Tag Archives: Young Adult

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the fault in our stars

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Death, Young adult
Dates read: 12th – 14th February 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Um, Support Group Hazel?

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Synopsis

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

INSIGHTFUL, BOLD, IRREVERENT, AND RAW, The Fault in Our Stars brilliantly explores the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.

Thoughts

I knew as soon as I grabbed this book that it was going to be sad. I mean, it was all over the media how tragically beautiful it was a while ago. What I didn’t expect was that I would finish it and feel like my heart could have possibly grown ten sizes. Kind of like the Grinch. It was that moment of painful WOW that I just sat there in shock.

There is a great sense of honesty throughout this story. A lot of stories which talk about illness (let alone cancer), especially in a child talk about how wonderful and accepting the child is. How they’re an inspiration. Ya da ya da ya da. What happens in this story is that there is no sense of god-like hope and wonder to the child. Hazel isn’t always optimistic, but she is brutally honest. And I love this honesty. I’ve been around people with cancer and terminal illness… they’re dying, they don’t have this ray of sunshine all the time and it was so damn nice to read a story that was so freaking honest about that fact.

We all remember our first love. Whether it was the forever love, or puppy love. That first person is special. I love that this is a story about falling in love, even under the worst of circumstances. And then what happens when you lose the one person you love? That was the part I found hardest – imagining either myself or my partner going through the loss of each other. Imagining a world in which that one person you love above all else is gone… and yet, it didn’t feel completely sad. There is a gratefulness to the fact that they got to love one another. Even if it was just for a short period.

Even days after reading the book (I had to take a breath and a pause because of all the feelings)… I still don’t have words for how majestically powerful this story is. It will hit you in the heart, very potently. But not in the way that necessarily leaves you sobbing in the corner. Don’t get me wrong, you will sob. But you’ll also remember all of the wonderful, happy, joyful and loving things in life. It will remind you to live.

<- An Abundance of KatherinesLooking for Alaska ->

Image source: Amazon

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the duff kody keplinger

Title: The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend
Author: Kody Keplinger
Series: Hamilton High #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Book to Film, Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Young adult
Dates read: 10th January 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Poppy
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I just needed to deal with it myself before I sprang it on her and Jessica.

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Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper may not be the prettiest girl in her high school, but she has a loyal group of friends, a biting wit, and a spot-on BS detector. She’s also too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush, who calls Bianca the Duff – the designated ugly fat friend – of her crew.

But things aren’t so great at home and Biance, desperate for a distraction, ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t sucha bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Thoughts

I read this in one sitting. Literally. I thought I’d pick up a book and just enjoy an easy read for an hour or so. But then, I couldn’t put it down. And forgot to eat. And went to bed really late. I have GOT to stop doing that. I also read this while I was watching the movie. Which is also amazing. Actually, I’m not entirely sure which version I loved more. They are really nothing alike. Except for the fact that there’s a Bianca and Wesley… and the use of the term DUFF.

I love that this story is all about accepting oneself. Realising that all of us feel like the “DUFF” in one way or another. And taking that, and making it work for you. After all, everyone has their own insecurities and we should work to build each other up. Like the girls in this novel. Actually, although this is a romance and centres on Wesley and Bianca, it’s the girl relationships that I love the most. Normally, they’re all about bringing each other down. But this is about support, jealousy and all of those wonderful things that a real friendship entails. Believe me, I’ve been best friends with the same girl since I was like, two… we get jealous when the other spends more time with other people, we get annoyed at each other, but at the end of the day, we love each other and support each other no matter what. That’s the friendships that Bianca has with Jess and Casey in this novel.

This is kind of a coming of age story, but it’s a lot more adult. I’m not sure if I’m kind of old, but the idea of having sex at fourteen seems a bit intense. And the fact that this whole relationship starts in sex… when they’re in high school. I don’t know, I’m used to that plot line in my adult romances, not in a young adult one. It still works brilliantly, but it does make me question a few things about society today. And make me fear having children… what will it be like when they get to their teenage years?

Bianca doesn’t have good coping mechanisms in this story. Which is pretty much what this entire story is about. My coping mechanisms are just as bad, maybe not quite as destructive…but withdrawing into myself and refusing to communicate with others? Yeah… I understand that a little too well. Keeping things to yourself is often not the best way to go, and I hope that someone reads this and realises that they need to readjust their coping mechanisms. I know I definitely considered it.

 <- Lying Out Loud ReviewShut Out Review ->

Image source: Fantastic fiction

The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the young elites

Title: The Young Elites
Author: Marie Lu
Series: The Young Elites #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Science fiction, Young adult
Dates read: 3rd December 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Speak
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: On a strange impulse, I reach out and close my hand tightly around the rose’s stem.

Synopsis

A decade ago, a deadly blood fever swept through the nation. Most of the infected perished, but some survivors were left with strange markings, rumored to signify powerful gifts for those who possess them. And though their identities remain secret, this group of survivors has come to be called
The Young Elites.

The Inquisition Axis seeks to destroy them. The Dagger Society aims to find them before the Inquisition Axis. And Adelina Amouteru just wants to be left alone. But two truths will soon surface:
Adelina’s powers are far from ordinary…
And she is not to be crossed.

Thoughts

This is a seriously intense, wonderful and amazing story. It also made me cry. Not heaps… but a bit. Enough that you know there are some serious heart-string pulling moments. Which is surprising because I thought this would be a great story with a girl coming into her superpowers. Rather, it was far more dark than I had anticipated. So dark in fact that I felt a little uncomfortable whilst reading it. Which is the kind of story that I absolutely adore.

As a forewarning to those who want to read this story… the ending to this story is kind of tragic. There were multiple heart-rending moments throughout this story… but it was the way in which it ended that truly made me have super feelings. It wasn’t what I expected at all to be fair. I thought there’d be a much happier ending. But, ultimately, the story becomes about sister bonds which makes me love this even more.

Ultimately, this story is about trying to find love and acceptance. Trying to fit in in a world that doesn’t necessarily want you. And to find those people who will actually love you, no matter who and what you are… sadly, it takes a long time to get to that point… mostly, there are a lot of characters who are using the lead. Alright, in a lot of ways it’s for a good cause… but it’s so incredibly hurtful.

I found this book almost impossible to put down. I knew that it was going to be good, because the Facebook group I’m in has suggested this multiple times. What I didn’t expect is to basically give up on doing anything productive because not only could I not stop reading this… the times when I did pause left me thinking about this… obsessively. I can’t believe I have to wait until next year to buy the next two books in the trilogy!

 <- More Marie LuThe Rose Society ->

Image source: Goodreads

Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover shadows jennifer l armentrout

Title: Shadows
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Lux #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Aliens, Romance, Science fiction, Young adult
Dates read: 28th – 29th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: How…how in the world?

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Synopsis

The last thing Dawson Black expected was Bethany Williams. As a Luxen, an alien life-form on Earth, human girls are… well, fun. But since the Luxen have to keep their true identities a secret, falling for one would be insane. Dangerous. Tempting. Undeniable.

Bethany can’t deny the immediate connection between her and Dawson. And even though boys aren’t a complication she wants, she can’t stay away from him. Still, whenever they lock eyes, she’s drawn in. Captivated. Lured. Loved.

Dawson is keeping a secret that will change her existence…and put her life in jeopardy. But even he can’t stop risking everything for one human girl. Or from a fate that is as unavoidable as love itself.

Thoughts

This was seriously cute. And now I’m disappointed that the Lux series is about Daemon, not his twin Dawson. Dawson is much, much sweeter than his twin and I love that he falls so hopelessly in love from the very beginning of the story. I’m also seriously hoping that the end isn’t what it seems to be and is just a part of some massive, major conspiracy. I’d much rather a conspiracy to the ending of this prequel… that was just really sad and made me cry. Literally.

The tone of this is pretty typical for a sappy, teen romance. However, the writing is phenomenal – I haven’t read many teen romances set in high school that draw me in this completely. And, honestly, I think that it comes down to the writing and the brilliance of the creator. Because although the storyline follows the expected pathways (until the end, then there’s a really big twist)… it’s the characters that I’ve come to love. To the point that I wanted to pick Obsidian up immediately after finishing the final page. I have a MASSIVE TBR that I want to finish before the end of the year though, so I’m doing that whole self-control thing.

Sometimes I read a prequel and then wonder how it’s going to connect into the main series of novels. That wasn’t the case with this. Not only does Shadows introduce you to the main characters, but it also gives a background into exactly who the Lux are. And also the difficulties that they have to face with their alien presence in the world. Actually, just the description of the alien race is not only unique, but fantastically handled in this. After all, they’re beings of light – not terrifying humanoid creatures (I’ve been reading a book called Alien Sex lately, and that collection is filled with terrifying, messed up aliens).

I haven’t read many alien novels… mostly they’ve just never come up in my suggestions before. But I’m discovering this year that I do really enjoy them. And this has got to go to the top of my list. I’ve got the first four books on order now and I can’t wait until they arrive on my doorstep!

<- More Jennifer L. ArmentroutObsidian ->

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The Wren Hunt by Mary Watson

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the wren hunt

Title: The Wren Hunt
Author: Mary Watson
Series: The Wren Hunt #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fantasy, Romance, Young adult
Dates read: 11th – 18th November 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: ‘You the intern?’ A voice rang from across the room.

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Synopsis

Every winter, Wren Silke is chased through the forest in a warped version of a childhood game. The boys who hunt her are judges, powerful and frightening pursuers, who nothing of her true identity. If they knew she was an augur, their sworn enemy, the game would turn deadly.

But Wren is on the hunt, too. Sent undercover as an intern to the Harkness Foundation – enemy headquarters – her family’s survival rests on finding a secret meant to stay hidden.

As the enmity between two ancient magics reaches breaking point, Wren is torn between old loyalties and new lies. And rapped in the most dangerous game of her life.

Part thriller, part love story, this captivating debut novel will leave readers spellbound.

Thoughts

It took me a little while to get into this book. But, then once I did, I was completely hooked. The first third took a long time to read. But once I hit that amazing point… I couldn’t put it down. Which probably wasn’t great for my productivity that day. But it was great for my imagination and happiness. After all, sometimes you just need to take time and soar away on the wings of a wren.

This book is pretty intense. It’s a young adult book, and somehow I was expecting it to be quite a simple and easy read. Like many of the books in the same section on my shelves. There was just an added layer of darkness that I don’t normally find. Which pulled you along so quickly that it was impossible to catch your breath. I loved that dark intensity – it fit that perfect darkness inside me that sometimes needs to be fed.

There was a pretty serious twist at the end of this story. Whilst from the very beginning, something doesn’t quite sit right, it was just a slightly niggling feeling. I only guessed what was truly wrong about 2 chapters before the big bomb went off. And boy, was it a biggie. And completely unexpected. As was Wren’s response to the total change in her circumstances. I thought she’d go left, but she went right. I freaking loved the surprise! It makes me want to sink my teeth into the next book in the series… because there has to be more twists and turns that I wasn’t anticipating!

Although this is a little darker and more adult than most of the Young Adult books on my shelves, I would certainly recommend it to anybody who loves the genre. Sometimes its nice to balance out all the happy romances with something a little closer to Romeo and Juliet… albeit not with the tragic ending.

 <- More Mary Watson reviewsThe Wickerlight Review ->

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Magic of Thieves by C. Greenwood

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover magic of thieves

Title: Magic of Thieves
Author: C. Greenwood
Series: Legends of Dimmingwood #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Young adult
Dates read: 16th – 17th November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: C. Greenwodd
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: Drop the pretense.

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Synopsis

In a province where magic is forbidden and its possessors are murdered by the magickless, young Ilan, born with the powerful gift of her ancestors, has only one hope for survival – concealment. In the shadow of Dimmingwood, she finds temporary protection with a band of forest brigands led by the infamous outlaw Rideon the Red Hand.

But as Ilan matures, learns the skills of survival, and struggles to master the magic of her dying race, danger is always close behind. When old enemies reappear and new friendships lead to betrayal, will the discovery of an enchanted bow be Ilan’s final salvation or her ultimate downfall?

Thoughts

This was a quick, easy read. I didn’t mind it, but I did kind of find Ilan to be a bit of a bitch. She just used and abused so many of the people who love her. And for no good reason. Considering the fact that she loses her parents young, she actually has a fairly good upbringing. And absolutely no reason to strike out at the people she ends up striking out at… there are some people you should be bitter towards. The three people in the world who have always had your best interests at heart… probably not overly necessary to be a cow to them…

Luckily, even though I didn’t love Ilan as a character, I did love the characterisation and the storyline. Normally if I find a character just that irritating I won’t finish the book. And if I do, I don’t want to buy the rest in the series. That wasn’t the case for Magic of Thieves. I’ve already added the next two boos in the series to my wishlist and I’m eagerly awaiting the moment when I have enough money to actually buy them. Just because there is a bit of an anti-hero at the helm, it doesn’t mean I have to DNF a book. Although, it helps that she starts towards a major attitude shift at the end of the book…

I do love that Ilan is a girl who is raised by thieves and brigands. She isn’t raised to be a killer or super tough, in fact, she’s overwhelmingly naïve and weak. Yet, she’s surrounded by this completely new and unique world in which strength and the ability to kill are kind of integral. A great departure from most of the stories in which the young woman is raised in such a scenario. In fact, she acts more like a mascot than anything else to the troop she’s fallen in with.

Having said all of that, this wasn’t a stand out book. I will eventually get round to finish / reading the whole series. But, since they’re such short, easy reads… it’ll probably be when I haven’t read for a while, or finished anything and need a quick reading fix. A bit like the short story collections that I’ve ripped through this year…

 <- Rule of Thieves ReviewBetrayal of Thieves Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

Xoe by Sara C. Roethle

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover xoe sara c. roethle

Title: Xoe
Author: Sara C. Roethle
Series: Xoe #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Young adult
Dates read: 26th September – 1st November 2019
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Publisher: Sara C. Roethle
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Brian seemed relieved to have the attention off him.

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Synopsis

Xoe Meyers had a normal life. So she was stuck going to high school, and she only had a few friends to call her own. She liked her normal life. Things were about to change though, because there’s a new guy in her small town, and he is anything but normal. Before Xoe can say, “Werewolf,” her best friend’s life is in peril, and Xoe’s world is turned upside-down. Then, of course, there’s Jason. Xoe doesn’t trust him as far as she can throw him, and given that he’s a vampire, she’d have to be able to catch him first.

Thoughts

This wasn’t a bad book. I think most of my “meh” feelings about it just come from the fact that I had to read it as an ebook. There is just something about the format that I really don’t enjoy. And it means that I just don’t get as involved in the stories as I otherwise would… which is quite sad. Because I think if this was a paperback, I would have completely ripped through it. In the best way possible…

This was a fairly typical young adult paranormal fantasy book. Vampires, werewolves and tyring to figure out how to fit in with the rest of their society. Especially when there’s something so obviously different about them. But it was a little unique in the fact that there was a half demon featured in the story. I also thoroughly enjoyed the narrators’ voice – Xoe is funny, relatable and not too much of a whiney teenager. All things that I look for in a good story.

Like most young adult stories, or really any in general, there was a bit of a love interest in this tale. But, unlike a lot of stories that find their way onto my shelves, this one didn’t really have a focus on that fact. Actually, if there weren’t moments when Xoe spells it out how interested she is, you probably wouldn’t even notice that there was a romantic edge to the story. It’s all about saving her BFF and making the world a better place.

Although I lament the fact that this was an ebook rather than a physical one. It is still probably the fastest full-length novel ebook that I’ve read in a long time. It was just cute and sweet enough that I was intrigued. Yet, it will probably be a little while until I grab the next ebook in the series.

 <- Minor Magic ReviewAccidental Ashes Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Falconer by Elizabeth May

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover the falconer

Title: The Falconer
Author: Elizabeth May
Series: The Falconer #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Historical fiction, Steampunk, Young adult
Dates read: 27th September – 19th October 2019
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I walk downstairs, inappropriately carryinig a cup of tea from one room to another.

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Synopsis

Lady Aileana Kamerson was destined to a life carefully planned around Edinbrugh’s social events – right up until a faery murdered her mother.

Now, between social engagements, she slaughters the fae in secret, determined to track down that faery, and to destroy any others who cross her path.

But midwinter is approaching, and a battle looms.

Aileana is going to have to decide how much she’s willing to lose – and just how far she’ll go to avenge her mother…

Thoughts

I’m totally in love with this story. I can’t wait to get the next book in the series… because seriously?!?!? The cliff hanger at the end of this! I actually turned the page about three times because I WANTED TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT. Who ends a story on a sentence like that? But it was so damn good… now I just have to wait until next payday… if I can.

Although I recently read The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance, I have very few books on my shelf which feature Scotland. Let alone fantasy historical fictions which feature a strong, young female lead. Definitely something that needs to be expanded on in my collection…I loved the court intrigue that I find in English stories, but there was a little more language and history in amongst the Scottish culture. Probably also intrigued me because I have a Scottish background and it’s something that I know a lot less about than my English heritage.

Women who are inventors are becoming a quick obsession for me. Whilst I’m not an inventor, I have a science background and I love when women share that same STEM, analytical interest. The fact that Aileana is an inventor in a steampunk version of historical Scotland was kind of ridiculously exciting. I actually squealed out loud a little when I started reading about her inventions. Particularly because all of her inventions are also weapons that she uses to have her fun and kill multiple fae. The darkness combined with inventions and steampunk hit my total happy spot and was written in a way that felt completely plausible.

Fae is something that has fascinated me ever since I was a teenager and read Wicked Lovely. And I’m talking traditional fae – the ones that prey on humans and aren’t nice and cuddly like Tinkerbell. This follows that tradition – fae are not nice in this story. They are multifaceted, tricky and incredibly dangerous. Just like much of the folklore within the tales which traditionally come out of the UK. The adherence to more traditional knowledges and practices were amazing. And I loved that at the end of the book, May includes a section which details each of the fae incorporated in the story in far more detail. I think I’ll have to flick back to this a little more when I finally get my hands on the next books…

 <- The Fallen Kingdom ReviewThe Vanishing Throne Review ->

Image source: Snuggly Oranges

Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for book cover flying blind

Title: Flying Blind
Author: Deborah Cooke
Series: The Dragon Diaries Trilogy #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dragons, Paranormal fantasy, Young adult
Dates read: 7th October 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Allison & Busby Limited
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: She snapped her fingers and chuckled.

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Synopsis

I will shift shape and I will cast dreams and I will be everything that I am forecast to be. I am the Wyvern. And I will claim my birthright, right here and now.

Zoe Sorensson is a perfectly normal teenage girl. That’s the problem. She’s always been told she’s destined for great things – she is a dragon shape shifter, a Pyr, and the only female one of her kind. But Zoe’s powers are AWOL, so she’s sent to Pyr boot camp.

Zoe quickly realizes that she has to master her powers yesterday, because the Pyr are in danger and boot camp is a trap. The Mages want to eliminate all shifters and the Pyr are next in line – unless Zoe and her friends can work together and save their own kind.

Thoughts

This is one of those random, impulse buys on my shelf. One that I saw in the shop for cheap, grabbed and didn’t even bother reading the blurb for. Sometimes they work out well, sometimes not so much. This is one of those impulse buys that did work out really well… I have a brand new, fun series to obsess over and a new author to pile onto my shelves.

As a teenager, I always had a lot of male friends, and always felt like a bit of a misfit at school. Which is why Zoe would probably have been a major favourite with me when I was in high school. She doesn’t have a huge click at school, but her life out of it is kind of intense and insane. In all of the ways that I wanted for myself… alright, I never truly believed that I could turn into a dragon… but wouldn’t that have been AWESOME?!?!

Although I’ve never had any of the pressure of being the “one hope” and a messiah to my people (most days I’m not even sure who my people are), I do understand the kind of pressure that can be placed on a person. When there is a sense of hope and belief in you it’s kind of beautiful. But it’s also really intense and overwhelming – what do you do if you stuff up? Zoe is constantly grappling with this and being questioned by her peers. There is this overwhelming sense of failure in herself, and it isn’t until she finally finds that one person to believe in her that she starts to gain her own identity again.

Flying Blind is a great coming of age tale. And it’s just the beginning of a series! It’s shows you that it’s your belief and inner strength that can lead to great things. That anything is possible, and that maybe sometimes you need to seriously take a step back and stop listening to that horrible, jealous little voice in your head…

 <- Blazing the Trail ReviewWinging It Review ->

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The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for the incredible adventures of cinnamon girl book cover

Title: The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl
Author: Melissa Keil
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Young adult
Dates read: 9th August – 30th September 2019
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: How symbolic.

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Synopsis

Alba loves her life just as it is. She loves living behind the bakery, and waking up in a cloud of sugar and cinnamon. She loves drawing comics and watching bad TV with her friends.

The only problem is she’s overlooked a few teeny details:

Like, the guy she thought long gone has unexpectedly reappeared.
And the boy who has been her best friend since forever has suddenly gone off the rails.
And even her latest comic-book creation is misbehaving.

Also, the world might be ending – which is proving to be awkward.

As Doomsday enthusiasts flock to idyllic Eden Valley, Alba’s life is thrown into chaos. Whatever happens next, it’s the end of the world as she knows it. But when it comes to figuring out her heart, Armageddon might turn out to be the least of her problems.

Thoughts

This was my last unread Melissa Keil book on my shelf. And I tried to stretch out reading it as much as possible… I just love her writing way too much. And my plan to stretch things out worked reasonably well… for the first quarter, but then I got sucked in (as always) and ripped through it. After all, these are the sweetest, most heart-warming books I’ve read in a long time. The fact that they’re set in Australia just helps to make it that much better.

I’m from a rural area of Australia, not as small and secluded as the Eden Valley in this story, but many of the idiosyncrasies of small town Australia life are incredibly familiar in this tale. Especially when it’s partnered with the idea of the end of the world, the gullibility of the masses and the power of social media. The setting itself worked as another character, one that was slightly insane and seriously intense.

Melissa Keil’s books are always a great coming of age story. One which, whilst it features a romance, is more about realising who and what we are. So far all three have taken place around the end of high school – a moment in our lives when we’re not sure who and what we want to become. Since being in that position, I’ve had many “standing on the edge of a cliff” moments, but finishing high school was the first of these. The shorter time frame of this story and the way in which it explores making future decisions reminded me of all those moments in which I wasn’t sure about what my future decisions should be… the ending of this tale helps to give you a sense of happiness (in that Alba and her friends have taken their first steps into the adult world), but it also is open enough that you feel like their lives are just beginning.

I found the love story in this incredibly sweet. I didn’t quite guess which boy would end up with Alba until much later in this book. Because it felt more about their friendship and their love and respect for one another. This is the perfect friends to lovers story. It’s a great reminder that some of the best relationships are built on a solid foundation of friendship and respect. This is the book that you should read if you want to feel at peace with the world and finish with a huge smile on your face.

 <- The Secret Science of Magic ReviewLife in Outer Space Review ->
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