Review: Reunion (The Mediator #3) by Meg Cabot

This is one of Meg Cabot's best series! Suze, the main character, is a mediator (she can see dead people and needs to help them 'get to the other side'). Suze sees the RSL Angels, teenagers who recently died in a horrible car accident when they flew off the rails into the sea on their way to prom and they are NOT happy and are out for blood, the other driver who they begin to haunt and try many times to kill him. Suze is able to solve the mysterious crash incident with the help of the ghost crush, Jesse, Father Dominic and her best friend Gina. This has to be my favourite book in the Mediator series as it has a darker tone and is probably the one with the most action!

Review: Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden

 I know I say this is every review but this book is AMAZING! The book starts of on a relaxing start by introducing the characters then jumping right into the storyline. The book is basically about a small town in rural Australia where it is invaded by foreigners, everyone is captured and imprisoned except for a small group of teens who were off in the bush on a camping trip and had no idea that an invasion had occurred. The story is told from the point of view of Ellie. The book is about survival and the complicated relationships of teenagers who have to deal with growing up to look after themselves and save their families and town.


Anyone who loves the apocalypse or survivalist genre, young adult books and Australian authors will instantly become a fan of this book!

Review: Shift by Em Bailey

This book is completely and utterly amazing, one that I could not put down! Everything is perfect the storyline is phenomenal with a bunch of unsuspecting twists and turns, this is a book that will instantly hook you.


The protagonist, Olive is beautiful, witty, sarcastic teenager with a lot of problems, ever since her dad left she hasn't been the same and has convinced herself that she is the reason he left but Olive has Ami, her best friend who also suffered a similar family misfortune. 


When a new girl arrives at Olive's school- Miranda Vaile, rumours start going around that she killed her parents, this made Olive intrigued and so she decides to uncover Miranda's secret by googling her symptoms on-line and found out Miranda is a shape shifter. A shape-shifter is said to be an organism that sticks onto its host and drain his/her life force away. Olive doesn't know whether this is true, but evidences are pointing towards it.


This book is fantastic because it is extremely hard to determine the line between fantasy and reality, after a while I figured out it is set in a normal place with paranormal elements. This book is cleverly spun into what seems to be a thriller with a high factor of creepiness at times. This book also has fantastic characters with many flaws making them seem more realistic. Shift is a engrossing novel that breaths a fresh breath of air from the usual teen paranormal books, honestly no one could ever regret reading this.

Review: The Luxe by Anna Godbersen

This is the first book in the Luxe series. It is about New York socialites in the 1900's and it is a cross between Pride and Prejudice and Gossip Girl, it is an easy read. The first book is mainly centred around Elizabeth Holland who is to marry the most eligible bachelor in New York but Elizabeth has many secrets on of them is that she is in love with William, the stable boy. 

This series is magnificent with an amazing story line but shamefully it is poorly written Godbersen tries very hard to draw readers in but she makes the time period seem boring and dull, which it definitely was not! I became frustrated at times because the dialogue and actions of the characters where not suitable to the time frame of the novels.

This series would be a good read for teenage girls who love gossip girl, scandal, romance and vengeance, I guess this book really is an old-fashioned Gossip Girl society!

Review: The Princess Diaries 10/10 by Meg Cabot

This is the final novel in the Princess Diaries out of the whole Princess Diaries series this has to be my favourite mainly because Mia has matured and [quite honestly] she can frustrate anyone but at least it can be amusing at times. Cabot does not disappoint in this concluding novel of her no.1 best seller! I am extremely disappointed that I've come to love this series when it has reached its end. This was the only book in the series that I was unable to put down, which I do say a lot but this is the only book in this series that I am unable to put down.


A great thing about this series is that it follows Mia as she goes through high school, when she goes through hard times, fun new things and is afraid to talk to even her close friends about difficult issues, Cabot was able to seriously connect with the character and make Mia mature and realise that you should be able to share things with your friends, these type of things is what has made this series a best seller.

REVIEW: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

The Debut novel of Marissa Meyer, Cinder is the first in a collection of fairytale re-takes and the first book of the Lunar Chronicles.

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl…
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

I was really excited when I received a copy of Cinder to review thanks to Penguin, and I have finally gotten around to reading it; and I am so glad that I did!

Cinder is described as being a re-take on the fairy tale of Cinderella, which, for me is what I thought was clever about it. Meyer manages to incorporate elements of the classic fairytale, sometimes twisting and changing them to fit the story; while at the same time building an amazingly unique world that has a life of its own.

The plot is imaginative and cleverly intertwined with all elements of the novel to create a complex, futuristic, semi-dystopian world brimming with characters reminiscent of old and new archetypes.

To read the rest of this review, go to The Book Slooth

REVIEW: The Darkest Powers Trilogy by Kelly Armstrong

After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

First of all, let me say that I accidentally read the second book first. Now I know that it's not really relevant, but I would not want you to do the same thing - all I can say is: "the prequel effect."
So; the book order:
1. The Summoning
2. The Awakening
3. The Reckoning


Overall, I thought that this book was a cute, light and fun read; like a paranormal version of chick lit.



To read the rest of this review, go to The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Where I Belong by Gwendolyn Heasley

Corrinne Corcoran’s upscale Manhattan life is perfectly on track—until her father announces he’s been laid off and she’s shipped off to Broken Spoke, Texas, to live with her grandparents. All alone in a big public school and forced to take a job shovelling manure, Corrinne is determined to get back to the glamorous life she’s supposed to be living. But as she grudgingly adjusts—making new friends and finding romance along the way—this city girl begins to realize that life without credit cards and shopping sprees may not be as bad as it seems.... 

Okay, so here's the deal: the story has been done before and there are no surprises - but, in saying that, it still finds a way to be really enjoyable. 

You know the story: 'little rich girl' becomes 'poor little rich girl' - literally. Moves to the country and becomes real person who isn't such a big-city-dwelling snob after all. 

Although Where I Belong does take on this story line - when I bought it I was aware of this and wasn't expecting anything else. Just a cute, fun read to take your mind off things; I found this great during a period where I had a whole bunch of school work due.

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Lola and the Boy Next Door

The companion novel to Anna and the French Kiss, Perkins' debut novel, Lola and the Boy Next Door does not disappoint. 

Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn’t believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit -- more sparkly, more fun, more wild -- the better. But even though Lola’s style is outrageous, she’s a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighbourhood.
When Cricket -- a gifted inventor -- steps out from his twin sister’s shadow and back into Lola’s life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

One of the things that I loved most about Lola and the Boy Next Door was Anna and Étienne's presence in the plot. Although they definitely could not be classed as major characters, they were not minor either. They provided comic relief and other friends for Anna while continuing Anna and Étienne's at the same time. 

The concept was really cute; girl who loves costuming wants to make Marie-Antoinette like dress for prom. Parents do not approve of her older boyfriend and hunky, old flame moves back in next door - conflict set. Spark Ignites. Match.

What is so great about Perkins' books is that all the characters are likeable.

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

The first novel of the companion novel to Richelle Mead's bestselling Vampire Academy series, Bloodlines is a must read for anyone who loves VA, vampires or just a great novel.

I wasn't free of my past, not yet.

Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist—one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of human and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir—the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir—is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places—a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside—and within—the school grounds. Now that they're in hiding, the drama is only just beginning.

Just a side note to say that I have read Vampire Academy prior to starting Bloodlines, so I would recommend that you read VA before as it would bring more enjoyment and a greater understanding of the novel. 

I loved Bloodlines - it was awesome - I couldn't stop reading. In true Richelle Mead style, Bloodlines is addictive, funnily enough you have cravings to read it, not to dissimilar to the vampires she writes about... hmmm.

I liked that it was a companion novel with new problems that stemmed off the old problems from Vampire Academy. It made the connection well, yet allowed the plot to focus on the story of the minor characters from the other novels.

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along.
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

Now, I know what you're thinking - another angel novel!?!? But just so you know, this was one of the novels that started the craze back in '09. 

What I really liked about Hush, Hush was the mood that was created by Fitzpatrick's writing. It's really hard to describe, but when you are reading, you find yourself immersed in a warm, inviting world with a spooky edge to the atmosphere. It manages to combine elements of horror, suspense and romance into an enjoyable, well paced plot. 

Read the rest of this review at The Book Slooth

REVIEW: The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Alona Dare has it all. The perfect hair, friends, and a hot body; she's the girl that everybody secretly hates. But contrary to popular belief, Alona's life isn't what you would expect; especially when she gets run over by a school bus.
Enter Will Killian, he looks like your typical goth. As if high school wasn't hard enough for him, he can see, hear and touch ghosts. Especially when the latest ghost is the most popular girl in school, Alona Dare.
With his friend trying to figure out what's happening with him; a sleazy psychologist that thinks he's nuts; and a school full of ghosts trying to get him to 'deliver a message to their loved ones', can Will help Alona without being exposed or locked up before Graduation?

The Ghost and the Goth is light hearted, amusing and the perfect summer read.
This novel has exactly what you'd expect from a high school/ redemption after death/ slight romance/ revenge novel.
It delivers with cute one-liners, awkward teen romance moments and clichéd high school characters.

Read the rest of the review at The Book Slooth

Review: Winter by John Marsden

This book is a quick read and has an absolutely amazing plot with breath taking descriptions. I love the mysterious deaths surrounding Winter's parents, the fact that she doesn't know anything about her past makes this so much more appealing for readers since it feels like as she finds out more about herself you as a reader are extremely involved.

I love Winter [the protagonists] character development through the book. She is extremely stubborn but at the same time likeable [especially for any teen readers!] As you get more involved in the book you can understand why she acts as she does and you are able to forgive her.

This book basically follows 16  year old Winter when she returns to her family home after being sent away to live with relatives after her parents tragic deaths when she was only 4 years old. Filled with unease Winter is determined to uncover her family's dark secret and at the same time she seeks to claim what rightfully belongs to her.

Review: Matched (Matched #1) by Ally Condie

As you can probably tell I love dystopian books, this is another series that I adore! The basic storyline involves a society where officials decide everything for people, such as who they will marry [be matched with, hence the title], when they will die, choices that no person should be allowed to make for another human being. This story follows a girl called Cassia who is matched to a boy who is fact her best friend, you'd think lucky right? But she falls in love with another boy which causes her to question the rules she has abided by her whole life, endangering herself and her family.


This book has two main genres, dystopian and love. I love dystopian for its huge, fast paced action scenes and tragedies that occur in basically every dystopian novel. That is why I was sometimes annoyed with this novel, it was slow paced with basically no action and lacks drama with no built up tension which is to be expected in a dystopian novel. Through some lack of emotion it made the officials of the society not seem so bad, it had no despair or deep sense of urgency which practically makes a dystopian novel the lack of this made the "twisted" officials not seem that bad.


As of the love story, I was disappointed since the other theme was not carried out. I could not see any chemistry between Cassia and Ky but it was obvious that the author was trying to build up the relationship which I deeply appreciate since I find annoying how in most novels couples just seem to have a relationship of a married couple after a few dates. I have to admit I felt sorry for Xander [the boy Cassia was matched to.]
Although I was not impressed with this book, I will not give up I am currently reading the second and I will inform you right after I've finished if I personally find it worth reading! I do have to admit that I can be extremely critical of books at times, so don't let me put you off because this could be the book for you!

Review: Ashes (Ashes Trilogy #1) by Ilsa J. Bick

This book is absolutely fantastic, it has survival in the wilderness after a zombie attack against the planet. This trilogy has a zombie dystopian theme and I can NOT wait to get my hands on the sequel! It is filled with action with a loving, brave heroine, a grumpy but cute kid, a loyal dog [YES!] and a love-interest, though thankfully the romance is not a huge aspect of the book and won't pull any readers from the actual plot.


I would definitely recommend this for book for anyone interested in dystopian novels, such as the Hunger Games. Ashes is well rounded and fast paced with a bit of romance included. Ashes is a story of survival and is able to bring characters with completely different backgrounds together and make it fit: a heroic 16 year old girl who has a brain tumour, a young girl suffering from the recent loss of her father and a young man in the army.