The Fledgling Handbook Giveaway Now Closed!

The Fledgling Handbook is NOW CLOSED. 

The Winner will be drawn and announced on Friday the 30th of September - GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

Isme
The Book Slooth

REVIEW: The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder

After hearing so much buzz about The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder around the blogosphere, I got my hands on a copy, here's what I think...

Since April moved to a new school, she has been ignored by most people, except her new best friend, Hayley. But then Hayley moves to Kansas and April is left alone. On the start of the new school year, April is paired with one of the most popular girls in sport class. Now, as April moves up the ranks, she realises that the glamorous life really isn't what it sounds like. And it comes with a set of rules that can change you...


I'll start on a good note; The Lipstick Laws was great. It was a high-school life, teenage-drama that was entertaining and fluffy. Emphasis on fluffy.

In my opinion, The Lipstick Laws lacked depth. Now, you might be thinking, 'what is she saying?? It's a cheesy (but great) high school novel after all?' 
Yes, that is true, and I loved reading this book, it was a great escape that whisked me away into another world for a few hours, but I did find this plot predictable, and a lot like many other books and movies out there. Done to death. Giving off an atmosphere uncannily similar to that of the 2004 movie Mean Girls.

I liked Holder's style of writing and would love to see something a little mor original from her as I am sure that she would execute it very well.

However, if you are 13-16, looking for a quick read that keeps your attention and is a great fun, The Lipstick Laws is it.

REVIEW: The Morganville Vampires Books 2&3

I just read books 2 and 3 of The Morganville Vampires, and what can I say?
Loved It.

Since everybody knows that they are going to be great, I thought that instead of a full - fledged review for each book in the entire series, I might combine them, focusing on what the books are about - without giving too much away, and giving a paragraph or two of what I thought about each.

So, without further a du...

BEWARE! DO NOT READ ON IF YOU ARE AFRAID OF THE DARK. OR SPOILERS.

Book 2: The Dead Girls Dance

Good News: Shane's dad is in town. Not so good news: he's horrible, he brought a bikie gang with them and his dad has a temper. Even worse: The gang has a vendetta against the vampires of Morganville. Suddenly, life isn't always as sunny as Claire thought it would turn out to be. Oh, and that revenge plot,  yeah, it's personal.

Book 3: Midnight Alley

Ever since Claire made the life-altering decision of signing her life off to head honcho vampire Amelie, nothing's happened. Some may say it's the calm before the storm, or that something's brewing. They're right. Out of the blue, Amelie demands that Claire works with an ancient, dangerous and just slightly mad vampire. Now maybe Claire will need Amelie's protection, her life depends on it after all.


Midnight Alley and The Dead Girls Dance have been written with the usual Rachel Caine flair. Full of dark humour, sassy one-liners and intimidating situations. As usual, the characters were crafted well, all following the logic that they have been developed with throughout the book.
Entertaining, absorbing and a great plot line that leaves you knowing there's more, the second and third installments will have you hooked.

REVIEW: Shadow Girl by John Larkin

Based on a true story, The Shadow Girl by John Larking delves deep into the world of those who live on the streets and how they got there.

After the death of her parents, The Shadow Girl goes to live with her aunt and uncle. Quickly, the situation turns abusive, and after years of abuse, at the first chance she gets, The Shadow Girl runs. 
She runs from Uncle Creepo's death threats, his menacing glare, and the prospect of going back to that life again. On the run from what she knows she never wants to go back to again, can The Shadow Girl find a true home?


One word - amazing.

Larkin has woven a novel that is very impressive, it keeps you engaged, on your toes and reading into the wee hours of the morning. Funnily enough, just like the character of his book.

Although this novel is amazing, before reading it, you should know that it is very graphic. There are some scenes that could cause you to be upset as they are very lifelike, with vivid descriptions. This is a very confronting book.
Because of this fact, I would reccomend it for people 14-15 years and up.


On the other hand, if you can look past that aspect of the book, you will find yourself immersed into the world of The Shadow Girl, where life is a day to day concept.

The novel is written two styles, separated into 3 acts. The two styles alternate, between chapters called cafe; where The Shadow Girl talks to an author to tell him her story, and The actual novel's chapters, where the story takes place.
It has been cleverly crafted to include both of these sections so that they intertwine to create one, cohesive story.

I admired the main character, The Shadow Girl. Her strength, resilience and sheer determination are what amaze you throughout this book.

Extremely well written and a definite must read, The Shadow Girl is certainly a novel that everybody should read.

Cover of the Week - The Fine Art of Truth or Dare

I am completely enamoured with the cover of The Fine art of Truth and Dare by Melissa Jensen.
The juxtaposition between the modern day background and the art in the foreground just finds me drawn to it. Like Harry Potter fans waiting for the next installment, I am waiting in bated breath for this book to come out early next year.
It seems that it will be a fun, light-hearted read, similar to that of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins.


So, cover loves unite, here is one for the memory banks!