Book Review: Stray (Spark #2) by Rachael Craw

Goodreads Description: 

It’s hard to remember hating anything as much as I hate Affinity; a bone-deep loathing for the faceless unknown and the concrete walls of my own DNA.

Evie is a Shield: designed to kill in order to protect, and the Affinity Project have finally come for her. But Evie isn’t ready for the sinister organisation to take control of her life, her body, her mind. She isn’t ready to follow their rules about who may live and who must die – not when it condemns the innocent. She has one option: risk losing everything and everyone – including Jamie – and run.

Title: Stray (Spark #1)
Author: Rachael Craw
Genre:YA, Contemporary, Science Fiction, Romance
Format: Paperback

Pages: 425 pages
Publisher: Walker Books Australia
Source: Purchased from Dymocks Bookshop

One of my most anticipated books of 2015 and this lived up to it! 2016 you better come quick!

WARINING: Spoilers for Book 1 Spark (review here) as I'm gonna reference some events that happened in the previous book. If you have yet to read Spark, you're missing out on a hella lotta epicness (AND SWOON WORTHY SHIRTLESS JAMIE #justsaying) 

The Plot/ Writing

Stray follows Evie months after the event of Spark as she juggles life of trying to be a normal teen while balancing the fact and consequences of her being a genetic engineered super human. We get to know more of the Affinity Project, the organization that was set up and created the modified DNA where they train the Shields, protect the Sparks and kill the Strays. 

I love Spark and Stray exceeded my expectations! If it was not for the fact I had a lot of uni work and exams I will have locked myself in my room and binge read Stray so that I can enjoy the intense and fast pace plot in one go. I needed to look at the Glossary (which i highly recommend reading if the theory building confuses you) to refresh myself in between reads. I recommend reading this with as little interruption as possible to fully appreciate the plot and what's going on.

 I swear this book is not good for my lungs and heart...

The plot was FREAKING INTENSE, DARK, TWISTED AND HECK FLIPPING DISTURBING! While there were some stuff that I kinda foreshadow from hints still I love how its not sugar coated as we see how dark and dangerous the situation has gotten for Evie and her friends not to mention every time I think they are safe THEY ARE NOT. Along with some very sad moments *wave fist* there are some hilarious and awkward moments along with sweet heartwarming moments. Also a badass book needs a great action sequence that pumps me with adrenaline and keep me at the edge! I always enjoy reading the combat sequence which are easy to visualize.

The best thing about the writing are the interaction and banter between the characters. Its fun following the characters using those Affinity jargen like its a language of its own. I also love the world building of the Affinity project and just reading what they are capable of doing to to Evie and the gang is scary. Also those who have a hard time getting into sci fi or want to get into the genre but are intimidated with it, I highly recommend reading the Spark series to ease yourself as its more of a contemporary with a sci fi twist.

The Characters/ Relationship

The cast of characters in this book got better as we see the characters and relationships grow along with  being introduced to some newer ones
.

Yes I fancast Ellen Page as Evie but wish that she was a bit taller

I love Evie even more in this book even though at times I wanted to hit her on the head for being stubborn and frustrating when she did not listening to other people instruction, though she meant well on her action even though the things never comes out as planned. Still I love watching her grow as she is more fiercer and bolder with and without her powers. She's selfless, loyal and protective to the ones that she loves while still managing to be positive yet sarcastic with the situations faced. She has learned to handle her 'powers' but still has a lot to learn (like avoid alcohol, doorknobs and her nerves at all causes) not to mention I love how she owes up to the consequences of her actions even though its a great pain to watch her being guilty for what has happened. Evie's one of the strongest and most badass heroine I've read in YA and I love watching her evolve through the story.

I mentioned in the last book I adore Kitty and I'm so glad to see her playing a bigger role in this book. Its really cool how she address that she is not some damsel in distress and that she is just as badass and capable on handling the situation in her own way like Evie minus the super human powers.

I do love you... when you are not being a frustrating pain in the neck...

As for her twin brother Jamie aka *Mr Swoon* I kinda want to hit him on the head in this book but with a bucket of ice as the dude needs to cool down on the situations. He is beyond borderline an over protective and controlling of a boyfriend and big brother and yes I get that he has good intentions, something must have happen that gives him trust issues on the girls. We didn't see him as much as I expected in this book so I'm hoping in the next book we will get more answers on Jamie and his past.

I have mix feelings about Jamie and Evie relationship. I kinda predicted that they won't go too far in their relationship but I was not expecting for them to break things up *cries!!!*. Still I'm glad that his book focuses more on Evie and her relationship with her twin brother and The Affinity Project instead of the romance. But don't worry as there are some really sweet romance in this book but not as a lot as in Spark.

Speaking of twin bother, we get to know a bit more about Aiden and his situation in this book. I had so much fun watching his relationship with Evie and Kitty and when reading some parts between him and his sis, I can't help but smile at how alike he and Evie are! Yup they are definitely siblings... very stubborn siblings.

Now for my favorite new character The Proxy... this one insanely eff up character! I was initially cheeped out with her situation ( heck I've seen a lot of eff up disturbing stuff in books and video games but this is one of the top most eff up things I've ever read) but what she went through in her life, I don't blame her. She's a character that I had trust issues with yet at times I feel bad for what she went through.

Spoilers on The Proxy and Aiden in Stray:

basically The Proxy the off spring of two Synergists like Evie and Jamie but unlike them she was handed off to the Affinity project since birth and long story short is their property and 'test subject'. I don't blame her for the level of mess up that went through her head as he never had a normal childhood or life but her drowning Felicity and killing herself is one of the most disturbing thing I read in the book. But she does have her reason for some of this madness like her killing Aiden(crying in the corner!!! still not over this!!) and showing Evie that he will suffer and be even worse than a lab rat if he were to survive which is sad as Evie and Aiden finally found each other. Heck I too was rooting for Aiden to survive as I wanted him to be Evie's partner in crime and have a brother sister relationship like Jamie and Kitty. Guess we can't get everything (cry even more). Kinda sad that two of my favorite characters died in this book.

We are introduced to the Affinity Project. This is kinda a common trope in YA where the MC faced with a situation of a very eff up organization. Stray manages to refresh this trope by showing all angles of the dark side of the organization and making you root for Evie and the gang to find a way to get out of their situation and bring down the organization. You can't trust the tyrants of the Affinity Project especially with what they did to Evie, The Proxy and the gang. Heck I love to hate the organization! I'm looking forward to seeing more of the politics side of the Affinity Project and can't wait to see what's in store for them in the last book.

Lastly is Mariam and Ethan who we learn about their relationship in this book. I don't blame them for what they done to protect Evie and Jamie lives as the truth can sometimes be more painful than a gain.

Overall

Here's a fun fact... I was hugging this book to pieces (okay I kept it in one piece) when I was done with this epic adventure and how it ended.

Like the last book, had fun reading the epicness in Stray. The ending was well rounded with a slight cliff hanger that keeps you coming back for more. We get to know more about Evie and her family secrets as well as the mess up organization they are associated with. The book ended on a bittersweet note with lots of hope for what's to come in the final installment of the series. I freaking love how this series has progress and can't wait to see how it concludes in the last book Shield.

Also I highly recommend reading the prequel novella Black Room which is available free on iTunes as it will help you understand some of the situation that Evie has to go through in this book as well as we get to know Ethan's character.

Oh what's this?? A top shelve seal of approval?? 

You betcha! This series has a special place on my top shelve for its refreshing take in the Aussie YA and Sci fi genre. Highly recommend Stray if you want an epic action and plot driven story with great character and relationship building as well as a strong sibling relationship with a hint of romance.

Also a quick RowGames recommendation:  

If any of you guys follow my review for Spark or my goodreads/twitter commentary you'll know the one thing I associate the plot of the Spark series is with the plot of the game Beyond Two Souls which is one of my all time favorite game for its storytelling, great and strong female hero (that we are seeing more and more in gaming), amazing acting and its beautiful graphics but is also one of my least game mechanics. Anyways I highly recommend if you like the Spark series and want more sci-fi/paranormal action, check out a lets play of beyond two souls. And yes this was one of the MAIN REASON why I fancast Ellen Page as I pictured her as Evie back in Spark.

Code word: Aiden, mess up organization, KTM 

Book Review: Pandora Jones: Reckoning (Pandora Jones #3) by Barry Jonsberg

Goodreads Description: 

Pan blinked. Something strange was happening to her mind and body. She felt relaxed, but at the same time, acutely aware of everything. She remembered the Professor's words: she was the cause of the destruction of humanity. And she felt the truth of those words.

Pandora Jones's problems appear insurmountable. She must convince her team that nothing is as it seems and that they must escape and expose The School to save the world from the plague she unwittingly inflicted on it. The only thing Pan has on her side is her gift of intuition, and her belief in the people she cares about.

But with the clock ticking, can she find a way to stop the plague, and should she do it at any cost?

Pan and her friends face off against the might of The School as the final pieces fall into place in the hugely compelling Pandora Jones series.

Title: Pandora Jones: Rekoning
Author: Barry Jonsberg
Genre: Sci-Fi, survival, paranormal, apocalyptic, YA, 
Format: Paperback
Pages:312 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Source: ARC was received in exchanged for an honest review from the publisher

Warning: This review might spoil evens from Book 1: Admission (Review Here) and Book 2: Deception (Review Here).

This is one of my most anticipated books of the year and like every last book in a series I'm excited yet scared on how its gonna end and thank goodness Reckoning did everything right on ending a series!

The third and final book of the Pandora Jones series picks up immediately where we left off in Deception. In this book the truth behind the school, Pandora and her friends reason for being there and most importantly where did Pandora's powers come from is revealed.

I savored the story not wanting it to end yet wanting answers for all the cliff hanging questions in the previous book and this book delivered, tying in all the loose end in ways i didn't expected with a nice little bow. While I still was not a fan of Pan's inner captain obvious thoughts, I'm now at a point to where I'm used to it so it didn't bother me as much as it did in the previous books. The pacing in this book was slightly slower pace but I preferred that as it gives me a breather to process what's going on. Also like the previous books the action and suspense were nothing but nerve wrecking and epic to the point I'm on the edge of my seat hoping they'll be okay (spoilers... not really).

The scientific element is wicked and easy to follow and I also like how they talk about the ethics and morals of science and health. Lastly the way the book concluded was fitting and perfectly done! Prior to the released of the book my over thinking theory brain could not think of a 'happy' and satisfying way for this series to conclude but gosh did the author did a great job of summing up the series!

The character and relationship building in this book was probably the best in the series where we not only explore more of Pan and Jen's friendship that was established in the previous book but we also get to know more of the other characters aka their group mates like Wei Lin, Sanjit, Sam and Karl where in the short time we manage to get more of their backstory and their strengths, weaknesses and secrets which will all be important for the later part of the book. Mostly I enjoy how this diverse cast of characters interact with each other as they work together to try and crack down the secret behind the school.

Pan's relationship with Nate was surprisingly bittersweet and though Nate was such a hit/miss character for me through the series, his fate was the saddest part of this book. I seriously was rooting for Pan and Nate to be together especially with how he redeems himself ( comparing him to Theresa in Maze Runner AT LEASE HE TRIES TO REDEEM HIMSELF which got me to emphasis for his character) and the surprise of his relationship with a certain school faculty member.

Lastly the truth behind Pan's powers was kinda confusing but surprising. I had to re read that whole scene a couple of times but I like what they did with her finding out the truth and also answers some questions I had of another character in the previous book. Also from what I gather, Pan 'unlocks' a new level or ability with her power in each book which is really cool as we get to see her developed and adapt to her 'gift'.

Overall the Pandora Jones series is seriously one of the best and unique apocalypse/sci-fi theme YA I've came across as well as one of the more underrated Aussie YA out there. I highly recommend this series for its diverse cast of characters, epic and fast pace action and plot twisting story line.

Book Review: Every Move (Every #3) by Ellie Marney

Goodreads Description: 

The sequel to Every Breath and Every Word.

After the dramatic events of London, a road trip back to her old home in Five Mile sounds good (in theory) to Rachel Watts, with her brother Mike in the driving seat. 

But when Mike picks up his old buddy – the wildly unreliable Harris Derwent – things start to go south. Back in Melbourne, Rachel’s ‘partner in crime’, James Mycroft, clashes with Harris, and then a series of murders suggest that the mysterious Mr Wild – Mycroft’s own personal Moriarty – is hot on their tail. When tragedy strikes, Rachel and Mycroft realise they’ll have to recruit Harris and take matters into their own hands…

Title: Every Move (Every #3)
Author: Ellie Marney
Genre: Conteporary, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Romance
Format: paperback
Pages: 340 pages
Publisher:  Allen & Unwin
Source: purchased from Dymocks

WARNING: Mild Spoilers for Every Breath (Review Here) and Every Word (Review Here)

My heart is not the same after reading this book.. or series...

One heart attack after another, this book has my emotions flying all over the place! I need a moment as I lost count how many times I held my breath.

Its been about two months since the event of Every Move. Rachael and Mycroft both suffer the aftermath of being captured and tortured by Mr Wild's men. Long story short, they are both very mess up as Mycroft has not been eating and Rachael suffers PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) like being overly alert and jumpy with her surroundings and sleep deprived as she is afraid of the nightmares.

The plot drove me off the edge! I was in a crossroad between devouring the book as fast as possible and taking my time and enjoying this last installment! I love how it once again throw us instantly into the action, one WTF moment after the other! Its darker, more sinister and definitely more dangerous. I'm not kidding as A LOT OF THINGS KEEP HAPPENING! BOTH GOOD AND BAD! Also I enjoyed connecting the dots and was mind browned with how the clues all adds up! 

I sucked into the book from the prologue! Also I love how each Every book starts with a prologue and where Rachael compares life on the farm with what's currently going on with her life (also very random but I keep thinking of the show Dance Academy as each episode starts with the MC comparing her life in the country and where she is now.. yes I love that show... ALL THREE 
SEASONS!). 

The writing is one of my favorite things about this series! Its beautiful and witty yet a roller coaster or feels! Ellie Marney's writing rips your heart apart and slowly put them back together.

I love how we get see Rachael pick up from the events of 'Every Word' where she is not only trying to be stronger mentally but physically for the coming events. She's one of the most realistic characters I've read as we watch her fall and struggle and slowly raise and build back herself to be more confident and kick-ass than before. 

A way to sum up my though about Mycroft in this book is that some stuff he does I'm like 'stupid!! stupid!! why?! WHY?!' and then I'm like 'what?! that does not make sense! what the?! how?!' and then he explains all the mad scientist genius stuff in his head and I'm like :

James Mycroft you are both an IDIOT and a GENIUS. Its a good thing that he's tall, dark and sexy (especially when he goes on a tangent on science!). 

Also feels! lots of them! Mycroft finally has closure to his parents death and can properly grieves  which is something he has been holding back trough the whole series. I was brought to tears and feels when we got to know the truth about Mycroft's parents! Poor Guy! I want to give him a hug!

Watching both Rachael and Mycroft recover from their London ordeal was slow and steady as well as realistic. It humanizes them especially Rachael as we watch them both broken and slowly pick themselves back up. 

Also their relationship hits a bumpy road in this installment. They are trying to work out their relationship which has already been establish and grown from your 'just friends turn romance' in Every Breath to something more. I love their romance and its one of the best paced out romance in a series I've ever read. It took its time to build to a point where its believable and that you not only care for their characters but their ship! The best way to sum up their romance in this book is that its way past the 'sweet innocence' we saw in the first book but along the lines of passionate and deep. Grab your popcorn guys and get ready to swoon and giggle *hint *nudge *wink.

Like every book we not only see familiar characters but are introduced to new ones.

In this book we are introduced to Harris, Mike's best friend from Five Miles who comes back with them to the City as well as teaches Rachael self defense. I have a bit of a hit and a miss with him as he was messing with my ship but he manages to redeem himself in the end. 

As always I love the cast of side characters!

Rachael's brother Mike was awesome! Like I mentioned in the previous book reviews, I love the sibling elements and interaction which is one of the best that I've read.

I was happy to read more about Mai and Gus in this installment and how they help Rachael and Mycroft! If I could ask for another book about any characters I'll love a book about Mai and Gus as I adore them and won't mind reading a whole book of them!

I liked reading about Rachael and her Mum's relationship as after her spontaneous trip to London caused their relationship to be a bit rocky. Even so seeing how they resolve their relationship was a great side story of Rachael trying to win back her mum's trust. 

Like each installment, this book brings Rachael and Mycroft to a new location. Apart from Melbourne, we get to see Rachael's home town Five Miles. I like reading about the place and where Rachael grew up. Its bittersweet especially when Rachael talks about her now empty house and the memories.

Overall Every Move well wrapped up ending! This contemporary series with a crime, thriller and romance twist is one of the more unique and refreshing YA's not to mention have a special place in on my favorite shelve!

The Every series is an addictive, heart gripping, mind blowing and swoon worthy series that I devoured and seeing the series end is rather bitter sweet. I'm happy and satisfied with the ending of Rachael and Mycroft's adventure and hugged the book like I'm hugging an awesome friend when I was done with that last page with a huge smile on my face.

 

My current state after reading Every Move... I have no idea how to move on as I can't stop thinking about this book... yes I got a book hungover and just finished re reading this book!

Long story short READ THE EVERY SERIES!

 

Book Review: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead

 Goodreads Description:

The astonishing first book that kicked off the international bestselling series.

ONLY A TRUE BEST FRIEND CAN PROTECT YOU FROM YOUR IMMORTAL ENEMIES . . .

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princes – a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi: the fiercest vampires – the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.

After two years of freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, a school for vampire royalty and their guardians-to-be, hidden deep in the forests of Montana. But inside the iron gates, life is even more fraught with danger . . . and the Strigoi are always close by.

Rose and Lissa must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard down, lest the evil undead make Lissa one of them forever . . .   

Title: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1)
Author: Richelle Mead
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult, Fantasy
Format: Paperback

Pages: 332 pages
Publisher: Penguin Australia
Source: Purchased from Target

Guys... I finally did it... I finally read the Vampire Academy... 

AND IT WAS SO.FREAKING.GOOD!

I pick up VA which has been sitting in my TBR pile for almost a year and marathon the book during a road trip.

This is a intimidatingly huge series to commit to and was afraid it will not meet my expectations. 6 books in the main VA series and another 6 for the bloodlines spin-off!, yah 12 books is alot to take in.

Also I am not a fan of paranomal-ish stories and have NEVER read a vampire story (okay I attempt to read twilight in Form 4 around the peek of its hype but fell asleep about 10 pages into the book at Kinokunia... #EPICFAIL... sorry twilight fans.. I just can't and that failed attempt does not count) in my life so this is a first...

The book follows Rose and Lissa who are best friends and vampires in training on the run after escaping their boarding school has been captured and dragged back to the academy. There the both of them have to re-adjust to the life they left two years ago.

Rose catches up with her classes and training with Dmitri, her mysterious and moody yet irresistible trainer while keeping her and Lissa out of danger and the Strigoi. Lissa tries to fit back into the elite vampires.  

~PLOT/WRITING~

I was hooked into the VA world from page one! Thrown straight into the game, we are introduced to the race/types of Vampires:

1) Moroi - mortal vampires with a magical ability to manipulate elements like water, earth, fire and air (okay this is starting to sound like Avatar but its NOT, I promise), believe to use their magic for kindness or something positive.

2) Dhampirs - half vampire,half human who are trained as 'bodyguards' to protect the Moroi from the Strigoi. They have enhanced ability like reflexes, speed and strength. 

3) Strigoi - immortal vampire aka the one that will kill you and are EVIL.

I like the world building of this Vampire world. It was straight to the point and easy to follow without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Though plot was gripping and fast pace with the thick air of suspense and mystery it was still predictable as I had my conspiracy theories and predicted all the foreshadow from the start. There were some high school drama and cliché thrown into the mix but it was still an addictive read!

My only complain was the action sequence. Though it was fun to read (especially that ONE part Dimity is training Roes and literally knock her off her feet! HA! That sexual tension!), it was not engaging enough. Maybe I've been spoiled with James Dashner's 'Maze Runner Series' or Rachael Craw's 'Spark' well paced, gripping and nail biting action sequences that makes me have trust issues and shout 'WTF IS GOING ON' every 5 seconds that I found most of the action moments in the book very bland and predictable.

Also there is a sub issue on mental health. In my review for 'This Song Will Save Your Life' I mentioned that I am not a fan of books that goes into too much detail on the issue of self harming so it was hard for me to read that part as it was graphic.  

Other than that I like the writing and was captivated from the start of the book leaving me wanting more of this awesome world!

~CHARACTERS~

Rose is my favorite character from the start! I love reading from her point of view with her snarky and sassy narration. Rebellious, strong, feisty and independent with a hint of temper and recklessness, Rose is everything I like in kickass heroine! I kinda pictured her as the Ellen Page sarcastic girl next door type when reading her. Even with everything going on, I like that she still acts and thinks like a teenage girl on stuff like lip gloss and boys. A Dhampirs in training to protect her Moroi best friend, she's protective, loyal and caring to Lissa and its where her soft side shows. She's also determine and responsible to her duties as a Dhampri to look out for Lissa even if it means putting fun aside.

Lissa was a character I love the more I read about her! Sweet, classy, caring and a total opposite to Rose's personality, A Moroi royalty in training, destine to rule the vampire world someday. She has dark past which triggered her into depression. Though it sounds like she is both physically and mentally unstable, she's not! Lissa a strong character who know how to stand up for herself and what is right for both her and Rose.

  

It took a while for me to warm up to Dmitri as he was very bland and moody at the start but the more I read about him the more I like the badass, no nonsense trainer and mentor, finding myself swooning over him. Basically he is the Tall, Dark, Mysterious kickass mentor that EVERYONE in the VA fandom are raving and drooling over!

BTW not related to the book VA but is it me or does the actor for Movie Dmitri look A LOT older than pictured in the book... anyone?!?! 

Christian was another guy where the more I read about him the more I swoon over him! Dark, emo, lonely outcast, didn't like him at first (okay I actually liked a bit of his 'emo-ness' but that's it) as I thought he was a bit weird but the more I read about him the more I feel bad for misjudging him. He is an intriguing character that I'm looking forward to reading more about in the future books.

The side characters were where I have my suspicions especially on Natalie being overly friendly and Mia whom I HATE with a passion!  I did like Mason and am looking forward to reading more of him.

~ROMANCE/FRIENDSHIP~

I love the friendship between Rose and Lissa! I see now why everyone says its one of the best friendship in YA as it is!

They share close and unique bond and are almost like sisters, looking out and standing up for each other. I kinda find it funny reading about Rose being overly protective at Lissa at times as it sometimes look like an overly possessive boyfriend  but still she meant well.

Rose and Dmitri's romance was well paced out and though I'll usually cringe at the 'student/teacher' romance, it somehow works here! As mentioned above that THAT one training moment was where I saw the sparks fly between them! Only complained... NOT ENOUGH OF THEIR ROMANCE though that might be because I have like 5+++ books to look forward to... better start planning my next trip to the bookstore...

As for Lissa and Christian's relationship was sweet to read and the the more I read about them the more I love them as couple.

~ENDING/OVERALL~

As mentioned it was very predictable but it was also well wrapped up. I like how it ended as it left me wanting more of this VA world and characters!

Overall this was a great solid start to the series! Those of you who were intimidated with the book whether its the super long series or its a 'Vampire romance', I say give the first book a shot and if you like it commit to the series as they say it gets better as it progresses! 

I am definitely continuing the series and picking up the next book which I've been hunting around bookshops in Kuala Lumpur for and not ONE bookstore has FROSTBITE! Yah I probably should have gotten the box set... or get it when I get back to Melbourne.. 

Also shout out to Penguin Teen Australia where at  PTA LIVE they sold the book as 'Vampire that does not sparkle' which was one of the main push that got me to reading this!!!

Still not convinced on starting this series even after my tangent of how the first book is great? Check out their blog The Vampire Academy Series - 8 Reasons To Stop Avoiding It! as that too had me convinced on me picking up the first book!

Now to get my hands on FROSTBITE!!!

ALSO if you like the  'Best friends bounded to protect each other' concept of Vampire Academy but minus the vampires, check out Spark by Rachael Craw (Review Here)!!! 

Book Review: Model Misfit (Geek Girl #2) by Holly Smale

Goodreads Description:

“My name is Harriet Manners, and I am still a geek.”

Harriet knows that modelling won’t transform you. She knows that being as uniquely odd as a polar bear isn’t necessarily a bad thing (even in a rainforest). And that the average person eats a ton of food a year, though her pregnant stepmother is doing her best to beat this.

What Harriet doesn’t know is where she’s going to fit in once the new baby arrives.

With summer plans ruined, modelling in Japan seems the perfect chance to get as far away from home as possible. But nothing can prepare Harriet for the craziness of Tokyo, her competitive model flatmates and her errant grandmother’s ‘chaperoning’. Or seeing gorgeous Nick everywhere she goes.

Because, this time, Harriet knows what a broken heart feels like.

Can geek girl find her place on the other side of the world or is Harriet lost for good? 

Title: Model Misfit (Geek Girl #2)
Author: Holly Smale
Genre: Contemporary
Format: Paperback

Pages: 356 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Source: Purchased from Big W

SUGAR COOKIES!!! 

Harriet and her random facts are back and she is more of a geek than before!

This time she's off to Tokyo, Japan for her modelling job and as always not a bed of roses and Unicorns as someone is trying to sabotage the photo shoot and her career.

To top that Lion Boy dumped her.

It was fun following Harriet around Japan in her usual clumsy geeky ways as she model with an octopus, deals with her roommates and being away from home along with. She shows us that even though she has everything a girl can ask for life is still not perfect.

We see the return of our favourite characters from Geek Girl like her parents, Wilber, Yoka Ito along with Nat and Toby. I love how we get to more character development in this book as that was something that Geek Girl was lacking of.

We don't get to see alot of Harriet's parents Richard and Annabel as Annabel is heavily pregnant and Richard can't take Harriet to Tokyo as he is looking for a job and needs to be with Annabel for when the baby arrives but we do see them pop up trough out the book at the randomness times and it was some of the most entertaining parts of the book.

While we got to see Nat and Toby for a short amount of time i actually like them more in this book (yes even Toby the creepy stalker).

Nick aka Lion Boy I had such mix feeling bout him trough the book and was probably feeling what Harriet was feeling. In the end Lion Boy charmingness won me (and Harriet) over. Also its great to finally know more bout him as i felt like he was a 'prop' in Geek Girl (along with Nat).

Also in case you guys don't know he is Yoka Ito's nephew and I don't know why it never crossed my mind that he is half Japanese and its mentioned he's Australian so I had a hard time picturing Lion boy in Geek Girl. Jordan Rodrigues aka Christian Reed from Dance Academy as Nick anyone?!?!

I also love the detail and development on his relationship with Harriet!

Also Wilbur the 'Fairy godmother' was freaking awesome! Always there to save the day and get Harriet out of trouble! Seriously one of my favorite characters and his random sugar coated unicorn words makes me smile!

Some new characters introduced includes Harriet roommate Poppy and Riu. Poppy i had some doubts from the start but Rui I adore her! Rui, a Japanese model who is practicing her English in hoping to move to Australia. Its super fun, cute and a bit crazy watching her speaking English in the process mixing up her words and pronunciation. 

Then there's Bounty, Harriet's step-grandmother who takes her to Japan and looks out for her. Bounty is like a grandma version of Wilbur minus the random sugar coated unicorn words.  

Overall i love this book so freaking much! Especially the ending it really warms my heart and thank goodness I was home when reading that last page or else I'll probably burst into tears and get a bad case of home sickness. Also the romance makes me melt! The plot twist caught me off guard! I breezed trough this in a day literally hugged this book and squeal at the end of the heartwarming cuteness.

If you like Geek Girl you need to check out Modal Misfit as its so much better than the first book! 

Trust me you'll laugh with the book and naw with the cuteness! 

Also if you like Sheldon from Big Bang Theory, Harriet is basically a teenage model version of him!