Book Review: Supernova by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Supernova

Author/Artist(s): Kazu Kibuishi

Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Volume 8)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade

Pages: 199

Publisher: Scholastic

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Emily has lost control of her Amulet and is imprisoned in the Void, where she must find a way to escape the influence of the Voice. Meanwhile, Emily's brother, Navin travels to Lighthouse One, a space station where the Resistance is preparing to battle the approaching Shadow forces that would drain planet Alledia of all its resources. Emily and Navin must be smarter and stronger than ever to ensure Alledia's survival."

My Rating: 5/5

This installment in the series was such a great turn for the plot. Not only did we expand on the world, but we also expanded on the magic system, which was super interesting. I also love a little foreshadowing, which I can assume was present. Again, the art style is excellent, and I recommend it to both lovers of graphic novels and middle grade students alike. Loved it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Eyes of the Storm

Title: Eyes of the Storm 

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 3)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Graphic Novel

Pages: 174

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 1994

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In 'Eyes of the Storm,' volume three of the nine-book BONE saga, Lucius, Smiley and Phoney survive an attack by the rat creatures and return safely to Lucius' taven in Barrelhaven. Phoney, desperate to win a bet with Lucius, stokes the townspeople's fear of dragons and boasts that he is a professional dragonslayer. Back at the farm, Fone Bone and Thorn are troubled by strange dreams, and Gran'ma Ben's reaction to them is stranger still: She reveals long-kept secrets and warns of great danger. Thorn, Fone Bone, and Gran'ma Ben may have to leave the farm forever."

My Rating: 5/5

I remember reading this volume when I was in middle school, and it blew my mind. At that time, my library didn't have any of the other volumes, so I stopped reading there. This is one of my favourites so far in the series, and I look forward to continuing on and seeing where this series takes me. I think there are more than nine books in the series now. I'm looking forward to continuing and learning more about the forces at play. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn

Title: The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband

Author: Julia Quinn

Series/Standalone: Rokesby Series (Book #2)

Genre: Historical Romance, Fiction, Adult

Pages: 393

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"While you were sleeping...

With her brother Thomas injured on the battlefront in the Colonies, orphaned Cecilia Harcourt has two unbearable choices: move in with a maiden aunt or marry a scheming cousin. Instead, she chooses option three and travels across the Atlantic, determined to nurse her brother back to health. But after a week of searching, she finds not her brother, but his best friend, the handsome officer Edward Rokesby. He's unconscious and in desperate need of her care, and Cecilia vows that she will save this soldier's life, even if staying by his side means telling one little lie...

I told everyone I was your wife

When Edward comes to, he's more than a little confused. The blow to his head knocked out six months of his memory, but surely he would recall getting married. He knows who Cecilia Harcourt is- even if he does not recall her face- and with everyone calling her his wife, he decides it must be true, even though he'd always assumed he'd marry his neighbor back in England.

If only it were true...

Cecilia risks her entire future by giving herself- completely- to the man she loves. But when the truth comes out, Edward may have a few surprises of his own for the new Mrs. Rokesby."

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoy these prequels. I think the fact that the setting felt so different in this one added to my enjoyment. The idea that we were seeing the war in America from the perspective of the British wasn't something I can say I've read a lot of. As a Canadian (NOT AMERICAN), we do see a lot of American media about this time period. I also loved the concept. There was miscommunication, but in a way that I understood. It wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst use of that trope. The reason this book lost a star for me is the use of the phrase "coming home". I think we can all guess when and why this gave me the ick. Interesting choice. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Chasing The Wild by Elliott Rose

Title: Chasing the Wild

Author: Elliott Rose

Series/Standalone: Crimson Ridge Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Pages: 444

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2024

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"What happens when you're snowed in on a mountain ranch, with the one man you definitely should not be fantasizing about?

I've always done what was expected of me, Layla Birch, the good girl.

Forced to grow up too fast. To take care of everything myself. I had a plan.

Only I didn't count on him. Colton Wilder. The cowboy nearly twice my age. 

He's my dream man. One who takes care of me, gives me a job, and makes my pulse thud harder every time he comes near.

My ex-boyfriend's father.

The nights are long and cold on top of this mountain. As the snow grows thicker and the tension builds between us, we're both inching closer to a line we shouldn't cross. 

Each day, it grows harder to resist the man who looks at me with longing in his eyes. 

It's tempting to forget about being the good girl for once.

No one would find out. Would they?"

My Rating: 3.75/5

This book wasn't what I anticipated it to be. First off, calling this an ex-boyfriend dad book is a bit misleading, as the FMC calls it a situationship at best. I also don't think that this book needed to be this long. By the end, I felt like I had reread the same conversations or inner thoughts at least 10 times. Finally, the spicy scenes were fun, but the phrases used to describe genitals were off-putting, to say the least. That being said, the concept was fun, the relationship was interesting and the atmosphere was excellent. I look forward to trying the next one in the series. If it doesn't get any better than this one from the halfway point, I'm uncertain if I will continue.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Front Runner by Elsie Silver

Title: The Front Runner

Author: Elsie Silver

Series/Standalone: Gold Rush Ranch (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Western

Pages: 356

Publisher: Indie 

Year Published: 2021

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Stefan Dalca is infuriatingly handsome. And annoyingly persistent. We're supposed to hate each other. But apparently, he didn't get the memo, because he's been asking me out for years.

And I always say no. Until today.

Today he has something that I desperately need. Today he's a savior and I'm his prize.

Our time together starts out as a simple transaction. Three dates. No touching. No telling anyone. And definitely no falling in love.

But with ever intimate conversation, and each stolen glance, the tension between us builds.

The way he looks at me gives me butterflies. And when he finally touches me? We sizzle.

Stefan makes me feel seen in a way no other person has before. He cherishes my words as passionately as my body.

He makes me laugh. He makes me blush. He calls me kitten.

He's not the villain he's been made out to be.

And suddenly I find myself longing for him in a way the people closest to me wouldn't approve of or understand.

Giving in to Stefan Dalca is playing with fire.

But with him, I don't even mind the heat."

My Rating: 4/5

Elsie Silver has to be one of my favourite authors. If she writes it, I will read it! I loved the two characters that this book covered and I think that the longing was written so beautifully. Also while there was a miscommunication trope, I felt it wasn't the main plot of the story. I loved the way this story and Stefan tied it to the other characters in the story. I look forward to continuing on with the series and starting the next series soon. Although if anyone else uses the nickname kitten, I might have to knock it down a star as well. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert

Title: The Dragon's Bride

Author: Katee Robert

Series/Standalone: A Deal With A Demon (Book #1)

Genre: Fantasy, Monster Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 190

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)\

"Briar Rose might have a name out of a storybook, but she learned at a very young age that no prince was coming to save her. She'll have to save herself. Unfortunately, even that is an impossible task in her current situation- trapped in a terrifying marriage to a dangerous man.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, which is how she finds herself making a deal with a demon. Freedom from her husband... in return for seven years of service. 

She expects the service to be backbreaking and harsh. She doesn't expect to be put on an auction block in a room full of literal monsters and sold to the highest bidder.

To Sol.

A dragon.

He might seem kinder than his fearsome looks imply, but she knows better than to trust the way he wants to take care of her, or how invested he is in her pleasure. In her experience, if something seems too good to be true, it certainly is.

Falling for Sol is out of the question. She's suffered enough, and she has no intention of staying in this realm... even if she leaves her heart behind when she returns to normal life."

My Rating: 2/5

This was maybe my first foray into monster romance, and I really need someone who is a fan of the genre to tell me if this book is good for the genre or a bad example of the genre. It wasn't for me, it was a little too out of the realm of my comfort zone. Now was I entertained? Yes. Did I get the ick multiple times? Yes. Would I reread it? No, but I might try another one in the series. Anywho all that to say two stars for the two penises. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

Title: Butcher & Blackbird

Author: Brynne Weaver

Series/Standalone: The Ruinous Love Trilogy (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Romance, Dark

Pages: 360

Publisher: Little Brown Book Group

Year Published: 2023

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

"Every serial killer needs a friend.

Every game must have a winner.

When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers, Sloane and Rowan, the two find something elusive- the friendship of a like-minded, pitch-black soul. From small town West Virginia to upscale California, from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collide in an annual game of blood and suffering, one that pits them against the most dangerous monsters in the country. But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love. Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out fo a game of graves? Or have they finally met their match?"

My Rating: 5/5

For me, this was a 5/5 for vibes alone. Somehow Brynne Weaver made a dark romance that gives romantic comedy vibes while giving love to those who enjoyed the premise of Dexter. I'm not sure how she came up with this concept. But this spice was great, the romance was fantastic and the plot was extremely entertaining. I would recommend reading the triggers before reading this book, but if it sounds like it would be for you and you want a good time; go for it!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Outliers by Kimberly McCreight

Title: The Outliers

Author: Kimberly McCreight

Series/Standalone: The Outliers Series

Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller 

Pages: 336

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year Published: 2016

Format: Hardcover (Own It)

"It all starts with a text: Please, Wylie, I need your help.

Wylie hasn't heard from Cassie in over a week, not since their last fight. But that doesn't matter. Cassie's in trouble, so Wylie  decides to do what she has done so many times before: save her best friend from herself.

This time it's different, though. Instead of telling Wylie where she is, Cassie sends cryptic clues. And instead of having Wylie come by herself, Jasper shows up saying Cassie sent him to help. Trusting the guy who sent Cassie off the rails doesn't feel right, but Wylie has no choice: she has to ignore her gut instinct and go with him.

But figuring out where Cassie is goes from difficult to dangerous, fast. As Wylie and Jasper heard farther and farther north into the dense woods of Maine. Wylie struggles to control her growing sense that something is really wrong. What isn't Cassie telling them? And could finding her be only the beginning?"

My Rating: 2/5

I knew nothing about this book going in (a trend, I know) and it was odd. THe beginning I was hooked, the middle I was a little bored, and the end I was just left wondering what the hell I had read. Not necessarily in a good way. I think that this book in many ways reminded me of Maximum Ride mixed with mystery and a tinge of thriller. Needless to say, not for me and I won't be continuing with the series. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Lore Olympus Vol. 7

Title: Lore Olympus Volume Seven

Author: Rachel Smythe 

Series/Standalone: Lore Olympus (Volume 7)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult, Romance, Mythology

Pages: 416

Publisher: Inklore

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Scandalous gossip, wild parties, and forbidden love- the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone gets a romantic modern update in the gorgeously illustrated, Eisner Award-winning Lore Olympus, including a brand new bonus short story!

An ingenious take on the Greek Pantheon, Lore Olympus is a modern update on the story of Hades and Persephone. Follow the propulsive love story of two Greek gods, told with lavish artwork and contemporary sensibilities.

This full-colour edition of Smythe's original Eisner Award-winning webcomic Lor Olympus features exclusive behind the scenes content and brings Greek mythology into the modern age in a sharply perceptive and romantic graphic novel."

My Rating: 5/5

I have loved this series for a while. I first found it on webtoons and then as they've been published, kept up with them in the bindup versions of the stories. I love Rachel Smythe's work and I think that her creative lense is fantastic. Her ability to work with drama, create cliff hangers and a slow-burn romance is fantastic. I can't wait to read the next instalment!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan is Killing It

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Cozy Mystery

Pages: 355 

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Finlay Donovan is killing it... except, she's not really She's a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay's life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn't written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.

When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she's mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet.... Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a rea-life murder investigation.

Fast-paced, deliciously witty, and wholeheartedly authentic in depicting the frustrations and triumphs of motherhood in all its messiness, hilarity and heartfelt moment, Finlay Donovan is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano.

My Rating: 4/5

This is such a fun concept. I love the idea that someone gets thrown into a world they know nothing about and watch them figure things out (almost floundering a few times). It has an excellent cozy mystery vibe and if the concept sounds interesting to you it's definitely worth the read. I would also say that the audiobook was excellent. The only reason that it lost a star for me is I felt it lagged a little in the middle.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Savage Lover by Sophie Lark

Title: Savage Lover

Author: Sophie Lark

Series/Standalone: Brutal Birthright Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Dark, Mafia

Pages: 338

Publisher: Indie/Self-Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Two people who believe they're unworthy of love.. until they meet each other.

Camille Rivera is drowning. Her father's sick, her brother's in deep with a dirty cop, and her mechanic shop is failing.

Nero Gallo is the neighborhood psychopath. As vicious as he is gorgeous, Camille has watched him burn through every girl in a ten-mile radius, breaking hearts and never, ever getting attached.

Which is why she can't believe it when Nero saves her from a seriously sticky situation. They've lived next to each other all their lives- is it possible she never really knew him at all?

Camille is about to learn that the only thing more dangerous than trusting Nero is falling for him."

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed the start of this book. Sophie Lark does an amazing job of making each character feel unique and different from one another, which is saying something when you're reading a companion series one after another. I liked the smut, I liked the plot, but some parts of the book just felt disjointed to me. There were almost pieces missing, or parts that I thought would be expanded on that just weren't. I look forward to reading the rest of this series, but I am going to take a little break. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny