Wednesday 22 June 2011

Review: What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Details
Pages: 402
Publisher: Puffin Books
Released: June 1st 2011


Since her parents' bitter divorce, McLean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move-four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, McLean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, McLean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself, whoever that is. Perhaps Dave, the guy next door, can help her find out.

This was another great story by Sarah Dessen. I've yet to find a book by her that I don't adore. I love her writing style, and her characters are always so believable.


What Happened To Goodbye is about Mclean who, for the past two years, has been moving from town-to-town with her dad after her family's scandal. With each town, Mclean changes her name and personality to someone completely different to herself.

That all changes when she meets Dave and actually tells him her real name. The chemistry between the two of them was fantastic and I was utterly drawn in to their relationship. I was rooting for the both of them throughout the story. 

Mclean herself is a wonderful character with plenty of wit. I enjoyed reading her story, and discovering all of the past 'lives'. I also loved witnessing the bond between her and her father.

This book is an easy, light read that's perfect for summer. The characters are extremely likable and, at times, humorous. The story sees Mclean find herself and has a satisfying ending that readers will love.

I'd rate this book:
★★★★

Tuesday 14 June 2011

Review: Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Bookish Details 
Pages: 518
Publisher: Macmillan
Release Date: June 2011
When shy, awkward Helen Hamilton sees Lucas Delos for the first time she thinks two things: the first, that he is the most ridiculously beautiful boy she has seen in her life; the second, that she wants to kill him with her bare hands.
With an ancient curse making them loathe one another, Lucas and Helen have to keep their distance. But sometimes love is stronger than hate, and not even the gods themselves can prevent what will happen . . .
This is the first in a trilogy based on Greek myths. I think that Greek myths are starting to take over the world of fiction, and I'm super excited because it's fascinating to read them being re-told in modern ways.

This story is about sixteen year old Helen. When she first sees the new boy in area, Lucas, she wants to kill him. She soon discovers that there is a lot more to it than just not liking him. Helen starts to find out more about who she actually is and how much danger she is in. 

Together, they fight their instinct to hurt each other, forming a romantic connection. But their families are determined to keep them apart, and they'll do just about anything to achieve it, including telling life-changing lies.

Starcrossed is an exciting read with plenty of action that jumps right off of the pages. It's the action scenes that were by far my favourite parts to read, having a very cinematic feel to them.

However, I did find the romance between the characters a little dull at times. That might just be because I've been reading so many similar love stories in fantasy YA lately that I'm a little immune to them. It takes an extra special spark for me to really root for a romantic connection.

There was a cliffhanger at the end that I wasn't expecting in this story, but I have come across a few times before in other YA series'. I'm keen to see what problems it will cause for Helen and Lucas. 

Fans of The Mortal Instruments will definitely enjoy this story, and I'm looking forward the second book in the series, due for release next year.

I'd rate this book: ★★★

Tuesday 7 June 2011

Review: Flawless by Lara Chapman

Bookish Details:
Pages: 225
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: 10th May 2011


Goodreads Summary:Sarah Burke is just about perfect. She's got killer blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, and impeccable grades. There's just one tiny-all right, enormous-flaw: her nose. But even that's not so bad. Sarah's got the best best friend and big goals for print journalism fame.

On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking?


My Review:
Flawless is an extremely cute novel by debut author, Lara Chapman. Its a modern and fun re-telling of the Cyrano de Bergerac story that's full of humor from start to finish. The friendship between Sarah and Kristen is great and its a really feel-good story.

Whilst it may be light read, it does get you to think past flaws in appearance and realise that looks are certainly not the be all and end all.

Another thing I loved about this book was the quotes about beauty at the start of each chapter. They are uplifting quotes that fit the story perfectly.


Royal Rating:
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