The Pale Assassin

Review Time! I’m trailing a little behind with my review lately! With school starting and everything, I haven’t had so much time to write down reviews. I NEED to start scheduling  :( The Pale Assassin is the first book in Pimpernelles series by Patricia Elliott, it’s a novel that I won a while back in a giveaway Hachette Children Australia hosted so thank-you Hachette!

(Goodreads) Spoiled, beautiful fourteen-year-old Eugénie de Boncoeur is accustomed to outrageous privilege. The French Revolution may rage around her, but Eugénie's luxurious lifestyle is only improved by visits from her brother, Armand, especially doting since the two were orphaned. What Eugénie doesn't know is that their guardian has promised her in marriage to the wealthy, vengeful Le Fantome, a revolutionary nursing a secret grudge against her family. As the Revolution becomes increasingly violent, Eugénie is shipped off to convent school. Finally, there is no place in France that is safe for her. Eugénie dusts off her lightly used brains and rises to the challenge of survival; and soon she is in the thick of turmoil and romance, confronting spies, secret agents, and double-crossing suitors in her quest to get out of France alive.

The Short Story? – A YA historical fiction that follows the dangers of the life of a young aristocrat during the French Revolution. Filled with knowledge, danger, secrets and hidden agendas. The Pale Assassin is a thrilling work of fiction that is both beautifully written and wonderfully plotted! Great characterization, this is not one to be missed!

The Long Story? – I’ve always been a sucker for historical fiction but I admit when I picked The Pimpernelles I didn’t have any knowledge about what the book was about. I just thought the cover was pretty! I very much liked the plot, the novel follows the life of a young aristocrat called Eugenie during the French Revolution. It follows her troubles, her fears and her adventure and journey to England. The Pale Assassin is a wealth of information about the French Revolution, even if it is fiction. I really learnt quite a bit about the Revolution through the novel. Filled with plots, secrets and hidden agendas – if you love a good thriller or mystery this one is a winner!

The characterization was accurate. Elliott portrayed characters so that their personalities and behaviors reflected on how the people would have acted during the French Revolution. Eugenie was a fantastic protagonist, we really see her develop and by the end of the novel, she becomes a true heroine. She starts of a little vain and clingy and whiny but I guess that’s how rich fourteen-year-old aristocrats would act! As the novel progresses and as she grows older, her sense of responsibility and awareness develops and you see a significant change of attitude. There were many secondary characters that I grew fond of including Julien, Guy, Belle and Manon. A very rich cast!

The Pale Assassin is perhaps not a very widely known YA work of historical fiction but it is definitely one that is worth a reading! Filled with adventure, secrets and heart-pounding moments, the novel is a roller-coaster ride of a read. Plenty of twists and turns and unpredictable outcomes, Elliott has written not only an enjoyable novel but also one that carries mystery and suspense! Fantastic read, I can’t wait to read the sequel!

What’s it Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Instructions for a Broken Heart

Review Time! This year I signed up for the 2012 TBR Reading Pile challenge to help motivate me to read older releases that have been sitting on my shelf for a long time. I also chose to read books that weren’t sent to me for review as one of my own guide lines. It also means to review format is a little different.

(Goodreads) Three days before her drama club's trip to Italy, Jessa Gardner discovers her boyfriend in the costume barn with another girl. Jessa is left with a care package from her best friend titled "Top Twenty Reasons He's a Slimy Jerk Bastard," instructing her to do one un-Jessa-like thing each day of the trip. At turns hilarious and heartwrenching, Instructions for a Broken Heart paints a magical Italy in which Jessa learns she must figure out life-and romance-for herself.

The Short Story? – Instructions for a Broken is a bittersweet YA contemporary about the pain of a broken heart and the steps it takes to start moving on. Culbertson has captured the heartbreak of a teenager romance. Beautifully written and a wonderful character development, it wasn’t what I expected but nevertheless, I’m sure many of you would enjoy it! For fans of Sarah Dessen!

The Long Story? – I really wanted to like this one especially after I pinned away on the book for a good deal of 2011 but it really didn’t meet my expectations.  More than anything, I think the blurb lead me to believe the book was going to be different from what it happened to be. I was expecting a little more romance and comedy and a little less ‘poor me’. Maybe a rebound guy, some parties, few stray kisses and at least flirting with the smexy Italian boys! I really would have liked to see the Italian setting used to its full advantage. For fans of Sarah Dessen – this is your book; you’re going to love it. The broken heart, the instructions and the healing process. For me the novel sat a little too close to the line between “reasonable sadness over cheating boyfriend” and “completely ridiculous, man up and get over it”. Most of you would love Instructions for a Broken Heart but I’m not a huge fan of contemporary to begin with and for my picky taste, this just didn’t make the cut.

As far as characterization, initially I wasn’t a huge fan of Jessa. I could understand that she was broken hearted over the fact that her boyfriend cheated on her but she just went on and on about it. It got to the point where it was just pathetic, I wanted to shake her and say ‘SO WHAT, you boyfriend cheated, he’s a guy! GET OVER IT!’ Eventually, following the instructions (Which were really fun! They were my favorite part of the novel!) she didn’t start to heal her broken heart and I started to like her. In the end, she really became a different girl and I really want to applaud Culbertson on her fabulous character development!

Instructions for a Broken Heart wasn’t bad. There were parts about the novel that I loved. The Italian setting, the instructions and the moving on in the end were fantastic! It wasn’t what I expected and I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would have like but I’m certain, many of you would love, LOVE this novel. It’s the perfect contemporary for a contemporary lover :)

What’s it Worth? – Squeeze into the Budget

Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #40

Morning Lovelies! I'm kinda still in bed but I'm awake so I thought I'll post my IMM. In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Basically we share the bookish contents that we received during the week. I have come to only participate every fortnight! :)

My Bookish Hurl - 

For Review -

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Jessica Rules the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

ARC The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jessica Rothenberg 

Wildcat Fireflies by Amber Kizer 

The Wood Queen by Karen Mahoney

Skin Deep by Laura Jaratt

Going Underground by Susan Vaught

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

Between the Sea and the Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore

( Thanks to Harlequin, Penguin, Random House, Hardi Grant, Bloomsbury and Hachette!)

Won -

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

( Thanks to Erin @ Erin. L. Schneider )

NOTE: I'm so excited to read all the books from my mailbox in the last two weeks! Especially excited for The Catastrophic History of You and Me which sounds absolutely hilarious and probably a little sad too! I've read The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and it's really cute! There are nothing but good reviews about The Fault in Out Stars but I'm actually leaning towards reading Jessica Rules the Dark Side next! I couldn't finish Jessica's Guid to Dating the Dark Side in one go and I had to take a break but it ended up being superb!

That's all for me and make sure you link me to your IMM :)

Badass Bookie xx

New Blog Design!

Yes Guys! I've finally done it! I've gotten off my lazy ass and designed a new one! I'm not sure whether I like this better but it's different! GUYS please give me your opinions because if you don't like it I would change it back to the Green. Blue and White Design!

Opinions Please!

Badass Bookie xx

Interview with T.P. Boje

I don't normally host interviews/ guests posts or blog tours stuff because I'm too lazy :P BUT I think the New Year is the perfect time to get more involved in promoting authors and books. Today, I have on the blog with me T.P. Boje!

Bio - T. P. Boje is a mother of two, a stepmother of another two and a hardcore cartoon lover, Tim Burton enthusiast, and enjoys any movie the Coen Brothers have made (with the big Lebowski being her favorite strongly followed by Burn after Reading). She is also a writer of Y/A Paranormal Romance, fantasy and mystery. She is originally from Denmark but currently living in Florida, USA. Her books are translated into several languages.

To learn more follow her on Twitter, visit her fansite on Facebook or check out her web-page: http://www.tpboje.blogspot.com/

Books - Afterlife Trilogy ( Beyond, Serenity and Endurance), The Eye of the Crystal Ball, One, Two...He's Coming for You

Interview with Therese 

Quickies -

 

Skittles or M&Ms?  M&Ms. I love anything with chocolate.

 

Black or white? I hope it is not a racial thing, but I prefer white, if it is just the color :-) (NOTE: Just a colour thing!)

 

Coffee or Tea? I am a tea-person. One of the few, I know it is weird, but I really don't like coffee. I love a good cup of tea while I write, and my husband makes the best one.

 

Print copies or e-books? I love both. Print copies are nice to hold and have such an authentic feeling to them, but e-books are just easier. Especially when you travel. I have heard someone compare it to the difference between a light bulb and a candle. People will not stop buying old-fashioned candles because they are nicer, but light-bulbs are just easier and cheaper.

 

Dog-ear or Bookmark?  oh I am terrible. I make dog-ears all over the book. I am somehow always out of bookmarks when I need them.

 

Cats or Dogs? I am a little strange, cause I like both. But my husband doesn't like cats, so I think we will get a dog whenever our kids start wanting pets, and we can no longer resist them.

 

Reading or Writing? Writing, writing writing. I love to write and I have a hard time whenever I have to take a break from it. You could say that I am always at work, but you could also say that I am never at work, cause it never feels like work.

 

Vampires or werewolves? I am not that crazy about either of them. I used to be a vampire-lover, but I am kind of fed up with that. Maybe that is why I am writing Paranormal Romance without any of them. They are kind of all over right now, and I have read enough about them.

 

Have you watched Vampire Diaries? No.

 

Favourite Harry Potter Novel? Probably the third one. The Prisoner of Azkaban. This was when the series came alive to me.

 

Book you most want to see turned into a Movie? One of my own lol! No, right now I am reading Carlos Ruiz Zafrón The Shadows of the Wind, and I would like to see that turned into a movie. But I recently read that the author said that he thinks that a novel should stay a novel, so I am not holding my breath on that one.

 

Favourite day of the week? Tuesday. I love my workweek and Monday is always all about getting into my book again and on tuesday I am really focused and always write many pages.

 

Your perfect breakfast consists of – softboiled eggs. 

Five things that make a book "good"  - ( ie fight, strong heroine, good-looking boys, high speed car chase, happy endings) – a strong hero or heroine, humor, vivid imagination, romance, surprising plot and twists. 

 

and...

 

Team Edward or Team Jacob? I am a Jacob-girl. I wouldn't like the cold skin and the feeling of death so close to me. Jacob is wild, warm, passionate and a little hairy. I like that in a man. ( NOTE: Team Jacob FTW!)

 

The Long Ones -

1) Describe Afterlife in three words.

 

"Paranormal romance with a twist of fantasy and mystery..." Okay that is a little more than three words, but it is really difficult! Maybe "Will need tissue", cause it is kind of heartbreaking ... but also warm ... and really suspenseful. Okay I have used way too many words now.

 

2) How did you come up with the storyline? 

 

Haven’t we all at some point wondered where we are going when we die? I used to do it a lot as a kid. Is heaven for real and what is it going to be like once I get there? What kind of a body will I have? What will I look like? Will all of my family come with me? Will I meet my grandmother there? When I was a child I remember reading Astrid Lindgren’s “The Brothers Lionheart”. To those who don’t know it, it is a book about two brothers that both die and go to the country Nangijala, a land in "the campfires and storytelling days". Here the brothers experience great adventures. Together with a resistance group they lead the struggle against the evil Tengil, who rules with the aid of the fearsome fire-breathing dragon Katla. It is really a very beautiful book and I remember how it made me look upon death in a totally different way. Like it could actually be a new adventure.

As I grew up I never thought much about life after death and if there really was one or not. I was busy living my life and thinking about my life here on earth. But then one day not many months ago a thought just popped into my head. What if we have to go to school when we die?

As it so often happens, the thought wouldn’t go away again once it had come into my head, and I started playing with the idea. If it is true that we leave our bodies here on earth, then we must have some new body on the other side, right? And it would probably take some time to get used to that new body. And how about going through walls and doors and stuff? I mean if we become spirits then we would have to learn how to do all those things, right? And what about flying? That is not something that comes to us easily. We would have to practice first, right? And someone would have to teach us. So eventually I started imagining this school that we all had to graduate from in order to be let into heaven, and soon Meghan popped into my head and started walking around on that school - that just had to be run by angels. She soon made some friends and fell in love (as it often happens when you are sixteen). And that was when the problems began. Because the boy was still human, living on earth, so how could they ever be together?

That was when I realized that a book-series was born. And just like the book “The Brothers Lionheart” from my childhood, it was about how dying is only the beginning of the next great adventure. 

3) Why did you choose to write YA Paranormal?

I have written a lot of mystery and I wanted to try something else. So I wrote a fantasy-novel called The Eye of the Crystal Ball. It was a lot of fun, but I felt like something was missing. I needed some romance, I wanted to write romance, but not the traditional kind. It had to be romance where I could use my vivid imagination like I had done it in the fantasy-novel and that was when it hit me that paranormal romance was the right thing for me.

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

Meghan, my main character. Because she has more human emotion and sense of right and wrong than many of her co-characters.

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

no, I just make them up as I write.

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

I have like  a hundred books in my head that I want to write. I have so many characters and stories in my head, but most of them will never get any further than my brain, and yet some of them will find a way out and into my computer. I hope to be writing books for as long as I live. But for now I am focusing on the Afterlife-series. I have written three books so far, but am only half-way. I am planning on writing three more before I can let Meghan and her friends go.

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

Anyone good-looking, hot and young lol.

And that's that!

Badass Bookie xx  

Crave

Review Time! I didn’t go to school today because of flooded roads so it’s perfect for catching up on writing reviews! Crave by Melissa Darnell was a 2011 Harlequin Teen release, the Australian cover is different but the story is the same (the US cover is red with a chick dressed in white)! Thanks to Harlequin Teen for the review copy! :)

(Goodreads) Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail. 

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences...

The Short Story? – A forbidden love story with a supernatural twist. Darnell has written an interesting debut laced heavily with romance and the paranormal. Great characterization and beautifully written, told from duo perspectives Crave is a unique story about the value of love and how far you would go and what sacrifices you would make for the one you love.

The Long Story? – Crave focused heavily on the love between Savannah and Tristan. While I enjoyed the romance overload, I didn’t enjoy the shallow plot. In terms of a plot, there really wasn’t much of one. The story was going around in circles and getting nowhere. It’s a long novel and for a story with so little action, I thought a whole chunk of novel could have been cut out. Darnell had a massive build up for the ending that sounded like it was going to be spectacular and it turned out to be good but not as amazing as I thought it would be – it was a very short ending for such a big build up. Crave was a solid read, there were enjoyable moments and the romance was very nicely written. Darnell has such beautiful prose and I know lots of readers did enjoy it but I’m a little disappointed in the plot (or the lack of one).

The characterization was done well though. I had a little hissy fit over the age of the characters, I thought they were too young but that’s just me and my age prejudice :P Savannah was easy to relate, she is bullied and I think that’s an issue teens can relate. I’m a little skeptical about the lack of a reaction upon discovering that she not human. However the rest of her personality and her actions really brought out what a nicely developed character she turned out to be. I really liked Tristan, I love my fictional boys to be manly and possessive and totally handsome. Tristan was all of that but he was also hopelessly romantic and his love for Savannah really showed. I think Darnell did a really great job with the characterisation.

I can’t but be a little disappointed in the plot but Crave was a good novel. Darnell has written a very beautiful love story about a forbidden romance and the sacrifices one has to make to be with their loved one. If the opportunity showed, I definitely would recommend you guys to read the book because while it might not have been my cup of tea, there are plenty of people out there who really enjoyed Crave!

What’s it Worth? – Squeeze into the Budget

*For Review Rating Key view Right Sidebar :)

Badass Bookie xx

The 2012 Debutante Event Wrap-Up!

We've come to a close for the 2012 Debutante Event! What another spectacular year of debutantes! I'm very sad to see all 12 of them go out into the world * wipes tear* BUT they are ready to face the blogosphere! Make sure you check out all the amazing debutante features. We're had beautiful dresses, celebrity dates, facts about the Debs you would have never learnt and insider's scoops that are totally juicy!

Now, a complete list of posts can be found on the 2012 Debutante Event Page ( Click on Button below to go through or click HERE)!



All  giveaways are open for a MONTH from the day it's posted so make sure you go enter them! I will not be announcing winners on the blog because every giveaway ends on a different day! Winners will be emailed by me! If you win, you will have 48hrs to reply before a new winner is picked! 
That's all for me for NOW! 
Badass Bookie xx

Spoiled

Review Time! It’s been a while since I’ve posted a review, I’ve read heaps but because it’s the first week of school, I haven’t had to time to actually write the review! Spoiled is a 2011 YA Debut written by internationally recognized celebrity bloggers - Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan @ Go Fug Yourself Thanks to Allen and Unwin for the ARC!

(Goodreads) 16-year-old Molly Dix loves her ordinary life in suburban Indiana, so when her single mother passes away, she is shocked to discover that her biological father is Brick Berlin, world famous movie star and red carpet regular.

Equally intrigued and terrified by her Hollywood lineage, Molly moves to Southern California and plunges head-first into the deep end of Beverly Hills celebrity life. Just as Molly thinks her new life and family couldn't get any stranger, she meets Brooke Berlin, her gorgeous and spoiled half-sister whom welcomes Molly to la-la land with a healthy dose of passive-aggressive "sisterly love." 

The Short Story? – A funny and glamorous debut that gives evil stepsister a whole new Hollywood outlook! Spoiled is a comfortable novel that will bring you laughter and exaggerated fashion showdowns from cover to cover! Cocks and Morgan has written a YA-pleaser filled with celebrities, limitless credit cards, designer shoes and frenemies!

The Long Story? – I adored this novel, it wasn’t love but it was affection. Spoiled is a typically “clichéd” YA novel, you could even call it satire. The novel is mocking the Hollywood life and the spoiled, trust-fund babes! There were goods and bads about the novel – mainly goods. I loved the endless drama, it was one showdown in Louboutins after another! What I didn’t like so much was the childish quality of the characters but then again – they’re spoiled right? Overall, it’s a very comfortable read that would bring you laughter from start to finish! Spoiled gives wicked stepsister (or in this case half-sister) a whole new meaning!

The characterization fitted with the plot and title. Initially I wasn’t a huge fan of Brooke, so she is MEANT to be spoiled but I wasn’t a big fan of her bratty attitude. As the novel progressed, I got to know her better and suddenly her attitude made sense, Spoiled actually covers a lot of heavy topics and issues that many teens all around the world face everyday. Neglect, loneliness, fear, insecurity and a few others. Brooke also undergoes a change of attitude towards the end of the novel and that really was a huge highlight for me! Molly was a sweetheart from the beginning, she’s been throughout a lot and while Brooke wasn’t the nicest person to her in the beginning, they eventually worked past the evil stepsister syndrome! An excellent novel where character development comes through very clearly!

Spoiled is a novel to be enjoyed by teen readers and reader who are forever eighteen. If you love celebrities, gossip, designer shoes and drama, this one is for you! Cocks and Morgan has written a funny debut about the not-so-glamorous life of the daughters of A-list. Good character development, fantastic plot and brilliant overall presentation of a novel. Spoiled is a YA- pleaser that will leave you with a feeling utterly entertained!

What’s its Worth? – Squeeze into the Budget/ Hand over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

Day Twenty-Five - All About Everneath + Giveaway

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

Book Profile

Name - Everneath (Goodreads)

Author - Brodi Ashton

Genre - Paranormal Romance 

Release Date - 24th of January 2012

Available - The Book Depository

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

The Insider's Scoop

I decided to provide some profiles of the main characters in EVERNEATH, and a short Q&A for each of them. 

Character Profiles:

NIKKI BECKETT

Age: 17

Hair: Brunette, and always covering her face

Habits: She knits a lot. This hides the fact that her hands can’t stop shaking.

Tragic Flaw: She made a bad decision. One that she’ll never be able to leave behind.

What scares her the most?

Reconnecting with her old boyfriend, only to hurt him again.

What does she want more than anything?

Her life back.

What’s the one thing she has no hope of getting?

Her life back.

COLE STOCKTON

Age: ?

Hair: Blond

Habits: He likes to flick a guitar pick over his fingers.

Job Description: Lead guitar for an indie rock band called THE DEAD ELVISES

Other Job Description: To find humans to sacrifice to an Underworld-like place called the EVERNEATH.

What’s the one thing he wants more than anything?

For Nikki to return to the Everneath with him.

What’s the one thing he has no hope of getting?

Nikki’s love.

JACK CAPUTO

Age: 18

Habits: Being good at sports. And in moments of his deepest despair, he has a habit of piercing his eyebrow and getting tattoos.

What’s the worst thing he’s ever done in his life?

Letting Nikki go that one night without explaining.

What does he want more than anything?

To be with Nikki again.

What’s the one thing he has no hope of getting?  

To be with Nikki again. 

~Giveaway~

For Brodi's Giveway, she has offered (1) ONE Signed ARC of Everneath! This giveaway is open INTERNTIONALLY. In case you haven't noticed this book is made of awesome - I can't way to dig into my copy! Please leave a lovely comment for Brodi's posts to show support!  Rules are below!

Rule of Entry -

- International

- Ends 25th of February

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

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

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Putting Giveaway on Sidebar +2

   * Follow Badass Bookie +2

   * Placing 2012 Debutante Event Button on blog +3