Review: Okay by Kieron Gillen

Title: Okay

Author: Kieron Gillen

Contributor(s): Jamie McKelvie and Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 9)

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Urban Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"After five years, we reach the final volume. We go not gentle into that good night, but go driving a converted tank, covered in glitter and spangles, with a sound system audible from Mars blaring nothing but bangers. Gods, pop stars, an ending. We'll miss you."

My Rating: 5/5

What a fucking finale. Watching how this series came to a close was absolutely magnificent. I read this volume in one sitting and couldn't speed through it fast enough. Watching our characters grow and the rapid plot twists throughout the series has been so entertaining. If you're looking for an urban fantasy, alternative reality graphic novel series I would high recommend it. It doesn't always make a lot of sense, but we got there in the end. I would highly recommend it. Also, the art style is stunning throughout! Absolutely stunning.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Once and Future King by Ryan Ferrier

Title: The Once and Future King

Author: Ryan Ferrier

Artist(s): Priscilla Petraites and Marco Lasko

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens Series (Vol. 7)

Genre: Fantasy, Adult, Graphic Novel

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

" A vengeful presence from the past forces the Rat Queens to face their own demons inorder to save everything they've ever loved. Can the Queens hold their own legacy together when faced with their greatest challenge yet? A whole new era for the Rat Queens begins here, chronicled by a brand new creative team!"

My Rating: 4/5

Considering my thoughts on the other books in the second half of the series this one was surprising to me. It touched on things that had happened in the past while branching ahead to a new world. It brought back the original sense of humour and fun that the first 3 volumes offered to readers. If this were to continue this way I would be interested in continuing the series. I don't think it will ever be as good as the first few volumes, but this will satisfy my need for a fun fantasy graphic novel series for the time being.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Bleed by Kieron Gillen

Title: Bleed

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans

Series/Standalone: Die Vol. 4

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"We've had dragons. The award-winning bleak deconstruction couldn't end without turning its unblinking eye upon a dungeon. There's no escape. There's only down."

My Rating: 2/5

This volume was really a love letter to tabletop RPG and what they offer their communities. That being said, I feel like through most of this series I was just confused. And that's ok. It doesn't always have to make sense but for graphic novels, I like to have a good time and not have to think too terribly hard (that could be a me problem). I look forward to getting my fiancee to read these as he is an avid DnD player and I'm curious to see his thoughts.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson

Title: Never Have I Ever

Author: Joshilyn Jackson

Series/Standalone:Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 352

Publisher: William Morrow

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook 

"Amy Whey is proud of her ordinary life and the simple pleasure that come with it- teaching diving lessons, baking cookies for new neighbors, helping her best friend, Charlotte, run their local book club. Her greatest joy is her family: her devoted professor husband, her spirit fifteen-year-old stepdaughter, her adorable infant song. And, of course, the steadfast and supportive Charlotte. But Amy's sweet, uncomplicated life begins to unravel when the mysterious and alluring Angelica Roux arrives on her doorstep one book club night.

Sultry and magnetic, Roux beguiles the group with her feral charm. She keeps the wine flowing and lures them into a game of spilling secrets. Everyone thinks it's naughty, harmless fun. Only Amy knows better. Something wicked has come her way- and a she-devil in a pricey red sports car who seems to know the terrible truth about who she is and what she once did.

When they're alone, Roux tells her that if she doesn't give her what she asks for, what she deserves, she's going to make Amy party for her sins. One way or another.

To protect herself and her family and save the life she's built, Amy must beat the devil at her own clever game, matching wits with Roux in an escalating war of hidden pasts and unearthed secrets. Amy knows the consequences if she can't beat Roux. What terrifies her is everything she could lose if she wins.

A diabolically entertaining tale of betrayal, deception, temptation and love filled with dark twists leavened by Joshilyn Jackson's trademark humor, Never Have I Ever explores what happens when the transgression of our past come back with a vengeance."

My Rating: 2/5

This thriller was just fine, it wasn't anything mind blowing, or anything that threw me for a loop. There were twists her and there I wasn't fully expecting, but things that I had guessed at. I was intrigued by our main character and would have liked to hear more about her years before meeting Charlotte, even though we did see glimpses of it. It was also interesting to see the middle class drama in this community. It doesn't quite live up to rich people drama in thrillers, but it was interesting. I would read more from this author in the future, but I'm not in a rush to do so.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire by Rosamund Hodge

Title: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire

Author: Rosamund Hodge

Series/Standalone: Bright Smoke, Cold Fire Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Retelling

Pages: 437

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Year Published: 2016

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"When the mysterious fog of the Ruining crept over the world, the living died and the dead rose. Only the walled city of Viyara was left untouched.

The heirs of the city's most powerful- and warring- families, Mahyanai Romea and Juliet Catresou share a love deeper than duty, honor, even life itself. But the magic laid on Juliet at birth compels her to punish the enemies of her clan- and Romea has just killed her cousin Tybalt. Which means he must die.

Paris Catresou has always wanted to serve his family by guarding Juliet. But when his ward tries to escape her fate, magic goes terribly wrong- killing her and leaving Paris bound to Romeo. If he wants to discover the truth of what happened Paris must delve deep into the city, ally with his worst enemy... and perhaps turn against his own clan.

Mahyanai Runajo just wants to protect her city- but she's the only one who believes it's in peril. In her desperate hunt for information, she accidentally pulls Juliet from the mouth of death- and finds herself bound to the bitter, angry girl. Runajo quickly discovers Juliet might be the one person who can help her recover the secret to saving Viyara.

Both pairs will find friendship where they least expect it. Both will find that Viyara holds more secrets and dangers than anyone ever expected. And outside the walls, death is waiting..."

My Rating: 1/5

This just wasn't it for me. While there were things happening I felt bored for most of the book. There wasn't chemistry between characters and I just didn't feel like I was interested in anything that was happening. The world was built up but I felt like I had no connection to any of the characters and other than the final plot twist I understood where we were going. I will not be continuing the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Old Is the New New by Kieron Gillen

Title: Old Is the New New

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson, Stephanie Hans, Andre Likma Araujo, Kris Anka

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 8)

Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy

Pages: 232

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"Modernist poets trapped in an Agatha Christie Murder Mystery. The Romantics gathering in Lake Geneva to resurrect the dead. What really happened during the fall of Rome. The Lucifer who was a nun, hearing Ananke's Black Death confession. As we approach the end, we start to see the full picture...."

My Rating: 2/5

I just really feel that this volume was such filler. I really couldn't help but feel like this episode was dragging. I look forward to finishing the series and seeing where the final volume will take us, but I'm not sure how I feel about the series overall at this exact moment.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury

Title: Blood Like Magic

Author: Liselle Sambury

Series/Standalone: Blood Like Magic Series (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 496

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"An urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family's magic. The problem is, she's never been in love- she'll have to find the perfect guy before she can kill him.

After years of waiting for her Calling- a trial every witch must pass in order to come into their power- the one thing Voya Thomas didn't expect was to fail. When Voya's ancestor gives her an unprecedented second chance to complete her Calling, she agrees- and thenhy6jm7u is horrified when her task is to kill her first love. And this time, failure means every Thomas witch will be stripped of their magic.

Voya is determined to save her family's magic no matter the cost. The problem is, Voya has never been in love, so for her to succeed, she'll first have to find the perfect guy- and fast. Fortunately, a genetic matchmaking program has just hit the market. her plan is to join the program, fall in love, and complete her task before the deadline. What she doesn't count on is being paired with the infuriating Luc- how can she fall in love with a guy who seemingly wants nothing to do with her?

With mounting pressure from her family, Voya is caught between her morality and her duty to her bloodline. If she wants to save their heritage and Luc, she'll have to find something her ancestor wants more than blood. And in witchcraft, blood is everything."

My Rating: 4.25/5

This book was such a great read. I loved reading about this future world of witches where they are forced to compete in many ways with technology. The culture that the author wove within the story kept me reading, and I loved the large cast of characters. The festivals and the world described were excellent to hear and the romance was cute to watch. I was surprised to see that this was a debut as it was well written, entertaining and hard-hitting. I look forward to finishing the duology and reading more work from the author.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Blood For Blood by Ryan Graudin

Title: Blood For Blood

Author: Ryan Graudin

Series/Standalone: Wolf by Wolf (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Alternate Reality

Pages: 484

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"There would be blood. Blood for blood. Blood to pay. An entire world of it.

For the resistance in the Third Reich, the war may be over, but the fight has just begun. Death camp survivor Yael, who has the power to skin shift, is on the run: the world has just seen her shoot and kill Hitler. But the truth of what happened is far more complicated, and its consequences are deadly. Yael and her unlikely comrades dive into enemy territory to try to turn the tide against Hiter's army, and there is no alternative but to see their mission through to the end, whatever the cost.

But in the midst of chaos, Yael's past and future collide when she comes face to face with a ghost from her past, and a spark with a fellow rider begins to grow into something more. Dark secrets reveal dark truths and one question hangs over them all- how far can you go for the ones you love?

My Rating: 4.75/5

This book was such a great wrap up to a duology. I think that Ryan Graudin did a great job of getting the reader invested in the world and completing a full story arch throughout two books. I loved the main characters and felt like all the characters were complex. The motivation that each character had was logical. The plot itself was thrilling, and fast-paced, while the twists and turns were great. I really enjoyed the story overall and would recommend it to anyone interested in alternative reality historical fiction.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

Title: Nowhere But Here

Author: Katie McGarry

Series/Standalone: Thunder Road Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Pages: 496

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Top three awful moments of my life:"

"Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father- the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent- but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns into an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're ... family. And while Emily- the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member- is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on Is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home."

My Rating: 4.75/5

I really loved this book which I wasn't expecting. I didn't think that a young adult biker romance would really do it for me but this book is exactly what I needed. I do wish that it was a new adult rather than YA but I understand why the author made the decisions she did. The characters in this book were dynamic, the atmosphere was great and the world was interesting. This book has a few makeout scenes, but obviously, it has no smut so if that's what you're looking for this is not for you. But if you want a slow burn, forced proximity romance between people figuring out who they are, I would recommend it. I plan to continue reading the series asap.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas

Title: Catherine House

Author: Elisabeth Thomas

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 320

Publisher: Custom House

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"A storey about a dangerously curious young undergraduate whose rebelliousness leads her to discover a shocking secret involving an exclusive circle of students... and the dark truth beneath her school's promise of prestige.

You are in the house and the house is in the woods. 

You are in the house and the house is in you....

Catherine is a school of higher learning like no other. Hidden deep in the woods of rural Pennsylvania, this crucible of reformist liberal arts study with its experimental curriculum, wildly selective admissions policy, and formidable endowment, has produced some of the world's best minds: prize-winning authors, artists, inventors, Supreme Court justices, presidents. For those lucky few selected, tuition, room and board are free. But acceptance comes with a price. Students are required to give the House three years- summers included- completely removed from the outside world. Family, friends, television, music, even their clothing must be left behind. In return, the school promises its graduates a future of sublime power and prestige, and that they can become anything or anyone they desire.

Among this year's incoming class is Ines who expects to trade blurry nights of parties, pills, cruel friends, and dangerous men for rigorous intellectual discipline- only to discover an environment of sanctioned revelry. The school's enigmatic director, Viktoria, encourages the students to explore, to expand their minds, to find themselves and their place within the formidable black iron gates of Catherine.

For Ines, Catherine is the closest thing to a home she's ever had, and her serious, timid roommate, Baby, soon becomes an unlikely friend. yet the House's strange protocols make this refuge, with its worn velvet and weathered leather, feel increasingly like a gilded prison. And when Baby's obsessive desire for acceptance ends in tragedy, Ines begins to suspect that the school- in all its shabby splendor, hallowed history, advanced theories and controlled decadence- might be hiding a dangerous agenda that is connected to a secretive, tightly knit group of students selected to study its most promising and mysterious curriculum."

My Rating: 3/5 

This book is so interestingly written. I loved the way the author's writing was descriptive and creepy, it helped me feel uneasy for the vast majority of the book without feeling over the top. The characters in this book were interesting, but not extraordinary in any way for me. Where this book seemed to get a little confusing for me was the last section. This book is not truly a mystery, but more so a dark academic thriller. I think that if you go in knowing your in for an atmospheric read about a dark post-secondary education you'll truly enjoy it. If you think you're getting a true who done it mystery you may find yourself disappointed. I would like to read more books by this author and see what ideas she puts forth next.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny