Book Review: I'm the Girl by Courtney Summers

Title: I'm The Girl

Author: Courtney Summers

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Hard Hitting

Pages: 344

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"The new groundbreaking queer thriller from New York Times bestselling and Edgar-award Winning author Courtney Summers.

When sixteen-year-old Georgia Avis discovers the dead body of thirteen-year-old Ashley James, she teams up with Ashley's older sister, Nora, to find and bring the killer to justice before he strikes again. But their investigation throws Georgia into a world of unimaginable privilege and wealth, without conscience or consequence, and as Ashley's killer closes in, Georgia will discover when money, power and beauty rule, it might not be a matter of who is guilty- but who is guiltiest.

A spiritual successor to the 2018 breakout hit, Sadie, I'm the Girl is a masterfully written, bold and unflinching account of how one young woman feels in her body as she struggles to navigate a deadly and predatory power structure while asking readers one question: if this is the way the world is, do you accept it?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book came out at a key time. I've read a few works from the author and she challenges our society to explain why we seem so alright with atrocity after atrocity. This book contains a ton of trigger warnings so I would recommend that you look into those before picking it up. But this book reflects current events uncomfortably. Throughout the story, I couldn't help but feel disgusted with the way this mimics the world girls and women live in. I couldn't help but want the characters to scream out for help, but I realize that this is the reality for victims, people surrounding them see where the road is leading and either can't or won't help them. It was a great read, in the worst way. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wicked Saints by Emily A. Duncan

Title: Wicked Saints

Author: Emily A. Duncan

Series/Standalone: Something Dark and Holy (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 385

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook (Own Hardcover)

"Some stories are so beautiful, so brutal, that they claw at your heart and refuse to let go. Welcome to the world of Wicked Saints- an epic, passionate novel that you won't soon forget. Prepare to meet:

A GIRL named Nadya, who hears the whisper of the gods inside her head. 

A PRINCE surrounded by desperate suitors and deadly assassins. 

A MONSTER hidden behind pale, tortured eyes- and a smile that cuts like a knife.

The paths of these three characters become entwined during a centuria-long war filled with sinners and saints, magic and mystery, and a star-crossed romance that threatens to tip the scales between dark and light... forever."

My Rating: 5/5

I would like to note that my thoughts on this book are not my thoughts on the author. When I read this book I didn't realize how controversial this author is. I don't agree with the actions she has taken this review is fully based on her work that I read. 

I really enjoyed this high fantasy-style story and I loved the characters. I think that this author played on a trope that I really enjoyed, two love interests that fill the tropes I enjoy. I also enjoyed the idea of the different magic systems. There were some plot points that I assume would be filled in the next book (I have not decided whether or not I am reading the next in the series). I enjoyed the excerpts from the Book of Saints, and I found that the audiobook was a great way to consume this story. I would recommend picking up the audiobook is your local library has a copy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Project by Courtney Summers

Title: The Project

Author: Courtney Summers

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller

Pages: 352

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audibook

"Lo Denham is used to being on her own. After her parents died in a tragic car accident, her sister Bea joined the elusive community called The Unity Project, leaving Lo to fend for herself. Desperate not to lose the only family she has left, Lo has spent the last six years trying to reconnect with Bea, only to be met with radio silence.

When Lo's given the perfect opportunity to gain access to Bea's reclusive life, she think they're finally going to be reunited. But it's difficult to find someone who doesn't want to be found, and as Lo delves deeper into The Project and its charismatic leader, she begins to realize that there's more at risk than just her relationship with Bea: Her very life might be in danger.

As she uncovers more questions than answers at each turn everything Lo thought she knew about herself, her sister, and the world is upended. One thing doesn't change, though and that's what keeps her going: Bea needs her, and Lo will do anything to save her."

My Rating: 5/5

This book blew me away. I had read Sadie, the author's debut, shortly after it's release and hearing the hype about it. This novel got less hype than Sadie, but I liked it far more. Courtney Summers does a wonderful job of getting you invested in a persons story and trying to understand what leads people to do what they do. I loved the thrilling elements, and while there was a moment or two where we, as readers, knew what was going on but Lo, or Bea seemed to have no idea what was at play which caused great suspense. The atmosphere in this book also added greatly to the thrilling aspects of the story, a cabin in the woods where the leader is secluded along with The Project's members, yes please. I look forward to reading more work by the author as she publishes them and would recommend to anyone who is looking for a cult based thrilller.

Thanks for reading

Sidny

Book Review: Sadie by Courtney Summers

Title: Sadie
Author: Courtney Summers
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary
Pages: 308
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Audiobook

"A missing girl on a journey of revenge. A Serial-like podcast following the clues she's left behind. And an ending you won't be able to stop talking about.

Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.

But when Mattie is found dead,  Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find him.

When West McCray- a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America- overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late. 

Courtney Summers has written the breakout book of her career. Sadie is propulsive and harrowing and will keep you riveted until the last page."

My Rating: 4/5

This book was so original and interesting. I loved that this has such alternating perspectives. I think that its a story that we have come so used to hearing (to an extent) that we filter it out or avoid it. But people who have handled abuse, or pain are still people not just victims. I hate to use the word enjoyed, but I did enjoy the narrations and the changing points of view, but it was alot to handle at some points. I will say that this book did feel slightly too hyped and that is reflected in my rating. This book makes you uncomfortable in a way that reminds you of the world we live in while trying to remain hopeful. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny