Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series/Standalone: The Hunger Games Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Pages: 374

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2008

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun...

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before- and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This is me revisiting the original Hunger Games series after reading the two prequels. It's incredible the world that Suzanne Collins has created. The overlay after reading Sunrise on the Reaping is wild to think about. How the Game Masters do certain things not only to affect current tributes, but to punish past tributes who have angered the Capitol. The characters felt a little more bland than the ones in Sunrise on the Reaping, but seeing Haymitch appear so many years later gave me a jolt for sure. I'm curious to see what else I'll notice as I continue the original trilogy.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Title: The Host

Author: Stephanie Meyer

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Pages: 624

Publisher: Little Brown and Company

Year Published: 2008

Format: Audiobook (Own Physical Copy)

"Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I can't decide how I feel about this book. It was such an unusual story and it felt like a slice-of-life science fiction if that makes sense. It was the most relaxed alien abduction I think I've ever read. It felt very day-to-day while still having an overarching plot. It was fun, it was entertaining but it wasn't captivating. Some choices were made in the love interests that felt a bit dicey. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, but it is entertaining if any of this review or the description sounds fun to you.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill

Title: Welcome to Lovecraft

Author: Joe Hill

Artist(s): Gabriel Rodriguez

Series/Standalone: Locke & Key

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror, Adult

Pages: 168

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Year Published: 2008

Format: Hardcover Copy (Library Copy)

"Locke & Key tells of Keyhouse, an unlikely New England mansion, with fantastic doors that transform all who dare to walk through them. Home to a hate-filled and relentless creature that will not rest until it forces open the most terrible door of them all..."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was a great first installment in a horror series. It starts off with a bang, violence, and gore galore. I did think that the gore horror element was well done, but didn't feel terrified by creatures until closer to the end of the book. I do plan on reading the rest of the series, but it's not on the top of my graphic novel list for the moment.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Marry Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction
Pages: 291
Publisher: Dial Press
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook

"'I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.'

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb...

As Juliet and her correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends- and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society- born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its member were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island- boast a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises and of finding connection in the most surprising ways."

My Rating: 5/5

I heard about this book from my best friend. Her local book club had read it and she just had a feeling that I would love it. She knows me so well! This story captured my interest within the first quarter and I was intrigued throughout. The idea of using letters for the format during this crucial setting of post-WWII was truly astounding and made the plot seem lighter at some points than it really was. That being said the story didn't just contain memories from a brutal war. It contained moments of friends, comradery and romance for many of the characters. I would highly recommend the audiobook as all the voice actors are fantastic and look forward to recommending it to other lovers of historical fiction in the future.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Final Warning by James Patterson

Title: The Final Warning
Author: James Patterson
Series/Standalone: Maximum Ride Series (Book #4)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Pages: 256
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook 

"In this breathtaking new story from the astonishing imagination of James Patterson, a girl has to save herself from an army assembled just to capture her-- and maybe save the planet while she's at it.

Maximum Ride is a perfectly normal teenager who just happens to be able to fly, the result of an out-of-control government experiment.

Max and the other members of the FLock-- six kids who share her remarkable ability-- have been asked to aid a group of environmental scientists studying the causes of global warming. The expedition seems like a perfect combination of adventure, activism-- and escaping government forces who watch the Flock like a hawk.

But even in Antartica, trapped in the harshest weather on our planet, Maximum Ride is an irresistible target in constant danger. For whoever controls her powers could also control the world. Maximum Ride is James Patterson's greatest character, a heroine who manages to be human and fearless at once."

My Rating: 1.5/5

This was such a crazy book to listen to. For me, it just came off so preachy. And it was a pretty weird story to hear. They changed the narrator and then the music was still over the top. The more I listen to the audiobooks the more I feel like I'm just too old for this. That being said global warming is a real thing and we do need to take it more seriously. I just can't handle how in your face textbook this book felt overall. Needless to say, going to be taking a break from this series for a while.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Battle of The Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Title: The Battle of The Labryinth
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and The Olympians (Book #4)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 361
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook

"Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. but when a mysterious mortal acquintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse.
In this fourth installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Krono's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth- a sprawiling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn."

My Rating: 4/5

This reread has just been so awesome and I'm really getting more and more into the narration in the audiobook. Unfortunately, I remembered pretty quickly what I didn't like about this installment the first time I read it, and that didn't change with time. This series is so often catagorized as YA but in all reality it is more of a middle grade (that's just my personal opinion). I enjoyed the story overall and thought that it was an important stop to make before a huge finale but at some points it did feel a little bit like a filler book for the series. That being said, I plan to continue this series via audiobook and hope to finish it in the next few months (or when I can get my hands on the digital copy through Overdrive).

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Battle of The Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

So this reread has been a pleasant surprise, overall I still really enjoy the story line and the characters. That being said, this was not my favorite book in the series. Personally, I felt that this book felt alot like filler for the final book. Yes there was a development in the plot and the characters but I just found that it made me want to move onto the fifth book. I'm in it for when shit hits the fan. I also wasn't a huge fan of how there is an almost love triangle in this story. It just didn't do anything for me. I am looking forward to continuing the series but I'm not nearly as interested in the love idea as others may be (probably because I'm way older than 15 years old). 

Characters:
Percy: I think that while he's grown a fair amount, he still has a long way to go. Especially based on the way he acted in the love aspects of this book. He's grown as a warrior but still a a slightly hopeless 15 year old boy. I'm curious to see how his life will change now that everything about his life is setting into motion for the prophecy. 

Annabeth: I like her. She's stubborn and sarcastic, two things that I of course value. She's getting to be more likable book by book. I worry for her though based on her misplacing of trust. How will she cope if she has to meet Luke/Kronos head on?

Grover: He's an inspiration for the world to save the wild and I think that's something that isn't valued enough in this series or any series of ya/middle grade books for that matter.

Tyson: To see your hero rise from the ashes is an interesting idea. As well as the idea that you can become your own hero. 

Rachel: She's ok. I don't have a problem with her but I think I remember her fate in the series. And if I'm right that's kind of disappointing.

Kronos: This guys has it out for everyone. Talk about the ultimate villan. I kind of like that idea of the ultimate villan who gives no shits about who he hurts. 

Luke: Did he realize what he was getting into? If he did what would push him so close to the edge?

Daedalus: Probably my favorite character in this whole book because I have never seen a character regret an act quite as much as him. I think that his growth throughout the years was extremely well captured.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

Title: The Titan's Curse
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 320
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook (Own a physical copy)

"It's not everyday you find yourself in combat with a half-lion, half-human.
But when you're the son of a Greek god, it happens. And now my friend Annabeth is missing, a goddess is in chains and only five half-blood heroes can join the quest to defeat the doomsday monster.

Oh, and guess what? The Oracle has predicted that not all of us will survive."


My Rating: 5/5

I've been writing that this whole series is a reread for so many reviews and that it's getting old, but just know this is the same. I am rereading these books after about 6-8 years so it's a very different perspective I'm taking. This book really stepped the series up for me. We see that our main character has grown, and I found that he was even more relatable in this book (which is saying something because I'm a 22-year-old woman, not a 14-year-old boy). I thought that this book was action packed and full of turns that I only saw coming because of my memory. I can't wait to continue to listen to the audiobooks (I'm loving the narration). Unfortunately, I have to wait for the 4th book to be available from overdrive but I will be getting to it soon.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

I've enjoyed this reread like crazy. There is my disclaimer. I'm loving this series more and more as I read through it and watch as Rick Riordan's writing grows (and that's saying something because the first book is pretty amazing). I think that our characters grow so much in this installment in the series. This is the first book where we visit the camp in the winter and see once again how serious the conflict in this story is becoming.

Characters:
Percy: He's grown up and learned how to take responsibility for his actions. That being said he has a lot more growing up to do in order to continue on in the series. I also hear that he appears in other series so I'm curious to see how he changes that way.

Annabeth: We don't see as much of her in this book which was an interesting way to take the story. It gave us a chance to be introduced to different characters and see how she affected Percy.

Artemis: I was very interested in her portrayal in this story. I loved that she was so badass but was willing to admit that even she needs help sometimes.

Zoe: I cried in a public place when I realized that she was really gone. It's so frustrating to see such a strong female character get knocked out of the story. I understand why it had to happen and it's so thoughtfully planned out, but it doesn't mean that it didn't pull at my heartstrings. 

Thalia: I never saw her becoming a huntress but at the same time it makes sense. She seems to fit in well, even though she is argumentative. I hope that we still get to see her character throughout the rest of the series. 

Grover: He's growing on me again. He's a sweet guy, even though at times a little naive. 

Nico:  I remembered who his father is about 3/4 of the way through this book and that's gonna throw a wrench into Percy's plans.

Luke: Still a dick, but maybe a hypnotised dick?


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Review: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: The Stonekeeper
Author: Kazu Kibuishi
Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Book #1)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Adventure
Pages: 192
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Year Published: 2008

"There's something strange behind the basement door...
After a family tragedy, Emily, Navin and their mother move to an ancestral home to start a new life. On the family very first night in the mysterious house, Eme and Navin's mom is kidnapped by a tentacled creature. Now it's up to Em and Navin to figure out how to set things right and save their mother's life."

My Rating: 4/5

So I'll be the first to say that I don't often read graphic novels and I really didn't expect to like it. That being said I am participating in the Epic Reads decathlon of reading 10 books in 10 days. Originally I planned to go for gold and read 10 novels, but with a busy schedule that's not happening. My new goal is to read 5 graphic novels and 5 novels which would set me at silver. This story was interesting and a fast read. I found it to be a real cleansor as I'm having trouble getting into the book I'm reading right now. This story was action packed and filled with beautiful illustrations. That being said, I'm still worried that it might be too young for me. I plan to continue reading this tonight and then doing an overall spoiler on the whole series after completing it. Although this may take some time because it is not at my local library. 
Looking forward to continuing.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny