Goodbye May, Hello June!

Does anyone else feel like this month just zoomed by? It felt like yesterday I was doing my last wrap up post. I guess May has been a pretty eventful month for me since it was my blogoversary and I hosted a giveaway. Rebecca Graham won and you should definitely check out her blog. I also attended the National Book Bloggers Forum at the Random House headquarters in the city.

The Penguin Random House National Book Bloggers Forum was probably one of the best events I had been to so far since it went for the whole day! I was so impressed because some people flew over from all around Australia. Some said they came from Perth and I met a lovely girl who flew from Melbourne, check out her blog here. I also met Laura from Laura Plus Books and Joy from Thoughts by J for the first time. I saw Estelle again from Reading in the Dark, Mands from The Bookish Manicurist and Belle from Belle's Bookshelf. Of course I had already met the awesome Sunny before.

A group shot on the balcony of Random House Headquarters
Angel, Laura, Sunny, Estelle, me and Felicity (Penguin Teen publicist)

After the very confusing start of trying to find the venue I finally entered the building and suddenly felt very out of place. It was filled with adults heading out to work in their suits and there I was standing in plain jeans and a jacket... The first thing I noticed with the office was that it was very classy! I must say I was impressed and the view was pretty good.

Once I entered, I was greeted with the sight of these massive goodie bags filled with about 6-7 books. I was one of the first to arrive and once all the awkward introductions were over, everyone was finally at ease with each other.

The 'conference' room as I like to call it!

Random House in one word was hospitable. They were very friendly and a lot less intimidating than what I imagined they would be. They offered food and drinks and they started the program as soon as most of the people had arrived. They offered us great tips on how to get the most of online, tips to promoting our blogs, and even how to get publicised. I even learnt some cool facts like how 88% of bloggers are female and the other 12% are male! I found it funny because they encouraged us to be on twitter the whole time! Apparently it's ok to be on your phone while at these events...

We had Sneh Roy who owns the award-winning blog called Cook Republic  speak to us about her blogging experience. She was so inspirational because she had been blogging for 10 years. It's such a relief to see that she hadn't lost her passion. She said she only lost that passion about twice in her blogging experience. Sney gave us a few tips and basically said to stay true to yourself and just enjoy blogging.

These awesome floating bookshelves

2 authors spoke to us about their upcoming books which was interesting. Random House and Penguin also showed releases that we should look out for this year. I'm excited for some new books this year but I wish they showed more Young Adult novels.

During the breaks it was so much fun talking to the publicists. They are just as much a a fan as any other and it's so easy to talk to them. It makes requesting review books a lot less intimidating because you've actually met them and seen what there personality is like. Felicity from Penguin is just so funny and outgoing and her enthusiasm is very contagious. I'm so excited for the PTA Live event in June!

So in a nutshell that was my month! You probably saw a lot of my tweets on the National Book Bloggers Forum because I must say it was very exciting. I got to miss out on a day of school to basically talk about books!

How was May for you?

Did you read any interesting books?

{Review} Split Second by Kasie West

If you haven't read Pivot Point, I advise you don't read this as it may contain minor spoilers.

Author: Kasie West
Series: Pivot Point #2
Release Date: February 11th
Publishers: Harper Teen
Pages: 360
Genre: Paranormal
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website  | Buy the book

Life can change in a split second.

Addie hardly recognizes her life since her parents divorced. Her boyfriend used her. Her best friend betrayed her. She can’t believe this is the future she chose. On top of that, her ability is acting up. She’s always been able to Search the future when presented with a choice. Now she can manipulate and slow down time, too . . . but not without a price.

When Addie’s dad invites her to spend her winter break with him, she jumps at the chance to escape into the Norm world of Dallas, Texas. There she meets the handsome and achingly familiar Trevor. He’s a virtual stranger to her, so why does her heart do a funny flip every time she sees him? But after witnessing secrets that were supposed to stay hidden, Trevor quickly seems more suspicious of Addie than interested in her. And she has an inexplicable desire to change that.

Meanwhile, her best friend, Laila, has a secret of her own: she can restore Addie’s memories . . . once she learns how. But there are powerful people who don’t want to see this happen. Desperate, Laila tries to manipulate Connor, a brooding bad boy from school—but he seems to be the only boy in the Compound immune to her charms. And the only one who can help her.

As Addie and Laila frantically attempt to retrieve the lost memories, Addie must piece together a world she thought she knew before she loses the love she nearly forgot . . . and a future that could change everything.

Review

There's only so many words that can explain how much I love Kasie West's writing. I thought she couldn't possibly beat Pivot Point but Split Second just took it to the next level. The only thing I'm disappointed with is that there's not going to be another book and I can't bare to let this story go!

After dealing with an extreme amount of drama inside the Compound, Addie decides to take a break and stays with her dad in the Norm world. After meeting people who seem familiar, one guy immediately grabs her attention. Trevor manages to make her heart beat erratically whenever he's present but she has no idea why. He's just a stranger to her or is he? In the Compound, her best friend Laila holds a secret that ways her down every day. She's has to learn how to restore memories but has no clue how to or if she can. All she has is a note from Addie who doesn't even remember writing it. 

Pivot Point changes between each search so we sort of bounce back and forth with two possible futures. But in this one we change POV's with Addie's best friend, Laila. I thought I wouldn't like it as much but I loved Laila's separate story line. It also enhanced our view of how deep their friendship runs. Both Addie and Laila would do anything for each other and they have such a loyal friendship. I never got confused between each chapters because each character had a different voice. 

In Split Second we go through all the feels of new love all over again. I fell in love with Trevor again as well and it was just as sweet as the first time. But along with the romance with Trevor and Addie we get a new relationship that begins to form. Laila gets a new love interest and it's cute viewing how Laila goes against everything she thought she knew about guys. 

Split Second is more suspenseful than the last and Kasie West doesn't let up on the plot twists. I'm constantly on the edge of my seat because anything can happen. I was happy with the ending but I wish West would continue and make it into a trilogy or make a short novella of what happens next. I guess I always want this in books, like an epilogue of some sort. For example Harry Potter had that little 19 year later thing.

Overall Split Second was a great read. I was up reading it when I was supposed to be studying for an exam but it was so worth it. I'll be buying the rest of Kasie West's books because I just love her writing style. There's humour, suspense, cute romance, plot twists and everything you need in a great novel.

Do you like Paranormal books?

Can you predict plot twists?

Note: I may not post at all next two week because I have assessments for school nearly every day...that'll be fun times! So obviously it means I won't have time to read let alone write any reviews. I may be able to squeeze in small discussions.

{Mini Review} Of Neptune by Anna Banks

Author: Anna Banks
Series: The Syrena Legacy #3
Release Date:  May 13th 2014
Publishers: Hardie Grant Egmont 
Pages: 336
Genre: Mermaids
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website  | Buy the book

Emma and Galen’s kingdom and their love is threatened by long-lost Syrena in the brilliant conclusion to Anna Banks bestselling trilogy.

Emma, half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma’s grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.

Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn’t sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean and the land-dwelling, freshwater Syrena. They didn’t bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn’t expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love but their ocean kingdoms.

In this stunning conclusion to her bestselling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever.

*I'd like to thank Hardie Grant Egmont for sending me this for review, it does not influence my opinion.*

Review

This is another bitter-sweet ending to yet another trilogy and it's quite depressing that all my favourite books are ending. I'm so happy with how Of Neptune turned out and basically the whole series. They're so easy to read and you can't help but fall in love with the characters and the humour.

Emma is a good protagonist who has a funny inner-monologue that is constantly running. She has a good teen voice which is easy to relate too and a likable personality. I don't know whether it's because I had to wait a long time for this novel to come out but I ended up really missing the characters. Galen was his usual sweet and protective character. I think his character really shone through especially in this book as he was put to the test.

The thing I like about this series is that it's about mermaids. I don't often read about them so it's such a breath of fresh air. (Our should I say water?) It's also cool to see Anna Banks's take on mermaids and that's why I love books so much. You're never wrong and it's interesting seeing other peoples imagination translate into writing.

Of Neptune was a cute and fluffy read. I think I would have liked to read all three books in a row since they're so easy to read and the story flows a little better. There is nothing overly amazing but there was nothing that I didn't like about it. The ending was cute and it felt like it was a great way to wrap up the story nicely. I think these novels will be a re-read in the future when I feel like revisiting the Syrena world!

My Crazy Bookish World Turns 1! - Giveaway {AUS only}

Dear My Crazy Bookish World

Before I had you I was merely a simple reader who didn't know about the whole world of Young Adult literature. I searched the library hoping for a new book that I was interested in that I hadn't already read. I never ventured out further than the Harry Potter and the Twilight series. I was happy, but I didn't know what I was missing out on. You have opened me up to a whole new world of literature and this past year has been a blast!

But with you, you have also caused me a great deal of unwanted stress. Catching terrible cases of writers block while I try and put my thoughts into words. Falling behind in my review books and my goodreads challenge. Putting all this effort into a post and not receiving any feedback! All these things add up and create a huge mess so I end up having to take a hiatus. Sometimes I have to take a break from you because too much of something can become bad.

Also trying to juggle you between my social and school life. Sometimes you get in the way of my priorities such as school exams and assessments. Sometimes you even take over my reading and cause me to fall into a massive slump. You're not perfect and I'm constantly having to keep up maintenance. I give you a new look every now and then and I fix whatever problems may pop up. Most of the time you frustrate me when you refuse to cooperate with me. For example you won't let me put my GFC up! Why do you continue to torment me?!

Even though some people might say you're more trouble than you're worth, I can never agree. You've enabled me to meet people who are like-minded and have the same interests. I've been able to go to many events and premieres for movies. You've kept me updated with what's happening in the bookish world and lastly you re-kindled my relationship with Sunny after many years.

Thank you for taking me on a long journey and I intend to continue it.

Yours sincerely 

Francoise

Well that was a weird post...I don't even know what inspired me to write something like that. You may relate and have the same feelings to your blog but to me my blog is like my child. I try and take care of it and give it enough attention.

But anyways, oh my gosh can you believe it's already been a year since this blog has been up and running? To me it feels like just yesterday when I was only a newbie trying to figure out what to name this blog. I remember it was so difficult just to change things as simple as the font but I can't say I have everything mastered as there are still some things I can't figure out.

To celebrate my 1 year blogoversary I have decided to host a giveaway. I'm sorry to those overseas but this is open to Australia only! Enter to win 3 physical copies that are upcoming releases in May published by Five Miles Press.

Guidelines:

• Open to Australia only
• You must be over 13
• All entries must be authentic as I will be checking it
• Winner will be drawn on May 31st
• Winner will get all 3 books

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Review} The One by Kiera Cass

Author:  Kiera Cass
Release Date:  May 6th 2014
Publishers: HarperTeen
Pages: 323
Genre: Dystopia
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website  | Buy the book

The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown--or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose--and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

*I'd like to thank HarperTeen Aus for sending me this for review, it does not influence my opinion.*

Review

Back in my review for The Elite I stated:

"To be honest I don't see how this story is going to end in a trilogy and I just hope that Kiera Cass has something up her sleeve to just mind blow us all. I think that the next book will seal the fate of the series as to whether I enjoyed it or not."

I'm glad to say that The One reached my expectations. I've always said that this novel was either going to be the make or break of this series and Kiera Cass did not let me down.

I have to start off by saying I am so proud of America! She frustrated me so much in The Elite because she tends to mess things up easily. For a smart girl she always managed to do the most stupidest things. America has gone through some major character development since The Selection and it's lovely witnessing her go along her journey. I love her character because she is strong-willed and isn't afraid to state her opinion and most of all she isn't' perfect and she knows it. She's a very flawed character that makes her realistic but still sometimes I question her common sense. Even when the competition became more intense, she stayed focused on only what she wanted.

The secondary characters also had a major breakthrough towards the end. Celeste who I hated throughout the whole series changed for the better. She actually made me laugh and I adored her character at the end. Despite it being a serious competition when it was only down to the four of them, all the girls came together let out what had been weighing them all down. Aspen who you all know I hated with a passion actually gained my respect in this book. I still don't entirely like him but he deserved the ending he got.

Maxon remained the sweet and passionate guy he always was. We really got to see into his heart and what he was really feeling as he opened up. He started off as just the prince who didn't know anything and was trapped inside his own bubble where everything is great. Now that America opened up is world he's been striving to be better and he achieved this. I love Maxon so much and it's sad to let him go!

Sunny and I did a post on what we predicted and what we wanted to have in The One and a lot of this was fulfilled. I won't tell you which of our predictions were correct but I'm happy to say that the rebel attacks were done much better this time round. It was explained properly and I liked the resolve in the end. I was always confused with the difference between the Northern and Southern rebels and it became clear what there different objectives were. I was a little disappointed because I wish they were a little more drawn out. They were over in like a flash and it didn't create as much of an impact as it could have. I wanted more of an action scene.

No words can describe how much I enjoyed it. I practically read it as soon as I got it in the mail and couldn't put it down once. The Selection series is so easy to read and it's easy to become so engrossed in the game of the selection. It's hard not to form an attachment to such unique characters and it's sad to see this trilogy end. It was a happy ending which all the characters deserved but it's sort of bitter-sweet that it ended.

I rate the whole series:

{Review} Love Letters to the Dead by Ava Dellaira

Author:  Ava Dellaira
Release Date: April 1st 2014
Publishers: The Five Miles Press
Pages: 327
Genre: Coming of Age
Links: Goodreads | Buy the book

It begins as an assignment for English class: write a letter to a dead person - any dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain - he died young, and so did Laurel's sister May - so maybe he'll understand a bit of what Laurel is going through. Soon Laurel is writing letters to lots of dead people - Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, River Phoenix, Amelia Earhart... it's like she can't stop. And she'd certainly never dream of handing them in to her teacher. She writes about what it's like going to a new high school, meeting new friends, falling in love for the first time - and how her family has shattered since May died.

But much as Laurel might find writing the letters cathartic, she can't keep real life out forever. The ghosts of her past won't be contained between the lines of a page, and she will have to come to terms with growing up, the agony of losing a beloved sister, and the realisation that only you can shape your destiny.

*I'd like to thank The Five Mile Press for sending me this for review, it does not influence my opinion.*

Review

If Love Letters to the Dead was described in one word it would have to be emotional. I hold this novel close to my heart because it reflects the hardships of real life. I read books to take myself away from the real world but every once in a while you need a book like this where it brings you back down to earth and teaches you that life isn't all sunshine and rainbows.

Love Letters to the Dead is set in a letter format throughout the whole book and this unique style arrangement flowed really well. It made the book more personal and formed a strong connection with the protagonist. Each letter was addressed to a famous celebrity and it was fun finding small bits of information that I didn't know before. A lot of the people I had heard of before but I didn't really know anything about and it was interesting to see how each one impacted Laurel.

I respect Ava Dellaira for writing a novel that doesn't shy away from controversial topics. This novel explored drugs, alcohol, gay romance and many more topics that don't usually come up in Young Adult novels. I really wish more authors wrote about these matters because it makes me feel like adults think teenagers can't handle these pressing issues today. Can I just say...we can! These subjects are always been thrown in our face whether it's in school or in the media.

The characters were very unique in this book and each one had some quirky aspect to them. I loved Laurel as the protagonist and I think she portrayed a good teenage voice well but sometimes she came across older to me. The story followed her struggles of coping with the death of her older sister and how it effected her. Each person copes with grief differently and Laurel chose to write letters to the dead which was different (in the good way. Her character was realistic because sometimes she wasn't always as strong as she wanted to be and occasionally she spiraled out of control. To me this was a normal reaction. All the secondary characters displayed one lesson or story in one way or another and it was cool picking up these interesting messages. They each helped Laurel be her true self.

Love Letters to the Dead was an emotional read which put me through so many emotions. I really sympathised with Laurel and I felt a deep connection with her.This is a perfect 'coming of age' story and If you like a well-paced novel which covers a lot of deep topics then I highly recommend it to you. I never feel like I do a book justice with my reviews but trust me when I say you'll want to read this. (Be ready for the waterworks)

Stacking the Shelves 4/5/14

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews to basically show off what you've recently bought/burrowed. 

Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
The Elite by Keira Cass
Spellcaster  b Claudia Gray
Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa
Venom by Fiona Paul

I got all these books for $28! BARGAIN!