Review: Attack on Titan, Vol. 1

Title: Attack on Titan Vol. 1

Author/Artist: Hajime Isayama

Series/Standalone: Attack on Titan (Vol. 1)

Genre: Manga, Young Adult

Pages: 193

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Year Published: 2009

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"The Desperate Battle Begins!

For the past century, what's left of mankind has hidden in a giant, three-walled city, trapped in fear of the bizarre, giant humanoids known as the Titans. Little is known about where they came from or why they are bent on consuming humankind, but the sudden appearance of an enormous Titan is about to change everything..."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This was interesting and I'm curious about the world. The series overall is well known and I look forward to continuing the series, learning more about the characters and finding out where the story will take us. I also hope to watch the anime after reading the series. I'm curious about which one people prefer overall.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

Title: Crooked Kingdom

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Series/Standalone: Six of Crows Series (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, 

Pages: 561

Publisher: Square Fish

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line:  "Retvenko leaned against the bar and tucked his nose into his dirty shot glass."

"Welcome to the world of the Grisha.

Kaz Brekeer and his crew of deadly outcasts have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives.

Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. 

A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets- a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world."

My Rating: 5/5

When I was reading this book all I could think was, "People really think the first one is better than this one." I thought that this one outranked the first one in many ways, but this is also because I don't love books with journeys. I preferred the second one for this distinct reason. Between great characters, a fully fleshed-out city and the twists of a lifetime how could this not be a 5-star book. I adore this series and I can't wait to read King of Scars. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

Title: Ugly Love

Author: Colleen Hoover

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Fiction

Pages: 337

Publisher: Atria Books

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook

"When Tate Collins meets airline Miles Archer, she knows it isn't love at first sight. They wouldn't even go so far as to consider themselves friends. Once their desires are out in the open they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn't want love, she doesn't have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.

Don't expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can't handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.

Promises get broken.

Rules get shattered.

Love gets ugly."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I want to note that a 3.5 isn't a bad rating. I liked this. This book is exactly what people on the internet have promised I would get from Colleen Hoover a problematic but hard-to-put-down new adult read. This book didn't bring me to tears but there were moments when it got me up in my emotions. I will say that Tate had next to no defining traits, which brought down my rating. There were also a few lines in regard to the romance that wasn't for me or made me a bit uncomfortable. Overall fast-paced, intriguing and hard to put down. Would recommend if you're looking for something that matches that description, but I doubt that I'm the first person you have heard about Colleen Hoover through.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn

Title: It's in His Kiss

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #7)

Genre: Romance, Historical, Adult Fiction

Pages: 384

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2005

Format: Audiobook

"IF IT'S IN HIS HEART... IT'S IN HIS KISS

MEET OUR HERO...

Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth's sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past... and the key to his future. The problem is- it's written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

MEET OUR HERIONEl...

All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She's fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken, and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there's something about her- something charming and vexing- that grabs him and won't quite let go....

MEET POOR MR. MOZART...

Or don't. But rest assured, he's spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual- and annually discordant- Smythe-Smith musical. To Hyacinth, Gareth's every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other.... and that there is nothing as simple- or as complicated- as a single, perfect kiss."

My Rating: 4.25/5

I know that with these point stars, I start to get down to the nitty-gritty. But this one was really fun. I loved the hero, and I think that Hyacinth is fun to read from, but some of the plot points weren't the most enjoyable for me. I did enjoy seeing Lady Danbury in a new light and watching someone not be shamed for being an individual in a historical romance. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Disappearing Act by Catherine Steadman

Title: The Disappearing Act

Author: Catherine Steadman

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller

Pages: 320

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"A woman has gone missing

But did she ever really exist?

Mia Eliot has travelled from London to LA for pilot season. This is her big chance to make it as an actor in Hollywood, and she is ready to do whatever it takes. At an audition she meets Emily, and what starts as a simple favour takes a dark turn when Emily goes missing and Mia is the last person to see her.

Then a woman turns up, claiming to be Emily, but she is nothing like Mia remembers. Why would someone pretend to be Emily? Starting to question her own sanity, she goes on a desperate and dangerous search for answers, knowing something is very, very wrong.

In an industry where everything is about creating illusions, how do you know what is real? And how much would you risk to find out?"

My Rating: 3/5

This was a fun thriller. I liked the idea of having a disappearance in the middle of Hollywood where nothing is as it seems. In a city with just a ton of people trying to make it and people who are desperate it does add to the creepy factor. I did love the different layers of media placed throughout. Enjoyable but overall I don't think that this will remain in my memory.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Title: I'm Glad My Mom Died

Author: Jennette McCurdy

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adult

Pages: 320

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor- including eating disorders, addiction and complicated relationship with her overbearing mother- and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother's dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called "calorie restriction," eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, "Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn't tint hers?" She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email and all her income.

In I'm Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail- just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi ("Hi Gale!"), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I'm Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence and the joy of shampooing your own hair."

My rating based on writing style: 5/5

I always let people know when I am rating a nonfiction/memoir that I am rating it based on writing style. Not on the story (it's someone's life for crying out loud). This was a hard read to get through. While the audiobook was 6 hours it was not an easy listening book based on the subject matter, but I think the more we learn about some of the things that child actors go through the better we can prepare the world. There are always going to be child actors but how we go about the system needs to change. The fact that Jennette was suffering and there was never an intervention until she was an adult speaks volumes about the child acting scene and shows I would have watched growing up. Thoughtful, dark and important, I would recommend this book. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Children on the Hill by Jennifer McMahon

Title: The Children on the Hill

Author: Jennifer McMahon

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Horror, Thriller, Adult

Pages: 338

Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"A genre-defying new novel, inspired by Mary Shelley's masterpiece Frankenstein, which brilliantly explores the eerie mysteries of childhood and the evils perpetrated by the monster among us.

1978: at her renowned treatment center in picturesque Vermont, the brilliant psychiatrist, Dr. Helen Hildreth, is acclaimed for her compassionate work with the mentally ill. But when she's home with her cherished grandchildren, Vi and Eric, she's just Gran- teaching them how to take care of their pets, preparing them home-cooked meals, providing them with care and attention and love.

Then one day Gran brings home a child to stay with the family. Iris- silent, hollow-eyed, skittish, and feral- does not behave like a normal girl.

Still, Violet is thrilled to have a new playmate. She and Eric invite Iris to join their Monster Club, where they catalogue all kinds of monsters and dream up ways to defeat them. Before long, iris begins to come out of her shell. She and Vi and Eric do everything together: ride their bicycles, go to the drive-in, meet at their clubhouse in secret to hunt monsters. Because, as Vi explains, monsters are everywhere.

2019: Lizzy Shelley, the host of the popular podcast Monsters Among Us, is traveling to Vermont, where a young girl has been abducted, and a monster sighting has the town in an uproar. She's determined to hunt it down, because Lizzy knows better than anyone that monsters are real- and one of them is her very own sister.

The Children on the Hill takes us on a breathless journey to fave the primal fears that lurk within us all."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was such a great read, it wasn't too scary but also was thrilling and hard to put down. I loved the dual timelines and seeing where the story was taking us. The idea that it all takes place around a psychiatric ward in the 70s speaks so directly to the horror community and this storyline is gonna stick with me. These characters were so unique to other characters I've read and I can't wait to read more work from the author.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn

Title: When He Was Wicked

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Bridgerton Series (Book #6)

Genre: Adult, Romance, Historical 

Pages: 368

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2004

Format: Audiobook

"Everything was so much simpler... when he was wicked.

In every life there is a turning point. A moment so tremendous, so sharp and breathtaking, that one knows one's life will never be the same. For Michael Stirling, London's most infamous rake, that moment came the first time he laid eyes on Francesca Bridgerton.

After a lifetime of chasing women, of smiling slyly as they chased him, of allowing himself to be caught but never permitting his heart to become engaged, he took one look at Francesca Bridgerton and fell so fast and hard into love it was a wonder he managed to remain standing. Unfortunately for Michael, however, Francesca's surname was to remain Bridgerton for only a mere thirty-six hours longer- the occasion of their meeting was, lamentably, a supper celebrating her imminent wedding to his cousin.

But that was then... Now Michael is the earl and Francesca is free, but still she thinks of him as nothing other than her dear friend and confidant. Michael dares not speak to her of his love... until one dangerous night, when she steps innocently into his arms, and passion proves stronger than even the most wicked of secrets..."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my favourite in the series so far. This one does contain a lot more intimacy, and it was so well done. I think the idea of having a character who was a widow helped with the plot and kept the series interesting. It has similar tropes that I enjoy (ex. Friends to Lovers) and the pining was so well done. The characters in this book were distinct and felt so real to me! I can't wait to continue with the series, and a friend of mine has already suggested the prequel. I can't wait!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 5

Title: Something is Killing the Children Vol. 5

Author: James Tynion IV

Artist(s); Werther Dell-Edera

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children Series (Vol. 5)

Genre: Horror, Graphic Novel, Adult

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published: 2022 

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Erica Slaughter strikes out on her own in the bestselling, award-winning series!

After a year since we last saw her in Archer's Peak, Erica Slaughter resurfaces to take on the case of a girl who's seen a new kind of monster, one with terrifying implications. But Erica's broken ties with the House of Slaughter and that can have deadly consequences. The Order of St. George does not forget nor do they forgive. Even as Erica goes on the hunt, she must keep an eye out for the mysterious figure on her trail in order to survive the coming storm. Erica Slaughter returns after the ARcher's Peak Saga in this volume of Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated series from GLAAD Award-winning author James Tynion IV, artist Werther Dell'Edera, colorist Miquel Muerto, and the letter AndWorld Design."

My Rating: 5/5

This is my favourite volume so far in this story. I think that the change of setting and the change of characters helped me delve back into the series. I love that we are getting an expansion on what the Order of St. George looks like. How far they are willing to go and how many connections they have. The cliff hanger was what I didn't know I needed. Can't wait to read the next volume!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

Title: Beneath the Sugar Sky

Author: Seanan McGuire

Series/Standalone: Wayward Children Series (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 174

Publisher: Tor

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook

"Beneath the Sugar Sky, the third book in McGuire's Wayward Children series, returns to Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children in a standalone contemporary fantasy for fans of all ages. At this magical boarding school, children who have experienced fantasy adventures are reintroduced to the 'real' world.

When Rini lands with a literal splash in the pond behind Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, the last thing she expects to find is that her mother, Sumi, died years before Rini was even conceived. But Rini can't let Reality get in the way of her quest- not when she has an entire world to save! (Much more common than one would suppose.) If she can't find a way to restore her mother, Rini will have more than a world to save: she will never have been born in the first place. And in a world without magic, she doesn't have long before Reality notices her existence and washes her away. Good thing the student body is well-acquianted with quests...

A tale of friendship, baking and derring-do. Warning: May contain nuts."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This one was not my favorite. I think that I prefer seeing the world when the children first encounter them. This was just ok for me. I liked the main character we were introduced to. I enjoyed the idea of her world, but the sugar world didn't interest me. It wasn't what I anticipated, but I will be continuing with the series. Just ok for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny