Badass Bookie

In My Mailbox #48

2012-05-27T10:44:00.002+10:00

It's that time of the week! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Basically we share the bookish contents of our mailbox with the rest of the bookish blogosphere! I mentioned two weeks ago that I'm not getting involved in all this drama and since Kristi formally apologised this week - I've put the whole thing WAY WAY WAY behind me!

Two Week Hurl ( Since I only participate every Fortnight!)

For Review -

ARC Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff

Changeling by Philippa Gregory

The Friendship Matchmaker Goes Undercover by Randa Abdel Rattah

Fated by Alyson Noel ( Finished Copy - Swap?)

Sirenz Back in Fashion by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman + Swag + Chocolate Coins ( which I ate)

Thanks to Jay, Simon and Schuster, Scholastic, Pan Macmillan and Charlotte! <3 <3 <3

Gifted/Won -

In Honor by Jesse Kirby

One Grave At A Time by Jeaniene Frost

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons + Postcards!

Thanks to Em @ Sash and Em, Sarah ( my awesome motherly figure who think I'm beautiful) @Saz101 and Kristen Simmons ( who is just THAT lovely!)

I also got -

AN AWESOME GOODIE BACK FROM HACHETTE AUSTRALIA

It contains -

ARC Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Some Pretty Awesome Swag

An Adorkable Tote Bah

Thank-you Hachette <3 You truly SPOIL me <3

Link me!

Badass Bookie xx

The Hunger ( But Mainly Death) Game

2012-05-25T10:00:00.000+10:00

Review Time! I normally don't accept review requests because of all the unsolicited review copies I receive and my out-of-control review pile but I could never reject a parody. The Hunger ( But Mainly Death) Games by Bratniss Everclean is a parody of the bestselling The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Thank-you to the authors for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Mockstrich season has begun. Welcome to "The Hunger But Mainly Death Games," the hilarious Hunger Games parody, and the only book brave enough to suggest that Suzanne Collins's epic trilogy was way more about death than food.
Or at least this is what Bratniss Everclean discovers, when she leaves the comforts of Slum 12, Pandumb’s garbage dump, to shortsightedly volunteer for a teenage death tournament. But she soon realizes there are fates worse than death…like weirdly having to date her fellow competitor, and lifelong stalker, Pita Malarkey. Okay, okay, it’s not worse than DEATH, but it’s still pretty annoying.
Still, with help from her agent Oofie Triptrip and her mentor, Hagridmitch, who’s pretty sure he can guide Bratniss to victory in the Tri-Wizard Cup, maybe Bratniss will somehow survive this book that she’s the narrator of.

The Short Story? - This wasn't my cup of tea. I love a good humorous read but this is not my type of humour. The authors have the right idea but honestly I found I'm a little too old for toilet and hygiene sense humour. The novel wasn't badly written but with it wasn't easy to connect with the characters especially when I couldn't take them seriously. Honestly - it's a no go for me :(

The Long Story? - I really wanted to like this book but I didn't. There were parts that I did like but overall I wasn't impressed! The plot is didn't appeal to me, I know it's meant to be funny and stupid ( it's a parody after all!) but I didn't like it. Maybe I'm too serious for this kind of book? I love my parodies but maybe I like the Hunger Games too much to truly appreciate this? The plot was just more silly than funny and the writing was hard to slip into. This could because there were multiple authors or whatnot but it was so hard to connect with Bratniss and I understand connection isn't what the authors are looking for but I've read so many great YA books, humorous ones and this one just didn't seem polished enough. I just found it a little....lacking and maybe even a little childish? I was expecting it to be a more developed plot and it didn't measure up! Characterisation was much of the same as the plot. I didn't really feel for the characters. Bratniss wasn't a well developed character and I found that was more or less the same with the other characters in the novel.

The novel JUST wasn't my cup of tea. I've looked at other reviews of the book and there are many people who enjoyed it! Lots of people found it hilarious but I guess I just wasn't one of them :( It's not my cup of tea but it might be yours!

What's it Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About The Vicious Deep + Giveaway ( Int'l)

2012-05-24T17:30:00.000+10:00

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Book Profile

Name - The Vicious Deep (Goodreads)
Author - Zoraida Cordova
Genre - Uran Fantasy
Release Date - 1st May 2012
Available - The Book Depository | Fishpond | The Nile

For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave.

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened.

Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth.

His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he’s heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he’s suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods.

Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea…and now it wants him back.

The Insider's Scoop

A Little about the Setting of The Vicious Deep.

Coney Island : A Background

~Giveaway~

Zoraida is giving away a Swag Pack ( including Stickers, a TVD pin, a Coney Island key chain, and some bookmarks )

Rule of Entry -

- International
- Ends 24th of June
- Must be 13 or older
- Optional Entries :
* Leaving comment on either of Zoraida's posts +1 each
* Follow Me on Twitter +1
* Follow Zoraida on Twitter +1
* Tweeting Giveaway +1
* Follow Badass Bookie +2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Zoraida Cordova ( The Vicious Deep)

2012-05-23T17:30:00.000+10:00

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Debutante Profile

Name - Zoraida Cordova
Debut - The Vicious Deep
Genre - Urban Fantasy
Website - HERE

Facebook - HERE

Twitter - HERE

Zoraida Córdova was born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where she learned to speak English by watching Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker on repeat. Her favorite things are sparkly like merdudes, Christmas, and New York City at night.

Dream Debutante Dress - My debutante dress is going to be this Elie Saab dress. Mermaid inspired!

Notes from a YA Debutante

7 Truths and 3 Lies with Zoraida....

- My middle name is Aracely.

- I own a pillow with Orlando Bloom's face from Pirates of the Carribean.

- My favorite flower is the orchid.

- I broke my nose during a bar fight.

- I'm 24.

- I work at a stripclub.

- I have a dog named Arthur

- My favorite colors are blue, pink, and glitter anything.

- I used to live in Tennessee .

- I love whiskey.

( Which ones are the truths? And which ones are the lies? O_O)

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Bookie's Note: Ourrrrrr second debutante for May is Zoraida Cordova ( Not going to lie - I had to check just then to see if I got the spelling right...) This 7 truths and 3 lies thingie is so much. My guess is that you you've never lived in Tennessee, you're NOT 24 ( pffft - obviously you're only 21) and you don't work in a strip club ( the last one just seems too out there!). WHAT ABOUT EVERYONE ELSE O_O? BTW, come back tomorrow for the second half of Z's feature + a giveaway!

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Gilt + Giveaway ( Int'l)

2012-05-22T17:30:00.000+10:00

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Book Profile

Name - Gilt (Goodreads)
Author - Katherine Longshore
Genre - Historical
Release Date - 15th May 2012
Available - The Book Depository | Fishpond | The Nile

In the court of King Henry VIII, nothing is free--and love comes at the highest price of all.

When Kitty Tylney's best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII's heart and brings Kitty to court, she's thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. No longer stuck in Cat's shadow, Kitty's now caught between two men--the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat's meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

The Insider's Scoop

1.    GILT was originally titled CAT’S SHADOW. This was the most exciting title I could think of. Give me 80,000 words and I'm good, but 1 to 5? No way. My brilliant agent thought of GILT, which suits the book perfectly.

2.    I cut two characters, fifty pages and two years of history from my first draft. That brought total page count down to 450. Then I revised. A lot.  I tend to write long and kill my darlings later.

3.    One of the characters in the book is based on an ex-boyfriend.

4.    I knew from the beginning that the two Catherines in the book would be called Cat and Kitty. Their nicknames suited their characters, and I loved the idea that they were drawn to each other because they had so much in common.  Like, a name.

5.    I love throwing little historical nods and asides into my books. They’re a bit obscure, but make me laugh.

~Giveaway~

Katherine is giving away a Signed ( and Personalised) Finished copy of Gilt

Rule of Entry -

- International

- Ends 22nd of June

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

* Leaving comment on either of Katherine's posts +1 each

* Follow Me on Twitter +1

* Follow Katherine on Twitter +1

* Tweeting Giveaway +1

* Follow Badass Bookie +2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Debut of the Month - All About Katherine Longshore (Gilt)

2012-05-21T17:30:00.000+10:00

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Debutante Profile

Name - Katherine Longshore
Debut - Gilt
Genre - Historical
Website - HERE

Blog - HERE

Twitter - HERE

Katherine Longshore grew up on the northern California coast. At university, she created her own major in Cross-Cultural Studies and Communications, planning to travel and write. Forever. Four years, six continents and countless pairs of shoes later, she went to England for two weeks, stayed five years and discovered history. She now lives in California with her husband, two children and a sun-worshiping dog.

Dream Debutante Dress - I don't have one, more's the pity!

Notes from a YA Debutante

Facts About Katherine-

· I've circumnavigated the world. Twice. Once on board a ship.

· I'm a trained and certified Montessori preschool teacher.

· My first historical love is Richard the III.

· I have the worst of the direction of anyone I've ever met. No, scratch that, I have two friends who are worse than me. But I can't go anywhere new without having to make at least one U-turn.

· I dream in colour.

· I'm a horrible coffee snob. I blame it on working at an Italian-style espresso bar while in college.

· When I'm having a bad day, I watch Grey's Anatomy. Compared to that, every day is a good day.

· I love to talk to other writers about their writing. There's nothing more fun than watching someone get lit up by their own creation.

· My favorite day of the week is Thursday.

· I haven’t watched The Tudors.

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Bookie's Note: I apologize for having to push Debut of the Month back a week, the last few weeks have been pretty hectic, I had nine exams in four days and then all the study leading up to exams... Anyway! Our first Debutant of May Katherine Longshore just celebrated her book launch on Saturday night! Katherine, I'm very jealous about your circumnavigation adventures - you must tell me about them one day! AND YOU DREAM IN COLOUR? O_O I *think* I do too except I can't really remember, no I think I do...haha! Guys, the lovely Katherine is stopping by again tomorrow for the insider's scoop and a giveaway!

Badass Bookie xx

Team Human

2012-05-21T10:00:00.000+10:00

Review Time! It's good to be back to regular blogging schedule, I have a whole bunch books I need to read and review! AND I'm THREE books behind on my Goodreads challenge which makes me really really sad :'( Anyway, Team Human is the most recent novel written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Justine Larbalestier. Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the ARC! Purchase your copy at Fishpond!

(Goodreads) When a vampire shows up at Mel’s high school, it’s up to Mel to keep her best friend from falling in love with him. Add a mysterious disappearance, a cranky vampire cop, a number of unlikely romantic entanglements, and the occasional zombie, and soon Mel is hip-deep in an adventure that is equal parts hilarious and poignant.

The Short Story? - Team Human is a highly original YA novel! Two of the most brilliant YA authors have come together to write one heck of a novel! A brilliant plot that antagonises vampires ( hey! that's different!), a romance tagline that's completely adorable and a feisty protagonist that really grows on you with her lack of grace and fierce loyalty. Team Human is the ultimate juxtaposition to YA paranormal mainstream. Brennan and Larbalestier are bringing back the human glory!

The Long Story? - The novel and I got off to a rough start but everything smoothed over about 80 pages into the novel. Team Human is a wonderfully unique idea and Brennan and Larbalestier are two very brilliant authors. The writing style took some time to get used to, mainly because of the different writing styles due to two authors. However over the course of the novel you get used to it! The plot started off a little too fast and too slow at the same time. There was this massive rush of events in the first 20 pages and then it slowed considerably and kind of pondered along until about 80 pages in. The thing I liked the most about the plot was definitely originality. In YA we have no shortage of books supporting to paranormal but to get a novel that's Team Human is quite something. I enjoyed the book but I had higher expectations, some events were a little too predictable and others a little frustrating. However the idea was unique, I loved the romance tagline and the mystery element about Anna's missing dad was good! Overall, it was enjoyable!

I had some problems with the characters. Some people might describe Mel as feisty but to me, she came off as irritating and rude. I really felt like she lacked manners and some of the things that came out of her mouth should have been left unsaid. She grows onto you as you progress through the book and her intentions are good and her fierce loyalty is something truly admirable, she's just a really "explosive" character and that kinda clashes with my own personality. Cathy really annoyed me. I felt she was really 2D and she was too nice and ignorant. She was all lovesick over Francis ( which is kind of the point) but it just got a little too extreme sometimes, I felt the urge to shake her and say "GET A GRIP AND MAN UP!". Francis had noooo appeal so I didn't see the attraction and he was under developed. However I really liked Kit ( and the story behind his name) as well as Camille! Characterisation wasn't a highlight for the novel but the characters kinda fitted with the novel as a whole.

Team Human wasn't perfect but that didn't make it any less enjoyable. It was a rough start but I ended really loving the book, so much that I stayed up late to read it and woke up early to finish. Even with our clashing personalities, Mel was a good protagonist for Team Human, without such a strong-willed and fiery character, Team Human definitely would have lost to Team Vampire :D Overall, good writing, great plot, loved the romance and a solid cast. Thumbs up for Team Human!

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

Badass Bookie xx

Interview with M.J. Hearle + Giveaway ( Int'l)

2012-05-20T17:30:00.000+10:00

Does everyone remember M.J. Hearle? I featured him as my VERY FIRST Bachelor of the Month last year with the release of his paranormal YA Debut - Winter's Shadow! May marks the release date of the highly anticipated sequel - Winter's Light! You can check out my review - HERE. Today I have M on the blog here with me for an interview and an AWESOME giveaway!

Interview with M. J. Hearle

Quickies -

Skittles or M&Ms? M&Ms all the way

Black or white? Black. Stylish and slimming.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee, the stronger the better.

Print copies or e-books? Print copies. I need to hear the rustle of the pages turn, feel the paper beneath my fingers.

Dog-ear or Bookmark? Bookmark. Dog-earing is abusive. When I see a dog-earred book I feel sad and want to slap the owner on the wrist.

Cats or Dogs? Dogs. Especially fat Labs or mischievous Pugs. ( I LOVE PUGS O_O)

Reading or Writing? Reading is more pleasurable; writing is necessary if I wish to keep my sanity.

Vampires or werewolves? Vampires. Werewolves leave hair on the carpet and constantly have to buy new pants.

Have you watched Vampire Diaries? Yeah, I dig it. I've got a crush on Nina Dobrev.

Favourite Harry Potter Novel? Goblet of Fire. When Cedric died, things got real for Harry and co.

Book you most want to see turned into a Movie? Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. Hopefully, Henry Selick (Coraline) will take a stab at it.

Favourite day of the week? Friday I'm in love.

Your perfect breakfast consists of - A blueberry muffin, cappuccino, glass of orange juice, yogurt and muesli, and a Tim Tam. Maybe two Tim Tams.

Five things that make a book "good" - ( ie fight, strong heroine, good-looking boys, high speed car chase, happy endings)

Only five things? Tricky. A sympathetic and/or fascinating lead character; a fresh twist or point of view; clear, stylish prose; crackling dialogue, chapters that leave you wanting more.

and...

Team Edward or Team Jacob? Edward's scarily controlling, and Jacob's whiny. I'm Team Alice. At least she has a sense of humour. And she's a babe. ( I give you my respect!)

Long Questions -

1) Describe Winter's Light in three words?

Thrilling, melancholy, surprising

2) How did you come up with the storyline for Winter's story?

I start with a single scene and work from there. In the first book, the image of a girl taking a photograph of a mysterious stranger in a cemetery inspired the story. I started thinking about the girl and the boy – who were they? Why were they in the cemetery – and began to build up the story in my head. The characters come first and then I let the plot evolve around them rather than force a situation. Sometimes I have ideas about where the story is going; sometimes my characters surprise me by taking me some place completely unexpected. In Winter's Light, I pictured Winter on the beach with the lodestone and it beginning to glow. I didn't know what this meant, but felt like it was a way in. It turned out I was right. This event kickstarts Winter's journey, a journey I followed rather than created. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had as a writer because I was discovering the story as I went. It was more like archeology than writing. The story was already there; I just had to dig it up and clean it off. The supernatural aspects of the novel were inspired by boredom. I was so bored with reading about vampires and werewolves and angels and the same old creatures over and over again. I wanted something new; so I created it.

3) Why did you choose to write YA Paranormal?

I didn't really have a choice. The story that occurred to me was about a teenage girl who falls in love with a man who isn't human. I've always loved supernatural fiction; Stephen King is the man that inspired me to tell stories in the first place, so it makes sense that I would write something with a paranormal flavour. Also, I wanted to write about teenagers on the cusp of adulthood because it's an incredibly dramatic time in one's life. All emotions are heightened; everything's intense. However, I didn't really know I was writing a YA Paranormal until my publisher told me that's how they were going to market it.

4) Character you feel you can relate best to? Why?

Well, I spend the most time in Winter's head, however I probably identify with Jasmine more than anyone else. Despite being frequently terrified by the situations Winter leads her into, she sticks by her friend. That sense of loyalty is one I'd like to think I share.

5) Is there a story behind the names of characters?

Actually there is. Originally, Winter Adams was Elodie Winters (my homage to Buffy Summers) and the book wasn't called Winter's Shadow but, Shade. It wasn't until the final draft that my publisher told me I couldn't use the title Shade because another YA paranormal had already laid claim to it. So, I started racking my brains for an alternative title and struck upon Winter's Shadow. It was my publisher who suggested using Elodie's surname as her first name as it would make more sense with the new title. At first I was a little hesitant, but after some consideration decided I kind of liked 'Winter'. It reminded me of 'Scarlett O'Hara' and seemed to suit the melancholy tone of the story. Blake was always Blake – named after the poet William Blake.

6) Ar you planning to write any other books outside the series?

Absolutely. Once I wrap up the Winter stories, I'd like to write a children's fantasy novel and a straightforward adult horror novel set in Australia. The sort of career I'd like to emulate is Neil Gaiman's. He moves from adult material to children's books with impressive grace.

7) Who would play the characters in a movie adaption?

In a movie adaptation, I'd cast Saoirse Ronan as Winter. She's a talented actress and has a beautifully unique look. For Blake, I wish I could go back in time and cast a young Jeremy Sisto. Or if I have a time machine, maybe Montgomery Clift. If I'm stuck in this reality, then I'm not sure? Most actors currently on TV or in the movies are too blandly handsome. There's no fire or threat of danger about them. Maybe Jared Padalecki could do a good job. Continuing with the Supernatural-casting theme Jensen Ackles would make a great Sam. Ashley Greene would make a suitably beautiful and frightening Claudette. For Winter's Light, I'd cast Helen Mirren as Magdalene. She's extraordinary. in fact, she could probably play a convincing Winter as well. Olga Kurylenko could play Elena.

8) Can you tell us anything about what to expect in Book #3?

The scope of the story is epic – think the difference between The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings for an indication. Most of the novel will take place in the Dead Lands. The Malfaerie will feature heavily. There will be a massive battle scene towards the end. Lives will be lost and saved. I can't promise a happy ending, but it will be satisfying to those who've taken the journey with Winter over the past two novels.

~Giveaway~

Pan Macmillan has kindly donated (1) ONE Signed Copy of Winter's Light and Signed Poster for a giveaway! Since I'll be sending the prize to the winner I'm going to make the giveaway INTERNATIONAL because as Jay Kristoff kindly put it - "it's not like a couple of extra bucks postage is going to bankrupt anyone". So come one! Come all! If you live here or there or no where - enter away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Pretty Crooked

2012-05-19T17:30:00.000+10:00

Review Time! My first review post-exam week and I'm feeling pretty good but extremely tired! I haven't had a good nights sleep ( without stress and more than 6 hours for a week) and my brain is fried so I apologise if the review turns out to be choppy. Anyway Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig is a 2012 YA Debut. And thank-you to Becca @ Reading Wishes for the gifted copy! She's such a sweetie!

(Goodreads) Willa’s secret plan seems all too simple: take from the rich kids at Valley Prep and give to the poor ones.

Yet Willa’s turn as Robin Hood at her ultra-exclusive high school is anything but. Bilking her “friends”-known to everyone as the Glitterati-without them suspecting a thing, is far from easy. Learning how to pick pockets and break into lockers is as difficult as she’d thought it’d be. Delivering care packages to the scholarship girls, who are ostracized just for being from the “wrong” side of town, is way more fun than she’d expected.

The complication Willa didn’t expect, though, is Aidan Murphy, Valley Prep’s most notorious (and gorgeous) ace-degenerate. His mere existence is distracting Willa from what matters most to her-evening the social playing field between the have and have-nots. There’s no time for crushes and flirting with boys, especially conceited and obnoxious trust-funders like Aidan.

But when the cops start investigating the string of burglaries at Valley Prep and the Glitterati begin to seek revenge, could he wind up being the person that Willa trusts most?

The Short Story? - Very cute and very sweet. If you're looking for a novel for pure enjoyment than look no further than Pretty Crooked. Sometimes I forget what YA novels were like before authors introduced vampires, dying family members and teenage depression. Ludwig is bringing back the best of YA and Pretty Crooked is a spectacular debut! Great characters, fluffy plot and a great narrative voice!

The Long Story? - The best way I can describe this novel is YA. It's the very definition of YA, slightly cliched with the expensive school and new girl who doesn't fit in, the new friends who are mean and popular and of course the gorgeous guy! All around, it's very enjoyable and it's a safe read. You can't possibly hate Willa and Pretty Crooked because it's so sweet - this was YA before it got infiltrated by vampires, werewolves and the whatnot. Ludwig is bringing the classic YA scenarios and I'm LOVING IT! I have this fetish with novels about thieves, spies and assassins. Pretty Crooked falls into the thieves section but it's only minor. A wonderfully plotted story, loved the cliff hanger and the romance was so so so cute. Definitely a good beach read, light and fluffy with a little cheek. Loved it!

Willa was a great protagonist. I would have liked to see an older character for a modern Robin Hood retelling, that way her crimes might have been a little more dangerous and less childish? While I loved the concept of the novel, pairing it with a 15 year old protagonist was a little ehhhhh. Nevertheless, what a sweet girl! Willa is completely adorable and she has a big heart! She definitely also has a sense of humour and good judgement in people. I really wished Ludwig made her just THAT much older. I would have like it better with a 17-year old protagonist because it would have been a little more believable. Aidan was very cool ( and cute!). He definitely is a charmer but he's no Noah Shaw or Jace Wayland although he did have swoon-worthy scenes! Overall it was a solid characterisation!

In a nutshell Pretty Crooked was a great read! It's manageable read and once you get into it, the pages just fly! It wasn't perfect but I really liked the cute, funny and fluffy nature of the plot. It's been a long time since I've read a YA novel that was JUST FOR FUN. I mean no one died or got a broken heart! Ludwig's debut is definitely worth a checking out! I really did enjoy it!

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

Badass Bookie xx

Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff US Cover Reveal + Giveaway (Int'l)

2012-05-19T02:00:00.000+10:00

Along with eight other AWESOME blogs ( Seriously to be included in this wolf pack - ~~I should be considered royalty~~ I feel so HONOURED) I'm revealing the US cover for STORMDANCER by Jay Kristoff! A while back Kristi @ The Story Siren helped Jay reveal the UK cover of Stormdancer which looks like this -

It's great huh? You know the cherry blossom, the awesome font, the contrast between the dark colours of the badass chick ( w~~ho looks like me on a Saturday night when I'm doing n**ja stuff~~) and the light background. And those symbols down the side of the cover which mean nothing to me right now but still look great!

HOWEVER - this cover? Pfffffft sorry UK but you got the short straw for this cover because the US one is completely A M A Z I N G! Can we get a A M A Z I N G? And another A M A Z I N G!

When I saw it I was like -

WITHOUT FURTHER ADO I PRESENT YOU WITH ~~the most beautiful cover that you'll ever see because I'm on the cover - legit~~ THE US COVER FOR STORMDANCER -

ARE YOU PLURGING RAINBOWS TOO? ~~Isn't my tattoo sleeve totally badass?~~

What do you get when you combine Steampunk with Japanese Warrior Stuff? - ~~Some pretty awesome cover art~~ A BADASS NOVEL.

A DYING LAND

The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, land choked with toxic pollution, wildlife ravaged by mass extinctions.

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST

The hunters of Shima's imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger – a legendary beast, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows thunder tigers have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death.

A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL

Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a hidden gift that would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her.But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

STORMDANCER is released September 18th through Thomas Dunne books/St Martin’s Press

About Jay Kristoff * - ( I wrote him a new bio because the other one was boring!)

Jay Kristoff is a Australian Martian who helps old ladies across the street by day and writes YA books by night. He also slays dragons, teaches Irish dancing and plays the ukulele. On a good day you'll find him at home and on a bad day you'll find him at home. He's hobbies include reading Manga, watching Glee, baking cookies in the shape of Dinosaurs. He has a beard.

You can find Jay -

Stormdancer on Goodreads

Jay’s Blog

Jay’s Twitter

*99% of that was made up MAYBE....

~ Giveaway~

Alright weirdos and dragon-slayers I know you're only here for the giveaway ( and the cover reveal but yeah the giveaway!). So I'm letting you know you there are 10 ARCS of STORMDANCER up for grabs!

... But you can only win one of them through this blog! ( HAHAHAHAHAHAHA gotcha!)

For your chance to win the other NINE ARCS up for grabs - answer this question:

Badass Bookie's Stormdancer Uber-Quiz question:

Question 5: What clan does Yukiko belong to?

HINT HINT : It's in the Synopsis

and then continue on to Jay's blog - HERE for the chance to win an exclusive Giveaway Pack ( with uber awesome stuff!) and learn more about this legendary 2012 YA Debut!

Fill out the Rafflecopter Form Below to win Badass Bookie's Stormdancer ARC:

OPEN Internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

The Bookie Showcase #2

2012-05-16T10:00:00.000+10:00

The Bookie Showcase is a special feature on the blog that comes around at irregular intervals. Inspired by Waiting on Wednesday hosted by Breaking the Spine and Books to Pine For by The Story Siren. The Bookie Showcase basically showcases upcoming YA novels you that might not have heard about! Check out Edition #2!

The Lucky One by Anna Godberson
(Bright Young Things #3)
Harpercollins
September 18th 2012

Letty's rising star is threatened by a new rival...

Astrid's relationship with Charlie takes a dark turn...

And Cordelia vows revenge against the Hales - once and for all...

Everyday by David Levithan
Knopf Books for Young Readers
August 28th 2012

Every day a different body. Every day a different life. Every day in love with the same girl.

Every morning, A wakes in a different person’s body, a different person’s life. There’s never any warning about where it will be or who it will be. A has made peace with that, even established guidelines by which to live: Never get too attached. Avoid being noticed. Do not interfere.

It’s all fine until the morning that A wakes up in the body of Justin and meets Justin’s girlfriend, Rhiannon. From that moment, the rules by which A has been living no longer apply. Because finally A has found someone he wants to be with—day in, day out, day after day.

Over You by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus
Hapercollins
August 2012

After the grand explosion of her relationship, seventeen-year-old Max Scott developed what every girl in the history of the world has been waiting for: a way to get over being dumped. Now Max is the go-to guru for heartbroken high-school girls all over NYC. But when her ex unexpectedly shows up in her neighborhood, Max’s carefully controlled world starts to unravel. With her clients’ hearts hanging in the balance, Max will have to do the seemingly impossible: get over him once and for all.

The Debutantes by Cora Harrison
Pan Macmillan For Children
August 2nd 2012

It’s 1923 and London is a whirl of jazz, dancing and parties. Violet, Daisy, Poppy and Rose Derrington are desperate to be part of it, but stuck in an enormous crumbling house in the country, with no money and no fashionable dresses, the excitement seems a lifetime away.

Luckily the girls each have a plan for escaping their humdrum country life: Rose wants to be a novelist, Poppy a jazz musician and Daisy a famous film director. Violet, however, has only one ambition: to become the perfect Debutante, so that she can go to London and catch the eye of Prince George, the most eligible bachelor in the country.

But a house as big and old as Beech Grove Manor hides many secrets, and Daisy is about to uncover one so huge it could ruin all their plans—ruin everything—forever.

All You Never Wanted by Adele Griffin
Random House for Children
October 9th 2012

With my eyes closed and Alex's core friends all around me, it was like I'd become my big sister, or something just as good. And so who cared if they were calling it Alex's party? One thing I knew: it would be remembered as mine.

Alex has it all—brains, beauty, popularity, and a dangerously hot boyfriend. Her little sister Thea wants it all, and she's stepped up her game to get it. Even if it means spinning the truth to win the attention she deserves. Even if it means uncovering a shocking secret her older sister never wanted to share. Even if it means crying wolf.

The Opposite of Hallelujah
Random House for Children
October 9th 2012

Caro Mitchell considers herself an only child—and she likes it that way. After all, her much older sister, Hannah, left home eight years ago, and Caro barely remembers her. So when Caro’s parents drop the bombshell news that Hannah is returning to live with them, Caro feels as if an interloper is crashing her family. To her, Hannah’s a total stranger, someone who haunts their home with her meek and withdrawn presence, and who refuses to talk about her life and why she went away. Caro can’t understand why her parents cut her sister so much slack, and why they’re not pushing for answers.

Unable to understand Hannah, Caro resorts to telling lies about her mysterious reappearance. But when those lies alienate Caro’s new boyfriend and put her on the outs with her friends and her parents, she seeks solace from an unexpected source. And when she unearths a clue about Hannah’s past—one that could save Hannah from the dark secret that possesses her—Caro begins to see her sister in a whole new light.

The Innocents by Lili Peloquin
Razorbill
October 2012

Two sisters fight to belong in a town built on secrets and lies in this romantic new YA series.

Nothing ever came between sisters Alice and Charlie.

Friends didn’t.

Boys couldn’t.

Their family falling apart never would.

Until they get to Serenity Point.

The Shadow Society by Marie Rutkoski
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
October 30th 2012

What if everyone thought you were a freak of nature? What if they were right?

Darcy Jones doesn’t remember anything before the day she was abandoned as a child outside a Chicago firehouse. So she isn’t surprised that she doesn’t recognize Conn, the new boy at her high school, even though he seems to know her—or at least know something about her.
What does surprise her is how quickly she comes to trust Conn, and that he makes her feel both desire and desired in a way she hadn’t thought possible. But his interest in her is confusing. It doesn’t line up with the way he first looked at her.

As if she was his enemy.

When Conn betrays Darcy and she is arrested, she realizes that she can’t rely on anything—not Conn, not herself, and not even the laws of nature. Because this world isn’t the only one. Darcy belongs in an alternate world where the Great Chicago Fire never happened, and deadly creatures called Shades terrorize the human population.

Darcy needs some answers.

And she hates that the person most able to help her get them is Conn.

Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield
Random House for Children
September 11th 2012

Summer is the best part of the year in Winston, California, and the Fourth of July is the highlight of the season. But the perfect town Clare remembers has changed, and everyone is praying that this summer will be different from the last two—that this year's Fourth of July festival won't see one of their own vanish without a trace, leaving no leads and no suspects. The media are in a frenzy predicting a third disappearance, but the town depends on tourist dollars, so the residents of Winston are trying desperately to pretend nothing's wrong.
And they're not the only ones hiding something.

Clare, a seamstress who redesigns vintage clothing, has been blessed—or perhaps cursed—with a gift: she can see people's pasts when she touches their clothes. When she stumbles across a denim jacket that once belonged to Amanda Stavros, last year's Fourth of July victim, Clare sees her perfect town begin to come apart at the seams.
In a town where appearance means everything, how deep beneath the surface will Clare dig to uncover a murderer?

Nerve by Jeanne Ryan
Dial Books
September 13th 2012

A high-stakes online game of dares turns deadly.

When Vee is picked to be a player in NERVE, an anonymous game of dares broadcast live online, she discovers that the game knows her. They tempt her with prizes taken from her ThisIsMe page and team her up with the perfect boy, sizzling-hot Ian. At first it's exhilarating--Vee and Ian's fans cheer them on to riskier dares with higher stakes. But the game takes a twisted turn when they're directed to a secret location with five other players for the Grand Prize round. Suddenly they're playing all or nothing, with their lives on the line. Just how far will Vee go before she loses NERVE?

Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #47

2012-05-13T10:00:00.000+10:00

Morning Lovlies! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. I know a lot of bloggers are choosing alternatives to display their weekly book hurl but I said I'm staying out of drama therefore I'm just going to keep doing what I've always been doing which is participate in IMM every second week!

Book Hurl -

For Review -

ARC Everything Left Unsaid by Jessica Davidson

ARC Dead Time by Anne Cassidy

Whisper by Alyson Noel

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

Burn Mark by Laura Powell

Disharmony by Leah Girratano

Dark Eyes by William Richter

The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker

Kill You Last by Todd Strasser

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Won -

The Industry by Rose Foster

Firstly can I just say I'm a very happy chappy right now! Even with Exam block starting tomorrow ( (!*^$*!&%$&!%$*&) - NIKITA HAS BEEN RENEWED FOR SEASON 3!!! Rejoice! That's more Salex and Mikita and Birkoff love for meeeee! Best. Show. Ever.

Now onto books - lately I've been on a reading slump. Involuntarily but still, exams are eating up my time! However I'm SO looking forward to reading The Hunt, Second Chance Summer, Every Other Day, Dark Eyes, Disharmony and basically all the book in my mailbox this week! The Age of Miracles sounds surprisingly awesome so I can't wait to dig into that either! Dead Times sounds like a great mystery and Burn Mark - who doesn't like Witches?

That's kinda all for me right now! Link me!

Badass Bookie xx

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

2012-05-08T10:00:00.000+10:00

Review Time! The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin was a 2011 YA Debut. However it was only published in Australia in February this year. The cover of this book is just gorgeous and I'm not going to lie - I wanted to read the book just because of the cover although the blurb sounded pretty good too! Purchase your copy at The Book Depository - US Edition/ AUS Edition. Thanks to Simon and Schuster for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can. She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed. There is. She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong.

The Short Story? - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is one of those books that really does your head in. It completely twists everything and blurs the line between reality and fantasy. I think YA psychological thriller is a more accurate description for the book. Edgy, dark and chilling, Hodkin's debut is really something original. Beautiful characterisation, mind-blowing plot and a narrative voice that completely consumes the reader!

The Long Story ? - This is really one of those novels that you either love or hate. Luckily I tend to love psychological thrillers and those supernatural reality books. I can honestly say that I really did enjoy The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. It's not exactly a comfortable read for someone to read because you can't just tune out and let the words take you away. YOU HAVE TO CONCENTRATE or else you get lost. Hodkin really twists your head, I had to get someone to clarify the last 100 pages for me because I was not sure I read it right. The plot is edgy and chilling - complex and completely mind-blowing. It's quite a slow pace but in this case it worked because if the story moved any faster I would have gotten lost. Filled with mystery and suspense, Hodkin strings readers along for the grand finale and WASN'T IT GRAND! What a cliff hanger ending! If you loved Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma or Shift by Em Bailey - this one is for you!

The highlight of this book for me was the characterisation. Mara was one disturbed ( and cray cray - maybe?) girl but the illusion of normal she creates is just WOW! With such a traumatising past and such a deadly secret, Mara is one of the most intriguing characters I have come across in YA fiction. I really like how Hodkin has portrayed her, the smartish, normalish girl with the dangerous gift. I want to see where Hodkin takes Mara next. AND THEN we have Jace Wayland reincarnation in YA contemporary. Noah Shaw - can we get a SWOON? He's just amazing! Extremely beautiful, extremely witty, extremely vain and extremely funny! BUT this guy's got a sweet side too and that just makes THIS much more irresistible! Seriously one of my favourite couples of the year ( so far!) Great characterisation!

What else can I say? You're either going to love or hate The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer because this is one book too extreme for middle ground. Edgy and engrossing, it's addictive and completely twisted. The psychological thriller debut is something original and unique - filled with mystery, suspense and a touch of supernatural - The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer is mind-shatteringly amazing. You will finish the book and think - WHAT DID I JUST READ? But nevertheless a novel I recommend to everyone!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

172 Hours on the Moon

2012-05-07T10:00:00.000+10:00

Review Time! 172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad was originally published in Norwegian. However the novel has been translated to english by Tara F. Chace. I'd never heard of the book before it showed up in my mailbox but after I read the press release I was really intrigued so I gave it a go! You can buy book here at The Book Depository US Cover/ AUS Cover. Thanks to Hachette for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) It’s been more than forty years since NASA sent the first men to the moon, and to grab some much-needed funding and attention, they decide to launch an historic international lottery in which three lucky teenagers can win a week-long trip to moon base DARLAH 2—a place that no one but top government officials even knew existed until now. The three winners, Antoine, Midori, and Mia, come from all over the world. But just before the scheduled launch, the teenagers each experience strange, inexplicable events. Little do they know that there was a reason NASA never sent anyone back there until now—a sinister reason. But the countdown has already begun. . .

The Short Story? - Imagine a horror movie and a sci-fi movie had a bookish baby. That would be 172 Hours on the Moon. Harstad YA debut is an amazing ( and scary) work of fiction that's completely twisted my mind. I now fear space travel, teenage girls and aliens. Nevertheless, this is one novel that's got the "wow factor" - you should definitely check it up! It's an edge-of-your-seat roller coaster ride that will send shivers down your spine...

The Long Story? - This novel took me by surprise. The novel was much better written than I would have thought. The plot was brilliant ( and scary). What a powerful YA debut! There are a lot of fantastic books out there but only a few have the "wow factor" and 172 Hours on the Moon has definitely got it. It's evident a great deal of research was invested in the writing of this novel. The line between fiction and fact is blurred and I'm almost convinced that a raging psychopath alien is somewhere on earth. Harstad has definitely got his NASA facts and using them he's written a killer novel ( quite literally). The plot is filled with mystery, suspense, dead ends and unexpected endings. My heart was pounding throughout the novel, I had shivers, I couldn't bring myself to go upstairs alone. This is a scary novel, it's more horror than sci-fi. If you're looking for a thrill - 172 Hours on the Moon is just DARING you.

The characterisation was good although Harstad only briefly touched up on each character. I could connect with them but not as deeply as I wanted to. Mia was definitely the "main" protagonist during the novel. While Harstad switched between telling the story from one character's perspective to another character's perspective but it was mainly Mia. Mia was so so so brave! I mentioned this is like a horror/sci-fi right? Well if I was Mia - I would have bawled my eyes out and than curled up into a fetal position and waited for death. She was strong for herself, for Antoine and for Midori. Her brief romance with Antonie was so cute and it was heat breaking too. I don't want to spoil the book but the tragic ending was undeserved for such a brave heroine. Harstad has beautifully developed these characters with fears, dreams and futures and for everything to fall apart in the end - it was brave for the characters and for the author. Dangerously cruel - well played Harstad.

All in all, this novel blew my mind. I'm being quite vague with this review because if I say too much - I would spoil it. And the last thing I want is to spoil the story for anyone. A book with the "wow factor" is definitely worth a read. A complex yet brilliant plot, characters that give brave a new meaning and a debut author who's unafraid to cut his looses. A dangerously thrilling debut - 172 Hours on the Moon will haunt you long after the last page!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

*Hint - If you do decide to read the novel, there are these transcript like pages at the back - READ THEM! You won't understand without reading them!

Badass Bookie xx

Storm Blog Tour Winners :)

2012-05-06T20:20:00.001+10:00

Here is the list of winners for the Storm Blog Tour! CONGRATS to all of you and I just KNOW you're going to LOVE Storm! I DID! Brodie has emailed all of you so please check your email asap! Thank-you to all my fellow aussie bloggers for putting this together especially Brodie who's been superwoman! Thank-you Brigid for humouring us with this blog tour and thank-you Lisa2 for the beautiful banner!

International Prize Packs:

Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark preorder

Winner: Sarah Jane
Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark ARC
Winner: Cassie Frye
Copy of Storm + Spark Pre-order
Winner: Joanne S.

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND Prize Packs:
Storm ARC + Spark preorder
Winner: Gabriella

Each receive a copy of Storm:
Thanks to Allen and Unwin!
Emma
Teresa L.
Stephanie P.
Alexandra
Michelle A
Mary Preston
Kate
Mary Perez
Taneika
Keely

Badass Bookie xx

Article 5 Sequel Title Reveal + EPIC Giveaway ( Int'l)

2012-05-03T16:49:00.002+10:00

So I'm a little late to the party but I AM part of Kristen's title reveal team! Along with Brodie @ Eleusinian Mysteries we're revealing the title to the SEQUEL of Article 5 ( Read my review - HERE).

Article 5 is one of my favourite dystopian YAs. I LOVED ( like seriously) LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED! And it wasn't just because ~~Chase was unbelievably sexy~~ the plot was highly original and entertaining but Kristen Simmons narrative voice is GORGEOUS! After reading the book I was like...

Anyway without further ado I bring you the title for the f~~illed with Chase~~ highly anticipated sequel to Article 5....

Breaking Point

Hmmmmm what EVER could this title mean? What happens? Why? ~~I know but I'm not going to tell you because it'll blow your mind~~ I'm JUST as curious as everyone else about this mystery and I CAN'T WAIT TO READ BREAKING POINT!

To celebrate let's host a giveaway shall we?

Kristen ( my lovely debutante - oh my, she's growing up and really making a place for herself in the YA community) *wipes tear* has kindly donated these super AWESOME prizes!

What's up for grabs?

- (4) FOUR Australian Edition Copies of Article 5 - SIGNED + Bookmarks with each book!

You know what that means?

4 WINNERS! And because I'm just too awesome ( and beautiful) I'm going to give (2) TWO copies away INTERNATIONALLY. That means even if you live in Antarctica - YOU CAN ENTER ( jokes, no postal service!)

You can also enter Kristen's Giveaway and Brodie's Giveaway!

Fill out Rafflecopter Form BELOW -

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Insurgent

2012-05-02T18:33:00.000+10:00

Review Time! Yesterday was the release date for INSURGENT by Veronica Roth! The highly anticipated sequel to one of the best YA books of 2011 - if you haven't bought your copy already, exactly which rock do you live under? You can purchase a copy of the book from Booktopia | The Nile | Fishpond. Thanks to HarperCollins for my lovely review copy! :)

(Goodreads) War looms in sixteen-year-old Tris’s dark dystopian world as disputes between the factions grow. Tris must now fight against all odds to discover the truth that can save her and the people she loves. Sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge – and the choices she makes will have devastating and unexpected consequences.

The Short Story? - I've come to the conclusion that Roth does not disappoint! Just when we thought she couldn't top Divergent she writes this phenomenal sequel that left my jaw hanging. Exciting, dangerous and packed with action, Insurgent had me hooked before I even read the first word! Great character development and Roth has chucked some pretty heavy problems at the lovebirds. Beautifully written as always, Insurgent is a spectacular sequel that anyone in the right mind would have bought a copy already!!! :)

The Long Story? - Honestly, I didn't think Ms. Roth could do it. She wrote such an amazing debut, I thought 'there is no way she can write a better sequel' - but she did. Get this, Divergent will always be my favourite out of the two purely because that's where everything started, the growing up, the falling in love, the fighting, the rebellion - for me, the start holds sentiment. However Insurgent was just breathtakingly amazing! Filled with action and danger - I got an adrenaline rush just reading the book! Roth has planned a brilliant plot with just the right amount of mystery. She gives a little and just when the book ends, she dumps the rest on top of us and BAM! We're hooked by the ultimate cliff hanger! A real treat to read from start to finish. Insurgent did not disappoint me at all. If you love a great dystopian with an original plot - Roth's Divergent series is calling your name!

The characterisation was fantastic. I met pretty much all the characters in Divergent but it wasn't until Insurgent that I started to understand them. Tris, our protagonist is a little bit of a super hero slash adrenaline junkie but she's also the bravest and strongest girl I've ever "met". She's not perfect and I don't agree with all her choices but it's from those choices that she develops overcomes her fears and insecurities. Four, aside from being downright gorgeous, he's love for Tris and he's own bravery was very admirable. He's a little hard on Tris sometimes and sometimes I think how is this relationship going to work but somehow they always work it out! Uriah, is such a hunk and I'm not going to lie - I have a major crush on him! Caleb left me a little disappointed and I'm keen to see where Roth takes him in the next instalment in the trilogy.

In a nutshell - guys, no one writes YA like Roth. You haven't experienced the best of YA if you haven't read Divergent and Insurgent. Roth, the Queen of Dystopian doesn't leave her league of fans disappointed. Insurgent was everything I thought it would be and more. Brilliantly written, unpredictable and dangerously exciting. Insurgent is a MUST-READ. Fantastic character development, complex plot and a phenomenal narrative voice. Do yourself a favour and get a copy NOW!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx

Immortal Rules on Harlequin TV + Giveaway

2012-05-01T10:00:00.000+10:00

The lovely people at HarlequinTeen Australia has created this really awesome Youtube Channel called HarlequinTeen TV and basically every month a book/s is featured and HarlequinTeen does a video review and tells you a little about the book! For the month of May they are featuring The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa AND Allegiance by Cayla Kluver! Check out the awesome episode below!

HarlequinTeen Australia has also offered a shiny, brand spanking new copy of The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa for me to giveaway on the blog! Unfortunately this book is open to Australian Residents ONLY. However I have ANOTHER giveaway for a copy of The Immortal Rules running on the blog for US/CAN residents, head over HERE to enter!
Australian Peeps enter below :)

a Rafflecopter giveawayBadass Bookie xx

Born Wicked

2012-04-30T10:30:00.000+10:00

Review Time! Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood is a 2012 YA Debut. Jess was actually of my debutantes of the year so I feel this special kinship towards the book ( of course - that doesn't mean this is not an HONEST review!) However, I was really excited to read this - the cover is gorgeous and I hoped the story was too! Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they’re witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word... especially after she finds her mother’s diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family’s destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren’t safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other.

The Short Story? - A solid debut that combines two of my favourite genres into one brilliant novel! Set in the 1800's Born Wicked is unlike any other witches tale you've read. Spotswood's enticing debut is filled with twists and turns, unpredictable developments, a beautiful romance, loss and sacrifice. Beautifully written, this historical fiction with the touch of the supernatural is a treat to read!

The Long Story? - Gorgeous cover but completely deceiving. I was expecting your average high school chick meets dude tale not some 1800's witches tale ( I mean she's wearing a SHORT DRESS). I'm glad I was wrong because Spotswood combination of historical fiction and the supernatural created a brilliant debut! The story was fabulous but there were elements that could didn't suit my taste. It was one of those plots that grew on you, the pace was a little slow for my taste. I know Spotswood had to write her debut so it fitted with the era but I like my novels with action and adventure and the novel lacked the two. As I read on, it did get more interesting. And eventually I was hooked and unable to put to put the book down! Born Wicked had twists and turns, unpredictable developments, love, loss and sacrifice. More importantly there was a bigger picture than just some teen romance ( which is always nice). I have a clear idea of where the story is heading and I can't wait to read the sequel! Original, Spotswood has taken on witches from a completely new perspective!

There were characters I like, characters I didn't like and ones that I couldn't figure out. Cate was one of those I couldn't figure out, she's a lovely girl but her personality is so ...bland. I know it's the 1800's and she has to look after her sisters but still, there is no fun in this girl. Over the course of the novel she does loosen up a little and her relationship with Finn helps too but she's 16 and she acts like she's going to mid-life crisis (constantly). Finn was probably my favourite character, I can't quite picture him as good-looking but he's really sweet and considerate and a totally 1800's gentlemen. Maura was annoying, immature and not a very nice person. She was stuck-up, jealous and I'm surprised Cate didn't slap because if I was her sister, I totally would. Everything that goes wrong is pretty much her fault. On the other hand, Tess was a real sweetie - the nice sister. I can't wait to see how she develops in the next book because she's completely grown onto me. Overall the characterisation was pretty good, some flaws but I'm sure Spotswood will work on it in the sequel!

In a nutshell, I find that I'm more severe in judging this book than with others. This is probably because I had expectation before I read the book instead of going in clueless. There were a couple of spots in that didn't work for me and the characterisation was a little lacking but overall, it was a very engrossing debut! I really enjoyed it once I got into it, the novel is brilliantly original and addictive especially towards the end. If you're looking for a unique supernatural YA, Born Wicked would be a recommend read! :)

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

Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #46 ( The Epic Edition)

2012-04-29T09:10:00.001+10:00

Morning Everyone! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Basically we all share the bookish contents of our mailboxes! As you would know if you're been with me for some time - I only participate every second week ( because I'm lazy). In times of the recent issue surrounding Kristi, I just want everyone to know - I will still be participating IMM, DAC and anything else related to Kristi. Forgive and forget people!

For Review -

ARC Temptation by Karen Ann Hopkins
Allegiance by Cayla Kluver
The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa ( Finished Copy/ Second Copy)
Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz
Monster High: Back and Deader than Ever by Lisi Harrison
Until I Die by Amy Plum
Forgiven by Jana Oliver
ARC Torn by Cat Clarke
ARC Fated by Alyson Noel
ARC Team Human by Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan
When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Storm by Brigid Kemmerer ( Finished Copy/ Second Copy)
Green Heart by Alice Hoffman ( NOT SHOWN)

(Thanks to Harlequin Teen, Hachette, Pan Macmillan, Allen and Unwin, Harper Collins and Scholastic!)

Swapped -

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagwa
Private by Kate Brian

PHEW! That's one epic mailbox isn't it? :D INSURGENT <3 Reading it right now and Roth certainly hasn't lost her touch! Until I Die is another one I'm SO looking forward to reading. The Storm tour is on right now - check it out because we have a 14 Winners Giveaway going on ( International) - HERE. The Immortal Rules is amazing and I have a giveaway to prove it too - HERE. So many good books - I don't know what to read next :D

What's in your IMM? Link me!

Badass Bookie xx

Storm Blog Tour - Keeping with the Merrick Twins + Review Round Up + Giveaway (Int'l)

2012-04-27T17:30:00.000+10:00

HI EVERYBODY! If you're following the Storm "Down Under and About" Tour then I'm Friday and I'm keeping up with the Merrick Twins ( and doing a review round up!) If you're reading this post because you love me - then I'm just posting a really awesome interview with the HOTTEST brothers around!

So Sarah has actually posting a fantasy cast but I think (personally) this is what the brothers should look like - they're identical...

Gabe/ Nick *drool*

Anyway onto the interview.... Two weeks ago I had the opportunity of meeting da boizzzz when they ~~both asked me out on a date~~ when Brigid brought them in for "Take a Hottie ( or two) to Work Day". I asked them some questions about ~~my own beauty~~. Being brothers, girls and well, my own beauty ( but I cut those out!) Enjoy, enjoy! Because I CERTAINLY DID!

QUICKIES:

1. Pack Count? (of abs of course!)
Gabriel: *takes shirt off* You tell me.

2. Beauty or Brains?
Nick: Why isn’t both ever an option?
Gabriel: Dude. A better question is, why isn’t body ever an option?

3. Your best feature is...
Gabriel: *smirks* Heh
Nick: You should probably move on to the next question before he gets totally out of hand.

4. Soccer or American Football?
Nick: Football
Gabriel: Soccer

5. Favourite day of the week?
Both: Friday

DEEP STUFF:

1. Do you feel that you guys share a special “twin” connection?

Gabriel: You mean, like do we feel each other’s pain? *Punches Nick hard in the shoulder.* No. I didn’t feel that at all.
Nick: *Gives Gabriel a look.* We do.
Gabriel: *Loses the smile.* Yeah. We do.

2. Describe your perfect girl:

Nick: Why don’t you describe yourself first?
Gabriel: And where’s that Australian chick who interviewed us back in February?

3. What sort of trouble do you guys get into when you’re together?

Nick: I’m usually the one getting us out of trouble.
Gabriel: *Rolls eyes* He’s such a wuss. Just because that last explosion on the beach almost burned his clothes off.
Nick: You weren’t the one going home with half an outfit.
Gabriel: You’re lucky I didn’t make you walk.

4. Your perfect date consists of....

Nick: Being outside.
Gabriel: With a campfire.
Nick: And a blanket.
Gabriel: And that Australian chick.

5. Is it annoying when people mistake you for each other?

Nick: It happens all the time. I’m used to it.
Gabriel: *Smiles* It’s very useful.

*le sigh - THIS SHOULD BE YOUR REACTION

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If the interview ( and visual support) hasn't convinced you to read Brigid Kemmerer's debut perhaps the reviews of the awesome Aussie + Co. bloggers will?

Review Roundddddd Up! ( The links will take you directly to the reviews!)

|Badass Bookie| Read Me Bookmark Me Love Me| Eleusinian Mysteries|

|Saz101| Forget Me Not| Reading Wishes| Book Probe

Giveaway Packs:

International Prize Pack 1:

Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark preorder

International Prize Pack 2:

Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark ARC

International Prize 3:

Copy of Storm + Spark Pre-order

Australian Prize Pack:

Storm ARC + Spark preorder

Australia/New Zealand Prize Packs (10 winners):

1 copy of STORM + 1 STORM book jacket + 1 SPARK book jacket

Thanks to Allen & Unwin and Brigid!!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY »

Check out the rest of the tour!

Badass Bookie xx

Catching Jordan

2012-04-26T10:30:00.000+10:00

Review Time! Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally was released in December last year but if you're been with me for some time, you would know that Miranda was one of my 2012 Debutantes! BE JEALOUS because the lovely Miranda, sent me a personalised copy of Catching Jordan! THANK-YOU SO MUCH! It's definitely a prized possession!

(Goodreads) What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.

The Short Story? - A quick contemporary read and that has become one of my all-time favourites! Catching Jordan is an extraordinary debut thats explores problems like first love,friendship and neglect. A bittersweet story about a girl who's "one of the boys", her dreams and the boys who love her. Kenneally's YA debut is not to be missed - funny, thought provoking and completely unputdownable!

The Long Story? - We don't get many sports related novels in YA and when we do they're usually rom-coms with some soccer matches thrown in between. I definitely wasn't expecting Catching Jordan to be so deep, honestly I was expecting a rom-com with no deeper meaning than enjoyment. Instead I get a complex contemporary romance with more depth than than the deep blue sea! Kenneally has an authentic YA voice that pulls you into the story and never lets you go. Easy to get lost within, Catching Jordan had a wonderfully bittersweet plot that had the right mixture of humour and "serious stuff". The novel explores issues such as meeting expectation, proving yourself and dealing with complicated (but insanely cute) boys! Kenneally's debut really was a jewel amongst the rocks, definitely one of my favourite contemporary reads in 2012! Two thumbs up!

I loved the characterisation of this debut! Catching Jordan had just about the most perfect cast ever! I think Jordan might be one of my favourite protagonist I've ever come across in a novel. She's such an inspiration to teenagers! She just doesn't take the crap that teenagers give everyday at school. She's confident, she's funny and more than anything she's a loyal friend. Sam Henry is a legend, not only is he the funniest character I've met, he's a huge sweetheart ( and a total guy!). Just thinking about Sam makes me smile - this is the kind of boy that's a keeper. Ty, he was great too but there is something off about he's possessive side for me although I'm sure plenty of girls would find it sexy! If you love amazing protagonists and complicated yet gorgeous boys - Catching Jordan is calling your name!

All in all, I think I could have written a better review for such a phenomenal debut but this is what happens when I leave books on the review pile for too long, the reviews get extremely choppy! I just hope the fact that THIS NOVELS IS AMAZING AND EVERYONE SHOULD READ IT came across! Funny, cute and bittersweet, Catching Jordan is a refreshing contemporary that's that left no room for improvement, I'm keen to see where Kenneally takes Stealing Parker after such an amazing debut!

What's it Worth? - Break Out the Piggybank

Badass Bookie xx

Breakfast with the Bookie - How to Deal with Blogger Drama

2012-04-25T12:06:00.000+10:00

Breakfast with the Bookie is a semi-weekly feature here @ Badass Bookie which is making a reappearance in 2012. Every other Wednesday morning, let's all grab our teas and coffees to gather and discuss and share our opinions! Everyone is welcome to join and make sure you leave a comment to state your opinion. Don't be shy!

Today's Topic : How to Deal with Blogger Drama

Recently a small (but made out to be big) "thing" hit the Book Blogging community. I only found out about it yesterday and I was shocked to say the least but I don't think the "thing" really deserves all the drama surrounding it. In case you don't know what it's about Sarah @ Smart Bitches, Trashy Books sums it up pretty well in this article - Plagiarism and The Story Siren. You can also read Kristi's apologies HERE and HERE.

I don't know about you but I like to avoid drama as much as possible. It's not nice to single out people and to make a huge deal out of a "small" issue. There are people out there who love drama and I'm not judging them but for me - I like to stay well away. Here a list on how, just in case you're with me on peace :)

How to Deal with Blogger Drama -

1) Ignore It - I KNOW it's hard. You want to put your two cents in as well BUT - don't do it. Seriously don't get involved. The more people who get involved and bigger it gets. If no one talked about it or joined the "stoning" - the problem would die down in a day or two but if we all get involved, attack the blogger, gang up, tweet about it, send nasty insults their way or something - IT WILL NEVER DIE DOWN. Drama is so overrated and it just makes us all look like mindless b*tches. Publishers, authors and literacy professionals are going to start looking down on the whole community. Don't get involved for the rest of us.

2) Nothing Nice to Say? Don't Say It - Haters are always going to hate. There are those among us who just can't let something go. Those who like to egg people on and make a mountain out of a mole hole - I ask you not to join them. Insult them in your head but don't put it into words because it really, really hurts people. A common term for this is bullying. Treat people how you want to be treated. Besides dissing someone only reflects badly on yourself. Don't get caught in the whirlwind and say something that you will later regret!

3) Forgive and Forget - Word.

That's my top 3 - I can think of plenty more but I want to know how everyone else deals with blogger drama so let's discuss!

Badass Bookie xx

The Immortal Rules + Giveaway

2012-04-24T10:00:00.000+10:00

Review Time! The Immortal Rules is the start of a new series written by Julie Kagawa, the author of New York Times bestselling YA series, The Iron Fey! If you haven't heard of The Iron Fey - you must live under a rock because the Team Ash campaign is internationally renowned! The novel is on sale today so go out and purchase a copy! I'm also hosting a giveaway which is at the bottom of the page! Thanks to Harlequin Teen for the ARC!

(Goodreads) In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity. Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

The Short Story? - I wouldn't have expected anything less from one of YA's most celebrated authors! Kagawa's post-apocalytic vampire tale finally sets the vampire record straight! This is definitely not just another vampire book, this is the good stuff - prepare for a re-education! Combining two of YA's best genres, The Immortal Rules has everything from a fierce and kickass heroine, zombies, killer smack downs and romance! Love dystopian? Hate vampires? Read Immortal Rules and I'll guarantee an attitude change! Bravo Kagawa!

The Long Story? - Personally, this was better than Iron Fey. I've only read the first book in the series but there's a reason I stopped - it just didn't hold my interest. On the other hand, The Immortal Rules had me hooked. The novel started off pretty slowly, initially Allie is human and Kagawa shows readers life through the perspective of humans in this post-apocalytic society. Then as Allie is changed, she shows readers life through the perspective of vampires. It's all quite clever. I must compliment Kagawa on her world-building skills, this society is definitely not one I hope to ever live in but it's authenticity can not be denied, it's scary but very real. About 60 pages into the novel, it really starts picking up and from there it's one heck of a roller coaster ride. A dangerous adventure right til the last word, it's completely addictive. The Immortal Rules will hook into you and never let go.

Allie and I got along famously. Allison Sekemoto is definitely the biggest badass in town now that Rose Hathaway decide to retire. Filled with sharp wit, fight and courage, Allie was the perfect heroine. She's definitely not the friendliest person but when a vampire, you have no need of friends. I can't wait to watch Allie develop, I'm very much liking this girl, she's a tough cookie! I really wished to see Allie fall for a vampire so when it turned out to be the very human, Zeke I was a tad disappointed. However Zeke is a terribly sweet guy and I couldn't help liking him. Everything about him screams nice guy and I certainly don't think he'll be finishing last this time! BUT the guy who stole my heart was Kanin, so he's WAY to old for Allie and he's kinda her vampire daddy but he's so...excuse me while I wipe my drool! I'm definitely looking forward to Kanin's return because I'm very muck taken by this badass vampire! Overall, very good characterisation!

All in all, The Immortal Rules is probably the equivalent to a joyride - it's breathtakingly adventurous and dangerous. Once you slip into the fold of the story, it will hold onto you and never let you go! If you like your novels dangerous and exciting and your vampires not sparkly then The Immortal Rules is definitely your book! This post-apocalytic society is getting a wake-up in the name of Allison Sekemoto!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck

Where to Purchase - Amazon| Barnes and Noble| Harlequin| Indiebound|

~Giveaway~

Thanks to Harlequin Teen, I have ONE (1) Hardcover Copy of The Immortal Rules to giveaway! This giveaway is open to US/CAN residents ONLY ( sorry but publishers request!). To enter just fill out the form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Badass Bookie xx

Storm is COMING ( Blog Tour) + Giveaway ( Int'l)

2012-04-22T19:17:00.002+10:00

A Storm is coming! Over the next week, forecasts are predicting a massive Storm front progressing steadily across the Southern blogosphere. Authorities warn of effects being felt across the globe, with multiple storm point touch downs, interviews, exclusive extras and massive prize packs. Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to batten down the hatches for one epic storm event.

Whether you're one of these lucky people who've already read Storm by goddess-turned-author Brigid Kemmerer, or you're impatiently waiting, you have to know that this is one of the most exciting young adult paranormals 2012 has to offer. Over the next nine days, nine bloggers are very excited to be bringing you the Storm Blog Tour! Tune in to your feeds and favorite blogs for never before seen character interviews, a video chat, an interactive Q&A with Brigid, and an exclusive excerpt from Storm itself! If that's not exciting enough, there are fourteen massive prize packs up for grabs, both AU/NZ and internationally! Check out tour dates below, and be sure to tune in to each stop to enter the giveaway!

Schedule:

Monday 23rd April: Chris/Becca/Hunter Interview - Read Me Love Me Bookmark Me
Tuesday 24th April: This or That with the Boys of Storm - Shiirleyy’s Bookshelf
Wednesday 25th April: Fantasy Casting - saz101
Thursday 26th April: Brigid Q&A: YOU ask the questions! - Eleusinian Mysteries
Friday 27th April: Keeping up with the Merrick Twins + Review Roundup - Badass Bookie
Saturday 28th April: Storm Excerpt - Forget-Me-Not
Sunday 29th April: Video chat - Book Probe
Monday 30 April: Chris Interview - Reading Wishes
Tuesday 1st May: Guest Post by Brigid: Five Secrets of the Elemental Series - Amaterasu Reads

Giveaway Packs:

International Prize Pack 1:
Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark preorder

International Prize Pack 2:
Elemental (ebook) + Storm + Spark ARC

International Prize 3:
Copy of Storm + Spark Pre-order

Australian Prize Pack:
Storm ARC + Spark preorder

Australia/New Zealand Prize Packs (10 winners):
1 copy of STORM + 1 STORM book jacket + 1 SPARK book jacket
Thanks to Allen & Unwin and Brigid!!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY »