Title: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Series/Standalone: Stalking Jack the Ripper (Book #1)
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery
Pages: 337
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Year Published: 2016
Format: Audiobook
"Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege, stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practise of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period phot, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget."
My New Rating: 4/5
This was a really great reread. For anyone looking to read this book, I would strongly recommend the audiobook. I'm still looking forward to continuing the series and upon rereading the "villain" is spottable. You can notice the person throughout the story but not in a way that is obvious. It also doesn't come out of nowhere. I love the writing style and era. I also enjoy the way the author uses history and gender in a way that makes sense. She doesn't shun the past but embraces how far women have come overall.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Archenemies
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series/Standalone: Renegades Trilogy (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 560
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2018
Format: Audiobook
"The Renegades Trilogy continues, in this fiercely awaited second installment after the New York Times- bestselling Renegades by Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles.
Time is running out.
Together, they can save the world.
But they each other's worst nightmare.
In Renegades, Nova and Adrian (aka Insomnia and Sketch) fought the battle of their lives against the Anarchist known as the Detonator. It was a short-lived victory.
The Anarchists still have a secret weapon, one Nova believes will protect her. The Renegades also have a strategy for overpowering the Anarchists, but both Nova and Adrian understand that it could mean the end of Gatlon City- and the world- as they know it."
My Rating: 4.25/5
I was unsure whether or not I would enjoy this installment in the series. I was just ok with the first one, but couldn't shake the way it reminded me of other superhero work that I'd read in the past. That being said, the last book I read physically but finished with the audiobook. I knew that the audiobook helped me keep the characters straight and helped me to better enjoy the story. I really enjoyed this story. I think that the exploration of good and evil is always interesting and this novel is no exception. I enjoyed getting to know more of the characters and beginning to understand more of the changes in the city over time. I think the history of the city is a real highlight in this second book. I can't wait to listen to the third book and look forward to seeing how the characters intertwine in the last novel.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: In Real Life
Author: Cory Doctorow
Illustrator: Jen Wang
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Pages: 175
Publisher: Fir Second
Year Published: 2014
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)
"Anda loves Coarsegold Online, the massively-multiplayer role-playing game where she spends most of her free time. It's a place where she can be a leader, a fighter, a hero. It's a place where she can meet people from all over the world, and make friends.
But things become a lot more complicated when Anda befriends a gold farmer-- a poor Chinese kid whose avatar in the game illegally collects valuable objects and then sells them to players from developed countries with money to burn. This behaviour is strictly against the rules in Coarsegold, but Anda soon comes to realize the questions of right and wrong are a lot less straightforward when a real person's real livelihood is at stake."
My Rating: 3.5/5
This graphic novel is a great quick read about the changes in economics and their relation to the internet and gaming. It was interesting to see how these things correlated as well as watching someone expand their horizons through gaming. That being said the story was short and just seemed like the slightest glimpse into the lives of the characters. I wish that we had gotten a little more. I would recommend this for the middle-grade age range rather than young adult.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction
Pages: 291
Publisher: Dial Press
Year Published: 2008
Format: Audiobook
"'I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.'
January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb...
As Juliet and her correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends- and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society- born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its member were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island- boast a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.
Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.
Written with warmth and humor as a series of letters, this novel is a celebration of the written word in all its guises and of finding connection in the most surprising ways."
My Rating: 5/5
I heard about this book from my best friend. Her local book club had read it and she just had a feeling that I would love it. She knows me so well! This story captured my interest within the first quarter and I was intrigued throughout. The idea of using letters for the format during this crucial setting of post-WWII was truly astounding and made the plot seem lighter at some points than it really was. That being said the story didn't just contain memories from a brutal war. It contained moments of friends, comradery and romance for many of the characters. I would highly recommend the audiobook as all the voice actors are fantastic and look forward to recommending it to other lovers of historical fiction in the future.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Of Neptune
Author: Anna Banks
Series/Standalone: The Syrena Legacy (Book #3)
Genre: Paranormal, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 330
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2014
Format: Audiobook
"Emma, who is half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together. Alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma's grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.
Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn't sign up to the be peacemakers between the ocean-living Syrena and the land-dwelling, freshwater counterparts. They didn't bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn't expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love, but their ocean kingdoms.
In this stunning conclusion to her bestselling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever."
My Rating: 3.5/5
I'm excited that I was able to finish this series so quickly and won't lie that it was a bit of a guilty pleasure. The romance is cheesy and the plot lines are at some points corny but that being said it's still a fun read. At some points, I was fully intrigued and cheering on the romance that we'd experienced throughout the other books. That being said, it was easy to see how this series can be considered corny and over the top. Overall it was enjoyable and look forward to reading other works by the author in the future.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Giant Days Vol. 8
Author: John Allison
Artists: Max Sarin, Liz Fleming, Whitney Cogar, Jim Campbell
Volume: Volume 8 (Single Issues #29-32)
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Graphic Novel
Pages:112
Publisher: BOOM!Box
Year Published: 2018
Format: Paperback Copy (Library)
"Best friends Susan, Daisy, and Esther's adventures at university continue in Giant Days vol. 8.
It's the end of the second year for the best mates Susan, Daisy, and Esther, and crack are appearing in the foundation of the unshakeable trio. Between (irritating) new loves, (secretive) old loves, (unlikely) new friendships and (terrible) old houses, they'll be lucky to make it to third year alive."
My Rating: 5/5
It's been a while since a read a book in this series or a graphic novel at all. And this was amazing. I love the characters and the setting. The way that the authors truly capture the young adult time in your life when you're in college. The changes in friendships, relationships and classes. Also, the change in your drive that happens when you're almost finished your post-secondary careers. I can't wait to read the next volume and if anyone has any hints as to when that comes out I would freaking love to know.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Max
Author: James Patterson
Series/Standalone: Maximum Ride (Book #5)
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Pages: 309
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Year Published: 2009
Format: Audiobook
"James Patterson's bestselling Maximum Ride series is back, with Max and the gang as The Protectors. Someone-- or something-- is decimating ships and sea life off Hawaii's coast and Max and her flock find themselves sucked into the Navy's top-secret investigation of the catastrophe. Their objective: Rescue Max's activist mom from a wicked subterranean enemy. The hitch: They must dive deep into dark waters, where gruesome evil dwells... and for high-flying Maximum Ride, could there be anything more terrifying than being trapped in the great abyss? This soaring new adventure takes Maximum Ride and the Flock into terrifying new territory-- fans, hold your breath."
My Rating: 3/5
I took a break from this series for a few months and now being back it was enjoyable. It's not going in the direction that I hoped the story would go, but after the last book, it was at least a bit of an improvement. Easy to listen to and follow, I look forward to listening to the next book in the series and finishing it out.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Daughter of the Siren Queen
Author: Tricia Levenseller
Series/Standalone: Daughter of the Pirate King (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 341
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Year Published: 2018
Format: Audiobook
"Alosa's mission is finally complete. Not only has she recovered all three pieces of the map to a legendary hidden treasure, but the pirates who originally took her captive are now prisoners on her ship. Still unfairly attractive and unexpectedly loyal, first mate Riden is a constant distraction, but now he's under her orders. And she takes great comfort in knowing that the villainous Vordan will soon be facing her father's justice.
When Vordan exposes a secret her father has kept for years, Alosa and her crew find themselves in a deadly race with the feared Pirate King. Despite the danger, Alosa knows they will recover the treasure first... after all, she is the daughter of the Siren Queen."
My Rating: 5/5
I have recently reread the first book in this series and was on the wait list for the audiobook for this one. I was not disappointed at all. This duology is one of my favourites and I can't suggest it enough for lovers of pirates and a well-done romance. I especially love the audiobook.s This series has one of my favourite romances in YA. It's a slow burn will they or won't they that keeps you gripped. Along with the plot that has twists, adventures including rival pirates, sirens and the sea herself there is never a dull moment in Tricia Levenseller's writing. I can't wait to read more of her works and will never forget the romance in this story. It was everything for me and I plan to purchase physical copies as soon as possible!
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Illuminae
Author: Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
Series/Standalone: The Illuminae Files (Book #1)
Genre: Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 602
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Year Published: 2015
Format: Physical Copy
First Line: "So here's the file that almost killed me, Director."
"This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she'd have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded.
The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that's little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra- who are barely even talking to each other- are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit.
But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what's really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of date to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to the light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again.
Brief noting: Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents- including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more- Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes."
My Rating: 4.75/5
This reread still held up surprisingly well. It wasn't such a shock to read the dossier this time around. I enjoyed the time period and the idea of plague in space it kept the book fast-paced and interesting. There were certain aspects that I forgot about. Characters reactions to certain aspects that happened, different twists and turns that I forgot. I was also impressed at the way the authors wrote the horror aspects in the story. I will say the relationship was a little forced at some points for me but I'm looking forward to continuing my reread of the story.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
Title: Of Triton
Author: Anna Banks
Series/Standalone: The Syrena Legacy (Book #2)
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
Pages: 246
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Year Published: 2013
Format: Audiobook
"Emma has just learned that her mother is a long-lost Poseidon princess, and now struggles with an identity crisis: As a Half-Breed, she's a freak in the human world and an abomination in the Syrena realm below. Syrena law states that all Half-Breeds should be put to death.
As if that's not bad enough, her mother's reappearance among the Syrena turns the two kingdoms- Poseidon and Triton- against one another. Which leaves Emma with a decision to make: Should she comply with Galen's request to keep herself safe and just hope for the best? or should she risk it all and reveal herself- and her Gift- to save the people she's never known?
Once again, Anna Banks infuses Emma and Galen's points of view humor, intrigue and waves of romance."
My Rating: 3.75/5
This book was surprising to me. I thought that it would be more of a reintroduction to the Syrena world with the help of Emma's mom. Rather this story was about the disruptions in Syrena society and how the changing world effects the ancients below the surface. I liked the story overall but there were times where it was too corny at the wrong times. The end did hit hard and I was grateful that the author took this part of the story seriously. I'm excited to complete the series over the next few weeks.
Thanks for reading,
Sidny
