'Beautiful Malice' by Rebecca James

Wow.

I don't know what I was expecting but... wow.

I've never reviewed a book outside of high-school, but this isn't really a review. When I read something that... gets to me, I like to share it.

I began following Australian author Rebbecca James through her blog and twitter not long before 'Beautiful Malice' was launched and promptly picked myself up a copy to add to the forever growing 'to read' pile.

The book has been plugged widely as a Young Adult and although I haven't read a lot of YA before, my interest has increased dramatically by the enthusiasm of so many talented and quirky YA writers in the blogosphere, and I was excited to dive into this.

There is a fantastic balance of mystery, fear, young love, precarious friendships, grief, family, and self-discovery, all set throughout iconic Australian suburbs and cities. There is enough familiarity through setting and speech for an Aussie to feel at home, without any overwhelming 'australianism' references that would make internationals feel lost.

Current issues facing teens are raised as a quiet undercurrent. Nothing in-your-face or preachy, so the messages come across as more of an awareness. I don't even know if the awareness was intentional or just something I saw in it...

I spent chapters and chapters of the book in anticipation, knowing some kind of horror was on it's way but I had no idea when it would hit or how. The rest I spent with my hand over my mouth, wide-eyed at what would come next.

Rebecca James touches on sensitive and disturbing topics with honesty, and feeling. James weaves the story together in such a way that everything becomes clear in its own perfect time, without unnecessary vulgarity.

An intriguing and heartbreaking read, I loved every word! Congrats and thanks to Rebecca James!