Book Review: Royals by Rachel Hawkins

 Title: Royals

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Series/Standalone: Royals Series

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult

Pages: 296

Publisher: G.P Putnam's Sons for Young Readers

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Meet Daisy Winters. She's an offbeat sixteen-year-old Floridian with mermaid-red hair; a part-time job at a bootleg Walmart, and a perfect older sister who nearly engaged to the Crown Prince of Scotland. Daisy has no desire to live in the spotlight, but relentless tabloid attention forces her to join Ellie at the relative seclusion of the castle across the pond.

While the dashing young Miles has been appointed to teach Daisy the ropes of being regal, the prince's roguish younger brother kicks up scandal wherever he goes and tries his best to take Daisy along for the ride. The crown-- and the intriguing Miles- might be trying to make Daisy into a lady... but Daisy may just rewrite the royal rulebook to suit herself."

My Rating: 3/5

I would like to start this review by saying this book has been re-released with a totally different cover (far better) and title (Prince Charming). So as much as this looks like it was released in 2009, it did come out in 2018 and the cover is far better. Now for the story itself. I absolutely love the characters in this. They are so sweet and bubbly, exactly what I needed from characters in this style of the book. While they have issues and problems, nothing is too deep (there are issues but no one is about to die). The atmosphere was a little lacklustre. While things are described, the way that time passes throughout the story is faster then I imagine it passing. We basically catch up with our main character during interesting aspects there isn't any idle time really. I loved how light and fun this story was, and the cute romances throughout. I plan on continuing the series asap (have the next one on hold at my local library). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore

 Title: The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women

Author: Kate Moore

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Adult, History

Pages: 479

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"The incredible true story of the women who fought America's Undark danger.

The Curies newly discovered element of radium makes gleaming headlines across the nation as the fresh face of beauty, and wonder drug of the medical community. From body lotion to tonic water, the popular new element shines bright in the otherwise dark years of the First World War.

Meanwhile, hundreds of girls toil amidst the glowing dust of the radium-dial factories. The glittering chemical covers their bodies from head to toe; they light up the night like industrious fireflies. With such a coveted job, these 'shining girls' are the luckiest alive- until they begin to fall mysteriously ill.

But the factories that once offered golden opportunities are now ignoring all claims of the gruesome side effects, and the women's cries of corruption. And as the fatal poison of the radium takes hold, the brave shining girls find themselves embroiled in one of the biggest scandals of America's early 20th century, and in a groundbreaking battle for the workers' rights that will echo for centuries to come.

Written with a sparkling voice and breakneck pace, The Radium Girls fully illuminates the inspiring young women exposed to the 'wonder' substance of radium, and their awe-inspiring strength in the face of almost impossible circumstances. Their courage and tenacity led to life-changing regulations, research into nuclear bombing, and ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives..."

My Rating: 5/5

Other than hearing about this book a few years ago I had never heard about the Radium Girls and their lives. Considering I'm Canadian I just assumed that it was something that might be spoken more about in the American school system. So imagine my surprise when I realized that not many people know the cases of the Radium girls across America (not every state). This is such a well-written novel about the events, while still making you feel as though you knew the women. I think that this story was more about the girls themselves then the specific legal proceedings (this information is included) and based on the author's note I think that her goal was accomplished. The idea of making these women knowable, more than just what they gave to labour laws, and science. I would recommend this to anyone interested in all honesty. I would also recommend the audiobook, I loved the narrator. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: High Fantasies by Kurtis J. Wiebe

 Title: High Fantasies

Author(s): Kurtis J. Wiebe

Artist(s): Owen Gieni

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens Series (Volume 4)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback Copy (Borrowed)

"Th Queens are back! Palisade is still a rat-infested hell hole, and Violet, Hannah, Dee, Betty and the brand-new Queen Braga are the only hope of saving it! It's been a long time since they've done a good slaughter, so join them as they get back to the basics of killing monsters and drinking away the profits! This is a fresh, hilarious new take on the Rat Queens with new artist Owen Gieni!"

My Rating: 2.5/5

What in the hell was this? I'm seriously asking. We're going to drop some mad plot last volume and some crazy backstory and then we are just going to backpedal on it and act like none of it even happened?!?!?!? That is unacceptable. I don't know who this new Rat Queens volume is supposed to appeal to but it sure as hell isn't me thus far. In my opinion, the characters have had character changes that don't make any sense (acting like different people), and the humour just isn't what I wanted after reading the first 3 volumes and loving them. I hope that this switches back to the plotline we were on in the first 3, but I have a feeling it may not. And that is a tragedy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Demons by Kurtis J. Wiebe

 Title: Demons

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe

Artists: Tess Fowler (art), Tamra Bonvillain (colours), and Ed Brisson (lettering)

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 160

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Borrowed)

"Having survived the end of the world, the Queens follow Hannah back to where it all began: Mage University. A long perilous journey awaits the Rat Queens as they attempt to find out what happened to Hannah's father while battling their own demons."

My Rating: 5/5

This volume had a bit of a different art style that took a bit of getting used to for me. I find that when art styles change it throws me off a little and takes a while for me to get to the plot at hand. That being said, as with the last volumes I was sucked into the plot quickly. After learning more about the main characters pasts I'm beginning to understand how they came together as a party of rage tag, drinking, partying, and badass women. I look forward to seeing where the plot goes from here, as I've seen reviews that say we go in a totally different direction with no explanation of what becomes of our current plot points. I hope that it isn't too disjointed. Would recommend this series overall so far though.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: American Street by Ibi Zoboi

 Title: American Street

Author: Ibi Zoboi

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Fiction

Pages: 336

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"The rock in the water does not know the pain of the rock in the sun.

On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie- a good life.

But after they leave Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fabiola's mother is detained by U.S immigration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, Chantal, Donna, and Princess; the grittiness of Detriot's west side; a new school; and a surprising romance all on her own.

Just as she finds her footing in this stranger new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost. Trapped at the crossroads of an impossible choice, will she pay the price for the American dream?"

My Rating: 5/5

This is not what I anticipated it to be and I'm so glad that I read it. I think that this is a book that will surprise many young readers. The plot follows our main character Fabiola, her struggle with adapting to American culture, the understanding of the dynamic the family she has always known but is just entering and the cons of living somewhere she believed to be a perfect life. The characters in this story were dynamic, interesting and relatable. I think that there is a character for everyone to relate to. I will say that there are domestic abuse, substance abuse and violence in this story as just a few triggers that go on with different side characters and people you see in the surroundings. I will also say that the use of cultural beliefs was extremely interesting and intriguing, it kept me reading. The idea that the grass is greener on the other side is something that really plays out throughout this novel. I look forward to reading more work from the author and seeing where else her beautiful writing takes me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Far-Reaching Tantacles of N'Rygoth by Kurits J. Wiebe

 Title: The Far-Reaching Tentacles of N'Rygoth

Author: Kurtis J. Wiebe

Artist: Roc Upchurch and Stjepan Sejic (I don't know how to find accents on blogger ok?)

Series/Standalone: Rat Queens Volume #2

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Borrowed)

"This booze-soaked second volume of RAT QUEENS reveals a growing menace within the very walls of Palisade. And while Dee may have run from her past, the bloated, blood-feasting sky god N'rygoth never lets his children stray too far."

My Rating: 5/5

I really enjoyed this instalment in the series. I love a great second volume of graphic novels, on most occasions, I find that's when you are invited more into the plot points and learn more about your main characters. This was no exceptions. I loved hearing more about the character's past, while still intrigued by an RPG style adventure. The art is absolutely beautiful as well! Overall very enjoyable and I look forward to reading the next volume.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows

Author: JK Rowling

Series/Standalone: Harry Potter Series (Book #7)

Genre: Classic, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 607

Publisher: Bloomsbury UK

Year Published: 2007

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

First Line: "The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow, moonlit lane."

"Harry Potter faces a seemingly impossible task. He will not return to Hogwarts for his seventh year; instead, he will finish the quest started by Albus Dumbledor. He must hunt down and story Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes. Only then will he be able to rid the world of the Dark Lord's shadow once and for all.

This final battle is Harry's destiny, and destiny demands that he rise to meet his true fate without fear.

My Rating: 4.5/5

I do not agree with JK Rowling's views or support her views! We all know she is the devil in disguise. I will say that Harry Potter and the HP world is very important to me. It's gotten me through multiple dark times in my life. And completing a long reread, I was surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this final book even though it took about 2 months to complete. I think that the series wraps so well after the final battle and while it's heartbreaking it also inspiring in some ways. To see how the characters have grown, how they've changed and adapted to the war around them is such an amazing story. I know that I will always love Harry Potter, and I have no plans on giving away by book set, but I will not be buying anything that will profit She Who Must Not Be Named. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life by Gary John Bishop

 Title: Unfu*k Yourself

Author: Gary John Bishop

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Nonfiction, Self-Help

Pages: 221

Publisher: HarperOne

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"Have you ever felt like a hamster on a wheel, furiously churning your way through life but somehow going nowhere? It seems like there's a barrage of information surrounding us in our everyday lives with the keys to this thing or that thing, be it wealth, success, happiness or purpose. The truth is, most of it fails to capture what it truly takes to overcome our greatest barrier to a greater life... ourselves. What if everything you ever wanted resided in you like a well of potential, waiting to be expressed? Unfu*k Yourself is the handbook for the resigned and defeated, a manifesto for real change and unleashing your own greatness."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was an interesting read, and I think that trying to read it to quickly made it hard to apply to the day to day of my life. That being said, I do plan on reading the physical copy and taking notes on different ways to apply this to my day to day life. I think we all can acknowledge that at some points in your life you have had such negative self-talk that has been a self-fulfilling prophecy. This book is a bit of a slap in the face, that you are just bullshiting yourself when you say there are things you can't do, even with setbacks you can get to your goals with a plan, and positive self-talk. No waiting around to get to where you need to go. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Dracula by Bram Stoker

 

Title: Dracula

Author: Bram Stoker

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Classic, Horror

Pages: 488

Publisher: Norton Critical Edition

Year Published: 1897

Format: Audiobook

Please note that this is not the version I read, just the one I had marked to read on Goodreads.

"A rich selection of background and source materials is provided in three areas, Contexts include probably inspirations for Dracula in the earlier works of Jame Malcolm Rymer and Emily Gerard. Also included are a discussion of Stoker's working notes for the novel and 'Dracula's Guest,' the original opening chapter to Dracula. Review and Reactions reprints five early reviews of the novel. 'Dramatic and Film Variations' focuses on the theater and film adaptations of Dracula, two indications of the novel's unwavering appeal. David j. Skal, Gregory A. Waller, and Nina Auerbach offer their varied perspectives. Checklists of both dramatic and film adaptions are included."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I'm very rarely a fan of classics, but maybe I just haven't been delving into the right ones. I think that classical horror is something I'll have to look more into. I think that everyone knows the premise of this book, but what I didn't expect is to have characters that I truly enjoyed reading from. I listened to a full cast version of the book itself and it was very enjoyable. It also kept the horror elements better than I expected. The atmosphere of the story was mysterious and chilling, but still descriptive to the reader. Overall I'm hoping to continue occasionally reading classics and this renewed my hope that I might even enjoy them.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny