Book Review: The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey

Title: The Infinite Sea

Author: Rick Yancey

Series/Standalone: The 5th Wave Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 320

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile 

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook

"How do you rid the Earth of seven billion humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.

Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben and Ringer are forced to confront the Others' ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.

Cassie and her friends haven't seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate."

My Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this second volume I think it leant to how diabolical it is. I think that the cliffhanger was amazing and I was glad to continue the series. I've already started the final book in the series. The characters are decently dynamic as well as the plot being fast moving. I thought that it was super fun and would recommend science fiction throwbacks.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Map of Fates by Maggie Hall

Title: Map of Fates
Author: Maggie Hall
Series/Standalone: The Conspiracy of Us Series (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Mystery
Pages: 309
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Year Published: 2016
Format: Audiobook

"Two weeks.

That's how long it took for Avery West's ordinary life to change forever: in two weeks, she discovered she was heiress to a powerful secret society known as the Circle, learned her mother was taken hostage by the Circle's enemies and fell for a boy she's not allowed to love, just as she found out another was her unwelcome destiny. 

Now, Avery crosses oceans in private jets to hunt for clues that will uncover the truth about the Circle, setting her mom and herself free before it's too late. by her side are both the boys: Jack- steady, loyal and determined to help her even at the expense of his own duty- and Stellan, whose connection to Avery grows stronger by the day despite her best intentions, making her question what she believes at every turn.

But at the end of a desperate hunt from the islands of Greece to the red carpet at Cannes comes a discovery that not only changes everything but could bring the whole world to its knees. And now Avery is forced to face the truth: in the world of the Circle, no one is what they seem."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This was a step up from the first book in the series, but I still don't understand the hype. It's easy listening for when I'm going to the gym or getting ready to go to work, but other than that it's just not for me. I've also gotten to a point where I'm too far in to quit and I might as well finish the series. I don't really know where we're going to go from here and I don't love the story arch but I might as well finish the series at this point. Overall would not recommend unless you are new to YA. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Reread Thoughts: The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall

Title: The Conspiracy of Us
Author: Maggie Hall
Series/Standalone: The Conspiracy of Us (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 324
Publisher: Putnam Juvenille 
Year Published: 2015
Format: Audiobook

"Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a new war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle- beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as the clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family- but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with."

My Rating: 2/5

I remember now why when I couldn't find an audiobook sequel I didn't go out of my way to continue the series. This book came out in 2015 which had a very certain style of writing and this definitely fit it. If anything I felt like it was written as an early 2010s book as well. That being said, I have found an audiobook of the second and third book, therefore I plan to read the rest of the series while I"m working out at the gym. I'm curious to see where the relationships in this series go and what other secrets we will unveil about the world.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Title: Champion
Author: Marie Lu
Series/Standalone: Legend Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Young Adult
Pages: 369
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook

"He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?

June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic- and each other- and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government's elite circles as the Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position.

But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic's border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country's defence. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything.

With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu's bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion."

My Rating: 4.5/5

Possibly my favorite book in the series overall. I really enjoyed the storyline and the change in our characters. Hearing about how the world is changing and how the characters emotions towards the government and each other have grown. I really loved the changes in settings and the expansion of the world. The audiobooks narrators did a wonderful job at telling the story and portraying the characters emotions.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Champion by Marie Lu

This series threw me for a loop. The characters, the setting and the romance was interesting to me, to say the least. I really enjoyed the characters change in pace and the way they were pulled apart. I also loved seeing other parts of the world. Antartica was amazing to see, and an interesting concept. The romance grew on me a lot. At first, I thought it was unnecessary but the more the romance was proved to me the more I wanted to fight for it.

Characters:
Day: I loved how his character handled things. I would do the same. It's easier to leave people behind without them ever knowing than telling them something that would break their heart. I was also glad that he took time to grow into himself, but it was heartbreaking to see that he didn't remember June for so long.

June: I think that she grew alot in this story. She had to understand the politics of the world, and she tried to be with someone other than Day and it just wasn't meant to be. She is an amazing character and I would be interested in a prequel story. 

Anden: I didn't appreciate how he was so much like his father at some points in the story. I think he did what he thought was right. Although he and June didn't work out, I'm sure he would find someone else willing to be with him.

Eden: His ability to put others first was unmatched throughout this story. Even though he knew it would put him in danger he was willing to be experimented on again for the greater good.

Tess: I'm glad that she grew up and we got to see her as a more mature adult. I strongly appreciated it.

Book Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Title: Prodigy 
Author: Marie Lu
Series/Standalone: Legend Series (Book #2)
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Romance
Pages: 371
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook

"Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother in an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots- a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?"

My Rating: 4/5

I think that this book was a serious improvement on the first installment. I loved the audiobook and the narrators chosen for the two main characters. This story really follows the idea of betrayal and what you believe in in the world. Not only to mention the idea that most are morally grey. I really enjoyed the different settings as well as the diverse points of view in this series. I can't wait to continue this series and see where it takes our characters in a different kind of revolution than expected.

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Prodigy by Marie Lu

I was totally prepared to give up on this series based on the use of romance in the first installment but this book just really made me wonder about the world and the characters. I'm curious about where everyone will end up and how the colonies became the way they are. I'm really interested to see how June and Day manage to get through his announcement and how she will find out about his illness.

Characters: 
Day: I liked his story arch more near the end of this novel, mostly because of his super intense emotions that he felt for June. It seemed like his love for her was being forced, it just didn't seem natural at all. It was unfortunate. But the more I read, the more I was ok with how the character's relationship developed. I was disappointed in the way he handled his situation with Tess. 

June: I still think that she's a total badass, but I just couldn't relate to how she didn't understand what it was like to poor. It was like she just opened her mouth and shouted repeatedly "I was rich. I'm rich. RICH!" After she saw how the colonies were, I think that it really opened her eyes, that the grass is rarely greener, if anything it's about the same.

Thomas: His character changes was also something I wasn't ready for. The idea that he was gay and wasn't able to show his love for Metais was heartbreaking. But then seeing that he was ordered to kill his potential lover, damn it hit hard. I'm curious to see if he comes into play again after Day and June switched sides.

Tess: Man that friendzone was pretty rough.

Kaede: I was surprised how upset I was that she died. She gave up everything to save the Patriots and the Republic. To give the people another chance at life.

Razor: He was suspicious but I didn't expect him to be working in conjunction with the Senate. After hearing this though, many of my feelings of suspicion were justified.

Anden: I'm wondering what is going to happen during his reign. Will his affection for June ruin his chance of ruling without feel, or will he turn against the people if she rejects him.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: The Conspiracy of Us by Maggie Hall

Title: The Conspiracy of Us
Author: Maggie Hall
Series/ Stand Alone: The Conspiracy of Us (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Romance
Pages: 330
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile 
Year Published: 2015
Format: Audiobook

"A fast-paced international escapade, laced with adrenaline, glamour, and romance- perfect for fans of Ally Carter.

Avery West's newfound family can shut down Prada when they want to shop in peace, and can just as easily order a bombing when they want to start a war. Part of a powerful and dangerous secret society called the Circle, they believe Avery is the key to an ancient prophecy. Some want to use her as a pawn. Some want her dead.

To unravel the mystery putting her life in danger, Avery must follow a trail of clues from the monuments of Paris to the back alleys of Istanbul with two boys who work for the Circle- beautiful, volatile Stellan and mysterious, magnetic Jack. But as clues expose a stunning conspiracy that might plunge the world into World War 3, she discovers that both boys are hiding secrets of their own. Now she will have to choose not only between freedom and family-- but between the boy who might help her save the world, and the one she's falling in love with."

My Rating: 3/5

So I got this book on audio because my boyfriend was home for the week and I knew I wasn't going to have time to read physical books and that I'd be commuting a lot. I started this book feeling like it would be a quick "read" and an interesting one. I did like this book. I think that the plot was interesting, but the writing lacked some oomph. I thought that for the most part, the characters were interesting, but I definitely had a favourite right from the start. This book is definitely one to read if you're looking for a love triangle style adventure book. I will be continuing the series for the character that I do like. 

Thanks for reading,
Sidny