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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
