Book Review: Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan is Killing It

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #1)

Genre: Adult Fiction, Cozy Mystery

Pages: 355 

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Finlay Donovan is killing it... except, she's not really She's a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay's life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn't written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors.

When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she's mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet.... Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a rea-life murder investigation.

Fast-paced, deliciously witty, and wholeheartedly authentic in depicting the frustrations and triumphs of motherhood in all its messiness, hilarity and heartfelt moment, Finlay Donovan is Killing It is the first in a brilliant new series from YA Edgar Award nominee Elle Cosimano.

My Rating: 4/5

This is such a fun concept. I love the idea that someone gets thrown into a world they know nothing about and watch them figure things out (almost floundering a few times). It has an excellent cozy mystery vibe and if the concept sounds interesting to you it's definitely worth the read. I would also say that the audiobook was excellent. The only reason that it lost a star for me is I felt it lagged a little in the middle.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Title: The Young Elites

Author: Marie Lu

Series/Standalone: The Young Elites Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, 

Pages: 355

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook (Own Hardcover)

"Adeline Amouteru is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina's black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only one jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family's good name and standing in the way of their future. But some of the fever's survivors are rumored to possess more than just scars- they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites.

Teren Santoro works for the king. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is his job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it's Teren who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seeks out others like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they've never seen.

Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teren is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. but of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn't belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her."

My Rating: 3.75/5

This was an entertaining fantasy. I know that others are willing to say this is dystopian but until I see full reflection of our world, I'm not so quick to jump there. If you know me you know I love a villain arc. This delivers! The audiobook was a wonderful way to consume this story and the narration lends perfectly to the plot. It is a product of when it is published so it reminds me a lot of some books I read at the time it was published. Overall, fun, exciting and entertaining. I do plan on picking up the next audiobook as soon as possible. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Spoiler Alert by Oliva Dade

Title: Spoiler Alert

Author: Olivia Dade

Series/Standalone: Spoiler Alert Series (Book #1)

Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction

Pages: 416

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"Olivia Dade bursts onto the scene in this delightfully fun romantic comedy set in the world of fanfiction, in which a devoted fan goes on an unexpected date with her celebrity crush, who's secretly posting fanfiction of his own.

Marcus Caster-Rupp has a secret. While the world knows him as Aeneas, the star of the biggest show on TV, Gods of the Gates, he's known to fanfiction readers as Book!AneasWouldNever, an anonymous and popular poster. Marcus is able to get out his own frustrations with his character through his stories, especially the ones that feature the internet's favorite couple to ship, Aeneas and Lavinia. But if anyone ever found out about his online persona, he'd be fired. Immediately.

April Whittier has secrets of her own. A hardcore Lavinia fan, she's hidden her fanfiction and cosplay hobby from her 'real life' for years- but not anymore. When she decides to post her latest Lavinia creation on Twitter, her photo goes viral. Trolls and supporters alike are commenting on her plus-size take, but when Marcus, one half of her OTP, sees her pic and asks her out on a date to spite her critics, she realizes life is really stranger than fanfiction.

Even though their first date is a disaster, Marcus quickly realizes that he wants much more from April than a one-time publicity stunt. And when he discovers she's actually Unapologetic Lavinia Stan, his closest fandom friend, he has one more huge secret to hide form her.

With love and Marcus's career on the line, can the two of them stop hiding once and for all, or will a match made in fandom end up prematurely cancelled?"

My Rating: 5/5

This was exactly what I didn't know I need a body-positive, unapologetically nerdy, sex-positive romance that includes fanfic and a made-up set of source material that is so good I would die to read the original source material and watch the less-than-stellar (apparently) show. I loved the way the author focused on each character as individuals as well as a couple. I cannot speak to all of the representation but the character growth, the plot, etc are astounding and I can't wait to read the next installment! Would highly recommend it to nerdy folks looking for a modern romance!

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Title: The 5th Wave

Author: Rick Yancey

Series/Standalone: The 5th Wave Series

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Pages: 457

Publisher: GP Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Year Published: 2013

Format: Audiobook (Own Paperback Copy)

"After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it's the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie's only hope for rescuing her brother- or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I put this book off for so long because I heard from multiple booktubers that the series goes downhill, but now that it's been out for almost 10 years, so I picked this up for nostalgia purposes mainly. It is such a throwback to the 2010s dystopian stories. This one was good. I think that if I had picked it up when it came out I would have been impatiently waiting for the next one, but because I waited for the hype to die down (and then some) I will just be binge-reading these for fun.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

 Title: The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Author: Heather Morris

Series/Standalone: The Tattooist of Auschwitz Series

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult, Romance

Pages: 262

Publisher: Harper

Year Published: 2018

Format: Paperback Copy (Own It)

First Line: "Lale tries not to look up."

"This beautiful, illuminating tale of hope and courage is based on interviews that were conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist Ludwig (Lale) Sokolov- an unforgettable love story in the midst of atrocity.

In April 1942, Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew, is forcibly transported to the concentration camps at Auschwitz-Birkenau. When his captors discover that he speaks several languages, he is put to work as a Tatowierer (the German word for tattooist), tasked with permanently marking his fellow prisoners.

Imprisoned for over two and a half years, Lale witnesses horrific atrocities and barbarism- but also incredible acts of bravery and compassion. Risking his own life, he uses his privileged position to exchange jewels and money from murdered Jews for food to keep his fellow prisoners alive.

One day in July 1942, Lale, Prisoner 32407, comforts a trembling young woman waiting in line to have the number 34902 tattooed onto her arm. Her name is Gita, and in the first encounter, Lale vows to somehow survive the camp and marry her. 

A vivid, harrowing, and ultimately hopeful recreation of Lale and Sokolov's experiences as the man who tattooed the arms of thousands of prisoners with what would become one of the most potent symbols of the Holocaust, The Tattooist of Auschwitz is also a testament to the endurance of love and humanity under the darkest possible conditions.

My Rating: 5/5

I have a bit of trouble rating things that are based on true stories so let me explain this star rating a little bit. I think that this book is so unique for a book based during the Holocaust and especially in Auschwitz-Birkenau. I think that while you're reading you are interested in what's going around Lale, but you're also interested in the romance and survival. I felt that the horrors in this book were placed in an interesting way. You would be reading and feeling a certain way about the two main characters and then you'd be reminded once again of what they are struggling to survive through, or what they are witnessing every day. I am interested in reading about Cilka and her life in the companion to this book, as you're not sure until the end of this book how some things play out (and even then not fully). I would recommend to anyone interested in historical fiction or biographies (as it is based on a true story). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Paper Girls Vol. 1

Title: Paper Girls Vol. 1
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Artists: Cliff Chiang, Matthew Wilson, Jared K. Fletcher
Series/Standalone: Paper Girls Series (Volume #1)
Genre: Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 144
Publisher: Image Comics
Year Published: 2016
Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"SAGA writer BRIAN K. VAUGHAN launches a brand-new ONGOING SERIES with superstar Wonder Woman artist CLIFF CHANG! In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12 year-old newpaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time."

My Rating: 5/5

Part of me is really lost about what the hell this was but at the same time I loved it. There is a sense of intrigue, rebellion and wholesome content just due to the age of the characters that we are dealing with. I'm loving the Stranger Things vibes that this is giving off and I'm hoping to take out the rest of the books in the New Year. Sorry I ignored so many people who recommended this to me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

Title: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
Author: Benjamin Alire Saenz
Series/Standalone: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (Book #1)
Pages: 359
Genre: Young Adult, LGBT, Contemporary
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2012
Format: Audiobook

"Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship- the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be."

My Rating: 4.5/5

This book really blew me out of the water. I was expecting a short little contemporary that wasn't overly hard hitting and here I was going out for walks to have an excuse to listen to the audiobook. The characters in this story are incredible and the author touches on so many important topics without having the reader feel that things are getting bogged down. The story is so important for young readers. It asks readers so many questions about who they are and how they want to be. I also think that the fact that this story takes place in the past makes the story that much more lovable. I can't wait to read the companion novel and pick up a physical copy of this book. It seems like a great book to reread every summer..

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

This is yet another audiobook that hooked me. And more than any other that I've listened to before. Our story takes place in London during the time of the Jack the Ripper murders. Our main character, Audrey takes little to no shit from anyone and works secretly with her uncle learning the about forensic science. A little strange for a young woman in such a time period. Through her work, she begins to investigate a string of murders where women are butchered in the east end, and begin to piece together who the murderer could be. Is it someone close to her?

So since you've read the book you know who it is. But were you shocked? I was a little underwhelmed at learning who the murderer was, but blown away for the reasons of the murders. I think that the author had a mesmorizing way of writing about such gruesome things that kept me interested and wondering about who the killer was, what it was like to do an autopsy in such times, and why the bodies were being butchered in such ways. The narrator for the audiobook had a tremendous voice and kept me interested throughout the story. Her accent was amazing and I would truly recommend the audiobook to anyone looking for a good thriller. Please excuse the lack of care taken in the character section, I have trouble remembering side characters names in audiobooks.

Characters:
Audrey: I had my doubts that she would be a badass main character in such a time. And while the story does a great job of showing what life was like for young women in the time period, I had trouble believing that she would be able to investigate a body for Scotland Yard. Although if she had someone who admired her who was in charge I suppose that made sense. I did think that at some points she was a bit naive and at others so peculiar. But these two things really helped tie the story together. I think that the way she cared so much for women she had only really known in death was amazing, and how although she had a certain standard for the way she was brought up she didn't look down on these young women. She wondered about the choices that had placed them where they were. I can't wait to read more from her perspective.

Thomas: Now he is a sly fox. I thought for sure that he was going to be the ripper, but after finding out about his trouble past and being thrown out by his father, his actions started to make a lot more sense. I did think there were multiple times where his choice of words were irritating especially when he acted like such a know it all (even though he was). But I can't wait to see he and Audrey flirt even more in the next book.

Nathaniel: I'd be lying if I said he wasn't a suspect for me in the beginning. I had started to brush him aside a little, but after realizing that the author didn't even seem to note him suspicious, I became extra suspicious. Cause that's what kind of anxious person I am.  He was a delusional little shit, and super scary near the end, but I wonder why he became so obsessed with raising the dead, would be interested in a prequel from his point of view.

Uncle Johnathon:  He did seem pretty crazy near the start but after time I realized that science was his family and his job, and his love. So he was devoted? Does that make him crazy... maybe a little bit. I will miss him in the next story, but wouldn't be surprised if he turned up to lend Thomas and Audrey a hand.

Father (Edmond?): He was something, and while he did not deal well with the passing of his wife (who really does?) he tried his best to raise his children in a way that he deemed appropriate. I do feel sorry for him to have seen his beloved wife's corpse being maimed by his crazed son, but at the same time it really shocked him into action for Audrey's future.

 Blackburn: When did you become interested in Audrey and what will happen to you now?

Cousin V: I liked her spunk, but also the way she dealt with the cultural norms at this time. She still obeyed her mother's will, while staying true to who she was as well. A very interesting character to say the least.


Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Spoiler: Inkspell by Cornelia Funke

This book took me forever to finish. And before someone assumes that means it wasn't good, you're not entirely correct. This book was a good book. I enjoyed it. I wouldn't say that it was as interesting for me as the first book was or that it got the same rating in the review above, but it was still a good book overall.  It's tremendous, though.  I kept getting deterred because of it's size overall, and I found that once I looked and how little progress I made, I wasn't as interested. That being said, the audiobook I used for the first half was very well narrated and the use of different voice actors was perfect for me. I also enjoyed the change of setting. Getting to see Dustfinger at home where he was his most confident made me feel such gratitude to the author. Less so in the end of the book. I presume that this also leads to the huge character development we witness throughout the second instalment. 

Characters:
Dustfinger: One of the best characters I've ever read. He is troubled but still manages to find joy in his use of fire. He finds part of his family upon his arrival back into his world, but unfortunately, so much time has passed there that things have changed with those he remembers. I found his growing relationship with Farid to be a staple in the story and with the ending we see that Dustfinger very much thought that Farid was family to him. I do hope that they find a way to bring him back, but I'm doubtful overall. 

Farid: This boy's love is so strong to his master and to know that Dustfinger let himself go in order for Farid to live is a horrible idea. I do wish that Farid hadn't had the bright idea to call Orpheus into the story because that will only lead to trouble, I'm sure of it. But at the very least Farid is able to live his life, although he will now be a slave to Orpheus. 

Basta: Is he really dead? I don't know if I believe it. He was one of the best villains I've read and I enjoyed his interesting quirks. For our main characters, I'm glad to see him go, but as a reader, he truly struck fear in me. 

Mortola: Her son treated her like garbage, and yet she still aims to have revenge. The idea is confusing to me.

Mo: Or should I call him the Bluejay. If Fenoglio hadn't chosen to base him off a real person, we might have avoided so much trouble, but it would appear that Mo is slowly becoming the Bluejay every time we read about him. Protecting his family with a sword was something I would have never guessed that Mo would do. I wonder what he did to the Adderhead's book as well. 

Meggie: At the beginning of the book I found her to be rather annoying. She wanted what she wanted with no regard for others around her. Especially her parents. It was a childish decision, but now she has seen so much death and hate in those around her she is starting to grow. I notice that her interest in Farid is growing, but that might end abruptly with Dustfinger's death.

Resa: Oh to have a voice back after so much time without it must just be a blessing. A shame that it seemed to come at such a cost.

Roxanne: She seems like she was made for Dustfinger, it's a shame that she wasn't able to stay with him longer. I was not impressed when she blamed Farid for his death, but I can see how that would be the case, after all, a loved one she barely had the time to be reacquainted with returned only to be ripped from her world again.

The Adderhead: What a nasty and vicious man.

Fenoglio: He is stupid and full of crazy notions. I'm glad he saw that massacre with Cosimo. He needed to realise that he was no more God to this story than he was of his own. I was not impressed with him throughout this book and I hope that he turns over a new leaf in the next one.

Orpheus: This is going to cause more trouble than I think we all realise. 


Moments To Remember:
Final Line: "'This story will have a happy ending. I swear!'"

Thanks for reading,
Sidny

Book Review: Eve by Anna Carey

Title: Eve
Author: Anna Carey
Series: Eve (Book #1)
Pages: 322
Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher
Year Published: 2011

"Sixteen years after a deadly virus wiped out most of the Earth's population, the world is a perilous place. Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, but the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school's real purpose-- and the horrifying fate that awaits her.
  Fleeing the only home she's ever known, Eve sets off on a long treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Separated from men her whole life, Eve has been taught to fear them, but Caleb slowly winds her trust... and her heart. he promises to protect her, but when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life."

My Rating: 5/5

I love this book! Anna Carey has an incredible way with words that I related to the story without a problem. I lived in the world with Eve. I felt her happiness and her pain. When she hurt, I cried and when she was happy I laughed and smiled. The world that Anna Carey has created although frightening is far to possible. Since Eve is based in the future it makes all the events horror filled, more so then if it was based in present time. I didn't realize that this book was part of a series and now I'm going to search everywhere I can to find the next book, Once.  This book was mind blowing and I can hardly wait to read the next one.
THANK YOU ANNA CAREY FOR ASKING, WHAT IF?

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫

Spoiler: Eve by Anna Carey

Eve is another book that is written in the setting of the future and so far it's the best future based book I've read. This book deals with so many themes that I didn't expect it to touch on. The themes of education, government, love, greed, and the "what if" theory are just some of themes used in this piece of work. Eve attends school after the orphans are rounded up. This 'school' isn't really a school at all. In fact its a distraction so that the girls will later be taken to another building to be used as for breeding. But not breeding that they agree to at all. In fact when Eve sees the girls in this building they are in leather restraints and have scars across there stomachs where the babies have been cut out to make things worse, they don't even get to see them. The government in this book also plays a big role. During the plague, the government collapsed until a leader seemed to rise from the ashes. We hear a lot about "the King of the New America" to me he just seems like a dictator. A horrible, horrible dictator. Love is shown in this book not only between your common relationship but also between friends.

Characters:
Eve: Eve is the main character in this book and she was the best person to tell the story that Anna Carey had laid out. Eve in the beginning is hardly an adult and very naive. She doesn't question anything at the school as she's never led to but when Arden suggests the breeding, Eve is at least smart enough to check it out. I love that Eve begins to trust Caleb and that she falls for him even though she's been taught not to. I think that she did the right thing by following him and I hope that they reunite in the next book.

Arden: If it hadn't been for Arden, Eve would have never escaped. I don't think that she survived being found by the soldiers but if she does I hope to see her spunky personality in the next book. She added a little sass.

Caleb: I don't understand how he could guide Eve to Califia if he knew all along after they'd be separated. This must be true love. I was interested in the fact that the boys were forced to do labor and that they weren't taught to hate women, although some of them do anyways.

Leif: I thought this guy would turn out to be alright after I read about his brother Asher, that he had a reason to act the way he did and deep down he was a good guy. But when he tries to take advantage of Eve and then after gives her up for revenge it made me lose faith in humanity.

Marjorie & Otis: I was surprised to see older people working on the trail and the way they connect it to freeing the slaves was a great connection. I cried when they were shot and was extremely upset with Eve for being so stupid. They were fantastic characters.

Benny & Solas: These two boys helped me understand how horrible the labor camps really were, they couldn't spell and they just never had the chance to be children at all.


Moments to Remember:
♥Pg. 62
"'And what is it that I'm planning? Really, I'd love to hear.'
  We were trotting down a highway now, the metal guardrails barely visible beneath the vines. Off in the distance was a half-crumbled bridge. 'You want to have intercourse with me,' I said matter-of-factly."

♥Pg. 119
"I'd met Caleb two days ago and he'd yet to do anything I could deem suspicious. He hadn't left me at the river. He'd brought Arden and me breakfast and lunch, towels and fresh rainwater to bathe in. He'd even swept the room for us when we were sleeping."

♥Pg. 138
"'I do this funny thing sometimes,' he said, shooting me a mischievous grin. 'I open a book, and I look at each page. It's called reading.'"

♥Pg. 243
"'Thank you, darling. I was in New York and there he was one night, sitting across from me, telling some ridiculous story about recycling.'
  'It wasn't about recycling,' Otis chuckled to himself. 'But that's okay.'"

♥Pg. 270
"In School and out of School, I had believed that love was a liability-- something that could be wielded against you. I began to weep, finally knowing the truth: love was death's only adversary, the only thing powerful enough to combat its clawing, desperate grasps."

Thanks for reading,
Love,
Sidny xoxo