Book Review: My Fight/Your Fight by Ronda Rousey

Title: My Fight/ Your Fight

Author: Ronda Rousey

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography, Adult

Pages: 302

Publisher: Regan Arts

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"'The fight is yours to win'

In this inspiring and moving book, Ronda Rousey, the Olympic medalist in judo, reigning UFC women's bantamweight champion, and Hollywood star charts her difficult path to glory.

Marked by her signature charm, barbed wit, and undeniable power, Rousey's account of the toughest fights of her life- in and outside the Octagon- reveals the painful loss of her father when she was eight years old, the intensity of her judo training, her battles with love, her meteoric rise to fame, the secret behind her undefeated UFC record, and what it takes to become the toughest woman on Eart. Rousey shares her hard-won lessons on how to be the best at what you do, including how to find fulfilment in the sacrifices, how to turn limitations into opportunities, and how to be the best on your worst day.

Packed with raw emotion, drama, and wisdom, this is an unforgettable book by one of the most remarkable women in the world."

My Rating: 4/5

While listening to this audiobook, I felt a variety of emotions. Empowered as a woman, determined to get in better shape, confused, unsure and mad for Ronda. Whether or not you are a fan of UFC, I think that this book is interesting as we hear about the first UFC women's champion and someone who influenced the sport.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Mistake

Author: Elle Kennedy

Series/Standalone: Off-Campus Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Sports Romance

Pages: 283

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Get ready for another binge-worthy romance from international bestselling author and TikTok sensation Elle Kennedy. He's a player in more ways than one... College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he'll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he's worth a second chance. Now he's going to need to up his game... After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She's not a charity case, and she's not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He'll have to work for it. This time around, she'll be the one in the driver's seat.... and she plans on driving him wild. "

My Rating: 4/5

This was a really fun instalment in the series. I'm glad that we got to Logan's book right away after the ending of the first book so it didn't draw out the jealousy factor we read about in book one. I was also grateful that it was about him winning her back and working for her to see him instead of the other way around (sometimes I find in hockey romance it's the women doing all the work). The backstory for Logan was detailed and interesting; my only problem was the way it all cleared up. I wish it had happened a little further from the end of the book, so we could have seen some more good family moments between Logan and his brother. Overall, a great read, and I've already started the next one. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Deal by Elle Kennedy

Title: The Deal

Author: Elle Kennedy

Series/Standalone: Off-Campus Series (Book #1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Sports Romance

Pages: 342

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"She's about to make a deal with the college bad boy...

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice... even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it's going to be oh so good.

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure the position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him."

My Rating: 4/5

This was a really fun read. And while it was a little predictable, it was also unexpected in some of the turns. I look forward to continuing the series, especially since the author is a Canadian and reading some books from my fellow Canadians seems like the move to make right now. I will say it is a bit of a product of the time. It felt very 2015 if that makes any sense. Would recommend if you're looking for good banter, steamy scenes and a sports romance that isn't too too sports heavy. Trigger warning for mention of SA.

Thanks for reading.

Sidny

Book Review: Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Maybe in Another Life

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 342

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"At the age of twenty-nine, Hannah Martin still has no idea what she wants to do with her life. She has lived in six different cities and held countless meaningless jobs since graduating college. On the heels of leaving yet another city, Hannah moves back to her hometown of los Angeles and takes up residence in her best friend Gabby's guestroom. Shortly after getting back to town, Hannah goes out to a bar one night with Gabby and meets up with her high school boyfriend, Ethan.

Just after midnight, Gabby asks Hannah if she's ready to go. A moment later, Ethan offers to give her a ride later if she wants to stay. Hannah hesitates. What happens if she leaves with Gabby? What happens if she leaves with Ethan?

In concurrent storylines, Hannah lives out the effects of each decision. Quickly, these parallel universes develop into radically different stories with large-scale consequences for Hannah, as well as the people around her. As the two alternate realities run their course, Maybe in Another Life raises questions about fate and true love: Is anything meant to be? How much in our life is determined by chance? And perhaps, most compellingly: Is there such a thing as a soul mate?

Hannah believes there is. And, in both worlds, she believes she's found him."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was not what I expected when I picked this one up. Taylor Jenkin Reid does a great job of creating the main characters that you root for. Hannah is no different in that regard. I obviously haven't read all of her backlog (I'm working on it). That being said, I found that there were portions of this book where the plot was a little over the top. The well-thought-out changes between the universes were incredible. The friendships we see in both timelines were excellent and overall I really enjoyed my read of it. 

Which book of hers should I read next?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Queen of Shadows

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #4)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 648

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Everyone Calaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. But she's at last returned to the empire- for vengeance, to rescue her once-glorious kingdom, and to confront the shadows of her past...

She has embraced her identity as Aelin Galanthynius, Queen of Terrasen. But before she can reclaim her throne, she must fight.

She will fight for her cousin, a warrior prepared to die for her. She will fight for her friend, a young man trapped in an unspeakable prison. And she will fight for her people, enslaved to a brutal king and awaiting their lost queen's triumphant return.

The fourth volume in the New York Times bestselling series continues Celaena's epic journey and builds to a passionate, agonizing crescendo that might just shatter her world."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such an interesting instalment in this series. It started out really strong for me and the action near the end was well-paced as well. As a part of the series, I was surprised at the turns that the author chose to make and even more surprised that some plot lines were not pushed to go longer in the series. I am curious to see what happens next in the series. I do love the characters and that's what really keeps me going in this series. I look forward to tangent reading the next two, wish me luck.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Fade Out: Act 2

Title: The Fade Out: Act 2

Author: Ed Brubaker

Artist(s): Sean Phillips (Artist) 

Series/Standalone: The Fade Out Series (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Historical, Mystery

Pages: 120

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Act Two of the acclaimed Hollywood Noir from the best-selling team of Brubaker and Phillips."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This instalment felt like filler for a three-volume graphic novel series. I will be finishing the series, but I anticipated something else. It's just ok. Not something I could recommend at this current time.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Rose Society by Marie Lu

Title: The Rose Society 

Author: Marie Lu

Series/Standalone: The Young Elites Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 398

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.

Adelina Amouteru's heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she flees Kenettra with her sister to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers who nearly killed her.

But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good when her very existence depends on darkness?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I love a villain origin story. I love reading about characters you shouldn't root for and how they become who they are. Not that it justifies their actions but living in the villain's head is a wild ride. To know how these actions are clearly affecting others but also be able to see Adelina's thoughts behind her actions. The setting in this is interesting to me, with the different creatures and the different atmospheres.

I look forward to finishing the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Title: The Nightingale

Author: Kristin Hannah

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult,

Pages: 440

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2015

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

"In love we find who we want to be.

In war we find out who we are.

FRANCE, 1939

In the quiet village of Carriveau, Vianne Maurice says good-bye to her husband, Antione as he heads for the Front. She doesn't believe that the Nazis will invade France... but invade they do, in droves of marching soldiers, in caravans of trucks and tanks, in planes that fill the skies and drop bombs upon the innocent. When a Germain captain requisitions Wianne's home, she and her daughter must live with the enemy or lose everything. Without food or money or hope, as danger escalates all around them, she is forced to make one impossible choice after another to keep her family alive.

Vianne's sister, Isabelle, is a rebellious eighteen-year-old, searching for purpose with all the reckless passion of youth. While thousands of Parisians march into the unknown terrors of war, she meets Gaetan, a partisan who believes the French can fight the Nazis from within France, and she falls in love as only the young can... completely. But when he betrays her, Isabelle joins the Resistance and never looks back, risking her life time and again to save others."

My Rating: 5/5

I'm so late to reading this book. I can't even explain why I put this off for so long, but this was one pick that was voted for in bookclub this month and I'm so grateful it was. Kristin Hannah was able to evoke so many emotions throughout this read and while you expect it to be an emotional read, she made each character feel so realistic that I couldn't help but feel things alongside them. I also thought it was interesting to see how she wove the tales of occupied France between the two siblings who had different values and you are able to see both sisters' points of view. If you have read this I'm curious how you felt about it. If you haven't, may I be another person (likely) to tell you to pick this up!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire

Title: Tin Stars

Author: Jeff Lemire

Artist(s): Dustin Nguyen

Series/Standalone: Descender Series (Volume #1)

Genre: Science Fiction, Graphic Novel, Adult

Pages: 160

Publisher: Turtleback Books

Year Published: 2015

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Young Robot boy TIM-21 and his companions struggle to stay alive in a universe where all androids have been outlawed and bounty hunters lurk on every planet. Written by award-winning creator, Jeff Lemire, Descender is a rip-roaring and heart-felt cosmic odyssey. Lemire pits humanity against machine and world against world, to create a sprawling epic."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This first installment was interesting to me and it took a while to get used to the worlds we were being introduced to. As far as an introduction went it was ok, but the premise interests me. So I'm looking forward to seeing where the next volume goes. Was it perfect? No, but was it intriguing? Yes. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Title: November 9

Author: Colleen Hoover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 310

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon's last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

Can Ben's relationship with Fallon- and simultaneously his novel- be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?"

My Rating: 4/5

For what this is, it was fun. The binge-ability of this book was higher than any of the other books I've read by the author. Do I think it's the highest of substance? No. But it sets out to do a thing and it succeeds. I will say that the part I disliked was the way the female main character needed a man to tell her how to feel about herself.  But the plot and intrigue for pure entertainment made up for it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

Title: Confess

Author: Colleen Hoover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: New Adult, Romance

Pages: 320

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"Auburn Reed is determined to rebuild her shattered life and she has no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn't expect to become deeply attracted to the studio's enigmatic artist, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it- but can she do it?"

My Rating: 2.75/5

This book was a fun and quick audiobook. I'd read another work from Colleen Hoover and she is well known in the bookish community so I thought I'd pick this up from my library's Libby app and it was a good time. Was it a literary masterpiece? Maybe not. Was it entertaining? Yes. I think if I had read the author's work at a younger age it might have appealed to me more, but as someone in her late twenties, not her early ones, this felt pretty young to me. If you are in it for the drama, I would recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Six of Crows

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series/Standalone: Six of Crows Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 465

Publisher: Henry Holt & Company

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Joost had two problems: the moon and his mustache."

"Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price- and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz Is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge

A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager

A runaway with a privileged past

A spy known as the Wraith

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.

Kaz's crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction- if they don't kill each other first."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book was such a fun read. At the request of a friend (and with her helpful purchase of a boxset) I finally started this duology. And it was excellent. Leigh Bardugo does such an excellent job of setting up character dynamics and giving each character their own distinct voice. It's something I love about her work. I also loved the premise of the story, where it fell a little short for me was the heavy leaning on a relationship that I liked when there was a trope with another relationship that I liked more right beside it. It's just a matter of preference. I do plan on continuing the series and I can't wait to see how the author takes the story after such a strong ending.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Ties That Bind by Jim Zub

Title: Ties That Bind

Author: Jim Zub

Artist(s): Steven Cummings & Tamra Bonvillain

Series/Standalone: Wayward Series (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"After the traumatizing finale of volume one, everything has changed for our supernatural teens. Who is Ohara and how does she fit into the great patterns of destiny and power that will change Japan forever?"

My Rating: 5/5

I loved this installment in the series. I thought that this volume was the right mix of action and character building. It had the same great art that I loved from the first volume and the plot is fast-paced enough for me to read through each volume in one sitting. Exactly what I needed from a graphic novel at this moment.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park

Title: In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom

Author: Yeonmi Park

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 273

Publisher: Penguin Press

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"Human rights activist Park, who fled North Korea with her mother in 2007 at age 13 and eventually made it to South Korea two years later after a harrowing ordeal, recognized that in order to be 'completely free,' she had to confront truth of her past. It is an ugly, shameful story of being sold with her mother into slave marriages by Chinese brokers, and although she at first tried to hide the painful details when blending into South Korean society, she realized how her survival story could inspire others. Moreover, her sister had also escaped earlier and had vanished into China for years, prompting the author to go public with her story in the hope of finding her sister."

Rating: N/A

Sometimes when reading a memoir I feel comfortable giving it a rating but this is not one of those times.  This story was heartwrenching and so important for everyone to read. This story tells the horrific things that are happening in a country full of people who have been brainwashed into believing that their leaders are able to control the weather and hear their thoughts. That other countries all want what North Korea has and if they are trying to make ends meet in any way during a famine they are stealing from the government. It also highlights how people are taking advantage of those trying to escape the clutches of North Korea and how the system is not set up for those who are trying to leave a country filled with human rights violations. I would suggest reading the physical copy as opposed to the audiobook just so it's easier to take your time with the subject matter.

Thank you for reading,

SIdny

Review: String Theory by Jim Zub

Title: String Theory

Author: Jim Zub

Artist(s): Steven Cummings, John Rauch

Series/Standalone: Wayward Series (Volume 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Young Adult

Pages: 134

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Rori Lane is trying to start a new life when she reunites with her mother in Japan, but ancient creatures lurking in the shadows of Tokyo sense something hidden deep within her, threatening everything she holds dear.

Can Rori unlock the secret of her powers before it's too late?"

My Rating: 5/5

I really loved this first installment of the series, it was fast paced, it introduced us to our main characters and helped us start to get to know them while still leaving enough of a mystery that I can't wait to read the next one. The magical element in this story was so fascinating and the creative team did not hold back on the violence and fight scenes. Will be continuing ASAP!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

Title: Ice Planet Barbarians

Author: Ruby Dixon

Series/Standalone: Ice Planet Barbarians Series ( Book #1)

Genre: Smut, Romance, New Adult

Pages: 188

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2015

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"You'd think being abducted by aliens would be the worst thing that could happen to me. And you'd be wrong. Because now, the aliens are having ship trouble, and they've left their cargo of human women- including me- on an ice planet.

And the only native inhabitant I've met? He's big, horned, blue and really, really has a thing for me..."

General Rating: 2.5/5

Smut Rating: 4/5

I finally gave in and read this. Wow was it fun! If you've heard anything about this series you know that this isn't a series to be taken seriously. It's for smut, for jokes and for having a fun time. The plot was predictable, the aliens were hot, but also still very much aliens, and the smut was fun. Not super well written, but I'm not that picky. I think I'll continue with this series when I feel that my reading has gotten a little tedious, a nice little pick me up.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny.

Book Review: Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Title: Nowhere But Here

Author: Katie McGarry

Series/Standalone: Thunder Road Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Pages: 496

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Top three awful moments of my life:"

"Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father- the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent- but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns into an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're ... family. And while Emily- the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member- is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on Is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home."

My Rating: 4.75/5

I really loved this book which I wasn't expecting. I didn't think that a young adult biker romance would really do it for me but this book is exactly what I needed. I do wish that it was a new adult rather than YA but I understand why the author made the decisions she did. The characters in this book were dynamic, the atmosphere was great and the world was interesting. This book has a few makeout scenes, but obviously, it has no smut so if that's what you're looking for this is not for you. But if you want a slow burn, forced proximity romance between people figuring out who they are, I would recommend it. I plan to continue reading the series asap.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Title: Wolf by Wolf

Author: Ryan Graudin

Series/Standalone: Wolf by Wolf Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Pages: 388

Publisher: 2015

Year Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Format: Audiobook & Library Copy

"Her story begins on a train.

The year is 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule. To commemorate their Great Victory, Hitler, and Emperor Hirohito host the Axis Tour: an annual motorcycle race across their conjoined continents. The victor is awarded an audience with the highly reclusive Adolf Hitler at the Victor's Ball in Tokyo.

Yael, a former death camp prisoner, has witnessed too much suffering, and the five wolves tattooed on her arms are a constant reminds of the loved ones she lost. The resistance has given Yael one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year's only female racer, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele's twin brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael's every move.

But as Yael grows closer to the other competitors, can she bring herself to be as ruthless as she needs to be to avoid discovery and complete her mission?

From the author of THE WALLED CITY comes a fast-paced and innovative novel that will leave you breathless."

My Rating: 4/5

This book has so much going for it. Alternate reality, assassin teen who doesn't have the whole "chosen one"/"pick me" character vibe, and a thrilling plot. I enjoyed the fact that the author chose to feed us pieces of the past little by little so we could understand where the story was going, but not every aspect of Yael's past. I also liked having her start to further explore the shades of grey between good and evil. Not that there aren't obvious villains, but there are people who are surviving through this terrible time by any means necessary even if it just means protecting their own family (not saying it's right, just saying that it's understandable). I also loved the changing atmosphere that came with the race. I am so curious to see where this duology goes and hope to pick up the sequel soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Fandemonium by Kieron Gillen

Title: Fandemonium

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mythology

Pages: 200

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The second volume of the award-winning urban fantasy series where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. Following the tragic and unjust death of Lucifer, it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the world of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity."

My Rating: 4/5

This was far more entertaining than the first book. I felt like I started to understand what was going on for the characters and the plot. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The art style is phenomenal. I look forward to continuing the series and finishing it as soon as possible. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Title: Ink and Bone

Author: Rachel Caine

Series/Standalones: The Great Library (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 355

Publisher: NAL

Year Published: 2015

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

First Line: "'Hold still and stop fighting me,' his father said, and slapped him hard enough to leave a mark."

"In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time....

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly- but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family's spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library's service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life- and soon both heretics and books will burn"

My Rating: 4/5

I have a lot of feelings about this first book. I really enjoyed it, I think that the characters were phenomenal and all had an interesting narrative. The world itself was interesting and complex. The battle scenes were thrilling. That being said I think it's mostly to set up the world for future books and at times it really seemed to drag. I did enjoy the political intrigue and the thrilling aspects that were brought to the story from that. The best way I can think to describe my feelings was when there were times where this just felt like a pilot season of a television show, showing consumers what the world is about. Overall I really liked it but didn't love it. Do plan to continue with the series though in the future as they are all available at my local library.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny