Book Review: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Title: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

Author: Holly Jackson

Series/Standalone: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Mystery

Pages: 433

Publisher: Electric Monkey

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook/Ebook

"The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.

But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn't so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?"

My Rating: 5/5

This is exactly the type of mystery/thriller I love. It's fast-paced, has tons of red herrings and keeps the plot moving so quickly that you are drawn in further to the mystery than you thought possible. This is a YA mystery so while it went there at some points, there are some points that are distinctly YA, so you have to like that age range to fully enjoy it. I liked our characters and the idea that she just becomes so obsessed with this true crime case. If you're someone who loves true crime, you'd likely really enjoy this book. I look forward to seeing where this series will go considering how this first one ended.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Imperial Phase, Part 1 by Kieron Gillen

Title: Imperial Phase, Part 1

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson, Kevin Wada

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Vol. 5) 

Genre: Graphic Novels, Adult

Pages: 200

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The gods are free to do whatever they want. Inevitably, they do. Collects issues 23- 28 of the series, including the critically lauded Kevin Wada magazine issue."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I thought that after the last volume it would be so quick and easy to jump into this one, but the story in this one just didn't grab my attention the way I wanted it to. And while there were a few twists, they weren't unexpected. I still enjoy the art style and the plot, just hoping the next one is a bit faster-paced.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory

Title: Party of Two

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Series/Standalone: The Wedding Date Series (Book #5)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance

Pages: 312

Publisher: Berkley Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"A chance meeting with a handsome stranger turns into a whirlwind affair that gets everyone talking.

Dating is the last thing on Olivia Monroe's mind when she moves to LA to start her own law firm. But when she meets a gorgeous man at a hotel bar and they spend the entire night flirting, she discovers too late that he is none other than hotshot junior senator Max Powell. Olivia has zero interest in dating a politician, but when a cake arrives at her office with the cutest message, she can't resist-- it is chocolate cake, after all.

Olivia is surprised to find that Max is sweet, funny, and noble-- not just some privileged white politician she assumed him to be. Because of Max's high-profile job, they start seeing each other secretly, which leads to clandestine dates and silly disguises. But when they finally go public, the intense media scrutiny means people are now digging up her rocky past and criticizing her job, even her suitability as a trophy girlfriend. Olivia knows what she has with Max is something special, but is it strong enough to survive the heat of the spotlight?"

My Rating: 1.5/5

I think that this author and I just aren't a good fit together. It could be because these are fast-paced romances that usually have people in their mid-30s, and I am currently in my mid-20s. Or it could be the writing style, but these books haven't been hitting me the way they seem to other people. I've decided to call it quits with this author, just not for me. This book really seemed focused on two high-power people working to compromise in a way to be together. The dialogue was ridiculous, the intense interest in food in these never fails to entertain, but is slightly confusing. Not what I hoped for going into the holiday season.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Title: Wolf by Wolf

Author: Ryan Graudin

Series/Standalone: Wolf by Wolf Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction

Pages: 388

Publisher: 2015

Year Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Format: Audiobook & Library Copy

"Her story begins on a train.

The year is 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule. To commemorate their Great Victory, Hitler, and Emperor Hirohito host the Axis Tour: an annual motorcycle race across their conjoined continents. The victor is awarded an audience with the highly reclusive Adolf Hitler at the Victor's Ball in Tokyo.

Yael, a former death camp prisoner, has witnessed too much suffering, and the five wolves tattooed on her arms are a constant reminds of the loved ones she lost. The resistance has given Yael one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year's only female racer, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele's twin brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael's every move.

But as Yael grows closer to the other competitors, can she bring herself to be as ruthless as she needs to be to avoid discovery and complete her mission?

From the author of THE WALLED CITY comes a fast-paced and innovative novel that will leave you breathless."

My Rating: 4/5

This book has so much going for it. Alternate reality, assassin teen who doesn't have the whole "chosen one"/"pick me" character vibe, and a thrilling plot. I enjoyed the fact that the author chose to feed us pieces of the past little by little so we could understand where the story was going, but not every aspect of Yael's past. I also liked having her start to further explore the shades of grey between good and evil. Not that there aren't obvious villains, but there are people who are surviving through this terrible time by any means necessary even if it just means protecting their own family (not saying it's right, just saying that it's understandable). I also loved the changing atmosphere that came with the race. I am so curious to see where this duology goes and hope to pick up the sequel soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Behind Closed Doors by B.A Paris

Title: Behind Closed Doors

Author: B.A Paris

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Thriller, 

Pages: 293

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"The perfect marriage? or the perfect lie?

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He's a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener, and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You're hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You'd like to get to know Grace better.

But it's difficult because you realize Jack and Grace are inseparable.

Some might call this true love. Others might wonder why Grace never answers her phone. Or why she can never meet for coffee, even though she doesn't work. How she can cook elaborate meals but remain so slim. Or why she never seems to take anything with her when she leaves the house, not even a pen. Or why there are such high-security metal shutters on all the downstairs windows.

Some might wonder what's really going on once the dinner party is over, and the front door has closed."

My Rating: 4/5

This book was closer to what I wanted from a domestic-based thriller. I had an idea of where things were going and while they weren't completely off I wouldn't have guessed to the extent these things were going. I was hooked and on the edge of my seat trying to figure out how Grace was going to get out of these situations and how she had managed to find herself in this position in this first place. I loved that we went between past and present, it helped to keep the suspense and help the reader understand Grace as a complex character.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins

Title: The Wife Upstairs

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Adult

Pages: 290

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Meet Jane. Newly arrived in Birmingham, Alabama, Jane is a broke dog-walker in Thornfield Estates- a gated community full of McMansions, shiny SUVs, and bored housewives. The kind of place where no one will notice if Jane lifts the discarded tchotchkes and jewelry off the side table of her well-heeled clients. Where no one will think to ask Jane is her real name.

But her luck changes when she meets Eddie Rochester. Recently widowed, Eddie is Thornfield Estates' most mysterious resident. His wife, Bea, drowned in a boating accident with her best friend, their bodies lost to the deep. Jane can't help but see an opportunity in Eddie- not only is he rich, brooding, and handsome, he could also offer her the kind of protection she's always yearned for.

Yet as Jane and Eddie fall for each other, Jane is increasingly haunted by the legend of Bea, an ambitious beauty with a rags-to-riches origin story, who launched a wildly successful southern lifestyle brand. How can she, plain Jane, ever measure up? And can she win Eddie's heart before her past- or his- catches up to her."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This book wasn't as thrilling or as mysterious as I hoped for it to be. While there were twists and turns I wasn't incredibly shocked by many of them. I enjoyed the way that the story was told, but there were moments where I wasn't certain about the characters' choices. Also, the side mystery, wasn't as chilling or creepy as I hoped it would be. While people in these residents are vastly different than me, I still don't think that some of their reactions were realistic in the least. It was fun, quick, and entertaining. Just not the thriller I was expecting.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Rising Action by Kieron Gillen

Title: Rising Action

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Volume #4)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mythology

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Every ninety years, twelve gods are reincarnated as young people. They are loved. They are hated. And sometimes- just sometimes- they fall into open Superstar wars. The fourth volume of the award-winning, best-selling series from acclaimed creators KIERON GILLEN, JAMIE McKelvie, and MATT Wilson is the most explosive yet."

My Rating: 5/5

This was such a great volume of this book. The plot twist in this series was amazing and watching the alliances beginning to form made me curious to see where the characters will be going. I hope to read a bit more into the characters and find out what causes them to die every four years. Will be continuing the series, as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review The Tailor by Leigh Bardugo

 Title: The Tailor

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series/Standalone: The Shadow and Bone Trilogy (Book #1.5)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Novella

Pages: 18

Publisher: Holt Children

Year Published: 2013

Format: Paperback Copy (At the back of 2nd book)

"New scene from Shadow and Bone told from Genya's point of view."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was such a great insight into the first book and helps you to further understand Genya's motive for the action she takes in the first one. I really loved seeing her p.o.v. I can't wait to read more in the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Chaos

Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Series/Standalone: Caster Chronicles (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance

Pages: 516

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company

Year Published: 2011

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

First Line: "In Gatlin, it's funny how the good things are all tied up with the bad."

"Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected- and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What- or who- will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena- and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself- forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was fine. I felt like there was still some fun 2010s angsty paranormal young adult book moments. It was interesting to see how the characters had changed, or not changed from the first book and watch where the authors were taking this series. I was surprised that they chose to end it on such a cliffhanger, and I will be continuing the series as soon as possible to finish this binge read. Overall, fun but nothing groundbreaking or mind-blowing.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Siege and Storm

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series/Standalone: The Shadow and Bone Trilogy (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 435

Publisher: Square Fish

Year Published: 2013

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

First Line: "The boy and the girl had once dreamed of ships. long ago, before they'd ever seen the True Sea."

"Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land. She finds starting new is not easy while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. She can't outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous p.an that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her-- or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This really suffered from middle book syndrome for me. I felt that the start of the book had a few twists and actions, but as the book progressed I saw some of the things that were coming. Which lessened the entertainment value for me. I also didn't like the story that some of our side characters took. I am extremely curious to see how this trilogy originally wrapped up. I can't wait to see where the world goes. I look forward to watching the show and finding out where our characters go. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Title: Across the Universe

Author: Beth Revis

Series/Standalone: Across the Universe Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Pages: 398

Publisher: Razorbill

Year Published: 2011

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Daddy said, 'Let Mom go first.'"

"Book #1 in the New York Times bestselling trilogy, perfect for fans of Battlestar Gallactica and Prometheus!

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SURVIVE ABOARD A SPACESHIP FUELED BY LIES?

Amy is a cryogenically frozen passenger aboard the spaceship Godspeed. She has left her boyfriend, friends-- and planet-- behind to join her parents as a member of Project Ark Ship. Amy and her parents believe they will wake on a new planet, Centauri-Earth, three hundred years in the future. But fifty years before Godspeed's scheduled landing, cryo chamber 42 is mysteriously unplugged, and Amy is violently woken from her frozen slumber.

Someone tried to murder her.

Now, Amy is caught inside an enclosed world where nothing makes sense. Godspeed's 2,312 passengers have forfeited all control to Eldest, a tyrannical and frightening leader. And Elder, Eldest's rebellious teenage heir, is both fascinated with Amy and eager to discover whether he has what it takes to lead. Amy desperately wants to trust Elder. But should she put her faith in a boy who has never seen life outside the ship's cold metal walls? All Amy knows is that she and Elder must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets before whoever woke her tries to kill again."

My Rating: 4/5

This book was a weird one for me. It's been a while since I read something so distinctly science fiction, and I really enjoy it. I thought that the atmosphere was great and that the way the story was told was interesting. My only real complaint about the book was the relationship between our main characters. This book does the thing that a lot of YA books published in this time did, there had to be a romantic interest, and I've outgrown that trope. I'm fine without it unless it really adds something to the plot. And this one didn't. That being said there are twists, turns, and reveals that threw me for a loop while reading this book, and I can't wait to see where the series goes.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Title: Legendborn

Author: Tracy Deonn

Series/Standalone: Legendborn Cycle (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 501

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC-Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape- until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus.

A flying demon feeding on human energies.

A secret society of so called "Legendborn" students that hunt the creatures down.

And a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a 'Merlin' and who attempts- and fails- to wipe Bree's memory of everything she saw.

The mage's failure unlocks Bree\s own unique magic and a buried memory with a hidden connection the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there's more to her mother's death than what's on the police report, she'll do whatever it takes to find the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn as one of their initiates.

She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society's secrets- and closer to each other. But when the Legenedborn reveals themselves as the descendants of King Arthur's knights and explains that a magical war is coming Bree has to decide how far she'll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down- or join the fight."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was such a fun urban ya fantasy to listen to. I think that the author did a wonderful job of creating a secret society and its past in such a short amount of time. The diversity in this book was amazing, we had nonbinary characters, LGBT characters, and p.o.c characters. I was impressed with the discussions that took place regarding the racism that is built into societies such as this one, and the history of North America as well. The only reason this book wasn't all I wanted is the age of the main character. i wished that this was a new adult just so then the book could really go there for the different romance opportunities. I also had trouble remembering that she was 16, not 18 as she was at a college campus. This might just be a me problem. I plan to continue the series after the dynamic ending and can't wait to see where the second book takes these characters.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Commercial Suicide by Kieron Gillen

Title: Commercial Suicide

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Tula Lotay, Kate Brown, Stephanie Hans, Leila del Duca, Brandon Graham

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Urban Fantasy

Pages: 200

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"After the detonation of Fandemonium, the gods-as-pop-stars of THE WICKED + THE DIVINE try living in the long dark shadow.

Team WicDiv is joined by a stellar cast of guest artists to put the spotlight on each of the gods. The multiple Eisner Award-nominated series continues in the only way it knows how darker, weird, faster. Don't worry. It's going to be okay."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This one was it. It really opens up the story to all the different perspectives of the gods and what they went through before entering godhood. I thought the change of artist was interesting although it did throw me off for a bit during the start. It frequently happens that artists are changed in the middle of a graphic novel series and I don't always enjoy it. I look forward to continuing the series. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Fandemonium by Kieron Gillen

Title: Fandemonium

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Jamie McKelvie, Matt Wilson

Series/Standalone: The Wicked + The Divine (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mythology

Pages: 200

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The second volume of the award-winning urban fantasy series where gods are the ultimate pop stars and pop stars are the ultimate gods. Following the tragic and unjust death of Lucifer, it takes a revelation from Inanna to draw Laura back into the world of Gods and Superstardom to try and discover the truth behind a conspiracy to subvert divinity."

My Rating: 4/5

This was far more entertaining than the first book. I felt like I started to understand what was going on for the characters and the plot. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. The art style is phenomenal. I look forward to continuing the series and finishing it as soon as possible. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Title: Beautiful Darkness

Author: Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Series/Standalone: Caster Chronicles (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Pages: 503

Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company

Year Published: 2010

Format: Audiobook (Own a Physical Copy)

"Fall under the spell of the Beautiful Darkness, the sequel to the instant NYT bestselling gothic fantasy, Beautiful Creatures!

There were no surprises in Gatlin County. At least, that's what I thought. Turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong.

Ethan Wate used to think of Gatlin as a pace where nothing ever changed. Then mysterious newcomer Lena Duchannes revealed a secret world of curses and Supernaturals with terrifying abilities. Lena showed him a Gatlin where impossible, magical, life-altering events happen. Sometimes life-ending.

And now that Ethan's eyes have been opened to the darker side of Gatlin, there's no going back. Haunted by strange visions only he can see, Ethan is pulled deeper into his town's tangled history and finds himself caught up in the dangerous network of underground passageways endlessly crisscrossing the South, where nothing is as it seems."

My Rating: 2.25/5

This wasn't what I expected from the sequel and in many ways I was disappointed. I was upset about the love triangle aspects, the changes in character development and setting. That being said, if I had read these when I was in 10th grade when they were published I would be eating this up. I am interested in where the story is going and do enjoy the audiobooks. They are entertaining without being heavy. If you're looking for some 2010s YA angsty paranormal romance, pick them up. I'll be picking up the next book in the new year on audio. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The King of Crows by Libba Bray

Title: The King of Crows

Author: Libba Bray

Series/Standalone: The Diviners Series (Book #4)

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Pages: 560

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook (Own a physical copy)

"The breath-taking finale to the epic New York Times bestseller, The Diviners, from Printz winner and beloved author, Libba Bray.

After the horrifying explosion that claimed one of their own, the Diviners find themselves wanted by the US government and on the brink of war with the King of Crows.

While Memphis and Isaiah run for their lives from the mysterious Shadow Men, Isaiah receives a startling vision of a girl, Sarah Beth Olson, who could shift the balance in their struggle for peace. Sarah Beth says she knows how to stop the King of Crows- but, she will need the Diviner's help to do it.

Elsewhere, Jericho has returned after his escape from Jake Marlowe's estate, where he has learned the shocking truth behind the King of Crow's plans. Now, the Diviners must travel to Bountiful, Nebraska, in hopes of joining forces with Sarah Beth and to stop the King of Crows and his army of the dead forever.

But as rumors of towns becoming ghost towns and the dead developing unprecedented powers begin to surface, all hope seems to be lost.

In the sweeping finale, The Diviners will be forced to confront their greatest fears and learn to rely on one another if they hope to save the nation, and world from catastrophe..."

My Rating: 4/5

This book started off being just ok for me. If you're going into this book after the excitement of the third one maybe take a breather and think about how much time the author had between writing each installment. It's important to acknowledge that before leaping in. The first half off the book was slow going I felt like part of the magic (New York City) had been taken away without anything to give. After getting to the towns and meeting together I felt better about where this finale was headed. I loved the fast-paced action and horror aspects of the last section in the book. There are a few things I'd like to change, but I do respect what the author chose to do. Overall, I'm satisfied.

Review: The Great Game by Kieron Gillen

Title: The Great Game

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans, Clayton Cowles

Series/Standalone: Die Series (Vol. 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adult

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In the world of DIE, the players are now real players. Countries are their pieces and the board threatens to run red with blood. Who is the Queen and who are the pawns? Who's playing to win? Who's forgotten what they're playing for? And will they do when they're reminded of the real stakes? The critically acclaimed dark fantasy smash hit goes epic in its third volume."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This wasn't my favorite volume of the series, the more we add characters the less I'm certain about where the series is going. I do love the atmosphere of these stories. A fantasy world based on different works of literature is so entertaining to me. I hope that we gain momentum in the last volume in the series. I plan to read it as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Split the Party by Kieron Gillen

Title: Split the Party

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Stephanie Hans, Clayton Cowles

Series/Standalone: Die (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"No one can escape DIE until everyone agrees to go home. Or rather, no one can escape DIE until everyone who is alive agrees to go home. The second arc of the commercial and critical hit of bleakly romantic fantasy fiction starts to reveal the secrets of the world and our heroes' past. Yes, they can't escape DIE. They also can't escape themselves."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is just such so bleak, dark fantasy. If you love to play Dnd, or other role-playing games this is a great graphic novel for you to pick up. If you enjoy high-stakes scenarios and an interesting world. This is for you. If you want weird magical abilities, this is for you. If you can't handle blood or gore, DO NOT pick this up. The art style is stunning, the story is amazing, I can't wait to continue on with the series.

Thanks for reading, 

Sidny

Review: Encore by James Tynion IV

Title: Encore

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh, Brittney Williams, Caitlin Rose Boyle, Katy Farina, Walter Baiamonte

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 96

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"All the world's a stage... but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic- literally!

The Backstagers are back in (stage) blacks, for a festive collection of Valentine's Day and Halloween stories! Join Jory and the rest of the Backstagers as they wrestle with anti0Valentine crusades, totally creepy phantoms (NOT of the opera), and the ever-present magic of the backstage world in this romantically spooky third volume of this hit series."

My Rating: 2.75/5

I just think that this is where the series seems to end. This one was cute, it was a fun holiday read, but it doesn't really add anything to the storyline. Really the plot wrapped up in the second volume, this is just here for some fun character content. I liked it, but it just wasn't where I hoped that the series would go. If another volume comes out and is available at the library, I'd check it out, but it's not something I feel like I need to read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Title: Clap When You Land

Author: Elizabeth Acevedo

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult

Pages: 432

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"In a novel-in-verse, that brims with grief and love, National Book Award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives.

Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people...

In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal's office where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash.

Separated by distance- and Papi's secrets- the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered.

And then, when it seems like they've lost everything of their father, they learn of each other."

My Rating: 3/5

This audiobook was very intense. The switching of narrators, and their stories kept me interested throughout the book, but I wasn't interested enough in the plot. I felt like there wasn't enough tension in the grief to make me feel what I was meant to feel for the main characters. That being said, I think seeing the different lives they lived, and how their father wasn't the person they believed him to be is what really kept me interested in the story. Overall, just an okay read for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Show Must Go On by James Tynion IV

Title: The Show Must Go On

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"All the world's a stage... but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic- literally!

Jory and the rest of the Backstagers have one goal this semester: to put the best show their town's ever seen. But best laid plans aren't easy to achieve when there's an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain! When one of the actors suddenly goes missing, the Backstagers must band together to save their comrade and maintain the natural balance of.... theater."

My Rating: 4/5

This next installment was such a great addition to the story, and the characters we read about in the first volume. I love the art style in these, and the atmosphere that has been created with the backstage world. I look forward to reading the last installment this upcoming week. If you're looking for a fun, short graphic novel series I would recommend!

Thanks for reading

Sidny

Book Review: Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris

Title: Cilka's Journey

Author: Heather Morris

Series/Standalone: The Tattooist of Auschwitz (Book #2)

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult

Pages: 352

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"In this follow-up to The Tattooist of Auschwitz, the author tells the story, based on a true one, of a woman who survives Auschwitz, only to find herself locked away again. 

Cilka Klien is 18 years old when Auschwitz-Birkenau is liberated by Soviet soldiers. But Cilka is one of the many women who is sentenced to a labor camp on charges of having helped the Nazis-- with no consideration of the circumstances Cilka and women like her found themselves in as they struggled to survive. Once at Vorkuta gulag in Siberia, where she is to serve her 15-year sentence, Cilka uses her wits, charm, and beauty to survive."

My Rating: 5/5

 

I was so curious about Cilka after reading about her character in the first book about Lale's life and his struggle in Auschwitz. Cilka was someone he remembered and spoke about fondly. But I couldn't help but wonder about her life. While this book wasn't completely factual, the author based this story on facts that she found about Cilka's life after Auschwitz, and follow her through her continual struggle in life. I was surprised to hear about how just recently (at least in comparison with learning about other aspects of the Holocaust), we are hearing about women who survived the only way they could, and what they had to endure after they were "liberated". I'm curious to read more from the author in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill

Title: Welcome to Lovecraft

Author: Joe Hill

Artist(s): Gabriel Rodriguez

Series/Standalone: Locke & Key

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror, Adult

Pages: 168

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Year Published: 2008

Format: Hardcover Copy (Library Copy)

"Locke & Key tells of Keyhouse, an unlikely New England mansion, with fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them. Home to a hate-filled and relentless creature that will not rest until it forces open the most terrible door of them all..."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was a great first installment in a horror series. It starts off with a bang, violence, and gore galore. I did think that the gore horror element was well done, but didn't feel terrified by creatures until closer to the end of the book. I do plan on reading the rest of the series, but it's not on the top of my graphic novel list for the moment.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Rebels Without Applause by James Tynion IV

Title: Rebels Without Applause

Author: Jame Tynion IV

Artist(s): Rian Sygh, Walter Baiamonte

Series/Standalone: The Backstagers (Vol. 1)

Genre: LGBT, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"All the world's a stage... but what happens behind the curtain is pure magic literally!

When Jory transfers to an all-boys private high school, he's taken in by the only ones who don't treat him like a new kid, the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. Not only does he gain great, lifetime friends, Jory is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain. With the unpredictable twists and turns of the underground world, the Backstagers venture into the unknown, determined to put together the best play their high school has ever seen."

My Rating: 3.75/5

After completing this first volume I went to add more of the series on my Goodreads TBR. And do you know what I found? There are only THREE volumes of this cute, mystical story! THREE! How will I ever be satisfied with that? I loved the characters in this, and the world of backstage was absolutely amazing. I'm so curious to see what will happen with their antics in the next volume of the story. But again, how are there only three?!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny