Title: Captain Raven and the All-Girl Pirate Crew
Author: Jeremy Whitley
Illustrators: Rosy Higgins and Ted Brandt
Series/Standalone: Raven: the Pirate Princess (Book #1)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT
Pages: 128
Publisher: Action Lab Entertainment
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)
"Raven is ready to set out on her quest for revenge against her brothers. They've stolen everything that should be hers and now she's going to get it back. But first, she needs a crew. Share the laughs, action and adventures as Raven assembles the fearless crew of awesome ladies who will help her get her revenge."
My Rating: 5/5
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a perfect mix of nerd references and girl power. Everything that I really loved about Lumberjanes at the start of the series. I also really enjoyed the aspect of LGBT that might be present later on in the series. I think it is interesting to see the flashbacks of Raven's memories and see how things changed. I also wonder about what the brothers said to the father about the need to lock her up. I'm curious to see where the stories go and how the stories intertwine.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS
Title: Daughter of the Pirate King
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series/Standalone: Daughter of the Pirate King Duology (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 311
Publisher: Feiwel Friends
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook
"There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I've gotten what I came for.
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map- the key to a legendary treasure trove- seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.
More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King."
New Rating: 5/5
So this is my second time listening to the audiobook and it was just as good as I remember. I was in the mood for something fun and this always delivers. It has a great romance, a fun cast of characters, the setting and the premise. This whole story is amazing and I really enjoy the mythological elements of the story. I can't wait to continue on with this series and plan to add it to my physical collection soon.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Renegades
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: Renegades Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 552
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook (For the last 2/3s)
"Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.
The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies- humans with extraordinary abilities- who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone... except the villains they once overthrew.
Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice- and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both."
My Rating: 3/5
A few years ago this was one of the most hyped books on booktube and in the book community. And I gotta say, I just don't think that I understand where all the hype came from. As someone who generally enjoys Marvel and DC movies, I was so excited about the idea of a superhero YA book. That being said, I had some problems with this story that I also have in a superhero movie (for example disguises that just don't make sense to me or wouldn't modify a person's voice). But I also for other reasons (why does every YA anything have to have a romance). I was left with some lingering questions, but I'm not sure if it's enough for me to want to continue the series. I will be taking some time to decide whether I will be listening to the next book on audio this year (spoiler: probably not unless I run out of other audiobooks).
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Author: JK Rowling
Series/Standalone: Harry Potter Series (Book #1)
Genre: Classic, Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 223
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 1997
Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)
"Strange things always seem to happen when Harry Potter is around. Things that unsettle his guardians, the Dursleys. They strongly disapprove of strangeness. It's only when a letter arrives, delivered by a shaggy giant of a man called Hagrid, that Harry learns the truth that will transform his entire future: his parents were killed by the evil Lord Voldemort, and he, Harry, is a wizard.
Whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry discovers a world of enchantments, ghosts, Quidditch, and friends who will stand, throughout everything, by his side. But when Harry hears of a stone with great powers, he finds that his school has its own dark past- and an adventure that will become the stuff of legend begins...."
My Rating: 5/5
This is not my first time reading Harry Potter. For months I was planning to reread this series with my boyfriend and my best friends, so we finally made a plan to start our rereads. I really enjoyed this first book. I think its a great first installment in the series, and as a reread there are things that you definitely pick up on. I also think that I forgot so many things in the years between reading this.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Daughter of the Pirate King
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series/Standalone: Daughter of the Pirate King (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Pirates
Pages: 311
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook
"There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I've gotten what I came for.
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map- the key to a legendary treasure trove- seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship
More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King."
My Rating: 4.5/5
I really loved this book and was glad to be able to get a copy of it through OverDrive for the Scally-Wag-A-Thon. I loved the concept, but the story itself blew me away. The use of mythological creatures and pirate fantasy was incredible to listen and the narrator blew the story out of the water (haha). I loved the use of pirate language and the different accents that are added to the audiobook and would definitely recommend listening to this story if you haven't already read it. I'm excited to read the second book and see where our story goes.
Overall, loved it!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Hey guys, so I'm doing a thing this week. A thing called the Scally-Wag-A-Thon readathon. And while originally my TBR for this week-long read-a-thon did not have any pirate books, I was able to get a copy of this just in time for the reading to begin.
I loved this story. The plot, the characters, the setting all of it was incredible to me. The use of accents in the audiobook and the change of pace that was adopted in this addition as well.
This book was a quick listen and I was addicted after the first sentence. I will certainly be reading the second book in this series (? Duology?) as soon as it's available in Overdrive from my library.
Characters:
Alosa: She is bad ass and she knows it. She's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and her crew. I loved that her crew was mostly female badasses who were willing to do anything for their captain. Her childhood would have been rough though, especially with her dad loving her under condition.
Riden: I loved his attitude towards Alosa and the way that he respected her even though she was a prisoner. Ok, maybe a little more than respect. I think that this book just really instilled the hot pirate stereotype. And I did not mind.
Draxen: This sick dude was a lot to handle. I wonder how he will deal with being locked in the brig and under Alosa's control.
Vordan: He's smarter than he looks. The way he uses one of his crewmates to intimidate him and experiment on Alosa. That was a crazy smart move.
The Pirate King: I hope we see more of him in the coming book and his relationship with Alosa's mother. He was brave (or stupid) to give into her as a siren queen but in the end he was granted a daughter/heir.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
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
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
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
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
Overall I really didn't enjoy this book. The writing style and the content were not all I had hoped for. At first I thought that the book was intriguing especially when it opened in an asylum. I also thought the idea of having a second life to live was interesting. Thats when the story took a wild turn into what is right and wrong. It also made me think about religion, in a way that I don't really care to read about.
Characters:
Ten: She was an interesting character to read from, but this was a way to intense novel for what it was and it was obvious at what it was pointing fingers at. The idea of not chosing a side.
Killian: I liked him, even though he was evil, but he wasn't all that and a bag of potato chips.
Archer: I liked him the most he was willing to stand for what was right when he knew it was right, and do what he could to help those around him.
Van: I wonder how the Everlife will treat him. If he will dare to try to cross into Myriad.
Sloan: She was one bad ass, but not all I wished she could be.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Series/Standalone: Outlander Series (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Romance
Pages: 627
Publisher: Anchor Publishing Canada
Year Published: 2001
Format: Paperback (Own It)
First Line: "People disappear all the time."
"Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another. In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon-- when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach-- an 'outlander'-- in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord... 1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny is soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life... and shatter her heart. For here, Jamie Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives"
My Rating: 5/5
Since I've joined the bookish community there has always been a buzz around the Outlander Series. I'll agree with those who do not appreciate aspects of this storyline and it is problematic. There are also points where this story made me feel slightly uncomfortable. Strong alert for rape, sexual assault and physical abuse. That being said, in the time period where this takes place, this is not exactly surprising. That being said I loved the grit and the dark aspects of the storyline along with the many characters. After finishing this book I can not wait for more and plan to continue the series throughout the year.
Certainly a new favorite.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This might be a very rambly spoiler because I loved this book! I'd heard so much hype about this series in the book community and I certainly understand why. I also understand why it's a problematic read, but I rated for my enjoyment of the storyline and enjoyment I felt throughout reading the story. So that's why this book got a whole 5/5 stars. I really enjoyed how this book is more than a romance, it shows different aspects of historical fiction (life in the Highlands, war, justice, etc). It also speaks about abuse, assault and a varied other assortment. That being said, the first book always does come back to romance, which I appreciated. Normally I'm not someone who loves romances, but this one took me by storm and I can't wait to continue the series.
Characters:
Claire: I really enjoyed her perspective a woman of her own right coming into a world where woman certainly isn't taken seriously. I liked that she used her knowledge to help heal those around her and take care of those she could. That being said, she was little quick to forget about Frank and her past life. I also didn't appreciate how fast she forgave Jamie for serving "justice" in the inn. That being said we have to take the time period into account. I loved her stubbornness and her willingness to stand her ground.
Jamie: I really loved him. Right from the start. And I know that's the point but he is someone who cares for those around him. A man who has suffered for choices he has made and is trying to better now. That being said, he is a little too willing to sacrifice himself for others. I hope that their romance continues and I wouldn't be surprised if his shock from the prison returned.
Frank: He was just kind of alright. He didn't really seem to care that much for Claire and was more interested in his past than her. I also just didn't feel like we got to know him that well, I'm wondering if that will change throughout the series.
Randall: I'm curious about his past. For example, "Who is Alex?" "Was he always horrible?" I think with his relation to Frank it would be extremely hard for Claire to go back and see Frank the same way. I also was surprised at his extent of his villain.
Column: I wonder about him and whether he will reappear in the future. To live such a painful life in a time where there isn't anything that could be done for him broke my heart.
Dougal: Again, why are you so willing to assault people? I understand that he was doing certain things for his brother, but other things made little to no sense to me. I also hated how he treated Claire when he was with her alone. Just creepy. I also assumed he was a lot younger before I googled the cast for the series.
Jenny: I really loved her. She was willing to give anyone a piece of her mind and was willing to fight for her own. I loved her and her attitude. She was stronger than so many women I've seen throughout novels.
Ian: He seems like a good man and I wonder about his family in the coming war and famine.
Geillis: She kind of reminded me of a villain near the end. She was a good friend to Claire but she was willing to be a Jacobite knowing the result of the war. I also wonder when she went through the stones.
Moments to Remember:
Pg. 309
"'Why, what's the matter wi' the poor child?' she demanded of Jamie. 'Has she had an accident o' some sort?'
'No, it's only she's married to me,' he said, 'though if ye care to call it an accident, ye may.'"
Pg. 562
"'Sassenach,' he said against my shoulder, a moment later.
'Mm?'
'Who in God's name is John Wayne?'
'You are,' I said. 'Go to sleep.'
Final Line: "And the world was all around us, new with possibility."
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Me Before You
Author: Jojo Moyes
Series/Standalone: Me Before You (Book #1)
Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction
Pages: 369
Publisher: Penguin Books
Year Published: 2012
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "When he emerges from the bathroom she is awake, propped up against the pillows and flicking through th travel brochures that were beside his bed."
"Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life- steady boyfriend, close family- who has barely been farther afield than her tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex-Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair-bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life- big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel- and he is not interested in exploring a new one.
Will is acerbic, moody, bossy- but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own. Lou sets out to show him that life is still worth lving.
Me Before You bring to life two people who couldn't have less in common- a heartbreaking romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?"
My Rating: 3.5/5
I've been interested in reading this book since I heard about it, but after hearing so many troubling reviews I had put it off. I decided that I wanted to form my own opinion. Overall romance is not usually a genre I enjoy strictly, but I do enjoy watching the odd Rom Com. movie. I wasn't surprised that overall I enjoyed this book. But that's not to say that this book isn't problematic because it certainly is. But I think its ok to have books that you read for entertainment that are problematic as long as you realize that they are problematic. I can see how this book was very popular when it came out and I do plan on continuing with the series and seeing where Lou's adventures take us.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This book has been debated in both the film community and the book community for being a problematic story. But I think that the story hits a little too close to home for many people. The idea of how your life would change if your life changed so much in a moment. I understand that this book is problematic but it does deal with the idea of assisted suicide which has been a changing law in the past years for many societies. That being said I don't agree with some of the ways things in this novel were portrayed. I do plan on continuing the series, but don't have plans to do so immediately.
Characters:
Will: I think that while it would be extremely depressing, this story would have been more enjoyable for me if it had been written from Will's point of view. At least some times. I wonder about how he felt so close to the end and if he was scared of what he was going into. I also wonder about his life before his accident and immediately after.
Nathan: I think that Nathan made many good points throughout the story. It showed the way he felt about Will being given his own choices. I think that he was also one of Will's best friends. Someone who understanded him and who Will didn't have to hide from.
Lou: I liked Lou, but I found at times that she was an irrtating character. Maybe because she, like so many others has become content with what she has instead of daring to dream to be bigger.
Treena: I was glad that she began to realize that she wasn't the most important person on earth. Thank goodness for that.
Camilla: I wish that she would have spent more time with her son in the 6 months that she had. I understand that she had to work, but if you knew that you son was losing a battle wouldn't you want to spend some time with him.
Patrick: I think that he deserves everything he got. He was rude, and I think he was just with Lou out of convinience at this point. I do wonder if he will be there in future books.
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: " And stepping out from behind the table, I straighted my bag on my shoulder and set off down the street toward the parfumerie and the whole of Paris beyond."
Title: Under the Never Sky
Author: Veronica Rossi
Series/Standalone: Under the Never Sky Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 374
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2012
Format: Audiobook
"Since she'd been outside, she'd survived an Aether storm, she'd had a knife held to her throat, and she'd seen men murdered.
This was worse.
Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving the outer wasteland-- known as The Death Shop-- are slim. If the cannibals don't get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She's been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild-- a savage-- and her only hope of staying alive.
A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile-- everything he would expect from a Dweller. but he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliances forge a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky."
My Rating: 4/5
I had heard that this was an awesome dystopian series and this was a promising start to what looks like a fun trilogy. I really enjoyed the writing style and the world that was explored throughout this first book, but the audiobook narrator was not my favourite. I also found that some aspects of the book were cliche, while others were just unique enough to catch my interest. I'm excited to continue listening to the next book (I haven't been able to find these at my local library, so audiobook it is), and see where our characters take us.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This may be the year of highly hyped books or books I heard about on the internet. After the big dystopian craze (brought on by the Hunger Games...) this series became rather popular on the internet book community and I waited until now to see if it was really worth the hype or if it was just built up due to the trend of the time. I must say that this book stood the test. I really enjoyed the premise and the unique aspects of the storyline (having mutated powers based on being in the aether, the aether itself, podlife, etc). This book at some points gave me Illuminae vibes (without the space aspect). The characters were interesting but not as diverse as I would have hoped but who knows who we will meet in the next instalment.
Characters:
Perry: I think that he was an interesting love interest. Someone who is so opposite to his partner in most ways but finds themselves unable to resist them in spite of it. I also loved his loyalty to his nephew and the way he saw life on the Outside. The idea of being able to scent how someone felt and thought was interesting to me, I also thought that it was interesting to his two gifts combined both in everyday life and battle.
Aria: Nothing quite like being called Mole. I enjoyed that part a little too much. I also enjoyed the fact that she was part Outsider and that she gained an ability after being in her "natural" habitat for an extended period of time. I do wonder how she'll carry out the deal that she made at the end of the story and how that will affect her relationship with Perry.
Roar: A fun side character, reminded me a bit of Lucien in the first ACOTAR book and how his companionship helped Aria through tough times. I also enjoyed that the had similar skills.
Cinder: I wonder where he came from and what his original tribe thought of his gift. Is it possible there is a tribe who can just "use" the Aether?
Talon: While being in a pod seems to be helping his health, I wonder how long after the deal Aria made with the Counsellor. Will that affect his treatment?
Vale: Do we eventually get a backstory about how he felt toward Perry throughout his life, cause it's not like we can just learn about that now. Unless we learn that through Talon or others surrounding Vale. Also to sell out the children of your tribe in order to feed them? What a difficult decision to make, but to hire a hit man for your brother, that's a little overboard.
Marron: Another character I'm curious to learn about in the next book. One I hope to see alot more in the next book.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Ruined
Author: Amy Tintera
Series/Standalone: Ruined Series (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 355
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published:2016
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The wheels of the carriage creaked as they rolled across the dirt."
"A revenge that will consume her. A love that will ruin her.
Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents' brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia was kidnapped.
But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge Em sets of on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera's borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. but in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.
In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera's throne. if anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir's true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it's the only way to salvage Em's kingdom and what is left of her family.
Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em's rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life- and her family- on the line, love could be Em's deadliest mistake."
My Rating: 4.5/5
I went into this book tentatively because it was being compared to my favorite series, Red Queen and while I see where that was pulled from I didn't enjoy them for the same reason. In this story, I really enjoyed the main character and her motives, but more so I enjoyed the world and learning about the magic in this world. I also really enjoyed the romance for the first half of this novel, but by the second half, I found myself getting frustrated with the characters. I also enjoyed the pacing of this book it was a fun fast read, and I plan to continue on with the story.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
So this book was a leap for me, it was compared to Red Queen as some of you may know that that's my favourite series. And I have to say I did really enjoy this book but for different reasons then why I enjoy the Red Queen series. I really liked the romance aspect in the first half o this book, but by the second part of the book, I was little over it. I liked the twists and turns and the changing perspectives, but at times it made the story a little repetitive. Overall I really enjoyed this book and the world. I also found that it reminded me of The Selection Series with its addictive quality and romantic interest. I look forward to continuing with this series and would recommend as a first fantasy foray for young readers.
Characters:
Em: She's so willing to risk it all for her country even though they mark her as "useless". I did appreciate that she was willing to fight and that she was a bad ass. Also, anyone else enjoys a female main character who can handle a weapon and doesn't have to be trained by a man. I think that she definitely was cunning but let her feelings get in the way of her major plan.
Olivia: I'm really interested in how she will affect the storyline in the coming books. She is ruthless and willing to kill anyone for the Ruined. She seems more like the villain than the people of Lera did in the long run.
Cas: I liked him. Although he definitely was too trusting of those around him. Even if he had married the real Mary, I think she would have taken advantage of his kindness. He just seems like he's too sympathetic to everyone's cause which could be good, or gets him killed.
The Queen: LIttle did we know that she was the real obstacle all along. I wonder if she would be willing to kill her son to let her niece ascend the throne. I could sadly see it happening.
Aren: I loved him. He was willing to fight for those he loved even though he'd lost so much. I am curious about his backstory and how he lived before the start of the war.
Damian: We didn't really get to know him, but he seemed to genuinely care for Em and her cause. It was surprising to see him die so early on.
Iria: I wonder what her king has in mind for the ruined and why they were so quick to fight against Aren and Em. I hope that Em's speech inspired them, but I doubt it. Especially since they retreated.
Galo: I loved him and his representation. He was the only one who was completely honest with Cas regardless of what Cas would think. I hope that he makes a good Captain of the Guard but who knows what will happen in the next book.
Jovita: There is something about her, I wonder who her parents were and what she was taught before she came to live with the King and Queen. Is she willing to fight to ascend to the throne, or will she wait for natural consequences? Guess we'll find out.
Moments to Remember:
Pg. 160
"'Do you ever wonder,' he said to the ground, 'if maybe we're the dangerous ones, not the Ruined?'
Galo paused before answering. 'All the time.'"
Pg. 263
"'Point that thing at me again and I'll crack every one of your ribs in half and pull them out through your belly button.'"
Final Line: "'They will fear us soon enough.'"
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: The Lunar Chronicles (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopian, Science Fiction
Pages: 387
Publisher: Square Fish
Year Published: 2012
Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)
First Line: "The screw through Cinder's ankle had rusted, the engraved cross marks worn to a mangled circle."
"Even in the future, the story begins with Once Upon a Time....
Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl.
Sixteen-year-old Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past and is reviled by her step-mother. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she suddenly finds herself at the centre of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world's future. Because there is something unusual about Cinder, something that others would kill for."
My Rating: 4.5/5
I was hesitant going into this book because this is another well loved series on booktube and the book community, and I would be disappointed if I hated this one. But I really enjoyed it! I think that this book is a perfect binge read. This series is fast passed but also written in a way that you feel like you're getting a lot of story line in a short amount of time. Marissa Meyer everyone was telling me to read your books and I feel like I've wasted so much time putting this one off for long. The half a star was docked due to the ending that I predicted to an extent but other than that this book is an amazing read. I can't wait to continue with the series. They are being added to my next month TBR.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
