Title: King's Cage
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 528
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover (Own it)
First Line: "I rise to my feet when he let me."
"In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard's bestselling Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. And when the Lightning Girl's spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?
Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country- and his prisoner.
As Mare bears the weights of Silent Stone in the palace, her once ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.
When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire- leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down."
My Rating: 5/5
Every time I reread this series, I'm worried that the only reason I love it so much is for nostalgia. It turns out I just freaking love the characters. They're interesting, complex and fleshed out in a way that I only first experienced when starting the series for the first time so many years ago. I think that Victoria Aveyard does a wonderful job of writing the setting and writing battle. Overall I love her work and am so excited to finally be continuing on with War Storm. It will be my first time reading the 4th instalment and while I'm excited I'm also nervous. Again would recommend to anyone interested in either Fantasy or Dystopian. I would say that this series is more character-based (while there are plot points you have to really care about the character in order to continue on). Overall love this series and its twists and turns!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Conspiracy of Us
Author: Maggie Hall
Series/Standalone: The Conspiracy of Us (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 324
Publisher: Putnam Juvenille
Year Published: 2015
Format: Audiobook
"Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a new war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.
To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle- beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family- but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with."
My Rating: 2/5
I remember now why when I couldn't find an audiobook sequel I didn't go out of my way to continue the series. This book came out in 2015 which had a very certain style of writing and this definitely fit it. If anything I felt like it was written as an early 2010s book as well. That being said, I have found an audiobook of the second and third book, therefore I plan to read the rest of the series while I"m working out at the gym. I'm curious to see where the relationships in this series go and what other secrets we will unveil about the world.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Gemina
Authors: Jay Kristoff & Amy Kaufman
Series/Standalone: The Illuminae Files (Book #2)
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 659
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2016
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own it)
First Line: "...over seven hundred thousand employees across dozens of colonized worlds. Is it that difficult to believe?"
"Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna's social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed.
The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault.
Hanna is the station captain's pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion.
When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren't fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia- and possibly the known universe- is in their hands.
But relax. They've totally got this. They hope."
My Rating: 4.5/5
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this reread. I remember the first time I read this I wasn't thoroughly impressed by it and expected to enjoy it a bit less upon reread. Just for the reason that you would suspect. I know what is about to happen and the overall plot. I think that I actually teared up multiple times during this reread. I love the character and romance. I do look forward to finishing the trilogy!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary, Hard-hitting, Young Adult
Pages: 444
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook
"Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between the worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.
Soon afterwards, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.
But what Starr does- or does not- say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life."
My Rating: 4.5/5
I think that I read this at the start of last year and I will reiterate that I think that this story is so very important for our generation. The fact that so many people have been oppressed and treated horribly for years due to difference in skin, or financial status is horrible in itself, but we're in the 21st century and we haven't really helped anything at this point either. I do hope that one day everyone feels protected by officers and not threatened. I'm glad that I reread this book not only for the important message but also to revisit the family dynamics in this story. I loved that parents in this story and though some of the family aspects were "messy" I think it really shows that family isn't only blood.
I would strongly recommend this to anyone who is open minded to understanding the lives of others in a different situation then themselves, or for someone who needs to feel like they have been heard after a similiar tragedy.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Glass Sword
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 444
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2016
Format: Hardcover (Own it)
First Line: "I flinch."
"If there's one thing Mare Barrow knows, it's that she's different.
Mare Barrow's blood is red- the color of the common folk- but her Silver ability, the power to control lightning, has turned her into a weapon that the royal court tries to control.
The crown calls her an impossibility, a fake, but she makes her escape from Maven, the prince- the friend- who betrayed her, Mare uncovers something startling: she is not the only one of her kind.
Pursued by Maven, now vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join in the struggle against her oppressors.
But Mare finds herself on a deadly path, a risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat.
Will she shatter under the weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?
The electrifying next installment in the Red Queen series escalates the struggle between the growing rebel army and the blood-segregated world they've always known- pits Mare against the darkness that has grown in her soul."
My New Rating: 4.5/5
This is kind of a surprise for me. We all know that this is one of my favourite series of all time. And I know it's not the most original but find any YA book that is 100% original and I'll be surprised. I had to change my rating due to the fact that it took me so long to finish this, that being said this is my 3rd reread of this book and I still found the ending emotional and so gripping. I can't wait to continue my reread and finish the series.I love the characters, setting and the idea of questioning good vs. evil.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Series/Standalone: Stalking Jack the Ripper (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery
Pages: 337
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Year Published: 2016
Format: Audiobook
"Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege, stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practise of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period phot, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget."
My New Rating: 4/5
This was a really great reread. For anyone looking to read this book, I would strongly recommend the audiobook. I'm still looking forward to continuing the series and upon rereading the "villain" is spottable. You can notice the person throughout the story but not in a way that is obvious. It also doesn't come out of nowhere. I love the writing style and era. I also enjoy the way the author uses history and gender in a way that makes sense. She doesn't shun the past but embraces how far women have come overall.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
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
Title: The Angel Experiment
Author: James Patterson
Series/Standalone: Maximum Ride Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Pages: 413
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Year Published: 2005
Format: Audiobook
"Six unforgettable kids- with no families, no homes- are running for their lives. Max Ride and her best friends have the ability to fly. And that's just the beginning of their amazing powers. But they don't know where they come from, who's hunting them, why they are different from all other humans... and if they're meant to save mankind- or destroy it."
My Rating: 3.25/5
I started to read this series when I was probably in 9th grade. So needless to say to finish the series I had to start a total reread. So this was the beginning. I chose to do the audiobook route this time and I was surprised that it was only 4 hours long. It was enjoyable overall, just read a little young for me at some points. Not that that is surprising considering I am 24. The only real problem I had with the audiobooks were the weird music and sound effect aspects. The story seemed to hold up pretty well surprisingly and I look forward to continuing on.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS
Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Series/Standalone: Outlander Series (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adult
Pages: 640
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
Year Published: 1991
Format: Paperback Coy (Own it)
First Line: "People disappear all the time."
"Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another...
In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war, and reunite with her husband on a second honeymoon- when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach- an "outlander"- in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord... 1743.
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire's destiny in soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch. She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life... and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire... and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives."
My New Rating: 4.75/5
This seems like such a minor change and if you don't know me I'm guessing you think this is ridiculous. But here's the facts, I stand by my 5-star books and usually find that I rate them the same after a reread. This was the first time in a long time that I found it just wasn't quite as good the second time around. I have a few reasons that I lowered the rating just this tiny bit. One was that the element of surprise obviously wasn't as there for me as it might be for someone reading the novel the first time. Granted there were many aspects I didn't remember. Mostly because so many things happen in this novel, it's easy to forget an event here or there as there are so many things that happen. That is another reason that I marked it down a bit, it seemed a bit overwhelming with how many things go on. And I found that might have been the reason that I didn't see the problematic aspects of the story. There definitely are some. There are rape, assault, violence and many other aspects that should probably be warned about but every reviewer will likely tell you this. I think another aspect to keep in mind is the time period of the novel. It takes place in 1744 so the things that are described likely were the reality for many women. I understand the upset, but I think that the time period justifies most of the things that were happening in the novel.
After all these jumbled thoughts I'd just like to say that I plan on continuing with the series in April and would recommend it to romance lovers and historical fiction fans as long as you can handle the problematic aspects.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
