Review Wednesday: The Princess Trials by Cordelia Castel

Title: The Princess Trials (The Princess Trials #1)

Author: Cordelia Castel
1st Date of Publication: May 2, 2020

ISBN:  9798642502532
# of Pages: 202

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13+

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Thirty young women. A handsome prince. A battle to the death.

Water is scarce. Deserts have taken over the land. Nuclear war has devastated humanity. Humans live in walled super cities to keep out the irradiated. The land that was formerly known as America is divided into kingdoms ruled by royal elites.

Born into the lowest Echelon of the Kingdom of Phangloria, sixteen-year-old Zea Calico faces a life of hunger, thirst, and toil. The only way out of this drudgery is revolution, and Zea is desperate to help the cause.

When the palace calls for candidates to compete to marry Prince Kevon, Zea joins the Princess Trials to search the palace for weaknesses.

The trials should be a fairytale of sumptuous meals, ballgowns, and romance, but one misplaced word causes Zea to attract the Prince's attention. When Zea uncovers the man beneath Prince Kevon's public facade, she is at risk of falling in love and losing sight of her mission.

But the televised beauty pageant turns deadly, and Zea must fight for survival.

Setting: Phangloria
Point of View: 1st person- Zea Calico

Goodreads Rating: 3.43

My Rating: 3.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: This must be America still because she has red hair, but she's beautiful.
View on Title: After the trilogy has ended, it makes sense that the novellas that could follow would show how happy the start of America and Maxon's lives are together.

Pros:

• The concept of the novel/series is really interesting. It is basically a twist of The Selection and The Hunger Games. I thought the execution of this was done well enough.
• The characters in the novel were an interesting mix and was a perfect mix of The Hunger Games and The Selection
• Zea Calico reminds me more of a Katniss Everdeen as she is a rebel heart but her motivations are similar to America Singer. Zea is a bit on the naive side and is fueled by both anger and a desire for change.
• Ryce Wintergreen reminds me very much of Gale Hawthorne. He's a born leader and encourages Zea to fight for what she believes in. He does come off to be a little manipulative, and I wish there was more characterization on him.
• Prince Kevon doesn't remind me too much of the characters from The Hunger Games and The Selection. The closest association would be Prince Maxon simply because he seems to be taking this whole Princess Trials thing seriously as he tries to find his wife and future queen. I am looking forward to more of his characterization in the upcoming books.
• The cliff hanger makes me want to keep reading on despite some of the struggles of staying with the book in the middle of it.

Cons:

• This book felt a little bit difficult to stay focused on. It got lost mid-way through and struggled to get back into the story.
• Some of the plot was a little bit all over the place so it was sometimes hard to keep track of what is going on.

Critics' Reviews:

“This book was fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the story. I think the characters are well written and there is a good balance to the writing. I was really looking forward to reading the book and it did not disappoint." —Amazon Review

Cordelia K. Castel's Website:

http://www.cordeliakcastel.com

 

Other Recommendations:
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Review Wednesday: Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION TRILOGY. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: Happily Ever After (The Selection #0.4, 0.5, 2.5, 3.1, 3.5, 5.1)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: October 13, 2015

ISBN:  9780062414083
# of Pages: 387

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Meet Prince Maxon before he fell in love with America, and a girl named Amberly before she became queen. See the Selection through the eyes of a guard who watched his first love drift away and a girl who fell for a boy who wasn't the prince.

This series companion is a must-have for any Selection fan, and includes:
The Prince
The Guard
The Queen
The Favorite

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- America Singer

Goodreads Rating: 4.17

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: This must be America still because she has red hair, but she's beautiful.
View on Title: After the trilogy has ended, it makes sense that the novellas that could follow would show how happy the start of America and Maxon's lives are together.

Pros:

• There isn't too much to say about this because these are separate novellas from the original series.
• All I have to say is that I love how you can get a view of several characters that we all love dearly. If you're Team Aspen or Team Maxon, this may sway you to be in the middle because I know I was Team Maxon when I read the original trilogy but now I am in the middle because Aspen's motivations are very valid and you can see his change a little more clearly. 

Cons:

• I felt both satisfied and unsatisfied because I definitely wanted to read more about each of these characters.

Critics' Reviews:

“Reality TV meets dystopian fairy tale in Kiera Cass's delightful debut. Charming, captivating, and filled with just the right amount of swoon!" —Kiersten White, Author of Paranormalcy

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Eve by Anna Carey
Matched by Alley Condie

Review Wednesday: The Orchid Sister by Anne D. LeClaire

Title: The Orchid Sister
Author: Anne D. LeClaire

1st Date of Publication: May 7, 2019

ISBN: 9781503903272
# of Pages: 302

Genre: Adult Contemporary

Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, and Some Sexual Content)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
The people you love are taken from you. That’s what Maddie DiMarco learned when she survived the plane crash that killed her parents. Fifteen years later, the scars remain. And the ones no can see are hardest to heal. Since the accident, Maddie’s avoided the unpredictable and uncaring outside world, including any relationships—except for the one with her devoted older sister, Kat, who has always been there for her.

When Maddie meets handsome pilot Jack Moroni, she finally begins to let down her guard. But just as quickly, her hope and trust are once again shattered when a plane crash forces her to revisit her traumatic past. Maddie turns to her sister for comfort and guidance, only to realize that Kat is missing.

But Kat hasn’t vanished without a trace. An investigative journalist, she’s left behind a subtle trail of clues leading to the mysterious, myth-shrouded Yucatán coast of Mexico. To follow it, Maddie must confront her deepest fears—of flying, of intimacy, and of loss. She hopes that in doing so, she will find her sister. And if she’s lucky, she may also find herself along the way.

Setting: Yucatán, Mexico (Some traveling occurs in this novel, but
Point of View: 3rd Person - 5 Different Characters (Mostly from Maddie and Kat DiMarco's)

Goodreads Rating: 3.27

My Rating: 2.50

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: I really like flowers and the black background really 
View on Title: Who is she? What does she do that she doesn't regret? Is it something people normally would regret?

Pros:

• I really liked the mystery portion of this book. It was really the only thing keeping me from marking it as a Did Not Finish read. That is why I gave it a generous 2.50 rating.

Cons:

• I really struggled with this book. I did not feel very engaged, and it was hard for me to focus on the story in general.
• I found the main character, Maddie, a bit annoying. I understand that she’s gone through a lot of trauma but it was hard to read through her chapters. The other main character, Kat, is not much better since she didn’t seem the brightest bulb in the bunch. I felt that all the characters were pretty flat.
• It was tough to get into especially will all five characters’ different points of view, which was not very well executed and also unnecessary. I think the only two characters that needed their own points of view are Maddie and Kat. The other three took away from the novel instead of adding to it.
• Some of the issues that happened I actually felt pretty disturbed and thought it was extremely unnecessary.

Critics' Reviews:

"The Orchid Sister is a look at how we endure loss and the worst that life throws at us. Do we wither or do we thrive?…The climactic scene of The Orchid Sister, drenched in symbolism, offers a satisfying close to the gripping story.” —The Cape Cod Chronicle

Anne D. LeClaire's Website:

http://anneleclaire.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
The Last Look by Lauren Eckhardt
Only Ever Her by Marybeth Mayhew Whalen 

Review Wednesday: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE HUNGER GAMES OR CATCHING FIRE. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Hunger Games by clicking on the link: Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)

Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: August 24, 2010

ISBN: 9780439023511
# of Pages: 400

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15+ (Violence and Child Cruelty)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 1st person- Katniss Everdeen

Goodreads Rating: 4.04

My Rating: 4.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The bird is now taking flight and the lines are all broken, which means some major destruction is going to happen.
View on Title: So is the Mockingjay Katniss? Or is the Mockingjay something bigger?

Pros:

• Mockingjay is a much different read when you look at the tone of it all. Sure, Katniss has gone through a lot of PTSD before The Hunger Games really started and more so in Catching Fire. But, you truly see the mental and emotional impact of the Hunger Games and war has on people. You don't necessarily see it in just Katniss. You see it in Finnick, Peeta, Gale, Prim, Buttercup, and Haymitch. You pretty much see it in everyone. You watch how everyone copes with the entire issue whether that's complete avoidance, drugs, alcohol, or keeping your hands busy with anything to try to get your mind off all the pain and suffering they and their loved ones have and are currently enduring.
• This book really shows what war is like and how it can bring both the best in people and the worst in others. War brings some hard losses, broken relationships, and misguided delusions. I know most of the time Katniss is pretty close to being completely incapacitated (You would be if you were in her position.), but the people she loves gives her the strength to fight and be what the people of Panem needs: the Mockingjay.
• This book really pulled at my heartstrings because the book comes full circle to the beginning of the series and the purpose of why Katniss really went to the Hunger Games in the first place.
• I really liked the ending before the epilogue. I thought it was another clever ending and shows how Katniss really starts Panem with a fresh start despite costing her pretty much everything. 
• Overall, the book was well done as the installments prior to that. I would not recommend this book to someone who is looking for a light or fun read. This series, in general, is pretty dark, but this book in the series is probably the darkest.

Cons:

• I thought the epilogue was a bit unnecessary and forced, but I understand the purpose of it. It's to show that there is hope despite everything that Katniss and Peeta and everyone else has gone through.
• Some of the deaths in this novel seemed a bit excessive, but this is war after all. Death and destruction happen.

Critics' Reviews:

"Fans will be happy to hear that Mockingjay is every bit as complex and imaginative as Hunger Games and Catching Fire." —Entertainment Weekly
"Suspenseful... Collins' fans, grown-ups included, will race to the end." —USA Today
"At its best the trilogy channels the political passion of 1984, the memorable violence of A Clockwork Orange, the imaginative ambience of The Chronicles of Narnia and the detailed inventiveness of Harry Potter." —New York Times Book Review
"Unfolding in Collins' engaging, intelligent prose and assembled into chapters that end with didn't-see-that-coming cliffhangers, this finale is every bit the pressure cooker of its forebears. [Mockingjay] is nearly as shocking, and certainly every bit as original and thought provoking, as The Hunger Games. Wow." —Los Angeles Times
*"This concluding volume in Collins's Hunger Games trilogy accomplishes a rare feat, the last installment being the best yet, a beautifully orchestrated and intelligent novel that succeeds on every level." —Publishers Weekly

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Review Wednesday: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE HUNGER GAMES. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Hunger Games by clicking on the link: Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: September 1, 2009

ISBN: 9780439023498
# of Pages: 391

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15+ (Violence and Child Cruelty)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:

SPARKS ARE IGNITING.

FLAMES ARE SPREADING.

AND THE CAPITAL WANTS REVENGE.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest that she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. Katniss is about to be tested as never before.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 1st person- Katniss Everdeen

Goodreads Rating: 4.29

My Rating: 4.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The bird in this one has no arrow but it looks like it is ready to take flight. Also, those lines look very intentional and specific.
View on Title: What is catching fire? Could it be Katniss? The Capitol? The districts?

Pros:

• I feel like the first book is full of so much world-building that you don't see as much of Katniss' growth as you can see it here. There is still some more world-building when it comes to seeing the other districts outside of District 12, but it's more character development and plot development that you see in this installment.
• The twists and turns of this entire book were so good, which is why Catching Fire is my favorite book in the trilogy. I thought the arena was absolutely clever in how Suzanne Collins structured it. The part that really intrigued me was how much the other victors truly hated the Capitol. It makes sense but the things they do and say when they go through their pre-arena process. I liked being able to see Katniss' growth as she gets to know and work with the other victor tributes.
• And boy, that ending! I never saw that coming when I first read the series, but I won't give that away.
• I think this book and series deserves all the praise it gets. It's usually one of the first book series I recommend to people who want to get into reading because it takes you for a wild ride.

Cons:

• I think the star crossed lovers piece in this book is much easier to swallow because you start to see that it may not be entirely fake on either end. Peeta definitely softens Katniss' rough edges and you can see that through her time in both arenas with him.
• I think there is too much focus on the love triangle here. Although the first few times I've read this series I was all Team Gale, as I get older I have become much more Team Peeta. I think it was Gale's boldness I liked but realized it's more of a boldness out of hatred of the Capitol rather than a real boldness for Katniss. Sure, Peeta never said anything to Katniss until their reaping and (coincidentally) found that the last time he could express his true feelings was then.

Critics' Reviews:

"Whereas Katniss kills with finesse, Collins writes with raw power." —Time Magazine

"Collins has done that rare thing. She has written a sequel that improves upon the first book." —The New York Times Book Review

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Maze Runner by James Asher
The Selection by Kiera Cass

Review Wednesday: Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth

Title: Chosen Ones (Chosen #1)
Author: Veronica Roth

1st Date of Publication: April 7, 2020

ISBN: 9780358164081
# of Pages: 432

Genre: Adult Dystopian Society/Fantasy

Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, Drug Abuse, and Sexual Content)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
A decade ago near Chicago, five teenagers defeated the otherworldly enemy known as the Dark One, whose reign of terror brought widespread destruction and death. The seemingly un-extraordinary teens—Sloane, Matt, Ines, Albie, and Esther—had been brought together by a clandestine government agency because one of them was fated to be the “Chosen One,” prophesized to save the world. With the goal achieved, humankind celebrated the victors and began to mourn their lost loved ones.

Ten years later, though the champions remain celebrities, the world has moved forward and a whole, younger generation doesn’t seem to recall the days of endless fear. But Sloane remembers. It’s impossible for her to forget when the paparazzi haunt her every step just as the Dark One still haunts her dreams. Unlike everyone else, she hasn’t moved on; she’s adrift—no direction, no goals, no purpose. On the eve of the Ten Year Celebration of Peace, a new trauma hits the Chosen: the death of one of their own. And when they gather for the funeral at the enshrined site of their triumph, they discover to their horror that the Dark One’s reign never really ended.

Setting: Chicago, IL
Point of View: 3rd person- Sloane Andrews

Goodreads Rating: 3.68

My Rating: 4.00

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Title

View on the Cover: I'm not quite sure of what to make of the cover. It just looks like strands going in and out of the 
View on Title: Who are the Chosen Ones? Why are they chosen? So many questions swimming through my head!

Pros:

• I was really unsure about reading this because Roth is known for writing young adult novels rather than adult novels. I honestly liked this so much better than her esteemed Divergent series and I was a megafan when it first came out. I like how Roth aged her writing with her audience. I truly hope she continues even after the duology.
• The characters are a really interesting mix and they all have their own unlikeable personalities although you mostly get to see Sloane as the book follows her the entire time.
• Sloane is really not likable and extremely stubborn who tends to get herself in trouble. Despite all this, I actually liked her for her boldness and her desire/duty to save her friends and the world.
• Matt is technically the Chosen One and the leader of the pack back in the day. He sticks to take the leadership role that everyone seems fine with, except Sloane at times. He honestly seemed too perfect, but it's quick to find out that he is barely keeping it together himself.
• Esther comes off as a super bubbly character who is supportive of everyone on the team despite dealing with her mom with cancer. She honestly seems the most put together in the group.
• Albie is a character I really liked. Despite struggling with PTSD and depression, he was always telling jokes and supporting Sloane in her struggles because they are the most bonded from their experience with the Dark One. I really wish we got to see more of his character.
• Ines is a character not really seen or talked about too much. She's of Mexican descent who identifies as a lesbian. I also really wish to see more of her character.
• Roth touches on so many issues and makes them feel so real with the characters. Everyone in one way or another struggle with PTSD and depression. If you struggle with reading from a depressing character's point of view, I caution you to read this.
• Sloane struggles deeply with PTSD and deep down you can tell she wants to get help but doubts it will actually help with all that she has dealt with because she is a hero and that's not a typical expertise a counselor would have.
• Matt also struggles in his own way. He acts like he is put together and dives into all these events and signs autographs to mask his own PTSD.
• Albie masks his PTSD with drugs.
• The relationships are very real, or they felt real to me. There is nothing perfect about them. You can really see Sloane's struggle when she is with Matt. You can tell she cares but she feels too damaged to enjoy the things in life. Plus, Matt doesn't relate to her very well despite how much you can tell he cares for Sloane.
• This book is definitely written for millennials. There's a lot of references to technology and social media. Esther, another Chosen One, is all over social media with an Instagram account. She comes off as this bubbly person you would associate with having an Instagram account.
• When I heard that this was an adult novel, I was a little wary of the sexual content, but there was very minimal sexual content in it. There is one scene but it isn't too long. These are adults in their mid-twenties after all.
• If you are bothered by language, you might not want to read this. The f-bomb gets thrown around in some heated situations along with other colorful words in that realm, but I think that makes the book more realistic. When crap hits the fan, most people's decorum drastically changes so I was expecting much worse.
• I think it was really interesting to see Top Secret government files. It made me feel somewhat like an insider but still lacked the information I did need in order to understand it all.
• Both the twists in the plot and the ending weren't what I was expecting. I was pleasantly surprised for the most part.

Cons:

• There's no cliff hanger in this novel and there is a second novel coming that follows this one. So my question is: How is she going to continue the story? It just makes sense to end it there because the ending was great so it is making me scratch my head and wonder where she is going with this, but I'll find out in about a year.
• I believe the book could have definitely been even more interesting if Roth followed the three main characters (Sloane, Matt, and Esther) instead of Sloane. I know she has the skill for it and I was slightly disappointed that she stuck with just Sloane.
• There isn't much information as to why they were the Chosen Ones. It doesn't really seem like they had any superpowers. All the book seemed to share was that they were discovered through a prophecy. The only one who seemed any semblance of a superpower was Sloane. I really wish that there was more background on their "superpowers" or whatever that made them so special other than a prophecy. It also makes me wonder who thought it was okay to let five teenagers fight this evil Dark One as well as why follow a prophecy. Maybe a prequel will be in the works, or Roth can make this a trilogy with the Chosen Ones as the middle book.
• There were times where I was really captivated by the story and others where I wasn't. I think being able to know and reading the Chosen Ones having powers would have really helped.

Critics' Reviews:

"Roth’s first novel for adults (after the wildly popular Divergent series for teens) is driven by Sloane, a stubbornly unlikable heroine who wears her troubles on her sleeve but doesn’t truly understand her full power until the shocking ending. Those who like twisty power plays and very detailed worldbuilding will appreciate this…The many fans of Roth’s YA series will be clamoring for her adult debut, which features magic, lots of sarcasm, and a hint of romance.” —Booklist
"Roth (The End and Other Beginnings: Stories From the Future, 2019, etc.) made her name by writing bestselling YA action/adventure novels like the Divergent series, so it makes sense that she can so expertly deconstruct those tropes for adult audiences. There’s a lot of magic and action to make for a propulsive plot, but much more impressive are the character studies as Roth takes recognizable and beloved teen-hero types and explores what might happen to them as adults. Roth makes a bold entrance to adult fantasy." —Kirkus Review

Veronica Roth's Website:

https://veronicarothbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Review Wednesday: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: September 14, 2008

ISBN: 9780439023481
# of Pages: 374

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15+ (Violence and Child Cruelty)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
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 once 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.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 1st person- Katniss Everdeen

Goodreads Rating: 4.33

My Rating: 4.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: When I first saw this I thought the cover was fairly minimalistic but I knew birds and arrows are symbolic. I was curious as to what the symbolism meant of it and if there was any significance to the circles and lines.
View on Title: What exactly are the hunger games? Are people hungry and play games to win food? The title definitely piques the interest as to what that means.

Pros:

• Suzanne Collins is a well-seasoned writer as is clearly seen in The Hunger Games. If you have done any research on any of the characters, places, and events in The Hunger Games and/or the rest of the series, you will see how much work was put into writing this book/series. From the name Katniss to her connection to being an archeress to the name Panem, it is rich in subtle references to mythology, nature, and results of political satire. Despite this book being more than a decade old, it continues to stay relevant in so many aspects of life and with current events.
• Sure it seems like it duplicates pieces from the mythological story Theseus and the Minotaur, which Suzanne Collins has mentioned influenced this series in several interviews. But, it is clearly its own story. This book clearly pulls at your heartstrings and makes you think because no one truly wants to see your child or younger sibling be thrown into an arena and be forced to watch them most likely die or just come back with trauma.
• Its widespread popularity has given many young women confidence that they can do anything they put their minds to as seen by the character Katniss. The depth of Katniss' character is exceptionally subtle and requires at least three reads to truly see her growth. Katniss may come off as this ruthless and selfish person. Think about it. How would you feel and react if you or your younger sibling were given a death sentence and wholly stripped of who you are? I bet you would react the same way. Yes, she is calculating, but behind all that, Katniss truly is being selfless. Pay attention to how she thinks through her actions and others.

Cons:

• I hear a lot of people gripe about the star-crossed lover romance portion. I believe it is over-the-top and is somewhat nauseating but is essential for Katniss' growth. The romance piece did add depth to it but in a lot of subtle ways.
• Katniss' growth seems pretty stunted for the most part unless you look really deep into her characterization. It actually took me about 3 read-throughs of this installment of it to see the subtle growth she goes through, which is why I heavily wrote about Katniss' characterization in my senior.

Critics' Reviews:

"This is a grand-opening salvo in a new series by the author of the Underland Chronicles. Sixteen-year-old Katniss poaches food for her widowed mother and little sister from the forest outside the legal perimeter of District 12, the poorest of the dozen districts constituting Panem, the North American dystopic state that has replaced the U.S. in the not-too-distant future. Her hunting and tracking skills serve her well when she is then cast into the nation’s annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death where contestants must battle harsh terrain, artificially concocted weather conditions, and two teenaged contestants from each of Panem’s districts. District 12’s second “tribute” is Peeta, the baker’s son, who has been in love with Katniss since he was five. Each new plot twist ratchets up the tension, moving the story forward and keeping the reader on edge. Although Katniss may be skilled with a bow and arrow and adept at analyzing her opponents’ next moves, she has much to learn about personal sentiments, especially her own. Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance." —Booklist

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Maze Runner by James Asher
The Selection by Kiera Cass

Review Wednesday: She Regrets Nothing by Andrea Dunlop

Title: She Regrets Nothing
Author: Andrea Dunlop

1st Date of Publication: February 6, 2018

ISBN: 9781501155987
# of Pages: 374

Genre: Adult Contemporary

Age Rating: 17+ (Language and Some Sexual Content)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
In the tradition of The Emperor’s Children and The House of Mirth, the forgotten granddaughter of one of New York’s wealthiest men is reunited with her family just as she comes of age—and once she’s had a glimpse of their glittering world, she refuses to let it go without a fight.

When Laila Lawrence becomes an orphan at twenty-three, the sudden loss unexpectedly introduces her to three glamorous cousins from New York who show up unannounced at her mother’s funeral. The three siblings are scions of the wealthy family from which Laila’s father had been estranged long before his own untimely demise ten years before.

Two years later, Laila has left behind her quiet life in Grosse Point, Michigan to move to New York City, landing her smack in the middle of her cousins’ decadent world. As the truth about why Laila’s parents became estranged from the family patriarch becomes clear, Laila grows ever more resolved to claim what’s rightfully hers. Caught between longing for the love of her family and her relentless pursuit of the lifestyle she feels she was unfairly denied, Laila finds herself reawakening a long dead family scandal—not to mention setting off several new ones—as she becomes further enmeshed in the lives and love affairs of her cousins. But will Laila ever, truly, belong in their world?

Setting: New York City, NY
Point of View: 3rd Person - Laila Lawrence

Goodreads Rating: 3.27

My Rating: 2.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: It looks like a city. It could easily be New York City, which is a typical city that authors write about.
View on Title: Who is she? What does she do that she doesn't regret? Is it something people normally would regret?

Pros:

• When I was reading the description of this novel, it seemed really interesting. Who wouldn't want to read a novel about a small-town girl who had a family that was powerful and popular in the big city? It had a pauper to prince kind of feel to it as the main character, Laila has never known the lavish New York City life that her cousins live.
• I gave this review a 2.75 because I did manage to finish it, but it required me to map out and be intentional in making sure I finish it. Some books I am unable to do so, but I managed with this one.

Cons:

• I felt like this novel fell short of what it could have been. I really struggled to finish this novel, but I persevered so that I can give you an honest review.
• The drama in the novel seemed super superficial, and you can see the dark path that Laila goes down just by being associated with her extended family. I feel like that was a realistic depiction of what fame and money can do to someone.
• Since I have been to New York City, I know there is so much you can do there, but the lack of setting made it difficult to focus since it made the novel seem so bland. I've read similar novels that were far more entertaining and better written than She Regrets Nothing.

Critics' Reviews:

"Dunlop’s smart and suspenseful debut follows the lead of Katie Crouch’s Abroad (2014) and Jennifer duBois’ Cartwheel (2013), but delves more deeply into the repercussions beyond a shocking incident during a year abroad. Dunlop richly evokes the heady emotions of friendship, lust, and betrayal." —Booklist
"Readers who follow New York trends will enjoy the stories of fashion, clubs, and restaurants Dunlop builds to a gripping climax while delving into questions of family, loyalty, lust, wealth, power, and betrayal." —Library Journal
"A sharp, glittering story of wealth, family, and fate and one’s woman search to find her place in it all." —Buzzfeed

Andrea Dunlop's Website:

https://www.andreadunlop.net/

 

Other Recommendations:
Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Whisper Network by Chandler Baker

New Release Review: The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

Title: The Betrothed (The Betrothed #1)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: May 5, 2020

ISBN: 9780062291639
# of Pages: 320

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.

Setting: Kingdom of Coroa (Fictional)
Point of View: 1st person- Lady Hollis Brite

Goodreads Rating: 3.06

My Rating: 4.00

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The cover is absolutely gorgeous. The young woman is breathtakingly beautiful and seems pretty ladylike.
View on Title: I wonder who is betrothed to the king and what that looks like.

Pros:

• This book hasn't been getting the greatest reviews because people are either not reading the story and saying it's basically The Selection or they are comparing it to The Selection. The Betrothed is an entirely different book in its own right and needs to be judged as such. It is meant to be a tale of what it is like to grow up as a noble in a kingdom rather than a rags-to-riches tale like The Selection.
• The Betrothed is to be a little more suited for an audience slightly younger than The Selection. Personally, I think there is less teenage girl drama than The Selection because Hollis keeps a close circle and she really isn't competing with anyone.
• I like how this is a story about a young lady who is careful and just happens to accidentally catch the attention of the newly crowned King Jameson who has been trying to find a wife to become the new queen.
• I think a lot of young teenagers can relate to Hollis as she just wants to have a good time. She's witty and a great conversationalist, which she uses to her advantage.
• There was a twist in the story I wasn't expecting, but it added some depth to the story.
• I found it interesting how this novel touched on how politics happen between two different countries, especially ones that are somewhat at odds with each other.
• This story is great if you're looking for a short and fun read. I felt like I breezed through this tale.
• I am someone who doesn't like love triangles. This technically contains a love triangle but it didn't feel like it was really one. I think there was a clear indication and not much confusion for Hollis to choose between the two men.

Cons:

• There is not very much character development in most of the supporting characters, except for Delia Grace and Valentina, and you can't really relate or truly like the male characters, such as Jameson and Silas. I think this intentional for Hollis' journey because this is about Hollis learning about who she is and who she wants to be.
• Hollis' character seems fairly flat until you get to the last third to quarter of the book. It really started getting more interesting then and you can really see Hollis grow and have real conviction.

Critics' Reviews:

“Fans of The Selection series will anxiously await the second installment of this duology to learn Hollis’s fate." —School Library Journal
"A headstrong heroine whom Cass’s loyal following will champion." —Publishers Weekly

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

Other Recommendations:

The Selection by Kiera Cass
Eve by Anna Carey
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

New Release Review: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games #0)
Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: May 19, 2020

ISBN: 9781338635171
# of Pages: 517

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, 18-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 out charm, 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.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 3rd person- Coriolanus Snow

Goodreads Rating: 3.98

My Rating: 4.00

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Birds are very symbolic in The Hunger Games trilogy. Snakes are also very symbolic in literature as being deceptive while birds represent freedom so I was excited to see what that would represent.
View on Title: It's honestly a mouthful and can be difficult to remember when you first see it. It actually took me several times of looking at the title on different occasions when I was telling friends after it was first announced. That doesn't mean I don't love the title. I think it's pretty clever once you read the book.

Pros:

• I didn't know exactly what to expect when it comes to this book, but overall I really enjoyed it. It wasn't as good as The Hunger Games trilogy but it was definitely worth the 10-year wait. It is and should be read as its own book rather than as part of The Hunger Games series.
• I loved the angle that Collins took for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. You only see President Snow as this heartless and cold leader in The Hunger Games trilogy, but Collins did an excellent job in really humanizing President Snow as an 18-year old student who goes by Coriolanus. You can see his personal struggles outside of the Hunger Games, which makes you want to continue reading and get the answer as to why he became such a heartless and cold antagonist that you see him be in the trilogy.
• When I first read the synopsis, I was really interested to see how Snow was a mentor to tributes when he was born as a Capitol citizen. It makes sense that since it's only the 10th Hunger Games that it still is in the experimental phase. It's interesting to see how the Hunger Games morphed into what they are in the trilogy and how Coriolanus Snow had a hand in a lot of it pretty early on. You can clearly see the struggle of young minds (not just Coriolanus) wrestling with and trying to figure out what is deserved versus being cruel.
• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes also doesn't disappoint in all the symbolism and irony through the use of Greek mythology, especially when it comes to the characters.
• If you read The Hunger Games series, so many of the questions you have revolving around President Snow, Katniss, and their connection make so much more sense in this novel.
• Whether you read The Hunger Games series or not you will not be missing out because you don't know you're missing it. If you do read both the prequel and the trilogy you, you really gain more of an appreciation for Suzanne Collins's writing.
• You really see how the Hunger Games become what it is from the experimental phase, why it is called the Hunger Games, and why the Capitol sees it as necessary.

Cons:

• If you're looking for more fun read, then you should be cautious toward this book. It is much darker than The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. It seems to be more on the dark level of Mockingjay.
• This one is more of neutral point...This novel also opens the door to more questions that can be answered in another novel, such as Tigris and Snow's fall out. If I was Collins, I would definitely write a prequel with Haymitch and incorporate the fall out there for reasons I can't explain without spoiling the pieces of The Hunger Games trilogy.

Critics' Reviews:

"It’s been a decade since Mockingjay, the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy, was published and fans are going to be thrilled with Suzanne Collins’ unexpected prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This novel has been under serious lockdown, so all that can be said until May 19 is that it begins on the day of the reaping for the tenth annual Hunger Games, and an eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is mentoring the underdog tribute from District 12. Prepare to read this in book one sitting because you won’t be able to put it down." —Amazon Book Reviewer

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Maze Runner by James Asher
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Life Update (Summer 2017-Spring 2020)

Yes, you saw that right. It has been about 3 years since I have posted an update. I had to step away for a multitude of reasons and had a lot of healing in order to be where I am today. Life has been such a roller coaster and I was on a downslope for a really long time. Now I am at the point of an uphill, despite it being quarantine.

Home
The last time I updated you all. I didn't actually have an actual home yet, which was tough and I almost went back home in Scranton, PA. Thankfully, I preserved and really have made a life here in the Pacific Northwest. I lived in Federal Way, WA, for a year and a half where I dealt with a lot of hardship with an abusive narcissistic boyfriend. I managed to get out of that situation a little over a year ago and have been on the road to healing a few months before that.
Now I live close to the water in Tacoma with my two cats that have completely opposite personalities. My tortoiseshell tabby, Calypso, is more like a dog and responds when called. Arlo, my long-haired cat, is very much like a cat in that he is completely antisocial with pretty much everyone. He just started being friendly with me, but I only think that's because I am the one feeding him. I should also be getting a gecko very soon, too, so I am really excited to add to my little family of animals.

Work
My last update told you that I was working as a travel bank teller/member service member but that ended up not panning out. That's okay though because I got a job as a technical writer/instructional designer which is so much fun. I am always learning so many new things by working with all kinds of companies. I still work for the same company and I work from home so it's nice to be able to travel to visit family and other places.

Traveling
Unfortunately, the last two years have not had a ton of traveling but I did do a small trip to Portland, OR, soon after moving to the  Pacific Northwest and a couple trips last summer (2019). The church I have been attending since moving here had a mission trip to Liberia, which I joined. That was such an experience and I am glad that I went on it. I've always wanted to do a mission trip and felt like this was an excellent first mission trip. I also got to take my brother and sister on a trip to the beach when I went to visit my family. That was a really fun trip that felt rejuvenating.
Fortunately this year despite the Coronavirus, I have a few trips planned. In August, I am heading to Hawaii for a week, which has been on the top of my list of places to visit. That would mark state #26 out of 50!
I am currently planning a trip to France just to dip my toes to see what it may be like if I end up doing a Europe tour later on.

Reading and Writing

I haven't been reading and writing as I wanted to over the past 3 years since I have been doing so much, but I have done some of both. I have been staying very up-to-date on my favorite authors and have been reading all of their newest books. I have even gotten to meet Veronica Roth who wrote the Divergent series, which I partially wrote about in my senior thesis. I thought that was pretty cool that I was able to meet her. I almost got to see Veronica Roth again in April and was hoping to see Suzanne Collins near the around same time, too, but Coronavirus changed that. I am also looking forward to more authors to come visit the Seattle-Tacoma area in the future.

Other Fun Stuff
Even though I lacked traveling in the last year, I marked something off my bucket list, which is scuba diving. That was such an experience and I am so excited that I live in an area where I can do that. Because of Coronavirus, not many people are out and about diving so I haven't been doing it as often as I like.

I also got another tattoo to add to my tattoo collection in memory of a close childhood friend who I lost a little over 2 years ago.
During the quarantine on nice days, you'll find me hammocking at the park with a book and a
blanket enjoying the sun!

Finally, I really did some book housekeeping activities, which include painting my bookshelf to match, stamping my books with a personalized stamper, adding plastic protective covers on my beloved hardcovers, and creating a personal library so that I can help friends find recommendations.