Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series/Standalone: The Hunger Games Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction

Pages: 391

Publisher: Scholastic

Year Published: 2009

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safely and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I forgot many parts of this book, which made this reread even more fun. Seeing how this crosses over with both Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and Sunrise on the Reaping. The ideas in dystopian literature are often so disturbing, but also have an undercurrent of potential in an uncomfortable way. I'm looking forward to rereading Mockingjay and seeing how the two prequels overlay. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Title: Ruby Red

Author: Kerstin Gier

Series/Standalone: Edelstein Trilogie (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Pages: 322

Publisher: Square Fish

Year Published: 2009

Format: Audiobook 

"Although I had never seen him before, I recognized him immediately. I'd have known his voice anywhere. This was the guy I'd seen on my last journey back in time.

Or more precisely, the one who'd kissed my doppelganger while I was hiding behind the curtain in disbelief.

Sixteen-year-old Gwen lives with her extended- and rather eccentric- family in exclusive London neighborhood. in spite of her ancestors' peculiar history, she's had a relatively normal life so far. The time-traveling gene that runs like a secret thread through the female half of the family is supposed to have skipped over Gwen, so she hasn't been introduced to 'the mysteries' and can spend her time hanging out with her best friend, Lesly. It comes as an unwelcome surprise when she starts taking sudden, uncontrolled leaps into the past. 

She's totally unprepared for time travel, not to mention all that comes with it: fancy clothes, archaic manners, a mysterious secret society, and Gideon, her time-traveling counterpart. He's obnoxious, a know-it-all, and possibly the best-looking guy she's seen in any century..."

DNF @ 80%

My Rating: 1/5

This was something that had been on my TBR for so long that I thought I should get to it to see if it was a series that I want to continue with or if it just wasn't for me. It wasn't what I wanted it to be. I felt like things were supposed to be happening but nothing was happening and we were already almost at the end of the book and nothing was happening. I felt like it was a lead-up to nothing. Super boring. Wouldn't recommend reading now when YA has expanded so much.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Siren by Kiera Cass

Title: The Siren

Author: Kiera Cass

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 327

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2009

Format: Audiobook (Own Hardcover Copy)

"Love is a risk worth taking.

Years ago, Kahlen was rescued from drowning by the Ocean. To repay her debt, and she has served as a Siren ever since, using her voice to lure countless strangers to their deaths. Though a single word from Kahlen can kill, she can't resist spending her days on land, watching ordinary people and longing for the day when she will be able to speak and laugh and live freely among them again.

Kahlen is resigned to finishing her sentence in solitude... until she meets Akinli. Handsome, caring and kind, Akinli is everything Kahlen ever dreamed of. And though she can't talk to him, they soon forge a connection neither of them can deny... and Kahlen doesn't want to. 

Falling in love with a human breaks all the Ocean's rules, and if the Ocean discovers Kahlen's feelings, she'll be forced to leave Akinli for good. But for the first time in a lifetime of following the rules, Kahlen is determined to follow her heart."

My Rating: 2/5

This was a fun audiobook to read and I like the concept of the ocean being personified. I think that this idea had such great potential but it definitely fell into the 2010 era of fantasy romance. I will say that I didn't realize how the characters' names were written because I listened to it on audio and I would strongly recommend that course of action. It was fun, it was quick, it was entertaining what more could you ask for for a casual audiobook?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan, Vol. 1

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 1

Author/Artist: Hajime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack on Titan (Vol. 1)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult

Pages: 193

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2009

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The Desperate Battle Begins!

For the past century, what's left of mankind has hidden in a giant, three-walled city, trapped in fear of the bizarre, giant humanoids known as the Titans. Little is known about where they came from or why they are bent on consuming humankind, but the sudden appearance of an enormous Titan is about to change everything..."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was interesting and I'm curious about the world. The series overall is well known and I look forward to continuing the series, learning more about the characters and finding out where the story will take us. I also hope to watch the anime after reading the series. I'm curious about which one people prefer overall.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Creatures

Authors: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Series/Standalone: Caster Chronicles (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Pages: 563

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company

Year Published: 2009

Format: Audiobook and Physical Copy

"Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever. 

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything."

My Rating: 2.75/5

Rating books is such an odd experience. For example, this story is so quintessentially 2010s paranormal romance that I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew that the romance would be questionable and that there would be a lot of yearning and angst. It's exactly what I wanted that being said, was it a magnificent book? Not for my current reading taste, was it fun? Absolutely. I think my main gripe about this book is our characters they don't have anything really interesting about them. There were also some points in here that would fly under the radar at the time of being published, but now fat-shaming a teenager, or having the story take place revolving around the Civil War without a black perspective would be questioned. Overall, I enjoyed it for what it was and will continue for a fun and light read. Not the best book I've read, but still enjoyable.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Shiver

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series/Standalone: The Wolves of Mercy Falls (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Pages: 392

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2009

Format: Audiobook

"For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf- her world- is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without.

Meanwhile, Sam has lived two livers: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her world. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human- or risk losing himself, and Grace forever."

My Rating: 4/5

This was exactly the nostalgic throwback to the 2010s I needed this past little while. It had all the tropes to my old reading style that really reminded me of why I love reading. As much as this is very stereotypical of the time period. I did really enjoy the writing and have had many other books by Maggie Stiefvater on my TBR, but was glad to start with this one as I've heard so much about it. The characters were typical of the time period, the atmosphere was well written and the plot was fun to follow. I look forward to continuing the series and reliving the fun paranormal romance that was so popular in my high school years.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

 Title: The Maze Runner

Author: James Dashner

Series/Standalone: The Maze Runner Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Pages: 384

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Year Published: 2009

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "He began his new life standing up, surrounded by cold darkness and stale, dusty air."

"If you ain't scared, you ain't human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers- boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless ever-changing maze. It's the only way out- and no one's ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run."

My Rating: 3/5

I thought upon entering this story we were going to be very lord of the flies style survival book. And it just wasn't that. It was more mysterious than that. I enjoyed the intrigue of getting back the memories of the boys who have memories missing, the idea of figuring out why they're in a maze, what's going to change and how they're going to get out. Those are the parts I loved. The characters themselves don't have huge personality traits just due to the fact that most of them only remember living in the maze these past 2 years. So there isn't anything to really know about them. I also thought the final plot twist was perfection. I am looking forward to continuing with the series and seeing where these characters go.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Max by James Patterson

Title: Max
Author: James Patterson
Series/Standalone: Maximum Ride (Book #5)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 309
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Year Published: 2009
Format: Audiobook

"James Patterson's bestselling Maximum Ride series is back, with Max and the gang as The Protectors. Someone-- or something-- is decimating ships and sea life off Hawaii's coast and Max and her flock find themselves sucked into the Navy's top-secret investigation of the catastrophe. Their objective: Rescue Max's activist mom from a wicked subterranean enemy. The hitch: They must dive deep into dark waters, where gruesome evil dwells... and for high-flying Maximum Ride, could there be anything more terrifying than being trapped in the great abyss? This soaring new adventure takes Maximum Ride and the Flock into terrifying new territory-- fans, hold your breath."

My Rating: 3/5

I took a break from this series for a few months and now being back it was enjoyable. It's not going in the direction that I hoped the story would go, but after the last book, it was at least a bit of an improvement. Easy to listen to and follow, I look forward to listening to the next book in the series and finishing it out.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfield

Title: Leviathan
Author; Scott Westerfield
Series/Standalone: Leviathan Series (Book #1)
Genre: Steampunk, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 440
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2009
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The Austrian horses glinted in the moonlight, their riders standing tall in the saddle, swords raised."

"Choose your weapon: Beastie and Clanker

Aleck is a prince without a throne. On the run from his own people, he has only a fighting machine and a small band of men.

Deryn is a girl disguised as a guy in the British Air Service. She must fight for her cause- and protect her secret- at all costs.

Aleck and Deryn are thrown together aboard the mighty airship Leviathan. Though fighting side by side, their words are far apart. British fabricated beasts versus German steam-powered war machines. They are enemies with everything to lose, yet somehow destined to be together."

My Rating: 4/5

I went into this book expecting to love it from the start, and at the beginning, it was a little too out there for me. I found the storyline a little difficult to grasp, as well as the science fiction concepts. That being said, as I read I grew more and more interested in the characters as well as the world. I find that the storyline grew on me as I began to understand the world and the difference between the Darwinists and the Clankers. Along with the awesome writing, the author added illustrations if you are like me and have trouble envisioning things that are a little out there. The story overall was very interesting and I look forward to continuing the series. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Leviathan by Scott Westerfield

This story was a huge surprise to me. When I first picked it up I thought that I wouldn't be able to get into the storyline, that it was a little too much to fast. But after taking some time away from it I found that I really enjoyed the different world and the characters. I think that this steampunk twist makes an interesting war story. I also wonder how these two allies that we've found in this story will continue to get along.

Characters:
Dylan/Deryn: I really enjoyed her point of view. Her love for flying led her to a dangerous path. I only wonder how long she'll be able to keep up the scheme that she's a boy. I don't think it will be too much longer. I also wonder about her feelings for Alek. That is not a priority and more than a little of an unnecessary romance. At least in my eyes.

Alek: Imagine being viewed as less than those around you and then all of a sudden being told that you are able to inherit after years of believing that you would not be able to. I also wonder how he'll keep that secret long enough for the emperor to die. 

Klopp: Seems kind enough and is able to keep Alek in line when he needs to. All except when it matters (good job sneaking out of the castle Alek).

Dr Barlow: Something about her gives me Ms Coulter vibes for sure. I also found that she is just rude to those around her. Maybe this is due to her relations with Darwin. I also wonder how she'll continue on this journey. 

Volger: I like his sass and ability to tell Alek what he thinks, even if sometimes its a little harsh. 




Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "But the eggs just sat there, not answering at all."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Title: The Last Olympian
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Book #5)
Genre: Young Adult, Mythology, Fantasy
Pages: 381
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2009
Format: Audiobook

"All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Krono's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows.

While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. An as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate."

My Rating: 4/5

I finally made it. I reread all these books before the end of 2017. I'm so freaking proud of myself. Not that they were even a struggle to get through. This series is amazing to read and the story-telling is fun and humorous while handling hard-hitting ideas. I loved the way the characters grew and learned throughout their own experiences. I also plan to continue reading The Heroes of Olympus series for the first time. Either through audiobook or physical reading, I'm sure I'll enjoy them just as much.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

I'm very proud of my reading this year. Not only did I read over the number of books I had planned to read, I read so many books that became new favourites. I also had the opportunity to reread some of my old favourites. For example, The Percy Jackson Series. The first time I read this series I was when I was 14 or 15 years old so little. Needless to say some of my opinions of changed. For example, I wasn't rooting for all the romances in this book this time around (possibly because I also remembered who ended up with who). There were still some aspects that surprised me even though this was a reread (ex. the spy).

Characters:
Percy: He has grown up so much as a character. To see him change from a preteen boy to a 16 year old in the course of 5 books was such an interesting reading experience. That being said, I'm looking forward to continuing in this world through different characters perspectives.

Annabeth: I love that she is tough and loyal, but also says it how it is. She's honest, maybe even to a fault. I can't wait to see if she makes a surprise appearance in any of the other series.

Rachel: I liked her, but not for Percy, which I knew didn't pan out in the end anyway. I was also fine with her becoming the oracle. That being said, I'm not sure how she's supposed to live a normal life if there is a chance she'll be spouting out prophecies.

Grover: Someone tell me he's in the next book because he's a crowd favourite. Let's be honest here, we all love Grover.

Nico: His powers are going to be so much stronger than ever imagined which makes me wonder about the newest great prophecy.

Tyson: I love this big guy. Peanut butter is a great war cry.

Luke: Would anyone else be interested in a Luke prequel story? Or is there one and I just don't know about it. Anyone know?

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: The Stonekeeper's Curse by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: The Stonekeeper's Curse
Author: Kazu Kibuishi
Series/Standalone:
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade
Pages: 224
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Year Published: 2009

"In this thrilling sequel to AMULET  #1: THE STONEKEEPER, Emily and her brother Navin head for Kanlis, a beautiful and mysterious city of waterfalls, where they hope to find the antidote for the poison that felled their mother. That cure lies in the eggs of a gaint serpent atop Demon's Head Mountain, but the kids' archenemy, Trellis, is headed for the peak, too. A battle taht will engulf all of Kanalis is looming. It's up to Em to triumph over evil while controlling the amulet's power... without losing herself."

My Rating: 5/5

I'm burning through these graphic novels and loving them. This one was a lot more action packed and filled with a ton of adventure. I hope to learn more about the land as well as the supporting characters throughout the series and am thrilled that I picked up the first 5 on my library visit today. They are a marvelous quick read and beautifully illustrated. The story reminds me of fantasy but as well as steam punk ideas (such as robotics and moving houses). I look forward to continuing this series as soon as possible (so tomorrow) and hopefully finishing all the books that are available in my library. Also looked into buying a boxset.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny