Title: Giant Days Vol. 8
Author: John Allison
Artists: Max Sarin, Liz Fleming, Whitney Cogar, Jim Campbell
Volume: Volume 8 (Single Issues #29-32)
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Graphic Novel
Pages:112
Publisher: BOOM!Box
Year Published: 2018
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)
"Best friends Susan, Daisy, and Esther's adventures at university continue in Giant Days vol. 8.
It's the end of the second year for the best mates Susan, Daisy, and Esther, and crack are appearing in the foundation of the unshakeable trio. Between (irritating) new loves, (secretive) old loves, (unlikely) new friendships and (terrible) old houses, they'll be lucky to make it to third year alive."
My Rating: 5/5
It's been a while since a read a book in this series or a graphic novel at all. And this was amazing. I love the characters and the setting. The way that the authors truly capture the young adult time in your life when you're in college. The changes in friendships, relationships and classes. Also, the change in your drive that happens when you're almost finished your post-secondary careers. I can't wait to read the next volume and if anyone has any hints as to when that comes out I would freaking love to know.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Max
Author: James Patterson
Series/Standalone: Maximum Ride (Book #5)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 309
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Year Published: 2009
Format: Audiobook
"James Patterson's bestselling Maximum Ride series is back, with Max and the gang as The Protectors. Someone-- or something-- is decimating ships and sea life off Hawaii's coast and Max and her flock find themselves sucked into the Navy's top-secret investigation of the catastrophe. Their objective: Rescue Max's activist mom from a wicked subterranean enemy. The hitch: They must dive deep into dark waters, where gruesome evil dwells... and for high-flying Maximum Ride, could there be anything more terrifying than being trapped in the great abyss? This soaring new adventure takes Maximum Ride and the Flock into terrifying new territory-- fans, hold your breath."
My Rating: 3/5
I took a break from this series for a few months and now being back it was enjoyable. It's not going in the direction that I hoped the story would go, but after the last book, it was at least a bit of an improvement. Easy to listen to and follow, I look forward to listening to the next book in the series and finishing it out.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Daughter of the Siren Queen
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series/Standalone: Daughter of the Pirate King (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 341
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year Published: 2018
Format: Audiobook
"Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father's justice.
When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first... after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen."
My Rating: 5/5
I have recently reread the first book in this series and was on the wait list for the audiobook for this one. I was not disappointed at all. This duology is one of my favourites and I can't suggest it enough for lovers of pirates and a well-done romance. I especially love the audiobook.s This series has one of my favourite romances in YA. It's a slow burn will they or won't they that keeps you gripped. Along with the plot that has twists, adventures including rival pirates, sirens and the sea herself there is never a dull moment in Tricia Levenseller's writing. I can't wait to read more of her works and will never forget the romance in this story. It was everything for me and I plan to purchase physical copies as soon as possible!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Illuminae
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Series/Standalone: The Illuminae Files (Book #1)
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 602
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2015
Format: Physical Copy
First Line: "So here's the file that almost killed me, Director."
"This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she'd have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that's little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra- who are barely even talking to each other- are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what's really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of date to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to the light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.
Brief noting: Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents- including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more- Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes."
My Rating: 4.75/5
This reread still held up surprisingly well. It wasn't such a shock to read the dossier this time around. I enjoyed the time period and the idea of plague in space it kept the book fast-paced and interesting. There were certain aspects that I forgot about. Characters reactions to certain aspects that happened, different twists and turns that I forgot. I was also impressed at the way the authors wrote the horror aspects in the story. I will say the relationship was a little forced at some points for me but I'm looking forward to continuing my reread of the story.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Of Triton
Author: Anna Banks
Series/Standalone: The Syrena Legacy (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 246
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook
"Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she's a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half-Breeds should be put to death.
As if that's not bad enough, her mother's reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms- Poseidon and Triton- against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen's request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? or should she risk it all and reveal herself- and her Gift- to save the people she's never known?
Once again, Anna Banks infuses Emma and Galen's points of view humor, intrigue and waves of romance."
My Rating: 3.75/5
This book was surprising to me. I thought that it would be more of a reintroduction to the Syrena world with the help of Emma's mom. Rather this story was about the disruptions in Syrena society and how the changing world effects the ancients below the surface. I liked the story overall but there were times where it was too corny at the wrong times. The end did hit hard and I was grateful that the author took this part of the story seriously. I'm excited to complete the series over the next few weeks.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
