The Bro Code by Elizabeth A. Seibert

For a while now it seems normal to have a book which relates itself to the teenager. Mainly, relating to school and sometimes the pitfalls of romantic interests. It's one of those genres that has fluctuated the market with the likes of Twilight all the way to Percy Jackson and back to others such as Eleanor and Park. It seems like a formula that works on so many levels, yet there is no indication that this trend will die anytime soon.

Seibert sets her characters out with the idea of there being a 'Bro Code' between a clique of guys known as 'Bros'. I know, very original right? This follows the many rules that the 'Bros' must abide by in order to stay within the clan, but also be a part of their way of life with their friends. However, one of the rules (which is also the one which seems to stick out the most, as well as being the main device to move the plot) is to not date another Bro's relative, especially if it is their sister. Well, we can see how this is going to pan out don't we?

This is where both Nick Maguire and Eliza O' Connor steps into the mix. Maguire, obviously a part of the 'Bro' pack has an unrequited love for his best friend's sister who has recently returned from Australia.

Typically, it is understood that these sort of tropes seem to make sure the reader want for these two people to win the day and still keep the relationships that mean so much to them. It just didn't feel very realistic. Firstly, Maguire just seemed a little off. I'm not sure whether it was his point of view or something that just didn't make him feel like he was actually a real being. I'm not sure whether this was researched enough. It's alright having a male character as the lead but I feel like he was presented in the wrong way in terms of what the plot wanted.

Eliza on the other hand, well, where should I start? Where is she? She seemed a little vacant for my liking. What makes Maguire like her so much? Because I know for one thing she had no personality. There was not much character development, except to say that she came back from Australia. It's only when things start heating up between herself and Maguire that we really see a bit more of her and how her character operates. Almost like she needs Maguire in order to spark her into life like some sort of robot.

What was up with this code each time there was a chapter? It really annoyed me. I know it was the signify certain points within a chapter, but it didn't make it any less annoying. I would have been happy without it to be honest. I felt like it was a little irrelevant. Just like some of the plotlines and the characters in it. There were missed opportunities to really make the story gripping, but instead it felt like Seibert decided to take the easy road. But at least it was entertaining for some right? Pfft.

Disappointing. Lacklustre. Hours of my life wasted. Just a solid no from me. One star.

Comments

Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau

Mary Jane, is a novel that I have been keeping an eye on for quite a while now. It has always been a part of my reading list and only until now have I had possession of a copy. I just wish it didn’t take me so long to read it. Because without a doubt, I think it is probably the best book I’ve read this year. Set in the 1970’s it follows a fourteen-year-old girl who becomes a summer Nanny to the Cone Family. Even though the Cone Family seem to be a respectable bunch on the outside, they are quite the opposite with their messy family dynamics. However messy they are, Mary Jane becomes an important and well-loved member of their family. Drastically different from the home that she was bought up as a single child with parents who care about appearances in their community. Over the summer, Mary Jane’s world begins to open up as she begins to realise what her future would entail and what she wants from it. There isn’t much that I can fault in this book. The characters are not perfect, c...

Love is for Losers by Wibke Brueggemann

SYNOPSIS As far as Phoebe is concerned, love is to be avoided at all costs. Why would you spend your life worrying about something that turns you into a complete moron? If her best friend Polly is anything to go by, the first sniff of a relationship makes you forget about your friends (like, hello?), get completely obsessed with sex (yawn) and bang on constantly about a person who definitely isn't as great as you think they are. So Phoebe isn't going to fall in love, ever. But then she meets Emma...

Sunburn by Darren Dash

This is the cover of the recently published book "Sunburn" by Darren Dash (yes, it actually does feature a character getting burnt), which was published earlier than expected on the 1st May. This truly seems like a momentous event. This author has probably influenced my reading patterns the most, since I first picked up a book just for leisure. He is truly an inspirational guy. The cover itself is very sinister. The mix of reds and oranges as well as the sun connotes that the sun plays an antagonising role in the story. Maybe even a factor to all of the characters downfall. The simplicity makes it very intriguing as well as making it feel very uncomforting. Simple but well executed. This demonic masterpiece does not fail to disappoint even the most biggest of horror fans. Set in a perfect setting, the characters are strong, that even the smallest mistake they make can be very vexing. It focuses on three characters: Dominic; Curran and Martini. Who despite...

Frostfire by Amanda Hocking

It is back to Amanda Hocking this week, with her new book that I have recently been talking about, when reviewing her other series, the Trylle Trilogy. Although, this book is now in a new series, but set in the same universe. It is called the Kanin Chronicles... I must admit, when actually owning the book, the cover is very enchanting and beautiful. How for instance, the main character and protagonist, Bryn Aven, is at the centre of attention, with her coat covered in red. Whereas in the background, it is very muted colours, with the whites and blacks, but also having a sort of wonderland type of presence. Red to me also makes me feel quite uncomfortable and moreover is a colour for danger. So, onto the criticisms then! First of all, I don't know why but I felt a little bit out of place with this new world. Maybe it is because I read the other series in the same universe, I may have gotten used to them far too much. So when there are old characters appearing and being ment...

Blog Tour: The Beast Hunters Dark Sovereign by Christer Lende

REVIEW So we are back in the world of the Beast Hunters for a sophomore instalment where we see Ara, Khendric and Topper back on another adventure. But this time with a difference. Instead of the world building from the previous book, we get to delve into a mystery with darkness starting to make pace in the background. We meet new characters, some good and some not so much. Not only do we have the overarching themes of beasts but also political intrigue and secretive plots. It is far more intricate than the previous instalment where the characters are making decisive and confident choices. Especially for our fave apprentice, Ara. If you want to get away from the current world affairs, this book will serve as an escape from reality. What these last two books do remind me of however, is a tv show. Why I say this is because it felt kind of episodic but they both have reinvented themselves with different themes. I found this to be quite good actually. This is because it feels l...