Title: Pandemonium
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium Series (Book #2)
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, YA
Pages: 375
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2012
Format: Audiobook
"The old life is dead. But the old Lena is dead too. I buried her. I left her beyond a fence, behind a wall of smoke and flame. In this electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller Delirium, Lauren Oliver sets Lena on a dangerous course that hurtles through the unregulated Wilds and into the heart of a growing resistance movement. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of a fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite."
My Rating: 3.25/5
I'm going to start this review by saying, I don't disagree with the negative opinions about this installment. I agree with many points of that argument. That being said, I had an idea that this book wouldn't live up to the first one so my overall expectations were set a little lower than those who read this book as it came out.
This book was what I expected. It just didn't have the elements that I really enjoyed from the first book and had more of the elements that weren't my favourite. I will say the twist at the end made me interested in continuing the series, and that's about it. The main character is selfish and so foolish overall. She is just to naive for my liking, actually in this book she was closer to stupidity.
That being said, I am interested in other characters in this series and that is why I took out the next audiobook as soon as I finished this one.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: A Monster Calls
Author: Patrick Ness
Illustrator: Jim Kay
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fiction
Pages: 206
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Year Published: 2011
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)
First Line: "The monster showed up just after midnight."
"The monster showed up after midnight. As they do. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting. He's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming...
This monster, though, is something different. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.
It wants the truth."
My Rating: 4.5/5
This book took me totally off guard. I'm a fairly emotional person and it doesn't take much to make me cry. But this book broke parts of me. Seeing the storyline and the illustrations and the way emotions can just take us over broke me. This story is so important for everyone, to better understand grief is to better understand ourselves. I think it's important to realize that everyone's emotions break them apart sometimes and sometimes they make us do things that even we don't understand. I can't wait to read more works by the author.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Half Bad
Author: Sally Green
Series/Standalone: The Half Bad Trilogy (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal
Pages: 394
Publisher: Speak
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "There's these two kids, boys, sitting close together, squished by the big arms of an old chair."
"In modern-day England, witches live alongside humans: White witches, who are good; Black witches, who are evil; and sixteen-year-old Nathan, who is both. Nathan's father is the world's most powerful and cruel Black witch, and his mother is dead. He is hunted from all sides. Trapped in a cage, beaten and handcuffed, Nathan must escape before his seventeenth birthday, at which point he will receive three gifts from his father and come into his own as a witch- or else he will die. But how can Nathan find his father when his every action is tracked, when there is no one safe to trust- not even family, not even the girl he loves?"
My Rating: 3.75/5
This is another book that I carried over through the move. I thought that this story was very interesting especially the paranormal aspect. I was interested in the differences in this setting to our own as well as the timeline. I really enjoyed the idea of magical people living amongst us and I know that the idea of good and evil are always interesting to me.
I think this story did a good job of debating good and evil while still showing signs of struggle on both sides. That being said the middle area of this book seemed to drag for me. The pacing just wasn't quite right for me. I do look forward to continuing the story.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This story really caught me off guard. I found it interesting to read about the good and evil in this world and then those who have no idea what's going on. The world building in this series was interesting and wonderful for me. A good mix of fantasy and reality. I was also interested in the Black Witches and how their world works. The world of the White Witches is easy enough to understand. I'm looking forward to further exploring the both in the next novel.
Characters:
Nathan: He's seen a lot for his short amount of time on this earth. It seems that neither group is interested enough in him to help him. The white witches want to use him and well the black witches seem to hate Marcus, so why help his child? I also wonder what he will do about Annalise and Gabriel.
Arran: I hope he does have an opportunity to live a happy life and almost that he forgets about Nathan. He was one of the only ones who were kind to Nathan. Maybe they will catch up in the future.
Annalise: I wonder about what will become of her. Will she be left there, sleeping forever? Or will he manage to free her, and then will she ever truly understand him and his life?
Mercury: What will she do with people onto her? Will she continue to hunt down Marcus for her sister? And what is the story behind that?
Marcus: What was his life like and why did he become the way he did? How did he meet Nathan's mother? I have so many questions.
Gabriel: I loved him. To think that he could transform into anything and chose to be just an average person is strange. It's ridiculous that he was stuck like that. But where is he now?
Rose: Her death hit me harder than I expected she was one of a kind, willing to work against her own.
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "Gabriel."
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: The Heroes of Olympus (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 586
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Year Published: 2012
Format: Audiobook
"Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy- after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera- it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can't blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon figurehead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of the praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.
And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket, Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving command: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find- and close- the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?
Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader- but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.
Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across the land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare..."
My Rating: 3.75/5
It's been a busy month for my family. We have moved 6 hours away from our hometown into a new apartment and have gotten new jobs. So needless to say I probably finished this 2 weeks ago, but have just starting to have the time to read and write again. I'm excited to be able to get back to routine and to be able to give it my all once more. This story was not my favourite so far in this series. I found that the storyline both dragged and was rushed at some points. The pacing just wasn't quite right for me. I did appreciate watching the characters come together and seeing what the coming books will have to offer. I look forward to continuing the series.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Caraval
Author: Stephanie Garber
Series/Standalone: Caraval Series (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 404
Publisher: Flatiron
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover (Own It)
First Line: "It took seven years to get the letter right."
"Remember, it's only a game...
Scarlett Dragna has never left the tiny island where she and her sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval- the faraway, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show- are over.
But this year, Scarlett's long-dreamt-of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that the season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.
Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. Nevertheless, she becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic. And whether Caraval is real or not, Scarlett must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over or a dangerous domino effect of consequences will be set off, and her beloved sister will disappear forever.
Welcome, welcome to Caraval... beware of getting sept too far away."
My Rating: 3.75/5
So I went into this book not expecting to enjoy it, but I loved it more and more as I read. The more I read though I also found the twists and turns becoming a little less impressed. I think that the author worked really hard to make you keep guessing about who was who, as well as what was real and fake. By the end though, I was feeling a little tired by all the twists and turns. What really intrigued me and made me want to continue the series is the note at the end of the book. I'm looking forward to seeing how our characters continue life after the events of Caraval.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This book was surprising to me. I wasn't a huge fan of the Night Circus and I knew that this had been compared to it (that being said I didn't hate the Night Circus it was just ok for me). But this book has a very different element than the Night Circus. We are a player in a mysterious tradition on a seemingly magical island. It also appears that the more we watched the story unfolding the more we saw how everyone was a freaking liar and a player. No one told the truth and did what they were expected to do. I enjoyed the setting and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Characters:
Scarlett: I understood her need to leave her home, especially after seeing how manipulative and abusive her father was. But the idea of marrying someone who could be worse than her father was horrifying. I don't even want to think about that. I also think that she got a little in over her head during the "game" especially in her relationship with Julian. It was frustrating. I'm curious to see how their relationship plays out.
Tella: I'll be the first to admit that I underestimated her. I thought that she was more beauty than brains, but by the end of this first book, she proved to be daring and intelligent. She worked hard to get herself off the island and to save her sister. I worry about the note I read by the end of the book. What else could she owe and where in the world is her mother?
Julian: His character was frustrating to me. I wanted to love him, as I'm usually fans of mysterious seemingly bad boys who have a heart of gold. But I just couldn't get on board with their romance. The more Scarlett fell for him the more I felt like she was making a mistake.
Legend: What is his deal and what really happened over the years of his performances? Why did he chose to be a great performer rather than have the love of his life?
Dante: Will we know his truth?
Marcello: He's deserved how everyone left him and he deserves to lose his fortune. He's rude and a terrible father.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Friendship to the Max
Author: Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Waters
Illustrators: Brooke A. Allen
Series/Standalone: Lumberjanes (Volume #2)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy
Pages: 126
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2015
Format: Collectors Copy (Library Edition)
"Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are not your average campers and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types is not your average summer camp. Between the river monsters, magic and the art of friendship bracelets, this summer is only just the beginning. Join the Lumberjanes as they take on raptors and a sibling rivalry that only myths are made of.
This New York Times bestseller and Eisner Award-nominated series is written by awesome all-star Noelle Stevenson and brilliant newcomer Grace Ellis, and illustrated by the tremendously talented Brook Allen."
My Rating: 4/5
This one didn't quite live up to my expectations due to how much I loved the first book in this graphic novel series, but I wasn't mad about it. It was fun, and showed females building each other up in the most terrific way. The magic is intense, but the friendship even more so. I can't wait to continue this series and hope to purchase my own copies soon.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: All the Ugly and Wonderful Things
Author: Bryn Greenwood
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 344
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Year Published: 2016
Format: Hardcover (Own It)
First Line: "My mother always started the story by saying, 'Well, she was born in the backseat of a stranger's car,' as though that explained why Wavy wasn't normal."
"As the daughter of a meth deal, Wavy knows not to trust people, not even her own parents. Struggling to raise her little brother, eight-year-old Wavy is the only responsible 'adult' around. She finds peace in the starry Midwestern night sky above the fields, behind her house. One night everything changes when she witnesses one of her father's thugs, Kellen, a tattooed ex-con with a heart of gold, wreck his motorcycle. What follows is a powerful and shocking love story between two unlikely people that ask tough questions, reminding us of all the ugly and wonderful things that life has to offer."
My Rating: 4/5
This book has been catching a lot of attention through booktube and the book community. I will say that it has warnings for assault and rape, as well as abuse in many shapes and form.
I am conflicted about my rating, to say the least. I started this book really interested in Wavy's life (as heartbreaking as it was) and looking to see what she would become after such a tough upbringing, but the story branches into more than that.
There is a minor who has sex with an adult who is more than a little older than her, and it's uncomfortable to think about. There are times in this book that you are cheering the characters on to move towards each other and then you remember the reasons that they shouldn't be together. I think if you are looking for a controversial read this is a good one to pick up.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Before I even start this book is very controversial, I'd say extremely. There are warnings I left in the review, but here are some more for assault, abuse, drug use, etc.
This book follows the story of Wavy from the age of eight to her early twenties. It follows her through the life of her parents (drug users and dealers) and how she ends up in a relationship with Kellen, an ex-con who works for her father.
Characters:
Wavy: I can see how she had to grow up so quickly in the situation she was in. It was heartbreaking to watch her be dumped on whoever was most willing to take her, when she was trying to take care of herself. I can also see how Kellen's kindness appealed to her. I'm not saying what happened in their... relationship (??) is ok, but I can understand how it happened.
Donnal: I would be interested in more of his backstory and some of the things I'm sure he saw at the "ranch." Did he ever try anything that he shouldn't have? What did he do to cope?
Kellen: I just wish that he had been able to say no, at least until she was of age. I know that she acted a lot older than she was, but it doesn't make it ok.
Amy: I liked that she showed who she truly was before the book ended, maybe it will shock her mother more than Kellen and Wavy did.
Renee: She was clearly someone who needed Wavy and who Wavy needed in return. I see that they in many ways grew into adults together.
Liam: Sick.
Val: Was she always like this or did the drug use make her who we saw in this novel.
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "She had grown."
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
