Top Rated Books of 2016

Hey, guys.

So the year is almost over, which feels amazing cause this year was all kinds of hectic. So here I am with some happy memories of the time I spent with books over the past year and the ones that really just got me. That's right its time for the 5/5 of 2016. (These will be presented in the order that I read the books, not in the order of most loved because I loved them all).

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson: The first book I read in 2016 was a gift from a dear friend in college. I was having a tough time reading through college but I picked this one up over winter break and adored it. It is one of the few non-fiction reads that I read this year. I loved it! I thought that Jenny Lawson was an interesting person to hear about and some of her stories really hit close to home. 







We Were Liars by E. Lockhart: This book caught a lot of flack around the book community. Many people didn't like it but I was one that did. And when I say that I liked it, I really mean to say that I loved it. This book follows four friends and that's all I'm going to say to keep it a mystery for anyone who might choose to read it.










Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard: This is the second book in the Red Queen Series and I loved it. I thought that the world building grew incredibly and the change of pace was exhilarating. I love Victoria Aveyard's writing style and can't wait to see what will happen in the next book King's Cage.










Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard: I ordered this when I preordered Glass Sword because I had a feeling I would need more from this world and it's just what I needed. I thought that this really helped to bring parts of the story together especially right after reading Glass Sword. I can't wait to see where this series will take its fans.










The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh: I picked up this book from a library by my college after hearing a friend say it was unlike anything she had ever read. She and I had similar tastes so I thought I would give it a go. I thought that it was an incredible story to read. It's a retelling of  A Thousand and One Nights and tells the story of a girl who weds a boy-king who is known to murder each new bride he takes. I thought that the story was amazing and would recommend to lovers of retellers or those looking for more diversity in their YA stories.





The Selection by Kiera Cass: I can hear people clicking away from this page because this series gets a lot of hate. I read the whole series this year and while there were some stories that I enjoyed more than others, I thought that this first book was a solid starting point and while it looks like a fluffy novel it deals with so much more. I thought the world was important to see and learn about and while that kept me interested, the drama did even more so.








The New Hunger by Isaac Marion: This is a novella based in the Warm Bodies world and while I hadn't read the book for quite some time I thought this book brought me right back in and interested me even more. The next book is supposed to come out shortly, so I look forward to seeing what other books will be in this series and where it will take the readers.









The One by Kiera Cass: See I told you that I liked some more than others. What can I say, I'm a sucker for an ending and this book was full of drama and change. I loved it.













Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass: Because I hadn't had enough back stories for some of the characters I picked up this book and fell in love with the first three books even more. I thought that the novellas gave real insight into the characters choices throughout the rest of the series and helped set me up for the fourth and fifth book.










Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: So this is one of the first science fiction books I think that I've ever picked up. I loved it. The different media used in this book was amazing and helped the 500+ pages seem like nothing at all. I loved the action and world-building overall. 










A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: Everyone kept telling me to read something about Sarah J. Maas this year and I put it off until I found a paperback copy of this book for only $10. So I picked up this beautiful retelling and fell in freaking love. I thought that the characters were deep and the world building was fantastic.












Escape from Lucien & Firelight by Kazu Kibuishi: These were two amazing graphic novels that I read this year and sped through. I think this series really grew with each book and really came into its own throughout the series. I look forward to the next two novels when they come out.




A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas: I thought I couldn't love this more than the first book and that there was no way it would be better and then bam! It happened. Sarah J. Maas is amazing and I'm trash for her writing. I still haven't read Throne of Glass but I'll get there I promise.










Truthwitch by Susan Dennard: This is a fantasy novel that came out this year that focuses on female friendship. While there is a love interest it is not the most important aspect of the story and I loved that. Amazing! And not so patiently waiting for the next book to come out.












The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer: I read this book when I really needed a good laugh. Something to get me through a tough time and it really did. I learned so much more about a comedian that I love and I rewatched her comedy specials with what I read in mind. Some how I loved her even more.








The Reptile Room and The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket: So I'm trying my best to reread this series before I watch the new Netflix adaptation. I can't wait to read the rest of the series but these are still two of my favorite in the series.



The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski: Yes, I also read the first book, but this book was even better. I thought that it was far more fast paced than the first one. The characters showed so much more emotion and the suspense killed me at every corner.










Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: The follow-up to the first book was so incredibly different and I'm just waiting here anxiously for the next book announcement... please... please?












So there is the long list of amazing books I had the opportunity to read this year. I look forward to reading even more next year and whatever books come our ways (*coughes* Kings Cage).

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Salior Moon Vol. 01 by Naoko Takeuchi

Title: Sailor Moon Vol. 01
Author: Naoko Takeuchi
Series/Standalone: Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon (#1)
Genre: Manga, Fantasy, YA
Pages: 248
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Original Year Published: 1992

"The first installment of a magical adventure series that sees girls fighting evil. Usagi Tsukino is a normal girl until she meets up with Luna, a talking cat, who tells her that she is Sailor Moon. As Sailor Moon, Usagi must fight evils and enforce justice, in the name of the Moon and the mysterious Moon Princess. She meets other girls destined to be Sailor Senshi (Sailor Scouts) and together, they fight the forces of evil."

My Rating: 5/5



So I have never read a manga before, and have just recently started reading graphic novels, so this is a first for me. I really enjoyed it and was surprised at how easy it was to read. I quickly got wrapped up into the story, which wasn't a huge surprise for me because I watched a ton of sailor moon when I was younger. The nostalgia was strong and I felt like I understood so much more about the story overall as I'm older. Although I loved the story, I forgot how young Usagi was so if you are an adult reading this be prepared for a middle school girl. I really enjoyed the characters and the story line. I plan to pick up the next one as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Title: Gemina
Author: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
Series/Standalone: The Illuminae Files (Book #2)
Genres: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 659
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2016

"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 saga that began with Illuminae continues on board the space station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of BeiTech's 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 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 may be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren't just fighting for their own survival. The fate of everyone of the Hypatia- and possibly the known universe is in their hands.
But relax. They've totally got this. They hope."

My Rating: 5/5

So I finally read this book. I'm so excited that I finished this book today. So excited that apparently, my body felt the need to be instantly awake at 6am on a Saturday. UGH! My poor sad tired soul is still filled with the emotions from this dang book. This book was amazing. I'd heard before this book is considered a companion to the first novel, but as you can probably tell by the description (only read it if you've read the first the book) there are some appearances from other characters. I thought that the continuation with the media format was perfect and I could not have asked for more. If you're looking for an action packed science fiction series, I would highly suggest the Illuminae Files series. I hope this review made sense without spoiling anything..... let me know you're thoughts below.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

So this is the second book in the Illuminae Files series and I can finally understand what everyone has been talking about. I'd heard alot of things about this second book but mostly it was a companion novel type series. That I shouldn't expect the same characters and then wham! The authors hit me with multiple huge surprises. To start, I love the new characters they are incredible to read about. I thought that the continuation of the mixed media writing helps to tell this story even more. I also thought that it was interesting to see another type of ship in this world and a different life style. It made logical sense to follow up the first book with this one at Heimdall. 

Characters:
Hanna: I thought that it was such a different character to read from, other than Kady or Ezra. While in the first book they were badass in different ways. Hanna is physically bad ass. She was able to sort through the chaos that was happening to her and fight for those around her. I also thought that her media was helpful because of her journal entries. I can't wait to see where her story continues especially after the deaths she witnessed.

Nik: Nothing says unique quite like a space drug dealer. He was unique and in the end soft hearted. To see what he did for his brother and the crap he dealt with growing up. I do wonder how he turned out the way he did with his childhood. I thought his flirtation was cute and fun to get the story started.

Ella: I'm excited to see what happens with her and Kady on a team together. The two tech geniuses working together. I'm interested in knowing more about The House of Knives and how it started. She takes no shit and I can appreciate that.

Jackson: This little piece of work threw me for a loop. I didn't expect him to be the rapier. I thought that he would die and naturally Hanna would move onto Nik who she liked more anyways. Clearly. That way it wouldn't be cheating. But instead, he has to be a jerk who was playing with a girls feeling. I do hope that his death was slow and painful after all the things he put the station through.

Chief Grant: Did he get to see his daughter again? I sure hope so.

Falk: A villain who always smiles, even while killing is someone to be frightened off. I thought the way this character spoke was completely unique and kind of gave me a creep.

Kady: Yay. This girl is back!!! Awe hell yeah.

Aiden: I missed it/him. And his crazy ways. I'm excited to see what happens with him as well now that he has more power at his disposal. I thought that he might even out, but he's perfect. 

Leanne: The best kind of villain is the one who is at the top. Their pure evil without showing it. So what else did she do with her company and all this power? Who else will she punish? 


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

December TBR

So with the holiday's coming up I know that my schedule is going to start getting a little crazy at work as well as with family and friends coming home. So optimistically I would like to read at least 4 books. Hopefully a few more, but we'll have to wait and see.

So the book I'm currently reading is:



The books I plan to read next are:
  


If I finish those, I want to read:
  



So what are you reading this month? Let me know below.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

Title: The Winner's Crime
Author: Marie Rutkoski
Series/Stand Alone: The Winner's Trilogy (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 414
Publisher: Square Fish
Year Published: 2015
First Line: "She cut herself opening the envelope."

"A royal wedding means one celebration after another: balls, fireworks, and revelry until dawn. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth of her engagement: that she agreed to marry the crown prince in exchange for Arin's freedom. But can Kestrel trust Arin? Can she even trust herself?
Kestrel is becoming very good at deception. She's working as a spy in the court. If caught, she'll be exposed as a traitor to her country. Yet she can't help searching for a way to change her ruthless world... and she is close to uncovering a shocking secret. This dazzling follow-up to The Winner's Curse reveals the high price of dangerous lies and untrustworthy alliances. The truth will come out, and when it does, Kestrel and Arin will learn just how much their crimes will cost them."

My Rating: 5/5

I am always so nervous going into a second book. I find that a lot of books have a second book slump for me. So needless to say I thought that this book was the opposite. It was better. I thought that it was even better than the first one. I was sucked in immediately and wasn't ready when this book ended. I thought that it was a tremendous cliff hanger and I want more. I thought that the characters really fleshed out in this book. The characters grew and became more real throughout the story. I thought that the changes in political drama also helped the story along. I really enjoyed Marie Rutkoski writing and look forward to the next and final book in the series. That being said, I still need to order the next book along with other sequels after reading through more of my tbr. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

So as I mention in the review above, I find that I'm a victim of second book slump. Often when I read a second book I don't usually enjoy it nearly as much as the first book. But I thought that this book was even better than the first. It was amazing. The characters, the continual world building and the political drama. I found that the drama was the part that I enjoyed the most. The tension between the Emperor and the other countries was clear, but his use of strategy and revenge kept me on my toes. Seeing Dacra for the first time was really interesting and seeing their different culture described was incredible. I'm curious to see where the countries relationships go. I think that the dual perspective really helped build tension overall.

Characters:
Kestrel: I think that Kestrel really grew as a character.She had a lot more in her way, being right underneath the Emperor's nose. I thought that her attempt to forget Arin is very easy to relate to. Readers who are trying to get over a breakup although this is far more severe. I think that her emotions were portrayed amazingly well. I found that reading her perspective helped to build the story.

Arin: I thought that Arin as a leader was extremely interesting to read about. I thought that his changing mood helped this story grow. I won't lie that most of his choices broke my heart. I thought that his ever changing mind was causing the problems, but Kestrel's need to lie truly didn't help. I won't lie, I yelled when he went to Dacra, even though he was told not too. Ugh, just listen.  And now he thinks that she is perfectly safe, but she's going to prison so that's great.  

Jess: I think that her "betrayal" cut the deepest. The idea that Kestrel hurt her friends through it all and then still loved Arin is crazy, but the heart wants what it wants. Jess had every right not to see her friend ever again. 

Rolan: This is something that hit me deep. The fact that she didn't have the chance to explain or at least try and make amends for what she had done. To little to late. 

The Emperor: Villains grow in most stories, but he's a prime villain, one you love to hate. He's pure evil. I think that the way he uses those around him, even his son is amazing. It's horrible but truly brilliant to read. His waiting game he plays with revenge. 

Risha: The idea that she got sold to enemies is horrifying, but I can't wait to see what she does with her mastery of weapons.

Verex: He seemed fine, like he was growing on me but I wonder if he will always just be the emperor's puppet. I was very intrigued by his love for Risha and how that came to be. 

Tensen: I was sad to see him go, but I wonder how much he really told Arin. I know it wasn't a lot. I thought that he would give Arin her letter at least or explain that she was the spy in the end, but now everything is a huge mess.

The General: To betray your own daughter shows something horrible, like an evil form of loyalty.

Roshar: He is an interesting friend to have. I think that the way he tortured Arin was horrible, but also his job sooo... is it wrong that I kinda love him?

The Queen: I wonder how she will ally with Arin after he left in search for Kestrel. Although it's not looking like Kestrel will be making any appearances any time soon. That kiss was something interesting to read about.


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 315
"'Brother, you are mad,' said the queen.
'He loves me,' Roshar protested. The cub was sleeping, huddled against Roshar's leg.
'And when it has grown, and is large enough to eat a man?'
'Then I'll make Arin take care of him.'"

Final Line: "'I gave him nothing.'"


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket

Title: The Wide Window
Author: Lemony Snicket
Series/ Standalone: A Series of Unfortunate Events (Book #3)
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy
Pages: 214
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2000
First Line:"If you didn't know much about the Baudelaire orphans, and you saw them sitting on their suitcases at Damocles Dock, you might think that they were bound for an exciting adventure."

"Dear Reader,
If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know that Violet, Klaus and Sunny are kindhearted and quick-witted, but their lives,  I am so sorry to say, are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these children are unhappy and wretched, and the one you are holding may be the worst of them all.
If you haven't got the stomach for a story that includes a hurricane, a signalling device, hungry leeches, cold cucumber soup, a horrible villain, and a doll named Pretty Penny, then this book will probably fill you with despair.
I will continue to record these tragic tales, for that is what I do. You, however, should decide for yourself whether you can possibly endure this miserable story.

With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket"

My Rating: 5/5

This book is the third in the series and I'm really enjoying this rereading experience. I hope to pick up at least 2 books from this series a month, but that will depend on my schedule this month. I thnk this is my favourite so far in the series, and it really got me thinking. I work with children in a daycare centre and seeing how characters react to these children got me thinking. The lack of understanding and listening in this story made me wonder if that's how children often feel in other circumstances. I also found that this book really highlighted the villainy which I loved. I love a good villain, even if I only love to hate them. These books make a change in this book from middle grade to young adult. As an adult, I'm finding these books to be so much more enjoyable, as I pick up on jokes I did not when I was in my preteens.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

November Wrap Up

I had a very good reading month even though it wasn't all from my tbr. I read three off my tbr pile and then finished up an audiobook. I also read 2 books that I had been planning on rereading for some time. 

So let's take a look at the books I read this month:

 

4.5/5

   

3.5/5

   

4.5/5      

4/5

5/5

5/5

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutoski

Title: The Winner's Curse
Author: Marie Rutoski
Series/Standalone: The Winner's Trilogy Book #1
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 384
Publisher: Square Fish
Year Published: 2014
First Line: "She shouldn't have been tempted."

"Winning what you want may cost you everything you love.
They were never meant to be together. As a general's daughter, seventeen-year-old Kestrel enjoys an extravagant and privileged life. Arin has nothing but the clothes on his back.. Then Kestrel makes an impulsive decision that binds Arin to her. Though they try to fight it, they can't help but fall in love. In order to be together, they must betray their people... but to be loyal to their countries, they must betray each other.
Set in a  new world, The Winner's Curse is a story rebellion, duels, ballroom dances, wicked rumours, dirty secrets and games where everything is at stake and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart."

My Rating: 5/5

I read the description on this book, which is something I never do. But I must say I was surprisingly impressed. I kind of expected this to be another romance based in fantasy and while it had many romance moments, I thought that it was so much more than that. It really helped me think about the invasions in the past of many North American countries. It was heartbreaking story to read and I can't wait to see what happens throughout the rest of this series. The author did an awesome job of introducing not one, but two different cultures. I think that the characters were lovable and interesting enough to keep me intrigued. I'm trying so hard not to spoil anything in this section, but if you're interested in one, please look below.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny