Review: Hero by Belinda Crawford

July 18, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 2 Comments

Centuries ago, humans colonised Jørn, a lonely planet on the far side of the galaxy. Arriving in five great colony ships, they quickly settled the surface only to discover, after a few short years, that the planet was killing them. The culprit, a native spore, carried on every wind to every corner of the globe.

Genetic engineering, blending DNA from Earth and Jørn species, saved their crops and livestock, but for humans there was no cure. Instead they took to the skies, turning their colony ships into cities that floated above the spore’s reach.

Hero Regan is special, and not in a way she likes. She hears voices, voices in her head that other people can’t. Surrounded by butlers, bodyguards and tutors, insulated from the outside world, her only solace is Fink, a six-hundred-kilogram, genetically engineered ruc-pard. They share lives, thoughts, triple-chocolate marshmallow ice-cream and the burning desire for freedom.

Their chance comes when Hero is allowed to attend school in Cumulus City. Here, along with making unexpected friends, Hero discovers she is an unwitting part of a master plan set into motion by the first colonists, a plan she must either help or foil if she’s ever to attain the freedom she craves.

* * * * * * * My Thoughts * * * * * * *

How would you feel if you had been told lies your whole life and forced to take medication when you knew you weren’t sick?

How would you feel if you found out you were a human hybrid and that your whole life had been some sort of long running science experiment?

Would you strive to live up to some higher purpose or turn on those around you?

Hero is the first book in The Hero Rebellion and it introduces us to Hero Regan. We see Hero battle normal teenager issues; school bullies and finding out who her true friends are, as well as dealing with the consequences of who and what she truly is. Hero is an extremely intelligent young woman and it feels as if she has an epic life in-front of her, one I’m looking forward to continuing to follow.

It took me little while to get used to all the new names of things, the animals and construction materials etc, but I can see that the purpose of this was to set the scene of a new futuristic world and it was all good once I got the rhythm of it.

Hero was published on the 21st of September 2015. I came across it on NetGalley just days before it was archived on the 31st of May 2016 *throws hands up to the sky* Thank you Odyssey Books for still authorising me a review copy at such late notice! #LoveOzYA

Did I get your attention with those opening lines? And while yes, I’ve just given away a few of the major reveals in the book, I haven’t given away them all! Hero was a Five Star YA Sci-Fi for me and I’m looking forward to reading the sequel.

* * * * * * * Author Links * * * * * * *

Sneak peek available on Wattpad

Review: Risuko by David Kudler

June 1, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 4 Comments

Can One Girl Win A War?

Though Japan has been devastated by a century of civil war, Risuko just wants to climb trees. Growing up far from the battlefields and court intrigues, the fatherless girl finds herself pulled into a plot that may reunite Japan — or may destroy it. She is torn from her home and what is left of her family, but finds new friends at a school that may not be what it seems.

Magical but historical, Risuko follows her along the first dangerous steps to discovering who she truly is.

Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is a young, fatherless girl, more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Yet she finds herself enmeshed in a game where the board is the whole nation of Japan, where the pieces are armies, moved by scheming lords, and a single girl couldn’t possible have the power to change the outcome. Or could she?

To be published on the 15th June.

Links: Goodreads – Tumblr – Facebook – Twitter Risuko – Twitter David – Website

Thank you NetGalley and David Kudler for eCopy in exchange for an honest review.

* * * MY THOUGHTS * * *

The book opens with a rumbling of tummies and I immediately felt a fondness growing in my heart for Risuko. After the death of Risuko’s father her mother can barely keep enough food on the table for her and her sister. She ends up selling Risuko to a woman who at first seems to just have been travelling through. And so the adventure begins with the protagonist Kano Murasaki aka Risuko (Squirrel) proving herself to be a remarkable girl early on.

Poor Risuko has to get her head around being ripped from her home and dropped in a situation like nothing she’s never ever dealt with before. She discovers new friendships, unravels mysteries and feels the sting of betrayal. I found the story engaging and fast paced. I loved the plot and the whole ‘school’ for creating very special women (yeah I’m not saying any more than that or I’ll give away some of the mystery).

I was immediately suspicious of Lady Chiyome and found it quite sad when Risuko’s mother sold her. Actually the only negative feelings I have towards the book are because of Lady Chiyome. I had no problem with her being cold and calculating, she should be, but by the 70% mark the way she spoke to everyone around her was grating on my nerves. I found her speech to be unnecessarily nasty. She hadn’t seemed so mean spirted at the beginning and it made me end up really disliking her. Unfortunately, I do think this effected my overall enjoyment of the book.

Risuko and the friends she makes, Emi and Aimaru are extremely likable and I look forward to watching the trio grow throughout the series. I think the world Kudler has conjured up could be a brilliant series and I am looking forward to seeing what he does with it next.

Four “I really enjoyed it” Stars.

Review: The Sidekicks by Will Kostakis

May 11, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 7 Comments

The Swimmer. The Rebel. The Nerd.

All Ryan, Harley and Miles had in common was Isaac. They lived different lives, had different interests and kept different secrets. But they shared the same best friend. They were sidekicks. And now that Isaac’s gone, what does that make them?

Will Kostakis, award-winning author of The First Third, perfectly depicts the pain and pleasure of this teenage world, piecing together three points of view with intricate splendour.

* *

Paperback, 256 pages. Published February 29th 2016 by Penguin Australia.

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Goodreads – Website – Twitter – Facebook

Amazon AU – Booktopia – Amazon US – Book Depository

* * * * * * * My Thoughts * * * * * * *

Set in northern Sydney The Sidekicks is the story of three very different boys. While on the verge of manhood they suffer the loss of a mutual friend. We follow each of the boys as they go on to deal with their friend’s death. The trauma initially separates them, but by the end of the book it has brought them together with a closeness they never had before. This is a story of love, loss, friendship, sexuality, homophobia and just wanting to fit in.

The Boys:

“The Swimmer” I was immediately drawn to Ryan (Thommo). His character straight up felt kind hearted and genuine. My heart wanted to reach out and hug him. The poor boy not only had to deal with the loss of his best friend, but with coming out to the world.

“The Rebel” Scott (Harley) is bloody adorable. Harley was the kind of boy I swooned over in school, and rightly so, thanks for proving me right Harley. Harley really grows up after losing his mate and he does everything he can to put things right. I outwardly applauded him (seriously my husband looked at my like a was mad clapping at a book) as he ran off to find and support Ryan.

“The Nerd” I was most afraid for Miles after the loss of Isaac. He really ends up in a dark place, but thankfully that big beautiful dastardly brain of his sees the light and lets the other two boys in. I wasn’t as drawn to Miles as the other two boys at first, but seeing the world through his eyes and his projected vision of the future, was a really strong and brilliant way to finish the story off.

Review: Klaw by Antoine Ozenam

May 4, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / Leave a comment

A population of secret were-animals hide among us, and young Angel Tomassini is about to learn just how widespread — and dangerous — it is! Beautifully illustrated by Joel Jurion, best known throughout Europe and the worldwide animation industry for his gorgeous and dynamic character design, written by Antoine Ozenam, this exciting young adult series explores a world of ancient conflict hiding just under the surface of modern life as we know it. With identifiable coming of age themes overshadowed by thrilling action sequences and a deep, enthralling mythology, this book will introduce readers to a world unlike anything else on shelves today.

Klaw: The First Cycle byAntoine Ozenam(Writer), Joël Jurion(Illustrator), Yoann Guillé(Colorist), Mike Kennedy(Translator).

Collecting the first three chapters of this original ongoing series — AWAKENING, TABULA RASA, and UNIONS — this book comprises “THE FIRST CYCLE” in the epic, hidden universe of KLAW!

Pre-order from Book Depository or Booktopia

* * * * * MY THOUGHTS * * * * *

Firstly, I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!

When we first meet Angel Tomassini he is getting beaten up my bullies, he is set up to seem like an underdog but he came off more like a spoiled rich kid to me, but Angel redeemed himself.

The reader follows Angel as he finds out about the power that resides within him, learns who his allies and who his enemies are, finds out the truth about his father and goes on to become the vigilante/superhero known as ‘The Klaw’.

This graphic novel chucks at lot at the reader at rapid pace; Bullying, Friendship, First Loves, Shape-Shifting, Mythology, Astrology, Super Heroes, Mafia Men, Super Villains and Paranormal Government Agents.

I’m giving it THREE “I enjoyed it” STARS. The premise of the story was interesting, but I didn’t really connect with any of the characters. As a whole the story felt a bit rushed and I would have liked more time spent on character development.

I really enjoyed the scenes showing Angel’s relationship with both his mentors, watching them train, the banter between them etc. Actually Angel and Dan hiding out in the warehouse training was my favorite part of the story, shame it didn’t last longer.

All in all, I’m glad I read it, but It didn’t blow me away.

Review: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina

April 27, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 2 Comments

“There will come a day when a thousand Illegals descend on your detention centres. Boomers will breach the walls. Skychangers will send lightning to strike you all down from above, and Rumblers will open the earth to swallow you up from below. . . . And when that day comes, Justin Connor, think of me.”

Ashala Wolf has been captured by Chief Administrator Neville Rose. A man who is intent on destroying Ashala’s Tribe — the runaway Illegals hiding in the Firstwood. Injured and vulnerable and with her Sleepwalker ability blocked, Ashala is forced to succumb to the machine that will pull secrets from her mind.And right beside her is Justin Connor, her betrayer, watching her every move.

Will the Tribe survive the interrogation of Ashala Wolf?

* * * * * MY THOUGHTS * * * * *

The last few Dystopian novels I’ve read have been let downs, so I was holding off starting this series as it is labelled a Dystopian. I saw it at my local library when I was there last and my interest in the Author’s Bio caused me to borrow it and boy am I glad I did.

The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf is the first book in The Tribe series by Australian author Ambelin Kwaymullina. Within the first few pages on a coffee fueled Sunday morning this story had reeled me. I didn’t put it down until I finished it later that night! Devouring a book in one sitting doesn’t happen to me very often.

This story felt fresh and exciting. The story is action packed, high danger with just the right about of young romance. Ashala is amazing, in fact so are all the Tribe members and Ashala’s connection to natural world is truly beautiful.

I think the dystopian world, set 300+ years into our future, that Ambelin Kwaymullina has created is brilliant and enthralling. I love the terrifyingly possible way the earth was destroyed by our toxic behaviors and the way humans have evolved because of it. In this future earth there isn’t enough humans left to be concerned with the colour of someone skin, but as we humans are horrible creatures who fear anything different from ourselves, the future government hunts down anyone showing any signs of extraordinary abilities; Ashala and her tribe all have these extraordinary abilities.

Thought-out this story we see the world as Ashala sees it. We meet allies and enemies and experience some vivid dreaming scenes and painful memories as she does.

While I was really enjoying the first half of the book, there was a twist half way though that I didn’t see coming that for me turned the second half of the book into a frenzy. I was running a mad race with myself to find out how the book ended.

Ambelin Kwaymullina writing flows beautifully and is filled with powerful energy. This book was a real pleasure to read. I’m off to get my hands on book number two!

Ambelin Kwaymullina loves reading sci-fi/fantasy books, and has wanted to write a novel since she was six years old. She comes from the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. When not writing or reading she teaches law, illustrates picture books, and hangs out with her dogs. Links: Website | Goodreads | Amazon AU | Amazon US | Book Depository

Review: The Complete Alice in Wonderland by Carroll adapted by Moore & Reppion

April 20, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 2 Comments

Take one politely stubborn and opinionated young girl. Add an overactive imagination. Shake in a heavy mix of puzzling and bizarre guides. Reduce all morals and lessons to the nonsensical degree and send it all on a journey to nowhere…

These are the ingredients that Lewis Carroll combined to create a fairy tale unlike any another. Dynamite is proud to present for all ages The Complete Alice in Wonderland; the most vivid adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s genre bursting tale of young Alice and her adventures in Wonderland. It contains Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass and the LOST chapter form Looking Glass “The Wasp in a Wig!”

Join Alice on her whimsical journey down the rabbit hole. From her initial meeting with the White Rabbit in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, to her final dinner party with the entire (and outrageous) Through the Looking Glass cast, every moment of Alice’s adventures in that astonishing landscape is captured in gorgeous detail. With old favorites like the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter joined now by a long-forgotten Carroll creation, The Wasp, in one of the book’s latter chapters, children and adults alike can rediscover the complete Alice tale and fall in love with Wonderland all over again!Published on the 19th April 2016, The Complete Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll adapted by Leah Moore and John Reppion, illustrated by Erica Awano. GOODREADS

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for a an honest review, THANK YOU.

* * * MY THOUGHTS * * *

Lech Moore, John Reppion and Erica Awano have adapted Lewis Carroll’s super famous work and pulled off a marvelous job. Ah, The wonderfully ridiculous adventures of Alice. The adapted story follows well and nothing feels like it is missing. I could see this adaptation appealing to the younger readers much more than the penguin classic version.

The only negative thing I have to say about this book is that while the pictures are extremely beautiful, they weren’t vibrant enough for me. I remember Wonderland as an over the top adventure land filled with ridiculousness and flamboyant colors.The copy I own of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a penguin classic, text only. So I assume I just imagined everything to be super bright and colorful. I found myself thinking; is it because of the movie adaptions that I assumed it was a bright and colorful world? At the back of this book there is an interview with the authors talking about how they purposely used original Alice illustrations as references. Oops, my imagination was off.

I love Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but felt like Though The Looking Glass wasn’t quite as good. I don’t think that’s because of the adaptation, I think that is because of the original. Admittedly I’ve never read Though The Looking Glass, but I’ve read in multiple reviews that it doesn’t stand out like the first book and that it’s a little bit darker and even stranger. I do intent to read the original Through The Looking Glass one day.

I think this edition would be a wonderful way to introduce someone to Alice in the written word and for anyone who wants to enjoy Wonderland without the long poetry pieces.

Review: Race Girl by Leigh Hutton

April 3, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / 2 Comments

Fresh on the heels of Michelle Payne’s historic Melbourne Cup win, comes a blockbuster Australian story about a Queensland girl and the ‘race that stops a nation’ . . .

Tully Athens has always dreamed of following in the footsteps of her hero Michelle Payne. Of living up to the Athens name and becoming the third generation of women from her family to rule the track. But Tully’s never been sure she’s got the nerve, and when her mother is killed in a horse racing accident, her whole world is shattered.

Six months later, in the heat of a Queensland summer, sixteen-year-old Tully is ready to face her fears. But getting back in the saddle leads to a whole lot more than she bargained for, with an out of control crush on the boy from their rival thoroughbred farm – the gorgeous but cocky larrikin Brandon Weston – and a forgotten filly with stardom in her eyes . . .

When faced with the most difficult decision of her life, will Tully choose to train and race her new filly in Melbourne? Or will she sacrifice it all to fight for love on the land that feeds her soul?

It’s only when tragedy rips everything from her that Tully finds a strength and courage she never knew she had, in this action-packed novel of passion, adventure and determination.

RACE GIRL is the highly anticipated third book in The Go Girls Chronicles – bestselling stories of gutsy girls in action sports, by Leigh Hutton!

*A PORTION OF EVERY #RaceGirl book sold goes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, and to horse-welfare charity, Equine Action Qld*

MY THOUGHTS: First up, Thank you very much to Leigh for the review copy :-).

Leigh has a knack for making you feel like you are there amongst it, in the middle of the action with her characters. The on track descriptions in this book are brilliant – you really do feel as if you are riding the horses – I could give five stars just for the Race Scenes. You find yourself tearing through the words, like a horse tearing up the turf as it thunders down the track.

We meet Tully Athens out on her family’s farm in rural Queensland. After the tragic death of Tully’s mother in a horse racing accident the family’s farm has fallen on hard times and is wasting away. I found Tully immediately likeable. The then Fifteen-year-old is struggling to cope with her mother’s death. She is afraid to get back on a horse after the accident, but her soul is missing riding as much as it is missing her mother. After finally getting the courage to mount up again she finds herself riding, then racing side by side with a mysterious “hot” boy who can really ride. The fun begins when she finds out the stranger is in fact Brandon Weston the son of her families biggest rival. Ah forbidden love my favorite.

This the third installment of the Go Girl Chronicles doesn’t disappoint, as with the previous two books we get; drama, action, romance, a strong female protagonist, beautiful horses, studly men, lessons learnt, dreams followed and inner strength found.

There are even nods to Jump Girl, Rev Girl and next up, Surf Girl – cracked me up, especially when Clover pops up in the same hospital room as Tully.

We go on to see Tully develop into a loving and caring, yet strong and determined young woman of eighteen. We see her fight for the things she loves and make her mark on the world.

There is a lot of story crammed into this book, but Leigh has managed to keep it all fast paced and flowing well. I only wish we could have got to spend more time seeing Brandon and Tully’s love develop.

The last quarter of this book is a whirl wind of twists and turns and fast racing – I can’t say much more then that without giving the best parts away *imagine me doing a cheeky wink here*.

Three cheers and FIVE STARS for Race Girl Tully.

* * *

It’s hard to be the new girl, but it’s even harder being the new girl who races dirt bikes…
Ever since her parents forced her to move from Canada to Silvertown, Colorado, Clover Kassedy hasn’t fit in. So how do you deal when everyone hates you?
Focusing all her energy on racing her motorcycle did it for a while, but now that Clover’s managed to find a bestie and a boyfriend, the pressure on the sixteen-year-old is worse than ever.
She’s determined to get to the World Championships, where she could finally meet her idol – an Australian, the World Champion – and have a shot at becoming a professional dirt bike racer. But with her super-competitive dad, workaholic mother and relentless bullies at races and at high school, Clover is struggling to make her dreams a reality.
Will it be her scheming ex-best-friend who shatters her world? Or will she let her ‘perfect’ boyfriend – the guy who has finally made her feel like she belongs in their school and their town – stop her from becoming an international racing star?

* * *

SHOW JUMPING IS AN EXTREME SPORT WITH A DRESS CODE, ONE THIS GIRL DOESN’T FOLLOW . . .

Imagine being dumped by your mother as a newborn and shifted between foster homes your entire childhood. Imagine being taken in and offered hope for your future by a kind, loving show jumping socialite.

Imagine falling in love with some of the most gorgeous horses in the world, and making a life in the thrilling and glamorous sport of international show jumping.

Now imagine it all being taken away.

Ebony Scott Harris is painfully close to making her dreams a reality when the only mother she has ever known mysteriously dies. She’s forced from their home to live with the gold-digging aunt, who takes her in only to ride the prized show jumpers she claims are now hers.

Teetering on the edge of a hopeless depression, Ebony is saved by the discovery of a forgotten horse nearly starved to death, and an unlikely partnership with a handsome stranger, whom she must learn to trust if she is to uncover the truth about her mother’s death and reclaim her home.

But with the evil aunt selling her best and beloved horse, a maniacal ex-coach out for revenge and more savage competitors than she can count, Ebony has a lot more at stake than proving the truth, saving her horses and jumping for gold at the World Equestrian Games . . .

JUMP GIRL is a young adult crossover novel that is clean enough for a 12+ reader and real and relatable enough for any women’s fiction fan.

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LEIGH’S LINKS > >

Leigh Hutton is a former Courier-Mail journalist, dirt bike racer and horse show jumper. Leigh was born in Canada and lives on rural property in southeast Queensland, Australia, with her husband and three young children. When she isn’t writing, managing the relocation and restoration of historic ‘Queenslander’ homes, wrangling the kids or swilling coffee, she loves to read, watch smart TV and movies, ride her motorbike and daydream about gorgeous horses. Her family spell racehorses at their property and making friends with each one is also a favourite pastime of Leigh and her children. Leigh is especially passionate about promoting the growing number of girls and women in all action and equestrian sports, and is thrilled to be drawing on her experiences to bring you the exciting novels of The Go Girls Chronicles . . .

Review: Faith by Jody Houser

March 9, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / Leave a comment

FAITH #1 (Faith) by Jody Houser

Orphaned at a young age, Faith Herbert – a psionically gifted “psiot” discovered by the Harbinger Foundation – has always aspired to greatness. But now this once ordinary teenager is taking control of her destiny and becoming the hard-hitting hero she’s always known she can be – complete with a mild-mannered secret identity, unsuspecting colleagues, and a day job as a reporter that routinely throws into her harms way! Well, at least she thought it would… When she’s not typing up listicles about cat videos, Faith makes a secret transformation to patrol the night as the City of Angels’ own leading superhero – the sky-soaring Zephyr!

But flying solo is going to be tougher than Zephyr ever thought when she uncovers a deep-rooted alien conspiracy. Two-bit burglars and car thieves are one thing, but when the world needs a hero to stave off a full-blown extraterrestrial invasion, will Faith find herself in over her head…or ready for her biggest challenge yet?

FAITH #2 (Faith) by Jody Houser

Just as she uncovers a conspiracy in the Hollywood Hills that threatens the lives of her fellow psiots and new friends alike, Faith must also deal with the return of her ex-boyfriend and one-time teammate Torque…and a volatile new alien threat that nobody saw coming!

Be here as all-star creators Jody Houser (Orphan Black), Francis Portela (Green Lantern), and Marguerite Sauvage (DC Comics Bombshells) continue the groundbreaking, first-ever solo series for the Valiant Universe’s most extraordinary hero…the high-flying Faith!

“A superhero we can all admire.” -People Magazine

Faith on Goodreads

* * * * M Y T H O U G H T S * * * *

Thank you Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review a partial galley (Issues 1 & 2) of Faith Volume 1: Hollywood and Vine.

Faith Volume 1: Hollywood and Vine will be released on the 26th July and it will contain FAITH Issues 1 – 4.

I loved Faith! None of the other characters stood out to me in the two issues, but I loved Faith after the first ten pages or so.

In the first two issues we met super hero Faith and her secret alter ego Summer, find out why she is out on her own and get a sneak peek at what looks to be an exciting world.

Oh Faith! You are my kind of woman!

The first two issues were slow burning and things were only starting to heat up as the second issue finished. I’m hanging out now to see if the pace picks up in the later issues *Fingers Crossed* as this series could be brilliant! So far it feels like this is a series where you want to collect a few issues and read them in a binge, that way you get a bit of action with the fantastic world building.

Three “I liked It” Stars for my enjoyment of these two issues, but with the likely hood of an improvement to Five Stars with the addition of issue 3 and 4 and some bad guy butt kicking. I mean did you read that synopsis! BRING IT ON!

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

March 2, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / Leave a comment

How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon #1) by Cressida Cowell

Hiccup Haddock Horrendous III was a truly extraordinary Viking hero.

The warrior chieftain and awesome sword fighter was known as ‘the Dragon Whisperer’, on account of his power over these terrifying beasts.

But it wasn’t always like that, and this is the story of his rise to fame, in his own words.

* ~ * My Thoughts * ~ *

Book Toothless and Movie Toothless are very different creatures. The only book characters who remotely resemble themselves in the movie are Hiccup and Gobber. And the way the young Vikings come to have their dragons is completely different.

Hiccup is still the Outsider wanting to fit in, the unlikely hero, the underdog etc. Astrid and Ruffnut are no where to be seen, no girls are – I love Astrid and Ruffnut so that was a little disappointing.

All that said this book was adorable! The book series is listed for ages 6 to 10 – I would have devoured this series at around eight years old.

We follow hiccup as an initiate competing for the right to become a full member of his father’s tribe or be banished from the isle of Berk forever. We see hiccup along with all the other boys go off to catch a dragon that they must then train and use to compete. Obviously Toothless does not cooperate in this matter and what follows is humorous tale of mishaps and triumphs.

There is still a enormous dragon showdown with Hiccup and Toothless still getting to be the heroes of the story.

After I had bought the paperback I found out that David Tennent voices the audio books. If I had to pick one thing that would have made me enjoy this book more, it would be having David Tennent read it to me! As is i’m going to give it Four Stars.

If you want to know more: Cressida’s Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

I hope all the photos I took hid the fact my brain is mush at the moment and I couldn’t write a decent review 😐 Did it work? LOL.

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar

February 24, 2016July 14, 2019 / Absidity Art / Leave a comment

26211610 Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar

Paperback, 352 pages

Published February 1st 2016 by Allen & Unwin

* * * * * *

Jess Gordon is out for revenge. Last year the jocks from Knights College tried to shame her best friend. This year she and a hand-picked college girl gang are going to get even.

The lesson: don’t mess with Unity girls.

The target: Blondie, a typical Knights stud, arrogant, cold . . . and smart enough to keep up with Jess.

A neo-riot grrl with a penchant for fanning the flames meets a rugby-playing sexist pig – sworn enemies or two people who happen to find each other when they’re at their most vulnerable?

It’s all Girl meets Boy, Girl steals from Boy, seduces Boy, ties Boy to a chair and burns Boy’s stuff. Just your typical love story.

A searingly honest and achingly funny story about love and sex amid the hotbed of university colleges by the award-winning author of Raw Blue.

“Taking a keen look at modern day intimacy in a hook-up culture, Summer Skin expertly shatters notions of slut shaming and the pull of sexual desire. Realistic, modern and moving, the story of Jess and Mitch is as smart as it is hot. Kirsty Eagar has written the feminist love story that girls have been waiting for.” Clementine Ford

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * My Thoughts * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

When Jess and Mitch first meet it is a truly awkward cringe worthy moment – a real moment.

Summer Skin’s story was believable and the characters felt real. While Jess and Mitch’s burning then blooming romance pushes the story along, a lot of issues that face young adults these days are touched on in a realistic and un-preachy manner. Well Done Kirsty Eagar.

It was hideously beautiful! It made me thank the stars above that I’m not 19 anymore, while at the same time making me wish I still was.

I’d say it’s more suited to a 15-25 age range. I’m not saying that if your older you won’t enjoy it, you still will, I still did. I’m just saying that age bracket because If I had read this when I was the main character’s age, it would have blown me away.

Find out more on Kirsty’s:

Website – Twitter – Facebook – Goodreads – Instagram – YouTube

Summer Skin on: Goodreads – Amazon Au – Amazon US

I found these two “adds” on Kristy’s twitter and just had to share them.

RIOT’S REDEMPTION

Sharing my poetry, personal experiences and book reviews since 2013

Book Reviews: YA & MG

Review: Hero by Belinda Crawford

Review: Risuko by David Kudler

Can One Girl Win A War?

To be published on the 15th June.

* * * MY THOUGHTS * * *

Review: The Sidekicks by Will Kostakis

Review: Klaw by Antoine Ozenam

Review: The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina

Review: The Complete Alice in Wonderland by Carroll adapted by Moore & Reppion

Review: Race Girl by Leigh Hutton

Review: Faith by Jody Houser

FAITH #1 (Faith) by Jody Houser

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon #1) by Cressida Cowell

If you want to know more: Cressida’s Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar

Can One Girl Win A War?

To be published on the 15th June.

*** *** *** MY THOUGHTS *** *** ***

FAITH #1 (Faith) by Jody Houser

How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon #1) by Cressida Cowell

If you want to know more: Cressida’s Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

* * * MY THOUGHTS * * *