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
Title: The Bride Test
Author: Helen Hoang
Series/Standalone: The Kiss Quotient (Book #2)
Genre: Romance, Adult,
Pages: 296
Publisher: Berkley
Year Published: 2019
Format: Audiobook
"Khai Diep has no feelings. Well, he feels irritation when people move his things or contentment when ledgers balance down to the penny, but not big, important emotions- like grief. And love. He thinks he's defective. His family knows better- that his autism means he just processes emotions differently. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.
As a mixed-race girl living in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City, Esme Tran has always felt out of place. When the opportunity arises to come to America and meet a potential husband, she can't turn it down, thinking this could be the break her family needs. Seducing Khai, however, doesn't go as planned. Esme's lessons in love seem to be working... but only on herself. She's hopelessly smitten with a man who's convinced he can never return her affection.
With Esme's time in the United States dwindling, Khai is forced to understand he's been wrong all along. And there's more than one way to love."
My Rating: 4/5
I really enjoyed the drama of this book and I think that it was a fun take on romance. I think that Helen Hoang does a great job of building up drama and tension between characters. I did find that some aspects of this were a little much for even me to buy. I think that the ending reveals about Esme's truth was frustrating to wait for and in the end, really came to nothing. I do love the way that there is a slower burn with these characters which is different than The Kiss Quotient. I'm looking forward to reading the third installment but unfortunately, we have to wait until 2021. I'll be waiting (impatiently).
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
