Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Australia. Show all posts

{ARC Review} Every Move by Ellie Marney

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Title: Every Move
Series: Every #3
Author: Ellie Marney
Published: 1st March 2015
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Urban Mystery Romance
Source: Paperback ARC provided by publisher for fair & honest review
Rating: 5/5

BLURB:
The sequel to Every Breath and Every Word.After the dramatic events of London, a road trip back to her old home in Five Mile sounds good (in theory) to Rachel Watts, with her brother Mike in the driving seat. But when Mike picks up his old buddy – the wildly unreliable Harris Derwent – things start to go south. Back in Melbourne, Rachel’s ‘partner in crime’, James Mycroft, clashes with Harris, and then a series of murders suggest that the mysterious Mr Wild – Mycroft’s own personal Moriarty – is hot on their tail. When tragedy strikes, Rachel and Mycroft realise they’ll have to recruit Harris and take matters into their own hands…

A Sherlock inspired, urban crime thriller with realistic characters and a passionate romance, what's not to love?!

REVIEW:
The story:
In this dramatic climax to this action packed series, Mycroft and Watts (Wattscroft) are back and ready to solve the mystery of Myscoft's parent's deaths once and for all. But their investigation will be anything but easy. Rachel is struggling to deal with their near death experience in London. Plagued with nightmares and unable to cope with being hugged, it's clear Rachel's fears stem from PTS. Her response is completely natural, as was Mycroft's, who blames himself for dragging Rachel into this mess. He hates seeing her in pain and struggles with his fear of something bad happening to her. And things are only getting more dangerous for these two. Mr Wild is closing in on them, and even the Police can't track him down. Wattscroft are joined by Rachel's brother Mike and his friend Harris as they try to outsmart the elusive criminal. In a heart pounding series conclusion, can these teenagers outmanoeuvre the twisted mastermind of 'Moriarty'?

The characters:
Rachel Watts is the kind of female heroine YA needs more of. She's strong and selfless, but she's not unrealistically invincible. After all the things she's gone through in the past few months she she struggles to deal with everything, and has to dig deep to overcome her fears. I previously said I wanted to be best friends with Rachel, but I've changed my mind, I want to BE Rachel.

Mycroft has always been good at compartmentalising. He's usually so focused on solving the mystery in front of him, that all the 'real life' stuff doesn't really register. But we see a new side to Mycroft, a more vulnerable side, and it was beautiful to see him learn to deal with new and unfamiliar emotions, especially when it came to Rachel. He's trying to understand his feelings for her and protect her at the same time. Simply put, I love him.

The romance:
The romance between Mycroft and Rachel is one of my favourite in all YA books. Their relationship started out sweet and innocent and has grown into something deep and passionate. We get to see them take their romance further and yes there are some little sexy times to be hand - which Marney handled just beautify with the perfect mix of awkward, sweet and sexy.

The writing:
I have loved the writing in all three books in this series, but in this last book Marney's writing was flawless. All the characters have their own individual voices, with Rachel's country slang shining through. The prose was just stunning, with such beautiful language;


"It's about five am, when the night still cups the world gently In its hands and the air feels cold and damp, like the insides of clouds."

"...we have no more permanence than water, and I am just one of the many animals absorbed by the minutiae of my life under the cold finger of the moon."

"There's a glow beyond the windows: sunrise here is like a miles-distant explosion, radiant pink and orange bleeding over the sky."


I also loved how Marney has taken a realistic approach to her characters' behaviour, in particular Rachel's struggles with PTS. So often we see so called 'normal' teenage characters go through traumatic experiences only to come out the other side all happy and unaffected. To see both Mycroft and Rachel deal with their fears was refreshing and gave a raw honesty to the story.

FINAL WORD:
This is one of my all time favourite series and I just love that it's by an Aussie author and set in Australia too! A Sherlock inspired, urban crime thriller with realistic characters and a passionate romance, what's not to love?! Every Move is the perfect conclusion to this stunning YA series!

CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium-strong / discussions of sex, fade to black sex scene
Violence: medium-strong / descriptions of dead bodies, autopsies, gun violence and murder
Language: medium / several f words
Drugs & alcohol: medium / main character is a smoker, some underage drinking

Happy Australia Day 2015!!

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Last year to celebrate Australia Day I listed all my favourite books by Aussie authors. 
This year I thought I'd share all the books I WANT to read by Aussie authors!

Every Move by Ellie Marney
Can't wait to read the final book in this Aussie urban Sherlock inspired trilogy!

Faking It by Gabielle Tozer
Loved the first book in this series, The Intern, and can't wait to continue the story!

This book is said to be for fans of Looking For Alibrandi, so it's a must read!

Masquerade by Kylie Fornasier
An historical romance set in the Venice Carnevale of 1750. 
I've been told by many Aussies to read this book!

Avery by Charlotte McConaghy
"A sweeping, romantic fantasy novel about loss and identity, and finding the courage to love against all odds."
This sounds awesome and will be released in February!

"A ballad to that time of your life when you are trying to work out who you are, what it is you want and what will it take to get you there."
Doesn't that description just sounds amazing!

Life In Outer Space by Meslissa Keil
I absolutely love books about geeky nerdy characters and this book sounds as adorable as that cover!


So those are the Aussie books I hope to read this year. Am I missing any?
What are you're favourite Aussie books/authors?

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Oh, and you can't celebrate Australia Day with lamingtons…virtual lamingtons for all!!!!
And real ones for me!! ;)

{Review} Every Word by Ellie Marney

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Title: Every Word
Series: Every #2
Author: Ellie Marney
Published: 1st June 2014
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Mystery Romance
Source: Paperback provided by Allen & Unwin Australia for fair & honest review
Rating: 4.5/5

BLURB:
James Mycroft has just left for London to investigate a car accident similar to the one that killed his parents seven years ago...without saying goodbye to Rachel Watts, his 'partner in crime'.

Rachel is furious and worried about his strange behaviour - not that Mycroft's ever exactly normal, but London is the scene of so many of his nightmares. So Rachel jumps on a plane to follow him...and lands straight in a whole storm of trouble.

The theft of a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio, the possible murder of a rare books conservator, and the deaths of Mycroft's parents...Can Watts help Mycroft make sense of the three events - or will she lose him forever?

Sparks fly when Watts and Mycroft reunite in this second sophisticated thriller about the teen sleuthing duo.

This series is a cross between Sherlock & Veronica Mars!! 
A sexy and intelligent story with gritty & heart stopping action!

REVIEW:
The story:
For starters, you know any book that has the heroine playing roller derby is going to be great, and it was!

In this 2nd instalment, we go on another crime solving adventure with Mycroft and Watts, and this time we get to travel to Mycroft's homeland, England. Mycroft may be there to consult on a murder case of a rare book conservator, but he's interest in the case runs much deeper. Believing there is a link between it and the 'murder' of his parents, Mycroft will stop at nothing to find any clue that can lead him to the truth. But dredging up all the painful memories of his parents is harder than he anticipated and it's not until Watts turns up that he realises just how much he needs her support. 

Together they follow the clues to solve the murder case and uncover and new leads over his parent's deaths. But the people their dealing with are even more dangerous than they could have imagined and they'll have to work together in order to stay alive.

The characters:
Mycroft is a wonderfully complex character. He's past has had a huge impact on his life and has changed the way he looks at the world. After seeing his parents die, he believes he's got all these horrid thoughts and images in his head, that he starts to doubt what he can really offer Rachel. He desperately needs someone to help him see how wonderful he truly is.

Rachel is such a 'regular' relatable girl. She may not have super powers or a supernatural ability, destined to save the world. But she possesses an inner strength that I envy. She's strong and committed and is a loyal friend and sister. I kind of wish I had of had a friend like her when I was in school.

And Mike, oh he is an awesome older brother and I simply loved how adorable he was with his girlfriend. I will admit it, I have a little crush on Mike <3

The romance:
The relationship develops beautifully in this sequel. I loved the innocence of their relationship and the sometimes awkward moments that I think most people can relate to. But now they know how each other feels, they start to explore the attraction between them, and boy do things get all nice and steamy! They are also challenged by the extreme and often dangerous situations they find themselves in. Overcoming those challenges together is what makes their relationship stronger.

The writing:
Marney's writing is so naturally and just flows so beautifully. The dialogue in particular, was excellent. Each character has their own 'voice' and their personality shines through. I can hear Rachel's country roots in how she talks, and I'm not sure how, but I swear I can hear Mycroft's accent!

FINAL WORD:
A fantastic sequel to this brilliant urban mystery romance! Every Word is a sexy and intelligent story with gritty and heart stopping action!

CONTENT:
Sexuality: medium / some heavy kissing & some references to sex
Violence: medium-strong / descriptions of autopsy
Language: medium / some f words
Drugs & alcohol: medium / main character smokes regularly & some minor underage drinking

Have you read many YA crime/mystery novels?

{Review} Disruption by Jessica Shirvington

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Title: Disruption
Series: Disruption #1
Author: Jessica Shirvington
Published: April 1st 2014
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-Fi
Source: Paperback ARC provided by HarperCollins Au for fair & honest review
Rating: 5/5

BLURB:
What if a microchip could identify your perfect match?
What if it could be used against you and the ones you love?

Eight years ago, Mercer Corporation’s M-Bands became mandatory. An evolution of the smartphone, the bracelets promised an easier life. Instead, they have come to control it.

Two years ago, Maggie Stevens watched helplessly as one of the people she loves most was taken from her, shattering her world as she knew it. 
Now, Maggie is ready. And Quentin Mercer – heir to the M-Corp empire – has become key to Maggie’s plan. But as the pieces of her dangerous design fall into place, could Quentin’s involvement destroy everything she’s fought for? 

In a world full of broken promises, the ones Maggie must keep could be the most heartbreaking.

Warning: The following review will contain major fangirling 

REVIEW:
The story:
Wow this book…I don't even know what to say except I LOVED IT!!! Such a unique storyline and one that really makes you think. I actually felt like this is something that could honestly happen in the not to distant future and I find that both scary and extremely exciting!

Despite this book being labeled as a dystopian, it's more of a sci-fi, with the story being set in a slightly futuristic version of our own world. The only difference between this world and our current one is the 'M-band' technology. An M-band in basically like a smart phone on your wrist, and at 18 a compulsory app called 'Phera-tech' is activated. It can tell you how compatible you are with someone based on the pheromones the put out (ie. over 40% would good friends, over 80% would make a great romantic pairing). But if you score 4 negative ratings within one month - your labelled a Neg, believed to be a risk to society, and taken away. And this is exactly what happened to Maggie's father.

Maggie is determined to find her father in one of the many secret underground holding locations. With the help of her 'friend' Gus, she's worked so hard to find him and is getting closer, and with the help of Quentin Mercer - son of the creator of the M-Band - she believes she will finally find him. But while working together, they grow closer and for the first time ever Maggie starts to question her actions. How far is Maggie willing to go to find him and is she prepared to live with the consequences?

The characters:
Maggie, finally a strong kick-ass heroine!! It was so incredibly refreshing to have a female MC who wasn't completely in the dark and constantly being rescued - in fact it's Maggie who is doing the rescuing. She doesn't like to rely on anyone else and know how defend herself. But despite Maggie's strength, she is also realistically flawed, making decisions that she later comes to regret, but this just added to her being such a realistic and relatable character.

Quentin Mercer is in the position that we often see YA female characters in. He's just starting to realise that the world he believed was safe, is not what he thought it was. While trying to come to terms with the new revelations he also doesn't want to believe he's father would be capable of these evil actions. Quentin, while perhaps a little naive is incredibly loyal and I completely fell for him.

Gus is one of my favourite characters and he's relationship with Maggie. Despite Maggie holding possible blackmail over his head, they seem to have form a strange and unorthodox friendship. They constantly bicker and argue, creating some hilarious conversations that often became scene stealers. But somewhere under all that they do care about each other - and thankfully it always remains plutonic.

The romance:
The relationship between Maggie and Quentin is quite unique. At first Maggie sees Quentin simply as a means to an end, a stepping stone to finally locate her father. But as she starts to see past the 'heir of M-Corp' label, she starts to see the real Quentin. The chemistry between the two of them was excellent and they both try to ignore their growing attraction for very different reasons. This romance was very slow burning, which I loved and I can't wait to see more of these two!!

The writing:
I'm a Jessica Shirvington fangirl, there, I said it. She is my favourite author ever and in my opinion she can do no wrong. It's obvious when reading her books, that she does her research, and as a result the backstory and world building are always strong and draw you into the book. There was also plenty of action to push the story along, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!

FINAL WORD:
Disruption is an absolute STOP-WHATEVER-YOUR-DOING-AND-READ-THIS-BOOK-NOW, kind of story!!! A strong heroine, a unique & compelling storyline, incredible writing and plenty of action…what more could you ask for?! Go read it NOW!!

CONTENT:
Sexuality: mild
Violence: medium / some fights and murder (not descriptive or graphic)
Language: mild-medium / some f words
Drugs & alcohol: mild / some minor underage drinking 

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY!!

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So today is January 26th, Australia Day and I thought I would celebrate with a special post about my favourite Aussie authors, and some Aussie slang just for fun!!

AUSSIE SLANG/PHRASES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Fairy Floss - cotton candy
Maccas - McDonald's (as in the fast food shop)
Bogan - basically someone who is trashy. The closest translation would be 'white trash'
Mozzie - mosquitoe
Cozzie - swimming costume
Sunnies - sun glasses
Brekky - breakfast
Ute - utility vehicle aka pick up truck
Tosser - an idiot
Devo - devastated
Budgie Smugglers - speedos, mens bathers
Pash - short for passionate kiss aka snogging, making out ;)

AUSSIE AUTHORS I lOVE

Not only one of my favourite Aussie authors, but Jessica Shirvington's books sit proudly on my top shelf, right next to Harry Potter...need I say more?!

I absolutely loved her debut novel co-written with Meagan Spooner and can't wait to read more from Amie! And it's also just been announced that it has just been picked up as a possible TV series!


Her debut book Every Breathe came out last year and I can't wait to continue to series. And in exciting news Every Breathe is set to be published in the US later this year!

I read my first book by Melina back in high school and have loved her books ever since. They always have really beautiful messages woven into them.

I absolutely love how Rachel waves her Aussie flag with an Australian MC in her New Adult series. And with plenty of Aussie slang and cultural reference too!

David McRobbie
David's books where the reason I first fell in love with YA stories, after reading See How They Run when I was about 11 or 12. I still love rereading his books!

Vanessa Garden
Vanessa's debut novel Captivate has just been released and can't wait to start reading it in the next couple of weeks!


And I can't talk about Australian literature without mentioning the incredible Mem Fox! One of the most popular Australian picture books would have to be Possum Magic! Although one of my first memories is my Mum reading me Koala Lou - the line "Koala Lou, I do love you. I always have and I always will" is one of my favourite lines ever written and will always have a special place in my heart.


While there are of course many many other talented Aussie authors, these are just some that I have personally read and loved.

Have you read any of these books?
Are there any other Aussie authors that you love?
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