Book Review: Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

Title: Daisy Darker

Author: Alice Feeney

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Adult, Fiction

Pages: 338

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"After years of avoiding each other, Daisy Darker's entire family is assembling for Nana's 80th birthday party in Nana's crumbling gothic house on a tiny tidal island. Finally back together one last time, when the tide comes in, they will be cut off from the rest of the world for eight hours.

The family arrives, each of them harbouring secrets. Then at the stroke of midnight, as a storm rages, Nana is found dead. And an hour later, the next family member follows....

Trapped on an island where someone is killing them one by one, the Darkers must reckon with their present mystery as well as their past secrets, before the tide comes in and all is revealed."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I was thoroughly impressed with this thriller. I think if you haven't read many classic thrillers/mysteries this is a great read, but if you've read what it is based on it may hinder your enjoyment. The twists and turns were impressive, it was unsettling in the best possible way and the pacing was excellent. Did I see through some of the twists and turns? Yes but honestly, not as many as I thought I did and it kept me guessing until the end. I would highly recommend and will be picking up more work from the author.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

Title: Rock Paper Scissors

Author: Alice Feeney

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 294

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Year Published:2021

Format: Audiobook

"Think you know the person you married? Think again?

Things have been wrong with Mr. and Mrs. Wright for a long time. When Adam and Amelia win a weekend away in Scotland, it might be just what their marriage needs. Self-confessed workaholic and screenwriter Adam Wright has lived with face blindness his whole life. He can't recognize friends or family, or even his own wife.

Every anniversary the couple exchange traditional gifts- paper, cotton, pottery, tin and each year Adam's wife writes him a letter that she never lets him read. Until now. They both know this weekend will make or break their marriage, but they didn't randomly win this trip. One of them is lying, and someone doesn't want them to live happily ever after.

Ten years of marriage. Ten years of secrets and an anniversary they will never forget."

My Rating: 4/5

This wasn't what I thought it was going to be at all but I'm kind of glad for that. I ended up listening to the audiobook in one sitting (road trip anyone?) and it kept me hooked. I didn't feel the need to skip off it, but when we did get to the end I did kind of feel let down. There were still bits and pieces that surprised me and the atmosphere was excellently written. The atmosphere felt very similar to the shining to me so if that's something that interests you I would recommend it. I do hope to read more from the author, any recommendations of what to pick up next?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: If We Were Villains by M.L Rio

Title: If We Were Villains

Author: M.L Rio

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Mystery

Pages: 354

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"Oliver Marks has just served ten years in jail- for a murder, he may or may not have committed. On the day he's released, he's greeted by the man who put him in prison. Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he wants to know what really happened a decade ago.

As one of the seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingenue, extra. But when the casting changes, and the secondary characters usurp the stars, the plays spill dangerously over into life, and one of them is found dead. The rest face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, and themselves, that they are blameless."

My Rating: 5/5

I had tried to pick this book up physically. Still, due to the different use of language (Shakespearean quotes thrown throughout), I had a lot of trouble distinguishing who was who and put it down shortly after starting. I saw that my library got an audiobook version and this was the last chance I was giving this novel. Now if you told me that I would have rated this a 5-star book I would not have believed you. I was leaning towards 4.5 stars until the final twist. I wasn't ready for how this was going to finish. I would strongly recommend the audiobook it is EXCELLENT! I hope to read more work by M.L Rio. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finale by Stephanie Garber

Title: Finale
Author: Stephanie Garber
Series/Standalone: Caraval Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 478
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Year Published: 2019
Format: Audiobook

"A love worth fighting for. A dream worth dying for. An ending worth waiting for.

It's been two months since the Fates were freed from a deck of cards, two months since Legend claimed the throne of his own, and two months since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn't really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she's going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. There are no spectators this time- only those who will win, and those who will lose everything."

My Rating: 2/5

This instalment just isn't what I hoped at all from the series. I found myself bored at some points and rolling my eyes at others. I know that the author was trying to set up love triangles and set out different options for both main characters, but this story did nothing for me. It was long and drawn out. The fates were not as present as I had hoped and other villains were just ok. Overall I would say to just stick with Caraval and that would likely be enough for some people interested in the storyline.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Title: Legendary
Author: Stephanie Garber
Series/Standalone: Caraval Series (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 443
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)
First Line: "While some rooms on the estate had monsters hiding beneath the beds, Tella swore her mother's suite concealed enchantment."

"A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.

After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn't yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver; Caraval Master Legend's true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend's identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more- and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets... including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more. If Tella can't fulfil her bargain and deliver Legend's name, she'll lose everything she cares about- maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever..."

My Rating: 3.5/5

So I was expecting a lot from this story and it just was kind of ok. It was alright for me, but it just didn't have the same magic as the original one, but it did have something magical. It was good, just wasn't great. I liked following Donatella and seeing some of her memories of her past and exploring a new world with her, but it just seemed like a lot of elements that weren't in the first book. I did like the change of pace though.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Legendary by Stephanie Garber

This story just wasn't what I expected it to be. I was ready for not knowing what was real, but then everything turned out to be mostly real. And I wasn't ready for that, mainly because the original was all twists. 
I loved that we had a change of setting though, and how it took over the city at night. I also appreciated seeing Donatella's memories of her past with her mother way more than Scarlett's memories.

Characters:
Donatella: I think that she had an odd perspective, she's already died once, she doesn't believe she'll ever find anyone who loves her and the fates have predicted a pretty shitty life overall. I was interested in her relationship with Dante, but now I'm more interested in where her relationship with Jacks goes. And was she really his true love, or just magical enough. What's she going to do about her mother,  was it even worth it?

Legend: What is his long game? Honestly, what does he want from everyone? Is he just going to run a continual Caraval? Does he care about anyone, scared of the fates? Who freaking knows.

Jacks: How is he planning on getting his powers back, is he going to stay close to Donatella? Or is this a love triangle now? Is his kiss still deadly? What now!

Scarlett: What an ass. I understand wanting to see what her original fiance was like, but it just doesn't bode well that Legend has played with their whole life pretty much.

Julian: What's he going to do with Scarlett making a competition for him? And what's his past?

Elantine: I loved her honesty, but was her lost child really Legend, uh I don't know.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Series/Standalone: Caraval Series (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 404
Publisher: Flatiron
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover (Own It)
First Line: "It took seven years to get the letter right."

"Remember, it's only a game...

Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval- the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show- are over.

But this year, Scarlett's long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that the season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless, she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval... beware of getting sept too far away."

My Rating: 3.75/5

So I went into this book not expecting to enjoy it, but I loved it more and more as I read. The more I read though I also found the twists and turns becoming a little less impressed. I think that the author worked really hard to make you keep guessing about who was who, as well as what was real and fake. By the end though, I was feeling a little tired by all the twists and turns. What really intrigued me and made me want to continue the series is the note at the end of the book. I'm looking forward to seeing how our characters continue life after the events of Caraval.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler:Caraval by Stephanie Garber

This book was surprising to me. I wasn't a huge fan of the Night Circus and I knew that this had been compared to it (that being said I didn't hate the Night Circus it was just ok for me). But this book has a very different element than the Night Circus. We are a player in a mysterious tradition on a seemingly magical island. It also appears that the more we watched the story unfolding the more we saw how everyone was a freaking liar and a player. No one told the truth and did what they were expected to do. I enjoyed the setting and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Characters:
Scarlett: I understood her need to leave her home, especially after seeing how manipulative and abusive her father was. But the idea of marrying someone who could be worse than her father was horrifying. I don't even want to think about that. I also think that she got a little in over her head during the "game" especially in her relationship with Julian. It was frustrating. I'm curious to see how their relationship plays out.

Tella: I'll be the first to admit that I underestimated her. I thought that she was more beauty than brains, but by the end of this first book, she proved to be daring and intelligent. She worked hard to get herself off the island and to save her sister. I worry about the note I read by the end of the book. What else could she owe and where in the world is her mother?

Julian: His character was frustrating to me. I wanted to love him, as I'm usually fans of mysterious seemingly bad boys who have a heart of gold. But I just couldn't get on board with their romance. The more Scarlett fell for him the more I felt like she was making a mistake. 

Legend: What is his deal and what really happened over the years of his performances? Why did he chose to be a great performer rather than have the love of his life?

Dante: Will we know his truth?

Marcello: He's deserved how everyone left him and he deserves to lose his fortune. He's rude and a terrible father.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

Title: If I Was Your Girl
Author: Meredith Russo
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, LGBT, Contemporary
Pages: 280
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Year Published: 2016
Format: Physical Copy- own it
First Line: "The bus smelled of mildew, machine oil, and sweat."

"A new kind of big-hearted novel about being seen for who you really are.

Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school in Lambertville, Tennesse. Like anyone else, she wants to make friends and fit in. But Amanda has a secret-something that sets her apart from all her peers. She's determined not to get too close to anyone.

But when she meets sweet, easygoing Grant, Amanda can't help but let him into her life. As they spend more time together, she realizes just how much she is losing by guarding her heart. She finds herself yearning to share with Grant everything about herself- including her past. But Amanda's terrified that once she tells the truth, no one will be able to see past it.

Because the secret that Amanda's been keeping? It's that at her old school, she used to be Andrew. 

Will the truth cost Amanda her new life- and her new love?"


My Rating: 4/5

I haven't read many books with diverse characters but I'm sincerely trying to pick up more over time and this is one I've been interested in since the first time I heard it. It caught my attention as my sister is a huge supporter of LGBT rights and has gotten to know people all over the spectrum. It was very interesting to hear about the main characters thoughts, feelings and experiences especially since this is an own voices novel. I was very impressed with the opening letter written both to cisgendered (those who are not trans) and trans readers. It made sure the reader knew that this wasn't for only people who identify as cisgendered but for everyone. I could not agree more with the story it is important for all different kinds of people to read. I think that the telling of Amanda's story helped me understand those who identify as transgendered and what that means for some people (everyone has different life experiences LGBT or otherwise). I think the author made a good point of reviewing the past and present to show an overall story of our main character and the ending left off in a good place; leaving the reader wondering, but also to an extent content. The reason I ended up docking one star off of this review is because I didn't agree with some of the main character's choices (see the spoiler for more details) and it left me feeling frustrated about the love interest in the book. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

WARNING: I'M DRINKING WINE WHILE WRITING THIS SPOILER!!!

So to start this spoiler off I'd like to say this book mostly lives up to the hype. It is diverse, it's own voices and the story is both important as well as endearing. I think that this book did the important job of appealing to both sides: people who are trans as well as cisgendered. The story was important to me because I want to gain an understanding of people who are vastly different from me, especially in the childcare field as we meet many unique individuals and families. I enjoyed the way the author brought the present and the past together in her writing to complete the picture of Amanda's life thus far. I think that while parts of the world have started to be more accepting, it's important to realize that not everywhere is. This really played into the setting and as someone who lives in a small town (not in the southern States), I saw many similarities between Lambertville and my hometown. People are slow to accept things they don't understand, even fear them, but with help, we can change that. Overall, I gave this book 4/5 stars. I think that for an author debut this was an amazing start, but there were aspects that I didn't enjoy. I didn't like the main characters waiting and waiting to tell Grant about her past, although she did try. I didn't think that she needed acceptance from a boy to be complete but I can see how she would feel this was important as it was something she had been missing out on most of her life. Also the importance of self-love! Beautiful!

Characters:
Amanda: To have gone through so much at such a young age broke my heart. At 18 I had it so easy in comparison. I felt for her realizing how she felt unsafe throughout her life, feeling the need to hide, being unable to be your true self for so long, depression and life after a huge change in your life that can't be celebrated for fear of those who do not agree with your choices. I think that she was a strong female character, but her indecisiveness drove me a little crazy. I understand that this was her first serious relationship, but to give up the idea of telling someone something as soon as they look at you with "longing" eyes is a little crazy to me. Maybe I'm just old and in denial about young love, but that aspect of the book drove me a little crazy.

Grant: He seemed like a good guy overall. I don't know if he and Amanda ended up a couple by the end but at least he was willing to try and understand her. I think that the way he found out changed a lot of things for him (for example, the peer pressure of high school....).  I was disappointed by his reaction to finding out, but I felt for his home life and struggle to keep his family afloat. An interesting love interest for our main character.

Bee: I wasn't surprised to realize that Chloe was right, but was disappointed that this was how the author chose to have Amanda come out. If you can even call it that if others tell your secrets before you have a chance. Not impressed with her. I hope she realized that making other people miserable doesn't change your life.

Chloe: I would be interested in a story of her life as well. Learning more about growing up in a place that didn't accept who she was and how she continued her life after the end of this story.

Anna: An interesting character to throw in, but in all honesty, I don't think she would have remained friends with Chloe and Amanda if she was not partying on the weekend. 

Layla: Just a base character for me. The fun, fashionista best friend... mah.

Virginia: A very important character to think about. Someone to help understand what you're going through and has been where you are. I also wonder about her life and people she's mentored and seen throughout her life.

Amanda's Mother: She seemed overall understanding and a realistic portrayal of a parent seemingly losing their child. You go lady! You supported your child through a lot.

Amanda's Father: He annoyed the crap out of me for the first half of the book, but over time he grew on me. Especially after he realized he was losing so much by not supporting his daughter. 

Parker: Ass hat.


Final Line:
"I knew now- I believed, now- that I deserved to be loved."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny