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

Spoiler: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

So this series is a total reread for me. I haven't read it in about 6-10 odd years so some of my opinions have changed. And while I believe it's important to reread our favourites and realize the problems with them, I still really enjoyed this second book.
I remember in the first book feeling that our main character should have been older, just based on the way they read. That being said, listening to the audiobook really helped me to remember how young our main characters are, along with the side characters.
I really enjoyed the change of pace and the adventure aspect of this story and I can't wait to continue this series.

Character:
Percy: I think that Percy's sense of humour is his best quality (that's my own opinion). I loved his sarcasm and sense of wit. I can't wait to read more about him. That being said there are points in this book where he is frustratingly naive. Which is to be expected since he is 13 years old. 

Annabelle: I really enjoyed her sass and bad assery. She doesn't give a shit what other people think. She is wise (haha) beyond her years and a true hero in my eyes.

Tyson: Probably my favourite character in this story because of how sweet and innocent he was. He reminded me of some children I've worked with in the past. He was very sweet and I wonder how he will do under the sea.

Grover: He's kind of bothersome in the audiobook, that being said, he's grown up since the first book and deserves recognition for this.

Luke: Something isn't right with him and why he turned.. I wonder what his next move will be.

Chiron: I like his party relatives vs how calm and cool and collected he is. He's always in control, but not even he can control who his father is.

Hermes: Sweet to know that he didn't desert his kids.

Clarisse: I still don't care that much for her. I don't care that she has such strong pride, but also at some point you can admit that you need help.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Evertrue by Brodi Ashton

Title: Evertrue
Author: Brodi Ashton
Series/Standalone: Everneath Series (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology
Pages: 336
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Year Published: 2014
Format: Audiobook

"Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she's begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon- or die.

Terrified for survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally- but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki because she is everything to him- and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki's fate and make her mortal once more. But Cole isn't the only one with plans for Nikki: the Queen has not forgotten Nikki's treachery and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all?

In this stunning conclusion to Everneath trilogy, Brodi Ashton evokes the resiliency of the human spirit and indomitable power of true love."

My Rating: 2/5

I did not enjoy this last instalment at all. It was overly corny and annoying to listen to. At the start, I was still on a high from the end of the second book This one was just over the top in all the ways I don't like. I did enjoy the content matter and the side characters (Cole....).  That being said, the main character in this series was frustrating and naive in all the wrong ways. Overall I would give the entire series a 3.5/5 stars enjoyable for the most part and a guilty pleasure read.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Blood of Wonderland by Colleen Oakes

Title: Blood of Wonderland
Author: Colleen Oakes
Series/Standalone: Queen of Hearts Saga (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retellings
Pages: 336
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The former Princess of Wonderland was lost."

"The queen will rise.

Dinah has been exiled from Wonderland. The vicious father she always feared has framed her for the brutal murder of her brother and turned the kingdom against her.

Now hiding in the lush and mysterious Twisted Wood with only her war steed at her side, Dinah is faced with a choice. She could leave Wonderland forever or return and fight for her throne- a fight she knows would only result in bloodshed.

When a chance encounter with one of her father's long-lost enemies brings Dinah more allies than she ever could have imagined, war starts to feel inevitable. But before Dinah can lead her people into combat, she must confront certain truths about her heart and her destiny- no matter how dark those truths may be.

Revolution is rising in Wonderland.

Dinah's battle has begun."


My Rating: 4/5

This is the second instalment in the Queen of Hearts Saga and it was very interesting to see where the story left off based on the dramatic ending of the first novel. I loved this retelling because it was so different than other retellings I've read and it follows the making of a "villain" (I think).  Which is something that I'm always down for! At some points, it was a little cringeworthy (some cliches were a little over the top) I really enjoyed the changes in the characters throughout this book and the introduction of new characters to the Wonderland world. I also enjoyed the further exploration of Wonderland and seeing different aspects of the topsy turvy world.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Blood of Wonderland by Colleen Oakes

I finally picked up the second instalment... way to go me.
This series is going in such an interesting direction. While the Queen of Hearts Saga is obviously a retelling, it has elements of the story worked in in clever ways. This being said, this middle novel just seemed like it was trying to make a bridge to the end of the story. 
And while I understand the need branch out from the castle and explore the tipsy-topsy world of Wonderland and to see a change in our main character. These two changes are what really carried the story for me. Aspects of this story reminded me of the journey tales in other fantasy novels. 

Characters:
Dinah: She has changed so much as a character throughout these first two books. Changing from a spoiled brat who was more than a little naive. To learn how to be skeptical of those around her and continuing on a journey to become a warrior and a leader. I'm interested to see how she handles a war as well as relations with those she's met along the way.

Wardley: I kind of forgot about him. I know that we're supposed to love him, but I don't really care about him all that much. That being said, when he broke Dinah's heart you could see the distinct change in their relationship and her demeanour I see how that was necessary for her to become who she was meant to be.

Morte: Not really an animated character. He proved a good point about most of the things in Wonderland, you can't own them. They are of their own nature.

Sir Gorran: I like him. He's feisty and loyal and a little crazy. That being said, I'm worried that I am putting too much faith in him. I think that he would make a top advisor if he's not a scheming jerk.

Mundoo:  I really liked the way he held his ground with Dinah, letting her know that he would not kneel to her and let her be their leader of his people was a strong power mood.

Cheshire: I still don't trust this crazy freak. I don't think that he's her dad. I really think that he's manipulating her and he needs to go if she's gonna win this war.


Moments to Remember:
Pg. 92
"'Let me stand. I said, let me stand!' She rolled over quickly, which caused him to lose his balance. Then she grabbed hold of the Spade's leg and dug her teeth into his calf.
He let out a yell and hopped away. 'Yeh bit me! Who bites someone?'"

Moments to Remember: "The question was who would she be when she got here."


Thanks for reading,
Sidny