Book Review: The Scorpion and The Night Blossom by Amelie Wen Zhao

Title: The Scorpion and the Night Blossom

Author: Amelie Wen Zhao

Series/Standalone: The Three Realm Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Romantasy, Mythology

Pages: 400

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Year Published: 2025

Format: Physical (Library copy)

"In a world at war with demons, one girl will face the ultimate test when she is forced to enter into an ancient, deadly competition for the chance to save her mother's soul... before she loses her forever. From the New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night comes the beginning of a dark and opulent fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Throne of Glass. 

Nine years ago, the war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers tore Àn’yīng’s family apart, leaving her mother barely alive and a baby sister to fend for. Now the mortal realm is falling into eternal night, and mó- beautiful, ravenous demons- roam the land, feasting on the flesh of humans and drinking their souls.

Àn’yīng is no longer a helpless child, though. Armed with her crescent blades and trained in the ancient art of practicioning, she has decided to enter the Immortality Trials, which are open to any mortal who can survive the journey to the immortal realm. Those who complete the Trials are granted a pill of eternal life- the one thing Àn’yīng knows can heal her dying mother. But to attain the prize, she must survive the competition.

Death is common in the Trials. Yet oddly, Àn’yīng finds that someone is helping her stay alive. A rival contestant. Powerful and handsome, Yù’chén is as secretive about his past as he is about his motives for protecting Àn’yīng.

The longer she survives the Trials, the clearer it becomes that all is not right in the immortal realm. To save her mother and herself, Àn’yīng will need to figure out whether she can truly trust the stranger she's falling for or if he's the most dangerous player of all... for herself and for all the realms."

My Rating: DNF

I made it about halfway through this book before admitting to myself that I wasn't loving it. I think that the author's writing style in this wasn't for me. I felt that I was being told a lot of things without a ton of illusion; it was like being told something from a monster manual as opposed to another method. That being said, I'm not sure what would have made it better for me. I'd be curious to try some of her other work and see how I feel, if it's the writing style or just the form of this storytelling for this one, for me. I might pick this one back up in the future, but for now, it's gonna be headed back to the library. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: My Sweet Audrina by VC Andrews

Title: My Sweet Audrina

Author: VC Andrews

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Horror, Adult Fiction

Pages: 403

Publisher: Pocket Books

Year Published: 1982

Format: Physical Copy

"VC Andrews, author of the phenomenally successful Dollanganger series, has created a fascinating new cast of characters in this haunting story of love and deceit, innocence and betrayal, and the suffocating power of parental love.

Audrina Adare wanted so to be as good as her sister. She knew her father could not love her as he loved her sister. Her sister was so special, so perfect- and dead.

Now she will come face with the dangerous, terrifying secret that everyone knows. Everyone except....

My Sweet Audrina."

DNF @ 60%

My Rating: 1/5

I bought this book after I read Flowers in the Attic when I was in high school and finally decided to pick it up. This book did NOT age well. While I understand that language choices have changed over the past 40 years, I'm curious how this book was reprinted in 2011. I'm also curious as to how people didn't see where the twist was. After reading the first chapter I was pretty sure I knew exactly what was going to happen and after reading the spark notes I was correct about the twist. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Creatures

Authors: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Series/Standalone: Caster Chronicles (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Pages: 563

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company

Year Published: 2009

Format: Audiobook and Physical Copy

"Lena Duchannes is unlike anyone the small Southern town of Gatlin has ever seen, and she's struggling to conceal her power, and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But even within the overgrown gardens, murky swamps, and crumbling graveyards of the forgotten South, a secret cannot stay hidden forever. 

Ethan Wate, who has been counting the months until he can escape from Gatlin, is haunted by dreams of a beautiful girl he has never met. When Lena moves into the town's oldest and most infamous plantation, Ethan is inexplicably drawn to her and determined to uncover the connection between them.

In a town with no surprises, one secret could change everything."

My Rating: 2.75/5

Rating books is such an odd experience. For example, this story is so quintessentially 2010s paranormal romance that I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew that the romance would be questionable and that there would be a lot of yearning and angst. It's exactly what I wanted that being said, was it a magnificent book? Not for my current reading taste, was it fun? Absolutely. I think my main gripe about this book is our characters they don't have anything really interesting about them. There were also some points in here that would fly under the radar at the time of being published, but now fat-shaming a teenager, or having the story take place revolving around the Civil War without a black perspective would be questioned. Overall, I enjoyed it for what it was and will continue for a fun and light read. Not the best book I've read, but still enjoyable.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Title: The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Author: Stuart Turton
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 512
Publisher: Raven Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Physical Copy (Own it)
First Line: "I forget everything between footsteps."

"At a gala a party thrown by her parents, Evelyn Hardcastle will be killed-- again. She's been murdered hundreds of times, and each day, Aiden Bishop is too late to save her. Doomed to repeat the same day over and over. Aiden's only escape is to solve Evelyn Hardcastle's murder and conquer the shadows of an enemy he struggles to even comprehend- but nothing and no one are quite what they seem.

Deeply atmospheric and ingeniously plotted, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a highly original debut that will appeal to fans fo Kate Atkinson and Agatha Christie."

My Rating: 3/5

I was on a roll with this book. I was enjoying the atmosphere, I was liking the premise but the further in a went the more the intrigue just didn't do it for me. There are plenty of twists and turns. Very interesting to read about but after so many, I was just not entertained. The characters were interesting to read from especially because we are able to read from different points of view during the mystery but other than that it was just too much. I also just didn't like the ending. It was a weird let off and while I've still got questions, I don't think I'd read anything else from this world. Unless it was short and convenient to read. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Reread Thoughts: Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard

Title: Cruel Crown
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book # 0.1- 0.2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 208
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2016
Format: Physical Copy (Own it)
First Line: 

"Two women on either side of the Silver and Red divide tell the stories no one else knows.

Discover the truth of Norta's bloody past in these two revealing prequels to #1 NEW YORK TIME bestseller RED QUEEN.

Queen Song
Queen Coriane, first wife of King Tiberias, keeps a secret diary- how else can she ensure that no one at the palace will use her thoughts against her? Coriane recounts her heady courtship with the crown prince, the birth of a new prince, Cal, and the potentially deadly challenges that lie ahead for her in royal life.

Steel Scars
Captain Farley was raised to be strong, but being tasked with planting the seeds of rebellion in Norta is a tougher job than expected. As she travels the land recruiting black market traders, smugglers, and extremists for the first attempt at an attack on the capital, she stumbles upon a connection that may prove to be the key to the entire operation- Mare Barrow."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my third or fourth time rereading this novella collection and every time that I start it I think it can't be as good as I remember. But it always is. Aveyard is able to conjure such enormous feelings for characters who appear briefly in the series itself. I think that this novella collection does an amazing job of bringing different perspectives to the series. It helps us understand why certain groups of people act the way they do.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Reread Thoughts: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Title: Illuminae
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Series/Standalone: The Illuminae Files (Book #1)
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 602
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2015
Format: Physical Copy
First Line: "So here's the file that almost killed me, Director."

"This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she'd have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.

The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that's little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra- who are barely even talking to each other- are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.

But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what's really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of date to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to the light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again. 

Brief noting: Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents- including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more- Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes."

My Rating: 4.75/5

This reread still held up surprisingly well. It wasn't such a shock to read the dossier this time around. I enjoyed the time period and the idea of plague in space it kept the book fast-paced and interesting. There were certain aspects that I forgot about. Characters reactions to certain aspects that happened, different twists and turns that I forgot. I was also impressed at the way the authors wrote the horror aspects in the story. I will say the relationship was a little forced at some points for me but I'm looking forward to continuing my reread of the story.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 6

Title: Giant Days Vol. 6
Author: John Allison
Illustrator: Max Sarin, Whitney Cogar
Series/Standalone: Giant Days Series (Vol. 6)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Contemporary
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2017
Format: Physical Copy (Library Copy)

"Second year begins and Daisy, Susan and Esther have taken their friendship commitment to the next level by moving into their 'beautiful home' off-campus. But the keys didn't come without new responsibilities. Unwanted suitor visits, a robbery, and Susan living only a few blocks apart from her ex-boyfriend, McGraw, has made the dorms feel like a haven. The girls are in for a dose of reality when they learn that there's more to being an adult than paying your own rent."

My Rating: 5/5

How dare these creators hit us right in the nostalgic feels? This book reminds me so much of my first year really living on my own and figuring out how to live. It also was a great exploration of different neighbourhoods and brought up interesting ideas of different upbringings. As per usual I love the characters and the setting. Just great!.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Transcendent by Katelyn Detweiler

Title: Transcendent 
Author: Katelyn Detweiler
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Magical Realism, Fiction
Pages: 448
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2016
Format: Physical Copy (Hardcover)
First Line: "Where were you the day Disney World was bombed?"

"What would you do if the world was crumbling to pieces... and everyone believed you were the only person who could put it back together?

Terrorists have just bombed Disney World. A thousand miles away, a stranger shows up on Iris Spero's stoop in Brooklyn. He brings with him a shocking secret about Iris's birth, throwing her entire identity into question.

Suddenly, the press is confronting Iris with the wild notion that she might be the miracle the world now so desperately needs. Families all across the grieving nation are pinning their hopes on her as if she is some kind of saint or saviour. She's no longer sure whom she can trust- except for Zane, a homeless boy who long ago abandoned any kind of hope

When no one knows her but everyone wants a piece of her, who is Iris Spero now? And how can she- one teenage girl- possibly heal a broken world?"

My Rating: 2.5/5

So this wasn't at all what I expected. Not even a little bit. I was going to DNF it but I always worry if I do that, by the end of the story I would have liked it. But this book was just ok for me. I think that the storyline was interesting but very drawn out. Also the characters were fleshed out but not in an important way. I think this story is something you should read if you're needing a pick me up and someone to believe in. I would also recommend for younger readers.

Thank you for reading,
Sidny

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: Firstlife by Gena Showalter

Title: Firstlife
Author: Gena Showalter
Series/Standalone: Everlife (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 438
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Year Published: 2016
Format: Physical Copy
First Line: "Duuude."

"I've been told history is written by survivors. But I know that isn't always true. My name is Tenley Lockwood, and very soon, I'll be dead. This is my story- but the end is only the beginning.

Tenley 'Ten' Lockwood has spent the past thirteen months locked inside the Prynne Asylum. She's earned her rep as the craziest of the crazies, but that doesn't stop the torture. Ten can leave, but only if she allows her parents to choose where she'll live- after she dies.

There is an eternal truth most of the world has come to accept: Firstlife is merely a dress rehearsal, and real life begins after death.

In the Everlife, two realms are in power: Troika and Myriad, longtime enermies and deadly rivals. Both will do anything to recruit Ten, including sending their top Laborers to lure her to their side. Soon, Ten finds herelf on the run, caught in a wild tug-of-war between the boy she's falling for and the realm she wants to support. Who will she choose? Can she stay alive long enough to make a decision?"

My Rating: 2/5

This book was a lot more religious than I expected. I should have guessed based on the premise but unfortunately I didn't expect there to be a totally right and wrong choice. I also didn't expect the book to take a whole evil on one side approach. I was interested in the idea, and had planned to continue the series but after how underwhelming this story is, I also don't believe that I'll be continuing this series anytime soon.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Ruined by Amy Tintera

Title: Ruined
Author: Amy Tintera
Series/Standalone: Ruined Series (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 355
Publisher: HarperTeen 
Year Published:2016
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The wheels of the carriage creaked as they rolled across the dirt."

"A revenge that will consume her. A love that will ruin her.

Emelina Flores has nothing. Her home in Ruina has been ravaged by war. She lacks the powers of her fellow Ruined. Worst of all, she witnessed her parents' brutal murders and watched helplessly as her sister, Olivia was kidnapped.

But because Em has nothing, she has nothing to lose. Driven by a blind desire for revenge Em sets of on a dangerous journey to the enemy kingdom of Lera. Somewhere within Lera's borders, Em hopes to find Olivia. but in order to find her, Em must infiltrate the royal family.

In a brilliant, elaborate plan of deception and murder, Em marries Prince Casimir, next in line to take Lera's throne. if anyone in Lera discovers Em is not Casimir's true betrothed, Em will be executed on the spot. But it's the only way to salvage Em's kingdom and what is left of her family.

Em is determined to succeed, but the closer she gets to the prince, the more she questions her mission. Em's rage-filled heart begins to soften. But with her life- and her family- on the line, love could be Em's deadliest mistake."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I went into this book tentatively because it was being compared to my favorite series, Red Queen and while I see where that was pulled from I didn't enjoy them for the same reason. In this story, I really enjoyed the main character and her motives, but more so I enjoyed the world and learning about the magic in this world. I also really enjoyed the romance for the first half of this novel, but by the second half, I found myself getting frustrated with the characters.  I also enjoyed the pacing of this book it was a fun fast read, and I plan to continue on with the story.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Ruined by Amy Tintera

So this book was a leap for me, it was compared to Red Queen as some of you may know that that's my favourite series. And I have to say I did really enjoy this book but for different reasons then why I enjoy the Red Queen series. I really liked the romance aspect in the first half o this book, but by the second part of the book, I was little over it. I liked the twists and turns and the changing perspectives, but at times it made the story a little repetitive.  Overall I really enjoyed this book and the world. I also found that it reminded me of The Selection Series with its addictive quality and romantic interest. I look forward to continuing with this series and would recommend as a first fantasy foray for young readers.

Characters:
Em: She's so willing to risk it all for her country even though they mark her as "useless". I did appreciate that she was willing to fight and that she was a bad ass. Also, anyone else enjoys a female main character who can handle a weapon and doesn't have to be trained by a man. I think that she definitely was cunning but let her feelings get in the way of her major plan. 

Olivia: I'm really interested in how she will affect the storyline in the coming books. She is ruthless and willing to kill anyone for the Ruined. She seems more like the villain than the people of Lera did in the long run. 

Cas: I liked him. Although he definitely was too trusting of those around him. Even if he had married the real Mary, I think she would have taken advantage of his kindness. He just seems like he's too sympathetic to everyone's cause which could be good, or gets him killed.

The Queen: LIttle did we know that she was the real obstacle all along. I wonder if she would be willing to kill her son to let her niece ascend the throne. I could sadly see it happening. 

Aren: I loved him. He was willing to fight for those he loved even though he'd lost so much. I am curious about his backstory and how he lived before the start of the war.

Damian: We didn't really get to know him, but he seemed to genuinely care for Em and her cause. It was surprising to see him die so early on. 

Iria: I wonder what her king has in mind for the ruined and why they were so quick to fight against Aren and Em. I hope that Em's speech inspired them, but I doubt it. Especially since they retreated. 

Galo: I loved him and his representation. He was the only one who was completely honest with Cas regardless of what Cas would think. I hope that he makes a good Captain of the Guard but who knows what will happen in the next book.

Jovita: There is something about her,  I wonder who her parents were and what she was taught before she came to live with the King and Queen. Is she willing to fight to ascend to the throne, or will she wait for natural consequences? Guess we'll find out.


Moments to Remember: 
Pg. 160
"'Do you ever wonder,' he said to the ground, 'if maybe we're the dangerous ones, not the Ruined?'
Galo paused before answering. 'All the time.'"

Pg. 263
"'Point that thing at me again and I'll crack every one of your ribs in half and pull them out through your belly button.'"

Final Line: "'They will fear us soon enough.'"

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

Title: Sing You Home
Author: Jodi Picoult
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Adult Fiction, Chicklit, LGBT
Pages: 466
Publisher: Atria Books
Year Published: 2011
Format: Physical Copy
First Line: "One sunny, crisp Saturday in September when I was seven years old, I watched my father drop dead."

"Every life has a soundtrack. All you have to do is listen.

In the aftermath of a series of personal tragedies, Zoe throws herself into her career as a music therapist. When an unexpected friendship slowly blossoms into love, she makes plans for a new life, but to her shock and inevitable rage, some people- even those she loves and trusts most- don't want that to happen.

Sing You Home explores the delicate boundaries of identity, love, marriage, and parenthood. What happens when the outside world brutally calls into question the very thing closest to our hearts: family? Once again, Jodi Picoult gracefully brings the hidden tension of life sharply into focus in this poignantly honest novel."

My Rating: 4/5

I know that Jodi Picoult is a very popular author for chicklit and adult fiction, but this is the first novel of hers that I have read. And I really enjoyed it. I came to realize though  that Jodi Picoult is to chicklit, what Nicholas Sparks is to romance. A standard if that makes sense. Not to say that I didn't enjoy this story. I think that this book does an interesting job of questioning values and relationships, especially the idea of families in the modern day. 
I also think that Jodi Picoult does a great job of hitting hard right from the start, which makes me interested in reading more of her works.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

I have come to terms with the fact that I might be trash for the drama in Jodi Picoult's books. I'm really looking into the idea of looking into more of her books (kind of hoping that some of her books come up in the bookclub I thought). I really think that Jodi Picoult tackled important subjects in this story. Homophobia, the idea of the modern family, mental health, etc. These were all important themes throughout the story line. I can understand how this is alittle much for some people, but to me these were important subjects to think about.

Characters:
Zoe: I think that this concept may be difficult for people to understand, but this story is an interesting account about sexuality and how sexuality is fluid. I liked the way that Zoe described how she was attracted to Vanessa. She very much describes that she is attracted to people rather than the gender.  I also enjoyed her perspective as a music therapist it made me happy to see someone taking their love of music to help those around them. 

Vanessa: I liked Vanessa. She was willing to fight for Zoe and give it her all. She also didn't force her into anything she wasn't comfortable with. She is straightforward with her sexuality and doesn't hide it from Zoe which I think is an important aspect to consider.

Max: I really liked him at the beginning of the stoyr, but as i watched the story unfold I found myself getting extremely frustrated with him. I understand that people change with their experiences, but Max totally flipped into another person after joining the church (not that I think this happens to all people who join a religious group).

Reid: He might be my least favorite character in this whole story. He thinks that he can buy the embreos near the end of the story he wants to have kids but doesn't care about the cost that it would put anyone else under. He also is very suspicious. I can't explain it all, because I don't want any biased that I might have towards certain religions to come front and centre, so let's just say I hated him.

Liddy: I do wonder more about her childhood and how she gained such a personal relationship with God and the idea of religion. I understand that she was a pastor's daughter, but it's also made clear that he engaged in drinking and possibly other "sins". I'm curious about her back story but happy to see her happy with Max at the end.

Pastor Clive: I honestly think that he thinks he is doing the right thing, but I enjoyed in the court room when his beliefs were brought into perspective. You can't only take things you need as direct quotes, when there are so many others that are not appropriate to this day and age. 

Wade: He's a smooth talking son of a gun, but that didn't win him any favors by the end of the story line. I truly hope that his career went downhill from here.

Angela: I loved her. She was sassy, full of passion for her job and just honest with those around her. Although she herself doesn't identify as gay, she is able to defend gay rights and rights of those that often go unheard. 

Lucy: I wonder more and more about her life. About what happened to her by the end of the book and if she was able to survive in Pastor Clive's house until she was 18. I can't say that I was surprised by the fact that she was his step daughter, in fact I started to wonder about it about half way through the book, then brushed that idea aside. I hope that she got the help she needed before it was too late.


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "That, really, she is the luckiest girl in the world."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny