Book Review: Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

Title: Paper Wishes

Author: Lois Sepahban

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction,

Pages: 192

Publisher: Square Fish

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"A moving debut novel about a girl whose family is relocated to a Japanese internment camp during World War II- and the dog she has to leave behind.

Ten-year-old Manami did not realize how peaceful her family's life on Bainbridge Island was until the day it all changed. It's 1942, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Manami and her family are Japanese American, which means that the government says they must leave their home by the sea and join other Japenese Americans at a prison camp in the desert. Manami is sad to go, but even worse is that they are going to have to give her dog, Yujiin, to a neighbor to take care of Manami decides to sneak Yujiin under her coat, but she is caught and forced to abandon him. She is devastated but clings to the hope that somehow Yujiin will find his way to the camp and make her family whole again. It isn't until she finds a way to let go of her guilt that Manami can accept all that has happened to her family."

My Rating: 4/5

I think this book needs to be in every school and readily available to all children. I think that this is a story that I didn't know a lot about as a Canadian, but the more I have read about these events, the more heartbroken I become. I feel that this is something that was overlooked for so long, but it's something that we all need to remember to make sure that these events do not repeat themselves. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Touch of Ruin by Scarlett St. Clair

Title: A Touch of Ruin

Author: Scarlett St. Clair

Series/Standalone: Hades x Persephone (Book #2)

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Mythology

Pages: 417

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"Persephone's relationship with Hades has gone public and the resulting media storm disrupts her normal life and threatens to expose her as the Goddess of Spring.

Hades, God of the Dead, is burdened by a hellish past that everyone's eager to expose in an effort to warn Persephone away.

Things only get worse when a horrible tragedy leaves Persephone's heart in ruin and Hades refusing to help. Desperate, she takes matters into her own hands, striking bargains with severe consequences.

Faced with a side of Hades she never knew and crushing loss, Persephone wonders if she can truly become Hades' queen."

My Rating:4.5/5

I don't think this one was as good as the first one for me but the sequel was excellent! I think that the momentum continued and that the author really took the plot in an interesting direction. The only thing that I found was a lot was happening in a short period. This meant that some of the things that I wished had had more time for were brushed over, while others seemed to drag on for me. Also, the spice in this is phenomenal! I look forward to continuing the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn

Title: To Sir Phillip, With Love

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #5)

Genre: Romance, Historical, Adult

Pages: 372

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2003

Format: Audiobook

"Sir Phillip knew from his correspondence with his dead wife's distant cousin that Eloise Bridgerton was a spinster and so he'd proposed, figuring that she'd be homely and unassuming, and more than a little desperate for an offer of marriage. Except.... she wasn't. The beautiful woman on his doorstep was anything but quiet, and when she stopped talking long enough to close her mouth, all he wanted to do was kiss her....

Eloise Bridgerton couldn't marry a man she had never met! But then she started thinking- and wondering- and before she knew it, she was in a hired carriage in the middle of the night, on her way to meet the man she hoped might be her perfect match. Except... he wasn't. Her perfect husband wouldn't be so moody and ill-mannered. And he certainly should have mentioned that he had two young- and decidedly unruly- children, as much in need of a mother as Phillip is in need of a wife."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is yet another book in the Bridgerton series and they just keep getting better for me. This has got to be one of my favourites. My only complaint is how mental health was dealt with in this book. I think it was likely accurate to the time period but as someone who has struggled with depression the way the author deals with it is not enjoyable. I would recommend if you can get past that fact, but if you or someone you love has had suicidal thoughts or has committed suicide I would NOT recommend. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Snug by Catana Chetwynd

Title: Snug

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult

Pages: 136

Publisher: Andrew McMeel Publishing

Year Published:  2020

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Why bother getting out of bed when you could stay bundled up with that special someone and a book of cozy, cute comics, From the author of the bestselling, Little Moments of Love comes Snug, a collection of comics that perfectly captures the honest, playful and relatable snapshots of romantic life.

Catana Chetwynd's second book has the same charming and inviting style as her first and includes 50 percent new, never-before-shared comics. Snug is a celebration of the quirks and peculiarities of every one of us- and the magic that happens when we find our matching puzzle piece."

My Rating: 5/5

These small books about relationships and comics are excellent. I love how relatable these stories are and how much they make me giggle and look over at my husband. I can't wait to see what the third book is like. I adore these comics.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Little Moments of Love by Catana Chetwynd

Title: Little Moments of Love 

Author: Catana Chetwynd

Artist(s): Catana Chetwynd

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novels, Comics, Romance

Pages: 148

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2018

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"What began as stray doodles on scraps of paper became an internet sensation when Catana Chetwynd's boyfriend shared her drawings online. Now, Catana Comics touches millions of readers with its sweet, relatable humor. Little Moments of Love collects just that- the little moments that are the best parts of being with the person you love."

My Rating: 5/5

Although this coffee table book is short it is so touching. These stories focus on relationships and weirdos which is exactly what I am lucky enough to have with my husband. These made me laugh and I remember when I first discovers these comics on Instagram. I would strongly suggest both the coffee table books and their page. Great to share with your partner.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Title: The Goose Girl

Author: Shannon Hale

Series/Standalone: The Books of Bayern (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Fairy Tale

Pages: 432

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Year Published: 2003

Format: Audiobook

"Ani, Crown Princess of Kildenree, has spent her childhood learning the language of the birds. But though Ani can speak to animals, she is never quite comfortable speaking with people. So when Ani's silver-tongued lady-in-waiting leads a mutiny during her journey to marry a prince in a foreign land, Ani cannot persuade anyone to help her. She becomes a goose girl and must use her own special powers to fulfill her true destiny.

Shannon Hale's Books of Bayern have become beloved, perennial favorites, finding more and more readers every year since they were published over a decade ago. Now with fresh new covers, the fantastical, romantic, and gorgeously written series that first introduced Hale as a master storyteller is prime to be discovered by the whole new generation."

My Rating:1.5/5

This book just wasn't for me. I stuck through the book trying to figure out if it was something I could get behind. But this one wasn't it for me. It read more as a middle grade with young adult violence. But this wasn't it for me. Maybe it was the audiobook, maybe it was the way the story itself was told. But it just is kinda bland for me. If you like retellings and love traditional fairy tales mixed with fantasy this might be for you. It just wasn't for me.

Thanks for reading,,

Sidny

Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Throne of Glass    

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series/Standalone: Throne of Glass Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 406

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Year Published: 2012

Format: Own It (Paperback Copy)

"In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass- and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world."

My Rating: 4/5

I didn't know what to expect when going into this loved series but it wasn't this. I purposefully left myself in the dark throughout the books coming out and now I'm hoping (as long as I keep enjoying the series) I plan to binge through this series. I loved the characters in this first book, the plot was interesting and I'm curious to learn more about the world. I do wonder where the series will take us considering it is 7 (I think) books long. I look forward to watching the relationships between our characters grow. Overall this book was great, just not all I had heard it was hyped up about.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Isn't It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams

 Title: Isn't It Bromantic?    

Author: Lyssa Kay Adams

Series/Standalone: Bromance Book Club Series (Book #4)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

Pages: 350

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad wrote one.

Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared, she escaped danger the only way she knew how: She married her childhood friend, Vladimir, and moved to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville.

Vlad, aka the Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But it's become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he's learned is that he deserves more. He's ready to create his own sweeping romance- both on and off the page. 

The bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love- and this time they're not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad's neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves the Loners. But just when things finally look promising, Elena's past life intrudes and their happily ever after is cast into doubt."

My Rating: 5/5

This series has it all. Just when I think that the tropes aren't going to be it for me Lyssa Kay Adams pulls it off seemingly effortlessly. The characters in every story are just incredible and the concept of the series is something I am so in love with. Lyssa Kay Adams invites us all to look at toxic masculinity and try something "out of the box" to better love our spouses! The idea of a group of men educating themselves about what women want and need through romance novels are just so beautiful to read about. The spicy scenes don't hurt either. I can't wait to read the next one in the series, my only complaint is that it might be the last one and I don't know if I'm ready for that.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Blood Like Fate by Liselle Sambury

Title: Blood Like Fate

Author: Liselle Sambury

Series/Standalone: Blood Like Magic Series (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 480

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"Voya fights to save her witch community from a terrible future.

Voya Thomas may have passed her Calling to become a full-fledged witch, but the cost was higher than she'd ever imagined.

Her grandmother is gone.

Her cousin hates her.

And her family doesn't believe that she has what it takes to lead them.

What's more, Voya can't let go of her feelings for Luc, sponsor son of the genius billionaire Justin Tremblay- the man that Luc believes Voya killed. Consequently, Luc wants nothing to do with her. Even her own ancestors seem to have lost faith in her. Every day Voya begs for their guidance, but her calls go unanswered.

As Voya struggles to convince everyone- herself included- that she can be a good Matriarch, she has a vision of a terrifying, deadly future. A vision that would spell the end of the Toronto witches. With a newfound sense of purpose, Voya must do whatever it takes to bring her shattered community together and stop what's coming for them before it's too late.

Even if it means taking down the boy she loves- who might be the mastermind behind the coming devastation."

My Rating: 3.75/5

The more I read YA fantasy the more I realise that what I want from many fantasy stories isn't going to be in a YA anymore and that's ok. For the age range this is meant for this book was excellent. I think that the character had such tremendous growth throughout the duology. This series though set in the future touches on current topics throughout. I would strongly recommend this duology it is hard-hitting and powerful. Fully YA in the best way. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Down to The Wire by Carly Usdin

Title: Down to the Wire

Author: Carly Usdin

Artist(s): Noah Hayes

Series/Standalone: The Avant-Guards (Volume 3)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, LGBT, Contemporary

Pages: 112

Publisher: BOOM! Box

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"THE FINAL SHOT. Everything's happening- Liv & Charlie figuring out what it means to be Liv & Charlie, the final game of the season is here, creating the perfect fundraiser and everyone's parents showed up to cheer them on during the most stressful time the team could imagine. It's Just A Lot For Everyone To Deal With. Luckily the entire existence of the league doesn't depend on this one game or the Avant-Guards winning, right? Oh wait..."

My Rating: 4/5

This was, I think, a wrap on this series. I believe that this series does so well on discovering who you are in college and beginning to understand who you are as a young adult. Where you're going, who you want to be and the people you meet along the way. This one was fun, but not all that different than past volumes, so forth the rating. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Confess by Colleen Hoover

Title: Confess

Author: Colleen Hoover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: New Adult, Romance

Pages: 320

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"Auburn Reed is determined to rebuild her shattered life and she has no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn't expect to become deeply attracted to the studio's enigmatic artist, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it- but can she do it?"

My Rating: 2.75/5

This book was a fun and quick audiobook. I'd read another work from Colleen Hoover and she is well known in the bookish community so I thought I'd pick this up from my library's Libby app and it was a good time. Was it a literary masterpiece? Maybe not. Was it entertaining? Yes. I think if I had read the author's work at a younger age it might have appealed to me more, but as someone in her late twenties, not her early ones, this felt pretty young to me. If you are in it for the drama, I would recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Title: Beartown

Author: Fredrik Backman

Series/Standalone: Beartown Series (Book #1)

Genre:  Fiction, Contemporary

Pages: 432

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove returns with a dazzling, profound novel about a small town with a big dream- and the price required to make it come true.

People say Beartwon is finished. A tiny community nestled deep in the forest, it is slowly losing ground to the ever encroaching trees. But down by the lake stands an old ice rink, built generations ago by the working men who founded this town. And in that ice rink is the reason people in Beartown believe tomorrow will be better than today. Their junior ice hockey team is about to compete in the national semi-finals and they actually have a shot at winning. All the hopes and dreams of this place now rest on the shoulders of a handful of teenage boys.

Being responsible for the hopes of an entire town is a heavy burden, and the semi-final match is the catalyst for a violent act that will leave a young girl traumatized and a town in turmoil. Accusations are made and, like ripples on a pond, they travel through all of Beartown, leaving no resident unaffected.

Beartown explores the hopes that bring a small community together, the secrets that tear it apart, and the courage it takes for an individual to go against the grain. In this story of a small forest town, Fredrik Backman has found the entire world."

My Rating: 5/5

I have read another work by this author and enjoyed it thoroughly, this book was a different feeling. The subject matter is obviously more intense, but the author's ability to write dynamic multi-sided characters continues to floor me. As someone who grew up in a small town, this hit very hard for me. The way the town reacts to accusations and how rape culture is a huge part of our society, even still. I plan to continue this series as soon as possible, as well as watch the HBO series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny