Book Review: Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Title: Know My Name

Author: Chanel Miller

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 384

Publisher: Viking

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"She was known to the world as Emily Doe when she stunned millions with a letter. Brock Turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting her on Stanford's campus. Her victim impact statement was posted on BuzzFeed, where it instantly went viral- viewed by eleven million people within four days, it was translated globally and read on the floor of Congress; it inspired changes in California law and the recall of the judge in the case. Thousands wrote to say that she had given them the courage to share their own experiences of assault for the first time.

Now she reclaims her identity to tell her story of trauma, transcendence, and the power of words. It was the perfect case, in many ways- there were eyewitnesses, Turner ran and away, physical evidence was immediately secured. But her struggles with isolation and shame during the aftermath and the trial reveal the oppression victims face in even the best-case scenarios. Her story illuminates a culture biased to protect perpetrators, indicts a criminal justice system designed to fail the most vulnerable, and ultimately, shines with the courage required to move through suffering and live a full and beautiful life.

Know My Name will forever transform the way we think about sexual assault, challenging our beliefs about what is acceptable and speaking truth to the tumultuous reality of healing. It also introduces readers to an extraordinary writer, one whose words have already changed our world. Entwining pain, resilience, and humor, this memoir will stand as a modern classic."

My Rating: 5/5

This story was truly heartwrenching, but it's so intensely important to read it. This is the story of Chanel, whose identity was stripped away through a two-year wait of trials, and still didn't receive the justice she deserved. While she is a victim and she is finding what that looks like in her life post-trial, she is also a person. Someone who worked through an unjust system, a system made to keep the victims in these crimes. To have her identity and who she was before the rape not even considered in court unless it was to slander her character was heartbreaking. The use of hearsay for her vs. the way that Turner was able to use character witnesses made me sick. With everything going on in the US at the moment I think we can agree that progress has taken a step back for the rights of women and while this book was painful to read, it is necessary to voice these pains and all the problems that surround victims of assault. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Bromace Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

Title: The Bromance Book Club

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Series/Standalone: Bromance Book Club Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance

Pages: 339

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"The first rule of the book club: You don't talk about book club.

Nashville Legends' second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major-league trouble. He's recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it's the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gabin realizes he's let his pride and fear get the better of him.

Welcome to the Bromance Book Club

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it takes a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for the hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife."

My Rating: 5/5

This was exactly what I want from a contemporary romance. It was fun, it was spicy and it was swoon-worthy. This had a couple who had already been together for some time but were working through a difficult portion of their relationship. I enjoyed reading from an already pre-established relationship. The smut in this was perfect for me and I think it was done well.  I also loved the way the men in this group were portrayed and the fact that they had this book club so under wraps made my day. I would strongly recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Old English by Kieron Gillen

Title: Old English

Author: Kieron Gillen

Artist(s): Dan Mora & Tamra Bonvillain

Series/Standalone: Once & Future (Vol. 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult

Pages: 160

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When an ancient helmet at the British Museum is taken, Bridgette and Duncan are confronted by another hero of yore, one who will lead them to facing off against their most formidable challenge yet... a beast and his mother.

Although Bridgette and Duncan stopped Arthur from retrieving the Grail and separated him from the legendary scabbard of Excalibur, the undead King of the Britons still has his sights on returning to our world and returning to power. By inadvertently changing the story of the famous King, Duncan and Gran have thrown the Otherworld into shambles, allowing for new legends and characters to make their appearance- and bring a world of trouble along with them."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a great follow-up to the first volume in the series. This starts with action and excitement while still drawing the reader in with characters we love. I love Gran in this series she's so unpredictable. A mix between hero and grandmother, always a character of interest. I plan on continuing the series as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 1

Title: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 1

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Werther Dell'Edera, Miquel Muerto

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Horror, Graphic Novel

Pages: 128

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When children begin to go missing in the town of Archer's Peak, all hope seems lost until a mysterious woman arrives to reveal that terrifying creatures are behind the chaos- and that she alone will destroy them, no matter the cost.

IT'S THE MONSTER WHO SHOULD BE AFRAID.

When children of Archer's Peak- a sleepy town in the heart of America- begin to go missing, everything seems hopeless. Most children never return, but the ones that do have terrible stories- impossible details of terrifying creatures that live in the shadows. Their only hope of finding and eliminating the threat is the arrival of a mysterious stranger, one who believes the children and claims to be the only one who sees what they can see.

Her name is Erica Slaughter. She kills monsters. That is all she does, and she bears the cost because it must be done."

My Rating: 4/5

This story was a quick but gory read. I enjoyed the art style, as much as you can when it's a gory horror graphic novel. The storyline was interesting and fast-paced. The characters were intriguing and the plot kept me reading. It was a quick read (in the daylight). I look forward to continuing the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Rose Code by Kate Quinn

Title: The Rose Code

Author: Kate Quinn

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Historical Fiction

Pages: 624

Publisher: William Morrow

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"1940. As England prepares to fight the Nazis, three very different women answer the call to mysterious country estate Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. Vivacious debutante Osla is the girl who has everything- beauty, wealth and the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses- but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a more than society girl, and puts her fluent German to use as a translator of decoded enemy secrets. Imperious self-made Mab, product of East-End London poverty, works the legendary code-breaking machines as she conceals old wounds and looks for a socially advantageous husband. Both Osla and Mab are quick to see the potential in local village spinster Beth, whose shyness conceals a brilliant facility with puzzles, and soon Beth spreads her wings as one of the Park's few female cryptanalyses. But war, loss, and the impossible pressure of secrecy will tear the three apart.

1947. As the royal wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip whips post-war Britain into a fever, three friends- turned- enemies are reunited by a mysterious encrypted letter- the key to which lies buried in the long-ago betrayal that destroyed their friendship='[-;/0 and left one of them confined to an asylum. A mysterious traitor has emerged from the shadows of their Bletchley Park past, and now Osla, Mab and Beth must resurrect their old alliance, and crack one last code together. But each petal they remove from the rose code bring danger- and their true enemy- closer..."

My Rating: 5/5

This book was so much more than I had at first assumed it would be. I thought that this would be a fun girl power historical fiction, as much as one can be when it's based in England during, WWII. But this was more than that. It told the stories of so many people who helped fight the war in a totally different way. I knew that there had been code breakers, but I had no idea that Bletchley Park existed. I can't imagine having to keep everyone, family, friends and neighbours so in the dark about what you are doing while knowing you are doing your part in the war effort as much as others. I think the main characters were so well written, and the interpersonal relationships felt real. I loved the writing style and the audiobook was a great way to consume this story. I would strongly recommend it. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Gasolina by Sean Mackiewicz

Title: Gasolina, Vol. 1

Author: Sean Mackiewicz

Artist(s): Niko Walter, Mat Lopes

Series/Standalone: Gasolina Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Horror

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Fugitives. Rebels. Newlyweds. In their journey south from El Norte, Amalia, and Randy have played many roles in order to survive. Now, they must become unlikely leaders in the fight against a new cartel, who uses inhuman tactics to ignite the most monstrous war Mexico-- and the world-- has ever seen.

Everything burns in this new series from creators Sean Mackiewicz and Niko Walter, where love and devotion can only be measured in fire and blood."

My Rating: 2/5

I don't like bugs, so I don't know what exactly I was thinking. But this book gave me the creeps and I get that that was the intention. But not all of this was enjoyable for me and I just don't have enough desire to see where things go. Would recommend it if you like creepy bugs and badass female protagonists though.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: The Inheritance Games

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Series/Standalone: The Inheritance Games Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller

Pages: 376

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why-- or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch- and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes.

Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they inherit billions, Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con-woman, and he's determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather's last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive."

My Rating: 4/5

The concept of this was precisely what I like. A mystery with puzzles and twists and turns every which way. Also cute love interests and a weird old house that has secrets all its own. I loved the way our main character reacted to her surroundings and her ability to see things through. I also thought that her being the main character was interesting because she enters the game just as unsure of what's going on as we are. I am curious how Jennifer Lynn Barnes turned this into a trilogy. Can't wait to read more.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Reivew: The Marriage Game by Sara Desai

Title: The Marriage Game

Author: Sara Desai

Series/Standalone: Marriage Game Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romantic Contemporary, Adult

Pages: 338

Publisher: Berkley    

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

First Line: "When Layla walked into The Spice Mill Restuarant after yet another disastrous relationship, she expected hugs and kisses, maybe a murmur of sympathy or even a cheerful welcome home."

"A high stakes wager pits an aspiring entrepreneur against a ruthless CEO in this sexy romantic comedy.

After her life falls apart, recruitment consultant Layla Patel returns home to her family in San Francisco. But in the eyes of her father, who runs a Michelin starred restaurant, she can do no wrong. He would do anything to see her smile again. With the best intentions in mind, he offers her the office upstairs to start her new business and creates a profile on an online dating site to find her a man. She doesn’t know he’s arranged a series of blind dates until the first one comes knocking on her door…

As CEO of a corporate downsizing company Sam Mehta is more used to conflict than calm. In search of a quiet new office, he finds the perfect space above a cozy Indian restaurant that smells like home. But when communication goes awry, he's forced to share his space with the owner's beautiful yet infuriating daughter Layla, her crazy family, and a parade of hopeful suitors, all of whom threaten to disrupt his carefully ordered life.

As they face off in close quarters, the sarcasm and sparks fly. But when the battle for the office becomes a battle of the heart, Sam and Layla have to decide if this is love or just a game."

My Rating:  3.75/5

This was such a fun romance, I've been enjoying picking up slower-paced romances this spring/summer and this was really a treat. I enjoy the characters, the plot and the family aspects of this book.  There were a few smutty scenes but not out of nowhere. The only thing lacking for me was the atmosphere, but that's a pretty normal feeling I have in romantic comedies. I was also a bit disappointed at how fast the conflict was resolved, but overall a fun romantic comedy for those looking for a new one to try.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: String Theory by Jim Zub

Title: String Theory

Author: Jim Zub

Artist(s): Steven Cummings, John Rauch

Series/Standalone: Wayward Series (Volume 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Young Adult

Pages: 134

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Rori Lane is trying to start a new life when she reunites with her mother in Japan, but ancient creatures lurking in the shadows of Tokyo sense something hidden deep within her, threatening everything she holds dear.

Can Rori unlock the secret of her powers before it's too late?"

My Rating: 5/5

I really loved this first installment of the series, it was fast paced, it introduced us to our main characters and helped us start to get to know them while still leaving enough of a mystery that I can't wait to read the next one. The magical element in this story was so fascinating and the creative team did not hold back on the violence and fight scenes. Will be continuing ASAP!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Crave by Tracy Wolff

Title: Crave

Author: Tracy Wolff

Series/Standalone: Crave Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Paranormal

Pages: 592

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"My whole world changed when I stepped inside the academy. Nothing is right about this place or the other students in it. Here I am, a mere mortal among gods... or monsters. I still can't decide which of these warring factions I belong to if I belong at all. I only know the one thing that unites them is their hatred of me.

Then there's Jaxon Vega. A vampire with deadly secrets who hasn't felt anything for a hundred years. But there's something about him that calls to me, something broken in him that somehow fits with what's broken in me.

Which could spell death for us all.

Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I'm wondering if I was brought here intentionally- as the bait."

My Rating: 3.25/5

This book knew exactly what it was doing, or I'm insane. Either this book was written along the lines of every book I enjoyed in 2010 on purpose, or the whole 'vintage' thing is really coming full circle. I think this book was so fun, it provided entertainment, it made me roll my eyes, and it broke the third wall on multiple occasions. It was super fun and I will be continuing reading the series, but only via audio, I think if I had to page through these 'romantic' scenes, it would have been just too much for my feeble 'mortal' heart.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: By Night Vol. 1

Title: By Night Vol.1 

Author: John Allison   

Artist(s): Christine Larsen & Sarah Stern

Series/Standalone: By Night series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2019

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"After discovering a mysterious device, Jane and Heather decide to try their hand at documentary filmmaking... in another dimension!

There's something range going on in Spectrum, South Dakota.

Home to high school best friends Jane Langstaff and heather Meadows, Spectrum is a boomtown that's long since stopped booming, with nothing to show for its former glory but the abandoned Charleswood Estate, its dwindling sprocket millions, and the story of the disappeared industrialist who founded the story of the disappeared industrialist who found the place... But deep within Charleswood, unbeknownst to anyone, there is a device called the Eidolon, which can open up a doorway to an otherworldly dimension. And Heather and Jane are about to go knocking."

My Rating: 3/5

This was a fun first volume, I've read the majority of Giant Days which was also written by John Allison and that's what drew me to this graphic novel. This one was fun and cute, but it didn't grab my attention in the same way. I'm interested in what the different settings can do for the story and will be reading the next one, just not as committed to this series as much as I have been to other graphic novel series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Voyageur by Diana Gabaldon

Title: Voyageur

Author: Diana Gabaldon

Series/Standalone: Outlander (Book #3)

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adult

Pages: 870

Publisher: Delta

Year Published: 1993

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "When I was small, I never wanted to step in puddles."

"From the author of the breathtaking bestsellers Outlander and Dragonfly in Amber, the extraordinary saga continues.

Their passionate encounter happened long ago by whatever measurement Claire Randall took. Two decades before, she had travelled back in time and into the arms of a gallant eighteenth-century Scot named Jamie Fraser. Then she returned to her own century to bear his child, believing him dead in the tragic battle of Culloden. Yet his memory has never lessened its hold on her... and her body still cries out for him in her dreams.

Then Claire discovers that Jamie survived. Torn between returning to him and staying with their daughter in her own era, Claire must choose her destiny. And as time and space come full circle, she must find the courage to face the passion and pain awaiting her... the deadly intrigues raging in a divided Scotland... and the daring voyage into the dark unknown that can reunite or forever doom her timeless love."

My Rating: 4/5

So I started out in this really enjoying where we were going. The story made sense, everybody was having a good time. But then there were some dicey things said. Some characters were just portrayed in problematic ways, and some of the conversations just weren't what I wanted them to be... but then I had to remember when this was set, and when it was published. 1993 wasn't exactly known for PC culture, which is a damn shame. I think that the plot itself was still interesting and kept me reading, but the other factors threw me off enough that it took me a long time to finish. I hope to continue the series within the next year, but due to life stuff, I need to read some smaller books for the next little while.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny