Book Review: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

Title: Parable of the Sower

Author: Octavia E. Butler

Series/Standalone: Earthseed Duology (Book #1)

Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, Dystopia

Pages:  345

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Year Published: 1993

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"In 2024, with the world descending into madness and anarchy, one woman begins a fateful journey toward a better future.

Lauren Olamina and her family live in one of the only safe neighborhoods remaining on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Behind the walls of their defended enclave, Lauren's father, a preacher, and a handful of other citizens try to salvage what remains of a culture that has been destroyed by drugs, disease, war and chronic water shortages. While her father tries to lead people on the righteous path, Lauren struggles with hyperempathy, a condition that makes her extraordinary sensitve to the pain of others.

When fire destroys their compound, Lauren's family is killed, and she is forced out into a world that is fraught with danger. With a handful of other refugees, Lauren must make her way north to safety, along the way conceiving a revolutionary idea that may mean salvation for all mankind."

My Rating: 2.5/5

I was interested in this book as it was a book that came recommended after The Handmaid's Tale. I can see why people recommend it, it has similar narration styles, the dystopian aspects etc. That being said, this book wasn't what I expected. It spent a lot of time setting up the world, and then the end of the book felt a little rushed to me. That being said, I do plan to try the next book on audio. 

Sidny

Book Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Title: Dungeon Crawler Carl

Author: Matt Dinniman

Series/Standalone: Dungeon Crawler Carl Series (Book #1)

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Adult Fiction, Adventure, Humour

Pages: 464

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2020

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"The apocalypse will be televised!

A man. His ex-girlfriend's cat. A sadistic game show unlike anything in the universe: a dungeon crawl where survival depends on killing your prey in the most entertaining way possible.

In a flash, every human-erected construction on Earth- from Buckingham Palace to the tiniest of sheds- collapses in a heap, sinking into the ground.

The buildings and all the people inside have all been atomized and transformed into the dungeon: an 18-level labyrinth filled with traps, monsters, and loot. A dungeon so enormous, it circles the entire globe.

Only a few dare venture inside. But once you're in, you can't get out. And what's worse, each level has a time limit. You have but days to find a staircase to the next level down, or it's game over. In this game, it's not about your strength or your dexterity. It's about your followers, your views. Your clout. It's about building an audience and killing those goblins with style.

You can't just survive here. You gotta survive big.

You gotta fight with vigor, with excitement. You gotta make them stand up and cheer. And if you do have that 'it' factor, you may just find yourself with a following. That's the only way to truly survive the game- with the help of the loot boxes dropped upon you by the generous benefactors watching from across the galaxy."

My Rating: 4/5

My husband and I have decided to do buddy reads once every couple of months. It keeps us reading, inspires conversation and helps limit our blue light before bed. This was his pick for this one, and I had heard a lot of the series from friends. I'm gonna say really quick that this book is geared towards video game players, which makes a lot of sense due to the title, description, etc. I would also say that it has a cruder sense of humour, which I appreciate. Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I would have liked to cut some of it back, maybe a little, but I did have fun reading it. We plan to read the next one as soon as we get a library hold in.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Title: The Handmaid's Tale

Author: Margaret Atwood

Series/Standalone: The Handmaid's Tale Series (Book #1)

Genre: Classics, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Pages: 320

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Year Published: 1985

Format: Paperback (Own It)

"The Handmaid's Tale is an instant classic and eerily prescient cultural phenomenon, from the 'patron saint of feminist dystopian fiction' (New York Times) The Handmaid's Tale is a novel of such power that the reader will be unable to forget its images and its forecast. Set in the near future, it describe life in what was once the United States and is now called the Republic of Gilead, a monotheocracy that has reacted to social unrest and a sharply declining birthrate by reverting to and going beyond, the repressive intolerence of teh original Puritans. The regime takes the Book of Genesis absolutely at its word, with bizarre consequences for the women and men in its population. The story is told through the eyes of Offred, one of the unfortunate Handmaids under the new social order. In condensed but eloquent prose, by turns cool-eyed, tender, despairing, passionate, and wry, she reveals to us the prose, by turns cool-eyed tender despairing, passionate, and wry she reveals to us the dark corners behind the establishment's calm facade, as certain tendencies now in existence are carried to their logical conclusion. The Handmaid's Tale is funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing. It is at once scathing satire, dire warning and a tour de force. It is Margaret Atwood at her best."

My Rating: 4/5

This was a bit of a hard read. Not only for the emotional context and how it relates back to our current reality, but also the way it's written is a little confusing. I think though that this lends itself to the fearful and suspenseful telling of tale that feels to close to the world we current live. I'm looking forward to continuing the series, but I'm starting the television show as well.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Opal

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series/Standalone: Lux Series (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance

Pages: 394

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2012

Format:  Audiobook (Library Copy)

"No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn't fooling around. Doubting him isn't something I'll do again, and now that we've made it through the rough patches, well... There's a lot of spontaneous combustion going on. 

But even he can't protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love. 

After everything, I'm no longer the same Katy. I'm different... And I'm not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I'm capable. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won't turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we're stronger... and they know it."

My Rating: 3.5/5

This one wasn't as fun as the first two, if I'm being totally honest. I didn't love the shift in tone and relationship with Katy and Daemon. I still enjoy the training montage and the ideas that are presented. The sci-fi elements are interesting, and the writing is fun, although I caught myself more and more thinking about the age of the author vs. the age of the characters. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Onyx

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series/Standalone: Lux Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction

Pages: 421

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2012

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"BEING CONNECTED TO DAEMON BLACK SUCKS....

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon's determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connections. So I've sworn him off, even though he's running more hot than cold these days. But we've got bigger problems.

SOMETHING WORSE THAN ARUM HAS COME TO TOWN

The Department of Defense is here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we're linked. I'm a goner. So is he. And there's this new boy in school who's got a secret of his own. He knows what's happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that's possible. Against all common sense, I'm falling for Daemon. Hard. 

BUT THEN, EVERYTHING CHANGES

I've seen someone who shouldn't be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he's never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them- from me?

NO ONE IS WHO THEY SEEM. AND NOT EVERYONE WILL SURVIVE THE LIES."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I still enjoyed this second book in the series. It remains nostalgic and fun. The only complaint I have for this one is the extreme stupidity of our main character. Which is kind of a part of books written in this time, but as a grown woman, I was screaming at her to make better choices, on repeat! Still fun, I look forward to continuing to read the series and having fun with the concept.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series/Standalone: The Hunger Games Trilogy (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopian

Pages: 390

Publisher: Scholastic Press Inc. 

Year Published: 2010

Format: Paperback (Own it)

"My name is Katniss Everdeen. 

Why am I not dead?

I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay- no matter what the personal cost."

My Rating: 3.75/5

I always have an issue with the end of the story. I'm rarely satisfied with how books end, and I find them hard to get through if I've enjoyed the story at all. This is no different. I enjoyed rereading it and finding new things that were mentioned in the two prequels. It does make you wonder if there will be a third prequel, and if so, what will it be about?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series/Standalone: The Hunger Games Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction

Pages: 391

Publisher: Scholastic

Year Published: 2009

Format: Paperback Copy (Own it)

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safely and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I forgot many parts of this book, which made this reread even more fun. Seeing how this crosses over with both Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and Sunrise on the Reaping. The ideas in dystopian literature are often so disturbing, but also have an undercurrent of potential in an uncomfortable way. I'm looking forward to rereading Mockingjay and seeing how the two prequels overlay. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

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

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Pages: 374

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2008

Format: Paperback (Own It)

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

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

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

My Rating: 4.5/5

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

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Title: Sunrise on the Reaping

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series/Standalone: Hunger Games Series (Book #0)

Genre: Dystopia, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Pages: 387

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2025

Format: Hardcover (Own it)

"When you've been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes; a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight... and have the fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena."

My Rating: 5/5

I love a prequel and seeing where characters in a main series come from and how they got where they are. I don't think that I can say this book was enjoyable because it was graphic, it was uncomfortable to think about the progression of the games. I think that the plot was incredible, fast-paced, and helped the overall arc of the story. The different easter eggs kept me guessing and wondering how this overlapped with the main series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Waverider by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Waverider

Author/Artist(s): Kazu Kibuishi

Series/Standalone: Amulet (Volume 9)

Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Pages: 256

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 2024

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"The highly anticipated, thrilling conclusion to Kazu Kibuishi's #1 New York Times bestselling series! After her confrontation with Ikol, Emily finally understands the stone's power and what she must do to defend Alledia from the shadows. As she travels to Typhon to help her mom and Navin. Prince Trellis returns to the Kingdom of the Elves to save his countrymen-- and confront the fraud who has seized power in the absence of a king. The threat of darkness follows all Stonekeepers closely, and it will take the strength of both new friends and old foes to conquer it... and survive."

My Rating: 4/5

I'm not sure what I expected for the end of the series, but it wasn't this. I guess I thought the ending itself would be a bit more epic, but I have to remind myself that this is for middle grade. So happy endings and endings that are open-ended might make sense for this age range. I liked it, I can see why people love it, and I look forward to getting it into the hands of preteens and middle grade students as time goes on.

Thanks for reading, 

Sidny

Book Review: Supernova by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: Supernova

Author/Artist(s): Kazu Kibuishi

Series/Standalone: Amulet Series (Volume 8)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Middle Grade

Pages: 199

Publisher: Scholastic

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"Emily has lost control of her Amulet and is imprisoned in the Void, where she must find a way to escape the influence of the Voice. Meanwhile, Emily's brother, Navin travels to Lighthouse One, a space station where the Resistance is preparing to battle the approaching Shadow forces that would drain planet Alledia of all its resources. Emily and Navin must be smarter and stronger than ever to ensure Alledia's survival."

My Rating: 5/5

This installment in the series was such a great turn for the plot. Not only did we expand on the world, but we also expanded on the magic system, which was super interesting. I also love a little foreshadowing, which I can assume was present. Again, the art style is excellent, and I recommend it to both lovers of graphic novels and middle grade students alike. Loved it!

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

Book Review: Ruins by Dan Wells

Title: Ruins

Author: Dan Wells

Series/Standalone: Partials Sequence (Book #3)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia, Science Fiction

Pages: 464

Publisher: Balzar + Bray

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook

"Kira, Samm and Marcus fight to prevent a final war between Partials and humans in the gripping final installment in the Partial Sequence, a series that combines the thrilling action of The Hunger Games with the provocative themes of Blade Runner and The Stand.

There is no avoiding it- the war to decide the fate of both humans and Partials is at hand. both sides hold in their possession a weapon that could destroy the other, and Kira Walker has precious little time to prevent that from happening. She has one chance to save both species and the world with them, but it will only come at great personal cost."

My Rating: 4.25/5

It has never been a secret that I have a hard time coming to conclusions from any series. I always think I know how they're going to wrap up and while this did follow a lot of the stepping stones I thought it would, it didn't check all the boxes I hoped for. Mainly there were a few scenes that I thought could have gone further, or were going to end in different ways that just seemed to fizzle out. Overall I loved the series and I would highly recommend it. I can't wait to read the prequel novella.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

My Rating: 

Book Review: Fragments by Dan Wells

Title: Fragments

Author: Dan Wells

Series/Standalone: Partials Sequence (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Science Fiction

Pages: 576

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Year Published: 2013

Format: Audiobook

"Author Dan Wells is back with the sequel to the sci-fi blockbuster Partials, which Pittacus Lore called a "thrilling sci-fi adrenaline rush, with one of the most compelling and frightening visions of Earth's future I've seen yet."

After discovering the cure for RM, Kira Walker sets of on a terrifying journey into the ruins of postapocalyptic America and the darkest desires of her heart in order to uncover the mean- and a reason- for humanity's survival.

Dan Wells extends his richly imagined, gritty world and introduces new memorable characters in this second installment in the Partials Sequence."

My Rating: 4/5

I'm not sure that this installment aged well. There were a few things in this one that I think could have been done differently or I could have completely gone without. I liked the changing perspectives and the plot, but some of the characterisation was not in line with 2024. I also found that adding the need for romance, took away from the overarching plot. I will be continuing the series though, as they are so addicting and fascinating. Hard to put down such a unique dystopian!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Partials by Dan Wells

Title: Partials

Author: Dan Wells

Series/Standalone: Partials Sequence (Book #1)

Genre: Dystopian, Young Adult, Science Fiction

Pages: 468

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Year Published: 2012

Format: Audiobook (Own Physical Copy)

"Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with Partials- engineered organic beings identical to humans- has decimated the population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. But sixteen-year-old Kira is determined to fin a solution. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and Partials rests in her attempts to answer questions about the war's origin that she never knew to ask. 

Playing on our curiosity and fascination with the complete collapse of civilization, Partials is, at its heart, a story of survival, one that explores the individual narratives and complex relationships of those left behind, both humans and Partials alike- and of the way in which the concept of what is right and wrong in this world is greatly dependent on one's own point of view."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This was a fun reminder of why I loved dystopian young adults growing up. This has been on my shelf for YEARS and every time I went to pick it up I was deterred by the fact that the cover is pretty cringe-worthy and that it's a dystopian from the 2010s. Imagine my surprise when I was totally consumed by the plot of this book. Yes there are some plot holes and there are some moments where you can tell a teenage girl was written by a man, but overall the concepts, the intrigue and the atmosphere were so amazing to read. I have already borrowed the next audiobook from my library and I can't wait to settle into it and continue the story! Would strongly recommend it if you are looking for a dystopian from this time with a little romance but not a ton along with a wonderful atmosphere!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Host by Stephanie Meyer

Title: The Host

Author: Stephanie Meyer

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

Pages: 624

Publisher: Little Brown and Company

Year Published: 2008

Format: Audiobook (Own Physical Copy)

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

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

My Rating: 3.5/5

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

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series/Standalone: The Hunger Games Series (Prequel)

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Dystopia

Pages: 541

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capital, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined- every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes."

My Rating: 4.5/5

It's been so long since I engaged with the Hunger Games universe and this book brought me right back in. Of course, I was curious how this whole concept began, why it kept going and how people could get to this point. I will say if you want a likeable main character or you are hoping that the author gives Snow a redemption arc, I wouldn't say this is what that is. This book answered a lot of these questions but also felt a bit abrupt at the end for me. I would recommend the audiobook, but I'm sure the physical read may go by just as fast. If you want to go back to the first time you read The Hunger Games and revisit the things it made you think, I'd recommend it. I may end up going to watch the movie because I am reinvested.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

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

Review: Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire

Title: Tin Stars

Author: Jeff Lemire

Artist(s): Dustin Nguyen

Series/Standalone: Descender Series (Volume #1)

Genre: Science Fiction, Graphic Novel, Adult

Pages: 160

Publisher: Turtleback Books

Year Published: 2015

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"Young Robot boy TIM-21 and his companions struggle to stay alive in a universe where all androids have been outlawed and bounty hunters lurk on every planet. Written by award-winning creator, Jeff Lemire, Descender is a rip-roaring and heart-felt cosmic odyssey. Lemire pits humanity against machine and world against world, to create a sprawling epic."

My Rating: 2.5/5

This first installment was interesting to me and it took a while to get used to the worlds we were being introduced to. As far as an introduction went it was ok, but the premise interests me. So I'm looking forward to seeing where the next volume goes. Was it perfect? No, but was it intriguing? Yes. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny