Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: JK Rowling
Series/Standalone: Harry Potter Series (Book #3)
Genre: Classic, Fantasy
Pages: 317
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Year Published: 1999
Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "Harry Potter was a highly unusual boy in many ways."
"On the morning of his thirteenth birthday, Harry Potter learns that mass-murderer Sirius Black has escaped the iron grasp of Azkaban fortress. harry has barely survived his first two years at Hogwarts; now it looks as though Sirius Black is determined to make sure Harry doesn't finish his third.
With Ron and Hermione at his side, Harry is forced to confront his new enemy- while the sinister Dementors of Azkaban Patrol the school ground threatening to suck the very soul from those who they encounter with a deadly kiss..."
My Rating: 5/5
This is by far my favourite Harry Potter book (As far as I remember) I love the growth in the world and getting to see how criminals are dealt with. i also appreciate seeing other magical creatures that we hadn't been introduced to before. Overall this book introduces my favourite characters and some of the best elements of the series (in my opinion). I'm so excited to rewatch the movies after we finish the series.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Out of Time
Author: Noelle Stevenson & Shannon Watters
Illustrators: Brooke Allen
Series/Standalone: Lumberjanes (Book #4)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)
"The mystery of history!
Jen just wants a normal lesson with her cabin, teaching Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley the basic survival skills needed without any supernatural intervention. But when a blizzard hits camp, Jen finds herself separated from the girls and in more trouble than ever... until a mysterious taxidermist swoops in to save the day. Who is she and what is her relationship to Rosie? Join Jen as she finds a way back to her girls, and a way to save the day!
This New York Times Bestseller and Eisner Award- Nominated series is written by Noelle Stevenson (Nimona, ADVENTURE TIME), and Lumberjanes co-creator Shanon Watters and illustrated by Brooke Allen (A Home for Mr. Easter)."
My Rating: 5/5
This might be my favourite instalment in the whole series so far. It just really jumped the plot and the storyline ahead to make us wonder what is going on in the forest with time and monsters. Also, where did the Lumberjanes come from and when did they start. I'm so excited to see where the characters go and to learn more about their lives and relationships with each other. Also, an introduction to the newer characters makes me so excited.
Thank you for reading,
Sidny
Title: A Terrible Plan
Author: Noelle Stevenson & Shannon Watters
Illustrator: Carolyn Nowak
Series/Standalone: Lumberjanes Vol. 3
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, YA
Pages: 112
Publisher: BOOM! Box
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)
"IF YOU GOT IT, HAUNT IT!
Trying to take advantage of the first quiet day at camp in a while, Mal and Molly's date takes a bizarre turn with the appearance of the Bear Woman! Back at camp, Jo, April, and Ripley must stay on their toes as they try and earn every badge possible, which ends up being a lot harder than any of them ever planned.
This New York Times bestselling series continues with Lumberjanes #9, "If You Got It, Haunt It Badge," #10, "Abscence Make the Heart Grow Fondant Badge," #11 "Go Ball-istic Badge," and #12 "Oldie but Goodie Badge."'
My Rating: 4.75/5
This is another one of my favourite graphic novel series. I'm kind of new to the whole graphic novel situation. I really love the kick-ass attitude of the women in this series and the idea of inclusion. It was amazing to see how the characters progress and to learn a little about their lives outside of the camp. I can't wait to continue the series and see where the storyline will go.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Half Lost
Author: Sally Green
Series/Standalone: The Half Bad Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, LGBT
Pages: 340
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2016
Format: Hardcover (Library Edition)
First Line: "'We should agree on some passwords."
"This is the final battle.
The Alliance is losing the war, and their most critical weapon, seven-year-old witch Nathan Byrn, is losing his mind. Nathan's tally of kills is rising, and yet he's no closer to ending the tyrannical rule of the Council of White Witches in England. Nor is Nathan any closer to his personal goal: getting revenge on Annalise, the girl he once loved before she committed an unthinkable crime. An amulet protected by the extremely powerful witch Ledger could be the tool Nathan needs to save himself and the Alliance, but this amulet is not as easily acquired. And lately, Nathan has started to suffer from visions: a vision of a golden moment when he dies, and of an endless line of Hunter, impossible to overcome. Gabriel, his closest companion, urges Nathan to run away with him, to start a peaceful life together. But even Gabriel's love may not be enough to save Nathan from this war, or from the person he has become.
Set in modern-day Europe, the final book in the Half Bad trilogy is more than a story about witches. It's a heart-achingly visceral look at survival and exploitation, the nature of good and evil, and the risks we take for love."
My Rating: 3.5/5
I really wanted to love this book series and overall it was good. I would say that this is a book series that is different and has interesting power elements in it. I would also say if you love revolution based young adult reads you should pick this one up. But that being said, the storyline has so many elements to it that I had trouble remembering all the things that would happen in each book and why they mattered so much. Not to mention the number of deaths, that after a while I wasn't shocked by any of them. I would say that this series was just ok for me. I do wonder about the author's works and will keep my eyes out if any of her other work interests me. That being said, I wouldn't pick up anything she'd written just because she'd written it. Overall a decent series, just not for me.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
So I really wanted to read this series and just love it as much as other's had. But unfortunately, it just was ok for me and let me explain why. This series is interesting, it has an interesting magic system and makes me wonder about the idea of witches among us (somewhat like Harry Potter), but it was just too much crammed into the books. We met so many characters and lost so many along the way that I can't even begin to name them all. I also began to not really care who died if we're honest. I was just so lost from time to time figuring out why I should care about certain people.
Characters:
Nathan: I wonder about his life for the three years after the battle, but at the same point I wondered about his psychy after everything that he saw and his encounter with the Blue. His life was overall just sad.
Gabriel: I did love him. He was my favorite character and he loved more than any other character I ever read. He was an amazing friend, fighter and romantic interest.
Soul: Classic evil guy who has henchmen. What can I say?
Nesbitt: I hope he lives a happy life.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Saga Volume 5
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Illustrator: Fiona Staples
Series/Standalone: Saga Series
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Pages: 152
Publisher: Image Comics
Year Published: 2015
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
"Multiple storylines collide in this cosmos-spanning new volume. While Gwendolyn and Lying Cat risk everything to find a cure for The Will, Marko makes an uneasy alliance with Prince Robot IV to find their missing children, who are trapped on a strange world with terrifying new enemies."
My Rating: 5/5
So let's be honest, I try to keep these once a month so I don't just blow through the storyline but I am so eager that I want to blow through the whole storyline at once. This one was no exception it was the total package. Amazing art, great plot line, still our fantastic characters and of course the cliffhangers. I can't wait to pick up the next instalment in the new year.
Thank you for reading,
Sidny
Title: Transcendent
Author: Katelyn Detweiler
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Magical Realism, Fiction
Pages: 448
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2016
Format: Physical Copy (Hardcover)
First Line: "Where were you the day Disney World was bombed?"
"What would you do if the world was crumbling to pieces... and everyone believed you were the only person who could put it back together?
Terrorists have just bombed Disney World. A thousand miles away, a stranger shows up on Iris Spero's stoop in Brooklyn. He brings with him a shocking secret about Iris's birth, throwing her entire identity into question.
Suddenly, the press is confronting Iris with the wild notion that she might be the miracle the world now so desperately needs. Families all across the grieving nation are pinning their hopes on her as if she is some kind of saint or saviour. She's no longer sure whom she can trust- except for Zane, a homeless boy who long ago abandoned any kind of hope
When no one knows her but everyone wants a piece of her, who is Iris Spero now? And how can she- one teenage girl- possibly heal a broken world?"
My Rating: 2.5/5
So this wasn't at all what I expected. Not even a little bit. I was going to DNF it but I always worry if I do that, by the end of the story I would have liked it. But this book was just ok for me. I think that the storyline was interesting but very drawn out. Also the characters were fleshed out but not in an important way. I think this story is something you should read if you're needing a pick me up and someone to believe in. I would also recommend for younger readers.
Thank you for reading,
Sidny
Ok, so I'm going to start this by saying that this wasn't what I wanted it to be at all. I thought that this book was going to be like a kick ass action movie, but the more I read the more I disliked it. It was just kind of ok for me. It just wasn't my thing. The plot seemed to go on forever and the characters were strange to me. I just don't think that I will be reading more works by the author anytime soon.
Characters:
Iris: I don't know what we expected from her. If she was a miracle baby, that doesn't mean she was able to cure anything. I just thought it was bull shit the whole time. I was hoping that she was going to have bigger powers than distilling hope.
Zane: Bad boy whose not a bad boy, heart of gold. Sad past.
Zoey: I think she was my favorite character. I loved her and her hope in the world. She was so strong for her age.
Mikki: Who the hell are you? God is a woman?
Mina: Why would you tell everyone and go public in the first place? Didn't you think anything through?
Jesse: I felt for him, when he was telling her that biologically he wasn't her dad.
Friends: Yes I am grouping them together because we had to many details about their past that didn't matter and were the weird quirky kids, but too quirky. Over the top.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Legendary
Author: Stephanie Garber
Series/Standalone: Caraval Series (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 443
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)
First Line: "While some rooms on the estate had monsters hiding beneath the beds, Tella swore her mother's suite concealed enchantment."
"A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn't yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver; Caraval Master Legend's true name.
The only chance of uncovering Legend's identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more- and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets... including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more. If Tella can't fulfil her bargain and deliver Legend's name, she'll lose everything she cares about- maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever..."
My Rating: 3.5/5
So I was expecting a lot from this story and it just was kind of ok. It was alright for me, but it just didn't have the same magic as the original one, but it did have something magical. It was good, just wasn't great. I liked following Donatella and seeing some of her memories of her past and exploring a new world with her, but it just seemed like a lot of elements that weren't in the first book. I did like the change of pace though.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This story just wasn't what I expected it to be. I was ready for not knowing what was real, but then everything turned out to be mostly real. And I wasn't ready for that, mainly because the original was all twists.
I loved that we had a change of setting though, and how it took over the city at night. I also appreciated seeing Donatella's memories of her past with her mother way more than Scarlett's memories.
Characters:
Donatella: I think that she had an odd perspective, she's already died once, she doesn't believe she'll ever find anyone who loves her and the fates have predicted a pretty shitty life overall. I was interested in her relationship with Dante, but now I'm more interested in where her relationship with Jacks goes. And was she really his true love, or just magical enough. What's she going to do about her mother, was it even worth it?
Legend: What is his long game? Honestly, what does he want from everyone? Is he just going to run a continual Caraval? Does he care about anyone, scared of the fates? Who freaking knows.
Jacks: How is he planning on getting his powers back, is he going to stay close to Donatella? Or is this a love triangle now? Is his kiss still deadly? What now!
Scarlett: What an ass. I understand wanting to see what her original fiance was like, but it just doesn't bode well that Legend has played with their whole life pretty much.
Julian: What's he going to do with Scarlett making a competition for him? And what's his past?
Elantine: I loved her honesty, but was her lost child really Legend, uh I don't know.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Invictus
Author: Ryan Graudin
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Time Travel
Pages: 464
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook
"Time Flies when you're plundering history.
Farway Gauis McCarthy was born outside of time. The sone of time-travelling Recorder from 2354 AD and a gladiator living in Rome in 95 Ad, Far's birth defies the laws of nature. Exploring history himself is all he's ever wanted, and after failing his final time-travelling exam, Far takes a position commanding a ship with a crew of his friends as part of a black market operation to steal valuable from the past.
But during a heist on the sinking Titanic, Far meets a mysterious girl who always seems to be one step ahead of him. Armed with the knowledge that will bring Far's very existence into question, she will lead Far and his team on a race through time to discover a frightening truth: History is not as steady as it seems."
My Rating: 3.5/5
This book was something I was very interested in after reading The Walled City and the title drew me in for the audiobook. I think that audiobook is definitely the way to go for this book. I really enjoyed the narration as well the ideas explored throughout the book. I would have to say that the first half of the book was my favourite, but after a certain reveal, I didn't enjoy the second half of the book as much. I'm looking forward to reading more of the author's works and will likely borrow more on audiobook.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
So this book was one that drew me in by the cover and once I realized who the author was I was super interested in reading it. I loved the storyline and the characters overall. What really interested me though, was the idea of time travel and being born outside of time. That really kept me interested throughout the story. I will say that the twist of having different universes really wasn't what I expected and I had trouble getting behind that idea. That is the reason that my rating was on the lower side.
Character:
Farway: I think that his character impressed me. He was able to move on from defeat, with the help of someone fudging with his past and present, but he was able to find a way to follow his dreams. I also appreciated his willingness to sacrifice himself for his friends and the future. I do wonder what the future will hold for him and Priya.
Priya: Priya was probably my favourite character. She just had a fire that the others lacked to a point. She pushed for what she believed in and stood by Far no matter what but pushed him to be the best him. I think she stood apart from him enough though that she wasn't just Far's girlfriend. She was important in her own right.
Eliot: I don't know how I feel about her. I think that she was doing the best that she could but she annoyed me to no end if we're being honest. Even when she came back in the epilogue I was just annoyed.
Imogen: I think that she is the more like me than I'd care to admit. Her love for the fuzzy creatures was so sweet and really expanded her as a character. I also loved that she was able to keep fun logs, she gave the events of the book touches of humour in times of stress.
Gram: I'd be lying if I said I understood the logic of his brain, but I did appreciate his character for being able to fix problems with numbers and logic. Otherwise Far probably would have died and the fade still would have existed.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: They Both Die at the End
Author: Adam Silvera
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, LGBT
Pages: 368
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2017
First Line: "Death-Cast is calling with the warning of a lifetime- I'm going to die today."
"Adam Silvera reminds us that there's no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.
On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Matea Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They're going to die today.
Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they're both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There's an app for that. It's called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure- to live a lifetime in a single day.|
My Rating: 3/5
I have heard so much hype surrounding Adam Silvera and I've read one of his book for myself. Honestly, I just expect more sometimes, I really enjoyed the storyline and the idea of a different present where we are able to predict the day we die and connect those who are on the same path. I do wonder what would really cause half of the deaths, the idea of knowing that you are on the way out of the world that really triggers the rest of the events. I am just hitting a point where I think I might better enjoy these books as audiobooks, or just reading them very rarely.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
So I've read a few of Adam Silvera's books now and I'm not sure if his books are for me. I was interested in his writing after hearing so much hype about his ideas, and I think that his ideas are very deep and creative, but they lack something for me. It's just the follow through that isn't quite what I imagine. I think the idea of Death-Cast would really mess with the world. The more that I read, the more I realized knowing you were going to die often drove characters to their death. Doing things that they often would not do in life.
Characters:
Mateo: I think his fear of leaving his home was dangerous on itself, but he was able to keep himself safe there. But he wasn't really living his life to the fullest through his life at home. That being said, he likely wouldn't have died if he hadn't been given the alert. Although he did find someone to love and spend his final day with. I was impressed with his growth over one day.
Rufus: I think that his growth was also amazing but it was more in a social and emotional way than the way that Mateo grew. He was able to cope better with his past and what he assumed were his mistakes. He was able to deal with his past issues and move on in peace throughout the day (other than the very end).
Tagoe and Malcom: Not ratting out on a friend and living life as a chosen family is so amazing to me. Being there to chose your family and staying loyal even though it's not through blood makes me so happy.
Lidia: Her character was impressive to me. To be able to deal with the death of her child's father, and then her best friend within a year is powerful. She's raising her daughter amazingly and with confidence.
Aimee: I wonder about what she will do in the future. Who will she be able to get along with after everything she's seen? Certainly not Peck!
Peck: Possibly one of my least favourite characters in any contemporary I've read.
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "I cross the street without an arm to hold me back."
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Half Wild
Author: Sally Green
Series/Standalone: The Half Bad Trilogy (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal
Pages: 412
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Year Published: 2015
Format: Physical Library Copy
First Line: "a crossbill calls"
"'You will have a powerful Gift, but it's how you use it that will show you to be good or bad.'
In a modern-day England where two warring factions of witches live amongst humans, seventeen-year-old Nathan is an abomination, the illegitimate son of the world's most powerful and violent witch. Nathan is hunted from all sides: nowhere is safe and no one can be trusted. Now, Nathan has come into his own unique magical Gift, and he's on the run-- but Hunters are close behind, and they will stop at nothing until they have captured Nathan and destroyed his father."
My Rating: 3.5/5
I really enjoyed this story overall. I was interested in finding out more about Nathan's gift and life after the events of the first book. I was entertained, it was full of action and adventure. The plot really never stopped and that is where my rating comes into play. After discussing my feelings with others, it's safe to say that I felt rushed. In my opinion, I would just start to come to understanding one plot point and something else crazy would go on. This did two things, made me feel like I'd read more than I had and at some points confused me. That being said, I plan on continuing the series and finishing it off next month.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
This book was very intriguing especially after the ending in the first book. But what I've found so far in this series is there is almost too much that happens throughout and it leaves me feeling rushed. At times I even find myself confused when rethinking things that had happened during the past sessions of my reading. I will say that the characters have kept me interested and that is why I'm continuing the series.
Nathan: He went through so many ups and downs in this book. Learning his gift, finding a way to control it, finding Nesbit which then lead to Gabriel, leading into finding Annalise, finding the Alliance, Marcus, battles, coming clean with his past and then tragedy. I'm so conflicted on my feelings with him. I found the fact that he didn't come clean with Annalise from the start frustrating, but there is so much more to a relationship than the two people in it.
Annalise: I'm incredibly frustrated with her. She is just annoying me and she deserves whatever she gets at this point. I do wonder about her gift and if she was just using Nathan as a means to an end. Will the Alliance continue? Who knows when they can't stand together.
Nesbitt: His relationship with Nathan was confusing. I think he teased him to be friendly and make them more of brothers than acquaintances but too much too fast.
Gabriel: I think that this is definitely who Nathan belongs with. He understands him and sees him for all he is. Good, evil and the grey in between. I love his sense of humour and his relationship with Nathan.
Van: I wonder about her past, to say the least.
Mercy: I'm shocked that they defeated him so easily, especially after her large hype up in the first book.
Marcus: I started to understand his thoughts and his way of life. Before I knew it, he was gone. I was grateful for how his envisioned death did play out.
Cecilia: I wonder about her reaction to Nathan's "misdeeds" and Marcus's death.
Memorable Moments:
Final Line: "Tomorrow you go after her."
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Requiem
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series/Standalone: Delirium Series (Book #3)
Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 391
Publisher: Harper Collins
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook
"Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has transformed. The nascent rebellion that was underway in Pandemonium has ignited into an all=out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the centre of the fight. After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven. Pockets of the rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of the Invalids. Regulators infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels.
As Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain of the Wilds, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancee of the young mayor. Requiem is told from the perspectives of both Lena and her friend Hana. They live side by side in a world that divides them until at last, their stories converge."
My Rating: 2.5/5
This story was just overall such a disappointment. I already had lowered my expectations due to what I'd heard around the book community but this was just so frustrating to me. I wasn't connecting to the characters as much as I wanted to or to the story line. The only part that really made this story partially worth it was Hana's perspective. But even that didn't make much sense to me. I am planning on reading the short story collection from my library, but I'm not sure if that will be anytime soon.
What were your opinions on this classic dystopian ya book series? Let me know!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
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
