Title: Paper Girls Vol. 1
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Artists: Cliff Chiang, Matthew Wilson, Jared K. Fletcher
Series/Standalone: Paper Girls Series (Volume #1)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 144
Publisher: Image Comics
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)
"SAGA writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN launches a brand-new ONGOING SERIES with superstar Wonder Woman artist CLIFF CHANG! In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12 year-old newpaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time."
My Rating: 5/5
Part of me is really lost about what the hell this was but at the same time I loved it. There is a sense of intrigue, rebellion and wholesome content just due to the age of the characters that we are dealing with. I'm loving the Stranger Things vibes that this is giving off and I'm hoping to take out the rest of the books in the New Year. Sorry I ignored so many people who recommended this to me.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Wither
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Series/Standalone: The Chemical Garden Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 358
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2011
Format: Hardcover (Own It)
First Line: "I wait."
"By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Genetics are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children.
When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can't bring herself to hate him as much as she'd like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband's strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape-- before her time runs out?
Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts toe scape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?"
My Rating: 4/5
This story is so fascinating. I love the idea of the world (and by love I mean I'm terrified, but it's creative). The writing in this book was well paced and well written. The characters were easy to fall in love with and relate too (as much as one can in this scenario). I was super interested throughout and I can't wait to continue the series. The one reason I decided to dock a star off my rating is because I know where the romance in this series is going and I just don't really care for it. To be honest I don't want the main character to fall for anyone, I'd rather there just be a friendship. But it's fairly obvious where the romance is going and why.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Rebellion
Author: Kass Morgan
Series/Standalone: The 100 Series (Book #4)
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2016
Format: Audiobook
"Centuries after nuclear war destroyed our planet, humanity struggles to rebuild. It's been a month since the dropships landed and the Colonists joined the Hundred on the ground. The teens, once branded juvenile delinquents, are now leaders among their people.
The Colonists and the Earthborn's are celebrating their first holiday together when, to everyone's horror, they're attacked by a group of strangers whose unusual battle cries fill the air. The newcomers kill scores of people, seize prisoners and pillage the crucial supplies. When hotheaded Bellamy and his analytical girlfriend Clarke discover that Wells, Octavia and Glass have been captured, they vow to get them back at all costs. But as they go after their new enemies, Bellamy and Clark find themselves increasingly at odds, unable to agree on a plan to save their friends.
Meanwhile, Wells, Octavia, and Glass are being slowly brainwashed by their captors, religious fanatics with one goal: to grow their ranks and 'heal' the war-ravaged planet... by eliminating everyone else on it.
But centuries of radiation exposure have taken their toll, forcing the cult to take drastic steps to survive. And unless the rescue party arrives soon, the teen captives will face a fate more terrifying than anything they could imagine. IN this thrilling fourth installment, the hundred fight to protect people they love on the dangerous planet they always dreamed of calling."
My Rating: 2.75/5
I think that this by far the weakest instalment in the series and it makes sense that the series ended here. I think that things were resolved in some ways too quickly and in other ways far too slow. The use of miscommunication in this story was just at some points over the top. I also found myself eye-rolling a bit more than usual. I did enjoy the idea and the change of pace away from our regular setting. I just think that it could have been executed in a different way. I'm glad that I read the story but if you are concerned after reading the 3rd book that might be a good place for you to stop in the series.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: My Brother's Husband Vol. 2
Author: Gengoroh Tagame
Genre: Manga, LGBT, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)
" The concluding volume in the story of Yaichi, his daughter Kana, and how their meeting Mike Flanagan- Yachi's brother-in-law-- changes their lives and perception of acceptance of homosexuality in their contemporary Japenese culture.
As Mike continues his journey of discovery concerning Ryoji's past, Yaichi gradually comes to understand that being gay is just another way of being human. And that, in many ways, remains a radical concept in Japan even today. In the meantime, the bond between Mike and young Kana grows ever stronger, and yet he is going to have to return to Canada soon-- a fact that fills them both with impending heartbreak. But not before more than a few revelations come to light."
My Rating: 4/5
These two stories are so amazing. It's important for everyone to read. I think that this story really explores the view of homosexuality through biases in Japan as well as through the fresh eyes of a child. Working with children, I often see a parent having problems with something that children don't even linger on as "odd". I will certainly read anything else translated from Gengoroh Tagame. I hope that they continue this somehow with Kana and Yachi go to Canada.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Homecoming
Author: Kass Morgan
Series/Standalone: The 100 Series (Book #3)
Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 345
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2015
Format: Audiobook
"Weeks after landing on Earth, the Hundred have managed to create a sense of order amidst their wild, chaotic surroundings. But their delicate balance comes crashing down with the arrival of new dropships from space.
These new arrivals are the lucky ones- back on the Colony, the oxygen is almost gone- but after making it safely to Earth, Glass's luck seems to be running out. Clarke leads a rescue party to the crash site, ready to treat the wounded, but she can't stop thinking about her parents, who may still be alive. Meanwhile, WELLS struggles to maintain his authority despite the presence of the Vice-Chancellor and his armed guards, and Bellamy must decide whether to face or flee the crimes he thought he'd left behind.
It's time for the Hundred to come together and fight for the freedom they've found on Earth, or risk losing everything- and everyone- they love."
My Rating: 3.75/5
This book was just ok for me. I think that because the other's were so addictive and so fast-paced that this one just felt a little slow. I don't feel like this story brought as many thrilling aspects to the table. Or maybe just things that I didn't see coming. I assumed most of the things that were going to happen in this one. That being said, I still enjoy the storyline and the characters it just wasn't my favourite book in the series so far.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Tiger Lily
Author: Jodi Lynn Anderson
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retellings
Pages: 292
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Year Published: 2012
Format: Hardcover Copy
First Line: "She stands on the cliffs, near the old crumbling stone house."
"Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair...
Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.
Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthrals her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything- her family, her future- to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.
With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.
From the New York Times bestselling author of Peaches comes a magical and bewitching story of the romance between a fearless heroine and the boy who wouldn't grow up."
My Rating: 1/5
Starting this out maybe wrong, I read Peaches in high school and I freaking loved it! I saw that there was another book she had written a while ago and bought it. It sat on my shelf for a while and when a prompt for a book with orange on the cover came up in the Winter Magical Readathon. So I decided to read it. And the description tells the whole story. The characters were unrelatable for myself and I felt that there were no real stakes. I think that the plot wasn't paced well things that should have been weighed more weren't were as poetic writing took up many pages. It just wasn't for me. I hope that upon rereading Peaches series I can relive some of the original writing that I liked. Realizing that I am older and more skeptical makes me think that I might not enjoy that as much either.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Series/Standalone: To All the Boys I've Loved Before (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Pages: 355
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2014
Format: Audiobook
"To All the Boys I've Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all."
My Rating: 4/5
This story is just overall enjoyable. I think that it's a sweet coming of age story and so cute to read. It does handle interesting matters, as in the idea that girls get shamed for being sexually active as a teen and boys don't have any reprimands for the same thing. Overall I just loved the family aspects in this story. I think the bond between sisters isn't something you can quite understand unless you have one, but the author does a great job of describing it. I also love how awkward Lara Jean is and can relate. I would also like to be at home rather than going to a party. I'm excited to continue on with the series and to force my boyfriend into watching the Netflix adaptation.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Save Yourself
Author: Jeremy Whitley
Artists: Mia Goodwin, Jung-Ha Kim, Dave Dwonch
Series/Standalone: Princeless Series (Volume 1)
Genre: Grahic Novels, Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 140
Publisher: Action Lab
Year Published: 2012
Format: Paperback (Library Copy)
"Princeless is the story of Princess Adrienne, one princess who's tired of waiting to be rescued. Join Adrienne, her guardian dragon, Sparky, and their plucky friend Bedelia as they begin their own quest in this one of a kind, action packed, all-ages adventures."
My Rating: 4/5
This was a really cute first installment. It really is a feminist princess story, one that I think so many young girls should read. I think it really kicks in for someone my age who still grew up with Disney Princess unreal expectations, but then sees how the world is changing in the most positive way for women. We're not quite there, but we're taking steps to become more than just a princess waiting for a rescuer and that's saying something.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: My Brother's Husband, Volume 1
Author: Gengoroh Tagame
Genre: Manga, LGBT, Young Adult
Pages: 352
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)
"Yachi is a work-at-home suburban dad in contemporary Tokyo; formerly married to Natsuki, father to their young daughter, Kana. Their lives suddenly change with the arrival at their doorstep of a hulking, affable Canadian named Mike Flanagan, who declares himself the widower of Yaichi's estranged gay twin, Ryoji. Mike is on a quest to explore Ryoji's past, and the family reluctantly but dutifully takes him in. What follows is an unprecedented and heartbreaking look at the state of a largely still-closeted Japanese gay culture: how it's been affected by the West, and how the generation can change the preconception about it and prejudices against it."
My Rating: 5/5
I really thought that this is such a fantastic manga to help understand different views on the world. Including the view of a child which is so eye-opening. I think that this is such an amazing manga and would recommend to anyone who is a fan of the art style. I will say that this is one of my favourites of the year and can't wait to continue onto Volume Two.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Sadie
Author: Courtney Summers
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary
Pages: 308
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Audiobook
"A missing girl on a journey of revenge. A Serial-like podcast following the clues she's left behind. And an ending you won't be able to stop talking about.
Sadie hasn't had an easy life. Growing up on her own, she's been raising her sister Mattie in an isolated small town, trying her best to provide a normal life and keep their heads above water.
But when Mattie is found dead, Sadie's entire world crumbles. After a somewhat botched police investigation, Sadie is determined to bring her sister's killer to justice and hits the road following a few meagre clues to find him.
When West McCray- a radio personality working on a segment about small, forgotten towns in America- overhears Sadie's story at a local gas station, he becomes obsessed with finding the missing girl. He starts his own podcast as he tracks Sadie's journey, trying to figure what happened, hoping to find her before it's too late.
Courtney Summers has written the breakout book of her career. Sadie is propulsive and harrowing and will keep you riveted until the last page."
My Rating: 4/5
This book was so original and interesting. I loved that this has such alternating perspectives. I think that its a story that we have come so used to hearing (to an extent) that we filter it out or avoid it. But people who have handled abuse, or pain are still people not just victims. I hate to use the word enjoyed, but I did enjoy the narrations and the changing points of view, but it was alot to handle at some points. I will say that this book did feel slightly too hyped and that is reflected in my rating. This book makes you uncomfortable in a way that reminds you of the world we live in while trying to remain hopeful.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Valiant
Author: Lesley Livingston
Series/Standalone: The Valiant Series (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 372
Publisher: Razorbill
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardback Copy (Own It)
First Line: "The steam rising off the backs of the cantering horses faded into the morning fog."
"Princess. Captive. Gladiator.
Fallon is the daughter of a proud Celtic king, the sister of the legendary warrior Sorcha, and the sworn enemy of Julius Caesar.
When Fallon was a child, Caesar's armies invaded her homeland, and her beloved sister was killed in battle.
Now, on the eve of her seventeenth birthday, Fallon is eager to follow in her sister's footsteps and earn her place in the fearsome Cantii war band. She never gets the chance.
Fallon is captured and sold to an elite training school for female gladiators- owned by none other than Julius Caesar. In a cruel twist of fate, the man who destroyed Fallon's family might be her only hope of survival.
Now Fallon must overcome vicious rivalries and deadly fights- in and out of the arena. And perhaps the most dangerous threat of all: her forbidden irresistible feelings for Cai, a young Roman soldier."
My Rating: 3.25/5
Overall, the enjoyment of this book just wasn't there. I liked it, it was ok. I read it for the Winter Magical Readathon and it was ok. I don't think that I would have read it quite so fast if I wasn't participating in a readathon. I did enjoy it it was entertaining, but overall just didn't have the amount of action that I hoped that it would. The romance also just wasn't my cup of tea at some points it felt forced and unnecessary. That being said that if I wanted a dash of historical fiction I would pick up the second book. I don't think that it would be one that I'd have to pick up remembering every single aspect of the first instalment.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Two Dark Reigns
Author: Kendare Blake
Series/Standalone: Three Dark Crowns Series (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 464
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2018
Format: Audiobook
"Queen Katharine has waited her entire life to wear the crown. But now that she finally has it, the murmurs of dissent grow louder by the day. There's also the alarming issue of whether or not her sisters are actually dead- or if they're waiting in the wings to usurp the throne.
Mirabella and Arsinoe are alive, but in hiding on the mainland and dealing with a nightmare of their own: being visited repeatedly by a spectre they think might be the fabled Blue Queen. Though she says nothing, her rotting bony finger pointing out to sea is clear enough: return to Fennbirn.
Jules, too, is in a stranger place- in disguise. And her only confidants, a war-gifted girl named Emilia and her oracle friend Mathilde, are urging her to take on a role she can't imagine filling: a legion-cursed queen who will lead a rebel army to Katharine's doorstep.
There is an uprising that the mysterious Blue Queen may have more to do with than anyone could have guessed- or expected."
My Rating: 5/5
This was just another enthralling installment in the series. I love this series so much it's political, magical and dark. Everything I love from a fantasy. I especially would recommend the audiobooks the narration is beautiful and atmospheric without being over the top. I will say that upon starting out the series it is hard to keep track of the characters as each sister has their own group that comes with them. But please if anything about three sisters, a magical island and a throne that may belong to only one of them interests you I urge you to pick it up.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: King's Cage
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Series/Standalone: Red Queen Series (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Dystopian
Pages: 528
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2017
Format: Hardcover (Own it)
First Line: "I rise to my feet when he let me."
"In this breathless third installment to Victoria Aveyard's bestselling Red Queen series, allegiances are tested on every side. And when the Lightning Girl's spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?
Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother's web in an attempt to maintain control over his country- and his prisoner.
As Mare bears the weights of Silent Stone in the palace, her once ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare's heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.
When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire- leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down."
My Rating: 5/5
Every time I reread this series, I'm worried that the only reason I love it so much is for nostalgia. It turns out I just freaking love the characters. They're interesting, complex and fleshed out in a way that I only first experienced when starting the series for the first time so many years ago. I think that Victoria Aveyard does a wonderful job of writing the setting and writing battle. Overall I love her work and am so excited to finally be continuing on with War Storm. It will be my first time reading the 4th instalment and while I'm excited I'm also nervous. Again would recommend to anyone interested in either Fantasy or Dystopian. I would say that this series is more character-based (while there are plot points you have to really care about the character in order to continue on). Overall love this series and its twists and turns!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Author: Stuart Turton
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 512
Publisher: Raven Books
Year Published: 2018
Format: Physical Copy (Own it)
First Line: "I forget everything between footsteps."
"At a gala a party thrown by her parents, Evelyn Hardcastle will be killed-- again. She's been murdered hundreds of times, and each day, Aiden Bishop is too late to save her. Doomed to repeat the same day over and over. Aiden's only escape is to solve Evelyn Hardcastle's murder and conquer the shadows of an enemy he struggles to even comprehend- but nothing and no one are quite what they seem.
Deeply atmospheric and ingeniously plotted, The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a highly original debut that will appeal to fans fo Kate Atkinson and Agatha Christie."
My Rating: 3/5
I was on a roll with this book. I was enjoying the atmosphere, I was liking the premise but the further in a went the more the intrigue just didn't do it for me. There are plenty of twists and turns. Very interesting to read about but after so many, I was just not entertained. The characters were interesting to read from especially because we are able to read from different points of view during the mystery but other than that it was just too much. I also just didn't like the ending. It was a weird let off and while I've still got questions, I don't think I'd read anything else from this world. Unless it was short and convenient to read.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Day 21
Author: Kass Morgan
Series/Standalone: The 100 Series (Book #2)
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 320
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2014
Format: Audiobook
"No one has set foot on Earth in centuries-- until now. It's been 21 days since the hundred landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries... or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Ballamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself. In this pulse-pounding sequel to Kass Morgan's The 100, secrets are revealed, beliefs are challenged, and relationships are tested. And the hundred will struggle to survive the only way they can- together."
My Rating: 4/5
This instalment was less interesting than the first one. I thought that this one would have the same amount of hitting power but it just faded a bit. Not enough that I didn't enjoy it. This is definitely a series that is a guilty pleasure for me. It is quick, filled with drama and intrigue that just keeps coming. My favourite parts have been in the connections made within the past and the present for each narrative. I am curious to see how the future unfolds now that more colonists are arriving from space. Will people be treated like convicts or celebrated because they managed to survive so long on earth? What will happen with the earthborn now that more people (adults) are arriving? I'm excited to dive into the third audiobook soon!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The 100
Author: Kass Morgan
Series/Standalone: The 100 Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction
Pages: 323
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook (Own a physical copy)
"No one has set foot on Earth in centuries- until now.
Ever since a devastating nuclear war, humanity has lived on spaceships far above Earth's radioactive surface. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents- considered expendable by society- are being sent on a dangerous mission: to recolonize the planet. It could be their second chance at life... or it could be a suicide mission.
CLARKE was arrested for treason, though she's haunted by the memory of what she really did. WELLS, the chancellor's son, came toe Earth for the girl he loves- but will she ever forgive him? Reckless Bellamy fought his way onto the transport pod to protect his sister, the other half of the only pair of siblings in the universe. And Glass managed to escape back onto the ship, only to find that life there is just as dangerous as she feared it would be on Earth.
Confronted with a savage land and haunted by secrets from their past, the hundred must fight to survive. They were never meant to be heroes, but they may be mankind's last hope."
My Rating: 4.75/5
I was fully prepared for this to be corny and horrible. And get this... it wasn't. It was super enjoyable. We follow 4 characters (2 female, 2 male) after descent to earth. We also get to jump back into their lives on the station that humans have lived on for the past 300 years. We really get to see things from different perspectives and different ways of life on the ships. It's also interesting to see people experience things for the first time. Things that we easily take for granted.
Now for the negative thoughts. I didn't like that there was a love triangle, but the fact that it was written in 2013 and was picked up by a tv network for a show should have clued me in that this would happen. I also hate Wells, with a fiery passion so there's that as a negative.
Overall I would suggest the audiobook to anyone looking for an addicting YA Science Fiction read!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: I'm Not Dying with You Tonight
Author: Kimberly Jones & Gilly Segal
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary
Pages: 249
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Year Published: 2019
Format: Audiobook
"Lena and Campbell aren't friends.
Lena has her killer style, her awesome boyfriend, and a plan. She knows she's going to make it big. Campbell, on the other hand, is just trying to keep her head down and get through the year at her new school.
When both girls attend the Friday-night football game, what neither expects is for everything to descend into sudden mass chaos. Chaos born from violence and hate. Chaos that unexpectedly throws them together.
They aren't friends. They hardly understand the other's point of view. But none of that matters when the city is up in flames, and they only have each other to rely on if they're going to survive the night."
My Rating: 3.5/5
This book is surprisingly short for the story it contains. The story follows Lena, a fashionista teenager and Campbell the new girl in town through a riot and the panic that often lies within. I thought that the story was interesting and a good read for anyone! That being said, I did find that the writing just wasn't my taste! There were times where I was rolling my eyes about a corny line being said, or when the info was dumped on us for no good reason (in the first 3 minutes of the audiobook we hear about someone's mom who died without having to need that information for any reason). That being said, for anyone who has never experienced a riot, myself included, I think that it really shows how things can go downhill so quickly, and you can have no idea how it happened or why. it also goes to show that when peaceful protests are held, and there is no acknowledgement sometimes people get desperate, go to extremes (even just a few people, that's all it takes to stir up some shit). I'm glad that this story was chosen for the overdrive library readathon thingie. Its something I wouldn't have pick up otherwise.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: With the Fire on High
Author: Elizabeth Acevedo
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult
Pages: 400
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2019
Format: Audiobook
"With her daughter to care for and her abuela to help support, high school senior Emoni Santiago has to make the tough decisions, and do what must be done. The one place she can let her responsibilities go in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Still, she knows she doesn't have enough time for her school's new culinary arts class, doesn't have the money for the class's trip to Spain- and shouldn't still be dreaming of someday working in a real kitchen. But even with all the rules she has for her life- and all the rules everyone expects her to play by- once Emoni starts cooking, her only real choice is to let her talent break free."
My Rating: 4.5/5
I'd heard so many amazing things about this hard-hitting contemporary. And I agree with so many statements. The writing about food and cooking in this book were mouth-watering. The fact that cooking for someone could be therapeutic is interesting for someone for whom cooking is a chore. But it was inspiring in a sense. Makes me want to get recipes from my family to pass down. I also think to see a role where a teen mother was cooperating with the father and although they had issues were putting the child first was so important. Too often if there is a teen who is pregnant or has a baby it is about how they're doing it alone or wish to have changed their plans. But while it was anything but easy Emoni had a certain grace to her character! I loved her roots and personality. So much more than what people would assume about her. The only reason that this book got dinged .5 stars is the line "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding." It's just a line that is so utterly frustrating to me. I know it can still be used well, but whenever I hear those words it just takes me so far out of any story.
Overall would recommend to Teens and Young Adults interested in an uplifting story about finding your balance and burning bright!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
After taking some time to think about my thoughts on this series overall I can say that it is one of my favourite series of all time! There are so many positive notes on the series: the characters, the style of writing (documents, IMs, etc) and the overall plot. The only cons I can think of over the top of my head is the fact that some of the conversations between the teens were so obviously adults writing it (a little over the top). But even then I was never disappointed in plot or use of art to depict certain aspects of the plot.
Characters:
Ezra: I really liked his character especially watching him experience agism with the other people on the ship. I wasn't surprised to see that older adults wouldn't want to follow him. I can't blame them and can relate in my field of work (and I'm 24 not 18). I think that his romance with Kady is incredible and I was so worried about his safety as per usual.
Kady: She is just a geek badass that I can get behind. An amazing role model for young women who are into programming and computer sciences. I loved her and I was so happy to see her character in full again. I will say watching her make mistakes with AI was hard. And seeing her grow a relationship with Aidan only to have it end in such an intense climax was really hard to stomach.
Hannah: Now she's a badass fighting and tactical genius. I just think that the woman in this series is so well written! I love the way that they kick as and take names in so many different ways. I also enjoyed that she and Nik didn't have an instantaneous relationship and that the authors gave her time to grieve because that's something that would be realistic to the characters and the situation.
Nik: He is my favourite male love interest in the series. I won't lie I love the bad boy vibe, the misunderstood bad boy with the heart of gold is kind of my shit. I loved that he gave Hannah time to grieve and even was willing to let her go if she wanted. While he flirted he didn't push her in any direction per se.
Ella: Again, another badass female doing her thing. I think that her disabilities are truly her abilities, due to the fact that she lives so much of her life thanks to technology, she is fantastic with it. I was happy to see her regain a father figure and a family of sorts.
Asha: Another badass, but not because she was trained with technology, tactical fighting, or strategy. She is a badass because she chose to rebel and give anything she can to fight against her oppressors. I loved her characters compassion towards those she cared for and her strength in her fight for those around her.
Rhys: I could do without him. I think he was a good look at how the military doesn't always know what's going on in different factions and don't always agree with what they sign up for. I do think that we could have done without the romance between him and Asha, but it was ok.
Aidan: We could argue about whether or not it is a character but I do think that he is. I honestly think that he gained the ability to care about those around him. Especially Kady, obviously. I also think that while it is viewed as heartless the action he took was for the greater good and no one else would have done it. I hoped that he wouldn't have to but it is in who he is. (Also I know that Aidan is genderless, I just imagine the voice to be more masculine).
I really loved this series and recommend it for anyone who is even a little interested in it. What are your favourite parts of the series?
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Map of Fates
Author: Maggie Hall
Series/Standalone: The Conspiracy of Us Series (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Mystery
Pages: 309
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Year Published: 2016
Format: Audiobook
"Two weeks.
That's how long it took for Avery West's ordinary life to change forever: in two weeks, she discovered she was heiress to a powerful secret society known as the Circle, learned her mother was taken hostage by the Circle's enemies and fell for a boy she's not allowed to love, just as she found out another was her unwelcome destiny.
Now, Avery crosses oceans in private jets to hunt for clues that will uncover the truth about the Circle, setting her mom and herself free before it's too late. by her side are both the boys: Jack- steady, loyal and determined to help her even at the expense of his own duty- and Stellan, whose connection to Avery grows stronger by the day despite her best intentions, making her question what she believes at every turn.
But at the end of a desperate hunt from the islands of Greece to the red carpet at Cannes comes a discovery that not only changes everything but could bring the whole world to its knees. And now Avery is forced to face the truth: in the world of the Circle, no one is what they seem."
My Rating: 2.5/5
This was a step up from the first book in the series, but I still don't understand the hype. It's easy listening for when I'm going to the gym or getting ready to go to work, but other than that it's just not for me. I've also gotten to a point where I'm too far in to quit and I might as well finish the series. I don't really know where we're going to go from here and I don't love the story arch but I might as well finish the series at this point. Overall would not recommend unless you are new to YA.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Obsidio
Authors: Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman
Series/Standalone: The Illuminae Files (Book #3)
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 615
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2018
Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)
First Line: "Perhaps we should get proceedings under way?"
"Kady, Ezra, Hanna and Nik narrowly escaped with their lives from the attacks on Heimdall station and now find themselves crammed with 2,000 refugees on the container ship, Mao. With the jump station destroyed and their resources scarce, the only option is to return to Kerenza- but who knows what they'll find seven months after the invasion?
Meanwhile, Kady's cousin, Asha, survived the initial BeiTech assault and has joined Kerenza's ragtag underground resistance. When Rhys- an old flame from Asha's past- reappears on the Kerenza, the two find themselves on the opposite sides of the conflict.
With time running out, a final battle will be waged on land and in space, heroes will fall, and hearts will be broken."
My Rating: 5/5
This! This right here might be my favourite read of the year. I was expecting not to enjoy this one as much as I had enjoyed the first book. I enjoyed the second book just not as much as the first and I had heard that many people didn't enjoy this one or it was their least favourite. I felt completely the opposite. I think this one was my favourite out of the three in the series. And I can say this with complete certainty as I have read all three in the course of the year.
I think that the use of characters and the different sources of media throughout the series is amazing. I also enjoyed the change of plot points in this third instalment.
Would recommend to lovers of sci-fi, and adventure plots alike. Or if you're looking for a different read than your norm.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
