Title: Deep Blue
Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Series/Standalone: Waterfire Saga (Book 1)
Pages: 340
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Year Published: 2014
First Line: "Deep in the black mountains, deep in the Romanian night, deep beneath the cold, dark waters of the ancient olt, the river witches sang."
"Serafina, daughter of Isabella, Queen of Miromara, has been raised with the expectation- and the burden- that she will someday become ruler of the oldest civilization of merfolk. On the eve of the Dokimi ceremony, which will determine if she is worthy of the crown, Sera is haunted by a strange dream that retells the return of an ancient evil. But her nightmare is forgotten the next day as she diligently practices her songspell; eagerly anticipates a reunion with her best friend, Neela; and anxiously worries about Mahdi, the crown prince of Matali, and whether his feelings toward her and their future betrothal have changed. Most of all, she worries about not living up to her mother's hopes.
The Dokomi proceeds. a dazzling display of majesty and might, until a shocking turn of events interrupts it: an assassin's arrow wounds Isabella. The realm falls into chaos, and Serafina's darkest premonitions are confirmed. Now she and Neela must embark on a quest to find the assassin's master and prevent a war between the mer nations. Their search will lead them to other mermaid heroines scattered across the six seas. Together they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood as they uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world's very existence."
My Rating: 1.5/5
I don't think that I've ever given a rating that is this low so I'm going to explain before people get ticked off. I went into this book expecting a world of magic and girl power and I was left with juvenile characters and thoughts that seemed incomplete. I understand that this is the first in a series, but it seemed as though the author would come up with an idea and just throw it into the story without thinking through many ways to work it in so it flowed. I found that the flow of this book was off for me. I didn't care for the characters or for the world. I also found that the whole story just lacked a certain amount of magic. I will say that Jennifer Donnely's puns are on point. If you're in it only for the puns, you'll enjoy yourself. I will also mention that the characters felt extremely young to me. I understand that they are 16 for the most part but they seemed closer to 12 or 13 to me. So a younger audience may appreciate this book more.
Needless to say, I don't plan on continuing the series at this moment.
I would recommend thsi to a middle grade audience for sure.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
So it's only the beginning of the year and I've already found a book that just wasn't for me. Off to a good start, aren't we? Anywho this story is the story of a princess mermaid who is one of 6 chosen ones. It speaks about girl power and attempts to create a magical underwater world. I did find that the history was in depth and interesting. I thought that that would carry throughout but it seemed to lack in the middle. I also found that the time line didn't seem to line up, it didn't flow as nicely as I had hoped. And here's what really got me down in this book, the characters were whiny and juvenile.
Characters:
Seraphina: Whiny and under developed. I found that this character did not act her age and wasn't ready to take over much of anything. I did empathize that she lost so much, but she didn't seem to care the Neela had also lost so much with her.. Just agravating.
Neela: Her obsession with candy was cute at first but after time it was more frustrating than anything not to mention her slang. I don't have much else to say based on how little I really know about her from the writing style.
Ling: I'm sure they would really just stumble on this girl in the middle of nowhere that's fine.
Mahdi: She's going to end up with the bad party boy, in the end, won't she? I don't' even care to read to find out.
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "In the time to see Vraja pick up a rock and smash the mirror."
Just a quick note that these are only my opinions and I encourage everyone to make up their own minds about books. Even though this book was not for me, it doesn't mean that someone else wouldn't enjoy it.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: A Torch Against the Night
Author: Sabaa Tahir
Series/Standalone: An Ember in the Ashes (Book #2)
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 452
Publisher: Razorbill
Year Published: 2016
First Line: "How did they find us so fast?"
"Elias and Laia are running for their lives. After the events of the Fourth Trial, Martial soldiers hunt the two fugitives as they flee the city of Serra and undertake a perilous journey through the heart of the Empire.
Laia is determined to break into Kauf- the Empire's most secure and dangerous prison- to save her brother, who is the key to the Scholar's survival. And Elias is determined to help Laia succeed, even if it means giving up his last chance at freedom.
But dark forces, human and otherworldly, work against Laia and Elias. The pair must fight every step of the way to outsmart their enemies: the bloodthirsty Emperor Marcus, the merciless Commandant, the sadistic Warden of Kauf, and, most heartbreaking of all, Helene- Elias's former friend and the Empire's newest Blood Shrike.
Bound to Marcus's will, Helene faces a torturous mission of her own- one that might destroy her: find the traitor Elias Veturius and the Scholar slave who helped him escpae... and kill them both."
My Rating: 4/5
So for anyone who may be unsure. This is the second book in the Ember's in the Ashes's series. That means this book review will likely contain spoilers for the first book. Sorry...
Now that that's out of the way. I really enjoyed this book. I considered not picking up the seoncd book in the series because I wasn't completely blown away by the first novel. I enjoyed it, I thought it was interesting enough, but not something that knocked my socks off.
But this second book wasn't getting the best reviews either. Other's were saying that it was a disappointment compaired to the first book, so I thought since my opinions seem to be completely differentmaybe they would be. And I really enjoyed this book. I thought that the characters grew so much and became so much more flushed out. We learn so much more about the politics in this world.And the plot twists here and there were perfect. I would say that this didn't get a 5/5 because it didnt' pull me in right right away which might be because I wasn't sure about it going in. But that's just my little old opinion. Let me know your down below.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
So if you've been here a while you may have seen my review of An Ember In the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir. So I wasn't as pumped about it as so many others seemed to be. I didn't hate it I thought that it was fine. I didn't love it either though. I wasn't as drawn in as so many others were with the first book. I bought this book not sure if I would love it or even like it for that much. So when I started to really get into this book I was trash before I knew it. I loved the change of pace, being on the run from people who can track anyone who are trained to kill. A rescue mission and magic none the less. That being said it took my a little while to get truly into the story. I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes and if more perspectives will come along or not. I'm enjoying the three we have so far but I'll mention more below.
Characters:
Elias: I love Elias, I know it's kind of messed up because he's now a Grim reaper type guy but he is so good. Too good to be a mask. To kill with no reason. To not care. He's got a troubled past sure thing but I'm expecting that Harper is going to come and stir up some shit that he doesn't even know about. I can't wait.
Laia: I think that her character really changed as well. She started to see that people were taking her movements seriously. I thought that while some of her actions were rash, they were what she believed was necessary to save her brother. I'm curious about her powers and what she will do now that Darin has been saved.
Helene: My heart breaks for her but she has truly been unmade. She will get through this because she is the strongest of them all. She's put up with being rejected, being lead by a psychopath and then watching her family be killed. I can't wait to see her next move.
Darin: Is he going to be whole after what he went through?
The Commandant: She's crazy if she thinks she can just overthrough everyone, but it makes sense that she would go for it. She's ruthless if nothing else.
The Warden: I kept picturing him as a Crow from Game of Thrones but spookier. To experiment of prisoners is horrifying but he had true power in that prison. With the fear that those who walked it's halls must have felt.
Keenan: Our should I say not Keenan ( I had a better lead up but I forgot it). The Nightbringer is coming and he doesn't give a single F*ck about anyone. He wants to free his own true, but he also wants to kill many for what they did to him.
Marcus: The way he played with the Commandant makes me happy, but he has a lot more battles to fight to win the support of those around him, and hopefully those around him give him a hell of a fight right back. Especially Helene.
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "'Look at you.'"
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Hey guys so I had a really good reading month this month although it simmered down near the end of the month and so without any further ado, here is my reading wrap up for the last month of 2016.
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| 4/5 |
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| 5/5 |
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| 5/5 |
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5/5
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5/5
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Hope your reading month was just as pleasant and thanks for reading,
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to send out a quick message wishing all of you a happy holiday or winter season. Whether you celebrate holidays at this time of year or not I hope that you're days are filled with laughter and amazing books!
Wishing you the best and hoping to have a review soon,
Sidny
Title: Tiny Pretty Things
Authors: Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton
Series/Standalone: Tiny Pretty Things (Book #1)
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary
Pages: 438
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year Published: 2015
First Line: "It always feels like death."
"HOW FAR IS TOO FAR?
At one of Manhattan's most elite ballet schools, wafer-thin ballerinas pull their hair into sleek buns and lace their pointe shoes high, waiting for their chance to shine. But beneath the pretty, polished surface, these girls are hiding some terrible secrets and telling some twisted lies.
Privileged Bette is tiny and beautiful- like a ballerina is a music box. But living forever in the shadow of her ballet0star sister and under the weight of family expectations brings ut a dangerous edge in her.
Perfectionist, June can turn a flawless plie and diligently keeps her weight below 100 pounds. But she's never landed a lead role. Tired of always being the understudy, this year she'll settle for nothing but the best- even if she must resort to some less-than-perfect means to get there.
And new girl Gigi isn't your traditional ballerina. A free-spirited California girl, she's not used to the fierce competition. Still, that doesn't stop her from outperforming every dancer in the school. But even she is hiding a ticking time bomb, and the very act of dancing just might expose her secrets to everyone.
Being a prima isn't all satin and lace, sometimes you have to play dirty. With the competition growing fiercer with every performance, and harmless pranks growing ever darker, it's only a matter of time before one small spark ignites... and even the best get burned."
My Rating: 4/5
So I'm glad that I read this book after reading a manga because I felt like I had some time away from the drama. I thought that this book would be a fluff piece and show the joy and perfection of being a ballerina but it wasn't afraid to shy away from the ugly stuff. It showed how severe competition can affect people's bodies and minds. Everything even their spirits. As time went on I thought that this book really picked up pace. I thought that the first half was a little slow and I wasn't quite invested in the story right off the hope, but I finished the second half in one sitting. It was amazing. I started to love the characters and was surprised that I didn't figure out the mystery aspect on my own. I can't wait to read the second one.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
So if you haven't read this book I would highly suggest that you read the review rather than this spoiler. I read this book and didn't think that it would be a mystery and then boom it hits. I loved the idea of the ugly side being shown even more than the beauty of ballet. Seeing what someone would do for their passion. I really thought that it was interesting to see the three different takes. I thought that this story was important to read. It was definitely a thriller. I still don't know who the fuck did what. I know about what Bette admitted to doing, but what about the rest? Did Eleanor do that?
Characters:
Gigi: I loved her from the start. She was unique and different and driven. She was able to put her passion first even above her bodily demands. Although that was a fear the whole time I read the book, I thought it added an interesting idea to the ballet. I don't blame her for starting to loose it but I can only hope that she'll be ok. I can't wait to see if she'll make an appearance in the next book.
Bette: I thought that she was pure evil when I started reading the series and she is not the nicest girl, but she is in the gray zone for sure. Her upbringing and her life hasn't always been as easy as it may look. That doesn't make up for the horrible things she did or the way she acted. But did she do it? What all did she do?
June: Seeing someone struggle so hard with their bodies felt crazy to me. But the more I read from her perspective the more it made sense. It was her therapy. It's how she coped with the stress, just like Bette with her pills. I wonder if she did it? To gain the light? To be the best? Two birds one stone? I don't know.
Alec: I thought that he was a bit to nice to each prima. Is that what he wants? To be with the star? I was impressed by how he helped her with her foot, but what is he going to do now that she may never dance again. What now? Was he in cahoots with Bette? Ugh I'm lost.
Henri: I think he pushed her. But I think that everyone pushed her, though, so not reliable. But would he do what they did to Cassie? How does he even feel about Cassie? Shit who is this guy?
Eleanor: I think that she's in cahoots with Henri. The way there were caught that one time. Shoot.
Liz: The idea that she felt the need to be continually thinner. That it would help her in all aspects. The idea that she had no one who would help her hurts me.
Will: He's gotta be in on it right? Like Henri might be using him now.
Cassie: How will she coming back affect everything.
Mr K: He's a little bit of a sick freak isn't he? The idea that he would fool with younger girls makes me so totally uncomfortable.
Sen-Jin: What an evil word that I refuse to type on the internet. Even if she's not gay or bi, why would she be such a jerk to June?
Jahye: I wonder what the heck they're going to do together next. Will he break up with Sen-Jin, and get together with June? Or naw. I thought that he might just be around to make her eat based on her mother's demands.. thoughts?
Moments to Remember:
Final Line: "My spotlight."
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Hey, guys.
So the year is almost over, which feels amazing cause this year was all kinds of hectic. So here I am with some happy memories of the time I spent with books over the past year and the ones that really just got me. That's right its time for the 5/5 of 2016. (These will be presented in the order that I read the books, not in the order of most loved because I loved them all).
Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson: The first book I read in 2016 was a gift from a dear friend in college. I was having a tough time reading through college but I picked this one up over winter break and adored it. It is one of the few non-fiction reads that I read this year. I loved it! I thought that Jenny Lawson was an interesting person to hear about and some of her stories really hit close to home.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart: This book caught a lot of flack around the book community. Many people didn't like it but I was one that did. And when I say that I liked it, I really mean to say that I loved it. This book follows four friends and that's all I'm going to say to keep it a mystery for anyone who might choose to read it.
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard: This is the second book in the Red Queen Series and I loved it. I thought that the world building grew incredibly and the change of pace was exhilarating. I love Victoria Aveyard's writing style and can't wait to see what will happen in the next book King's Cage.
Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard: I ordered this when I preordered Glass Sword because I had a feeling I would need more from this world and it's just what I needed. I thought that this really helped to bring parts of the story together especially right after reading Glass Sword. I can't wait to see where this series will take its fans.
The Wrath and The Dawn by Renee Ahdieh: I picked up this book from a library by my college after hearing a friend say it was unlike anything she had ever read. She and I had similar tastes so I thought I would give it a go. I thought that it was an incredible story to read. It's a retelling of A Thousand and One Nights and tells the story of a girl who weds a boy-king who is known to murder each new bride he takes. I thought that the story was amazing and would recommend to lovers of retellers or those looking for more diversity in their YA stories.
The Selection by Kiera Cass: I can hear people clicking away from this page because this series gets a lot of hate. I read the whole series this year and while there were some stories that I enjoyed more than others, I thought that this first book was a solid starting point and while it looks like a fluffy novel it deals with so much more. I thought the world was important to see and learn about and while that kept me interested, the drama did even more so.
The New Hunger by Isaac Marion: This is a novella based in the Warm Bodies world and while I hadn't read the book for quite some time I thought this book brought me right back in and interested me even more. The next book is supposed to come out shortly, so I look forward to seeing what other books will be in this series and where it will take the readers.
The One by Kiera Cass: See I told you that I liked some more than others. What can I say, I'm a sucker for an ending and this book was full of drama and change. I loved it.
Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass: Because I hadn't had enough back stories for some of the characters I picked up this book and fell in love with the first three books even more. I thought that the novellas gave real insight into the characters choices throughout the rest of the series and helped set me up for the fourth and fifth book.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: So this is one of the first science fiction books I think that I've ever picked up. I loved it. The different media used in this book was amazing and helped the 500+ pages seem like nothing at all. I loved the action and world-building overall.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas: Everyone kept telling me to read something about Sarah J. Maas this year and I put it off until I found a paperback copy of this book for only $10. So I picked up this beautiful retelling and fell in freaking love. I thought that the characters were deep and the world building was fantastic.
Escape from Lucien & Firelight by Kazu Kibuishi: These were two amazing graphic novels that I read this year and sped through. I think this series really grew with each book and really came into its own throughout the series. I look forward to the next two novels when they come out.
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas: I thought I couldn't love this more than the first book and that there was no way it would be better and then bam! It happened. Sarah J. Maas is amazing and I'm trash for her writing. I still haven't read Throne of Glass but I'll get there I promise.
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard: This is a fantasy novel that came out this year that focuses on female friendship. While there is a love interest it is not the most important aspect of the story and I loved that. Amazing! And not so patiently waiting for the next book to come out.
The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer: I read this book when I really needed a good laugh. Something to get me through a tough time and it really did. I learned so much more about a comedian that I love and I rewatched her comedy specials with what I read in mind. Some how I loved her even more.
The Reptile Room and The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket: So I'm trying my best to reread this series before I watch the new Netflix adaptation. I can't wait to read the rest of the series but these are still two of my favorite in the series.
The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski: Yes, I also read the first book, but this book was even better. I thought that it was far more fast paced than the first one. The characters showed so much more emotion and the suspense killed me at every corner.
Gemina by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff: The follow-up to the first book was so incredibly different and I'm just waiting here anxiously for the next book announcement... please... please?
So there is the long list of amazing books I had the opportunity to read this year. I look forward to reading even more next year and whatever books come our ways (*coughes* Kings Cage).
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
