Upcoming Review: Material Girls

Teens rule the fashion world, sitting on the superior courts holding power over the trends.  Marla holds a position on one of these courts where she fights for her favorite designs and dismisses those she dislikes.

Once she was on top of the world.  Except now, her opinions which once made her famous have gotten her fired from the court. Instead she’s moved from the high court to the drafters who design all the clothes without any glory. They are the bottom feeders in the system.

A group of drafters befriend Marla; they start whispering in her ear about the unjust system and their hopes for changing it. Soon Marla thinks about helping her new friends create a makeover for the fashion world.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book set in the future. I loved the idea that teens control the fashion industry. Consumerism and fashion trends strike at the heart of this novel. 

This book reminded me of So Yesterday from Scott Westerfeld and the world of consumerism. I wonder if it will make readers think about their purchases and their wardrobe and the fashion world. 

I liked the side story of the pop star who thrived in this environment, but who starts to question everything. I really like how Ivy Wilde pushed the boundaries of fashion as a game.

Final Thoughts: With the obsession of fashion and trying to look perfect in society, this book might help teens start to question the relevance of being comfortable in your own skin versus being popular and hiding your true self.  

Cover Thoughts: I really like it.
Book out in early May
Reviewed Book for VOYA

Mysterious Saturday Review: Model Undercover New York

* Book 2 in the Model Undercover Series *

Axelle is asked to uncover the missing black diamond that was stolen after a photo shoot without letting anyone know it was stolen. Axelle has the perfect cover, after making a splash at fashion week in Paris, she's ready for fashion week in New York.

While trying to juggle her modeling cover, Axelle creates a timeline of the day to help her narrow down her suspects. The pool of suspects isn't large, but none of them appear to have a motive. Can Axelle recover the black diamond before the date of return or will the fashion world find out and one of it's stars be ruined?

My Thoughts: I really like this series. I love how fashion and modeling is just a cover for detective work. Axelle still isn't letting her success turn her head. 

 I like learning more about the fashion world, even though I know I would never want to be a model. It's neat to witness events behind the scenes and to learn about the various jobs. It's a small world, so it's nice seeing reoccurring characters again. 

 Ellie B and Sebastian return to help her uncover the identity of the thief. I love both of these characters - and how they compliment Axelle both in her uncover life and in solving mysteries. I love the easy friendship between Ellie and Axelle. The romance drama in this book between Axelle and Sebastian is sweet and amusing at times.

Looking forward to the next book in the series (which looks like it takes place in London)

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I like the background of the city
Source: My Library

Final Thoughts: A fun fashion mystery that makes New York come alive - think Nancy Drew with fashion sense.