Book Review: Talking To Canadians by Rick Mercer

Title: Talking to Canadians

Author: Rick Mercer

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Memoir

Pages: 312

Publisher: Doubleday Canada

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Canada's beloved comic genius tells his own story for the first time.

What is Rick Mercer going to do now? That was the question when the beloved comedian retired his hugely successful TV show after 15 seasons- and at the peak of its popularity. The answer came not long after, when he roared back in a new role as stand-up-comedian, playing to sold-out houses wherever he appeared.

And then Covid-19 struck. And his legions of fans began asking again: What is Rick Mercer going to do now? Well, for one thing, he's been writing a comic masterpiece. For the first time, this most private of public figures has turned the spotlight on himself, in a memoir that's as revealing as it is hilarious. In riveting anecdotal style, Rick charts his rise from highly unpromising schoolboy (in his reports 'the word 'disappointment' appeared a fair bit') to the height of TV fame. Along the way came an amazing break when, not long out of his teens, his one-man show Show Me the Button, I'll Push It Or, Charles Lynch Must Die, became an overnight sensation- thanks in part to a bizarre ambush by its target, Charles Lynch himself. That's one story you won't soon forget, and this book is full of them.

There's a tale of how little Rick helped himself to a tree from the neighbours' garden that's set to become a new Christmas classic. There's Rick the aspiring actor, braving 'the scariest thing I have ever done in my life' by performing with the Newfoundland Shakespeare Company; unforgettable scenes with politicians of every variety, from Jean Chretien to George W. Bush to Stockwell Day; and a wealth behind-the-scenes revelations about the origins and making of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Made in Canada and Talking to Americans. All leading of course to the greenlighting of the mega-hit, Rick Mercer Report...

It's a life so packed with incident (did we mention Bosnia and Kabul?) and laughter we can only hope that a future answer to 'What is Rick Mercer going to do now?' is 'Write volume two.'"

My Rating: 5/5

In my family, there weren't many shows we watched religiously, but the Rick Mercer Report was always playing on Mondays. It's a show me and my dad laughed at for years together (even if I might have been too young to understand the jokes). Rick Mercer is really a Canadian legend and was one of the first gay men I saw on TV growing up. I enjoyed this memoir seeing how he got his start and got to where he is today. I listened to the audiobook and loved that the author narrates it himself. Would recommend it to any fans, or people who want a fun memoir.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Teenage Haunts

Title: Teenage Haunts

Author: Dan Watters

Artist(s): Caspar Wijngaard

Series/Standalone: Home Sick Pilots (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror, Young Adult

Pages: 152

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In the summer of 1994, a haunted house walks across California. Inside is Ami, lead-singer of a high school punk band- who's been missing for weeks. How did she get there? What do these ghosts want? And does this mean the band have to break up?

Expect three chord songs and big bloody action as Power Rangers meets The Shining (yes really), and as writer Dan Watters (Lucifer/Coffin Bound) and artist Caspr Wijngaard (Star Wars/Peter Cannon: Thunderbolt) delve into the horrors of misspent youth."

My Rating: 2.5/5

I think this was a decent start for a new series, but to me, it felt a little on the long side. I liked the idea of the plot kids in a punk band in the 90s seems perfect mixed with the horror/ghosty aspect. I liked that. I'm curious to see where it goes, but just an ok first volume for me overall.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: My Low-G Life

Title: My Low-G Life

Author: Joe Henderson

Artist(s): Lee Garbett, Antonio Fabela

Series/Standalone: Skyward (Vol. 1)

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction

Pages: 136

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"One day, gravity on Earth suddenly became a fraction of what it is now. Twenty years later, humanity has adapted to its new low gravity reality. And to Willa Fowler, a woman born just after G-day, it's well, it's pretty awesome, actually. You can fly through the air! I mean, sure, you can also die if you jump too high. So you don't jump too high. And maybe don't get mixed up in your Dad's secret plan to bring gravity back that could get you killed..."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really love this concept, it's terrifying but so fascinating. We all know that I love a dystopian universe and to see it done in a graphic novel was fantastic. I love the art style, and I think that this was a great opening volume. I can't wait to see where this series goes. I'm sure it will be an intriguing ride.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Crush by Tracy Wolff

Title: Crush

Author: Tracy Wolff

Series/Standalone: Crave Series (Book #2)

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 704

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"Everything feels off- especially me. I've returned to Katmere Academy, but I'm haunted by fragments of days I have no recollection of living and struggling to understand who, or what, I really am.

Just when I start to feel safe again, Hudson is back with a vengeance. He insists there are secrets I don't know about, threatening to drive a wedge between Jaxon and me forever. But far worse enemies are at our doorstep.

The Circle is caught in a power play and the Vampire Court is trying to drag me out of my world and into theirs. The only thing Hudson and Jaxon agree on is that leaving Katemere would mean my certain death.

And not only am I fighting for my life, but now everyone else's is at stake- unless we can defeat an unspeakable evil. All I know is that saving the people love is going to require sacrifice.

Maybe more than I'm able to give."

My Rating: 3/5

This was so fun, I think that with this installment I can see what Tracy Wolff is doing she's offering a campy, trendy vampire school that gives 2010s vibes but in a more current setting. Its fun. It's enjoyable. I like the characters the concept of this school is entertaining and I look forward to continuing the series via audio. I would recommend if you want something new to somehow give you nostalgia. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Credence by Penelope Douglas

Title: Credence

Author: Penelope Douglas

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: New Adult, Smut, Taboo
Pages: 470

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line:  "It's strange."

"Tiernan de Haas doesn't care about anything anymore. The only child of a film producer and his starlet wife, she's grown up with wealth and privilege but not love or guidance. Shipped off to boarding schools from an early age, it was still impossible to escape the loneliness and carve out a life of her own. The shadow of her parents' fame followed her everywhere.

And when they suddenly pass away, she knows she should be devastated. But has anything really changed? She's always been alone, hasn't she?

Jake Van der Berg, her farther's stepbrother and her only living relative, assumes guardianship of Tiernan who is still two months shy of eighteen. Sent to live with him and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, in the mountains of Colorado, Tiernan soon learns that these men now have a say in what she chooses to care and not care about anymore. As the three of them take her under their wing, teach her to work, and survive the remote woods far away from the rest of the world, she slowly finds her place among them.

And as a part of them.

She also realizes that lines blur and rules become easy to break when no one else is watching.

One of them has her.

The other one wants her.

But he....

He's going to keep her."

Overall Rating: 3/5

SMUT Rating: 5/5

This shit was taboo as hell. I should have known going in but I just didn't anticipate it to go so far so fast. If you are into threesomes, open relationships, or taboo shit this will be for you. The plot was there, but not really. I didn't read it for the plot, I was here for the spice and HOLY SHIT! This was porn and it was fun to read, shock value and detailed. If that's what you're looking for, go for it. If you like fade to black sex scenes, RUN! This is not for you. Also, this treads the line on gross shit. Dark romance for sure! Has this inspired me to read more age-gap yes, has it inspired me to read more by Penelope Douglas... ummm not sure yet, ask me again after I've read a New Adult Fantasy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Riot on the Radio

Title: Riot on the Radio

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Nina Vakueva

Series/Standalone: Heavy Vinyl (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"When Christ joins the staff at her local record store, she's surprised to find out that her co-workers share a secret: they're all members of the secret fight club that take on the patriarchy and fight crime!

Starry-eyed Chris has just started the dream job every outcast kid in town wants: working at Vinyl Mayhem. It's as rad as she imagined; her boss is BOSS, her co-workers spend their time arguing over music, pushing against the patriarchy, and endlessly trying to form a band. When Rosie Riot, the staff's favourite singer, mysteriously vanishes the night before her band's show, Chris discovers her co-workers are doing more than just sorting vinyl... Her local indie record store is also a front for a teen girl vigilante fight club!"

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was fun but wasn't all that I expected it to be. I really thought that this would capture more of the Avant-Guards style and friendship motto, and in some ways it did. But it also really felt like Totally Spies to me for some reason. I can't explain to you why exactly.  It was fun, I'll complete the duology but I wouldn't suggest it if you've already read Avant-Guards. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something Is Killing the Children Vol. 4

Title: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 4

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s): Werther Dell'Edera

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing The Children Series (Vol. 4)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Horror

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2022

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Erica Slaughter went to hell and back in Archer's Peak, but that may be nothing compared to the events that forged her at the House of Slaughter. What events brought Erica to the House of Slaughter? And what did she have to do to join the Order of St. George? Erica Slaughter's origins are finally revealed in this volume of the Eisner Award-nominated series from GLAAD Award-winning author James Tynion IV and artist Werther Dell'Edera."

My Rating: 5/5

I love an origin story. This is not news to many people. Even when those stories are unpopular, I still am in it to figure out how systems got set up, or how our main villain or mysterious character got to the point they are in the story. I just think it's fun and when an author goes above and beyond to expand their world it should be respected. Especially if they can pull together story threads to make everything connect in a way that makes sense. I can't wait to continue the series. I'm on the waitlist and hope that the final volume leads up to my expectations.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: He Started It by Samantha Downing

Title: He Started It

Author: Samantha Downing

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Adult, Mystery

Pages: 383

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardback (Library Copy)

First Line: "You want a heroine"

"Beth, Portia, and Eddie Morgan haven't all been together in years. And for very good reasons- we'll get to those later. But when their wealthy grandfather dies and leaves a cryptic final message in his wake, the siblings and their respective partners must come together for a cross-country road trip to fulfill his final wish and- more importantly- secure their inheritance.

But time with your family can be tough. It is for everyone.

It's even harder when you're all keeping secrets and trying to forget a memory- a missing person, an act of revenge, the man in the black truck who won't stop following your car- and especially when at least one of you is a killer and there's a body in the trunk. Just to name a few reasons.

But money is a powerful motivator. It is for everyone."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my first Samantha Downing book and I'm obsessed. As for all thrillers/mysteries, I don't read the synopsis for them in full ever. I might skim, but if it's mentioned by a booktoker or a booktuber I like I will just pick it up. I can't remember where I saw this one, but someone brought it up and I was psyched that I hadn't heard much about it. Let me say I get the hype behind Samantha Downing. Her twists and turns were well written, her characters were fascinating and the story itself was gripping. I would highly recommend if you're into family thrillers and different timelines p.o.vs.

I'm looking forward to reading more of her work, and hope to continue on with audiobooks as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Avant-Guards, Vol. 2

Title: The Avant-Guards, Vol. 2

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Noah Hayes

Series/Standalone: The Avant-Guards

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The Avant-Guards have been on a roll, but when they hit the end of their winning-streak, will these new friendships survive? As The Avant-Guards struggle to move forward, they'll soon learn just what it means to truly be a team- on the court and, most importantly off the court. The critically-acclaimed team of writer Carly Usdin (Heavy Vinyl) and artist Noah Hayes (Wet Hot American Summer) deliver the next chapter of the series where every shot counts when you take them with your friends."

My Rating: 5/5

This is such a fun contemporary graphic novel series. I appreciate that the creative duo took the time to further flesh out more of the characters in this second volume and I could honestly read this series forever. It's fun, cute, comfortable and diverse. I'm loving it.  I look forward to finishing the series although I think it will be a bittersweet moment!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu

Title: We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story

Author: Simu Liu

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 320

Publisher: William Morrow

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"Marvel's newest recruit shares his own inspiring and unexpected origin story, from China to the bright lights of Hollywood. An immigrant who battles everything from paternal expectations to cultural stereotypes, Simu Liu struggles to forge a path for himself, rising from the ashes of a failed accounting career (yes, you read that right) to become Shang-Chi."

My Rating: 3/5

I could have written the whole summary of this book from GoodReads, but then I feel like the whole book and its contents are given away. I did like this book, but I wasn't expecting it to end when it did. I think that Simu Liu brings up so many important social issues and has given a spotlight to those who can relate to his experiences as a second-generation family member. I'm glad I read it and the audiobook was read by the author which is always a great experience. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Gleam by Raven Kennedy

Title: Gleam

Author: Raven Kennedy

Series/Standalone: Plated Prisoner Series (Book #3)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, New Adult

Pages: 613

Publisher: Self-published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "The sky doesn't sing here."

"King Midas made me the woman I am today. Notorious. Unattainable. His.

The thing about being confined is that you believe it's to keep the bad out... Until you realize it's about keeping you in.

I'm now in a strange kingdom surrounded by liars, with no allies of my own, but I won't sit idly by and let myself wither. No, there's something that's bloomed from the pit of my repression. Something dark. Something angry.

But the last thing I expected was for my anger to call out to him. King Ravinger.

He's sinister and powerful and entirely too seductive. I've learned my lesson with trusting manipulative kings, so why does my chest constrict every time he's near? I need to tread carefully, or I'm at risk of losing much more than just my freedom.

Regret and revenge war inside of me, and I need to figure out a plan fast before I get tangled up in the schemes of kings and queens.

Because I won't be caught in a cage again. No, this time, it'll be me setting the trap... I just hope my heart comes out of this unscathed."

My Rating: 5/5

This series just keeps getting more intense, even though this book was quite long I loved every minute of it. I would find myself being drawn in when I picked it up and rarely read less than 50 pages a night, even nights when I should have been in bed early for work. But we all know how that goes. If you are looking for a series that mixes tropes, new adult spicy scenes, fantasy and dynamic characters I would strongly recommend. If you don't like a slow burn though, this might not be for you. You've been warned.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something Is Killing The Children Vol. 3

Title: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 3

Author: James Tynion IV

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

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children Series

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Horror

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"As the House of Slaughter arrives to clean up the situation by any means necessary, Erica will find that the true threat to those around her isn't who- or what- she ever expected. And the cost of saving the day may be too high for anyone to pay...

NOT ALL MONSTERS HIDE IN THE DARK.

Archer's Peak is in lockdown, as Erica Slaughter has lost control of the situation and news of the killings has spread outside the town. But as the House of Slaughter arrives to clean up the situation by any means necessary, Erica will find that the true threat to those around her isn't who- or what- she ever expected. And the cost of saving the day may be too high for anyone to pay."

My Rating: 4/5

This series gets continually more crazy every time I pick up a volume. It is not for the faint of heart and it really stretches the idea of how your imagination could literally take hold of something and run away with it. I think this series's creators have done an excellent job of upping the anti each time you pick up a volume. I can't wait to complete the series.

Thank you for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Daughter of Sparta by Claire M Andrews

Title: Daughter of Sparta

Author: Claire. M Andrews

Series/Standalone: Daughter of Sparta (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult

Pages: 375

Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Book

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Sparta forged her into a deadly weapon. Now the gods need her to save the world!

Seventeen-year-old Daphne has spent her entire life honing her body and mind into that of a warrior, hoping to be accepted by the unyielding people of ancient Sparta. But an unexpected encounter with the goddess Artemis- who holds Daphne's brother's fate in her hands- upends the life she's worked hard to build. Nine mysterious items have been stolen from Mount Olympus, and if Daphne cannot find them, the gods waning powers will fade away, the mortal world will descend into chaos, and her brother's life will be forfeit.

Guided by Artemis's twin- the handsome and entirely-too-self-assured god Apollo- Daphne's journey will take her from the labyrinth of the Minotaur to the riddle-spinning Sphinx of Thebes, team her up with mythological legends such as Theseus and Hippolyta of the Amazons, and pit her against the gods themselves.

A reinterpretation of the classic Greek myth of Daphne and Apollo, Daughter of Sparta, by debut author Clair M. Andrews turns the traditional male-dominated mythology we know into a heart-pounding and empowering female-led adventure."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was an entertaining retelling, although I've never read the original I do understand its overall plotline.  I love that the author took a male-oriented perspective flipped. The characters each had a unique voice and were fascinating to read about. I liked the idea that the mythological creatures and characters were, no questions asked. Daphne is a strong woman with power that was great to read from. I was surprised to see that this is a series and I might continue on, but I would be ok if this was a standalone and just went with some questions not being answered.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny