Sci-fi

The YA sci-fi novels by Australian authors represent some of the best I've ever read. They present characters who are pushed to their very limits - at the end of the tether holding them to earth, as well as into the dark reaches of the universe beyond. 

Disruption Duology by Jessica Shirvington

In a future where technology has evolved to the point where big businesses drive how people live their lives, and 'M-Bands' are all the rage, Jessica Shirvington's high-octane duology doesn't miss a beat. Maggie the protagonist is the perfect combination of snarky and whip-smart, and her personal quest to find out what happened to her father and bring down the bad guys is full of edge-of-your-seat action. Read Disruption and as soon as you finish the last page you'll *need* to get right onto the next book Corruption - it's that good.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

ALL THE HYPE is probably one of the best ways to describe this book, and I'm sure it's going to feature on many lists for this week's prompt...but why shouldn't it? It is mind-blowingly amazing after all. Unconventional, heart-stopping and oh-so-addictive...if you haven't read this yet, finish reading this sentence and then get yourself a copy!

Genesis by Lara Morgan

There will always be a special place on my all-time favourites shelf for The Rosie Black Chronicles by Lara Morgan. The first book in the trilogy, Genesis, was published back in 2010, but even with all the shiny new releases in the genre since then ,it has stood the test of time as a memorable and truly gripping saga. From the very first page the thrill begins, and the momentum never wavers. 

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Top Ten Tuesday: All Time Favourite Authors

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish. This week I picked my top ten all-time favourite authors! (Oh how do I choose?)

1. Jackie French





Probably an obvious pick for me, but Jackie French's novels will always be close to my heart - plus, she's lovely in person too.

2. Jessica L. Brooks





I met Jessica through Goodreads a couple of years ago and she is honestly one of the absolute nicest authors I know! I love her magical-realism 'Flora' series and 'Cozenage' dystopian series which are both still going.

3. Rachael Craw






I am so glad to have come across Rachael Craw's book Spark last year! It's quickly become one of my favourites, and she as an author definitely has a spark of her own.

4. Ginger Scott

Ginger Scott is one of the best contemporary writer's I've read books from - she gets it so right, and all her stories are so realistic.

5. Kate Forsyth

I have LOVED both of Kate Forsyth's novels that I've read, and can't wait to see what she writes next.

6. Lara Morgan

The Rosie Black Chronicles was my first proper foray into the realm of YA, and it's still the most memorable YA sci-fi series I've read.

7. Megan Abbott

Megan Abbott's novels always have that thrilling allure, with an atmospheric writing style that can't help but draw you in to her fascinating plotlines. I really hope she has another release this year!

8. Rebecca James

Rebecca James has consistently impressed me with her psychological thriller's - they always have that 'unputdownable' quality. 

9. Jane Austen

Because the classics need to be appreciated too - and I honestly love Austen's subtle wit and satire in her novels. I really need to find the time to read more of her work!

10. Charlotte Bronte





I absolutely adore Jane Eyre, so Charlotte Bronte had to make this list!

What are some of your all-time favourite authors? Is it hard to trim it down to just ten?

Best Books of 2014: Australian Fiction

As the year comes to a close, it becomes clear that there have been so many amazing reads I've picked up in 2014. To celebrate some of my favourite books, in this feature I'll be sharing my best picks from various genres.To fit in with this year's theme, each book will have a description of 14 words. Today I'll be sharing some novels from Australian authors that I loved:

The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer

Josie Browning’s adventures are both hilarious and fun to read about in this series.

Walking On Trampolines by Frances Whiting

This shows how friendships can last a lifetime, leaving an impact on our lives.

Hate Is Such A Strong Word by Sarah Ayoub

A book with a character that challenges cultural stereotypes and stands up for herself.

Cooper Bartholomew is Dead by Rebecca James

A gripping psychological thriller where one death holds more than what meets the eye.

Masquerade by Kylie Fornasier

Kylie Fornasier has captured the mystery, intrigue and opulence of Venice in the 1750's. 

Razorhurst by Justine Larbalestier

This doesn't shy away from the mob warfare and criminal undercurrents of the time.

The Accident by Kate Hendrick

Unique insight into a tragedy and how it has an impact on everyone involved.

The Road to Gundagai by Jackie French

As I've said before, Jackie French never ceases to impress with everything she writes.

Disruption by Jessica Shirvington

The shiny cover is only a glimpse at the amazing story the pages hold.

As Stars Fall by Christie Nieman

YA fiction with a strong environmental focus, bird symbolism and three very different characters.

What are some of your favourite Aussie books you've read in 2014?

Review: Corruption by Jessica Shirvington

You can read my review of Disruption, the first book in the series here

Corruption by Jessica Shirvington
Released: 1st November 2014
Series: Disruption #2
Published by: HarperCollins
Genre: YA Futuristic
Source: BTCYA
Pages: 437
My Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Goodreads | Bookworld | Dymocks

How do you live with yourself when you’ve deceived the one you love? How do you move on when the person you’ve been fighting to save betrays you? Two years ago, Maggie Stevens began the hunt. Four weeks ago, Maggie’s world fell apart, when she finally found what she’d been looking for. And when Quentin, who had blindly trusted her, unravelled her web of lies.

 Now, Maggie lives in the dark. But she’s not about to stay there. Not when she still has to bring M-Corp down. Not when there is still a chance she could win him back. In the exhilarating conclusion to Disruption, Maggie must do whatever it takes to show the world the truth. And the price for her quest? Everything.

Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers Australia for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

I just....I don't even know what to say because this book was just SO GOOD.

Yes, I think that's how I feel right now.

I'm going to tell you a story about a girl who lost her dad and had her world fall apart. And then I am going to tell you the story about the woman she became. 

Corruption is an intense read and exhilarating conclusion to the duology, delivered with Jessica Shirvington's flair for creating stories that captivate readers from the first page to the very last. The last books that end a series are always going to be epic reads, and I found myself completely immersed in the novel as new secrets were revealed about M-Corp, revolutionary movements began to emerge, and Maggie once again shone as a character who was totally badass yet still had her moral compass as well.

Illuminated by the deceptively friendly city lights, it was different to the darkness that had overwhelmed me all those weeks underground. The world, for all our failures, still held wonder and beauty. Even in the dark.

If Disruption convinced me of Jessica Shirvington's stunning talent as a writer, then Corruption completely affirmed it. This book has everything a reader could want - action, intrigue, witty banter and a kick-ass female protagonist who is willing to call the shots. 

I absolutely loved Maggie's character and how she further developed throughout the course of the novel. It begins just where the first book left off, and from that very moment it is evident that Maggie is a fighter. She's determined, confident and courageous, willing to make the biggest sacrifices to save those she cares about, including Gus, Quentin and her mum and brother Sam. 

There will be no turning to someone else. No exploring other ratings or opportunities. For me, it's simple. It's either us together. Or me alone.

When it comes to Quentin and Maggie...

In the midst of a world where Pheratech and ratings come to dominate life through the M-bands, their relationship is genuine - and they are a 'true match'. Despite the many ups-and-downs of their bond and challenges along the way I loved seeing how they developed as a couple. The romance by no means completely dominates this book though, as it leaves plenty of room for the other elements to shine through. The other characters in the book were given equally enough investment, and I especially appreciated the witty banter between Gus and Maggie, since it gave some lightness and humour to what is otherwise a very emotional read at times. The twists and turns kept coming, loyalties were tested and at the end of the day I am satisfied with how it all ended, even though it was bittersweet.

FINAL THOUGHTS

WOW. Corruption left me glued to the page and I enjoyed every minute of reading it. It took me through a myriad of emotions and if you haven't read this series yet I'd strongly recommend it!