Book Review: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Title: The Last Olympian
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Book #5)
Genre: Young Adult, Mythology, Fantasy
Pages: 381
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2009
Format: Audiobook

"All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Krono's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows.

While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. An as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate."

My Rating: 4/5

I finally made it. I reread all these books before the end of 2017. I'm so freaking proud of myself. Not that they were even a struggle to get through. This series is amazing to read and the story-telling is fun and humorous while handling hard-hitting ideas. I loved the way the characters grew and learned throughout their own experiences. I also plan to continue reading The Heroes of Olympus series for the first time. Either through audiobook or physical reading, I'm sure I'll enjoy them just as much.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

I'm very proud of my reading this year. Not only did I read over the number of books I had planned to read, I read so many books that became new favourites. I also had the opportunity to reread some of my old favourites. For example, The Percy Jackson Series. The first time I read this series I was when I was 14 or 15 years old so little. Needless to say some of my opinions of changed. For example, I wasn't rooting for all the romances in this book this time around (possibly because I also remembered who ended up with who). There were still some aspects that surprised me even though this was a reread (ex. the spy).

Characters:
Percy: He has grown up so much as a character. To see him change from a preteen boy to a 16 year old in the course of 5 books was such an interesting reading experience. That being said, I'm looking forward to continuing in this world through different characters perspectives.

Annabeth: I love that she is tough and loyal, but also says it how it is. She's honest, maybe even to a fault. I can't wait to see if she makes a surprise appearance in any of the other series.

Rachel: I liked her, but not for Percy, which I knew didn't pan out in the end anyway. I was also fine with her becoming the oracle. That being said, I'm not sure how she's supposed to live a normal life if there is a chance she'll be spouting out prophecies.

Grover: Someone tell me he's in the next book because he's a crowd favourite. Let's be honest here, we all love Grover.

Nico: His powers are going to be so much stronger than ever imagined which makes me wonder about the newest great prophecy.

Tyson: I love this big guy. Peanut butter is a great war cry.

Luke: Would anyone else be interested in a Luke prequel story? Or is there one and I just don't know about it. Anyone know?

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Title: Cress 
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone:  The Lunar Chronicles (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Retellings, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Pages: 552
Publisher: Square Fish
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "Her satalite made one full orbit around planet earth every sixteen hours."

"Even in the future, there are damsels in distress...

Cress, having risked everything to warn Cinder of Queen Levana's evil plan, has a slight problem. She's been imprisoned on a satellite since childhood and has only ever had her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker. Unfortunately, she's just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue of Cress involving Cinder, Captain Thorne, Scarlet, and Wolf goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing prevent her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only hope the world has."

My Rating: 4/5

I've really been working hard to binge read series that are highly anticipated in the YA book community and this series is no exception. I really have enjoyed getting to see the twist that Marissa Meyer takes with classic fairy tales. I enjoyed how well the series brings in new characters and perspectives while keeping the story line interesting. I also enjoyed catching up with older characters from the past two books. That being said, I didn't think that this book was as ground altering as I hoped it would be for the plot. There were a few aspects that were surprising but not as shocking as they were in the past two books. This book was good for me, it just wasn't all I hoped it to be. I can't wait to continue on with the series and novellas to gather a complete opinion on the series as a whole.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Cress by Marissa Meyer

I think that this series really has a lot going for it, which is likely why it's such a classic in the YA book community. I think that Marissa Meyer does a great job storytelling with a twist on the classics. I love the way the characters intertwine and connect without seeming overdone. I also have really connected with a few of our characters in these past three books. Unfortunately, Cress wasn't one of them for me. I thought that she was ok, but she didn't really capture a whole of my attention. I

I also really appreciated the change of scenery in this book. Which has happened in the past two novels. I always appreciate when authors are willing to expand on their world/universe. I think that the space aspects of this story were especially interesting to me. 

Characters:
Cress: I think that she was just too nice for me. I like my characters to have a little more fire or humour behind them and she just didn't. I can see how she made a very good damsel in distress and how the world from her perspective was an interesting idea, it just wasn't my favorite. I also found it rather obvious that she was Dimitri's child. Especially after the first two books. It just became to clear for it to be even close to a surprise.

Thorne: I like him. He's a sassy womanizer. He also reminds me a lot of Han Solo's attitude projected into a young Captain character. I wonder what he'll think as his eyesight begins to return. I also wonder how his relationship with Cress will grow.

Cinder: She's gotten a lot more fierce throughout the series, something I'm totally on board with. I loved that she was willing to go to such lengths to show that she was capable while still keeping true to who she really is. I also liked her consciousness aspects, the feelings of guilt she felt when using her power kept her relatable for me. 

Scarlet: She's by far my favorite main character. She is so loyal to those she loves and believes in. It was sad to see her lose so much because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I do think that she'll find her way out though.

Wolf: I also love him. I really enjoy his relationship with Scarlet and the evidence of heartbreak as he begins to believe that she is gone. I think that's an important aspect that fairytales sometime forget to show. How the love of the two is reciprocated. 

Sybil: She went just the right amount of crazy for me. She deserved what she got, I do wonder how her death will affect Levana.

Levana: Speaking about the evil lady herself, I'm super excited to get to Fairest to learn more about her backstory and why she turned into the person she did. I also wonder about her perspective being more present in Winter. 

Kai: He's got a lot of pressure on him the poor dude. That being said, he just seems lost so much of the time. I sincerely hope that he's ready to do what they have to end the war. 

Dr. Erland: This might have been the most heartbreaking part of the story line for me. To finally found something that you thought was gone only to have a short amount of time to enjoy it/share it with the other person. It was heartbreaking to see him start to lose his mind, but I think it was important to see that anyone is now able to catch the plague. ANYONE.

Iko: Just as sassy as I remember and I love it. I hope that she gets everything she wants throughout the series and I can't wait to see how she does with the upcoming war. She is getting braver with each book, and slightly less self-centred which I can appreciate.

Jacin: I'm not sure what to think about this character yet. It's clear that he and Winter have an intense relationship, but I'm curious how that happened and how it got to that point. Especially with him being Sybil's puppet.

Winter: I also appreciated seeing someone who just looks like she's full of madness. I appreciate a character who is not exactly reliable and who the reader is unsure of. I can't wait to read her story in the final book in the series.


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "'So I'm going to Luna, and I'm going to start a revolution.'"


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: The Lunar Chronicles (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 454
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2013
Format: Physical Copy (Own it)
First Line: "Scarlet was descending toward the alley behind the Rieux Tavern when her portscreen chimed from the passenger seat, followed by an automated voice: 'Commm received for Mademoiselle Scarlet Benoit from the Toulouse Law Enforcement Department of Missing Persons."

"Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling instalment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner."

My Rating: 4.5/5

So this book has been a long time coming for me to read. I finally had the chance to binge read this book this weekend. Overall I loved the way the story introduced new characters and a slightly different plot. But it still manages to keep our older characters close, and is able to connect these characters together. I loved the way the story line morphed and the new characters we got a chance to meet in this installment.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

This book was so much better than I thought it would be. When I first started reading and realized that this book was from a different perspective. I thought that we wouldn't really connect with Cinder and the rest of the story. That being said, Scarlet might be my favorite character throughout this series so far. I also loved exploring different parts of this new style world. France as a dystopian and changed country was a interesting to see and experience. I also enjoyed the one chapter from Levana's perspective.

Characters:
Scarlet: I really love Scarlet. I think she's sassy, loyal, a go getter. She does what she needs to do to help those around her. I also like how critical she was of people around her (for the most part). She's a badass and I hope we see more of her in the next book. 

Wolf: I also really liked him and Scarlet together. I'm not sure how popular that opinion is, but I don't care. I do wonder what he was taken from and turned into. The way he said, he remembered who he really was. I do wonder if maybe these wolf people are shells. 

Kai: I'm not overly impressed with him but he's making the choices he can with the bartering tools he has. That being said, he knows that Levana is going to take over the country one way or another.

Cinder: I liked how she was exploring her powers and learning what she was capable of. I also appreciated her exploring her past and learning more about herself. I'm curious to see where her story line will go. 

Thorne: I like him. He's sassy and he's a huge flirt which I'm on board with. Hopefully he finds someone to hang out with and who has the same sense of flirtation that he does.

Iko: She needs a different body. She's a bad ass ship, but what if she gets shot or something! Ugh.

Levana: I'm excited to see stories from her perspective and learn more about the reason she is the way she is.



Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "'And then I'm going to stop hiding.'"

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

Title: Lair of Dreams
Author: Libba Bray
Series/Standalone: The Diviners (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery
Pages: 613
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2015
Format: Physical Copy (Hardcover)
First Line: "Every city is a ghost."

"The longing of dreams draws the dead, and this city holds many dreams.

After a supernatural showdwon with a serial killer, Evie O'Neill has outed herself as a Diviner. With her uncanny ability to read people's secrets, she's become a media darling, earning the title 'America's Sweetheart Seer.' Evyerone's in love with the city's newest It Girl... everyone except the other Diviners.

Piano-playing Henry DuBois and Chinatown resident Ling Chan are two Diviners struggling to keep their powers a secret- for they can walk in dreams. And while Evie is living the high life, victims of a mysterious sleeping sickness are turning up across New York City.

As Henry searches for a lost love and Ling strives to succeed in a world that shuns her, a malevolent force infects their dreams. And at the edge of it all lurks a man in a stovepipe hat who has plans that extend farther than anyone can guess... As the sickness spreads, can the Diviners descend into the dreamworld to save the city?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I've been debating whether this is a 5 star read for me and after a drive for thought, I've decided that it's great, but it's not quite a 5 star read for me this time around. I still absolutely love all the elements in this book. 20s paranormal mystery/thriller is exactly what I needed in my life. Something I didn't even know that I needed. It's crazy to say this about a 600 page book but I can't help but want and need more. So let's hope that I can afford the next book after Christmas shopping. I can't wait to continue on in the world and to see where all our characters will go. I loved the dynamic that the characters had together as well as apart. They are a diverse interesting cast coming from many walks of life which is something I can certainly appreciate. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Lair of Dreams by Libba Bray

So this series is getting more and more popular on reading sites as well as booktube and guys I'm here for it! I loved this book so much and can't wait to get into the next book. Although, the cover changes are a little blah. This book was an excellent installment into the series. Throughout this book readers get a chance to further explore 1920s New York and all that comes with it both good and bad. Our characters also have a chance to come to light throughout this story and we get to explore new characters perspectives. I absolutely love this series and am so incredibly excited to see where it goes.

Characters:
Evie: She wasn't my favorite in this book for the simple reason that she was starting to act like a bit of brat. Don't get me wrong she's just trying to be famous and doesn't want her powers to be closeted. But near the end of this book her actions are less than favorable. That being said, I like her alot better with Sam than I did with Jericho. They just make more sense together in my mind.

Theta: I like Theta, but I'm scared for her. No one knows that she can light people up if she wants to except Sam and Henry. And while I doubt they'll tell her secret, I think that sooner rather than later she needs to come clean. Maybe not to all of society but at least the others in our cast of characters. Especially Memphis.

Henry: I freaking love him. There I said it. I think that he has a tragic past and his future isn't looking so great either, just due to the time period. I'm sure his heart is completely broken, but I hope he can make a future that he is proud of. 

Sam:  I really like him. Like yes he's a bit of a cheat, but I mean no one is perfect. Also for him to be working so hard to find his mother is an interesting aspect. I'm so excited to see how that plays out in the long run, especially knowing what we do. 

Jericho: I'm curious about his relationship with Marlowe. I'm also wondering how that will play into his relationship with Ling in the future. 

Mabel: I have no doubt that she's heart broken but I'm proud of her for standing up for herself. The fact that she doesn't deserve to be lied to or treated as less than. I am curious about how the device reacts around her sometime. Also what would she do if she knew Jericho's past?

Memphis: I also love him, but I'm worried about who he's surronding himself with. I know that he needs to help his brother and keep him safe, but being budd with Bill doesn't seem to be helping. Not even a little bit.

Bill: I don't trust him, but I'm curious about his past and what he'd do if Memphis actually healed him. 

Ling: She's a very interesting character to read from based on the time period and her characteristics. I'm curious to see what happens with her dream walking in the next book. 


Moments To Remember:
Pg. 174
"'C'mon, Freddy,' Sam goaded, still trying to jimmy the lock. 'Is your curiousity button on the fritz?'
'No. Neither is my code-of-ethics button. Maybe you can ask Santa to bring you one of those for Christmas.'"

Final Line: "'For all of us.'"

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Battle of The Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Title: The Battle of The Labryinth
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and The Olympians (Book #4)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 361
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook

"Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. but when a mysterious mortal acquintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse.
In this fourth installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Krono's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth- a sprawiling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn."

My Rating: 4/5

This reread has just been so awesome and I'm really getting more and more into the narration in the audiobook. Unfortunately, I remembered pretty quickly what I didn't like about this installment the first time I read it, and that didn't change with time. This series is so often catagorized as YA but in all reality it is more of a middle grade (that's just my personal opinion). I enjoyed the story overall and thought that it was an important stop to make before a huge finale but at some points it did feel a little bit like a filler book for the series. That being said, I plan to continue this series via audiobook and hope to finish it in the next few months (or when I can get my hands on the digital copy through Overdrive).

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Battle of The Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

So this reread has been a pleasant surprise, overall I still really enjoy the story line and the characters. That being said, this was not my favorite book in the series. Personally, I felt that this book felt alot like filler for the final book. Yes there was a development in the plot and the characters but I just found that it made me want to move onto the fifth book. I'm in it for when shit hits the fan. I also wasn't a huge fan of how there is an almost love triangle in this story. It just didn't do anything for me. I am looking forward to continuing the series but I'm not nearly as interested in the love idea as others may be (probably because I'm way older than 15 years old). 

Characters:
Percy: I think that while he's grown a fair amount, he still has a long way to go. Especially based on the way he acted in the love aspects of this book. He's grown as a warrior but still a a slightly hopeless 15 year old boy. I'm curious to see how his life will change now that everything about his life is setting into motion for the prophecy. 

Annabeth: I like her. She's stubborn and sarcastic, two things that I of course value. She's getting to be more likable book by book. I worry for her though based on her misplacing of trust. How will she cope if she has to meet Luke/Kronos head on?

Grover: He's an inspiration for the world to save the wild and I think that's something that isn't valued enough in this series or any series of ya/middle grade books for that matter.

Tyson: To see your hero rise from the ashes is an interesting idea. As well as the idea that you can become your own hero. 

Rachel: She's ok. I don't have a problem with her but I think I remember her fate in the series. And if I'm right that's kind of disappointing.

Kronos: This guys has it out for everyone. Talk about the ultimate villan. I kind of like that idea of the ultimate villan who gives no shits about who he hurts. 

Luke: Did he realize what he was getting into? If he did what would push him so close to the edge?

Daedalus: Probably my favorite character in this whole book because I have never seen a character regret an act quite as much as him. I think that his growth throughout the years was extremely well captured.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Darkest Lie by Pintip Dunn

Title: The Darkest Lie
Author: Pintup Dunn
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary
Pages: 287
Publisher: Kensington Publishing
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "It's time to view the body."

"The mother I knew would never do those things. But maybe I never knew her after all."

Clothes, jokes, coded messages... Cecilia Brooks and her mom shared everything. At least, CeCe thought they did. Six month ago, her mom killed herself after accusations of having sex with a student, and CeCe's been the subject of whispers and taunts ever since. Now, at the start of her high school senior year, between dealing with her grieving distracted father, and the social nightmare that has become her life, CeCe just wants to fly under the radar. Instead, she's volunteering at the school crisis hotline- the same place her mother worked.

As she counsels troubled strangers, CeCe's lingering suspicions about her mom's death resurface. With the help of Sam, a new student and newspaper intern, she starts to piece together fragmented clues that point to a twisted secret at the heart of her community. Soon, finding the truth isn't just a matter of restoring her mother's reputation, it's about saving lives- including CeCe's own..."

My Rating: 3/5

I would like to start with the fact that this book has triggers for sexual assault, assault, depression and suicide. Going into this I didn't realize that it was a thriller/mystery so when I started to read and those aspects came to light, it threw me off reading this book. That being said, I sped read the last half of this book due to the mystery and my interest in "who done it". I think that while this book was an interesting read, it wasn't all I wanted it to be and the mystery aspect (while entertaining) didn't turn out to be as shocking or surprising as I hoped. Overall this was just an OK read for me, but I would be interested to read more works by the author.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Darkest Lie by Pintip Dunn

This novel wasn't at all what I expected. When I'd heard of this book it had been described as a contemporary, which is the romance aspects I suppose it is. But other than that it's a sexual thriller. I don't know if that description makes sense to anyone but me. But here we go. Throughout this novel, we follow CeCe whose mother committed suicide after a student came forward stating that she had sex with him. Even after the mystery aspect is put out there this book does a strange thing where it switches between a love triangle and how bullied CeCe is mixed in with the idea that this suicide was likely a murder. It also seemed when reading the description that CeCe and Tabitha (her mother) were quite close but we see little evidence of this throughout the book itself. Needless to say, this wasn't my favourite book although I look forward to reading some of the authors other works. 

Characters:
CeCe: I think that while she was an interesting character to read from, she was very gullible at many plot points. As well as the fact that she seemed more interested half the time in boys than solving what happened to her mother. Ah to be a high school senior again...

Tabitha: For me, this was the most hard-hitting part of the book. It showed the things that her mother had kept from her daughter. Times of abuse, depression and the rumours that spread about her. I think that she was the most developed character throughout this story.

Sam: He was alright. He kinda had the whole Clark Kent thing going for him. Nerdy, but buff. I also appreciated that he wasn't willing to hurt everyone to get his story. I can admire that. 

Liam: Ok this is sick, but I wish that his backstory had been expanded on so we could learn more about the way his father treated him related to Tabitha and how he came to the idea to one-up his father. 

Tommy: Shows what a "small" rumour can actually do.


Memorable Moments:

Final Line: "Let them stare."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 328
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook

"Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough... Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises... Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds- smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my first Rainbow Rowell book and wow, I loved it way more than I thought. This story is an important one to hear and more than just a cutesy romance. It's so much more than that. It's giving hope to true love and trying to believe in something bigger than ourselves. This is ridiculous sounding as I read it back, but if you've read this book you'll know what I mean. Or maybe you won't. But this story really just hit me hard. It made me feel too many things, so many that I haven't in a long time while reading a contemporary. I can't wait to read more by Rainbow Rowell and feel more of the feels. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Title: Anna and The French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Series/Standalone: Anna and The French Kiss (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 372
Publisher: Speak
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook 

"Can Anna find love in the City of Light?

Anna is happy in Atlanta. She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her coworker at the movie theatre, who is just starting to return her affection. So she's less than thrilled when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year.

But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new people, including the handsome Etienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately, he's taken- and Anna might be, too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she's waiting for?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This book was a fun little contemporary. I think what really makes or breaks this series for a reader and lucky for me I really liked the majority of our characters. They were relatable in more than a few ways. For example the idea of moving on from high school to college, drinking, finding your true friends and learning who you really are. 
That being said, I think the cheating aspects of this book is troublesome. Especially if people are idolizing the relationship that Anna and Etienne had. I understand aspects of why the relationship took place the way it did, but other aspects were troublesome. The idea of teens thinking that the first part of this relationship is healthy bothers me. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Ignite Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series/Standalone: Shatter Me Series (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Pages: 408
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "I am an hourglass."

"The fat of Omega Point is unknown.
Everyone Juliette cares about may be dead. now Juliette is the only one standing in The Reestablishment's way. But to take them down, as well as Anderson, the man that nearly killed her. Juliette needs the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-- about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-- was wrong."

My Rating: 5/5

This is what some thought would be the last installment in a trilogy, but the jokes on us the series has been continued to a 6 book series. So who knows if what I thought would be an ending will continue to be the ending. I know that a lot of people are not a fan of this last book (which is interesting to me because it has a very high rating on Goodreads). I think that this ending is exactly what I hoped for. I found myself having to put this book down and pace during the stressful times in this storyline. Our characters have changed so much since the first book which readers either love or hate. I'm clearly on the love side of this series. I can't wait to continue on with the next book coming out this upcoming spring. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Here we all thought this was a trilogy and then Tahereh Mafi pulls out 3 more books! I can't wait. That being said I'm content with the ending and the way the love triangle ended in this series. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Adam and I have a lot of thoughts about how these next three books might undo the process of Juliette loving Warner. That might just be my panicky fangirl thoughts. Tahereh's writing is beautiful and soul-crushing. The descriptions in this series are terribly beautiful  (does anyone know what I'm trying to say?). I would also like to note that these books do contain a few intimate relationship details (although they are not phrased in a way that makes it completely apparent). Just in case you are a young reader and not interested in sexual aspects of a relationship.

I loved these first three books and plan to continue with the series as soon as possible.

Characters:

Juliette: Her character growth was amazing to witness and an important message to all of us. That we're allowed to change and grow into different people. Although, it was painful to watch her have to explain this to those around her time and time again. I think that she truly became a badass character in this novel and kicked so much ass! I can't wait to see what happens next in her story.

Aaron/Warner: Yes he has had to make severe choices and his reasoning is not an excuse for many of his actions, but I do still love him. As problematic as it may be. I really enjoyed learning more about his life and how he became who he was. I can't wait to see how their relationship continues in the next book. And yes I'll be incredibly mad if they don't stay together.

Adam: Let's all be honest, he was a real dink in this book. He was rude and obviously didn't care that they had already broken up. He was acting so selfishly for the majority of the book that I had a lot of trouble finding a redeeming quality about him. 

Kenji: He's a sweet guy and I love his dynamic with Juliette (especially because she had a guy best friend... it's the 21st century people). He's sweet and playful but still has enough emotion to be a realistic character in my mind. 

Castle: I really think that he took being pushed down from leadership rather well. No not the best, but pretty ok. I was impressed. 

James: This kids life is totally going to expand into these next 3 books and I can't wait to see what happens to him and around him. 

Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "'I can't wait to watch them try.'"

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Title: The Titan's Curse
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 320
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook (Own a physical copy)

"It's not everyday you find yourself in combat with a half-lion, half-human.
But when you're the son of a Greek god, it happens. And now my friend Annabeth is missing, a goddess is in chains and only five half-blood heroes can join the quest to defeat the doomsday monster.

Oh, and guess what? The Oracle has predicted that not all of us will survive."


My Rating: 5/5

I've been writing that this whole series is a reread for so many reviews and that it's getting old, but just know this is the same. I am rereading these books after about 6-8 years so it's a very different perspective I'm taking. This book really stepped the series up for me. We see that our main character has grown, and I found that he was even more relatable in this book (which is saying something because I'm a 22-year-old woman, not a 14-year-old boy). I thought that this book was action packed and full of turns that I only saw coming because of my memory. I can't wait to continue to listen to the audiobooks (I'm loving the narration). Unfortunately, I have to wait for the 4th book to be available from overdrive but I will be getting to it soon.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

I've enjoyed this reread like crazy. There is my disclaimer. I'm loving this series more and more as I read through it and watch as Rick Riordan's writing grows (and that's saying something because the first book is pretty amazing). I think that our characters grow so much in this installment in the series. This is the first book where we visit the camp in the winter and see once again how serious the conflict in this story is becoming.

Characters:
Percy: He's grown up and learned how to take responsibility for his actions. That being said he has a lot more growing up to do in order to continue on in the series. I also hear that he appears in other series so I'm curious to see how he changes that way.

Annabeth: We don't see as much of her in this book which was an interesting way to take the story. It gave us a chance to be introduced to different characters and see how she affected Percy.

Artemis: I was very interested in her portrayal in this story. I loved that she was so badass but was willing to admit that even she needs help sometimes.

Zoe: I cried in a public place when I realized that she was really gone. It's so frustrating to see such a strong female character get knocked out of the story. I understand why it had to happen and it's so thoughtfully planned out, but it doesn't mean that it didn't pull at my heartstrings. 

Thalia: I never saw her becoming a huntress but at the same time it makes sense. She seems to fit in well, even though she is argumentative. I hope that we still get to see her character throughout the rest of the series. 

Grover: He's growing on me again. He's a sweet guy, even though at times a little naive. 

Nico:  I remembered who his father is about 3/4 of the way through this book and that's gonna throw a wrench into Percy's plans.

Luke: Still a dick, but maybe a hypnotised dick?


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: Unite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Unite Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series/Standalone: Shatter Me Series (Book #1.5, #2.5)
Genre: Dystopia, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 197
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "I've been shot."

"Juliette will not stand alone
In a battle that will decide the fate of her world...
In Destroy Me, Warner, the ruthless leader of Sector 45, refuses to let her go.
In Fracture Me, Adam, Juliette's first love, will do anything to get her back.
These two explosive novellas are available in print for the first time. Unite Me also features an exclusive look into Juliette's journal and a preview of Ignite Me, the conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series."

My Rating: 4/5

So after finishing Ignite Me I needed more of Warner's backstory and wanted to see aspects of the story from his perspective. I know that he is not the nicest character and many people don't enjoy his character aspects. I think that this story is quite a redemption for Warner as well as Adam. I think novellas really add different aspects to the story and I can't wait to read the next book.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Unravel Me
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Series/Standalone: Shatter Me Series (Book #2)
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 461
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year Published: 2013
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The world might be sunny-side up today."

"tick
tick
tick
tick
tick 
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her- people with gifts- and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks its right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart- and Adam's life."

My Rating: 4.5/5

So after having a sick day, I was able to binge read this book after not reading it for a whole week and just kind of staring at it. Not because this book wasn't a fun or interesting read, mostly because I was ready to lay down and watch Netflix. This story really picks up right where we left off at the end of Shatter Me, and continues to explore the rebellion in this world. I think that this story is so interesting to me because our main character is exploring parts of the world at the same time as we are. I also think this story has an interesting idea of redemption for some of our characters. It made me wonder where the final story will go.
Before I read the last book I will be reading the novella compilation.
 Ps. Anyone else see that they are continuing this series? It's making me nervous about finishing these and then having to wait to read more.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Unravel Me by Rahereh Mafi

It's taken me an absurd amount of time to continue with this series (OK, it hasn't been that long it just feels like it has). So now what would be more like me than to binge read the rest of the series that is out. I saw right when i started this book that Tahereh Mafi is continuing this series, which is making me nervous about binge reading the books that I have in case I forget details before the next book comes out in March. 
I really enjoyed exploring the resistance base as well as seeing how many other characters in this world have "developed" powers over time. It was very Xmen to me. I really enjoyed how the author did an excellent job of showing Juliette's mental state throughout. I also find that it's interesting to see a character explore how society has deteriorated with the reader as she was locked away for a lot of the transition in government.

Characters:
Juliette: Our main character changes a lot in this second installment in the series which I'm glad about due to how she acted in the first novel. I was ok with Juliette's behaviour in the first book for the most part, but it was most frustrating that she cared more about falling in love/being in love than her own safety (or those of others). This book strays away from some aspects of romance but guides us into others. I do wonder how she will cope now that she is out in the open.

Adam: I didn't really care for Adam in this book. I understand the whole do what ever you can for those you love, but she clearly is as heartbroken as he is. Why would he push it the way he has? Especially if its gonna result in his death. He has a brother to worry about too.

Warner: I know this is an unpopular opinion, I really liked Warner's character growth in this book. I went into it completely expecting to hate him and still be creeped out by him. But I wasn't. He got too sexy in this book too fast for me and I couldn't process what was happening. 

Castle: I'm a little worried about him. He's not naive per say, I'd say he's kind and excepting which might be what the world needs, but will he get tough on those around him if he fails. What's he going to be like after the battle and did he survive the battle?

Kenji: He's won my heart, he's teasing and sweet. Everybody's friend but still an authority figure. It's hard to think that maybe he didn't survive the battle. 

The Girls:  Kind of creepy, but I also love them. I wonder if they will sympathize Warner or still see him as a monster.

Anderson: He's a sick man, I wonder about his back story and how he turned out to be so manipulative. 


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "And I'm leaving my gloves behind."



Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Title: The Sea of Monsters
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 279
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2006
Format: Audiobook (Also own a physical copy)

"The heroic son of Poseidon makes an action-packed comeback in the second must-read installment of Rick Riordan's amazing young readers series. Starring Percy Jackson, a 'half-blood' whose mother is human and whose father is the God of the Sea, Riordan's series combines cliffhanger adventure and Greek mythology lessons that result in true page-turners that get better with each installment.
In this episode, The Sea of Monsters, Percy sets out to retrieve the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed, surpassing the first book's drama and setting the stage for more thrills to come."

My Rating: 4/5

This is another reread for me and while it was on my TBR for this month in a physical form, I found audiobook copy's from my library before I took a road trip. I really enjoyed this second installment and would recommend keeping with the series if you didn't enjoy the first book because this book is where it starts to shine. It was interesting to see how the series "read" through an audiobook. This audiobook was super entertaining and I plan to continue the series through audiobooks, and I can't wait.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny