Book Review: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Title: Heartless

Author: Mariss Meyer

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Retelling, Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 453

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"Long before she was the terror of Wonderland the infamous Queen of Hearts she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next queen.

Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the king and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship. Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

In her first stand-alone teen novel, the New York Times bestselling author dazzles us with a prequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."

My Rating: 4/5

 At this time I have read the vast majority of this author's works.  I just don't think they are for me. I find that while they are ok, I just don't connect with the characters, or the writing style the way everyone else seems to. And that's ok. That being said, this was maybe my favourite book that I've read from here. I really enjoyed the adaptations she made to the world and how she humanizes someone who is viewed frequently as a villain. I often find myself drawn to prequels especially ones that are centred around what makes the villain in the main series and this was no different. The cast of characters was both unique and familiar, which made it easier to connect with them and feel for them. A negative aspect of the plot was the emphasis on weight. I understand that we're supposed to understand why the character might not get along with her mother but can we please have a relationship between mother and daughter that isn't look/weight centred? Overall, while a long story, it was enjoyable. I would strongly recommend the audiobook if it is available to you as the accents and voices used by the narrator helped suck me into the story.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Supernova by Marissa Meyer

Title: Supernova
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: Renegades Series (Book #3)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 552
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2019
Format: Audiobook

"All's fair in love and anarchy...

The epic conclusion to Marissa Meyer's thrilling Renegades Trilogy finds Nova and Adrian fighting to keep their identities secret. While the battle rages on between their alter egos and their allies, there is a darker threat shrouding Gatlon City.

The Renegades' worst enemy is back among them, threatening to reclaim Gatlon City. Nova and Adrian must brave lies and betrayal to protect those they love. Their greatest fears are about to come to life and unless they can bridge the divide between heroes and villains, they stand to lose everything. Including each other.

Intrigue and action will leave readers on edge until the final shocking secrets are revealed."

My Rating: 2.75/5

This book was doing so well for me in the first half and then after that, I was just upset by how corny things were turning out. I sometimes wish that YA authors wouldn't go for the happy ending. Like I feel like some of the things that happened were ruined by the fact that they were almost immediately fixed or remedied. It was frustrating to watch. Something that really saved some of this series for me was the side characters. Specifically Simon/Dreadwarden and Oscar. I also really enjoyed Honey more than I should have. The final twist also impressed me so I had to bump this up a little bit from my original rating of 2.5. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Archenemies by Marissa Meyer

Title: Archenemies
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: Renegades Trilogy (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 560
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2018
Format: Audiobook 

"The Renegades Trilogy continues, in this fiercely awaited second installment after the New York Times- bestselling Renegades by Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles.

Time is running out.
Together, they can save the world.
But they each other's worst nightmare.

In Renegades, Nova and Adrian (aka Insomnia and Sketch) fought the battle of their lives against the Anarchist known as the Detonator. It was a short-lived victory.

The Anarchists still have a secret weapon, one Nova believes will protect her. The Renegades also have a strategy for overpowering the Anarchists, but both Nova and Adrian understand that it could mean the end of Gatlon City- and the world- as they know it."

My Rating: 4.25/5

I was unsure whether or not I would enjoy this installment in the series. I was just ok with the first one, but couldn't shake the way it reminded me of other superhero work that I'd read in the past. That being said, the last book I read physically but finished with the audiobook. I knew that the audiobook helped me keep the characters straight and helped me to better enjoy the story. I really enjoyed this story. I think that the exploration of good and evil is always interesting and this novel is no exception. I enjoyed getting to know more of the characters and beginning to understand more of the changes in the city over time. I think the history of the city is a real highlight in this second book. I can't wait to listen to the third book and look forward to seeing how the characters intertwine in the last novel. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Of Neptune by Anna Banks

Title: Of Neptune
Author: Anna Banks
Series/Standalone: The Syrena Legacy (Book #3)
Genre: Paranormal, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 330
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2014
Format: Audiobook

"Emma, who is half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together. Alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma's grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.

Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn't sign up to the be peacemakers between the ocean-living Syrena and the land-dwelling, freshwater counterparts. They didn't bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn't expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love, but their ocean kingdoms.

In this stunning conclusion to her bestselling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I'm excited that I was able to finish this series so quickly and won't lie that it was a bit of a guilty pleasure. The romance is cheesy and the plot lines are at some points corny but that being said it's still a fun read. At some points, I was fully intrigued and cheering on the romance that we'd experienced throughout the other books. That being said, it was easy to see how this series can be considered corny and over the top. Overall it was enjoyable and look forward to reading other works by the author in the future.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller

Title: Daughter of the Siren Queen
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series/Standalone: Daughter of the Pirate King (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 341
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year Published: 2018
Format: Audiobook

"Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father's justice.

When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first... after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen."

My Rating: 5/5

I have recently reread the first book in this series and was on the wait list for the audiobook for this one. I was not disappointed at all. This duology is one of my favourites and I can't suggest it enough for lovers of pirates and a well-done romance. I especially love the audiobook.s This series has one of my favourite romances in YA. It's a slow burn will they or won't they that keeps you gripped. Along with the plot that has twists,  adventures including rival pirates, sirens and the sea herself there is never a dull moment in Tricia Levenseller's writing. I can't wait to read more of her works and will never forget the romance in this story. It was everything for me and I plan to purchase physical copies as soon as possible!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Of Triton by Anna Banks

Title: Of Triton
Author: Anna Banks
Series/Standalone: The Syrena Legacy (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 246
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook

"Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she's a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half-Breeds should be put to death.

As if that's not bad enough, her mother's reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms- Poseidon and Triton- against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen's request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? or should she risk it all and reveal herself- and her Gift- to save the people she's never known?

Once again, Anna Banks infuses Emma and Galen's points of view humor, intrigue and waves of romance."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This book was surprising to me. I thought that it would be more of a reintroduction to the Syrena world with the help of Emma's mom. Rather this story was about the disruptions in Syrena society and how the changing world effects the ancients below the surface. I liked the story overall but there were times where it was too corny at the wrong times. The end did hit hard and I was grateful that the author took this part of the story seriously. I'm excited to complete the series over the next few weeks.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Title: Of Poseidon
Author: Anna Banks
Series/Standalone: The Syrena Legacy (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 324
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2012
Format: Audiobook

"Galen is the prince of the Syrena, sent to land to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. Emma is on vacation at the beach. When she runs into Galen- literally, ouch!- both teens sense a connection. But it will take several encounters, including a deadly one with a shark, for Galen to be convinced of Emma's gift. Now, if he can only convince Emma that she holds the key to his kingdom...

Told from both Emma and Galen's points of view, here is a fish-out-of-water story that sparkles with intrigue, humor, and waves of romance."

My Rating: 4/5

This book was something that I couldn't have imagined. I was surprised to enjoy listening to it so much. It was everything that I wanted from a paranormal romance. Mermaids, sarcasm, sexual tension and most importantly a mystery that will change the main characters life. I loved the characters and both the fantastical elements and the realistic ones. I can't wait to continue the series and see where the characters go. Especially after the final twist?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Reread Thoughts: Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILERS

Title: Daughter of the Pirate King
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series/Standalone: Daughter of the Pirate King Duology (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 311
Publisher: Feiwel Friends
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook

"There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I've gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map- the key to a legendary treasure trove- seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship.

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King."

New Rating: 5/5 

So this is my second time listening to the audiobook and it was just as good as I remember. I was in the mood for something fun and this always delivers. It has a great romance, a fun cast of characters, the setting and the premise. This whole story is amazing and I really enjoy the mythological elements of the story. I can't wait to continue on with this series and plan to add it to my physical collection soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Renegades by Marissa Meyer

Title: Renegades
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: Renegades Series (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 552
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook (For the last 2/3s)

"Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies- humans with extraordinary abilities- who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone... except the villains they once overthrew.

Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice- and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both."

My Rating: 3/5

A few years ago this was one of the most hyped books on booktube and in the book community. And I gotta say, I just don't think that I understand where all the hype came from. As someone who generally enjoys Marvel and DC movies, I was so excited about the idea of a superhero YA book. That being said, I had some problems with this story that I also have in a superhero movie (for example disguises that just don't make sense to me or wouldn't modify a person's voice). But I also for other reasons (why does every YA anything have to have a romance). I was left with some lingering questions, but I'm not sure if it's enough for me to want to continue the series. I will be taking some time to decide whether I will be listening to the next book on audio this year (spoiler: probably not unless I run out of other audiobooks). 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Renegades by Marrisa Meyer

I'm a pretty big fan of most Marvel movies. Let's start by saying that. When one comes out I usually either go to see it or binge watch a series (all the Iron Man movies, etc). I was so excited to hear about the premise of this book and even more excited when Gee from Bookroast said she would be reading this book for her book in a jar.
And that's about it. 
This story wasn't what I hoped it to be and I had some issues with some aspects of the story. For example, why doesn't anyone recognize anyone else's voice? Is anyone ever suspicious of the new girl looking into weapons and armoury on her first day? Why must every YA have a romance? Was one of our main characters unreliable?

Characters:
Nova: I liked her perspective. The battle between what was right and wrong in her head was interesting especially seeing how she grew up. I was also curious about where her allegiance may lie over time due to her budding (barf) relationship with Adrian. I wasn't surprised when she pulled the trigger, because she has good instinct, I was more surprised with her meeting Ace at the end of the story.

Adrian: The Sentinel is stupid. I'm just saying it. It's an unpracticed superhero sucking at what he does. All he ever seems to do is mess up. Also what about his mom and dad? I'm guessing Max was used on her first before she "fell" to her death. 

The Detonator: Being cooped up underground clearly did her no favors and the ideas that she had might have worked if she wasn't the stereotypical gloating villain. Just do your shit and get it over with.

Max: He is who I want to know about. Does he know what they are going to use his blood for? Would he agree to it? Where did he get all his abilities and does he believe everything he hears about his parents from the council?

Ace: When will he strike and why didn't he just kind of convince Nova that he was still alive? I'm guessing that he was behind the attack on her family due to her dad saying that the Renegades would come, Ace wouldn't have liked that shit one bit.

Captain Chromium: I just can't with this guy. His name. His look. Everything other than his wholesome family is too much for me.

Dread Warden: Far more likeable in my book. I felt like he was more compassionate to those around him. Even those he wasn't related to.

Ruby: She's ok. Obviously, she will be getting together with Oscar in the new future. Yay more budding romance that isn't necessary.

Leopold: I like him. I like his car. His use of vocabulary and the fact that he's just overall poisonous. Pretty dope.

Honey: Stereotypical female villain. Is "vain" and thinks about her self also has some natural element to her. Just wish she could have conjured huge birds instead.

Oscar: I liked his rep and that he wasn't a pushover. He was able to hold his own and was just like everyone else.

Book Review: Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Title: Daughter of the Pirate King
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series/Standalone: Daughter of the Pirate King (Book #1)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Pirates
Pages: 311
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2017
Format: Audiobook

"There will be plenty of time for me to beat him soundly once I've gotten what I came for.

Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map- the key to a legendary treasure trove- seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship

More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate, Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really loved this book and was glad to be able to get a copy of it through OverDrive for the Scally-Wag-A-Thon. I loved the concept, but the story itself blew me away. The use of mythological creatures and pirate fantasy was incredible to listen and the narrator blew the story out of the water (haha). I loved the use of pirate language and the different accents that are added to the audiobook and would definitely recommend listening to this story if you haven't already read it. I'm excited to read the second book and see where our story goes.
Overall, loved it!

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller

Hey guys, so I'm doing a thing this week. A thing called the Scally-Wag-A-Thon readathon. And while originally my TBR for this week-long read-a-thon did not have any pirate books, I was able to get a copy of this just in time for the reading to begin. 
I loved this story. The plot, the characters, the setting all of it was incredible to me. The use of accents in the audiobook and the change of pace that was adopted in this addition as well.
This book was a quick listen and I was addicted after the first sentence. I will certainly be reading the second book in this series (? Duology?) as soon as it's available in Overdrive from my library.

Characters:
Alosa: She is bad ass and she knows it. She's not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and her crew. I loved that her crew was mostly female badasses who were willing to do anything for their captain. Her childhood would have been rough though, especially with her dad loving her under condition.

Riden: I loved his attitude towards Alosa and the way that he respected her even though she was a prisoner. Ok, maybe a little more than respect. I think that this book just really instilled the hot pirate stereotype. And I did not mind.

Draxen: This sick dude was a lot to handle. I wonder how he will deal with being locked in the brig and under Alosa's control. 

Vordan: He's smarter than he looks. The way he uses one of his crewmates to intimidate him and experiment on Alosa. That was a crazy smart move.

The Pirate King: I hope we see more of him in the coming book and his relationship with Alosa's mother. He was brave (or stupid) to give into her as a siren queen but in the end he was granted a daughter/heir.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Winter by Marissa Meyer

Title: Winter
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: The Lunar Chronicles (Book #4)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Retelling
Pages: 827
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2015
Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)
First Line: "Winter's toes had become ice cubes."

"Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mark her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

Winter despises her stepmother, and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend-- the handsome palace guard, Jacin. but Winter isn't as weak as Levana believes her to be and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long.

Can Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, and Winter defeat Levana and find their happily ever afters? Fans will not want to miss this thrilling conclusion to Marissa Meyer's national bestselling Lunar Chronicles series."

My Rating: 4/5

I've heard so many good things about this series and I wonder if the hype didn't really do me any favours. I found that this series was really entertaining and creative with the use of fairy tales. That being said, it didn't blow me out of the water. I think that this conclusion was beautiful, although a bit long. I understand that all the aspects of the story we had to follow were important but by halfway through I was wondering how much more could be thrown into this last book. That being said I do love the majority of the characters and I enjoyed the idea of living in space. I'm interested in reading more work from Marissa Meyer but I don't think that I'll be reading Stars Above anytime soon. It just doesn't hold a high appeal to me. Overall I enjoyed the series and the plot line, it was just so hyped that I felt a little bit let down. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Winter by Marissa Meyer

One goal I have this year is to finish out series that I start and to marathon them when I can and enjoy them. This one has been a long time coming and after Cress, I wasn't sure what to expect. Overall I really enjoyed the characters and the setting in this installment. That being said, I found that the plot was a little lacklustre at some points. I just didn't seem to feel the urgency that I should have felt while reading the second half of the book. That being said, I think that Marissa Meyer is super creative with her retellings and the way that she uses things from the original fairy tales. 

Characters:
Winter: I think that she was an interesting character to hear from. Especially based on her choice not to use her gift. I was interested in her madness and how quickly she could spiral. I also wonder about after the war and where her thoughts went. I loved her characters and I wish that we would have heard a little more about her upbringing with Levana.

Jacin: His loyalty to Winter throughout this story is so impressive. Also his restraint in keeping himself from telling her how he felt. I liked the element of wanting something he couldn't have. It made their romance so much more than guard and princess. 

Levana: She is a good freaking villain. She's crazy and selfish but seriously thinks that she is doing right by her people by making the choices she does. A fantastically written villain. 

Cinder: I was most proud of her last decision to adequate the throne at some point. After all, she didn't really want to be a ruler she wanted to give the people of Luna freedom. She succeeded in the goal and plans to give them a more secure future with her decision.

Kai: I still think that he's a little bland. Too much a just kind of there to hold off the villain which I understand but not my favourite male character by far. 

Thorne: Thorne grew a lot on me in this book especially after Cress is left behind. His urge to get back to her broke my heart. I also enjoyed the way he reacted to trying to tell her how he felt. Even after he just stabbed her. I also loved that at the wedding he told that Lunar he loved her because he thought that she was Cress. My heart hurt as we watched their relationship grow. 

Cress: Another character who grew on me as she got more confident in her abilities. She was willing to risk herself for the good of all, which I felt is something she lacked in the 3rd book. I also think that her romance with Thorne was better fleshed out in the finale.

Scarlet: Still my favourite female character. She's badass and she doesn't take shit from anybody. She's willing to fight for those she loves and those she just started to get to know (Winter). I think that her storyline and romance is the real reason I finished the series. And possibly the only reason for me to continue with Stars Above.

Wolf: Probably not a surprise but my favourite male character as well. His romance with Scarlet was so perfectly executed in this storyline. The way he changes and is still himself underneath it all. I also loved that he was willing to let Scarlet go if she wanted, even though it would likely break him. I also just think that he was hot. Not even gonna lie he has so many amazing qualities.

Iko: I'm not a huge fan of her but I don't hate her either. She was ok for me to read from, especially as she was not affected by glamours. I understand that she had a different personality than the average AI, but I'm not interested in reading Wires and Nerve just yet.


Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "She held her foot over the water and let go."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Title: Fairest
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: The Lunar Chronicles (Book #3.5)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction
Pages: 220
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year Published: 2015
Format: Physical Copy (Own It)
First Line: "She was lying on a burning pyre, hot coals beneath her back."

"Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Who is the Fairest of them all?
Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her 'glamour' to gain power. but long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet and Cress, Levana lived a very different story- a story that has never been told... until now."

My Rating: 2.5/5

I'd heard alot of mixed reviews about this installment in the Lunar Chronicles and unfortunately I just didn't love it. I know that this story is written to further explore why Levana is the way she is, but I just didn't like it. I think that this story explores a different side of Levana but I felt strongly that it was trying to justify Levana's choices, which I just wasn't ok with. That being said, it did open the door to Princess Winter for the Fourth book. I'm looking forward to finishing the series and exploring Winter's p.o.v from Luna.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Fairest by Marissa Meyer

Unfortunately this is my least favorite book of the series so far. I understand the purpose of the story and why it's important to further understand Levana as a villain, but this story seemed to be trying to justify her actions towards those around her. And it just didn't seem to make sense to me. Yes she'd lived a tough life and had been assualted by her sister, but that didn't mean she had the right to manipulate everyone around her. If anything it just showed that her mental health probably wasn't in the best place as she was able to justify everything she "had" to do. 

Characters:
Levana: I think that she just wasn't able to trust those around her and believe that anyone would love her for who she really was which is just a shame. I also think that the fact that she was able to justify her horrible actions just shows how much of villain she really is.

Winter: I think that she is going to be a huge part of the next story and I wonder about her sanity as well just based on the way we've seen her throughout the series.

Selene: To be punished just for being a child of someone who was cruel is ridiculous.

Evret: To be forced into a marriage and into sharing a bed with someone is horrible. Especially after trying to be supportive in the kindest way. I don't know how he was able to live his life with her knowing that she was using his dead wifes face. It's horrifying to think about.

Channary: She was undoubtedly cruel, and I wonder what her reasoning for her actions toward Levana were. Why would you put your younger sister in a fire. That's madness. I can't say that I'm sorry she met her death. 

Sol: I loved her and she was a sweet woman, and at least she didn't die at Levana's hand.


Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "Here is what I think of love."

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: The Lunar Chronicles (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 454
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2013
Format: Physical Copy (Own it)
First Line: "Scarlet was descending toward the alley behind the Rieux Tavern when her portscreen chimed from the passenger seat, followed by an automated voice: 'Commm received for Mademoiselle Scarlet Benoit from the Toulouse Law Enforcement Department of Missing Persons."

"Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling instalment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner."

My Rating: 4.5/5

So this book has been a long time coming for me to read. I finally had the chance to binge read this book this weekend. Overall I loved the way the story introduced new characters and a slightly different plot. But it still manages to keep our older characters close, and is able to connect these characters together. I loved the way the story line morphed and the new characters we got a chance to meet in this installment.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

This book was so much better than I thought it would be. When I first started reading and realized that this book was from a different perspective. I thought that we wouldn't really connect with Cinder and the rest of the story. That being said, Scarlet might be my favorite character throughout this series so far. I also loved exploring different parts of this new style world. France as a dystopian and changed country was a interesting to see and experience. I also enjoyed the one chapter from Levana's perspective.

Characters:
Scarlet: I really love Scarlet. I think she's sassy, loyal, a go getter. She does what she needs to do to help those around her. I also like how critical she was of people around her (for the most part). She's a badass and I hope we see more of her in the next book. 

Wolf: I also really liked him and Scarlet together. I'm not sure how popular that opinion is, but I don't care. I do wonder what he was taken from and turned into. The way he said, he remembered who he really was. I do wonder if maybe these wolf people are shells. 

Kai: I'm not overly impressed with him but he's making the choices he can with the bartering tools he has. That being said, he knows that Levana is going to take over the country one way or another.

Cinder: I liked how she was exploring her powers and learning what she was capable of. I also appreciated her exploring her past and learning more about herself. I'm curious to see where her story line will go. 

Thorne: I like him. He's sassy and he's a huge flirt which I'm on board with. Hopefully he finds someone to hang out with and who has the same sense of flirtation that he does.

Iko: She needs a different body. She's a bad ass ship, but what if she gets shot or something! Ugh.

Levana: I'm excited to see stories from her perspective and learn more about the reason she is the way she is.



Moments to Remember:

Final Line: "'And then I'm going to stop hiding.'"

Thanks for reading,
Sidny