Book Review: Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica

Title: Don't You Cry

Author: Mary Kubica

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Mystery, Thriller

Pages: 313

Publisher: MIRA

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"In downtown Chicago, Esther Vaughan disappears from her apartment without a trace. A haunting letter addressed to My Dearest is found among her possessions, leaving her roommate Quinn Collins to question how well she really knew her friend. Meanwhile, in a small town an hour outside Chicago, a mysterious woman appears in the quiet coffee shop where eighteen-year-old Alex Gallo works as a dishwasher. He is immediately drawn to her, but what starts as an innocent crush quickly spirals into something far more sinister.

As Quinn searches for answers about Esther, and Alex is drawn further under the stranger's spell, master of suspense Mary Kubica takes readers on a taut and twisted thrill ride that builds to a stunning conclusion and show that no matter how fast and far we run, the past always catches up with us."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This just wasn't what I wanted from my next thrilling read. I didn't read the synopsis before I started the book because I find sometimes they are misleading or give too much about the plot away. But this one sums it up. We follow two P.O.Vs from different lives and we watch as they begin to connect.I just didn't find that this story was as twisted as I wanted it to be. I found that Quinn was often looking facts in the eye and then shocked when she realized the facts that they held. As for Alex, just a teenage boy with some mommy issues. I wasn't fully shocked at the conclusion as I came to understand what was happening a few chapters before it happened. That being said the premise was interesting enough that I finished the story. I do hope to read more from the author in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Escape Room by Megan Goldin

Title: The Escape Room

Author: Megan Goldin

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adult

Pages: 357

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"Welcome to the escape room. Your goal is simple. Get out alive.

In a lucrative world of finance, Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam are at the top of their game. They've mastered the art of the deal and celebrate their success in style- but a life of extreme luxury always comes at a cost.

Invited to participate in an escape room challenge as a team-building exercise, the ferociously competitive co-workers crowd into the elevator of a high-rise building, eager to prove themselves. But when the lights go off and the doors stay shut, it quickly becomes clear that this is no ordinary competition: they're caught in a dangerous game of survival.

Trapped in the dark, the colleagues must put aside their bitter rivalries and work together to solve cryptic clues to break free. But as the game begins to reveal the team's darkest secrets, they realize there's a price to be paid for the terrible deeds they committed in their ruthless climb up the corporate ladder. As tempers fray, and the clues turn deadly, they must solve one final chilling puzzle: which one of them will kill in order to survive?"

My Rating 4/5

I would claim that this book is a mystery, but damn is it ever thrilling. I would really recommend this to someone who wants a twist between Hustlers and Wolf on Wallstreet. It really describes this incredibly competitive work life, and the way people who make a ton of money live, or work to live. I always think this is interesting, as my career choice is so vastly different (not that ECE's don't work hard, of course, we do but to this extreme). I also loved the dual P.OV's in the book. Going between past and present really upped the tension. I look forward to reading more work by the author, hopefully, more thrillers!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Giant Days Vol 12

Title: Giant Days Vol. 12

Author: John Allison

Artist(s): Max Sarin

Series/Standalone: Giant Days (Volume 12)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Contemporary

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"It's never a quiet day at the University of Sheffield as best friends Esther, Susan and Daisy try do regular things like solving comic book shop capers, attending McGraw's brother's wedding and Daisy learning to drive OH MY GOD WE'RE ALL DOOMED. Meanwhile, Ed has to have a hard conversation with his girlfriend about her behavior when she drinks and what it means for their future... if they have one..."

My Rating 3.5/5

This is the first time I have rated one of the Giant Days series. I think it just wasn't exactly what I wanted from their last year. Yes, there were shenanigans, but they seemed a little much at some points. Also, the last volume had a completely different art style and I wasn't a fan. I hope that the final volume has the original art style. Looking forward to completing the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson

Title: Piecing Me Together

Author: Renee Watson

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

Pages: 277

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"A timely and powerful story about a teen girl from a poor neighborhood striving for success, from acclaimed author Renee Watson.

Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood if she's ever going to succeed. Her mother says she has to take every opportunity. She has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly-white private school and even Saturday morning test prep opportunities. But some opportunities feel more demeaning than helpful. Like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for 'at-risk' girls. Except really, it's for black girls. From 'bad' neighborhoods.

But Jade doesn't need support. And just because her mentor is black doesn't mean she understands Jade. And maybe there are some things Jade could show these successful women about the real world and finding ways to make a real difference.

Friendships, race, privilege, identity- this compelling and thoughtful story explores the issues young women face."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I don't want to make this review confusing, but just because I rate something 3 stars doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it or find meaning in the work. I certainly did. I think this book says so many things about society, systemic racism, and the white gaze that is often put on BIPOC. That being said, I prefer a plot that has a little more flow in it than this book did. The real star of this novel was the characters, they were real, they were flawed, and they were DYNAMIC. I felt like I knew these characters. I plan on reading more work by the authors as soon as possible. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole

Title: When No One is Watching

Author: Alyssa Cole

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Thriller

Pages: 352

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"The gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood takes on a sinister new meaning...

Sydney Green is Brooklyn born and raised, but her beloved neighborhood seems to change every time she blinks. Condos are sprouting like weeds, FOR SALE signs are popping up overnight, and the neighbors she's known all her life are disappearing. To hold onto her community's past and present, Sydney channels her frustration into a walking tour and finds an unlikely and unwanted assistant in one of the new arrivals to the block- her neighbor Theo.

But Sydney and Theo's deep dive into history quickly becomes a dizzying descent into paranoia and fear. Their neighbors may not have moved to the suburbs after all, and the push to revitalize the community may be more deadly than advertised.

When does coincidence become conspiracy? Where do people go when gentrification pushes them out? Can Sydney and Theo trust each other- or themselves- long enough to find out before they too disappear?

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book was an amazing thriller, maybe because it's so close to the way things happen. It really made me think about gentrification in our neighbourhood and city. It also got me thinking about how people are forced out of neighborhoods or how systemic racism started in the first place. I think this book did an excellent job with the characters along with a fast-moving plot. While there were still some questions I had by the end of the book, that also felt natural due to the subject matter. I was impressed where the author took this thriller and look forward to reading more thriller/mysteries by her in the future (it seems that she mainly writes romance which isn't my cup of tea). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Haven by Majorie Liu

Title: Haven

Author: Majorie Liu

Artist(s): Sana Takeda

Series/Standalone: Monstress Volume 3

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 168

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Maika Halfwolf has begun to unlock the mysteeris of her past but the challenges of the present are only growing. In this third volume of MONSTRESS, collecting issues 13-18, Maika's journey takes her to the neutral city of Pontus, where she hopes to find temporary refuge from her pursuers. Unfortunately, Pontus may not be as safe as Maika and her allies had hoped.

As the impending war between humans and Arcanics creeps ever closer, and powerful players fight for the chance to control her future, Maika finds she must work with Zinn, the Monstrum that lives inside her, in order to ensure their mutual survival. But even that alliance might not be enough to prepare Maika for the horrors to come."

My Rating: 4/5

This series has so many things going on. The world is intense, and while there is a lot to learn, I feel like I'm starting to understand what's happening with some characters. That being said, it's very confusing, and not a light graphic novel if that's what you're looking for. I am excited to see where Maika and Zinn end up in the future along with what Zinn's memory will reveal. Excited to continue on.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Title: Ink and Bone

Author: Rachel Caine

Series/Standalones: The Great Library (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 355

Publisher: NAL

Year Published: 2015

Format: Hardcover Copy (Own It)

First Line: "'Hold still and stop fighting me,' his father said, and slapped him hard enough to leave a mark."

"In an exhilarating new series, New York Times bestselling author Rachel Caine rewrites history, creating a dangerous world where the Great Library of Alexandria has survived the test of time....

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly- but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden.

Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family, who are involved in the thriving black market. Jess has been sent to be his family's spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library's service.

When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life- and soon both heretics and books will burn"

My Rating: 4/5

I have a lot of feelings about this first book. I really enjoyed it, I think that the characters were phenomenal and all had an interesting narrative. The world itself was interesting and complex. The battle scenes were thrilling. That being said I think it's mostly to set up the world for future books and at times it really seemed to drag. I did enjoy the political intrigue and the thrilling aspects that were brought to the story from that. The best way I can think to describe my feelings was when there were times where this just felt like a pilot season of a television show, showing consumers what the world is about. Overall I really liked it but didn't love it. Do plan to continue with the series though in the future as they are all available at my local library.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Wedding Party by Jasmine Guillory

Title: The Wedding Party

Author: Jasmine Guillory

Series/Standalone: The Wedding Date (Book #3)

Genre: Adult, Romance

Pages: 351

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"Maddie and Theo have two things in common:

1. Alexa is their best friend.

2. They hate each other

After an 'Oops, we made a mistake' kiss, neither one can stop thinking about the other. With Alexa's wedding rapidly approaching, Maddie and Theo both share bridal party responsibilities that require more interaction with each other than they're comfortable with. underneath the sharp barbs they toss at each other is a simmering attraction that won't fade. It builds until they find themselves sneaking off together to release some tension when Alexa isn't looking.

But as with any engagement with a nemesis, there are unspoken rules that must be abided by. First and foremost, don't fall in love."

My Rating: 4/5

This was exactly what I have been wanting from Jasmine Guillory books. As I continue with the series the characters get increasingly complex and far more interesting in their narrative. I also have enjoyed the slight plot that has been going on within the books. It's lovely to see past characters and where they end up in the future. It's also lovely to see that the conflict has become more believable over time. I think that's something I struggle with sometimes in romance because my partner and I strongly believe in communication so when the conflict is just miscommunication I become frustrated. The only reason this book didn't get a 5/5 is that I don't like mainly fade to black sex scenes, it's just not what I'm looking for if I'm reading a romance. Someone I watch on booktube also pointed out how big of a thing food is in these books and now I can't help but notice the detail that is given almost too much detail. Will I be reading the Christmas book in summer? Why of course!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Beastly Bones by William Ritter

Title: Beastly Bones

Author: William Ritter
Series/Standalone: Jackaby Series (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Young Adult

Pages: 296

Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers

Year Published: 2015

Format: Hardcover Copy (Library Copy)

First Line: "Follow my lead, Miss Rook,' Jackaby said, rapping on the ornately trimmed door to 1206 Campbell Street."

"I've found very little about private detective R.F Jackaby to be standard in the time I've known him. Working as his assistant tends to call for a somewhat flexible relationship with reality...

In 1892, New Fiddleham, New England things are never quite what they seem, especially when Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, R.F Jackaby, are called upon to investigate the supernatural. First, members of a particularly vicious species of shape-shifters disguise themselves as a litter of kittens. A day later, their owner is found murdered, with a single mysterious puncture wound to her neck. Then, in nearby Gad's Valley, dinosaur bones from a recent dig go missing and an unidentifiable beast attacks animals and people, leaving their mangled bodies behind. Policeman Charlie Cane, exiled from New Fiddleham to the valley, calls on Abigail for help and soon Abigail and Jackaby are on the hunt for a thief, a monster and a murderer."

My Rating: 3/5 

These are pretty unique mystery/thriller ya books. I would say that if you are looking for grand mysteries that keep you on the edge of your seat, this might not be it, but if you're looking for incredibly unique and interesting characters then this is a great read. That's why this is rated the way it is. I loved the characters so much, but I just didn't find the plot line to be as interesting as I hoped. Even though I knew that the mystery might not be too intense, it was underwhelming even with those expectations. At this point, I am not sure if I will be continuing the series due to them not being available through my local library. If you've read the series, do you think it's worth continuing?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny