Review: Shame: Conception Pt. 1

Title: Shame: Conception: Part 1

Author: Lovern Kindzierski

Artist(s): John Bolton

Series/Standalone: Shame Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult Fiction, Horror

Pages: 60

Publisher: Renegade Arts Entertainment

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When the purest woman on earth allows herself one selfish thought it is enough to conceive the most evil woman the world has ever known.

From the imaginations of award winning creators: Lovern Kindzierski, John Bolton and Todd Klein, is born the dark faery tale trilogy of shame."

My Rating: 1/5

I don't think I realized what this graphic novel was going to be, and after reading it, I'm still not sure I can describe it. The feeling of, "What the hell did I just win?" is still rattling around in my skull. I didn't find it to be in my wheelhouse and for that reason, I won't be continuing on with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Title: The Song of Achilles

Author: Madeline Miller

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Retelling, Romance

Pages: 408

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "My father was a king and the son of kings."

"Achilles, 'the best of all the Greeks,' son of the cruel sea goddess Thetis and the legendary king Peleus, is strong, swift and beautiful, irresistible to all who meet him. Patroclus is an awkward young prince, exiled from his homeland after an act of shocking violence. Brought together by chance, they forge an inseparable bond, despite risking the gods' wrath.

They are trained by the centaur Chiron in the art of war and medicine, but when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, all the heroes of Greece are called upon to lay siege to Troy in her name. Seduced by the promise of a glorious destiny. Achilles joins their cause, and torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus follows. Little do they know that the cruel Fates will test them both as never before and demand a terrible sacrifice."

My Rating: 4.25/5

I know, you see a rating like this and you think, "What does that even mean?" Let me explain. When I give a book 4.5/5 to me that means it just didn't quite feel like a 5, but it was so close. When I give a book this rating it means usually that it got so hyped to me that it was bound to have a bit of a letdown. I loved the writing, I loved the setting and the way the author retold the story, but I found portions of the story didn't capture my attention. I did start with the audiobook and I loved it (just didn't finish it before my loan was up). I would recommend obviously if you're a huge mythology fan, or if you are interested at all, but keep in mind that the hype can get to you.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan Vol. 5

 

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 5

Author/Artist(s): Haijime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack on Titan (Volume 5)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 192

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"CAN YOU GO HOME AGAIN?

Thanks to Eren, humanity has taken the town of Trost back from the Titans. Exhausted, Eren falls into a coma for three days- and wakes in shackles, staring at Erwin Smith, leader of the Survey Corps. Certain that Eren's father's research holds the key to the mystery of the Titan's rise, Smith wants an expedition to retrieve it from the house where Eren grew up. But that's deep in Titan territory and to get there Eren will need to master a power he still doesn't fully understand."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This one once again seemed to slow down the plot and the storyline. I feel like maybe this manga was put out for so long that I'm going to start to feel a drag with it. I'm considering taking a break if the next few volumes do not pick up the pace. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Attack on Titan Vol. 4

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 4

Author: Haijime Isayama

Artist(s): Haijime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack on Titan Series (Volume 4)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 192

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"HUMANITY PUSHES BACK!

The Survey Corps develop a risky gambit- have Eren in Titan form attempt to repair Wall Rose, reclaiming human territory from the monsters for the first time in a century. But Titan-Eren's self-control is far from perfect, and when he goes on a rampage, not even Armin can stop him! With the survival of humanity on his massive shoulders, will Eren be able to return to his sense, or will he lose himself forever?"

My Rating: 4/5

This might have been one of my favourites so far from this series. I really enjoyed hearing more about the backstories but also seeing the action and training the soldiers had to go through I appreciate it. It was excellent, just felt a bit disjointed between the time jumps at first.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Chaos

Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Series/Standalone: Caster Chronicles (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Pages: 516

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company

Year Published: 2011

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

First Line: "In Gatlin, it's funny how the good things are all tied up with the bad."

"Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected- and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What- or who- will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena- and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself- forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was fine. I felt like there was still some fun 2010s angsty paranormal young adult book moments. It was interesting to see how the characters had changed, or not changed from the first book and watch where the authors were taking this series. I was surprised that they chose to end it on such a cliffhanger, and I will be continuing the series as soon as possible to finish this binge read. Overall, fun but nothing groundbreaking or mind-blowing.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Title: Across the Universe

Author: Beth Revis

Series/Standalone: Across the Universe Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Pages: 398

Publisher: Razorbill

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Daddy said, 'Let Mom go first.'"

"Book #1 in the New York Times bestselling trilogy, perfect for fans of Battlestar Gallactica and Prometheus!

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SURVIVE ABOARD A SPACESHIP FUELED BY LIES?

Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the spaceship Godspeed. She has left her boyfriend, friends-- and planet-- behind to join her parents as a member of Project Ark Ship. Amy and her parents believe they will wake on a new planet, Centauri-Earth, three hundred years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, cryo chamber 42 is mysteriously unplugged, and Amy is violently woken from her frozen slumber.

Someone tried to murder her.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense. Godspeed's 2,312 passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader. And Elder, Eldest's rebellious teenage heir, is both fascinated with Amy and eager to discover whether he has what it takes to lead. Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she put her faith in a boy who has never seen life outside the ship's cold metal walls? All Amy knows is that she and Elder must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again."

My Rating: 4/5

This book was a weird one for me. It's been a while since I read something so distinctly science fiction, and I really enjoy it. I thought that the atmosphere was great and that the way the story was told was interesting. My only real complaint about the book was the relationship between our main characters. This book does the thing that a lot of YA books published in this time did, there had to be a romantic interest, and I've outgrown that trope. I'm fine without it unless it really adds something to the plot. And this one didn't. That being said there are twists, turns, and reveals that threw me for a loop while reading this book, and I can't wait to see where the series goes.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Title: Ready Player One

Author: Ernest Cline

Series/Standalone: Ready Player One Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Pages: 374

Publisher: Crown Publishers

Year Published: 2011

Format: Audiobook

"IN THE YEAR 2044, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within the world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them.

But when Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win- and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape."

My Rating: 1.5/5

I'm trying to be more honest with my ratings, even though sometimes I feel that giving books a low rating is a bit harsh. That being said, this book just wasn't for me. I had seen a lot of booktubers read it when the movie came out but not many spoke about it after, and curiosity got the better of me. I attempted to read this knowing nothing, and I think that you need to know a few basic premises going in. This book revolves around 80s pop culture. If that's not an interest to you, or you don't like pop culture references, take a stroll. This book is also a product of its time. 10 years after being published I can confidently say that books that speaks with derogatory terms about transgendered people would not be published, or at least I doubt they would be as ridiculously popular as this book is (one can hope). And lastly, it just wasn't for me.

I don't plan on continuing with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Forever

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series/Standalone: The Wolves of Mercy Falls (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 390

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2011

Format: Audiobook

"then.

When Sam met Grace, he was a wolf and she was a girl. Eventually, he found a way to become a boy, and their love moved from the curious distance to the intense closeness of shared lives.

now.

That should have been the end of their story. But Grace was not meant to stay human. Now she is the wolf. And the wolves of Mercy Falls are about to be killed in one final, spectacular hunt.

forever.

Sam would do anything for Grace. But can one boy and one love really change a hostile, predatory world? The past, the present, and the future are about to collide in one pure moment-- a moment of death or life, farewell or forever."

My Rating: 2.75/5

This book was so different from the first two in the series in the way it followed many main characters. It was interesting to see things from their perspectives and better understand their feelings towards the crises in this book, but there were moments where things seemed to be too easy to fix. I did enjoy listening to it on audio and it was a fun throwback to early 2010s paranormal romance. I do plan to finish the series by reading Sinner on audio as well. What guilty pleasure fun reads to listen to. Would recommend if you are looking for a throwback.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Death Cure by James Dashner

Title: The Death Cure

Author: James Dashner

Series/Standalone: The Maze Runner Series (Book #3)

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Young Adult

Pages: 325

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2011

Format: Audiobook

"It's the end of the line.

WICKED has taken everything from Thomas: his life, his memories, and now his only friends- the Gladers. But it's finally over. The trials are complete, after one final test.

Will anyone survive?

What WICKED doesn't know is that Thomas remembers far more than they think. And it's enough to prove that he can't believe a word of what they say.

The truth will be terrifying.

Thomas beat the Maze. He survived the Scorch. He'll risk anything to save his friends. But the truth might be what ends it all.

The time for lies is over."

My Rating: 4/5

I know that a lot of people didn't like this third book in the series as it drew a conclusion for a lot of people's reading experience. I enjoyed it. I think that the author did a wonderful job of continuing our intrigue into what was going on. The fact that we never truly know who to trust is a trope  I really enjoy used in plots with dystopian novels. I love not being able to see where we are going and having our main characters be paranoid to a certain extent as well. I plan to continue on with the series although I expect there will be a change in pace due to how this book ended.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wither by Lauren DeStafano

Title: Wither
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Series/Standalone: The Chemical Garden Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 358
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2011
Format: Hardcover (Own It)
First Line: "I wait."

"By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Genetics are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.

When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can't bring herself to hate him as much as she'd like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband's strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape-- before her time runs out?

Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts toe scape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?"

My Rating: 4/5

This story is so fascinating. I love the idea of the world (and by love I mean I'm terrified, but it's creative). The writing in this book was well paced and well written. The characters were easy to fall in love with and relate too (as much as one can in this scenario). I was super interested throughout and I can't wait to continue the series. The one reason I decided to dock a star off my rating is because I know where the romance in this series is going and I just don't really care for it. To be honest I don't want the main character to fall for anyone, I'd rather there just be a friendship. But it's fairly obvious where the romance is going and why. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Title: Between Shades of Gray
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Speak
Year Published: 2011
Format: Audiobook

"It's 1941 and fifteen-year-old artist Lina Vilkas is on Stalin's extermination list. Deported to a prison camp in Siberia, Lina fights for her life, fearless, risking everything to save her family. It's a long harrowing journey and it is only their incredible strength, love, and hope that pull Lina and her family through each day. But will love be enough to keep them alive?"

My Rating: 5/5

Books like this are hard to rate. Especially because it's based on so much horror and historical truth. I'm under the opinion that we must read about the past so we can stop the same tragedies from taking place in the future. It is horrifying to think that something like this could go unnoticed for 13 years. Or if it was noticed the amount of fear that was in the remaining citizens was so high that they felt they could not help for they were protecting their own. I appreciate the fact that the author often tells stories that people haven't heard of before. Or historical events that are not as well known. I will continue to read her works and learn more about our past as humans. Some may argue that she is brutal and violent in her writing and I agree with those statements. But I believe that this a positive aspect in a historical fiction author. We need the whole truth. It's important especially due to our changes in our government and laws today. It was also important to note that many atrocities take place today and we are so privileged to live in the world that we do. 

Thank you for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Title: Wolfsbane
Author: Andrea Cremer
Series/Standalone: Nightshade Series (Book #2)
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 390
Publisher: Philomel Books
Year Published: 2011
Format: Audiobook

"Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer- one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack- and the man- she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive."

My Rating: 3.75/5

These are audiobooks I would definitely recommend, I don't think that reading these books physically I would get the same feeling as I get when I listen to them. That being said there were moments in this book where I shook my head at how corny the voice acting was. It was fair due to the writing, but at times it was a little much for even me (the lover of corny audiobooks). This book is clearly a 2010s series just due to the content and the use of love triangles. That being said, I'm not mad about it. I overall enjoyed the world and most of the plot I just think that I'm cheering for the losing love interest in all of this and I wonder how the story will conclude in the next book. Would say this is a guilty pleasure read for sure.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Title: Juliet Immortal
Author: Stacey Jay
Series/Standalone: Juliet Immortal Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 322
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2011
Format: Audiobook

"'These violent delights have violent ends. And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume.'
-Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history...

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love."

My Rating: 2/5

Just an ok audiobook overall. Good if you're a big fan of Romeo and Juliet or perhaps if you're interested in a retelling. I also think it's good if you just want a quick fun read, I did find that most of it was unreal and super corny. I just don't think that romance books like this just aren't for me. I also disliked the ending, a lot. It's not my thing in a book like this and for these reasons, I will not be continuing the series. I am interested in more work from the author, but I'm not sure if it's something I will be looking into immediately.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Title: A Monster Calls
Author: Patrick Ness
Illustrator: Jim Kay
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction
Pages: 206
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Year Published: 2011
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)
First Line: "The monster showed up just after midnight."

"The monster showed up after midnight. As they do. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting. He's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming...

This monster, though, is something different. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

It wants the truth."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book took me totally off guard. I'm a fairly emotional person and it doesn't take much to make me cry. But this book broke parts of me. Seeing the storyline and the illustrations and the way emotions can just take us over broke me. This story is so important for everyone, to better understand grief is to better understand ourselves. I think it's important to realize that everyone's emotions break them apart sometimes and sometimes they make us do things that even we don't understand. I can't wait to read more works by the author.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Title: The Son of Neptune
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: The Heroes of Olympus (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 521
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2011
Format: Audiobook

"Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem- when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her 'gift' for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wishes she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him because the only thing he is good at is archery- although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely- enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the 'other' camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven."

My Rating: 4/5 

This is the second book in the highly acclaimed Heroes of Olympus series. I was interested to pick up this book, but due to how long it took me to complete it I found that I started to lose interest in the story line. I was excited to see characters that I'd heard about in the first book, and revisit favorite characters from the original series. I think that the pacing was good, I just don't know if I related to these characters very much. I am excited to continue on with the series as soon as possible through audiobooks.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Series/Standalone: Legend Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Dystopian
Pages: 305
Publisher: Speak
Year Published: 2011
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "My mother thinks I'm dead."

"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbours. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circle. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths- until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets."

My Rating: 3/5

I don't want this rating to get confused with my overall enjoyment of the book. Because I think that I enjoyed this first instalment for the first part. There were a few aspects that I had trouble getting over. This book is very similar to other dystopian's I have read and I found that the romance was too insta-love based for my taste. That being said, when I tried to ignore the romance, I found that my overall enjoyment of the action and story went up tremendously.
I found the world to be intriguing and I wondered about the other parts of the country and what they had become. It's clear that the Republic isn't into telling their citizens the truth, so what are the Colonies really like? 
I'm also curious about how the villains in this story will react to June and Day throughout the next story.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Legend by Marie Lu

This story was interesting to read and maybe because I had built it up in my mind for so long I expected a lot from this novel. That being said, I wasn't completely let down. I really enjoyed the setting and the idea of the United States being split into different "countries" who were at war with each other. I also thought the ideas of power and control were interesting to read about in this story. The things that irritated me in this book were the use of insta-love and the way it seemed to mimic every other dystopian I'd read. That being said, I plan to continue the series and see where our characters go and how the world changes with them on the loose together.

Characters:
June: I was happy to see a girl in such a strong military position, I just wish it wasn't for such a corrupt government. I think that she had a strong reason to continue to work for the Republic until she uncovered Metias's hidden journal entries. I also wonder how she will live life on the run after being used to the finer things in life. 

Day: I liked him. Especially the fact that he had also passed his Trial. After years of thinking that he had failed and was sent to die because of it, it makes you wonder why the government did what they did. I also wonder how he will deal with his budding romance with June. It's more than a little ridiculous.

Tess: She was so strong after having her main supporter taken, she was able to find a way to survive. Unfortunately, it did mean that she had to sign up with the Patriots.

Thomas: The author did a successful job in making my skin crawl with this character. He was willing to do whatever was asked of him in the name of the Republic. He was a cold-hearted man willing to murder his best friend if it was demanded of him (who knows, maybe even if it wasn't). 

Commander Jameson: I wonder how she became so callous and willing to kill for anything. Doesn't matter who. I wonder if she has family, friends, anyone other than the Republic.

John: He was a brave soul to let himself be taken for his brother to escape. That takes heart and love that couldn't be imagined.

Metias: I wonder how he dealt with finding out about his parents and having to keep it from everyone he knew. That's horrible to think about. 


Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "We lie there together, watching the lightning and listening to the thunder, and waiting for the beginning of a rainy dawn."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny 

Book Review: Goliath by Scott Westerfield

Title: Goliath
Author: Scott Westerfield
Series/Standalone: Leviathon Series (Book #3)
Genre: Steampunk, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 543
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2011
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "'Siberia,'"

"Alek and Deryn are abroad the Leviathan when the ship is ordered to pick up an unusual passenger. This brilliant/maniacal inventor claims to have a weapon called Goliath that can end the war. But whose side is he really on?

While on their top-secret mission, Alek finally discovers Deryn's deeply kept secret. Two, actually. Not only is Deryn a girl disguised as a guy... she has feelings for Alek.

The crown, true love with a commoner, and the destruction of a great city all hang on Alek's next-- and final-- move.

The thunderous conclusion to Scott Westerfield's Leviathan series, which was called 'sure to become a classic'"

My Rating: 3/5

So I ordered the final book in this series when I saw it on book outlet and I'm not too impressed with how the series wrapped up overall. I found that this series took a direction that I was really willing it wouldn't go even though all the signs were pretty obvious. 
The parts I did enjoy through this series are the historical fiction and steampunk aspects that mixed together to create a unique version of our world. I also enjoyed the main characters as separate entities but together I just didn't care for them. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Goliath by Scott Westerfield

I started off this series in a similar way as I finished it. I think that this story was a little much for me to take in to start. The idea of fighting Darwinists against Clankers grew on me at the end of the first book. I really enjoyed the characters separately but I found that this story suffered from one of the many YA flaws.There does not need to be romance in every story ever. It's not necessary. And this is definitely how I felt in regards to Deryn and Alek overall.

Characters:
Deryn: I loved that she was so in love with her job, but it hurt my heart to see her leave the ship after being in love with it for so long. But after her injury it only made sense. I also loved that she held strong to her beliefs even though she had developed feelings for Alek.

Alek: He's a sweet guy. But I think that he and Deryn would have made better friends. I also felt like they were far too young to have developed such strong feelings towards each other (I'd say that I imagined they were 13 or 14 not old enough to be doing half of the things they were). And with that statement making me sound super old.

Volger: He's a strong man whose willing to do anything for his country. As long as he believes its best. I think that Deryn was a good match for his feisty attitude. 

Tesla: Was he mad or was he just ambitious? Maybe both whose to say.

Borvil: Possibly my favourite character in the whole series even though he is a beastie. I hope that he grows old with Deryn and Alek caring for him. 

Malone: More trouble than he's worth.


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 144
"When Alek reached his stateroom door, he pulled it open, extending his hand. 'Ladies first.'
'Get stuffed,' she said but went in ahead of him."

Pg. 402
"'They are Americans,' Volger said, 'They toot their horns for anything.'"


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

Title: Sing You Home
Author: Jodi Picoult
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Adult Fiction, Chicklit, LGBT
Pages: 466
Publisher: Atria Books
Year Published: 2011
Format: Physical Copy
First Line: "One sunny, crisp Saturday in September when I was seven years old, I watched my father drop dead."

"Every life has a soundtrack. All you have to do is listen.

In the aftermath of a series of personal tragedies, Zoe throws herself into her career as a music therapist. When an unexpected friendship slowly blossoms into love, she makes plans for a new life, but to her shock and inevitable rage, some people- even those she loves and trusts most- don't want that to happen.

Sing You Home explores the delicate boundaries of identity, love, marriage, and parenthood. What happens when the outside world brutally calls into question the very thing closest to our hearts: family? Once again, Jodi Picoult gracefully brings the hidden tension of life sharply into focus in this poignantly honest novel."

My Rating: 4/5

I know that Jodi Picoult is a very popular author for chicklit and adult fiction, but this is the first novel of hers that I have read. And I really enjoyed it. I came to realize though  that Jodi Picoult is to chicklit, what Nicholas Sparks is to romance. A standard if that makes sense. Not to say that I didn't enjoy this story. I think that this book does an interesting job of questioning values and relationships, especially the idea of families in the modern day. 
I also think that Jodi Picoult does a great job of hitting hard right from the start, which makes me interested in reading more of her works.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny