Monday 28 April 2014

Review: Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins


Title: Rebel Belle
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Release Date: 8th April 2014
Source: Bought
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Description: Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts. Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favorite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him--and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth. With snappy banter, cotillion dresses, non-stop action and a touch of magic, this new young adult series from bestseller Rachel Hawkins is going to make y'all beg for more.

I often find that there are different types of books. There are books that capture your whole attention. These are the books that are soul crushingly beautiful and put you through a maelstrom of emotions. On the other hand there are certain books that are wholly entertaining. These are the stories you read to have a good time and they often leave you with a huge smile on your face. Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins falls into the second category. It is a wholly entertaining read that is infused with guaranteed fun. It isn’t one of those books that are full of mindless fun and forgettable the moment you close the last page. There’s plenty of action, prophecies and oracles to contend with. If that wasn’t enough, it also has witty dialogue, fun banter, kissing and a fierce protagonist all set in the South.  Its got all the ingredients that will make you fall in love with Harper and co.

Rebel Belle is about Harper Price. Harper is many things. She is a cheerleader, president of the SGA and Homecoming Queen. She is also a top student. Strange events lead Harper into becoming a Paladin (a protector/guardian). Now she is in charge of protecting David Stark, her nemesis and a boy she doesn’t particularly like. Harper is one of my favourite characters. She’s a go-getter that is ambitious, smart, funny, nice and loyal.  She believes in being nice to others and following traditions. I love how much she’s devoted to her community and family. Harper grows up quite a bit in this book. She has to make a choice and she makes the choices that are right for her. She isn’t quick to jump into situations, she actually thinks things through and I loved that about her. The thing about Harper is that she does not fit the mean/bitch stereotype and it was such a refreshing portrayal of a girl who is a cheerleader and a homecoming queen. I personally found it cool because I have known girls like her high school, girls who are popular but also genuinely nice people.  There need to be more protagonists like her.

Hawkins has a great funny and witty voice in all of her books and you can see it here again in Rebel Belle. There are plenty of one-liners that will make you smile. I love the setting of the South and all of the quirks that go with it such as apology cakes, cotillion and manners.  Like all Hawkins books there is such a sweet romance in this book. The book deals with owe relationship fading and one that is just beginning to develop. Hawkins shows how a relationship can fizzle out and how people can grow apart in a very realistic way. I also love the love/hate relationship between Harper and David. David is a journalist and pushes all of Harper’s buttons. The banter was so funny and over time slowly begin to become friends and something more. Hawkins once described their relationship as similar to Blair and Dan from gossip girl and I think that a very accurate description. So many fireworks.  The Paladin plot really kicks off towards the end of the book and I’m really looking forward to seeing what lies in store because it’s sure to be awkward.

Rebel Belle is nothing but an entertaining book. There is fun to be had.

Friday 25 April 2014

Review: Starling by Fiona Paul


Title: Starling
Author: Fiona Paul
Publisher: Harper Collins (AU)
Release Date: 24th March 2014
Source: Bought
Rating: 4 out of 5

Description: In the stunning conclusion to the Secrets of the Eternal Rose trilogy, there is nothing more dangerous that a secret closely kept... Cass and Luca are fugitives, on the run from the law and the deadly Order of the Eternal Rose. As they separate to pursue the only evidence that could save them, their worlds-and their romance-are torn apart by spiteful friends and murderous enemies. When Cass finds herself ensnared in the Order's twisted plot, Falco emerges once again as her only hope for freedom. But it turns out Luca has a shocking scheme of his own. From ancient mercenaries to sly magicians, from clever courtesans to vengeful killers, no one can be trusted. In the breathtaking conclusion to the Secrets of the Eternal Rose trilogy, Cass must confront the Order and once and for all decide her destiny. Who will fly beside her when she finally finds her wings? This historical romantic thriller is perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl, Anna Godberson's The Luxe, and Libba Bray's A Great and Terrible Beauty and The Diviners.

Starling by Fiona Paul brings to a close Cassandra’s story and what a story it is filled with murder, secret societies, science experiments, courtesans, masquerades, romantic trysts and blood. Lets not forget the blood. Starling instantly pulls you back into its lush world of hidden secrets buried in the darkness of Venice.  It’s truly a satisfying conclusion to a wonderful series as Cass’s story comes to a full circle and she figures out who she is and what she wants. We also get a conclusion to the love triangle that has forever been brewing.

Starling has a lot more action than the previous instalments. Picking up from where Belladonna left off, Cass and Luca have managed to escape from the Doge’s prisons but now they must find away to find a way to end the Order of the Eternal Rose. In her exploits Cass meets some exquisite new ladies that will no doubt enchant. We also get to see some favourite characters return such as a certain magicigian, Felicianna and the mysterious Falco. Overall Starling’s spotlight is on Cass as she finds away to deal with the Order and figures out what she wants on a more personal note.  Cass always seems to find herself in precarious situations only to escape and land in more danger.  Out of the oven and into the frying pan needs to be Cass new motto because she is truly put through a lot. The setting of Venice has always added so much colour to the story, always enhancing the mysterious and vivid tale being told. Paul beautifully brings Venice to life and with it all of its secrets.

When we first meet Cass she’s a girl who is running from her future and trying to escape the chains that confine her. She doesn’t know who she is and what she wants.  By the time Starling comes to a close we see a different Cass than who we first meet. What I love about Paul’s writing is the wonderful character development. It’s brilliant to watch Cass develop slowly from an unsure young lady into a woman who knows what she is capable off.  She is tested time and time again and she emerges as a strong, vibrant and caring girl. She grows leaps and bounds throughout the entire trilogy as she escapes from murderers, saves those she loves and protests those closest to her.  Cass finally comes to realise what she wants.

Luca and Flaco also have great character arcs. They are very different people at the end of the book. Luca is no longer the studious quiet boy and Falco is not just the passionate artist. I love how much all the characters shine in this book, especially all the secondary characters such as Luca, Falco and Felicianna. There each have their own stories that are beautifully woven in with Cass’s.

Paul has done a great job in balancing all of the romance in this book. The love triangle is one of the best ones I have seen in YA fiction. Luca and Falco are both different in their own way and push Cass in different directions but I greatly appreciate all of the thought and emotion that went into picking the right guy, instead of having Cass end up with the hottest. In the end Cass does make a choice and it’s the right choice for her.

Starling is a satisfying conclusion to a great trilogy. If you want a series set in a Venice where murder abounds than you should check this trilogy out. Plus there is heaps of romance to be found.

Wednesday 23 April 2014

W..W..W.. Wednesdays #33



W.W.W Wednesdays is a weekly event bought to you by MizB from Should Be Reading 

It's Wednesday and that means its time to let the world know what I've been reading. When I say the world, I mean this tiny corner of the internet that I call my blog. Hope everyone is having a good week.

What are you currently reading?
I've just started reading Disruption by Jessica Shirvington. I've head so many great things about this book so I can't wait to really get struck into it.

What did you recently finish reading?
I just finished reading Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout. It was very different from all of her paranormal book and I really enjoyed the murder mystery and romance. I also finished reading Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy. This book was just emotional and brutally honest if nothing else.

What do you think you'll read next?
Up next for me will probably be The Geography of You and Me by Jennifer E. Smith or The Sound by Sarah Alderson

Thats all for me. Let me know what you guys are reading.

Wednesday 16 April 2014

W..W..W.. Wednesdays #32



W.W.W Wednesdays is a weekly event bought to you by MizB from Should Be Reading 

It's Wednesday and that means its time to let the world know what I've been reading. When I say the world, I mean this tiny corner of the internet that I call my blog. Hope everyone is having a good week.

What are you currently reading?
At the moment I am in between books. I just finished a book last night so I haven't decided what to read next. I hate having to decide what's next because there are always too many choices and I want to read them all.

What did you recently finish reading?
I just finished reading Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh. It was a good paranormal romance but I wasn't sold on the romance between the characters.  I also finished reading Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins. I adored this book. It was so much fun and had heaps of entertainment but a great protagonist.

What do you think you'll read next?
Up next for me will probably be Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy and Acid by Emma Pass

Thats all for me. Let me know what you guys are reading.

Wednesday 2 April 2014

W..W..W.. Wednesdays #31


W.W.W Wednesdays is a weekly event bought to you by MizB from Should Be Reading 

It's Wednesday and that means its time to let the world know what I've been reading. When I say the world, I mean this tiny corner of the internet that I call my blog. Hope everyone is having a good week.

What are you currently reading?
At the moment I am reading The Testing by Joelle Charbonneua. Its very similar to other dystopia's out there such as The Hunger Games and Legend. So far it's good but nothing too special.

What did you recently finish reading?
I just finished reading The Lost Sun by Tessa Gratton. I am a huge lover of mythology based books so this book was right up my ally. The Norse mythology was fantastic and it was interesting seeing the old ways mixed in with todays world. The characters were also a standout for me.

What do you think you'll read next?
Up next for me will probably be  Half Bad by Sally Green or The Stolen Songbird by Danielle L Jensen.  I change my mind so much about what to read next so we will see.

Thats all for me. Let me know what you guys are reading.