Breakfast with the Bookie: Series You Just Couldn't Finish (Eg. House of Night)

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!



This Week's Topic - Series You Just Couldn't Finish (Eg. House of Night)


I'm one of those people who HAS to finish a book if I start it. Even if it means constant torture of the badly written kind. I think I can count on one hand the books I have started but didn't finish. Same goes for series. I'm one of those people who compulsively seek out the next book even if I didn't like the first one in hopes that it would get better. 


However sometimes, I just can't stomach it anymore. 


An example is House of Night. 


Why I gave up? House of Night actually started out really good. I was addicted, fantastic novels but then things went to hell. I got up to book 8??? But then I had to stop because even I couldn't convince myself that it was going to get better. WHY?


1) Too Many Books - House of Night takes "Never- ending" to a whole new level. I read somewhere that the mother-daughter duo plan to write 14ish books for the series? Honestly, to me it seems like the plot dried up after book 5 and after that the duo has just kept making more stuff up! In my opinion, the series should have ended at Book 5. 


2) Too Many Boys - I never thought I'll be saying this but there are way too many boys in the series. This Zoey girl just can't seem to make up her mind! Every, EVERY book she seems to be juggling no less than 3 guys! I grow attached to one guy and then next thing you know she's dumped him for some new guy! Too many!


3) Heath - I really hate this guy. Zoey just can't seem to get over him but seriously I hate his guts. I rejoiced when he died ( I know I'm cruel) but than at the end of Book 8, they decided to BRING HIM BACK TO LIFE??? That was the last straw, he should have STAYED DEAD. 


Hence why I stopped reading the series. Now did you stop reading House of Night? Why? and what series have lost your interest?


Badass Bookie xx

Guest Post with Mary Lowry ( The Earthquake Machine)

Mary Pauline Lowry has worked as a forest firefighter, screenwriter, open water lifeguard, construction worker, and advocate in the movement to end violence against women. Due to no fault of her sweet parents, at 15 she ran away from home and made it all the way to Matamoros, Mexico. She believes girls should make art, have adventures, and read books that show them the way.

Guest Post -

The other night I was having dinner with my friend Lito and he started in on one of his amazing and fascinating tales of traveling through Morocco alone. The old feeling of frustration hit me that I would never make such a journey myself. The answer to the question, “Why not?” seems obvious enough. In certain parts of the world it’s not shall we say “recommended” that American women travel alone. And so, in deference to safety, we often pass up our most longed for adventures.

As women and girls, we often make decisions based on common sense and a desire to minimize the risk of violence against us.  But in writing The Earthquake Machine I chose to explore the notion that a girl might in fact be able to embark on an otherwise ill-advised adventure merely by choosing to “pass” as, not just a boy, but a boy from the foreign land in which she deigns to travel.

Because in traveling through foreign countries what makes us vulnerable is first the fact that we are outsiders and not of the culture through which we pass, but more importantly that we are women who have stepped out of the safety and comfort of family and community, who have waltzed away to a land with—perhaps--an entirely different way of understanding the world, including women and our place in it.

In reading The Earthquake Machine every girl who ever longed to roam the world unencumbered by the fears and dangers brought about by her gender can vicariously live through Rhonda’s adventure as she “becomes” a Mexican boy named Angel and travels across the Mexican desert in search of her one true friend.

The Earthquake Machine

The book every girl should read,

and every girl’s parents hope she’ll never read.

The Earthquake Machine tells the story of 14 year-old Rhonda. On the outside, everything looks perfect in Rhonda’s world, but at home Rhonda has to deal with a manipulative father who keeps her mentally ill mother hooked on pharmaceuticals. The only reliable person in Rhonda’s life is her family’s Mexican yardman, Jesús. But when the INS deports Jesús back to his home state of Oaxaca, Rhonda is left alone with her increasingly painful family situation.

Determined to find her friend Jésus, Rhonda seizes an opportunity to run away during a camping trip with friends to Big Bend National Park. She swims to the Mexican side of the Rio Grande and makes her way to the border town of Milagros, Mexico. There a peyote- addled bartender convinces her she won’t be safe traveling alone into the country’s interior. So with the bartender’s help, Rhonda cuts her hair and assumes the identity of a Mexican boy named Angel. She then sets off on a burro across the desert to look for Jesús. Thus begins a wild adventure that fulfills the longing of readers eager for a brave and brazen female protagonist.

Badass Bookie xx 

The Catastrophic History of You and Me

Review time! The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg is a 2012 YA Debut and just a heads up - Jess is actually my February Debut of the Month so check out her debutante profile and giveaway ( Signed ARC + Poster) after you read this review! Today is the AUS release date! Thanks to Penguin for the ARC for review :)

(Goodreads) Dying of a broken heart is just the beginning.... Welcome to forever. 

BRIE'S LIFE ENDS AT SIXTEEN: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart—literally. 

But now that she's D&G (dead and gone), Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend has been keeping a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost—and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul . . . who just might hold the key to her forever after. 

With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on. But how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?



The Short Story? - An undeniably bittersweet novel about heartbreak, getting over him and coming to terms with death. Rothenberg has written an incredible debut filled with beautifully prose, witty dialogue and some completely hilarious characters. A unique spin on the afterlife and funny take on teenage heartbreak, The Catastrophic History of You and Me is a treat for us all!

The Long Story? - *sigh* It was...everything I thought it'll be and more. A very satisfying read! I loved everything about The Catastrophic History of You and Me, Rothenberg has truly written a remarkable debut! A very unique plot with a refreshingly original take on the afterlife. The novel is a lot more serious than the blurb led me to think yet it maintains the light and airy atmosphere. Wonderfully bittersweet, Brie's story is not a happy one but it's touching and completely unputdownable. The idea of dying by broken heart really made me laugh, there is nothing funny about death but... well, I laughed okay? Funny, comfortable and beautifully written, a fantastic contemporary!

The characterisation was very well done! I completely adored Brie - you gotta love her! Everything from the disney references to the cheesy nicknames ( pun intended), she was a great protagonist. She's funny, kind and a tad sarcastic. Some of her post-death choices weren't so great but let's all cut her some slack, she died of a BROKEN HEART! That's double sucky :) And her mistakes helped develop her into a better character. Wonderful character development! Patrick, our guid to the other side is funny with a capital 'f'. Quite a looker, hilarious and adorably sweet - he stole my heart! A wonderfully characterised novel!

After reading The Catastrophic History of You and Me I went into a week long reading hangover, the novel was so awesome I couldn't bring myself to read anything else! Rothenberg has written novel complete with the whole shebang, a unique plot, fantastic characters, beautiful prose and funny dialogue! I can't wait to see what Jess has install for us next after her winner of a debut! One not to be missed!

What's it Worth? - Hand Over the Paycheck/ Break Out the Piggy Bank


Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #42

Morning Guys! In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Basically we share the bookish contents of our mailbox! If you have been with me for a while you'll know that I only participate every fortnight! Therefore, this is my two-week hurl...

For Review -

Bunheads by Sophie Flack

CRYPT by Andrew Hammond

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

( Thanks to Hachette, Murdoch Books and Bloomsbury!)

I'm keen to read Article 5 and Under the Never Sky especially since they were featured in the 2012 Debutante Event! BLOODROSE I'm so scared to even look at it! If something happens to Ren...I don't think I'll ever recover! I loved Sister Red so looking forward to Sweetly and Bunheads sounds awesome :) Um CRYPT seems like a guy novel but if I find the time I'll definitely review it :)

That's all! Link me to your IMM!

Badass Bookie xx

Fallen in Love

Review Time! This week I took a reading/blogging/anything bookishly related hiatus hence the lack of posts although I did schedule some that didn't post- including this review! Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate is a collection of short stories written about characters of Kate's bestseller series, Fallen! Look out for Rapture which comes out later this year! Thanks to Random House for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Unexpected. Unrequited. Forbidden. Eternal. Everyone has their own love story.

And in a twist of fate, four extraordinary love stories combine over the course of a romantic Valentine's Day in Medieval England. Miles and Shelby find love where they least expect it. Roland learns a painful lesson about finding-and-losing love. Arianne pats the price for a love so fierce it burns. And for the first and last time, Daniel and Luce will spend a night together like none other.


True love never says goodbye...


The Short Story? - A solid read, Fallen in Love is short and to the point. Kate has written a collection of love stories set Medieval England on Valentines Day! For the all the romance junkies and Daniel + Luce enthusiasts out there - this is the perfect novel to read in waiting for the eagerly anticipated Rapture! Looking for a one-sitting read? Look no further!

The Long Story? - I'm on the fence for this one, I enjoyed it but it wasn't overly amazing. It was clever of Kate to write a collection of short stories with different characters yet link one story to the next one but I would have enjoyed it more if each story was separate and focused entirely on each character instead of just one big lead up to "Daniel and Luce's Only Valentine's Day". Nevertheless, I enjoyed it especially Roland and Arianne's stories which really gave me a deeper insight on these characters. I'm a little disappointed that Cam didn't get his own story but to be fair we peeked into his past in Passion! Daniel and Luce's valentine's day was really sweet, even if I'm not a fan of the books, I've always loved the romance between Daniel and Luce! The writing is comfortable and it's a *really* short book ( only 200 pages and the font is quite big). One that can be enjoyed by everyone and anyone!

As far as characterisation goes, when you're 3.5 books into a series the characters really should be fully developed if not - you're reading a really crappy novel. What I liked about Fallen in Love was that the novel allowed readers to peek into the past lives of the characters hence, a deeper understanding of the characters. Roland is one of my favourite characters of the novel and Fallen in Love really allowed me to see a different side of him. The same goes for Arianne, what a shocker of a surprise! The past really has shaped these characters. Medieval Daniel was a huge sweetheart too, he clearly loves Luce and the Valentine's surprise he planned was amazing! Nuff said about the characterisation - it was just fantastic!

I apologize for the choppy review, I'm so torn about what to write about this novel and this is clearly a badly written review! I'm sorry! All I can say that - even if it was overly amazing, it's definitely worth a read because Fallen in Love gives a deeper insight into the characters of the series and who doesn't like love stories? Great addition to a widely loved best-selling series - check it out!

What's it Worth? - Squeeze into the Budget


Badass Bookie xx

Touch of Power Giveaway ( International)

Badass Bookie has teamed up with Harlequin Teen to giveaway (2) Copies of Touch of Power by Maria V. Synder.

This giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. Yours truly is pitching some money for shipping so that my lovely international followers can enter as well!

To enter just fill out the form below - NO HOOPS! We just want to spread the bookish love :)

Ends 5th of March :)

*EDIT - Just to clear things up (1) ONE copy of Touch of Power will be won by an international follower ( sent by me!) and (1) ONE copy will be won by a AUS/NZ resident (sent by Harlequin Teen!)

(Goodreads) Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

Read My Review - HERE

Debut of the Month - All About the Catastrophic of You and Me

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

Book Profile

Name - The Catastrophic History of You and Me (Goodreads)

Author - Jess Rothenberg

Genre - Contemporary

Release Date - 21st of February 2012

Available - The Book Depository

Brie's life ends at sixteen: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart - "literally." But now that she's in heaven, Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend knows a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost - and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul who's been D&G (dead and gone) much longer than she? and who just might hold the key to her forever after. With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on? but how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

The Insider's Scoop

Insider’s Scoop:  The idea for Catastrophic History came to me during a time when I was dealing with a pretty bad broken heart of my own.  (That whole can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t get out of bed, can’t stop playing sappy love songs on repeat, that kind of thing.)  Writing made me feel better, especially as I was going through all the classic stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, sadness, and acceptance), and I couldn’t help thinking there might be a good story in there somewhere.  Around the same time, I read an article in the Wall Street Journal all about “Broken Heart Syndrome,” and learned it really is possible to die from the cardiac stress brought about by an intense emotional loss.  And since first love tends to be all the more emotional and intense, I couldn’t help but wonder:  what if a teenage girl died of a broken heart?  What if she had to figure out love from the Great Beyond, while the rest of the world went on without her?  And voila, Catastrophic History was born! 

A funny secret about the book:  People often ask me if I borrow anything from real life for my stories, and the answer is sometimes!  There’s actually scene in Catastrophic History where Brie washes up naked on a beach that is taken straight from my high school days.  My best friends Jesse, Leah, and Chesnee convinced me to go skinny-dipping at a crowded beach the summer before senior year and a giant wave came out of nowhere and crashed me to the shore completely naked.  It was such a funny and embarrassing teenage moment I couldn’t resist putting it in the book!  ; ) 

~Giveaway~

Jess is giving away a Signed ARC + Poster of The Catastrophic History of You and Me.

Rule of Entry -

- US ONLY ( sorry!)

- Ends 16th of March

- Must be 13 or older

- Optional Entries :

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

   * Follower Me on Twitter 

   * Tweeting Giveaway +1

   * Follow Badass Bookie +2

Debut of the Month - All About Jess Rothenberg ( The Catastrophic History of You and Me)

That's right my lovelies! This monthly feature on Badass Bookie is back again this year and kicking off the year we have out February Debutante - Jess Rothenberg!

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Debutante Profile

Name - Jess Rothenberg

Debut - The Catastrophic History of You and Me

Genre - Contemporary

Website - HERE

Facebook - HERE

Twitter - HERE

JESS ROTHENBERG grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, graduated from Vassar College, and spent most of her twenties editing books for teens and middle grade readers.  She lives in Brooklyn where she writes full-time, dances interpretively, and dreams of one day owning a sheepdog named Leo.  The Catastrophic History of You and Me is her first novel.  Visit www.jessrothenberg.com to find out more!

Dream Debutante Dress -  Love this dress, completely gorgeous and very pretty :) 

Notes from a YA Debutante

Interesting facts about me:  Well for one thing, I’m really good at ping-pong.  (Like, really good.)  I’m also the queen of bad puns, I love to belt out Disney/Broadway show tunes when nobody’s home, and have been weirdly obsessed with Shark Week on the Discovery Channel since I was a little kid.  Yup, I’m kind of a dork.  But a loveable dork, I like to think.   

Another interesting fact:  I was born a minute before midnight and still have a sneaking suspicion the hospital clock was off and my actual birthday is 10/11, not 10/10.  So I like to celebrate both just to make sure. 

What I do when I’m not writing:  Oh, things like visiting family and friends, brunching it up in Brooklyn, last minute trips to exciting places… the usual stuff!

My inspirations:  Movies I’ve seen, books I’ve read, dreams I’ve had—even the way the light hits the pavement on a lazy afternoon can spark an idea worth exploring.  Inspiration is all around us all the time; you just have to be paying attention!

My journey to publication:  I was a YA editor for a number of years before jumping ship to write full-time.  (Some of the books I edited include Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series, Kathy Reich’s Virals, Josh Lieb’s I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil & I Want to be Your Class President, to name a few.)  Then I started a wonderful MFA program geared toward writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts, where I began working on Catastrophic History.  The book sold to Dial not too long after, and the rights have sold in something like 14 countries.  I couldn’t be happier!  In fact, when finished copies arrived a few weeks ago, I literally had no choice but to dance.  Just see for yourself!  http://bit.ly/yYc4bT

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Bookie's Note:  Meet Jess - the new girl on the block! Okay, I'm like obsessed with New Girl right now and when Jess comes along with her name - I had to make a reference. *imaginary cap locks* I can't believe you edited Vampire Academy! The series is one of my favourite all time! And Jess, I'm a Disney enthusiast as well! Just ask my classmates - I sing everything from Little Mermaid to Lion King - ALL DAY LONG! Come back tomorrow for the second half of Jess's feature + EPIC giveaway!

Badass Bookie xx

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick

Review Time! My blog has been a complete mess lately! I’ve been so busy and in a huge state of a reading slump, my blog has been neglected. Hopefully I can get back on track this week! Last week I read Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick by Joe Schreiber! Thanks to Hardie Grant Egmont for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Perry Stormaire is a normal high school senior– he is busy applying to college and rehearsing with his band –until he agrees to go to the prom with the Lithuanian exchange student who is staying with his family. It turns out that Gobi Zaksauskas is not the mousy teenager that she seems but rather an attractive, confident trained assassin. Instead of going to the prom, Perry finds himself on a wild ride through the streets of New York City as Gobi commandeers the Jaguar his father lent him for the prom in order to take out her targets. Perry learns a lot about himself – and ends up with some amazing material for his college application essays.

The Short Story? – There is something about this book that gives off the “wow factor”.  Whether it was the female assassin or the epic prom night out in New York City, Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick was brilliant. The novel really came together nicely with great characters and a spectacular plot. If you love car chases, female assassins, revenge and action as much as I do – this is your next read!

The Long Story? – I have read many books that I love but not all of them have the “wow-factor” – in fact very few of them do. What is the “wow-factor”? Something about the novel that makes it stand out from the rest – distinctively. In this case, Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick has a one of a kind plot. Honestly, what is not to love about a well-written novel with car chases, bullets flying, female assassin and prom nights gone wrong? I LOVED the plot – it was different, exciting, action-packed and one big breathless adventure. Perfect for boys and girls, this ain’t no sappy love story – this is a story of a girl and a boy and what happens on prom night!

I don’t read many YA novels with male protagonists and when I do I usually find that there is always a barrier between us and therefore I can’t enjoy the book as much as I would have liked. Not the case with Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick. I loved Perry – what a charming and completely adorkable boy! Great personality and totally relatable on some level (I mean, I’m a girl!) + he’s a great guitar player. Our crazy, European chick was so badass I want to be a female assassin too! Gobi is the very definition of badass! Great girl, I think we have a future of being best friends :P Maybe she’ll teach me some tips of the trade… Fantastic characterization!

Au Revoir, Crazy European Chick would make a fabulous addition to your shelves! If there is anything I know about a “wow-factor” it’s that they are not to be missed! Joe Schreiber has written a winner of a novel and the only thing that would make it even better would be a sequel! Unputdownable and filled to the brim with adventure. Two thumbs up!

What’s it Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck/ Break Out the Piggy Bank

Badass Bookie xx

City of Fallen Angels

Review Time! So I’m a “little” late on the program but I’ve finally finished City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare, as many of you already know COFA is the fourth installment in the phenomenal YA Fantasy series – Mortal Instruments. The first book is getting turned into a movie so it must be pretty good! Thanks to Walker Books for the review copy!

(Goodreads) The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most important of all—Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend. 

But nothing comes without a price. 

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary’s best friend, Simon, can’t help her. His mother just found out he’s a vampire and now he’s homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse wrecking his life. And they’re willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he’s dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other. 

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. 

The Short Story? – More or less what I expected which means it’s totally awesome! Clare has written another fantastic novel that has left me begging for more – Queen of Cliffhangers! As always, brilliantly witty, filled with humor, one heck of a twisted plot and characters that will stay with you forever along with Harry Potter and for the better or worse – Edward Cullen. Bravo Clare – you’ve done it again!

The Long Story? – I’m thrilled that Clare decided not to finish the series after book 3 and signed up for another 3 books because I LOVE this series! COFA is a little different to the first three books and it almost feels like reading an entirely different series in the fact that the same characters have started a new chapter of their lives – a new adventure. The characters are faced with a new threat and the ending suggests that an epic showdown will be necessary. There are more references to the Infernal Devices in COFA and some new characters have been introduced. Clare has the skill to switch from humor to serious in a blink of an eye and I found my elf at odds constantly laughing and then gripping the edge of my seat with a pounding hart! Beautifully written, COFA is a must-read for fans of YA fiction (in general!)

As far as characterization goes, aside from new minor characters and further development in earlier introduced characters. I found it really weird reading COFA at first because it wasn’t focused on Clary and Jace. The novel told from the perspectives of a variety of different characters and each of their individual stories build up to be become the bigger picture. I feel like after reading COFA, I understand more about Simon (who is kind of the “main” character) and while I’m still completely Jace and Clary 4EVA – Simon deserves his shot at happiness. He’s a pretty decent guy aside from the wee mistake he made! I starting to *really* like Kyle (aka Jordan) and a teaser for those like me – Jace and Clary 4EVA is really heating up! Fabulous!

In the end it all comes down to – to read or not to read. Two thumbs up for me, Clare is a highly talented writer and her novels can be enjoyed by readers of all ages and genres. I enjoyed COFA and many of you will too! Beautifully written, great characterization and a fantastic plot. Another fantastic novel in a unputdownable series!

What’s it Worth? – Hand Over the Paycheck

Badass Bookie xx

In My Mailbox #41

Morning Lovelies! I'm sick :( Therefore I'm staying home today and well I'm going to be doing some blog work! Starting with 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 Hurl -

For Review - 

ARC Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter

ARC Au Revoir,  Crazy European Chick

ARC Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

ARC The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe ( Swap?)

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe ( Finished Copy)

Night School by C. J. Daugherty

Lenobia's Vow by P.C. and Kristin Cast

Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Moira Kalman ( Second Copy - Swap?) 

In Darkness by Nick Lake

Pure by Julianna Baggott

( Thanks to Hachette Childrens, Hachette, Hardi Grant, Harlequin, Murdoch Books and Bloomsbury!)

NOTE: Some duplicates this week but some totally awesome books too! Can't wait to read Out of Sight, Out of Time and Goddess Interrupted! Mixed reviews on Pure but honestly it sounds totally awesome! The Way We Fall sounds awesome as well! AND Night School <--- after Brodie's review totally looking forward to it!

Happy Reading Guys!

Badass Bookie xx

Breakfast with the Bookie - Let's Talk Blogger Manners, Attitude and Etiquette

Breakfast with the Bookie is a semi-weekly feature here @ Badass Bookie which is making a reappearance in 2012. Every other Wednesday morning ( read - when I'm not drawing a blank), 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!


This Week's Topic - Let's Talk Blogger Manners, Attitude and Etiquette


Okay I'll start off by saying - I hate the fact that I have to revisit this topic every year - EVERY YEAR. If you scroll through my blog archive you will see that I have posted something along the same lines in 2010 AND 2011. BUT this controversy just keeps reappearing in the blogosphere. 


Book bloggers are very nice people, extremely friendly and generous! Meeting new bloggers is like reuniting with old friends - there is no such thing as an awkward moment when it comes to book bloggers. However, there are just those "few" bloggers who ruin it for everyone else. I'm not having a go at anyone - in fact while I know there are nasty bloggers out there, I'm not aware who they are. BUT people, you got to stop this BITCHING! 


I said this on Twitter and I'm going to say it again - Bitching about other bloggers only reflects on yourself, please adopt a more professional, more mature and friendlier attitude.


That's all it comes down to you need to 1) Remember your manners, 2) Adopt a Friendlier Attitude and 3) Learn the Proper Book Blogger Etiquette. 


Things to Remember - 


1) Twitter is NOT your Personal Diary - Do not use Twitter a ranting source, do not write mean tweets to other bloggers and definitely do not tweet about bloggers behind their back on twitter. WHY? Because someone is going to read that tweet and word will travel and before you know it, a bunch of bloggers will have the wrong image of you. And then that image will be passed onto publishers, authors and professionals and THEN you've screwed it up for yourself. It's pretty much "Book Blogger Suicide"


2) Keep Your Bitch on a Leash - If you have nothing nice to say - don't say it! Stop the bitching, whinging about other bloggers isn't going to solve anything. Really, the name-calling is really just not on. AND you know what else is not on? Ganging up. Do not recruit other people to fight your battles for you. 


3) Image is Everything - Ask yourself this: do you want to be known as "that bitchy blogger" or "that blogger with no manners" or "that blogger who is totally unprofessional". People might not say it to your face but that's what they're thinking. Book bloggers are pretty tight and if you attack one of us, you attack us all. In other words, the chances of you being shunned are very high. Be the better person and keep your mouth shut, go punch a cushion but do not verbally slam other people. NOT ON. 


Conclusion - Every time, an episode explodes on Blogosphere ( mainly on Twitter), it doesn't only give yourself a bad name but the whole blogging community. We are not the only ones with social networking, the chances that a publisher, agent or author picks up on an episode is really high. Obviously, if you feel the need to bitch someone has obviously done something to piss you off. Be the better person and walk away. Don't be the person who ruins it for everyone. 


What's your opinion? Do you think lashing out at other people is right? Do you think it's right to fight back? And what are others things to be remembers?


Badass Bookie xx

Everneath

Review Time! I finished Everneath a week ago and couldn't bring myself to write a review. See, Simon and Schuster Australia is running this competition where you upload a video review of Everneath. The prize is $250 to the bookstore of your choice. I debated whether I should post a video review but in the end I didn't! A) Because I'm already just gush and B) What about my air of mystery? :P Thanks to S and S for the review copy though!

(Goodreads) 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 Short Story? - Based loosely on the Greek Myth of Persephone, Ashton has written a spectacular debut that's bound to be enjoyed by fans of both paranormal and contemporary YA! Dark, seductive and well-written, Ashton has taken a well-known myth and given it a YA twist. Filled with love, lose, heartbreak and letting go, Everneath is a highly entertaining debut that will appeal to lovers of all things YA!

The Long Story? -  I really enjoyed this book but I just can't seem to find the words to describe it. While it's classified as a Paranormal Romance, it focused more on the human side of things and less on the paranormal. Everneath deals with letting go, love and sacrifice and while the idea of Everneath (the underworld) rings true throughout the whole novel, it definitely isn't focus. I can almost consider Everneath has a Contemporary Greek Myth retelling. That said, I loved how Ashton developed the underworld, Everneath is utterly intriguing! Taking the original idea of the Underworld, Ashton has turned it into something completely new and given it new qualities. The novel wasn't perfect, a few things needed tweaking but overall it was very very well written. Ashton has a wonderful prose and reading Everneath was very comfortable. A story in which you could easily lose yourself in!

As far as characterisation goes, I had a love/hate relationship with Nikki. I loved her but some of her decision were really bad, I feel that if she hadn't made silly choices - she could have saved both Jack and Cole a great deal of heartbreak. She means well, she has a very likeable personality but some her actions just annoyed me. I loved, LOVED Jack, I'm not sure a guy like him exists outside the pages of a YA novel but I wish he did! Very sweet, completely in love with Nikki and captured my heart! On the other hand Ashton has portrayed Cole as a jerk - he has his sweet moments but overall very jerky jerk. A no-no for me because that's a completely one-sided love triangle - IT'S NOT A FAIR BATTLE! I hope to see Cole portrayed differently in the sequel because while it's a great love triangle, it's not a fair one! Overall, good characterisation - realistic. Flawed characters are always the most believable ( and human).

Everneath is a paranormal novel that borders alongside contemporary. I didn't love - it was more like lots of fond feelings mushed together - it but it was highly entertaining and I'm certain many of you would LOVE LOVE LOVE it! The Greek Mythology side of the novel would definitely appeal to many of you as it appealed to me. Good characterisation, a great plot and wonderfully written. Overall, it's a solid read!


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


Badass Bookie xx

The Fault in Our Stars

Review Time! Okay, who hasn't read this book yet? I swear since it's release last month - EVERYONE has read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green! I admit this is my first John Green and well, if the rest of them are anything like this one, I must dip into my savings buy them all! Thanks to Penguin for the review copy!

(Goodreads) Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. 

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

The Short Story? - One of the best contemporary novels I've ever read! A fulfilling novel that's wonderfully, beautifully, refreshingly bittersweet. Realistic, raw and heartbreaking, John Green has written a modern classic in the making! This will the novel people talk about in 60 years. Unputdownable from cover to cover, The Fault in Our Stars will make you cry, laugh and cry some more! Bravo John Green!

The Long Story? - Read this book in private, preferably behind a locked door. YOU WILL CRY. Trust me, I'm the least moved person ever ( I didn't even cry in The Notebook!) but I bawled like a baby reading The Fault in Our Stars. John Green is a master of literature. Like Laini Taylor and J.K. Rowling, he isn't just an author, he is an artist, a story-teller, a unique individual with a gift. Green has beautiful prose, very unique and even in the most serious of situations filled with humour. If anyone can make a girl who hates sob stories ( read- me) love a MAJOR sob story it's him. The Fault in Our Stars is filled with humour, raw emotions and a love story that will you leave in tears. Heartbreakingly beautiful, Green deals with may serious issues that haunt society everyday in this work of fiction. He has written an extraordinary contemporary about life, death and everything in between. Be prepared for the best tear-jerker of the century!

This is perhaps one of the best characterisations I've ever seen (or read). We always talk about our favourite YA couples, well this is one of my favourites - Hazel and Augustus. Their story isn't one with a happily ever after but it's so raw, beautiful and filled with love.  Both characters suffer from cancer and they meet through a cancer victim support group. I clicked instantly with Hazel, she's so so brave and she's a downright funny girl! Suffering from cancer, she doesn't have the life of a normal teen yet she makes the most of it! Augustus is just wonderful. He brings out the best in Hazel and she brings out the best in him - that is love. He's the perfect gentlemen, insufferably sweet and very very very witty. (A Jace Wayland reincarnation with personality modification perhaps?). Some of the best characterisations I've read!

If you got anything out of that rubbish review ( filled with too much gushing hey?) you know that I LOVED The Fault in Out Stars. For girl who probably hates nothing more than a contemporary sob story, that's like the highest form of a compliment. John Green only writes the best of the best. You will be a fool to pass up on this one. The Fault in Our Stars is not to be missed. It's an absolute keeper so go buy yourself a copy (or two!)

What's it Worth? - BREAK OUT THE PIGGYBANK ( like NOW!)


The Fault in Our Stars currently has a 4.71 Rating on Goodreads, 8902 people have rated it - do you think we'll lie?


Badass Bookie xx

2012 YA Contemporary Challenge Sign-Up!

Hey Guys! I wasn't going to do it! I promised myself NOT to sign up for too many challenges because I won't finish them but I spent the whole of January debating it and I don't *think* one more would make too much of a difference right? :) Therefore I'm signing up for the 2012 YA Contemporary Challenge hosted by Katie @ Katie's Book Blog and Angela @ The Reading Angel!

It sound fantastic and since I promised myself to read lots of contemporaries this year - it's just giving me the motivation I need right? :) Here's a little about the challenge -

Levels:
Level 1: 5+ books
Level 2: 10+ books
Level 3: 15+ books

Rules:
You can read any contemporary YA novel that is published between January 1, 2012 and December 30, 2012 but you must read them in 2012! (All formats accepted: paperback, ARC, e-book)

Books included:
We have created a spreadsheet (organized by release date) for contemporary YA books published in 2012. If there is a book that is not on the spreadsheet that you know fits the guidelines, let us know and we will add it.  There is also a Goodreads list.  You can use either one.  Currently the spreadsheet has more books on it.

Spreadsheet

Goodreads list

Authors:
If you have a contemporary YA book coming out in 2012 we would love it if you would participate. We would love it if you would be interested in donating swag/books or being featured here on Katie’s Book Blog or Reading Angel. If you are interested, fill out the form here! (You can also email me!)

Participants:
Anyone who has a blog or a Goodreads where they can post reviews is eligible to participate. 

Why you should participate:
Contemporary YA is an awesome genre. Isn’t that enough of a reason?
If not, there will also be giveaways throughout the year as well as one grand prize giveaway at the end of the year. Does that motivate you? =)


You can sign up for the challenge - HERE


I'm signing up for Level 2 - firstly because that way if I read more I can always move up a level and secondly I hate not completing a challenge so I MUST challenge myself to a level that is complete-able. :) 


I going to start with a empty list and add books as I got along -


1) The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith - Review
2) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - Review
3) Fracture by Megan Miranda - Review
4) The Catastrophic History of You and Me by Jess Rothenberg - Review
5) Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt - Review
6) Messy by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan - Review
7) No Such Thing as Forever by Ali Cronin - Review
8) Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry - Review
9) Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig - Review
10) 


Badass Bookie xx