Book Review: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Title: This Shattered World

Author(s): Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Series/Standalone: Starbound Series (Book #2)

Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance

Pages: 394

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Year Published: 2014

Format: Hardcover Copy (Library)

"Jubilee Chase and Flynn Cormac should never have met.

Lee is captain of the forces sent to Avon to crush the terraformed planet's rebellious colonists, but she has her own reasons for hating the insurgents.

Rebellion is in Flynn's blood. Terraforming corporations make their fortune by recruiting colonists to make the inhospitable planets livable, with the promise of a better life for their children. But they never fulfilled their promise on Avon, and decades later, Flynn is leading the rebellion.

Desperate for any advantage in a bloody and unrelenting war, Flynn does the only thing that makes sense when he and Lee cross paths: he returns to base with her as a prisoner. But as his fellow rebels prepare to execute this tough-talking girl with nerves of steel, Flynn makes another choice that changes him forever. He and Lee escape the rebel base together, caught between two sides of a senseless war."

DNF @ 85%

My Rating: 1.5/5

I think that if I had been able to keep momentum with this book I would have kept reading, but something happened around the 75% mark that just made this book drag for me. I don't know if it was the book or something outside of the book that just ripped me out of it but then I couldn't seem to get back in no matter how much I tried. As per my 2023 goals, if I'm not having a good time, I don't have to finish a book. I can leave it and that's ok. What are your thoughts on DNFs?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner

Title: These Broken Stars

Author: Amie Kaufman & Megan Spooner

Series/Standalone: Starbound Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Pages: 389

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Year Published: 2013

Format: Audiobook (Own Hardcover Copy)

"It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a younger war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they're worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other's arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder- would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won't be the same people who landed on it."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was such a fun read and I think that if you were part of booktube during the Illuminae trilogy releases this was where it all started. This writing is very similar which makes sense as Amie Kaufman wrote with a partner in each series. This was great on audio, the use of the interviews at the start of the chapters really kept my interest intact. The characters were dynamic and the premise was great. Overall, the atmosphere and the premise were 5/5, but Lilac herself knocked this book down by .5 of a rating. I know she's supposed to be the way she is, but I don't have to enjoy that through most of the book. I look forward to reading the rest of the series now that I know they are more companion novels than continuations of the same story.

Thanks for reading, 

Sidny

Book Review: Lore by Alexandra Bracken

Title: Lore

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Mythology, Fantasy

Pages: 480

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Every seven years, the Agon begins. As punishment for a past rebellion, nine Greek gods are forced to walk the earth as mortals, hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines, all eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality. Long ago, Lore Perseus fled that brutal world in the wake of her family's sadistic murder by a rival line, turning her back on the hunt's promises of eternal glory. For years she's pushed away any thought of revenge against the man-- now a god-- responsible for their deaths.

Yet as the next hunt dawns over New York City, two participants seek out her help: Castor, a childhood friend of Lore believed long dead and a gravely wounded Athena, among the last of the original gods.

The goddess offers an alliance against their mutual enemy and at last, a way for Lore to leave the Agon behind forever. But Lore's decision to bind her fate to Athena's and rejoin the hunt will come at a deadly cost- and still may not be enough to stop the rise of a new god with the power to bring humanity to its knees."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was just ok for me. I did enjoy the story and I was interested in what was happening at the moment. But this isn't a story that is going to hold any interest for me in the future. It won't really take up space in my memory. The gods were interestingly fleshed out and the story touched on a myriad of topics, not sure that all of them were handled in the way that I enjoyed, but they were handled. Overall just fine.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A List of Cages by Robin Roe

 Title: A List of Cages

Author: Robin Roe

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Fiction

Pages: 310

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Year Published: 2017

Format: Audiobook

"When Adam Blake lands the best elective ever in his senior year, serving as an aide to the school psychologist, he thinks he's got it made. Sure, it means a lot of sitting around, which isn't easy for a guy with ADHD, but he can't complain, since he gets to spend the period texting all his friends. Then the doctor asks him to track down the troubled freshman who keeps dodging her, and Adam discovers that the boy is Julian- the foster brother he hasn't seen in five years.

Adam is ecstatic to be reunited. At first, Julian seems like the boy he once knew. He's still kindhearted. He still writes stories and loves picture books meant for little kids. But as they spend more time together, Adam realizes that Julian is keeping secrets, like where he hides during the middle of the day, and what's really going on inside his house. Adam is determined to help him, but his involvement could cost both boys their lives..."

My Rating:  4.5/5

This book was heartwrenching. After typing out the synopsis of this story I do feel that this book might have been marketed as mystery more then it should be. This novel deals with the loss of a parent, violence, and abuse. This truly broke me, but in a way that felt necessary. This story deals with the two characters, one who is living with his uncle after his parents have passed, and another who used to be his foster brother. It focuses on their differences, but in a way that feels natural and enlightening. The author truly portrayed the emotions one can experience post abuse and that can continue throughout life. I don't want to go into more detail then this at this time, but know that if you are comfortable reading something with something of this subject matter I would strongly recommend.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

Title: The Mark of Athena
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: The Heroes of Olympus (Book #3)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 586
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Year Published: 2012
Format: Audiobook

"Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy- after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera- it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can't blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon figurehead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of the praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket, Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving command: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find- and close- the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader- but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across the land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare..."

My Rating: 3.75/5

It's been a busy month for my family. We have moved 6 hours away from our hometown into a new apartment and have gotten new jobs. So needless to say I probably finished this 2 weeks ago, but have just starting to have the time to read and write again. I'm excited to be able to get back to routine and to be able to give it my all once more. This story was not my favourite so far in this series. I found that the storyline both dragged and was rushed at some points. The pacing just wasn't quite right for me. I did appreciate watching the characters come together and seeing what the coming books will have to offer. I look forward to continuing the series.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

Title: The Son of Neptune
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: The Heroes of Olympus (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 521
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2011
Format: Audiobook

"Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem- when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her 'gift' for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wishes she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him because the only thing he is good at is archery- although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely- enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the 'other' camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven."

My Rating: 4/5 

This is the second book in the highly acclaimed Heroes of Olympus series. I was interested to pick up this book, but due to how long it took me to complete it I found that I started to lose interest in the story line. I was excited to see characters that I'd heard about in the first book, and revisit favorite characters from the original series. I think that the pacing was good, I just don't know if I related to these characters very much. I am excited to continue on with the series as soon as possible through audiobooks.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Title: The Lost Hero
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: The Heroes of Olympus (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 557
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2010
Format: Audiobook

"Jason has a problem.
He doesn't remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently, he has a girlfriend named Piper, and a best friend named Leo. They're all students at a boarding school for 'bad kids'. What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?

Piper has a secret.
Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare about his being in trouble. Piper doesn't understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn't recognize her. When a freak storm hits during the school trip, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she's going to find out.

Leo has a way with tools.
When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there's weird stuff, too- like the curse everyone keeps talking about and some camper who's gone missing. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist that each of them- including Leo- is related to a god. Does this have anything to do with Jason's amnesia or the fact that Leo keeps seeing ghosts?"

My Rating: 4/5

This was a really good read. I was surprised at how the author aged the characters and how the change in dynamic really helped my enjoyment. I thought that the writing style has definitely improved since the Percy Jackson series. I also appreciated the change of pace and how quickly this crew of demi-gods was put to the test. I plan to continue this series by audio book as I loved the narrator and the storytelling.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny 

Spoiler: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

This series started off with a bang and the same sense of humour that I've got to know and love with Rick Riordan's storytelling. I loved the change of pace and how quickly our character got thrown into camp and out of it again with a new mission. I also enjoyed seeing demi-gods from other godly children. They were interesting to read about.

Characters:
Leo: I really liked Leo and his tinkering ways. It made me happy to see a more diverse demi-god who has such a unique talent. I also liked that he was trained by Hera to be a "little hero." 

Jason: I think that his amnesia really drove the story overall and made the story a bit of a mystery. I also enjoyed the way that the characters interacted with Jason as they found out more about his past. I'm excited to see how his past is so different than Percy Jackson's.

Piper: I loved that she was a daughter of Aphrodite who was willing to go on a mission, not just reapply her lipstick and think about her looks. I loved everything about her.

Hera: What a catty character for a goddess. I loved that this was such a dilemma, whether or not we should save her, or let her suffer.

Thalia: Glad to see her again, with the hunters of Artemis.

Coach Hedge: I loved his attitude and his ego even though there were times where it was annoying.  I can't wait to see more of this character in the next book.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

Title: The Last Olympian
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and the Olympians (Book #5)
Genre: Young Adult, Mythology, Fantasy
Pages: 381
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2009
Format: Audiobook

"All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of a victory are grim. Krono's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows.

While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.

In this momentous final book in the New York Times best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. An as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate."

My Rating: 4/5

I finally made it. I reread all these books before the end of 2017. I'm so freaking proud of myself. Not that they were even a struggle to get through. This series is amazing to read and the story-telling is fun and humorous while handling hard-hitting ideas. I loved the way the characters grew and learned throughout their own experiences. I also plan to continue reading The Heroes of Olympus series for the first time. Either through audiobook or physical reading, I'm sure I'll enjoy them just as much.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

I'm very proud of my reading this year. Not only did I read over the number of books I had planned to read, I read so many books that became new favourites. I also had the opportunity to reread some of my old favourites. For example, The Percy Jackson Series. The first time I read this series I was when I was 14 or 15 years old so little. Needless to say some of my opinions of changed. For example, I wasn't rooting for all the romances in this book this time around (possibly because I also remembered who ended up with who). There were still some aspects that surprised me even though this was a reread (ex. the spy).

Characters:
Percy: He has grown up so much as a character. To see him change from a preteen boy to a 16 year old in the course of 5 books was such an interesting reading experience. That being said, I'm looking forward to continuing in this world through different characters perspectives.

Annabeth: I love that she is tough and loyal, but also says it how it is. She's honest, maybe even to a fault. I can't wait to see if she makes a surprise appearance in any of the other series.

Rachel: I liked her, but not for Percy, which I knew didn't pan out in the end anyway. I was also fine with her becoming the oracle. That being said, I'm not sure how she's supposed to live a normal life if there is a chance she'll be spouting out prophecies.

Grover: Someone tell me he's in the next book because he's a crowd favourite. Let's be honest here, we all love Grover.

Nico: His powers are going to be so much stronger than ever imagined which makes me wonder about the newest great prophecy.

Tyson: I love this big guy. Peanut butter is a great war cry.

Luke: Would anyone else be interested in a Luke prequel story? Or is there one and I just don't know about it. Anyone know?

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

Book Review The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Title: The Sea of Monsters
Author: Rick Riordan
Series/Standalone: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology
Pages: 279
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books
Year Published: 2006
Format: Audiobook (Also own a physical copy)

"The heroic son of Poseidon makes an action-packed comeback in the second must-read installment of Rick Riordan's amazing young readers series. Starring Percy Jackson, a 'half-blood' whose mother is human and whose father is the God of the Sea, Riordan's series combines cliffhanger adventure and Greek mythology lessons that result in true page-turners that get better with each installment.
In this episode, The Sea of Monsters, Percy sets out to retrieve the Golden Fleece before his summer camp is destroyed, surpassing the first book's drama and setting the stage for more thrills to come."

My Rating: 4/5

This is another reread for me and while it was on my TBR for this month in a physical form, I found audiobook copy's from my library before I took a road trip. I really enjoyed this second installment and would recommend keeping with the series if you didn't enjoy the first book because this book is where it starts to shine. It was interesting to see how the series "read" through an audiobook. This audiobook was super entertaining and I plan to continue the series through audiobooks, and I can't wait.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

So this series is a total reread for me. I haven't read it in about 6-10 odd years so some of my opinions have changed. And while I believe it's important to reread our favourites and realize the problems with them, I still really enjoyed this second book.
I remember in the first book feeling that our main character should have been older, just based on the way they read. That being said, listening to the audiobook really helped me to remember how young our main characters are, along with the side characters.
I really enjoyed the change of pace and the adventure aspect of this story and I can't wait to continue this series.

Character:
Percy: I think that Percy's sense of humour is his best quality (that's my own opinion). I loved his sarcasm and sense of wit. I can't wait to read more about him. That being said there are points in this book where he is frustratingly naive. Which is to be expected since he is 13 years old. 

Annabelle: I really enjoyed her sass and bad assery. She doesn't give a shit what other people think. She is wise (haha) beyond her years and a true hero in my eyes.

Tyson: Probably my favourite character in this story because of how sweet and innocent he was. He reminded me of some children I've worked with in the past. He was very sweet and I wonder how he will do under the sea.

Grover: He's kind of bothersome in the audiobook, that being said, he's grown up since the first book and deserves recognition for this.

Luke: Something isn't right with him and why he turned.. I wonder what his next move will be.

Chiron: I like his party relatives vs how calm and cool and collected he is. He's always in control, but not even he can control who his father is.

Hermes: Sweet to know that he didn't desert his kids.

Clarisse: I still don't care that much for her. I don't care that she has such strong pride, but also at some point you can admit that you need help.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

What a fun reread to start the month with? I think this book helped to remind me why I read middle grade. Rick Riordan's writing style and humour held me interested throughout the storyline and I can't wait to continue on with his books. I hope to reread this series and start the next series at some point this year.. is that a reasonable goal? I think this story makes learning about myths more interesting and helps younger readers see what the Gods looked like and could look like throughout the years. I also really love the story arch in this first book. My one complaint is that Percy is so freaking young. I thought he was 16, and me being 22 made me see that 12 years old is a little young to be taking quests and such. Although the teenage angst was all I could wish for and more. Can't wait to read the second book in this series.

Characters:
Percy: A hilarious main character. I forgot how he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. I think that this was an interesting concept for Rick Riordan to bring up, and might help young readers identify themselves as a hero rather than someone who might need a little help (does that make sense). I loved his angsty and how he was introduced to the world so the reader could follow some of the main events. 

Annabeth: She is a real spit fire and I can appreciate that. I do wonder how her summer with her father will go. She seems to have a troubled past and I wonder what will happen after this quest.

Grover: Loved him. Reminded me of some of the people I knew in middle school and his character has to be one of my favourites in the series as far as I remember.

Hades: I won't lie I still picture the Disney version whenever this character is mentioned. I can't wait to see more of him. 

Poseidon: His description is amazing. I do wonder about his romance with Percy's mother and how his life will interact with Percy's.

Ares: As we all know, kind of a dink.

Zeus: This guy has the right to yell at people for fathering children... um, pardon you, sir.

Dionysus: Love the sass and lack of caring. Exactly what I expected from his character.

Luke: He makes for a kick ass villain I can't remember what his role plays throughout the series so I can't wait to read on and see him again. 


Favourite Lines:

Final Line: "I asked Argus to take me down to cabin three, so I could pack my bags for home."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnely

Title: Deep Blue
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Series/Standalone: Waterfire Saga (Book 1)
Pages: 340
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Year Published: 2014
First Line: "Deep in the black mountains, deep in the Romanian night, deep beneath the cold, dark waters of the ancient olt, the river witches sang."

"Serafina, daughter of Isabella, Queen of Miromara, has been raised with the expectation- and the burden- that she will someday become ruler of the oldest civilization of merfolk. On the eve of the Dokimi ceremony, which will determine if she is worthy of the crown, Sera is haunted by a strange dream that retells the return of an ancient evil. But her nightmare is forgotten the next day as she diligently practices her songspell; eagerly anticipates a reunion with her best friend, Neela; and anxiously worries about Mahdi, the crown prince of Matali, and whether his feelings toward her and their future betrothal have changed. Most of all, she worries about not living up to her mother's hopes.
The Dokomi proceeds. a dazzling display of majesty and might, until a shocking turn of events interrupts it: an assassin's arrow wounds Isabella. The realm falls into chaos, and Serafina's darkest premonitions are confirmed. Now she and Neela must embark on a quest to find the assassin's master and prevent a war between the mer nations. Their search will lead them to other mermaid heroines scattered across the six seas. Together they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world's very existence."

My Rating: 1.5/5

I don't think that I've ever given a rating that is this low so I'm going to explain before people get ticked off. I went into this book expecting a world of magic and girl power and I was left with juvenile characters and thoughts that seemed incomplete. I understand that this is the first in a series, but it seemed as though the author would come up with an idea and just throw it into the story without thinking through many ways to work it in so it flowed. I found that the flow of this book was off for me. I didn't care for the characters or for the world. I also found that the whole story just lacked a certain amount of magic. I will say that Jennifer Donnely's puns are on point. If you're in it only for the puns, you'll enjoy yourself. I will also mention that the characters felt extremely young to me. I understand that they are 16 for the most part but they seemed closer to 12 or 13 to me. So a younger audience may appreciate this book more.
Needless to say, I don't plan on continuing the series at this moment. 
I would recommend thsi to a middle grade audience for sure.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Deep Blue by Jennifer Donnelly

So it's only the beginning of the year and I've already found a book that just wasn't for me. Off to a good start, aren't we? Anywho this story is the story of a princess mermaid who is one of 6 chosen ones. It speaks about girl power and attempts to create a magical underwater world. I did find that the history was in depth and interesting. I thought that that would carry throughout but it seemed to lack in the middle. I also found that the time line didn't seem to line up, it didn't flow as nicely as I had hoped. And here's what really got me down in this book, the characters were whiny and juvenile. 

Characters:
Seraphina: Whiny and under developed. I found that this character did not act her age and wasn't ready to take over much of anything. I did empathize that she lost so much, but she didn't seem to care the Neela had also lost so much with her.. Just agravating.

Neela: Her obsession with candy was cute at first but after time it was more frustrating than anything not to mention her slang. I don't have much else to say based on how little I really know about her from the writing style.

Ling: I'm sure they would really just stumble on this girl in the middle of nowhere that's fine.

Mahdi: She's going to end up with the bad party boy, in the end, won't she? I don't' even care to read to find out.


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "In the time to see Vraja pick up a rock and smash the mirror."


Just a quick note that these are only my opinions and I encourage everyone to make up their own minds about books. Even though this book was not for me, it doesn't mean that someone else wouldn't enjoy it.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny