Book Review: The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: The Final Gambit

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Series/Standalone: The Inheritance Games (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery

Pages: 400

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"Avery's fortune, life and loves are on the line in the game that everyone will be talking about. 

To inherit billions, all Avery Kylie Grambs has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House. The paparazzi are dogging her every step. Financial pressures are building. Danger is a fact of life and the only thing getting Avery through it all is the Hawthorne brothers. Her life is intertwined with theirs. She knows their secrets, and they know her.

But as the clock ticks down to the moment when Avery will become the richest teenager on the planet, trouble arrives in the form of a visitor who needs her help- and whose presence in Hawthorne House can change everything. It soon becomes clear that there is one last puzzle to solve, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are drawn into a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player.

Secrets upon secrets. Riddles upon riddles. In this game, there are hearts and lives at stake- and there is nothing more Hawthorne than winning."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was a fun audiobook and I think that if you can binge this series it's a great time. My issue might have been that I left so much time in between each installment (as I waiting on library copies). I love the idea of this and how the mansion plays into it. The idea of becoming so incredibly rich practically overnight and walking into a mansion filled with competitive/strategic family members is so fun for me. I think I would enjoy this more if it were an adult, but that is my own issue.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The War Outside by Monica Hesse

Title: The War Outside

Author: Monica Hesse

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Pages: 336

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2018

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

First Line: "Of all the things that happened there, in that place full of enemies and dust and spies and sadness; of all the things Margot said to me- the calculations that sounded like friendship, the casual shattering of my life- out of all those things, I am grateful for only one: that I never loved her."

"It's 1944, and World War II is raging across Europe and the Pacific. The war seemed far way from Margot in Iowa and Haruko in Colorado-- until they were uprooted to dusty Texas,  all because of the places their parents once called home: Germany and Japan.

Haruko and Margot meet at the high school in Crystal City, a "family internment camp" for those accused of colluding with the enemy. The teens discover that they are polar opposites in so many ways, except for one that seems to override all the others: the camp is changing them, day by day, and piece by piece. Haruko finds herself consumed by fear for her soldier brother and distrust of her father, who she knows is keeping something from her. And Margot is doing everything she can to keep her family whole as her mother's health deteriorates and her rational, patriotic father becomes a man who distrusts America and fraternizes with Nazis.

With everything around them falling apart, Margot and Haruko find solace in their growing, secret friendship. But in a prison the government has deemed full of spies, can they trust anyone- even each other?"

My Rating: 3/5

I want to start off by saying my rating of this story does not reflect the importance of the subject matter. It's important that we remember our history to avoid repeating it. I haven't read much about the internment camps in America, and I haven't read anything about similar camps in Canada but I'm curious to know if anyone has more recommendations about this subject matter. 

Now that we have spoken about that, my rating does reflect my enjoyment and feelings about the fictional plot overall. While I thought that the author did a great amount of research, but the plot didn't do it for me. It was the ending that really cinched this rating for me, I wanted any amount of conflict resolution and it wasn't there. This is a similar way I felt when I read another of her works.

All in all, I plan on giving her work one more chance, but that might be it for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: The Inheritance Games

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Series/Standalone: The Inheritance Games Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller

Pages: 376

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why-- or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch- and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes.

Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they inherit billions, Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con-woman, and he's determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather's last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive."

My Rating: 4/5

The concept of this was precisely what I like. A mystery with puzzles and twists and turns every which way. Also cute love interests and a weird old house that has secrets all its own. I loved the way our main character reacted to her surroundings and her ability to see things through. I also thought that her being the main character was interesting because she enters the game just as unsure of what's going on as we are. I am curious how Jennifer Lynn Barnes turned this into a trilogy. Can't wait to read more.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Redemption

Author(s): Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Series/Standalone: Caster Chronicles (Book #4)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Pages: 456

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2012

Format: Audiobook

"Is death the end... or only the beginning?

Ethan Wate has spent most of his life longing to escape the stiflingly small Southern town of Gatlin. He never thought he would meet the girl of his dreams, Lena Duchannes, who unveiled a secretive, powerful and cursed side of Gatlin, hidden in plain sight. And he never could have expected that he would be forced to leave behind everyone and everything he cares about. So when Ethan awakes after the chilling events of the Eighteenth Moon, he has only one goal: to find a way to return to Lena and the ones he loves.

Back in Gatlin, Lena is making her own bargains for Ethan's return, vowing to do whatever it takes-- even if that means trusting old enemies or risking the lives of the family and friends Ethan left to protect.

Worlds apart, Ethan and Lena must once again work together to rewrite their fate, in this stunning finale to the Beautiful Creatures series."

My Rating: 2.75/5

This was a fun audiobook series to listen to. It wasn't too heavy and was the right amount of nostalgia for the 2010 reading that I would have done in high school. Is it a masterpiece, no but it was entertaining and fun? I loved a lot of the characters that we were introduced to throughout the course of the series and watching them all play their parts throughout the series was heartbreaking/heartwarming all at once. Will I ever reread this series? Probably not. Would I pick up the Link spin off? I might. Sometimes you gotta enjoy the throwbacks.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Blood For Blood by Ryan Graudin

Title: Blood For Blood

Author: Ryan Graudin

Series/Standalone: Wolf by Wolf (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Alternate Reality

Pages: 484

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"There would be blood. Blood for blood. Blood to pay. An entire world of it.

For the resistance in the Third Reich, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun. Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skin shift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against Hiter's army, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But in the midst of chaos, Yael's past and future collide when she comes face to face with a ghost from her past, and a spark with a fellow rider begins to grow into something more. Dark secrets reveal dark truths and one question hangs over them all- how far can you go for the ones you love?

My Rating: 4.75/5

This book was such a great wrap up to a duology. I think that Ryan Graudin did a great job of getting the reader invested in the world and completing a full story arch throughout two books. I loved the main characters and felt like all the characters were complex. The motivation that each character had was logical. The plot itself was thrilling, and fast-paced, while the twists and turns were great. I really enjoyed the story overall and would recommend it to anyone interested in alternative reality historical fiction.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Title: Wolf by Wolf

Author: Ryan Graudin

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

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Pages: 388

Publisher: 2015

Year Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Format: Audiobook & Library Copy

"Her story begins on a train.

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

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

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

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

My Rating: 4/5

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

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The King of Crows by Libba Bray

Title: The King of Crows

Author: Libba Bray

Series/Standalone: The Diviners Series (Book #4)

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Pages: 560

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook (Own a physical copy)

"The breath-taking finale to the epic New York Times bestseller, The Diviners, from Printz winner and beloved author, Libba Bray.

After the horrifying explosion that claimed one of their own, the Diviners find themselves wanted by the US government and on the brink of war with the King of Crows.

While Memphis and Isaiah run for their lives from the mysterious Shadow Men, Isaiah receives a startling vision of a girl, Sarah Beth Olson, who could shift the balance in their struggle for peace. Sarah Beth says she knows how to stop the King of Crows- but, she will need the Diviner's help to do it.

Elsewhere, Jericho has returned after his escape from Jake Marlowe's estate, where he has learned the shocking truth behind the King of Crow's plans. Now, the Diviners must travel to Bountiful, Nebraska, in hopes of joining forces with Sarah Beth and to stop the King of Crows and his army of the dead forever.

But as rumors of towns becoming ghost towns and the dead developing unprecedented powers begin to surface, all hope seems to be lost.

In the sweeping finale, The Diviners will be forced to confront their greatest fears and learn to rely on one another if they hope to save the nation, and world from catastrophe..."

My Rating: 4/5

This book started off being just ok for me. If you're going into this book after the excitement of the third one maybe take a breather and think about how much time the author had between writing each installment. It's important to acknowledge that before leaping in. The first half off the book was slow going I felt like part of the magic (New York City) had been taken away without anything to give. After getting to the towns and meeting together I felt better about where this finale was headed. I loved the fast-paced action and horror aspects of the last section in the book. There are a few things I'd like to change, but I do respect what the author chose to do. Overall, I'm satisfied.

Book Review: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Title: The Cruel Prince
Author: Holly Black
Series/Standalone: The Folk of the Air Series (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 370
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own it)
First Line: "On a drowsy Sunday afternoon, a man in a long dark coat hesitated in front of a house on a tree-lined street."

"Of course I want to be like them. They're beautiful as blades forged in some divine fire. They will live forever.

And Cardan is even more beautiful than the rest. I hate him more than all the others. I hate him so much that sometimes when I look at him, I can hardly breathe.

Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Teen years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King.

To win a place at the Court, she must defy him- and face the consequences.

As Jude comes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself."

My Rating: 3.5/5

  I'd like to start this off by saying that I'm using a new rating system that helps me determine the rating that I give a book. It is pretty much CAWPILE used by Bookroast on youtube but instead of putting 10 stars into the system I'm only putting 5 stars into it because that's what I prefer. So far I've found it fairly accurate. That's one of my 2020 reading goals to look more carefully at what I'm rating things and why they are getting ratings. 
  On another note here is why this book got this rating. I really enjoyed the characters I thought they were interesting and unique. I loved that aspect of the story. I didn't love Jude's perspective but it was an interesting one to read from. The atmosphere was ok. I was interested in it. Here is the part that really brought it down for me. I didn't really enjoy Holly Black's writing style. It felt to slow for the vast majority of the book. For some reason, it also put me to sleep. I'd read 20 pages and be zonked for the night.
 Overall I think that it was pretty good, not great. Kinda just ok. This might be due to the hype around the series. I'm hoping that as I continue on I'll begin to enjoy it more. Only time will tell!

Thanks for reading,
 Sidny


Book Roast URL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsIJyv-pQSrKP4Ogj6WYIdg

Book Review: Rebellion by Kass Morgan

Title: Rebellion
Author: Kass Morgan
Series/Standalone: The 100 Series (Book #4)
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2016
Format: Audiobook

"Centuries after nuclear war destroyed our planet, humanity struggles to rebuild. It's been a month since the dropships landed and the Colonists joined the Hundred on the ground. The teens, once branded juvenile delinquents, are now leaders among their people.

The Colonists and the Earthborn's are celebrating their first holiday together when, to everyone's horror, they're attacked by a group of strangers whose unusual battle cries fill the air. The newcomers kill scores of people, seize prisoners and pillage the crucial supplies. When hotheaded Bellamy and his analytical girlfriend Clarke discover that Wells, Octavia and Glass have been captured, they vow to get them back at all costs. But as they go after their new enemies, Bellamy and Clark find themselves increasingly at odds, unable to agree on a plan to save their friends.

Meanwhile, Wells, Octavia, and Glass are being slowly brainwashed by their captors, religious fanatics with one goal: to grow their ranks and 'heal' the war-ravaged planet... by eliminating everyone else on it.

But centuries of radiation exposure have taken their toll, forcing the cult to take drastic steps to survive. And unless the rescue party arrives soon, the teen captives will face a fate more terrifying than anything they could imagine. IN this thrilling fourth installment, the hundred fight to protect people they love on the dangerous planet they always dreamed of calling."

My Rating: 2.75/5

I think that this by far the weakest instalment in the series and it makes sense that the series ended here. I think that things were resolved in some ways too quickly and in other ways far too slow. The use of miscommunication in this story was just at some points over the top. I also found myself eye-rolling a bit more than usual. I did enjoy the idea and the change of pace away from our regular setting. I just think that it could have been executed in a different way. I'm glad that I read the story but if you are concerned after reading the 3rd book that might be a good place for you to stop in the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Homecoming by Kass Morgan

Title: Homecoming
Author: Kass Morgan
Series/Standalone: The 100 Series (Book #3)
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 345
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2015
Format: Audiobook

"Weeks after landing on Earth, the Hundred have managed to create a sense of order amidst their wild, chaotic surroundings. But their delicate balance comes crashing down with the arrival of new dropships from space. 

These new arrivals are the lucky ones- back on the Colony, the oxygen is almost gone- but after making it safely to Earth, Glass's luck seems to be running out. Clarke leads a rescue party to the crash site, ready to treat the wounded, but she can't stop thinking about her parents, who may still be alive. Meanwhile, WELLS struggles to maintain his authority despite the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and his armed guards, and Bellamy must decide whether to face or flee the crimes he thought he'd left behind.

It's time for the Hundred to come together and fight for the freedom they've found on Earth, or risk losing everything- and everyone- they love."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This book was just ok for me. I think that because the other's were so addictive and so fast-paced that this one just felt a little slow. I don't feel like this story brought as many thrilling aspects to the table. Or maybe just things that I didn't see coming. I assumed most of the things that were going to happen in this one. That being said, I still enjoy the storyline and the characters it just wasn't my favourite book in the series so far. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Day 21 by Kass Morgan

Title: Day 21
Author: Kass Morgan
Series/Standalone: The 100 Series (Book #2)
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 320
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2014
Format: Audiobook

"No one has set foot on Earth in centuries-- until now. It's been 21 days since the hundred landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries... or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Ballamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself. In this pulse-pounding sequel to Kass Morgan's The 100, secrets are revealed, beliefs are challenged, and relationships are tested. And the hundred will struggle to survive the only way they can- together."

My Rating: 4/5

This instalment was less interesting than the first one. I thought that this one would have the same amount of hitting power but it just faded a bit. Not enough that I didn't enjoy it. This is definitely a series that is a guilty pleasure for me. It is quick, filled with drama and intrigue that just keeps coming. My favourite parts have been in the connections made within the past and the present for each narrative. I am curious to see how the future unfolds now that more colonists are arriving from space. Will people be treated like convicts or celebrated because they managed to survive so long on earth? What will happen with the earthborn now that more people (adults) are arriving? I'm excited to dive into the third audiobook soon!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse

Title: Girl in the Blue Coat
Author: Monica Hesse
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery
Pages: 310
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2016
Format: Audiobook

"Amsterdam, 1943. Hanneke spends her days procuring and delivering sought-after black market goods to paying customers, her nights hiding the true nature of her work from her concerned parents and every waking moment mourning her boyfriend, who was killed on the Dutch front lines when the Germans invaded. She likes to think of her illegal work as a small act of rebellion.

On a routine delivery, a client asks Hanneke for help. Expecting to hear that Mrs Janssen wants meat or kerosene, Hanneke is shocked by the older woman's frantic plea to find a person- a Jewish teenager Mrs Janssen had been hiding, who has vanished without a trace from a secret room. Hanneke initially wants nothing to do with such dangerous work but is ultimately drawn into a web of mysteries and stunning revelations that lead her into the heart of the resistance, open her eyes to the horrors of Nazi war machine, and compel her to take desperate action.

Beautifully written, intricately plotted, and meticulously researched, Girl in the Blue Coat is an extraordinary, gripping novel from a bright new voice."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Another audiobook that I zoomed through. I seem to be in the mood for historical fiction lately and I'm just going for it with my audiobook. I think this book includes a perspective that I haven't read before. The idea of mystery and resistance and taking a hard look at the small things that happen in a huge war and disaster. The changes in friendships and lives that took place during this time never fail to amaze and horrify me. I was just a little disappointed in the ending, and a few of the choices that Hanneke made.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

Title: Invictus
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Time Travel
Pages: 464 
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook

"Time Flies when you're plundering history.

Farway Gauis McCarthy was born outside of time. The sone of time-travelling Recorder from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 Ad, Far's birth defies the laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he's ever wanted, and after failing his final time-travelling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal valuable from the past. 

But during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with the knowledge that will bring Far's very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This book was something I was very interested in after reading The Walled City and the title drew me in for the audiobook. I think that audiobook is definitely the way to go for this book. I really enjoyed the narration as well the ideas explored throughout the book. I would have to say that the first half of the book was my favourite, but after a certain reveal, I didn't enjoy the second half of the book as much. I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's works and will likely borrow more on audiobook. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Invictus by Ryan Graudin

So this book was one that drew me in by the cover and once I realized who the author was I was super interested in reading it. I loved the storyline and the characters overall. What really interested me though, was the idea of time travel and being born outside of time. That really kept me interested throughout the story. I will say that the twist of having different universes really wasn't what I expected and I had trouble getting behind that idea. That is the reason that my rating was on the lower side.

Character:
Farway: I think that his character impressed me. He was able to move on from defeat, with the help of someone fudging with his past and present, but he was able to find a way to follow his dreams. I also appreciated his willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends and the future. I do wonder what the future will hold for him and Priya.

Priya: Priya was probably my favourite character. She just had a fire that the others lacked to a point. She pushed for what she believed in and stood by Far no matter what but pushed him to be the best him. I think she stood apart from him enough though that she wasn't just Far's girlfriend. She was important in her own right.

Eliot: I don't know how I feel about her. I think that she was doing the best that she could but she annoyed me to no end if we're being honest. Even when she came back in the epilogue I was just annoyed.

Imogen: I think that she is the more like me than I'd care to admit. Her love for the fuzzy creatures was so sweet and really expanded her as a character. I also loved that she was able to keep fun logs, she gave the events of the book touches of humour in times of stress.

Gram: I'd be lying if I said I understood the logic of his brain, but I did appreciate his character for being able to fix problems with numbers and logic. Otherwise Far probably would have died and the fade still would have existed.


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: Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

Title: Lair of Dreams
Author: Libba Bray
Series/Standalone: The Diviners (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery
Pages: 613
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2015
Format: Physical Copy (Hardcover)
First Line: "Every city is a ghost."

"The longing of dreams draws the dead, and this city holds many dreams.

After a supernatural showdwon with a serial killer, Evie O'Neill has outed herself as a Diviner. With her uncanny ability to read people's secrets, she's become a media darling, earning the title 'America's Sweetheart Seer.' Evyerone's in love with the city's newest It Girl... everyone except the other Diviners.

Piano-playing Henry DuBois and Chinatown resident Ling Chan are two Diviners struggling to keep their powers a secret- for they can walk in dreams. And while Evie is living the high life, victims of a mysterious sleeping sickness are turning up across New York City.

As Henry searches for a lost love and Ling strives to succeed in a world that shuns her, a malevolent force infects their dreams. And at the edge of it all lurks a man in a stovepipe hat who has plans that extend farther than anyone can guess... As the sickness spreads, can the Diviners descend into the dreamworld to save the city?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I've been debating whether this is a 5 star read for me and after a drive for thought, I've decided that it's great, but it's not quite a 5 star read for me this time around. I still absolutely love all the elements in this book. 20s paranormal mystery/thriller is exactly what I needed in my life. Something I didn't even know that I needed. It's crazy to say this about a 600 page book but I can't help but want and need more. So let's hope that I can afford the next book after Christmas shopping. I can't wait to continue on in the world and to see where all our characters will go. I loved the dynamic that the characters had together as well as apart. They are a diverse interesting cast coming from many walks of life which is something I can certainly appreciate. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

So this series is getting more and more popular on reading sites as well as booktube and guys I'm here for it! I loved this book so much and can't wait to get into the next book. Although, the cover changes are a little blah. This book was an excellent installment into the series. Throughout this book readers get a chance to further explore 1920s New York and all that comes with it both good and bad. Our characters also have a chance to come to light throughout this story and we get to explore new characters perspectives. I absolutely love this series and am so incredibly excited to see where it goes.

Characters:
Evie: She wasn't my favorite in this book for the simple reason that she was starting to act like a bit of brat. Don't get me wrong she's just trying to be famous and doesn't want her powers to be closeted. But near the end of this book her actions are less than favorable. That being said, I like her alot better with Sam than I did with Jericho. They just make more sense together in my mind.

Theta: I like Theta, but I'm scared for her. No one knows that she can light people up if she wants to except Sam and Henry. And while I doubt they'll tell her secret, I think that sooner rather than later she needs to come clean. Maybe not to all of society but at least the others in our cast of characters. Especially Memphis.

Henry: I freaking love him. There I said it. I think that he has a tragic past and his future isn't looking so great either, just due to the time period. I'm sure his heart is completely broken, but I hope he can make a future that he is proud of. 

Sam:  I really like him. Like yes he's a bit of a cheat, but I mean no one is perfect. Also for him to be working so hard to find his mother is an interesting aspect. I'm so excited to see how that plays out in the long run, especially knowing what we do. 

Jericho: I'm curious about his relationship with Marlowe. I'm also wondering how that will play into his relationship with Ling in the future. 

Mabel: I have no doubt that she's heart broken but I'm proud of her for standing up for herself. The fact that she doesn't deserve to be lied to or treated as less than. I am curious about how the device reacts around her sometime. Also what would she do if she knew Jericho's past?

Memphis: I also love him, but I'm worried about who he's surronding himself with. I know that he needs to help his brother and keep him safe, but being budd with Bill doesn't seem to be helping. Not even a little bit.

Bill: I don't trust him, but I'm curious about his past and what he'd do if Memphis actually healed him. 

Ling: She's a very interesting character to read from based on the time period and her characteristics. I'm curious to see what happens with her dream walking in the next book. 


Moments To Remember:
Pg. 174
"'C'mon, Freddy,' Sam goaded, still trying to jimmy the lock. 'Is your curiousity button on the fritz?'
'No. Neither is my code-of-ethics button. Maybe you can ask Santa to bring you one of those for Christmas.'"

Final Line: "'For all of us.'"

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Diviners by Libba Bray

Title: The Diviners
Author: Libba Bray
Series/Standalone: The Diviners Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery
Pages: 578
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2012
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "In a town house at a fashionable address on Manhattan's Upper East Side, every lamp blazes."

"Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City- And she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. It's 1926, and new York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult.

Evie worries he'll discover her darkest secret, a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far. But when the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer.

As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfold in the city that never sleeps. A young man named Memphis is caught between two worlds. A chorus girl named Theta is running from her past. A student named Jericho hides a shocking secret. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened."


My Rating: 5/5

This book gets hype so much and I totally get it. The Diviners is unlike anything that I've ever read. I really enjoyed the writing style, it was beautiful but spooky. I would give a precursor that this book is a little spooky with the idea of supernatural and the occult. But if you're fine with a bit of a thrill then I think you'd enjoy it overall. This story follows so many characters that you get a really good view of the world and the time period from so many different perspectives. 
The suspense in this book was on amazing. I had to do the thing where I would close the book and just stare at the wall to calm myself down. I would get so caught up in the story and then realize that it was a book, it was all in a book and I could calm my butt down. 
Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who loves paranormal elements along with a crazy mystery. Can't wait to continue on with the series.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny