Book Review: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Title: The House in the Cerulean Sea

Author: TJ Klune

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Cozy Fantasy, Adult 

Pages: 394

Publisher: Tor Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

First Line: "'Oh dear,' Linus Baker said, wiping the sweat from his brow."

"A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret.

Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages.

When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he's given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.

But the children aren’t the only secret the island keeps. Their caretaker is the charming and enigmatic Arthur Parnassus, who will do anything to keep his wards safe. As Arthur and Linus grow closer, long-held secrets are exposed, and Linus must make a choice: destroy a home or watch the world burn.

An enchanting story, masterfully told, The House in the Cerulean Sea is about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was such a cozy read. The concepts were easy to understand so the fantasy element wasn't overwhelming. The plot was so character-driven that it was easy to pick up and feel immediately immersed. The only reason this wasn't a five-star was the heavy-handed symbolism. I both loved it but also felt annoyed by it at the same time. I think that it's an entertaining and beautiful read and I would strongly recommend it for fans of Lemony Snicket or those who liked Legends & Lattes but want something leaning more urban fantasy. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Tools of Engagement by Tessa Bailey

Title: Tools of Engagement

Author: Tessa Bailey

Series/Standalone: Hot & Hammered Series (Book #3)

Genre: Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Pages: 368

Published: Avon

Year Published: 2020

Format:  Audiobook

"Hair, makeup, clothing, decor... everything in Bethany Castle's world is organized, planned and styled to perfection. Which is why the homes she designs for her family's real estate business are the most coveted in town. The only thing not perfect? Her track record with men. She's on a dating hiatus and after helping her friends achieve their dreams, Bethany finally has time to focus on her own: flip a house, from framework to furnishings, all by herself. Except her older brother runs the company and refuses to take her seriously.

When a television producer gets wind of the Castle sibling rivalry, they're invited on Flip Off, a competition to see who can do the best renovations. Bethany wants bragging rights, but she needs a crew and the only member of her brother's construction team willing to jump ship is Wes Daniels, the new guy in town. His Texas drawl and handsome face got under Bethany's skin on day one, but the last thing she needs is some cocky young cowboy in her way. 

As the race to renovate heats up, Wes and Bethany are forced into close quarters, trading barbs and biting banter as they remodel the ugliest house on the block. It's a labor of love, hate, and everything in between, and soon sparks are flying. But Bethany's perfectly structured life is one kiss away from going up in smoke and she knows falling for a guy like Wes would be a flipping disaster."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I liked this one, but it wasn't my favourite out of the whole series. The characters were relatable, their issues were real and sincere and the setting was fun. The overall arc of the story was good, but a lot was crammed into the book. The separate plots, the epilogue and the other characters' story arcs fall into this making it hard to believe that everyone got their happily ever after. It was fun and would recommend it if you're looking to round out the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Fade Out Act Three

Title: The Fade Out: Act Three

Author: Ed Brubaker

Artist(s): Sean Phillips 

Series/Standalone: The Fade Out Series (Vol. 3)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Graphic Novel, Historical, Mystery

Pages: 128

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2016

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The final act of the bestselling Hollywood noir comics from the award-winning team of Brubaker and Phillips."

My Rating: 1/5

I feel like this whole series was wasted on me. Maybe it just wasn't for me, or maybe it just wasn't long enough for the kind of stories that I enjoy. Nothing to add from other reviews. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: All Things Aside by Iliza Shlesinger

Title: All Things Aside

Author: Iliza Shlesinger

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Comedy

Pages: 256

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"All Things Aside is a punch, honest, incisive book that shares a view of the world through the eyes of the inimitable Iliza Shlesinger. From the macro to micro, Shlesinger tackles it all with her no-bullshit comedic style.

Throughout the book, Shlesinger dives from one subject into the next, making her hilarious asides the meat of her stories, much like she does in her stand-up comedy. Topics range from dissecting social expectations to the notion that products marketed specifically to women are scams, and all manner of things in between. She even dares to ask herself the all-important question that every woman is forced to consider at some point- Am I actually an annoying person? Shlesinger also shares intimate moments, including a devastating miscarriage, which she manages to navigate with not only grace but somehow with side-splitting humor."

My Rating: 5/5

I usually have a hard time rating memoirs and autobiographies but this one was a 5/5. I have loved Iliza's comedy for a while, most of my adult life and having a chance to listen to this book on audio narrated by her was phenomenal. I recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed her work before. The overarching tones, similar to her comedy specials have deeper tones which was perfect. I could gush about this to great lengths. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Fade Out: Act 2

Title: The Fade Out: Act 2

Author: Ed Brubaker

Artist(s): Sean Phillips (Artist) 

Series/Standalone: The Fade Out Series (Volume 2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Historical, Mystery

Pages: 120

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Act Two of the acclaimed Hollywood Noir from the best-selling team of Brubaker and Phillips."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This instalment felt like filler for a three-volume graphic novel series. I will be finishing the series, but I anticipated something else. It's just ok. Not something I could recommend at this current time.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Midnight Star by Marie Lu

Title: The Midnight Star

Author: Marie Lu

Series/Standalone: The Young Elites Series (Book #3)

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance

Pages: 316

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"There was once a time when darkness shrouded the world, and the darkness had a queen. 

Adelina Amouteru is done suffering. She's turned her back on those who have betrayed her and achieved the ultimate revenge: victory. Her reign as the White Wolf has been a triumphant one, but with each conquest her cruelty only grows. The darkness within her has begun to spiral out of control, threatening to destroy all she's gained.

When a new danger appears, Adelina's forced to revisit old wounds, putting not only herself at risk, but every Elite. In order to preserve her empire, Adelina and her Roses must join the Daggers on a perilous quest- though this uneasy alliance may prove to be the real danger."

My Rating: 4.25/5

Completing the trilogy was an excellent way for it to wrap up. The use of religion mixed with the dystopian fantasy is so interesting and I enjoyed the world-building. The idea of this fever gives not only visible markings but also powers. The view of Adelina as queen and all her choices were fascinating. Although this is a villain arch it left off in an excellent place, and I was impressed to see just how well the author wrapped the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Fade Out: Act One

Title: The Fade Out: Act One

Author: Ed Brubaker

Artist(s): Sean Phillips (Illustrator) & Elizabeth Breitweiser (Colourist)

Series/Standalone: The Fade Out Series (Volume 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Mystery

Pages: 120

Publisher: Image Comics

Year Published: 2015

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Brubaker and Phillips' newest hit series, The Fade Out, is an epic noir set in the world of the noir itself, the backlots and bars of Hollywood at the end of its Golden Era. A movie stuck in endless reshoots, a writer damaged from the war and lost in the bottle, a dead movie star and the lookalike hired to replace her. Nothing is what it seems in the place where only lies are true."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was a fun introduction to the series and I liked the idea of the setting. I didn't anticipate how quick it would be to read and I wonder how quickly the writer will be able to wrap up the plot line. I'm curious about how all the characters weave together and what happens next, but overall it was just fun. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: After I Do

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Adult, Fiction

Pages: 352

Publisher: Washington Square Press

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook

"When Lauren and Ryan's marriage reaches the breaking point, they come up with an unconventional plan. They decide to take a year off in the hopes of finding a way to fall in love again. One year apart, and only one rule: they cannot contact each other. Aside from that, anything goes.

Lauren embarks on a journey of self-discovery, quickly finding that her friends and family have their own ideas about the meaning of marriage. These influences, as well as her own healing process and the challenges of living apart from Ryan, begin to change Lauren's ideas about monogamy and marriage. She starts to question: When you can have romance without loyalty and commitment without marriage, when love and lust are no longer tied together, what do you value? What are you willing to fight for?"

My Rating: 4/5

This wasn't what I would necessarily expect from the author based on the last book that I read, but this story is an important one to read if you're married. The ideas behind it make total sense, the characters are relatable and the side characters are so unique and loveable that I felt like I knew each one of them individually. If you are looking for a character-driven, finding who you are adult fiction romance may I just suggest this one. It's a fast read, even though the subject matter isn't all happy-go-lucky. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Strange Hymn by Laura Thalass

Title: A Strange Hymn

Author: Laura Thalassa

Series/Standalone: The Bargainer Series (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance

Pages: 385

Publisher: Self-Published

Year Published: 2017

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

First Line: "Wings."

"She survived the mad king... but the nightmare isn't over.

Siren Callypso Lillis still wears the physical reminders of her time as Karnon's captive, even after reuniting with soulmate Desmond Flynn, the King of Night. Not only that, but mounting evidence suggests the Thief of Souls, the being responsible for the disappearance of countless fae warriors, is still out there.

Invited to an annual Solstice celebration, Callie and Des journey to the Kingdom of Flora to continue their investigation. But under the bright lights and striking blooms of the realm, new complications arise, one that no amount of bargaining can undo. Soldiers begin to go missing from the gathering, and some of the fae begin to suspect Des is the man behind it all. To Callie, one thing is no one is who they appear to be. Not even her soulmate.

Fairies play dangerous games. Some want love, some want vengeance, some want flesh, and some want horrors too unspeakable to name. Something is stirring in the Land of All that Grows, and if Callie isn't careful, it will claim everything she loves- and her along with it. "

My Rating: 3.5/5

I expected something else out of a second book. Once again the plot was fine, but it seemed to move too fast by the end. It started to pick up and just as it did, it was over. The plot twists were good, not great, but good. I will be reading the next book and am excited about it because it's a prequel. I have enjoyed the series, but it hasn't been mind-blowing, as long as the novella goes well I will finish the series. I would recommend it to people who haven't read ACOTAR. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: The Rose Society by Marie Lu

Title: The Rose Society 

Author: Marie Lu

Series/Standalone: The Young Elites Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 398

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"Once upon a time, a girl had a father, a prince, a society of friends. Then they betrayed her, and she destroyed them all.

Adelina Amouteru's heart has suffered at the hands of both family and friends, turning her down the bitter path of revenge. Now known and feared as the White Wolf, she flees Kenettra with her sister to find other Young Elites in the hopes of building her own army of allies. Her goal: to strike down the Inquisition Axis, the white-cloaked soldiers who nearly killed her.

But Adelina is no heroine. Her powers, fed only by fear and hate, have started to grow beyond her control. She does not trust her newfound Elite friends. Teren Santoro, leader of the Inquisition, wants her dead. And her former friends, Raffaele and the Dagger Society, want to stop her thirst for vengeance. Adelina struggles to cling to the good within her. But how can someone be good when her very existence depends on darkness?"

My Rating: 4.5/5

I love a villain origin story. I love reading about characters you shouldn't root for and how they become who they are. Not that it justifies their actions but living in the villain's head is a wild ride. To know how these actions are clearly affecting others but also be able to see Adelina's thoughts behind her actions. The setting in this is interesting to me, with the different creatures and the different atmospheres.

I look forward to finishing the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige

Title: Dorothy Must Die

Author: Danielle Paige

Series/Standalone: Dorothy Must Die Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling

Pages: 452

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook

"I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero.

But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?
Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little bluebirds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still a yellow brick road—but even that's crumbling.

What happened? Dorothy.
They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas.
I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked.
I've been trained to fight.
And I have a mission."

My Rating: 2/5

This just wasn't for me. I want to preface that by saying there is nothing wrong with this book, it just didn't read well for me. The retelling aspect was fine, but the over-the-top aspect isn't my cup of tea. The characters didn't draw me in the way I wanted them to and with so many installments in the series, I'm going to leave off the series here. If you love the Wizard of Oz this is your chance to follow the yellow brick road.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

Title: Rhapsodic

Author: Laura Thalassa

Series/Standalone: The Bargainer (Book #1)

Genre: New Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance

Pages: 326

Publisher: Lavabrook Publishing Group

Year Published: 2016

Format: Ebook (Own a Physical Copy)

"Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear.

Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want... at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects.

But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment. Not until now. When Callie finds the fae king of the night in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it’s just a chaste kiss—a single bead’s worth—and a promise for more.

For the Bargainer, it’s more than just a matter of rekindling an old romance. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one. Only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to their breast. And then there are the whispers among the slaves, whispers of an evil that’s been awoken.

If the Bargainer has any hope to save his people, he’ll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. Only, his foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I didn't anticipate this book being an urban fantasy when I picked it up so after adapting my expectations about the plot a bit, I really enjoyed it. The characters had clear chemistry and the romance was a slow burn in my mind, but I know that my expectations of that and others are not the same. The ending wrapped up way too fast in my opinion, it felt rushed and didn't read the same as the rest of the book, I will be continuing the series, but I hope that in the following books, the pacing of the plot is laid out a little better. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny