Getting To Know... Claire from YA Madness

This month marks my five-year blogoversary and there are a number of Aussie bloggers who have been with me from the beginning and others who I have met along the way. While many are no longer blogging, there are still some who are and who continue to keep me enthusiastic about what we do and why we do it. To celebrate five years in the YA blogging community, I thought I would do some little get-to-know-us posts in the lead up to my blog birthday on 23rd January 2015.

I hope you enjoy getting to know some of my favourite Aussie YA bloggers and me :)

Claire from YA Madness

How long have you been blogging?

Three years this month :)

What is your favourite thing about having a book blog?

Getting to share my love for books with other people! Being able to rave about a fantastic book in a place I won't be judged for it.

What are some of your favourite YA reads?

Oooh, a hard one. On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta, The Something Strange and Deadly series by Susan Dennard, The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder and The Infernal Devices series to name a couple :)

Which author/s are on your auto-buy list?

Melina Marchetta, Maria V. Snyder, Richelle Mead, John Green. There used to be a few more but some of their new stuff doesn't interest me!

What is your favourite book to re-read?

On the Jellicoe Road for sure. Read this one more time than any other book! Absolute favourite without a doubt.

Where is your favourite place to read?

Wherever is comfy really. Bed, couch, outside in the sunshine! Usually in a strange position though.

Which book do you swear you will finally read in 2015?

I'm going to cheat a bit and say books, because I've only read the first two Harry Potter books and I did not like them at all, so it's my goal to read at least one more, hopefully two.

What is your preferred genre?

Young adult, mainly dystopians. I do love a bit of everything, but mainly anything YA I'll give a go.

What has been your favourite blogging or book event/experience?

I've done several events over the years, a few with my friend HannahReadsBooks. But going to Sydney for the Harlequin Blogger Summit was incredible fun.

What is your favourite book to film adaptation?

The Host. Really really enjoyed that. The Book Thief wasn't bad either. I recently watched The Maze Runner and I freaking loved it, but haven't read the book so I'm hoping that will be the next one.

Which book would you like to see become a film?

Of course, my favourite book On The Jellicoe Road. But if I had to choose another... Definitely the Clockwork Angel series by Cassandra Clare (as long as it was a million times better than the TMI movie).

Favourite new Aussie blog you have discovered in the last year or two?

Eeeep. I feel like this is a bit of a cheeky question, because I love all my fellow Australian bloggers! But Athena from Bookworm Athena has recently started blogging so show her a bit of love and support.

And now for some non-book related fun...

What are some of your favourite TV shows (current or ended)?

This is going to sound quite geeky, but Doctor Who, Sherlock, Supernatural, Arrow and The Flash. Of course, I won't turn down a bit of old school Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars or The OC!

How about all-time favourite movies?

Donnie Darko and Pitch Perfect! A weird one and a normal one!

If you could visit anywhere in the world, either for the first time or a return visit, where would you go?

Europe. New Zealand. South America. America. Absolutely everywhere. I have the wanderlust real bad.

If you were an animal, what would you want to be? 

A sloth, so I could justify being a lazy bum.

And the all-important question, what is your favourite ice-cream flavour? 

Cookie dough! Nom nom nom.

Where can you be found?

Blogs: YA Madness and That's SO Random

Twitter: @Claireplusone

Instagram - @Claireplusone

Getting To Know... Rebecca from Reading Wishes

This month marks my five-year blogoversary and there are a number of Aussie bloggers who have been with me from the beginning and others who I have met along the way. While many are no longer blogging, there are still some who are and who continue to keep me enthusiastic about what we do and why we do it. To celebrate five years in the YA blogging community, I thought I would do some little get-to-know-us posts in the lead up to my blog birthday on 23rd January 2015.

I hope you enjoy getting to know some of my favourite Aussie YA bloggers and me :)

Rebecca from Reading Wishes

How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging in 2011, so about 3.5 years. I'll be celebrating my 4th year later in 2015.

What is your favourite thing about having a book blog?

The people I’ve “met” (online and IRL) is definitely my favourite thing. Smart, bookish, creative, kind, funny people, I never would have met otherwise.

What are some of your favourite YA reads?

It’s funny. I was thinking the other day how three of my absolute favourites are not books you could read all in one go. Unless you wanted a heart so ripped to shreds and your eyes glued shut from all the tears. What can I say, I like my books thoughtful, hard-hitting and moving. If you’re reading this, I hope I haven’t scared you away because they are all must-read, terrific books: Jellicoe Road by Melina Marhcetta, Friday Brown (Friday Never Leaving in the US) and my most recent addition to this list, The Last Leaves Falling by Sarah Benwell. I can’t recommend them enough.

Which author/s are on your auto-buy list?

Trish Doller, Stephanie Perkins, Morgan Matson, Emery Lord, Kody Keplinger, Melina Marchetta, Vikki Wakefield, Jenny Han, Hannah Harrington (please release another book soon!)

What is your favourite book to re-read?

I’m not a big re-reader. Two reasons, I’d usually rather spend my time discovering a new book; my memory is (or was) pretty good so I tend to retain a lot of it; but mostly, I think I worry it won’t live up to the first time. I think the most I’ve ever re-read a book is two. But Jellicoe Road has been on my mind, so... I last read it in 2012. Funnily enough, I re-read it straight after reading it. That’s the sign of a good book (and hangover).

Where is your favourite place to read?

Probably my comfy recliner.

Which book do you swear you will finally read in 2015?

I love this question, and I hate this question because I plan to finally get round to a lot of books. But also, there are so many! I’ve made it my mission to read Every Breath by Ellie Marney, stat. I couldn’t find a copy anywhere, so a friend is sending me a copy to rectify the problem. Can’t wait.

What is your preferred genre?

I know it’s for interview purposes, but really, Jess? Was this even necessary to ask? Contemporary all the way! (hehe I know it's obvious - Jess)

What has been your favourite blogging or book event/experience?

When Bill Condon emailed to thank me for always saying good things about A Straight Line To My Heart. It was so lovely to receive an email like that, out of the blue, thanking me for my support. (Amazing book btw. Check it out!)

What is your favourite book to film adaptation?

The Fault In Our Stars was incredible when I saw it last year and by far the best adaption I’ve ever seen. Great acting and the ability to have you laughing one minute and crying the next. 

Which book would you like to see become a film?

So many! But then it also makes me think, don’t steal all the brilliant books away and make a terrible adaption. It’s sad when that happens, but when it’s good, it’s good. I think Anna and the French Kiss would make a lovely, sweet movie.

Favourite new Aussie blog you have discovered in the last year or two?

I’m picking two because apparently, there are a HEAP of us (70-ish) and don’t make me choose, OK? Jess @ My Reading Dress - she is professor smart, has superb photography skills, and apart from fantasy being her favourite, and contemporary being well…not, she is lovely! Kelly @ Diva Booknerd - she made me list her here against my own will because I’m waiting on her new born son (long story), but I have to admit, Kelly writes brilliant reviews and if you saw what she got for Christmas, you’d understand why I wan’t to steal her bookshelves.

And now for some non-book related fun...

What are some of your favourite TV shows (current or ended)?

I love so many hence, why I call myself a TV show fanatic in my Twitter bio. Some of my faves include Buffy, Friends, Friday Night Lights and Offspring. The Mindy Project is a new favourite of mine. You should see my to-watch list… There’s about 30 shows on there. That doesn’t include my movie list.

How about all-time favourite movies?

Dirty Dancing, The Breakfast Club, Forrest Gump.

If you could visit anywhere in the world, either for the first time or a return visit, where would you go?

London. I’ve been reading The Bookshop Book and there’s some bookshops I didn’t get to. Plus, relatives and cupcake shops.

And the all-important question, what is your favourite ice-cream flavour?

I know it probably sounds really boring, but I love Baskin Robins Chocolate ice-cream (except it’s that rich and chocolate, I consider it dark chocolate). Also, a good cookie dough is delicious. But to be honest, if it’s good quality ice-cream, I’m pretty much up for any kind.

Where can you be found?

Blog: Reading Wishes

Twitter: @readingwishes 

Facebook: Reading Wishes 

Goodreads: Rebecca

Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier

Title: Razorhurst

Author: Justine Larbalestier

Release Date: 1st July 2014 (March 2015 in the US)

My Rating: 4/5

Blurb:

The setting: Razorhurst, 1932. The fragile peace between two competing mob bosses—Gloriana Nelson and Mr Davidson—is crumbling. Loyalties are shifting. Betrayals threaten.

Kelpie knows the dangers of the Sydney streets. Ghosts have kept her alive, steering her to food and safety, but they are also her torment.

Dymphna is Gloriana Nelson’s ‘best girl’, experienced in surviving the criminal world, but she doesn’t know what this day has in store for her.

When Dymphna meets Kelpie over the corpse of Jimmy Palmer, Dymphna’s latest boyfriend, she pronounces herself Kelpie’s new protector. But Dymphna’s life is in danger too, and she needs an ally. And while Jimmy’s ghost wants to help, the dead cannot protect the living . . .

In A Nutshell:

A thrilling, danger-filled historical crime novel with all the glitz and grime you would expect, as well as a touch of the paranormal to add a new spin. Razorhurst sees 1930’s Sydney through the eyes of a couple of teenage girls, one from the streets and one from the fold, as the world went from the roaring twenties to the dirty thirties.

My Review:

I don’t usually read stories set in the past as I am a contemporary girl at heart, but I couldn’t pass up Razorhurst. Firstly, it’s Aussie YA (Yay!). Secondly, I love crime stories and I thought that since I unexpectedly loved The Diviners, which was set in the 20’s, I should really give Razorhurst a go.

Kelpie lives among the abandoned buildings of Surry Hills. Orphaned at birth, and her age unknown, she has been raised by the kindness of strangers and ghosts. You see, Kelpie can see and talk to ghosts. She has no idea why she has this ability. She just knows that some ghosts ignore her while others actively try to get involved in her life.

Those that help Kelpie have taught her to read, found her places to hide and pointed her in the direction of food. But sometimes, others like to mess with her and that’s what happens the day she is directed towards a supply of apples and instead finds the eviscerated body of Jimmy Palmer, mob-boss Gloriana Nelson’s right-hand man.

As police descend on the building, Kelpie, and Jimmy’s girlfriend Dymphna (who also came upon the body as she arrived for a pre-arranged meeting), flee the scene, hiding in backyards until they can break away from the police patrols. Caught in the middle of an organised crime mob-war, Kelpie’s life just got a whole lot more complicated than hiding from the authorities and finding food.

With help from her friend Snowy and writer Neil, Kelpie and Dymphna attempt to escape the dangers of the city whose controlling powers, Mr Davidson and Gloriana Nelson (having watched a few episodes of Gotham on TV, my mind kept likening Gloriana and Mr Davidson to Fish and Falcone), have eyes and ears everywhere, as well as most of the city’s police force in one of their pockets.

Kelpie is forced to grow up quickly as she finds herself in far more unsavoury and unfamiliar places than she is used to. The events and revelations that occur around her have Kelpie musing over what makes a good person and realising that there is a blurry line between what is right and wrong.

I have some unanswered questions that lead me to hope there will be a sequel to follow Razorhurst. Certain things are alluded to so maybe the reader is supposed to be left to make their own assumptions. But I really would have liked to know more details, especially about the mythology surrounding the ghosts that Kelpie interacts with such as why do some people become ghosts and others simply die? And why can Kelpie see them? Also, if certain people survive the inevitable bloodshed as the mob-war threatens to consume the city.

Overall a thrilling, danger-filled historical crime novel with all the glitz and grime you would expect, as well as a touch of the paranormal to add a new spin. Razorhurst sees 1930’s Sydney through the eyes of a couple of teenage girls, one from the streets and one from the fold, as the world went from the roaring twenties to the dirty thirties.

The Revenge of Seven by Pittacus Lore

Title: The Revenge of Seven

Series: Lorien Legacies #5

Author: Pittacus Lore

Release Date: 26th August 2014

My Rating: 3/5

Blurb:

The worst was supposed to be over. We were reunited after a decade apart. We were discovering the truth of our past. We were training and getting stronger every day. We were even happy...

We never imagined the Mogodorians could turn one of our own against us. We were fools for trusting Five. And now Eight is lost forever. I would do anything to bring him back, but that's impossible. Instead, I will do whatever it takes to destroy every last one of them.

I've spent my entire life hiding from them, and they've stolen everything away from me. But that stops now. We're going to take the battle to them. We have a new ally who knows their weaknesses. And I finally have the power to fight back.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.

Number Two in England.

Number Three in Kenya.

And Number Eight in Florida.

They killed them all.

I am Number Seven.

I will make them pay.

In A Nutshell:

Plot twists, unlikely allies and old characters return. The battle begins...

My Review:

*** Please note this review contains spoilers. Do not read if you have not read The Fall of Five ***

Here’s a little recap from The Fall of Five…

Following Five’s betrayal, Eight’s death and the attack on the Garde’s penthouse in Chicago, the surviving Loriens and their human friends are in disarray and unable to contact each other.

In Chicago, Four awakes from his sleeping nightmare to find the penthouse under attack. With Sarah, Sam and Malcolm fighting the Mogs, Four makes a decision based on the vision to let the Mogs take Ella to Setrakus Ra, knowing she will not be harmed, while he saves Malcolm and the others. While gathering their chests, Four is almost killed except he is saved by Adam, a ‘good’ Mog who helped Malcolm rescue Sam earlier on. Four agrees to accept his help, although is still wary of him. After Five kills Eight in Florida, Six, Nine and Marina escape Five and the Mogs using Six’s invisibility. However they have to leave Eight’s body behind.

* * * * * *

The Revenge of Seven starts with the Chicago Garde driving to Washington DC while the Garde in Florida try to find their way out of the swamp without Five or the Mogadorians spotting them. With no idea that the penthouse has been destroyed, they focus their anger on Five and try to figure out how to get Eight’s body back before the Mogs can begin experimenting on him.

Meanwhile, Ella is on Setrakus Ra’s spaceship. With no way of getting a message to the Garde and while Setrakus Ra politely attempt’s to convince her of his vision, things quickly turn nasty and Ella is put in danger in a way never expected.

Separated and with no way to communicate with each other, things only get worse for the Garde when the Mogadorians war ships land on earth. And then all hell breaks loose. The final battle has come, and no one is prepared for it so soon.

I don’t think anyone was more surprised than me to discover how much I have loved this series. I usually reject sci-fi books, particularly ones that have aliens, but right from the beginning I have been sucked into the Lorien stories and have stuck with the series all the way through. Admittedly, I kind of hoped everything could continue on as it has been and I wouldn’t have to get involved in reading about alien invasions. But the time has finally come and while I have started to waver a little, I’m still interested to see where the storyline will go, particularly now that we have been left with a few plot twists at the end of The Revenge of Seven and the introduction of unlikely allies. It’s also interesting to see some old characters show up and see how they contribute to the current plot. In any case, I’m sticking with the Lorien Legacies and I hope you will too.

Past Perfect by Leila Sales

Title: Past Perfect

Author: Leila Sales

Release Date: 4th October 2011

My Rating: 3/5

Blurb:

All Chelsea wants to do this summer is hang out with her best friend, hone her talents as an ice cream connoisseur, and finally get over Ezra, the boy who broke her heart. But when Chelsea shows up for her summer job at Essex Historical Colonial Village (yes, really), it turns out Ezra’s working there too. Which makes moving on and forgetting Ezra a lot more complicated…even when Chelsea starts falling for someone new.

Maybe Chelsea should have known better than to think that a historical reenactment village could help her escape her past. But with Ezra all too present, and her new crush seeming all too off limits, all Chelsea knows is that she’s got a lot to figure out about love. Because those who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it….

In a Nutshell:

Past Perfect was a quick, light-hearted and fun novel that I read in an afternoon. It’s the kind of book that makes you grin and while there is a bit of teenage drama, it does end the way you want it to. And everyone needs a happy romance novel from time to time.

My Review:

Chelsea, aka Elizabeth Connolly, has spent every summer since she was six working at the Essex Historical Colonial Village with her parents. Now sixteen, she is ready to get a job where she doesn’t have to curtsey and dress in petticoats throughout the summer. But her best friend, Fiona, has other ideas. Caught up in the romanticism of a summer-long acting role, Fiona convinces Chelsea to return to the village for another year. But for Chelsea, it doesn’t look like it will be just another standard summer working as the silversmith’s daughter.

Much to her horror, Chelsea’s ex-boyfriend is now working at the village. And Chelsea has been nominated as Lieutenant of the annual secret War waged by the teenage summer casuals of Essex, against their counterparts at the Civil War Reenactmentland located across the street. While Chelsea takes the position seriously, as it is a great honour amongst the summer employees, it turns out to be more trouble than it’s worth when the enemy kidnaps Chelsea within a minute of her being appointed the position! Nothing is ever simple and Chelsea somehow ends up falling for the enemy, guitar playing, book nerd Dan, of the Civil War army. Unfortunately, both Essex and Civil take ‘War’ very seriously and Chelsea and Dan know their potential romance would mean all hell would break loose.

Past Perfect was a quick, light-hearted and fun novel that I read in an afternoon. It’s the kind of book that makes you grin and while there is a bit of teenage drama, it does end the way you want it to. And everyone needs a happy romance novel from time to time.

I really like the friendship between Chelsea and Fiona. They understand each other the way only best friends can and even in the middle of a fight they can still side-track to continue their rating of the best ice-cream on their summer mission to be ice-cream connoisseurs (apparently it’s all about the mint in choc mint, and there is no way strawberry ever beats chocolate!). Adding to this, the witty banter between Chelsea and Fiona, as well as the rest of the characters, was one of my favourite aspects of the story.

There was a good dose of American history, which is to be expected since the story is set in a historical Colonial village. I don’t know a lot about this subject, nor am I that interested in it to be honest, but I felt there was enough for people who like history, yet not too much that the rest of us felt like we were being bombarded with information.

I’d also like to point out that while I love the book’s cover, it has absolutely nothing to do with the story. Absolutely nothing...

Past Perfect would be the perfect summer read for fans of Jennifer E. Smith.

The Annual End of Year Book Survey - 2014 Edition

This year, book wise, has been shocking for me. Reading and blogging have been practically non-existent compared to previous years and my Reading Challenges were an EPIC FAIL (again). But when I did find the time, there were some wonderful books and now that I only have one semester of uni left, and half the workload, I hope to get the blog back to its former glory. No promises, But that's my goal.

Until then, I'm going to answer some of the questions that are part of Jamie's 5th Annual End of Year Book Survey over at The Perpetual Page-Turner. I've only read 19 books this year but I'll do my best to answer most of the questions. Here we go...

~ Books Read in 2014 ~

The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson
Severed Heads, Broken Hearts by Robyn Schneider 
The Diviners by Libba Bray
The Rig by Joe Ducie 
The Sky So Heavy by Claire Zorn 
Amplified by Tara Kelly  
Something Like Normal by Trish Doller 
The First Third by Will Kostakis 
Me Since You by Laura Wiess
Jewel in the Thames by Angela Misri
Every Word by Ellie Marney 
Spark by Rachael Craw
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith 
Notes From The Blender by Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin  
The Astrologer's Daughter by Rebecca Lim
Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith  
The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

~ Best in Books ~

Best Book You Read In 2014?

The Impossible Knife of Memory, The Diviners and Me Since You. I can't possibly choose between these three. They were/are amazing.

Best Series You Started In 2014? Best Sequel Of 2014? Best Series Ender Of 2014?

Best start to a series was The Diviners and I am thoroughly looking forward to Libba releasing the follow-up, Lair of Dreams, in 2015. Every Word, the follow up to Every Breath, is a wonderful edition to the Sherlock Holmes-inspired novels that have been gracing bookshelves this year. And the best series ender is of course the long-awaited Isla and the Happily Ever After. I just wish it wasn't the end! 

 

Best Book From A Genre You Don’t Typically Read/Was Out Of Your Comfort Zone?

I'm not usually a fan of books set in the past or from the sci-fi genre, but both these books were wonderful surprises. The Diviners is set in the 1920's so automatically I put it in the 'not-my-thing' basket. But it is a crime/murder mystery set in New York so I gave it a go. It ended up being one of my favourite books of the year. Spark is a genetically modified sci-fi with suspense, action and romance that kept me awake until 2am as I had to finish it before bed!

Favourite Cover Of A Book You Read In 2014?

Without a doubt, Wild Awake was my absolute favourite cover this year. The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl comes in second.

Most Beautifully Written Book Read In 2014?

I refuse to choose between The Impossible Knife of Memory and Me Since You.

Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book Of 2014?

Sounding like a bit of a broken record here but... Me Since You.

Book You Can’t Believe You Waited UNTIL 2014 To Finally Read?
Something Like Normal and The Diviners.

Favourite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2014?

"My earbuds were in, but I wasn't playing music. I needed to hear the world but didn't want the world to know I was listening" - The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson

Favourite Couple From A Book You Read in 2014?

Rachel and Mycroft from Every Breath

Favourite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year?

The father/daughter relationship between Andy and Hayley Kincain in The Impossible Knife of Memory and Alba's friendship group in The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl. Also, from The First Third, Billy and Sticks (and Sticks's family, especially when his dad teaches Billy to ride a bike).

 

Best Book You Read In 2014 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure?

Something Like Normal by Trish Doller (I can't believe it took me so long, Becca!)

Best 2014 Debut You Read?

The Sky So Heavy by Claire Zorn. I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on her second novel, The Protected. 

Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read?

Isla and the Happily Ever After, The First Third, Every Word, and Severed Heads, Broken Hearts.

 

Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2014?

Me Since You was just incredible but it had me crying for literally half the book. The Impossible Knife of Memory and Something Like Normal also had me reaching for tissue boxes. Coincidentally, all three books discuss PTSD.

Hidden Gem Of The Year?

Severed Heads, Broken Hearts.

Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)?

Spark. Thanks, Rachael Craw. Major Cliff-hanger at the end! Grrrrrrr

~ Blogging/Bookish Life ~

Favourite Review That You Wrote In 2014?

Me Since You and Severed Heads, Broken Hearts

Best Discussion/Non-review Post You Had On Your Blog? 
My post about a Harry Potter Party that I attended. Seriously awesome :)

Best Moment Of Bookish/Blogging Life In 2014? 

I met John Marsden....

Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

My review of Jewel of the Thames was the most viewed post with 3000 views more than any other post. 

Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

My Me Since You review.

~ Looking Ahead ~

One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2014 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2015?

Just One Year by Gayle Forman. I meant to but for some reason just never got to it. Probably because I wasn't the biggest fan of Willem in Just One Day.

Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2015 (non-debut)?

The Howling Boy by Cath Crowley, Cloudwish by Fiona Wood, I Was Here by Gayle Forman, I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson... I could keep going...

2015 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

The Way We Bared Our Souls by Willa Strayhorn

Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2015?

Every Move, the third and final book in Ellie Marney's Rachel Watts and James Mycroft series. Also, Lair of Dreams, the followup to The Diviners by Libba Bray.

One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2015?

I want to get back to reviewing a book a week as I have missed my blog this year. And my TBR pile/cupboard/bookcase looks as if it will tumble over soon!

Happy New Year to you all! May your 2015 be filled with amazing books xx