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