Review: Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America by Jane Borden

Title: Cults Like Us

Author: Jane Borden

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, History

Pages: 304

Publisher: Atria

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook (Library)

"Since the Mayflower sidled up to Plymouth Rock, cult ideology- whether among the Mormons and Oneidans of old or LuLaRoe and NXIVM today- has been ingrained in the DNA of the United States. In this eye-opening book, Jane Borden argues that we got this way because we always were.

Puritan doomsday belief never went away; it just went secular and became American culture. From our fascination with cowboys and superheroes to our undying love for capitalism and violence, and our obsessions with advertising, hard work, and self-help, the United States remains a breeding ground for cult-like thinking. With compelling insight, Borden uncovers the American history you didn't get in school, including how these ideas still brainwash us today and make us a nation of easy marks for con artists and strong men. Along the way, she highlights some of the most infamous cults in this country- including the Branch Davidians and Love Has Won- as integral parts of our psyche and reflections of their times."

My Rating: 3.5/5

As someone who often watches information about cults, I find their beginning fascinating. This book, much as the summary suggests, leans on America's history to help explain why certain cults grew in America, how day-to-day thinking can be led back to the Puritans, and how it relates to cult like thinking/ behaviour. I liked that the author was quick-witted and didn't just drone about the facts, but made jokes and used a dry sense of humour to keep the points connected. It did feel as though it dragged at certain points, but that could also be because I was listening to it on audio rather than reading it with my eyes. Would recommend if you're curious, but you may want to pick up a physical copy.

Sidny

Book Review: Just Between Us by Adeline Kon

Title: Just Between Us

Author: Adeline Kon

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novels, Sports, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 320

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2026

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, Lydia tries to fall back in love with figure skating without falling for her competition.

Lydia Chen knows how good she is on the ice. Technically perfect, she's been the one to beat since her debut years ago.

Except now, something is missing in her performances- a spark that's been gone for a while. Between the constant training, appealing to sponsors to fund her, and the pressure to perform, Lydia's passion for skating has disappeared.

When her rival Elaine Yee starts training at the same rink, Lydia's struck by the emotion in Elaine's routines and unwillingly finds herself getting closer to her as they compete for a spot in the Olympics.

As the tension between them comes to a head, Lydia's about to find out how a competitor can become an ally and figure out how to feel alive on the ice again."

My Rating: 3/5

This was a fun YA take on sports romance, but it felt a little disjointed. The characters were very clearly stereotypes, and while we started to see growth and changes, I wish that it had been more direct. It was hard to like Lydia throughout, and while she made an effort to change by the end, it wasn't enough for me. The art was gorgeous but it was maybe just a bit young for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: RE: Trailer Trash Vol. 1

Title: RE: Trailer Trash Vol. 1

Author: Alyssa Villaire & Yishan Li

Series/Standalone: RE:Trailer Trash (Book #1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Adult Fiction

Publisher: Vault Comics

Pages: 256

Year Published: 2026

Format: Paperback Copy (Library) 

"DO OVER. DO BETTER.

Tabitah Moore has lived a miserable life and being treated as "Trailer Trash Tabitha." But, after a mishap with an MRI, her mind is sent back to 1998 and into her 16-year-old-body. With her life now in front of her, maybe this is the chance to redo her life!

But is it so easy to change what you already lived through?

From the bestselling Webtoon Original, RE: Trailer Trash!

Sometimes all you need is a second chance."

My Rating: 5/5

This was a really great graphic novel to read in one sitting. I didn't realize at first it was a webtoon comic at all but it makes alot of sense. I look forward to reading the next installment. I also enjoyed the art style, the premise, etc. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Crash & Carnage by Emma Slate

Title: Crash & Carnage

Author: Emma Slate

Series/Standalone: Tarnished Angels Motorcycle Club (Book #2)

Genre: Dark Romance, Biker Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 436

Publisher: Indie Publishing

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook (Hoopla)

"Adderly 'Boxer' Ford is nothing like the men of my past.

He's an outlaw.

A criminal.

My opposite in every way.

I save lives.

He takes them.

I'm makeup and mink.

He's leather and ink.

I'm a fan of monogamy.

I'm not sure Boxer knows the definition of the word.

It's a bad idea to get mixed up with him and his motorcycle club. 

But when his lips meet mine, and his fingers plow through my hair, my desire for an orderly, safe life goes out the window.

In his bed, I discover passion.

With his club, I find a family.

In his arms, I am safe.

I don't belong in Boxer's world.

But when you fall for an Angel, you get a lot more than you bargain for."

My Rating: 5/5

This was too good. Not only was I thoroughly entertained, but I felt that it handled some of the issues I had with the first book. It was still a dark biker romance; it included even more dark details, but it felt more relatable. By relatable, I mean like a TV show I'd watch (ex. our fmc has more fire and spice to her than the first fmc).  I also felt that we got to see more of her personality, which made me like her and further explore what the other female characters, especially the Old Ladies, were like. I can't wait to read more by the author.

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #4)

Genre: Mystery, Cozy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 320

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls' weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are- seeing as it's actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero's childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car- it won't be all fun and games. When Finlay's ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride.

Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi's kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi's life. But that's not all- he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back.

But when they sneak into the loan shark's suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for- Marco's already dead. They don't have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike- and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he's a little too eager to keep her close to his side.

If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precious kids, her mother's marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero's missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she's done, or be forced to double down?"

My Rating: 3/5

This book wasn't all I wanted it to be. There were many parts that I felt were repetitive. I had a hard time keeping track of timing and what day we were on, as it felt like so much was happening in such a little amount of time. I then try to think about how many days it actually was, and I feel that I have no idea. I liked the inner relationships. I like certain scenes (the strip club especially), and I look forward to continuing on with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Scorpion and The Night Blossom by Amelie Wen Zhao

Title: The Scorpion and the Night Blossom

Author: Amelie Wen Zhao

Series/Standalone: The Three Realm Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Romantasy, Mythology

Pages: 400

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Year Published: 2025

Format: Physical (Library copy)

"In a world at war with demons, one girl will face the ultimate test when she is forced to enter into an ancient, deadly competition for the chance to save her mother's soul... before she loses her forever. From the New York Times bestselling author of Song of Silver, Flame Like Night comes the beginning of a dark and opulent fantasy duology, perfect for fans of Throne of Glass. 

Nine years ago, the war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers tore Àn’yīng’s family apart, leaving her mother barely alive and a baby sister to fend for. Now the mortal realm is falling into eternal night, and mó- beautiful, ravenous demons- roam the land, feasting on the flesh of humans and drinking their souls.

Àn’yīng is no longer a helpless child, though. Armed with her crescent blades and trained in the ancient art of practicioning, she has decided to enter the Immortality Trials, which are open to any mortal who can survive the journey to the immortal realm. Those who complete the Trials are granted a pill of eternal life- the one thing Àn’yīng knows can heal her dying mother. But to attain the prize, she must survive the competition.

Death is common in the Trials. Yet oddly, Àn’yīng finds that someone is helping her stay alive. A rival contestant. Powerful and handsome, Yù’chén is as secretive about his past as he is about his motives for protecting Àn’yīng.

The longer she survives the Trials, the clearer it becomes that all is not right in the immortal realm. To save her mother and herself, Àn’yīng will need to figure out whether she can truly trust the stranger she's falling for or if he's the most dangerous player of all... for herself and for all the realms."

My Rating: DNF

I made it about halfway through this book before admitting to myself that I wasn't loving it. I think that the author's writing style in this wasn't for me. I felt that I was being told a lot of things without a ton of illusion; it was like being told something from a monster manual as opposed to another method. That being said, I'm not sure what would have made it better for me. I'd be curious to try some of her other work and see how I feel, if it's the writing style or just the form of this storytelling for this one, for me. I might pick this one back up in the future, but for now, it's gonna be headed back to the library. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Touch of Malice by Scarlett St. Clair

Title: A Touch of Malice

Author: Scarlett St. Clair

Series/Standalone: Hades x Persephone Series (Book #3)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction, Mythology

Pages: 418

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook (Library)

"Persephone and Hades are engaged. In retaliation, Demeter summons a snowstorm that cripples New Greece, and refuses to lift the blizzard unless her daughter calls of her engagement. When the Olympians intervene, Persephone finds her future in the hands of ancient gods, and they are divided. Do they allow Persephone to marry Hades and go to war with Demeter or prohibit their union and take up arms against the God of the Dead? Nothing is certain but the promise of war."

My Rating: 4/5

This was such a great first read-through of this book. I loved the plot lines, the characters and the changes throughout. My only complaint would be that there was almost too much spice. I felt that it seemed to come out of nowhere at points where I thought we would be in a more plot-based storyline for a bit. I look forward to finishing this portion of the series soon.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Everything Vol. 2: Black Friday

Title: Everything Vol. 2: Black Friday

Author: Christopher Cantwell

Illustrator(s): I.N.J. Culbard, Steve Wands

Series/Standalone:

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror, Science Fiction, Adult

Pages: 128

Publisher: Berger Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Things in Holland, Michigan are stranger than ever: while some of the townspeople fall deeper into the mysteries of the disturbingly alluring and increasingly inescapable Everything mega-store, a growing array of renegade citizens form an underground resistance against its masters. Murky answers to bizarre questions finally surface... who, or what, is really in control of Everything... and why? Monstrous villains will be revealed, all out war will explode out in the parking lot, and deep beneath the store, the remaining few will venture forth into an unfathomable- maybe even inhuman- horizon as the American Dream gets derailed in a nightmarish turn."

My Rating: 1/5

I don't know why I expected this to be able to hit all the plot points that I hoped it would. This felt rushed and I was hoping for a bigger build-up of what was going on with this company, this town and this science fiction setting. It was not all I hoped.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Isolation by Dan Wells

Title: Isolation

Author: Dan Wells

Series/Standalone: Partials Sequence (Book # 0.5)

Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult, Novella

Pages: 75

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Year Published: 2012

Format: Ebook (Library)

"Two decades before the events of Partials, the world was locked in a different battle for survival: a global war for the last remaining oil reserves on the planet. It was for the Isolation War that the American government contracted the ParaGen Corporation to manufacture the Partials- our last hope in reclaiming energy independence from China. And it was on these fields of battle that the seeds of humanity's eventual destruction were sown.

Isolation takes us back to the front lines of this war, a time when mankind's ambition far outstripped its foresight. Heron, a newly trained Partial soldier who specializes in infiltration, is sent on a mission deep behind enemy lines. What she discovers there has far-reaching implications- not only for the Isolation War, but for Partials and humans alike long after this war is over."

My Rating:4/5

I should have read these in publication order because this really built on Heron as a character, I just don't think I realized what this novella was about and I couldn't find an audiobook for this one. I really loved seeing what made Heron who she is in the Partials series. I would have liked to see the part she played in the Partial War/Revolution though. If you have read the first one I beg of you to read this before starting the second one.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Everything Vol. 1

Title: Everything Volume 1

Author(s): Christopher Cantwell 

Artist(s):  INJ Culbard

Series/Standalone: Everything Series (Vol. 1)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Dystopian, 

Pages: 128

Publisher: Berger Books

Year Published: 2020

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Everything is a gleaming new mega-department store that has everything you want... but it might take away what you need... things like your sanity, or maybe even your life.

From wayward teens to lonely housewives and ambitious city officials, most in this otherwise-sleepy Michigan town are thrilled with the arrival of EVERYTHING and its catalog-perfect manager, Shirley.

But thrill turns to frenzy and when bouts of mania, random hellish fires, violent explosions and unshakeable psychic disturbances start to overtake the population, a few-like depressive out-of-towner Lori and a suspicious local named Rick- begin to suspect EVERYTHING might be the cause.

What twisted power has taken hold of Holland, Michigan and its town-folk? Who-or-what- exactly is in charge here and what insidious plans are in store?"

My Rating: 4/5

This was such an odd introduction to a series but it hooked me right away. A dystopian book about the greed of capitalism? Sign me up. I would strongly recommend if you want a little disturbing mixed with an odd feeling of familiarity, EVERYTHING may not be as it seems.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Cryptid Club by Sarah Andersen

Title: Cryptid Club

Author: Sarah Andersen

Series/Standalone:  Standalone

Genre: Comics, Coffee Table Book, Humor

Pages: 112

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2021

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Do you hate social gatherings? Dodge cameras? Enjoy staying up just a little too late at night? You might have more in common with your local cryptid than you think! Enter the world of Cryptid Club, a look inside the adventures of elusive creatures ranging from Mothman to the Loch Ness Monster. This humorous new series celebrates the unique qualities that make cryptids so desperately sought after by mankind (to no avail). After all, it's what makes us different that also makes us beautiful."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This one was fun but I wanted a bit more by the end. I think that while it was really cute there were some that were just a little too on the nose for me. Still a cute lil read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: These Are My Words by Ruby Slipperjack

Title: These Are My Words

Author: Ruby Slipperjack

Series/Standalone: Dear Canada Series 

Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade

Pages: 200

Publisher: Scholastic Canada

Year Published: 2016

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Violet Pesheen is struggling to adjust to her new life at Residential School. She misses her Grandma; she has run-ins with Cree girls; at her "white" school, everyone just stares; and everything she brought has been taken from her, including her name- she is now just a number. But worst of all, she has a fear. A fear of forgetting the things she treasures most: her Anishnabe language; the names of those she knew before; and her traditional customs. A fear of forgetting who she was. 

Her notebook is the one place she can record all of her worries, and heartbreaks, and memories. And maybe, just maybe there will be hope at the end of the tunnel. 

Drawing from her own experiences at Residential School, Ruby Slipperjack creates a brave, yet heartbreaking heroine in Violet, and lets young readers glimpse into an all-too important chapter in our nation's history."

My Rating: 5/5

When I was younger I would frequently read the Dear Canada series and seeing that they have expanded the series to encompass some of Canada's less than shining moments interested me. For those who do not know Residential Schools were a cultural genocide planned to eradicate the Indigenous cultures in Canada. While we know some of the things that happened in these horrible environments we will never know all of the stories from these terrible environments. I wanted to read this to proof it for the school-age class in the childcare centre I work at. I would highly recommend reading this as it gives a look at the generational trauma that Residential Schools gave to the Indigenous people in Canada.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Oddball by Sarah Andersen

Title: Oddball

Author: Sarah Andersen

Series/Standalone: Sarah Scribbles (Book #4)

Genre: Comic, Young Adult, Coffee Table Book

Pages: 105

Publisher: Andrew McMeel Publishing

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The fourth book in the enormously popular graphic novel series, the latest collection of Sarah's Scribbles comics explores the evils of procrastination, the trials of the creative process, the cuteness of kittens and the beauty of not caring about your appearance as much as you did when you were younger. When it comes to humorous illustrations of the awkwardness and hilarity of millennial life, Sarah's Scribbles is without peer."

My Rating: 5/5

This has been my favourite so far in this little collection. They are fun, and they help us feel seen in our day-to-day lives. Fun, hilarious and overall enjoyable!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

Title: Big Mushy Happy Lump

Author: Sarah Andersen

Series/Standalone: Sarah Scribbles (Book #2)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Comics, Coffee table book

Pages: 128

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Year Published:2017

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Sarah Andersen's second comic collection picks up right where the first left off- huddled under a pile of blankets avoiding the responsibilities of the real world. These new comics (and illustrated personal essays!) follow the ups and downs of the unrelenting self-esteem roller coaster that is young adult life: budgeting woes, cramps, the nuances of sweater theft and the joy of staying home all day with a box of pizza. All aboard."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really liked this collection of comics, I have been following this author's Instagram for some time and then came across this collection at my local library. It was the perfect way to wind down and have a few giggles after a long day. Would recommend. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

Title: The Prince and The Dressmaker

Author: Jen Wang

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy,

Pages: 277

Publisher: First Second

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Library)

"Paris, at the dawn of the modern age:

Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride- or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia- the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!

Sebastian's secret weapon is his brilliant dressmaker, Frances- his best friend and one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone's secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect her friend?

Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, are, and family. A fairy tale for any age."

My Rating: 5/5

This was a perfect refresher of a graphic novel for me. It was light, it was fun, but it also had a beautiful coming-of-age story. The way the artist tells the story is beautiful and the ending had me smiling. I would gladly read something else by the author. A perfect palate cleanser for an older audience or a coming-of-age story for young adults. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny