Book Review: The German Midwife by Mandy Robotham

 

Title: The German Midwife

Author: Mandy Robotham

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Pages: 354

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Germany, 1944.

A prisoner in the camps, Anke Hoff is doing what she can to keep her pregnant campmates and their newborns alive.

But when Anke's work is noticed, she is chosen for a task more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Eva Braun is pregnant with the Fuhrer's child, and Anke is assigned as her midwife.

Before long, Anke is faced with an impossible choice. Does she serve the Reich she loathes and keep the baby alive? Or does she sacrifice an innocent child for the good of a broken world?

An unforgettable tale of courage, betrayal and survival in the hardest of circumstances, perfect for readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz and The Alice Network."

My Rating: 3/5

This book was a different way of writing about the war from a different perspective. I will say though that I found it does romanticize some horrible things about the war. There are some high stakes, there is heartbreak, it is gruesome and frightening. I think that I was most interested in hearing about the survival aspects of the story. How the main character manages to get through tragedy and continues to believe in helping all women regardless of religion, race, etc. That being said you do have to suspend your disbelief that our main character would be chosen to oversee such an important pregnancy. I think that the plot was fast-paced and I was continually interested. That is why this book gets a higher rating than you may assume based on the facts above.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Her Royal Highness by Rachel Hawkins

 Title: Her Royal Highness

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Series/Standalone: Royals Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 274

Publisher: G.P Putnam's Son Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"Millie Quint is devastated when she discovers her sort-of-best friend/sort-of-girlfriend has been kissing someone else. And because Millie cannot stand the thought of confronting her ex every day, she decides to apply for scholarships to boarding schools... the farther from Houston the better.

Millie can't believe her luck when she's accepted into one of the world's most exclusive schools, located in the rolling highlands of Scotland. Everything about Scotland is different: the country is misty and green; the school is gorgeous, and the students think Americans are cute.

The only problem: Millie's roommate Flora is a total princess.

She's also an actual princess. Of Scotland.

At first, the girls can barely stand each other-- Flora is both high-class and high-key-- but before Millie knows it, she has another sort-of-best-friend/sort-of-girlfriend. Even though Princess Flora could be a new chapter in her love life, Millie knows the chances of happily ever afters are slim... after all, real life isn't a fairy tale... or is it?"

My Rating: 2/5

So I read the first book in this series and I was so excited to learn more about Flora, and I feel like we did, but I just didn't like it. I was really hoping that this book would be from Flora's P.O.V but it wasn't, and that really took away from my overall enjoyment. I also just didn't care for the characters we saw throughout this novel. While there was a romance aspect, it wasn't what I wanted it to be, and I just didn't feel the spark between our two characters. I would read more from Rachel Hawkins and I would love to hear about other people's romances within the royal/aristocrat families. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman

 Title: The Bookish Life of Nina Hill

Author: Abbi Waxman

Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Romance, Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 351

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"The only child of a single mother, nina has her life just as she wants it: a job in a bookstore, a kick-butt trivia team, a world-class planner and a cat named Phil. If she sometimes suspects there might be more to life than reading, she just shrugs and picks up a new book.

When the father Nina never knew existed suddenly dies, leaving behind innumerable sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, Nina is horrified. They all live close by! They're all0 or mostly all- excited to meet her! She'll have to Speak. To. Strangers. It's a disaster! And as if that wasn't enough, Tom, her trivia nemesis has turned out to be cute, funny and deeply interested in getting to know her. Doesn't he realize what a terrible idea that is?

Nina considers her options:

1. Completely change he name and appearance (Too drastic, plus she likes her hair.)

2. Flee to a deserted island. (Hard pass, see: coffee).

3. Hide in a corner of her apartment and rock back and forth. (Already doing it.)

It's time for Nina to come out of her comfortable shell, but she isn't convinced real life could ever live up to fiction. It's going to take a brand-new family, a persistent suitor and the combined effects of ice cream and trivia to make her turn her own fresh page."

My Rating: 5/5

I finished this book a few days ago and it really hit me in the feelings. So I decided to take some time to really process whether the 5/5 feelings were based on elements or based on the fact that this was the precise book that I needed to end 2020 with. This is what I found. It's exactly what I needed to end 2020 with. The romance, the atmosphere, the characters and the plot were all intriguing. But mostly the growth in characters, the feeling of being seen with our main character having social anxiety that is nearly crippling. It's something that I can understand and felt her pain watching her go through. Overall this book is a cute book lovers dream and I would recommend it to anyone interested.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray

Title: Ten Thousand Skies Above You

Author: Claudia Gray

Series/Standalone: Firebird Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Pages: 448

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "The first time I travelled to another dimension, I intended to take a life."

"Ever since she used the Firebird, her parents' invention, to cross into alternate dimensions, Marguerite has caught the attention of enemies who will do anything to force her into helping them dominate the multiverse- even hurting the people she loves. She resists until her boyfriend, Paul, is attacked and his consciousness scattered across multiple dimensions.

Marguerite has no choice but to search for each splinter of Paul's soul. The hunt sends her racing through a war-torn San Francisco, the criminal underworld of New York City, and a glittering Paris where another Marguerite hides a shocking secret. Each world brings Marguerite one step closer to rescuing Paul. But with each trial she faces, she beings to question the destiny she thought they shared."

My Rating: 2.75/5

There is something about the middle book in the trilogy that never quit hits right for me. It is very rare that it will be my favourite in the series. And this, unfortunately, was no exception. I think that while this instalment was interesting it just didn't quite capture the higher stakes that were in the first one. I also found that the love interest in this instalment was almost more forced than heartwarming which I didn't anticipate after watching them fall in love in the first book. I think that the villains in this book though are the scariest aspects. The idea that people are willing to corrupt multiple dimensions for personal gain is a truly terrifying thought. The cliff hanger ending also interests me enough to continue with the series. I hope that I regain my overall enjoyment by the end of the trilogy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Title: Becoming

Author: Michelle Obama

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction, Adult

Pages: 426

Publisher: Crown

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook (own a hardcover)

"In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America- the first African American to serve in that role- she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her- from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it- in her own words, and on her own terms. Warm, wise and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations- and whose story inspires us to do the same."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I would like to start this review by saying that I am a Canadian Citizen and I have never lived in the United States, but by being neighbours with the United States I do know a bit about their politics. Not a ton, but a small amount. Probably more than most American's know about our political systems. That being said this book isn't only about politics. It's about finding who you are, striving through controversy, and using your voice for those who do not have one. I think that Michelle strikes a lot of hope into young people across the world. Seeing a woman who is able to bring about change with such poise isn't easy, but before reading this book she always appeared without flaw to someone like me. But knowing that she's just a human as well, is soothing in a way. Knowing that we are all capable of speaking up, and making change, but also knowing that everyone needs to be giving a fighting chance to seize opportunities that some are just handed (alumni at colleges, people living in the suburbs with the financial ability to move to better areas with better schools, etc.). This is just a quick summary of my thoughts. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Alex + Ada Vol. 3 by Jonathan Luna

 Title: Alex + Ada Vol. 3

Author: Jonathan Luna

Artist(s): Sarah Vaughn

Series/Standalone: Alex + Ada (Book #11-15)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Romance

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Library Copy)

"The last thing in the world Alex wanted was an X5, the latest in the realistic androids. But after Ada is dropped into his life, he discovers she is more than just a robot. Alex takes a huge risk to unlock Ada so she can think for herself and explore life as a sentient android. As Alex and Ada spend more time together, they become closer. But as restrictions tighten on artificial intelligence, Ada feels unsure about her place in the world, and Alex questions being with an android.

In this final Arc, Alex and Ada struggle against the growing hatred for sentient robots and their human allies. Can they survive what's around the corner?"

My Rating: 1/5

I really thought that this series would get more interesting as time went on but I just felt like there were too many things that the author was trying to do. Things weren't laid out well enough with enough weight to them to feel any of the consequences that took place in this final instalment. I really don't think that there was enough time spent on dramatic aspects of the story. They were glossed over just as quickly as causal conversation throughout the first 2 volumes. I wouldn't recommend this series unless you have read this description and are sure this is something you "have" to read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich

 Title: Two for the Dough

Author: Janet Evanovich

Series/Standalone: Stephanie Plum Series (Book #2)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Humour, Mystery

Pages: 326

Publisher: Penguin Books

Year Published: 1996

Format: Audiobook

"This one's double the fun!

Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is still learning the ropes at her cousin Vinnie's bail bond office, so when she sets out the trail of Kenny Mancuso- a suspiciously wealthy, working class Trenton boy who has just shot his best friend- the stakes are higher than ever. That Mancuso is distantly related to vice cop Joe Morelli- who is trying to beat Stephanie to the punch- only makes the hunt more thrilling.

Taking pointers from her bounty hunter pal, Ranger, and using her pistol-packing Grandma Mazur as a decoy, Stephanie is soon closing in on her mark. But Morelli and his libido are worthy foes. And a more sinister kind of enemy has made his first move... and his next move might be Stephanie's last."

My Rating: 2/5

I think that these books are fun filler books, but they are so outdated. There is mention of the two main characters have sexual actions together at 8 YEARS OLD. I thought it was a one-off in the first book but it was brought up repeatedly in this book and it made me uncomfortable. There were also more stereotypes being filled out in this book. And things were more focused on the relationships in the book instead of the crime. I do plan on reading the next one just to see if these trends continue, but if they do I'm not sure how much further in the series I will go.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Alex + Ada Vol. 2 by Jonathan Luna

 Title: Alex + Ada Vol. 2

Author: Jonathan Luna

Artist(s): Sarah Vaughn

Series/Standalone: Alex + Ada (Book #6- 10)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Library Copy)

"Tensions rise between humans and robots in this sci-fi/drama set in the near future. Alex took a huge risk to unlock Ada and it seems to have paid off- Ada can now think of herself and explore life as a sentient android. As Alex and Ada spend more time together, they become closer. But as restrictions tighten on androids, Ada feels unsure about her place in Alex's life and the world."

My Rating: 2.5/5

I think what's really getting me down in these graphic novels is the art style, it's just not one that I gravitate towards. The storyline is interesting to me, and in some ways reminds me of a lot of plot points in Detriot: Become Human, the video game. I will say that our main character is just very bland. Other than a mysterious woman from his past there isn't much that intrigues me about him. I do plan on finishing the trilogy in the near future just for the fun of it, but I don't know if I will pick anything from the author again unless I need a guilty pleasure read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Alex + Ada Vol. 1 by Jonathan Luna

 Title: Alex + Ada Vol. 1

Author: Jonathan Luna

Artist: Sarah Vaughn

Series/Standalone: Alex + Ada (Book 1-5)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2014

Format: Ebook (Library Copy)

"From Jonathan Luna (Girls, The Sword, Ultra, Spider-Woman: Origin) and Sarah Vaughan (Sparkshooter) comes Alex + Ada, a sci-fi drama set in the near future. The last thing in the world Alex wanted was an X5, the latest in realistic androids. But after Ada is dropped into his life, he discovers she is more than just a robot."

My Rating: 2/5

I often pick up things like this, with AI, robots and futuristic society because the possibilities make me curious. That being said, while the world is interesting, this first book doesn't really offer much. There are many characters and not a ton of expansive character development at this point. Just a fine read for the time being, but I do plan on continuing with the series as soon as possible for some guilty pleasure entertainment.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Dear Justyce by Nic Stone

 Title: Dear Justyce

Author: Nic Stone

Series/Standalone: Dear Martin (Book #2)

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Realistic Fiction

Pages: 288

Publisher: Crown

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"In the stunning and hard-hitting sequel to New York Times bestseller Dear Martin, incarcerated teen Quan writes letters to Justyce about his experiences in the American prison system.

Shortly after teenager Quan enters a not guilty plea fro the shooting death of a police officer, he is placed in a holding cell to await trial. Through a series of flashbacks and letters to Justyce, the protagonist of Dear Martin, Quan's story unravels.

From a troubled childhood and bad timing to a coerced confession and prejudice police work, Nic Stone's newest novel takes an unflinching look at the flawed practices and ideologies that discriminate against African American boys and minorities in the American justice system."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I'm starting this by saying that black authors do not write books to educate white people, nor should they. So if aspects of this book or other books from p.oc that deal with realistic fiction (ex. not fantasy or science fiction) or nonfiction books make you have questions, do your own research! This book follows a character from the first book, Quan. A teen who is charged with the murder of a police officer and his story. The things that he experiences throughout life and how he ends up where he is (both his own choices and those in place by society). The only reason this book didn't reach a five out of five stars for me is that I wanted just a bit more. I would also love a novel about Doc and his life, and Martel. I look forward to reading more from the author and would recommend this to anyone interested in the subject matter. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: A Wedding in December by Sarah Morgan

 Title:  A Wedding in December

Author: Sarah Morgan

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Romance, Christmas

Pages: 366

Publisher: HQN

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"In the snowy perfection of Aspen, the White family gathers for youngest daughter Rosie's whirlwind Christmas wedding. First to arrive are the bride's parents, Maggie and Nick. Their daughter's marriage is a milestone they are determined to celebrate wholeheartedly, but they are hiding a huge secret of their own: they are on the brink of divorce. After living apart for the last six months, the last thing they need is to be trapped together in an irresistibly romantic winter wonderland.

Rosie's older sister, Katie, is also dreading the wedding. Worried that impulsive, sweet-hearted Rosie is making a mistake, Katie is determined to save her sister from herself! If only the irritatingly good-looking best man, Jordan would stop interfering with her plans...

Bride-to-be Rosie loves her fiance but is having serious second thoughts. Except everyone has arrived- how can she tell them she's not sure? As the big day gets closer, and emotions run even higher, this is one White family Christmas none of them will ever forget."

My Rating: 4/5

This was supposed to be a book club book for December, but my hold at the library came early and I started it early to make sure that I wouldn't let my loan go to waste. Well, it was by far a quicker read than I anticipated. This story follows three women, Maggie, Katie and Rosie, a mother and two daughters who are at vastly different times in their lives. There is Maggie who is entering a stage in her relationship that she never anticipated and we follow as she pretends to still be content in her relationship. We follow Katie after a traumatic event and deciding where she wants to go next in her life, and Rosie as she explores her doubts and independence. I enjoyed Maggie and Katie the most, I found them the most relatable. I will say that this story is very much hallmark Christmas movie with a few more sex scenes. So if that is what you are looking for this time of year I would strongly recommend. The men in these stories are also pretty good, although their traits do blend together a little bit (all nice, respectful dudes). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Reverie by Ryan La Sala

 Title: Reverie

Author: Ryan La Sala

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 397

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Year Published: 2019

Format Audiobook

"Inception meets The Magicians in the most imaginative YA debut of the year!

All Kane Montgomery knows for certain is that the police found him half-dead in the river. He can't remember how he got there, what happened after, and why his life seems so different now. And it's not just Kane who's different, the world feels off, reality itself seems different.

As Kane pieces together clues, three almost-strangers claim to be his friends and the only people who can truly tell him what's going on. But as he and the others are dragged into unimaginable worlds that materialize out of nowhere- the gym warps into a subterranean temple, a historical home nearby blooms into a Victorian romance rife with scandal and sorcery- Kane realizes that nothing in his life is an accident. And when a sinister force threatens to alter reality for good, they will have to do everything they can to stop it before it unravels everything they know. 

This wildly imaginative debut explores what happens when the secret worlds that people hide within themselves come to light."

My Rating: 1/5

I just don't understand the enjoyment that some are finding from this story. Yes, there are LGBTQ characters, but the plot is all over the place, the characters are not well described/laid out. And I honestly just don't think that the villain just wasn't what I needed it to be. Villianizing someone in drag just didn't feel right for me. I didn't think that the idea behind the book was bad, it just needed either more time to develop relationships with the characters, and a build-up to the world, or it needed to have fewer characters. It was just trying to do too much for what it was.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

 Title: One for the Money

Author: Janet Evanovich

Series/Standalone: Stephanie Plum Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Mystery

Pages: 320

Publisher: Griffin

Year Published: 1994

Format: Audiobook

"You've lost your job as a department store lingerie buyer, your car's been repossessed, and most of your furniture and small appliances have been sold off to pay last month's rent. Now the rent is due again. And you live in New Jersey. What do you do?

If you're Stephanie Plum, you become a bounty hunter. But not just a nickel-and-dime bounty hunter; you go after the big money. That means a cop gone bad. And not just any cop. She goes after Joe Morelli, a disgraced former vice cop who is also the man who took Stephanie's virginity at age 16 and then wrote details on a bathroom wall. With pride and rent money on the line, Plum plunges headlong into her first case, one that pits her against ruthless adversaries- people who'd rather kill than lose. 

In Stephanie Plum, Evanovich has created a resourceful and humorous character who stands apart from the pack of gritty female detectives."

My Rating:  3.75/5

This book reminds me of something that someone my mom's age would have read in a book club when I was a kid. It's filled with humour, there is a hot ex-cop on the run, a woman trying to piece together her life and a mystery. What more could you want? I would say that I wish so many stereotypes weren't fulfilled, but due to the year it was published I am not surprised. I think that this book completes its main purpose, it was entertaining and fun, not too deep. I plan to continue reading this series when I need a lighthearted, fun read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Saga Vol. 8 by Brain K. Vaughan

 Title: Saga Vol. 8

Author: Brian K. Vaughan

Artist: Fiona Staples

Series/Standalone: Saga Series (Volume 8)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Pages: 146

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"After the traumatic events of the War for Phang, Hazel, her parents and their surviving companions embark on a life changing adventure at the westernmost edge of the universe."

My Rating: 5/5

Every time I pick up one of these graphic novels, I'm always entertained and enjoy the content. I will say that this one touched on a few things that some might not agree with (Pro-Choice), just as a warning. I have a feeling though that most people who have made it this far through the series are fairly liberal in their views. The ever changing setting in this series is so satisfying to read about, as you are never sure where the plot will go. I love our characters and I look forward to continuing on with the series. I know that I"m only one volume behind now and hope to pick it up as soon as libraries here reopen. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

 Title: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Author: Heather Morris

Series/Standalone: The Tattooist of Auschwitz Series

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult, Romance

Pages: 262

Publisher: Harper

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Lale tries not to look up."

"This beautiful, illuminating tale of hope and courage is based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov- an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity.

In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tatowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism- but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, Prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in the first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her. 

A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful recreation of Lale and Sokolov's experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.

My Rating: 5/5

I have a bit of trouble rating things that are based on true stories so let me explain this star rating a little bit. I think that this book is so unique for a book based during the Holocaust and especially in Auschwitz-Birkenau. I think that while you're reading you are interested in what's going around Lale, but you're also interested in the romance and survival. I felt that the horrors in this book were placed in an interesting way. You would be reading and feeling a certain way about the two main characters and then you'd be reminded once again of what they are struggling to survive through, or what they are witnessing every day. I am interested in reading about Cilka and her life in the companion to this book, as you're not sure until the end of this book how some things play out (and even then not fully). I would recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction or biographies (as it is based on a true story). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

 Title: Frankenstein

Author: Mary Shelley

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Classic, Fiction

Pages: 273

Publisher: Penguin

Year Published: 1818

Format: Audiobook

"Obsessed with creating life itself, Victor Frankenstein plunders graveyards for the material to fashion a new being, which he shocks into life with electricity. but his botched creature, rejected by Frankenstein and denied human companionship, sets out to destroy his maker and all that he holds dear. mary Shelley's chilling Gothic tale was conceived when she was only eighteen, living with her lover Percy Shelley near Byron's villa on Lake Geneva. It would become the world's most famous work of horror fiction, and remains a devastating exploration of the limits of human creativity.

bas on the third edition of 1831, this volume contains all the revisions Mary Shelley made her story, as well as her 1831 introduction and Percy Bysshe Shelley's preface to the first edition. This revised edition includes as appendices a select collation of the texts of 1818 and 1831 together with 'A Fragment' by Lord Byron and Dr. John Polidori's 'The Vampyre: A Tale'."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I listened to the audiobook for this and I feel like that might have been a disservice to myself. I just wasn't able to focus in on some of the aspects that I know are important to the story. I also feel that because I knew so much going in I wasn't surprised by the turns this story took (it's hard not to be spoiled about something that came out in 1818). That being said the atmosphere that is written in this story is what truly captured me. The idea of travelling the world and being followed adds to the horror elements. That being said, I plan to reread this with a physical copy and hope to find that I enjoy it more through that format.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

 Title: The Woman in Cabin 10

Author: Ruth Ware

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adult

Pages: 341
Publisher: Scout Press

Year Published: 2016

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

First Line: "In my dream, the girl was drifting far, far below the crashing waves and the cries of the gulls in the cold sunless depths of the North Sea."

"Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. The sky is clear, the waters calm, and the veneered, select guests jovial as the exclusive cruise ship, the Aurora, begins her voyage in the picturesque North Sea. At first, Lo's stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and the guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall, and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a dark and terrifying nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for and so, the ship sails on as if nothing has happened, despite Lo's desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong."

My Rating: 2/5

This book just isn't quite what I want from thrillers/mysteries. I need something a little more unpredictable. And while I didn't guess exactly what was going to happen I wasn't surprised when it did happen. I need a crazy twist, something out of left field that I didn't see coming, but that can line up to make itself believable at the final reveal. I also think that this book struggled with pacing the first half of the book went on for a while without major major plot points and then the middle had all the twists, while the end only held 1 or 2. I did think that the author's descriptions of the atmosphere through throughout the story were extremely strong and set the mood for what was going on around the main character. I am curious about her other works and plan to read something else by her in the future, although it will not be immediately. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Royals by Rachel Hawkins

 Title: Royals

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Series/Standalone: Royals Series

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult

Pages: 296

Publisher: G.P Putnam's Sons for Young Readers

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Meet Daisy Winters. She's an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part-time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her to join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond.

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince's roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown-- and the intriguing Miles- might be trying to make Daisy into a lady... but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself."

My Rating: 3/5

I would like to start this review by saying this book has been re-released with a totally different cover (far better) and title (Prince Charming). So as much as this looks like it was released in 2009, it did come out in 2018 and the cover is far better. Now for the story itself. I absolutely love the characters in this. They are so sweet and bubbly, exactly what I needed from characters in this style of the book. While they have issues and problems, nothing is too deep (there are issues but no one is about to die). The atmosphere was a little lacklustre. While things are described, the way that time passes throughout the story is faster then I imagine it passing. We basically catch up with our main character during interesting aspects there isn't any idle time really. I loved how light and fun this story was, and the cute romances throughout. I plan on continuing the series asap (have the next one on hold at my local library). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore

 Title: The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women

Author: Kate Moore

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Adult, History

Pages: 479

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"The incredible true story of the women who fought America's Undark danger.

The Curies newly discovered element of radium makes gleaming headlines across the nation as the fresh face of beauty, and wonder drug of the medical community. From body lotion to tonic water, the popular new element shines bright in the otherwise dark years of the First World War.

Meanwhile, hundreds of girls toil amidst the glowing dust of the radium-dial factories. The glittering chemical covers their bodies from head to toe; they light up the night like industrious fireflies. With such a coveted job, these 'shining girls' are the luckiest alive- until they begin to fall mysteriously ill.

But the factories that once offered golden opportunities are now ignoring all claims of the gruesome side effects, and the women's cries of corruption. And as the fatal poison of the radium takes hold, the brave shining girls find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of America's early 20th century, and in a groundbreaking battle for the workers' rights that will echo for centuries to come.

Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girls fully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the 'wonder' substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Their courage and tenacity led to life-changing regulations, research into nuclear bombing, and ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives..."

My Rating: 5/5

Other than hearing about this book a few years ago I had never heard about the Radium Girls and their lives. Considering I'm Canadian I just assumed that it was something that might be spoken more about in the American school system. So imagine my surprise when I realized that not many people know the cases of the Radium girls across America (not every state). This is such a well-written novel about the events, while still making you feel as though you knew the women. I think that this story was more about the girls themselves then the specific legal proceedings (this information is included) and based on the author's note I think that her goal was accomplished. The idea of making these women knowable, more than just what they gave to labour laws, and science. I would recommend this to anyone interested in all honesty. I would also recommend the audiobook, I loved the narrator. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: High Fantasies by Kurtis J. Wiebe

 Title: High Fantasies

Author(s): Kurtis J. Wiebe

Artist(s): Owen Gieni

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens Series (Volume 4)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback Copy (Borrowed)

"Th Queens are back! Palisade is still a rat-infested hell hole, and Violet, Hannah, Dee, Betty and the brand-new Queen Braga are the only hope of saving it! It's been a long time since they've done a good slaughter, so join them as they get back to the basics of killing monsters and drinking away the profits! This is a fresh, hilarious new take on the Rat Queens with new artist Owen Gieni!"

My Rating: 2.5/5

What in the hell was this? I'm seriously asking. We're going to drop some mad plot last volume and some crazy backstory and then we are just going to backpedal on it and act like none of it even happened?!?!?!? That is unacceptable. I don't know who this new Rat Queens volume is supposed to appeal to but it sure as hell isn't me thus far. In my opinion, the characters have had character changes that don't make any sense (acting like different people), and the humour just isn't what I wanted after reading the first 3 volumes and loving them. I hope that this switches back to the plotline we were on in the first 3, but I have a feeling it may not. And that is a tragedy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Demons by Kurtis J. Wiebe

 Title: Demons

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe

Artists: Tess Fowler (art), Tamra Bonvillain (colours), and Ed Brisson (lettering)

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 160

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Borrowed)

"Having survived the end of the world, the Queens follow Hannah back to where it all began: Mage University. A long perilous journey awaits the Rat Queens as they attempt to find out what happened to Hannah's father while battling their own demons."

My Rating: 5/5

This volume had a bit of a different art style that took a bit of getting used to for me. I find that when art styles change it throws me off a little and takes a while for me to get to the plot at hand. That being said, as with the last volumes I was sucked into the plot quickly. After learning more about the main characters pasts I'm beginning to understand how they came together as a party of rage tag, drinking, partying, and badass women. I look forward to seeing where the plot goes from here, as I've seen reviews that say we go in a totally different direction with no explanation of what becomes of our current plot points. I hope that it isn't too disjointed. Would recommend this series overall so far though.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: American Street by Ibi Zoboi

 Title: American Street

Author: Ibi Zoboi

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Fiction

Pages: 336

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"The rock in the water does not know the pain of the rock in the sun.

On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie- a good life.

But after they leave Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fabiola's mother is detained by U.S immigration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, Chantal, Donna, and Princess; the grittiness of Detriot's west side; a new school; and a surprising romance all on her own.

Just as she finds her footing in this stranger new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost. Trapped at the crossroads of an impossible choice, will she pay the price for the American dream?"

My Rating: 5/5

This is not what I anticipated it to be and I'm so glad that I read it. I think that this is a book that will surprise many young readers. The plot follows our main character Fabiola, her struggle with adapting to American culture, the understanding of the dynamic the family she has always known but is just entering and the cons of living somewhere she believed to be a perfect life. The characters in this story were dynamic, interesting and relatable. I think that there is a character for everyone to relate to. I will say that there are domestic abuse, substance abuse and violence in this story as just a few triggers that go on with different side characters and people you see in the surroundings. I will also say that the use of cultural beliefs was extremely interesting and intriguing, it kept me reading. The idea that the grass is greener on the other side is something that really plays out throughout this novel. I look forward to reading more work from the author and seeing where else her beautiful writing takes me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Far-Reaching Tantacles of N'Rygoth by Kurits J. Wiebe

 Title: The Far-Reaching Tentacles of N'Rygoth

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe

Artist: Roc Upchurch and Stjepan Sejic (I don't know how to find accents on blogger ok?)

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens Volume #2

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Borrowed)

"This booze-soaked second volume of RAT QUEENS reveals a growing menace within the very walls of Palisade. And while Dee may have run from her past, the bloated, blood-feasting sky god N'rygoth never lets his children stray too far."

My Rating: 5/5

I really enjoyed this instalment in the series. I love a great second volume of graphic novels, on most occasions, I find that's when you are invited more into the plot points and learn more about your main characters. This was no exceptions. I loved hearing more about the character's past, while still intrigued by an RPG style adventure. The art is absolutely beautiful as well! Overall very enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next volume.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

Author: JK Rowling

Series/Standalone: Harry Potter Series (Book #7)

Genre: Classic, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 607

Publisher: Bloomsbury UK

Year Published: 2007

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

First Line: "The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow, moonlit lane."

"Harry Potter faces a seemingly impossible task. He will not return to Hogwarts for his seventh year; instead, he will finish the quest started by Albus Dumbledor. He must hunt down and story Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Only then will he be able to rid the world of the Dark Lord's shadow once and for all.

This final battle is Harry's destiny, and destiny demands that he rise to meet his true fate without fear.

My Rating: 4.5/5

I do not agree with JK Rowling's views or support her views! We all know she is the devil in disguise. I will say that Harry Potter and the HP world is very important to me. It's gotten me through multiple dark times in my life. And completing a long reread, I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this final book even though it took about 2 months to complete. I think that the series wraps so well after the final battle and while it's heartbreaking it also inspiring in some ways. To see how the characters have grown, how they've changed and adapted to the war around them is such an amazing story. I know that I will always love Harry Potter, and I have no plans on giving away by book set, but I will not be buying anything that will profit She Who Must Not Be Named. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny