's Emma. 

It's like Clare has taken the wit and steel of everyone's favourtie sarcastic bad boy, Jace (The Mortal Instruments) and put it into a female character which is actually quite refreshing. 

You may think that in comparison to Emma, some characters appear dull. That is a matter of opinion so I'm going to give you mine. And my opinion is...ABSOLUTELY NO WAY! All the other characters in this series are completely badass! Especially Mark... *sigh* sweet, tormented Mark who swings either way in terms of sexuality... don't worry I won't go there (even though I really want to).

If I can leave you with one final note on this novel without spoilers I will say that I was very impressed with Clare's exploration of things that weren't completely touched upon in the previous series. The deeper look into the partners-in-arms bond "parabatai" (http://shadowhunters.wikia.com/wiki/Parabatai - to shed a little light on the subject) was very refreshing but my favourite thing about this novel was the fairy side of it. For ages I have been curious about Clare's portrayal of the "Fair Folk" and in this new story we learn about the fairies, right from a character that was directly influenced by them (yes, that's Mark). It was a wonderful new experience to dive into one side of the world that had always been shrouded in mystery. This was a clever idea on the author's behalf, giving her readers the answers that they had wanted for so long. 

Okay just before I wrap it up, here's a question you might be wondering. Kat, can I begin this series if I haven't read the others? I have two answers for you.

1. No, because there are some things (and some characters) you just have to experience from the past series.

2. Yes, but only if you want to refer back to the wiki regularly.

So there you have it. Refer to the answers above for whether I recommend this novel or not. Happy reading!

Quote: "If my heart was a canvas, every square inch of it would be painted over with you."

4 out of 5 stars.

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