Book Review: The Kill Order by James Dashner

Title: The Kill Order

Author: James Dashner

Series/Standalone: The Maze Runner Series (Book #4)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Pages: 327

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2012

Format: Audiobook

"Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next. Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there's something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it's mutating, and all the evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

Mark and Trina are convinced there's a way to save those left from descending into madness. And they're determined to find it- if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you're worth more dead than alive."

My Rating: 4/5

I love a prequel that describes where the first book takes off. I think that this story did an excellent job of explaining the flares and the illness. Just how everything started out really. This was heart-wrenching and made me angry about how WICKED used people and their innocence to start a pandemic. That being said, maybe not the best thing to read during a global pandemic. I loved Alex's character and would have done anything for that sweet, gruff man. The plot of this book reinvigorated me for the last book in the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Sidny

Book Review: Without Merit by Colleen Hoover

Title: Without Merit

Author: Colleen Hoover

Series/standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Pages: 385

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"Not every mistake deserves a consequence. 

Sometimes the only thing it deserves is forgiveness.

The Voss family is anything but normal. They live in a repurposed church, newly baptized Dollar Voss. The once cancer-stricken mother lives in the basement, the father is married to the mother's former nurse, the little brother isn't allowed to do or eat anything fun, and the eldest siblings are irritatingly perfect. Then, there's Merit.

Merit Voss collects trophies she hasn't earned and secrets her family forces her to keep. While browsing the local antiques shop for her next trophy, she finds Sagan. His wit and unapologetic idealism disarm and spark renewed life into her- until she discovers that he's completely unavailable. Merit retreats deeper into herself, watching her family from the sidelines when she learns a secret that no trophy in the world can fix.

Fed up with the lies, Merit decides to shatter the happy family illusion that she's never been a part of before leaving them behind for good. When her escape plan fails, Merit is forced to deal with the staggering consequences of telling the truth and losing the one boy she loves."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I understand why people find Colleen Hoover's books are well-rated, they are extremely entertaining and the characters are fun and have quirky things about them. I enjoyed reading about the Voss family and all their unusual quirks. That being said, I think that some of the secrets that Merit is expected to keep are too much to just let go of. It was interesting to see how their lives went on after tragedies and changes, but I think that at some points there needed to be more of a reaction to certain behaviors. I found it entertaining and an interesting read. I look forward to reading more works by this author.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol. 9 by John Allison

Title: Giant Days Vol. 9

Author: John Allison

Series/Standalone: Giant Days (Volume 9)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 110

Publisher: Boom Entertainment

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"It's the end of the second year, and everything is happening so fast! Moving out, breaking up, breaking hearts, breaking... bones? Best-Mates-for-Life Esther, Daisy, and Susan had better hold on tight if they want to make it to their third year, never mind in one piece!"

My Rating: 5/5

This is my first time reading a new-to-me Giant Days in a while and it was amazing. I love seeing all the characters growing up and finding who they are. It reminds me so much of my college experience and my early twenties. I just think that this book really will give anyone the warm and fuzzies. I can't wait to read the next installment. I'll be sad when the series is over, but I plan to buy all the copies as they are a favorite for me to reread.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Blood by Marjorie M. Liu

Title: The Blood

Author: Marjorie M. Liu

Artist(s): Sana  Takeda

Series/Standalone: Monstress Series (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 152

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Maika Halfwolf is on the run from a coalition of forces determined to control or destroy the powerful Monstrum that lives beneath her skin. But Maika still has a mission of her own: to discover the secrets of her late mother, Moriko.

In this second volume of Monstress, collecting issues 7-12, Maika's quest takes her to the pirate-controlled city of Thyria and across the sea to the mysterious Isle of Bones. It is a journey that will force Maika to reevaluate her past, present and future, and contemplate whether there's anyone or anything, she can truly trust-- including her own body."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I'm slowly starting to understand more about the world and our main characters. I really enjoyed reading this installment and the art style is absolutely gorgeous. I"m looking forward to continuing on with the series and seeing where the world takes us. I'm grateful that the artist and author are taking time to flesh out the world after throwing us in the deep end in volume 1. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Sinner by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Sinner

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series/Standalone: The Wolves of Mercy Falls (Book #3.5)

Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 357

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook

"found.

Cole St. Clair has come to California for one reason: to get Isabel Culpeper back. She fled from his damaged, drained life, and damaged and drained it even more. he doesn't just want her. He needs her. 

lost.

Isabel is trying to build herself a life in Los Angeles. It's not really working. She can play the game as well as all the other fakes... but what's the point? What is there to win?

sinner.

Cole and Isabel share a past that never seemed to have a future. They have the power to save each other and the power to tear each other apart. The only thing for certain is that they cannot let go."

My Rating: 2.5/5

I've finished the series and it was such a fun reading experience. Perfect for a throwback to that 2010 early paranormal romance. Exactly what I needed during these crazy times. While it isn't a ton of substance, and these characters aren't my favorite from the series this book was fun, it was enjoyable but nothing incredible. It was just ok for me overall. I would recommend the series for anyone looking for a fun paranormal teen romance.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Title: Forever

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series/Standalone: The Wolves of Mercy Falls (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 390

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2011

Format: Audiobook

"then.

When Sam met Grace, he was a wolf and she was a girl. Eventually, he found a way to become a boy, and their love moved from the curious distance to the intense closeness of shared lives.

now.

That should have been the end of their story. But Grace was not meant to stay human. Now she is the wolf. And the wolves of Mercy Falls are about to be killed in one final, spectacular hunt.

forever.

Sam would do anything for Grace. But can one boy and one love really change a hostile, predatory world? The past, the present, and the future are about to collide in one pure moment-- a moment of death or life, farewell or forever."

My Rating: 2.75/5

This book was so different from the first two in the series in the way it followed many main characters. It was interesting to see things from their perspectives and better understand their feelings towards the crises in this book, but there were moments where things seemed to be too easy to fix. I did enjoy listening to it on audio and it was a fun throwback to early 2010s paranormal romance. I do plan to finish the series by reading Sinner on audio as well. What guilty pleasure fun reads to listen to. Would recommend if you are looking for a throwback.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Take a Hint, Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert

Title: Take a HInt, Dani Brown

Author: Talia Hibbert

Series/Standalone: The Brown Series (Book #2)

Genre: Romance, Adult

Pages: 360

Publisher: Avon Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

First Line: "The moon was high and full, the night was ripe for witchy business, and Danika Brown had honey on her tit."

"Talia Hibbert returns with another charming romantic comedy about a young woman who agrees to fake date her friend after a video of him 'rescuing' her from their office building goes viral....

Danika Brown knows what she wants: professional success, academic renown, and an occasional roll in the hay to relieve that career-driven tension. But romance? Been there, done that, burned the T-shirt. Romantic partner, whatever their gender, is a distraction at best and a drain at worst. So Dani asks the universe for the perfect friend-with-benefits- someone who knows the score and knows their way around the bedroom.

When brood security guard Zafir Ansari rescues Dani from a workplace fire drill gone wrong, it's an obvious sign: PhD student Dani and ex-rugby player Zaf are destined to sleep together. But before she can explain that fact, a video of the heroic rescue goes viral. Now half the internet is shipping #DrRugbae- and Zaf is begging Dani to play along. Turns out, his sports charity for kids could really use the publicity. Lying to help children? Who on earth would refuse?

Dani's plan is simple: fake a relationship in public, seduce Zaf behind the scenes. The trouble is, grumpy Zaf's secretly a hopeless romantic- and he's determined to corrupt Dani's stone-cold realism. Before long, he's tackling her fears into the dirt. But the former sports star has issues of his own, and the walls around his heart are as thick as his... um, thighs.

Suddenly the easy lay Dani dreamed of is more complex than her thesis. Has her wish backfired? is her focus being tested? Or is the universe just waiting for her to take a hint?"

My Rating: 2/5

A lot of popular booktubers and bloggers have been raving about this series and after reading the first book (Get a Life, Chloe Brown), I was ready to jump into the second one. Here is where the problem lies. I think that I prefer my adult romance to be audiobooks, and while I tried to read the physical copy of this book it just felt like something was missing. This could be because I couldn't relate with Dani's p.o.v on relationships, or that I just prefer dislike to lovers more than this friendly banters of friends with benefits to lovers. I do plan to continue the series, just with the audiobooks from her on out. I would also like to state that there aren't many explicit scenes in this book for a girl who dreams about having the perfect no strings attached connection. Just as a note to anyone who doesn't care for explicit sex scenes in their romances.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Jackaby by William Ritter

Title: Jackaby

Author: William Ritter

Series/Standalone: Jackaby Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Mystery

Pages: 299

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Year Published: 2014

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "It was later January, and New England wore a fresh coat of snow as I stepped along the gangplank to the shore."

"Miss Rook, I am not an occultist,' Jackaby said. 'I have a gift that allows me to see the truth where others see the illusion-- and there are many illusions. All the world's a stage, as they say, and I seem to have the only seat in the house with a  view behind the curtains.'

Newly arrived in New Fiddleham, New England, 1892, and in need of a job, Abigail Rook meets R.F Jackaby, an investigator of the unexplained with a keen eye for the extraordinary-- including the ability to see supernatural beings. Abigail has a gift for noticing ordinary but important details, which makes her perfect for the position of Jackaby's assistant. On her first day, Abigail finds herself in the midst of a thrilling case: A serial killer is on the loose. The police are convinced it's an ordinary villain, but Jackaby is certain it's a nonhuman creature, whose existence the police-- with the exception of a handsome young detective named Chalie Cane-- deny.

Doctor Who meets Sherlock in William Ritter's debut novel, which features a detective of the paranormal as seen through the eyes of his adventurous and intelligent assistant in a tale brimming with cheeky humor and a dose of macabre."

My Rating: 4/5

My friend and I started a book club a while back and this is our pick for April and what a fun pick it was. I would say that this book is more about the fantastical elements and the antics of Jackaby, rather than the mystery. I was so intrigued by the characters and finding out more about them, that the mystery wasn't as consuming as it could be. I am looking forward to reading more about the characters in the following books. I will say that there was a moment of uncertainty for me at the end of the novel, but it was resolved quickly (thank goodness for that).

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Death Cure by James Dashner

Title: The Death Cure

Author: James Dashner

Series/Standalone: The Maze Runner Series (Book #3)

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Young Adult

Pages: 325

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2011

Format: Audiobook

"It's the end of the line.

WICKED has taken everything from Thomas: his life, his memories, and now his only friends- the Gladers. But it's finally over. The trials are complete, after one final test.

Will anyone survive?

What WICKED doesn't know is that Thomas remembers far more than they think. And it's enough to prove that he can't believe a word of what they say.

The truth will be terrifying.

Thomas beat the Maze. He survived the Scorch. He'll risk anything to save his friends. But the truth might be what ends it all.

The time for lies is over."

My Rating: 4/5

I know that a lot of people didn't like this third book in the series as it drew a conclusion for a lot of people's reading experience. I enjoyed it. I think that the author did a wonderful job of continuing our intrigue into what was going on. The fact that we never truly know who to trust is a trope  I really enjoy used in plots with dystopian novels. I love not being able to see where we are going and having our main characters be paranoid to a certain extent as well. I plan to continue on with the series although I expect there will be a change in pace due to how this book ended.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

 Title: Linger

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series/Standalone: The Wolves of Mercy Falls (Book #2)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 362

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2010

Format: Audiobook

"the longing.

Once Grace and Sam have found each other, they know they must fight to stay together. For Sam, this means a reckoning with his werewolf past. For Grace, it means facing a future that is less and less certain.

the loss.

Into their world comes a new wolf named Cole, whose past is full of hurt and danger. He is wrestling with his own demons, embracing the life of a wolf while denying the ties of being a human.

the linger.

For Grace, Sam, and Cole, life a constant struggle between two forces- wolf and human- with love baring its two sides as well. It is harrowing and euphoric, freeing and entrapping, enticing and alarming. As their world falls apart, love is what lingers. But will it be enough?"

My Rating: 2.5/5

This just wasn't as entertaining as the first one. I found that the added characters didn't really do anything for me. If anything they lessened the enjoyment of this second instalment. I was curious after finishing the first book I was curious about how this was going to be a series. I was impressed by the ideas presented, but my intrigue wasn't all there. It was a fun easy listen, but not as enjoyable as the first one. I do plan to continue the series, because of the twist ending. I would recommend the audiobooks if you're looking for a 2010 throwback to paranormal romance.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny