Book Review: The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Slippery Slope
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #10)
Genre: Fiction, Middle Grade, Fantasy
Pages: 337
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Year Published: 2003
Format: Hardback Copy (Library Book)
First Line: "A man of my acquaintance once wrote a poem called 'The Road Less Travelled,' describing a journey he took through the woods along a path most travellers never used."

"Dear Reader,

Like handshakes, house pets, or raw carrots, many things are preferable when not slippery. Unfortunately, in this miserable volume, I am afraid that Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire run into more than their fair share of slipperiness during their harrowing journey up- and down- a range of strange and distressing mountains.

In order to spare you any further repulsion, it would be best not to mention any of the unpleasant details of this story, particularly a secret message, a toboggan, a deceitful map, a swarm of snow gnats, a scheming villain, a troupe of organized youngsters, a covered casserole dish, and a surprising survivor of a terrible fire.

Unfortunately, I have dedicated my life to researching and recording the sad tale of the Baudelaire orphans. There is no reason for you to dedicate your-self to such things, and you might instead dedicate yourself to letting this slippery book slip from your hands into a nearby trash receptacle, or deep pit.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I really enjoyed the last book that I'd read in this series and was really looking forward to getting into reading them again, but unfortunately, this one just didn't do it for me. I really thought that Lemony Snicket's writing style would continue to surprise me but it kind of went back to how I felt in the beginning of the series, that I had outgrown the story. I am going to continue the series, for the simple reason that I really need to hear about Beatrice and Lemony. I am far more interested in their lives at this point than the sad lives of the Baudelaire's. I know that this is going to catch a lot of flack from people who really enjoyed this series, but I'm hoping to get through the series and then collect my thoughts on the series as a whole.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Lightning Thief By Rick Riordan

Title: The Lightning Thief 
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and The Olympians (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure
Pages: 377
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2005
Format: Physical Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood."

"Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school... again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook, and into his life. And worse he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. 
Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves."

My Rating: 4/5

This is a reread for me and one that's been long awaited. I loved these books when I was younger and the humour made my own middle school and high school experience laughable. I loved Rick Riordan's writing style and still do. I forgot how much I missed this world and this sense of humour towards mythology. I also enjoy the fact that this story gives mythology a new and interesting subject. I hadn't thought about it in a while. In all honesty the most recent time I'd thought about Greek mythology was while reading A Court of Mist and Fury. So this was a refreshing look at classic characters. I can't wait to reread the rest of the series and plan to during the coming months. The one aspect of the book I found lacking was the fact that Percy was only 12 years old while some of his actions made me believe he was closer to 14-15 years old. As an adult that's just a personal observation that I made while reading this book. I can't wait to see where the rest of this series takes me and hopefully start the Blood of Olympus series (is that what it's called).

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

What a fun reread to start the month with? I think this book helped to remind me why I read middle grade. Rick Riordan's writing style and humour held me interested throughout the storyline and I can't wait to continue on with his books. I hope to reread this series and start the next series at some point this year.. is that a reasonable goal? I think this story makes learning about myths more interesting and helps younger readers see what the Gods looked like and could look like throughout the years. I also really love the story arch in this first book. My one complaint is that Percy is so freaking young. I thought he was 16, and me being 22 made me see that 12 years old is a little young to be taking quests and such. Although the teenage angst was all I could wish for and more. Can't wait to read the second book in this series.

Characters:
Percy: A hilarious main character. I forgot how he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. I think that this was an interesting concept for Rick Riordan to bring up, and might help young readers identify themselves as a hero rather than someone who might need a little help (does that make sense). I loved his angsty and how he was introduced to the world so the reader could follow some of the main events. 

Annabeth: She is a real spit fire and I can appreciate that. I do wonder how her summer with her father will go. She seems to have a troubled past and I wonder what will happen after this quest.

Grover: Loved him. Reminded me of some of the people I knew in middle school and his character has to be one of my favourites in the series as far as I remember.

Hades: I won't lie I still picture the Disney version whenever this character is mentioned. I can't wait to see more of him. 

Poseidon: His description is amazing. I do wonder about his romance with Percy's mother and how his life will interact with Percy's.

Ares: As we all know, kind of a dink.

Zeus: This guy has the right to yell at people for fathering children... um, pardon you, sir.

Dionysus: Love the sass and lack of caring. Exactly what I expected from his character.

Luke: He makes for a kick ass villain I can't remember what his role plays throughout the series so I can't wait to read on and see him again. 


Favourite Lines:

Final Line: "I asked Argus to take me down to cabin three, so I could pack my bags for home."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Reader by Traci Chee

Title: The Reader
Author: Traci Chee
Series/Standalone: Sea of Ink and Gold Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure
Pages: 442
Publisher: Putnam
Year Published: 2016
Format: Hardcover Physical Book (Own It)
First Line: "Once there was, and one day there will be."

"Once there was, and one day there will be. This is the beginning of every story.

Sefia lives her life on the run. After her father is viciously murdered, she flees to the forest with her aunt Nin, the only person left she can trust. They survive in the wilderness together, hunting and stealing what they need, forever looking over their shoulders for new threats. But when Nin is kidnapped, Sefia is suddenly on her own, with no way to know who's taken Nin or where she is. Her only clue is a strange rectangular object that once belonged to her father, something she comes to realize is a book.
Though reading is unheard of in Sefia's world, she slowly learns, unearthing the book's closely guarded secrets, which may be the key to Nin's disappearance and discovering what really happened the day her father was killed. With no time to lose, and the unexpected help of swashbuckling pirates and enigmatic stranger, Sefia sets out on a dangerous journey to rescue her aunt, using the book as her guide. In the end, she discovers what the book hd been trying to tell her all along: Nothing is as it seems, and the end of her story is only the beginning."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I'm trying very hard to get back to reading guys. At least one book a week if not more. So here's the first one that I felt like I kinda had to push through. I think that this book really reminded me why I personally chose not to DNF books. I started this a week ago and had a bit of trouble getting into it. I started reading on Sunday and made it about 80 pages pushing myself to get through them. I then proceeded to read it here and there, one or two pages every night. So when I picked it up this morning I was so confused about what was happening. If you feel this way if you're picking this up, please push through because around the 150 page mark it picks up the pace. I think that the part that was the most frustrating in the book was the pacing and timeline in the start of the book. There are many characters who don't seem related and it's hard to distinguish what is happening to who and when. Another aspect of this book I found frustrating was the use of words by the page numbers. I couldn't keep track of both the storyline and the story that was completely different on the bottom of the page. I appreciated the detail but it was a little too much for me.
While writing this review I looked up when the next book in this series comes out and it's sadly not until November of this year so until then I'll just be looking at the goodreads page anticipating following up with the characters.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Reader by Traci Chee

So this book was a really good pick up from the reading that I've had lately. I feel like I've read alot of books that I thought were just ok and this one was really good. So let's start with why this book wasn't a 5/5 for me personally. I debated over what rating to give this book for some time, but I found the start of the book to be so incredibly slow, it just wasn't a 5/5 for me personally. I was happy that I didn't chose to DNF this book after 80 pages though because I began to really enjoy it around the 150 page mark (this is an estimate). I think something the author struggled with was pacing in this book. I couldn't tell how much time had passed and where we were going. I also found it difficult to relate the main character at the beginning of her reading journey (it seemed to come a little to easily). It just felt strange to read about someone learning to read. I did enjoy the aspect that a book could be magical and teach you the future, present and past. I also enjoyed the assortment of point of views after I got used to it. At first it seems like there is too much going on at once but after you get used to it, it become enjoyable to see what you're characters are up too. 

Characters:
Sefia:I think she was an interesting chosen one character. She made it clear from the start her intentions but when faced with the reality of having to kill someone she wasn't so sure. Which I feel is extremely realistic. I also thought that she was a bit naive to trust some of those around her or to leave notes behind her. That made it a little to easy. I wonder what she will do now that she's on the run from The Guard. Will she stop and join them or count on the crew to help her. I can't wait to read the sequel in... November... 

Archer: I think that he was another interesting main character. Mute and tortured he made for someone who was interesting to see in the world. Having been caught and forced to do so many horrible things that he forgot his past. It makes me wonder what he will have to do now that he has his voice and memories back. Clearly he and Sefia are a badass duo, so I strongly hope that that continues.

Nin: I wonder about her connection with the Guard and Sefia's parents.

Lon: He got a little big for his shoes I think at some points in the library but he was a powerful character. I wonder how he knew Tanin and why it came to his death in the end. Obviously they weren't that good of friends.. I'm just saying.

Captain Reed: Loved this character he was charming and bad in all the right ways. I think that he served an interesting role in the story and it should be interesting to see him in the sequel. His crew is definitely a unique one and he seems like one of the more just pirates I've read about.

Tanin: Who the hell are you? And why do you think that bringing a raging war to those everyone will end in eventual peace? Will it be a forced peace? That's kind of what it sounds like to me. I'm glad she's dead but what will happen without her as the director. 

Harison: What a sweet boy? The stories about his past broke my heart a million times over.

Mareah: To have to give up who you were, are and a future is horrible. But to kill those you love to show you're loyalty to a cause? That's cruel. It makes me think hard about the Guard and what they believe. 

The mate: Creepy but in the best way. I want to know more about his life and how he came to understand the ship. Can we please have a novella for this guy? Please?


Moments To Remember:
Pg. 323
"'You got a chioce, Sef. Control your future, or let your future control you.'"

Final Line: "'Anywhere but here,' she said."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Firelight by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Firelight
Author: Kazu Kibuishi
Series: Amulet Series (Book #7)
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Adventure
Pages: 199
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Year Published: 2016

"A hidden past... and a deadly secret. 
Emily, Trellis, and Vigo visit Algos Island, where they can access and enter lost memories. They're hoping to uncover the events of Trellis's mysterious childhood- knowledge they can use against the Elf King. What they discover is a dark secret that changes everything. Meanwhile, the Voice of  Emily's Amulet is getting stronger, and thretens to overtake her completely."

My Rating: 5/5

Holy moly. So I bought this book (the last copy at McNally Robinson) and tried to save it for a while, but I couldn't wait any longer I needed to know. Had to have it and know what happens. You know to my characters, my babies. And this instalment did not disappoint. I loved it. I think that this story line has expanded so much from the middle grade story we started with. I've fallen in love with the plot, the world and the characters. Unfortunately the next book isn't set for release until 2017, or 2018. One of the two. Can't wait to see where Kazu Kibuishi will take this story next.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Escape From Lucien by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Escape From Lucien
Author: Kazu Kibuishi
Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Book #6)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Adventure, Fantasy
Pages: 215
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Year Published: 2014

"A worthy mission... or a trap?
Navin and his classmates journey to Lucien, a city ravaged by war and plagued by mysterious creatures, where they search for a beacon essential to their fight against the Elf King. Meanwhile, Emily heads back into the Void with Max, one of the Elf King's loyal followers, where she learns his darkest secrets. The stakes, for both Emily and Navin, are higher than ever."

My Rating: 5/5

I really have enjoyed marathoning this series. This is the last book available at my library and I plan to pick up the last one published this weekend when I'm in the city. I look forward to finishing the series although I am waiting for the last 2 books to be published. And I'm more than willing to wait. I've found that these books have gotten far more serious and complex then what I had at first suspected. I find the characters endearing and powerful. As well, the setting is interesting and beautifully illustrated. I really found this book to more of YA book than Middle Grade but that's a personal choice.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Prince of the Elves by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Prince of Elves

Author: Kazu Kibuishi

Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Book #5)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle

Pages: 208

Publisher: GRAPHIX

Year Published: 2012

"The enemy grows stronger...

Emily survived the chaos of the Guardian Academy, but Max Griffin has stolen the Mother Stone. With it, the Elf King forges new Amulets that will give him the power to invade and destroy the nation of Windsor. Emily and her friends lead the soldiers of the Cielis Guard in a fight to stop him, but Max stands in their way. And when she seeks information from the Voice of her Amulet, she discovers that the Voice is much more sinister than she ever could have imagined."

My Rating: 5/5

I made the choice to continue reading tonight and I'm glad that I did. After doing more research on this series I've found out that book 7/9 have been published. My library has the first 6 copies and am planning to pick up the 7th in a few months. I can't wait to read them all. This series is taking further dark turns which is what I really love about it. The dark and sinister plot thickening is amazing. The writing is well thoughout and the plot is marvelous. I'm anxious to see how the series draws to a close over the coming years.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: The Last Council
Author: Kazu Kibuishi
Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Book #4)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure
Pages: 212
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Year Published: 2011

"A fallen city where terrible secrets are revealed...
Emily and her friends think they'll find the help they need in Cielis, but something isn't right. Streets that were once busy are deserted, and the townspeople who are left live in fear. Emily is soon escorted to the Academy, where she's expected to compete for a spot on the Guardian Council, a group of the most powerful Stonekeepers. But as the number of competitors gets smaller and smaller, an awful secret is slowly uncovered- a secret that, if left buried, means the certain destruction of everything Emily is fighting for."

My Rating: 5/5

This has been by far my favourite instalment in the series. It was dark and hard hitting. All in all, an incredible use of illustration to demonstrate our characters power as well as their ability to think quickly. Although I found the ending to be slightly predictable (I'm an adult, not middle grade to be fair), I still loved it. I think that this fourth book got down to the point and I'm more than interested in what will happen next. The world is tremendous and I would imagine it only gets better from here. So buckle up and read these amazing graphic novels.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: The Cloud Searchers

Title: The Cloud Searchers
Author: Kazu KIbuishi
Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Book #3)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Adventure, Middle Grade
Pages: 224
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Year Published: 2010

"An impossible journey with danger at every turn...
Emily, Navin and their crew of resistance fighters charter an airship and set off in search of the lost city of Cielis. There they hope to find help from the Guardian Council's powerful Stonekeepers. It's a mission that Alledia's survival depends on, and time is running out- Emily's got to find Cielis before the Elf King finds her.

My Rating: 5/5

Loving where this series is going. Also enjoying getting in deeper into the world as well as with the characters. I really enjoy the different views of characters and the adventures. I loved it and how fast they are to read. I'm sorry I don't have more to say.

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 

Review: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: The Stonekeeper
Author: Kazu Kibuishi
Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Book #1)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adventure
Pages: 192
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Year Published: 2008

"There's something strange behind the basement door...
After a family tragedy, Emily, Navin and their mother move to an ancestral home to start a new life. On the family very first night in the mysterious house, Eme and Navin's mom is kidnapped by a tentacled creature. Now it's up to Em and Navin to figure out how to set things right and save their mother's life."

My Rating: 4/5

So I'll be the first to say that I don't often read graphic novels and I really didn't expect to like it. That being said I am participating in the Epic Reads decathlon of reading 10 books in 10 days. Originally I planned to go for gold and read 10 novels, but with a busy schedule that's not happening. My new goal is to read 5 graphic novels and 5 novels which would set me at silver. This story was interesting and a fast read. I found it to be a real cleansor as I'm having trouble getting into the book I'm reading right now. This story was action packed and filled with beautiful illustrations. That being said, I'm still worried that it might be too young for me. I plan to continue reading this tonight and then doing an overall spoiler on the whole series after completing it. Although this may take some time because it is not at my local library. 
Looking forward to continuing.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny