Book Review: The Queen of Nothing by Holly Black

Title: The Queen of Nothing
Author: Holly Black
Series/Standalone: The Folk of Air Series (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 308
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Year Published: 2019
Format: Audiobook

"He will be the destruction of the crown and the ruination of the throne.

Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold on to. Jude learned that lesson when she released her control over the wicked king, Cardan, in exchange for immeasurable power.

Now, as an exiled mortal Queen of Faerie, Jude is left reeling from Cardan's betrayal. She bides her time, determined to reclaim everything he took from her. Opportunity arrives in the form of her deceptive twin sister, Taryn, whose mortal life is in peril.

Jude must risk venturing back into the treacherous Faerie Court, and confront her lingering feelings for Cardan if she wishes to save her sister. But Elfhame is not as she left it. War is brewing. As Jude slips deep within enemy lines, she becomes ensnared in the conflict's bloody politics.

And when a terrible curse is unleashed, panic spreads throughout the land, forcing her to choose between her ambition and her humanity...."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I know that for lovers of this series this book was not a lot of people's favourites. But I really enjoyed it. I felt more connected to the characters and although there were plot lines that I wished had been further developed, I enjoyed the story overall. I think that this cast of characters goes through so much growth and there is such a great plot that it was a good series. That being said, I don't think that I will be purchasing the whole series for my personal collection, I've read it once and that was enough for me. I loved the angsty aspects of the story especially and look forward to perhaps reading more by Holly Black in the future. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Spoiler: War of the Cards by Colleen Oakes

I've finally finished this series that I was supposed to reread through last month and I can't believe it took me so long. I really enjoyed this last instalment. I expected it to lead up to the battle and that be the end of it, but I appreciated that the author put the action closer to the middle and wrapped the story with important plot points. There were times where the main character just seemed to be a little too naive even for me. That being said I was proud when she would realize something or research it for herself. I loved the different world and the notable nods to the original literature. Especially the end one.

Characters:
Dinah: I think the fact that she has that deeply embedded rage really makes the story what it is. The idea that she could just snap at any moment is terrifying both to her as well as the reader. It makes you wonder how she would be capable of ruling at some points and at others helps you acknowledge her fear of being on the throne at some points.

Wardley: My heart broke so soundly for him. I do wish that he had just told her. As per usual lack of communication lead to the death of someone's loved one. That being said, it would be safe to assume that she would have reacted the same way. Also if he can't even look at her how did they make 3 children....?

Cheshire: This scheming mother f**cker really twisted his way right into power. I'm not terribly surprised just disappointed. Wouldn't it have been easier to just manipulate the king and Vittorie? Not to mention did he not think that she would ever find out like she's a little naive but not dumb.

Mundoo: I liked his character, his strength for his people really came through. Overall their culture was so interesting to me. 

Bah-kan: I actually bawled when he died and I didn't expect that at all. He might have been my favourite character in this series.

Vittorie: I felt for her, but really to lay with Wardley was asking for it. Like you couldn't resist and just try to leave the palace to get away from him. I just didn't understand that choice tbh. 

Sir Gorrann: His story just hit me right in the heart more so than Alice and Wardley. It was far more important to me. 


Final Line: "But for her daughter's sake, Dinah prayed that this time, love would be enough to quench the flame."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Title: Requiem 
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series/Standalone: Delirium Series (Book #3)
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 391
Publisher: Harper Collins
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook

"Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has transformed. The nascent rebellion that was underway in Pandemonium has ignited into an all=out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the centre of the fight. After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven. Pockets of the rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of the Invalids. Regulators infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels.

As Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain of the Wilds, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancee of the young mayor. Requiem is told from the perspectives of both Lena and her friend Hana. They live side by side in a world that divides them until at last, their stories converge."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This story was just overall such a disappointment. I already had lowered my expectations due to what I'd heard around the book community but this was just so frustrating to me. I wasn't connecting to the characters as much as I wanted to or to the story line. The only part that really made this story partially worth it was Hana's perspective. But even that didn't make much sense to me. I am planning on reading the short story collection from my library, but I'm not sure if that will be anytime soon. 
What were your opinions on this classic dystopian ya book series? Let me know!

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: The Heroes of Olympus (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 586
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Year Published: 2012
Format: Audiobook

"Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy- after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera- it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can't blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon figurehead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of the praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket, Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving command: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find- and close- the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader- but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across the land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare..."

My Rating: 3.75/5

It's been a busy month for my family. We have moved 6 hours away from our hometown into a new apartment and have gotten new jobs. So needless to say I probably finished this 2 weeks ago, but have just starting to have the time to read and write again. I'm excited to be able to get back to routine and to be able to give it my all once more. This story was not my favourite so far in this series. I found that the storyline both dragged and was rushed at some points. The pacing just wasn't quite right for me. I did appreciate watching the characters come together and seeing what the coming books will have to offer. I look forward to continuing the series.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Title: Champion
Author: Marie Lu
Series/Standalone: Legend Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Young Adult
Pages: 369
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook

"He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic- and each other- and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government's elite circles as the Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position.

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic's border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country's defence. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything.

With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu's bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Possibly my favorite book in the series overall. I really enjoyed the storyline and the change in our characters. Hearing about how the world is changing and how the characters emotions towards the government and each other have grown. I really loved the changes in settings and the expansion of the world. The audiobooks narrators did a wonderful job at telling the story and portraying the characters emotions.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Champion by Marie Lu

This series threw me for a loop. The characters, the setting and the romance was interesting to me, to say the least. I really enjoyed the characters change in pace and the way they were pulled apart. I also loved seeing other parts of the world. Antartica was amazing to see, and an interesting concept. The romance grew on me a lot. At first, I thought it was unnecessary but the more the romance was proved to me the more I wanted to fight for it.

Characters:
Day: I loved how his character handled things. I would do the same. It's easier to leave people behind without them ever knowing than telling them something that would break their heart. I was also glad that he took time to grow into himself, but it was heartbreaking to see that he didn't remember June for so long.

June: I think that she grew alot in this story. She had to understand the politics of the world, and she tried to be with someone other than Day and it just wasn't meant to be. She is an amazing character and I would be interested in a prequel story. 

Anden: I didn't appreciate how he was so much like his father at some points in the story. I think he did what he thought was right. Although he and June didn't work out, I'm sure he would find someone else willing to be with him.

Eden: His ability to put others first was unmatched throughout this story. Even though he knew it would put him in danger he was willing to be experimented on again for the greater good.

Tess: I'm glad that she grew up and we got to see her as a more mature adult. I strongly appreciated it.

Book Review: Goliath by Scott Westerfield

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

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

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

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

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

My Rating: 3/5

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

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Goliath by Scott Westerfield

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

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

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

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

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

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

Malone: More trouble than he's worth.


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

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


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

Title: Into the Still Blue
Author: Veronica Rossi
Series/Standalone: Under the Never Sky Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 389
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2014
Format: Audiobook

"The race to the Still Blue has reached a stalemate. Aria and Perry are determined to find this last safe haven from the Aether storms before Sable and Hess do- and they are just as determined to stay together.


Within the confines of a cave they're using as a makeshift refuge, they struggle to reconcile their people, Dwellers and outsiders, who are united only in their hatred of their desperate situation. Meanwhile, time is running out to rescue Cinder, who was abducted by Hess and Sable for his unique abilities. Then Roar arrives in a grief-stricken fury, endangering all with his need for revenge.

Out of options, Perry and Aria assemble an unlikely team for an impossible rescue mission. Cinder isn't just the key to unlocking the Still Blue and their only hope for survival- he's also their friend. And in a dying world, the bonds between people are what matter most.

In this final book in her earth-shattering Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi raises the stakes to their absolute limit and brings her epic love story to an unforgettable close."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This ending was more than I could have expected and possibly my favourite book in this trilogy. I loved the storytelling and the plot, but also the way our characters reacted to things that had happened in the second book. I also really enjoyed the change of setting that occurred throughout this last instalment. I would definitely read more works by the author. I loved this series, and it reminded me of all that a dystopian really can be. So different and so heartwarming, but still so spooky to think about the what-ifs. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoyed dystopian books in the past but felt like they've seen it all. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Into the Still Blue by Veronica Rossi

This whole series had really reminded me of what I love about dystopian. The ideas of what if and what would you do if are very strong in this series. But this story also has the idea of fate. Whether you are born as a dweller or an outsider, your fate was the same by the end unless you aligned yourself with someone promising, and even then odds were that you wouldn't make it out.
I've also enjoyed the more adult aspect of this series. This series doesn't go into explicit details, but it doesn't brush away the ideas of needs and wants. It helped me to connect with our characters and make me feel like they were real people.

Characters:
Perry: His passion for his people and for Aria knows no bounds. I loved that he was a passionate character and wanted the best for everyone overall. I also enjoyed the fact that he clearly cared about Aria and wasn't afraid to show it after so long being apart.

Aria: Aria grew a lot as a character in this last book, she thought about who she was and who she wanted to be. I also enjoyed that she was willing to stand for herself, but was able to ask for help if she needed it. I hope her future is bright, even better than anything that would have happened in the pods.

Talon: He deserves this bright future. And he made me smile.

Cinder: His loss hurt me deeply, but I also think that it was necessary for his loss. I really loved that he showed his emotion and his fear, it's important for us to realize that fear is important.

Roar: I think that Roar is my favourite character. He is charming and funny, teasing as many of my friends are. That being said, his heartbreak was evident in this story and played a very important role in this storyline.

Sable: He is the evil we never even thought of. I honestly thought that he was a Rhysand type, but boy was I wrong. I wonder what would have happened if he hadn't been so harsh and raised to be so Horns above all. 

Hess: Can't say he'll be missed, he was the original villain and I still didn't forgive him for all he put Aria through.

Sorren: I think that Sorren grew a lot in this book as well, he realized it's not important about to be the head man if he wasn't going to live to see another month.

Brooke: I'm happy that she found someone else and was willing to be more friendly to Aria. 


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

Title: Before the Devil Breaks You
Author: Libba Bray
Series/Standalone: The Diviners (Book #3)
Genre: Young adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
Pages: 552
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2017
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "Thick evening fog clung to the forlorn banks of Ward's Island, turning it into a ghost itself."

"New York City.
1927.
Lights are bright.
Jazz is king.
Parties are wild.
And the dead are coming...

After battling a supernatural sleeping sickness that early claimed two of their own, the Diviners have had enough of lies. They're more determined than ever to uncover the mystery behind their extraordinary powers, even as they face off against  an all-new terror. Out on Ward's Island, far from the city's bustle, sits a mental hospital haunted by the lost souls of people long forgoteen-- ghosts who have unusual and dangerous ties to the man in the stovepipe hat, also known as the King of Crows.

With terrible accounts of murder and possession flooding in from all over, and New York City on the verge of panic, the Diviners must band together and brave the sinister ghosts invading the asylum, a fight that will bring them fact-to-face with the King of Crows. But as the explosive secrets of the past come to light, loyalties and friendship will be teasted, love will hang in the balance, and thre Diviners will question all that they've ever known. All the while, malevolent forces gather from every corner in a battle for the very soul of a nation-- a fight that could claim the Diviners themselves."

My Rating: 4.5/5

So for the first majority of the book I was kind of questioning my enjoyment of the series overall. I was still enjoying it and enjoying our characters, but it wasn't blowing me away as much as the books before this one. By the end of this storyline though I was drawn back into the world and am so excited to continue with the series. I'm just hoping that it doesn't take the author another 4 years to put out a novel. I loved the growth and changes in our characters, as well as the expansion on some of our newer characters. I also enjoyed the diversity within our characters.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Before the Devil Breaks You by Libba Bray

Throughout the first part of the book I was a little disappointed in the content of this book. I was still enjoying it, but it felt a little too predictable to me and the characters seemed a little static for my liking, but by the end of the book I was blown away by the twists and turns. I loved the way the story wrapped up and it certainly left me wanting more. I'm excited to see where the story goes in the rest of the series.

Characters:
Evie: I thought that Evie would be my favorite character after the first book, but as the series has continued she's become less likable to me. I was proud of her for finely stopping WGI from pushing her around. I also wonder how she'll deal with her rekindled relationship with Sam.

Theta: I think Theta might be my favorite character. She's willing to stand up for herself even though she's scared. After her secret is revealed she takes time to figure out how she wants to use it to help her friends and people around her. I was surprised at how quickly Roy found her and tried to take control of her again. 

Sam: Throughout the story I was waiting for him to lose it on Jericho and I was surprised he didn't after the problem at the Marlowe estate. I also wonder how he will find his mother and what he'll do when he realizes she's one of the ones connection the King of Crows to this world.

Henry: I wish that we would have been able to see more from his point of view, I loved his perspective in the second book and I missed it in this one.

Ling: I felt the same way I did about Henry. I was glad to see an expanse on her romantic interest and the representation that she added to the story without it being labelled.

Memphis: I love him. I was frustrated when he was just bumbling through life after Theta broke up with him, but I can understand how that feels. I also wonder about his future now that the Shadow Men are after him with a purpose. Will Bill stay on their side?

Isaiah: Will his "fits" subside now that Bill isn't working against him, or will he become a seer similar to those we've seen throughout the story? Will he lose control of his body and just become a vessel for prophecies? I hope not.

Bill: I wonder about his choices and whether or not he will be willing to stay on the boys side or if he will stop repaying his "debt" at some point. I think now that he has a second chance at life he is willing to work harder to be a better person.

Margaret Walker: I wonder about her involvement with the Shadow Men and how her and the others had a falling out. I realize she wasn't a part of the Founder's Club, but what else was she involved in?

Will: I wish that he hadn't gone so early, but I also wonder how this will affect our other characters. Did he leave behind enough information for them to learn about themselves and their past, or will it be a continual guessing game?

Mabel: This broke my heart. I thought that Memphis would pop out of no where and heal her and things would be happy go lucky. Little did I realize that this is how she met her death. It broke my heart to see her dying trying to stop something to no avail. 

Jericho: I hope he freaking regrets what he did. To go after someone the way he went after Evie is unexceptable. I understand that he was out of his mind, but still its scary to think that that is the new brand of American's that Marlowe is trying to bring to life. 

Jake: I think he might be the bumbling idiot villian if I've ever saw one. To be willing to release the king of crows and think that they would be able to control him is just stupid. For someone so book smart, he's not the brightest of the bulbs is he?

King of Crows: I wonder about his origins and his story. Why does he want to destroy humanity so much.

Roy: I wish he would have met his end. He deserved it, but I'm glad that he knows that he doesn't have the power to control Theta anymore. That he is less than nothing.

Sarah: Her death served a huge purpose for those shadow men, which is unfortunate, but it makes me wonder if Jake had something to do with it.

Arthur: He and Mabel might have been happy together, but after all they went through they met their end in the most unfortunate way. I was hoping that at least one of them would survive. I think that he sincerely thought he was doing his part in social justice, but it just wasn't the right course of action.


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 135
"She got drunk and talked too much and danced on tables. She had a temper and a sharp tongue, and she often blurted out things she instantly regretted. Worst of all, she suspected that was who she truly was- not so much a bright young thing as a messy young thing."

Pg. 482
"I can't say what the future holds. That is my brother's gift not mine. I only know my heart has picked yours from the multitude, a secret sign, a small piece of the Divine, and it will not let go."

Final Line: "'The time is now.'"

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series/Standalone: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Book #3)
Pages: 699
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 2017
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The buzzing of flies and screaming survivors had long since replaced the beating war-drum."

"Looming war threatens all Feyre holds dear in the third volume of the #1 New York Times bestselling A Court of Thorns and Roses series.

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening the bring Prythian to its knees. but to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit- and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords- and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all."

My Rating: 4/5

I know I'm about half a year behind everyone, but here it finally is my review on ACOWAR. I think that this book wasn't a bad wrap up for Feyre's point of view. But I also didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the first two books. I think that Sarah J. Maas did a great job with the action parts of this story along with the romance, that being said it was hard to get through at some points and seemed drawn out for some periods of time. That also being said I wonder what A Court of Frost and Starlight.  Overall I enjoyed it and was happy to finish the series and see our favorite characters again. It was also nice to explore the world more along with the other courts.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler; A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

This book has been a long time coming for me to read. I preordered this book after binge reading ACOTAR and ACOMAF two books that I loved so much in 2016, but then kept putting it off (first to reread the first 2 and then just based on the opinions of others that it was a let down). Don't get me wrong this was my least favorite of the series so far, but I still enjoyed it. At some points I just found that the story was unneccesarily long which isn't really a good feeling to have in the last book from a certain p.o.v. All of these taken into consideration I really enjoyed catching up with favorite characters, the drama, the action and the further exploration of the world and am excited to continue reading stories in this setting in the future. I am certainly curious about who the next 3 books will be following. 

Characters:
Feyre: I enjoyed seeing her grow so much and become so confident in who she is. I also appreciated her relationship with Rhy in comparison to her relationship with Tamlin in the start of the series. I think that it was important that she got closure from her family as well as her former lover, but at the same time I don't know how she didn't rip him apart for what he did to her family and the land. I also loved how she held her own in this book against all odds.

Rhys: He is probably one of the most loved fictional characters in the booktube and blogger universe at the moment and I'm still aboard the train. The way he makes sure that Feyre is able to make her own decisions while still keeping her "safe" is really important to me. I respected that he was willing to do whatever it takes to protect those he loves and what he believes in. But I didn't appreciate the way that his bringing around was a repeat to Feyre's although in an aspect it made the story come full circle. 

Tamlin: While reading the first book I didn't understand how everyone could come to hate him so much, and yet here I am hating him so much. He's an overprotective, abusive asshole. I hated him throughout this story. Especially when he went to the meeting just to throw insults at Feyre and Rhys. What a dick.

Lucien: I do think that he regretted not helping Feyre when he had the chance but overall it did lead him to finding his mate. I do wonder how that will play out for him and Elain after she was so heartbroken by the mortal guy.

Nesta: I think that hell hath no fury quite like Nesta. She is all fire and ice. I loved her attitude even when it was a little much because of who she was. I do wonder about her and Cassian's future especially after the war and all they had seen. 

Elain: Will she still be seeing prophecies even though the Cauldron has been sent somewhere safe. I also wonder how she will cope with being High Fae in this new world.

Azriel: My heart breaks for him especially knowing that Mor can't love him in return. Will he think those years a waste and be angry with himself and her. Or will he be willing to find someone else? I strongly hope for the second.

Mor: Throwing in Mor's sexuality kind of seemed like a last ditch effort to make this book more diverse and I don't think it really accomplished that. We didn't see a good example of a female-female romance, we saw someone who wasn't ready to come out (which may be accurate for a lot of people), but I think that it could have been done so much better.

Cassien: He's brutish and finally being able to hear about his fighting skills took my breathe away. I think that he was too willing to risk it all, even though he might have had an idea about the way he felt towards Nesta. I hope that they do have a mating bond and it clicks in soon (although at the start of the series they were made to sound rare and here we are with so many people getting paired up). 

Beron: I hate him with a fiery passion just because you suspect that someone is not your child gives you no right to hurt them the way he hurt Lucien.

Eris: Either he will be a far better leader than his father or he will be far worse, only time will tell. 

Ianthe: I'm glad she met her end in such a horrible way. She certainly deserved it. After all the assualts she's launched in her time she deserved everything she got.

The King: I wonder what waited for him after his attempt to use the cauldron. He deserves a painful death and I wonder about his subjects (whoever is left) and how they will take the defeat.

Jurian: I wonder what will happen to him now, maybe that's where our story will continue or maybe w'll meet up with him in another time. But I suppose we will have to wait and see.

Amren: I will miss her fiery attitude and her power, but she deserves to live.



Moments to Remember:
Pg. 234
"'This could be... a very bad idea,' I admitted, my grip tightening on his hand.
'Oh, it must certainly is,' Cassian said with a faint smile as we continued down and down into the heavy black thrumming silence. 'But this is war. We don't have the luxury of good ideas- only picking between the bad ones.'"

Pg. 436
"Beron threw her a glare that had Kallias tensing. 'Wives were invited as a courtesy, not as consultants.'
Viviane's sapphire eyes flared as if struck by lightning. 'If this war goes poorly, we'll be bleeding out right alongside you, so I think we damn well get a say in things.'"

Final Line:
"All of it."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cress 
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone:  The Lunar Chronicles (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Retellings, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Pages: 552
Publisher: Square Fish
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "Her satalite made one full orbit around planet earth every sixteen hours."

"Even in the future, there are damsels in distress...

Cress, having risked everything to warn Cinder of Queen Levana's evil plan, has a slight problem. She's been imprisoned on a satellite since childhood and has only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress involving Cinder, Captain Thorne, Scarlet, and Wolf goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has."

My Rating: 4/5

I've really been working hard to binge read series that are highly anticipated in the YA book community and this series is no exception. I really have enjoyed getting to see the twist that Marissa Meyer takes with classic fairy tales. I enjoyed how well the series brings in new characters and perspectives while keeping the story line interesting. I also enjoyed catching up with older characters from the past two books. That being said, I didn't think that this book was as ground altering as I hoped it would be for the plot. There were a few aspects that were surprising but not as shocking as they were in the past two books. This book was good for me, it just wasn't all I hoped it to be. I can't wait to continue on with the series and novellas to gather a complete opinion on the series as a whole.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Cress by Marissa Meyer

I think that this series really has a lot going for it, which is likely why it's such a classic in the YA book community. I think that Marissa Meyer does a great job storytelling with a twist on the classics. I love the way the characters intertwine and connect without seeming overdone. I also have really connected with a few of our characters in these past three books. Unfortunately, Cress wasn't one of them for me. I thought that she was ok, but she didn't really capture a whole of my attention. I

I also really appreciated the change of scenery in this book. Which has happened in the past two novels. I always appreciate when authors are willing to expand on their world/universe. I think that the space aspects of this story were especially interesting to me. 

Characters:
Cress: I think that she was just too nice for me. I like my characters to have a little more fire or humour behind them and she just didn't. I can see how she made a very good damsel in distress and how the world from her perspective was an interesting idea, it just wasn't my favorite. I also found it rather obvious that she was Dimitri's child. Especially after the first two books. It just became to clear for it to be even close to a surprise.

Thorne: I like him. He's a sassy womanizer. He also reminds me a lot of Han Solo's attitude projected into a young Captain character. I wonder what he'll think as his eyesight begins to return. I also wonder how his relationship with Cress will grow.

Cinder: She's gotten a lot more fierce throughout the series, something I'm totally on board with. I loved that she was willing to go to such lengths to show that she was capable while still keeping true to who she really is. I also liked her consciousness aspects, the feelings of guilt she felt when using her power kept her relatable for me. 

Scarlet: She's by far my favorite main character. She is so loyal to those she loves and believes in. It was sad to see her lose so much because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I do think that she'll find her way out though.

Wolf: I also love him. I really enjoy his relationship with Scarlet and the evidence of heartbreak as he begins to believe that she is gone. I think that's an important aspect that fairytales sometime forget to show. How the love of the two is reciprocated. 

Sybil: She went just the right amount of crazy for me. She deserved what she got, I do wonder how her death will affect Levana.

Levana: Speaking about the evil lady herself, I'm super excited to get to Fairest to learn more about her backstory and why she turned into the person she did. I also wonder about her perspective being more present in Winter. 

Kai: He's got a lot of pressure on him the poor dude. That being said, he just seems lost so much of the time. I sincerely hope that he's ready to do what they have to end the war. 

Dr. Erland: This might have been the most heartbreaking part of the story line for me. To finally found something that you thought was gone only to have a short amount of time to enjoy it/share it with the other person. It was heartbreaking to see him start to lose his mind, but I think it was important to see that anyone is now able to catch the plague. ANYONE.

Iko: Just as sassy as I remember and I love it. I hope that she gets everything she wants throughout the series and I can't wait to see how she does with the upcoming war. She is getting braver with each book, and slightly less self-centred which I can appreciate.

Jacin: I'm not sure what to think about this character yet. It's clear that he and Winter have an intense relationship, but I'm curious how that happened and how it got to that point. Especially with him being Sybil's puppet.

Winter: I also appreciated seeing someone who just looks like she's full of madness. I appreciate a character who is not exactly reliable and who the reader is unsure of. I can't wait to read her story in the final book in the series.


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "'So I'm going to Luna, and I'm going to start a revolution.'"


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Ignite Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series/Standalone: Shatter Me Series (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Pages: 408
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "I am an hourglass."

"The fat of Omega Point is unknown.
Everyone Juliette cares about may be dead. now Juliette is the only one standing in The Reestablishment's way. But to take them down, as well as Anderson, the man that nearly killed her. Juliette needs the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-- about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-- was wrong."

My Rating: 5/5

This is what some thought would be the last installment in a trilogy, but the jokes on us the series has been continued to a 6 book series. So who knows if what I thought would be an ending will continue to be the ending. I know that a lot of people are not a fan of this last book (which is interesting to me because it has a very high rating on Goodreads). I think that this ending is exactly what I hoped for. I found myself having to put this book down and pace during the stressful times in this storyline. Our characters have changed so much since the first book which readers either love or hate. I'm clearly on the love side of this series. I can't wait to continue on with the next book coming out this upcoming spring. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Here we all thought this was a trilogy and then Tahereh Mafi pulls out 3 more books! I can't wait. That being said I'm content with the ending and the way the love triangle ended in this series. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Adam and I have a lot of thoughts about how these next three books might undo the process of Juliette loving Warner. That might just be my panicky fangirl thoughts. Tahereh's writing is beautiful and soul-crushing. The descriptions in this series are terribly beautiful  (does anyone know what I'm trying to say?). I would also like to note that these books do contain a few intimate relationship details (although they are not phrased in a way that makes it completely apparent). Just in case you are a young reader and not interested in sexual aspects of a relationship.

I loved these first three books and plan to continue with the series as soon as possible.

Characters:

Juliette: Her character growth was amazing to witness and an important message to all of us. That we're allowed to change and grow into different people. Although, it was painful to watch her have to explain this to those around her time and time again. I think that she truly became a badass character in this novel and kicked so much ass! I can't wait to see what happens next in her story.

Aaron/Warner: Yes he has had to make severe choices and his reasoning is not an excuse for many of his actions, but I do still love him. As problematic as it may be. I really enjoyed learning more about his life and how he became who he was. I can't wait to see how their relationship continues in the next book. And yes I'll be incredibly mad if they don't stay together.

Adam: Let's all be honest, he was a real dink in this book. He was rude and obviously didn't care that they had already broken up. He was acting so selfishly for the majority of the book that I had a lot of trouble finding a redeeming quality about him. 

Kenji: He's a sweet guy and I love his dynamic with Juliette (especially because she had a guy best friend... it's the 21st century people). He's sweet and playful but still has enough emotion to be a realistic character in my mind. 

Castle: I really think that he took being pushed down from leadership rather well. No not the best, but pretty ok. I was impressed. 

James: This kids life is totally going to expand into these next 3 books and I can't wait to see what happens to him and around him. 

Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "'I can't wait to watch them try.'"

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Title: The Titan's Curse
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 320
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook (Own a physical copy)

"It's not everyday you find yourself in combat with a half-lion, half-human.
But when you're the son of a Greek god, it happens. And now my friend Annabeth is missing, a goddess is in chains and only five half-blood heroes can join the quest to defeat the doomsday monster.

Oh, and guess what? The Oracle has predicted that not all of us will survive."


My Rating: 5/5

I've been writing that this whole series is a reread for so many reviews and that it's getting old, but just know this is the same. I am rereading these books after about 6-8 years so it's a very different perspective I'm taking. This book really stepped the series up for me. We see that our main character has grown, and I found that he was even more relatable in this book (which is saying something because I'm a 22-year-old woman, not a 14-year-old boy). I thought that this book was action packed and full of turns that I only saw coming because of my memory. I can't wait to continue to listen to the audiobooks (I'm loving the narration). Unfortunately, I have to wait for the 4th book to be available from overdrive but I will be getting to it soon.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny