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 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

Review Wednesday: Wallbanger by Alice Clayton

*This is a book meant for adults due to some inappropriate content for people younger than 18.*


Title: Wallbanger (Cocktail #1)
Author: Alice Clayton
1st Date of Publication: November 12, 2012
ISBN: 9781623420024
# of Pages: 384
Genre: New Adult, Adult Romance
Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, Sexual content)

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description: 
The first night after Caroline moves into her fantastic new San Francisco apartment, she realizes she's gaining an intimate knowledge of her new neighbor's nocturnal adventures. Thanks to paper-thin walls and the guy's athletic prowess, she can hear not just his bed banging against the wall but the ecstatic response of what seems (as loud night after loud night goes by) like an endless parade of women. And since Caroline is currently on a self-imposed dating hiatus, and her neighbor is clearly lethally attractive to women, she finds her fantasies keep her awake even longer than the noise. So when the wallbanging threatens to literally bounce her out of bed, Caroline, clad in sexual frustration and a pink baby-doll nightie, confronts Simon Parker, her heard-but-never-seen neighbor. The tension between them is as thick as the walls are thin, and the results just as mixed. Suddenly, Caroline is finding she may have discovered a whole new definition of neighborly...

In a delicious mix of silly and steamy, Alice Clayton dishes out a hot and hilarious tale of exasperation at first sight...

Setting: San Fransisco, California in the 21st century
Point of View: 1st Person- Caroline Reynolds 

Goodreads Rating: 4.10

My Rating: 4.25


Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both title and cover
View on the Cover: It seems very scandalous. It seems to matcj the title very 
View on the Title: I know that there is an alcoholic drink called a wallbanger, but maybe it is a play on words with the sex.

Pros:

• The main characters are pretty interesting together. They complement each other.
• Caroline Reynolds is a hardworking interior desinger who is great at her job. She loves to bake in her free time while she listens to her neighbor's good-tasted music. She has had a lot of bad luck with seual partners that she decided to go on an indefinite sexual hiatus.
• Simon Parker is Caroline Reynold's neighbor and he isn't the typical neighbor. He has a very different seual life than the average man, but he hasa good taste in musc and an excellent photographer who gets to travel the world. He has a past that causes him to live this certain lifestyle.
• Together Caroline and Simon are hilarious as they try to play matchmaker with their friends. The entire encounter is exciting and captivating.
• This novel is extremely funny alomst as much as it is sexy. It continues to make you laugh. From the baking jokes to the harem jokes, this novel will make you laugh so hard.

Cons:

• The only thing I wish is that there was more depth to Simon and the other supporting characters. But, this is a series so there should be more characterization.

Critics' Reviews:

"Pure escapism...with a funny cast, snappy dialogue, and plenty of hot and sexy scenes.... Readers of Rachel Gibson and Helen Fielding will enjoy Clayton" -Booklist

Alice Clayton's Website:
http://aliceclayton.com/

Other Recommendations:

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Perfect Chemistry by Simon Elkeles
Easy by Tammara Webber

Review Wednesday: Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Title: Reign of Shadows (Reign of Shadows #1)

Author: Sophie Jordan
1st Date of Publication: February 9, 2016

ISBN: 9780062377647
# of Pages: 304

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.

But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.

With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.


Setting: Relhok in the future
Point of View: 1st person- Luna

Goodreads Rating: 3.66

My Rating: 3.0

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Everything is dark and looking dead or at least dying.
View on Title: How are the shadows ruling over the land and people?

Pros:

• The main characters are a very interesting mix. The characters are complete opposites, but the novel makes you continue to question if that's really the case.
• Luna has a sense of duty to protect those she loves and will even do anything that will hurt her. She sees the best in others.
• Fowler is very closed off and refuses to let others see his weaknesses. He has a hidden past but realizes that he needs to hide his past more and more as he finds out Luna's past.
• The idea of Luna being blind is really interesting take on the book. Since she lacks in sight, her other senses are heightened, which is also a proven scientific fact.

Cons:

• There was a lack of characterization, which made the book seem a little slow.
• There was also a lack of depth in the storyline so it wasn't as exciting as it could have been.

Critics' Reviews:
“Effortless fantasy with high romance, REIGN OF SHADOWS keeps you intrigued until the final sentence.” -RT Book Reviews
“Star-crossed romance smolders.” -Kirkus Reviews

Sophie Jordan's Website:

https://www.sophiejordan.net/

Other Recommendations:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah Maas

Review Wednesday: Beautiful Sacrifice by Jamie McGuire

*This is a book meant for adults due to some inappropriate content for people younger than 18.*


Title: Beautiful Sacrifice (Maddox Brother #3)
Author: Jamie McGuire
1st Date of Publication: May 31, 2015
ISBN: 9781511847506
# of Pages: 270
Genre: New Adult, Adult Romance
Age Rating: 17+ (Language, Violence, Sexual content)

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description: 
Falyn Fairchild can walk away from anything. Having already left her car, her education, and even her parents, the daughter of the next governor of Colorado is back in her hometown, broke and waiting tables for the Bucksaw Café. After every shift, Falyn adds to her shoebox of cash, hoping to one day save enough to buy her a plane ticket to the only place she can find forgiveness: Eakins, Illinois.

The moment Taylor Maddox is seated in Falyn’s section at the Bucksaw, she knows he’s trouble. Taylor is charming, breaks promises, and gorgeous even when covered in filth—making him everything Falyn believes a hotshot firefighter to be. Falyn isn’t interested in becoming another statistic, and for a Maddox boy, a disinterested girl is the ultimate challenge.

Once Falyn learns where Taylor calls home, everything changes. In the end, Maddox persistence is met with Falyn’s talent for leaving, and for the first time, Taylor may be the one to get burned.

Setting: Colorado Springs, Colorado and Eakins, Illinois in the 21st century
Point of View: 1st Person- Falyn Fairchild

Goodreads Rating: 4.08

My Rating: 4.35


Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both title and cover
View on the Cover: Why is the woman's hair on fire? Is she giving up her life?
View on the Title: Can a sacrifice really be beautiful when it's going to cause pain and suffering? What kind of suffering and sacrifice can be beautiful?

Pros:

• The main characters are a really interesting mix.
• Don't let Falyn Fairchild fool you. She is not very nice to men interested in her, but she is really great as a waitress. She is sweet, caring, and extremely hard working to the point where she refuses to take any short cuts for her personal mission, which is to go to Eakins, Illinois.
• Taylor Maddox is the perfect package. He's very attractive, successful, and a hotshot firefighter, or someone who fights extremely dangerous wildfires. He has his eyes set on Falyn and he is relentless in becoming closer to her. It's really endearing to read.
• This book really gets at your heartstrings. Falyn's past has more heartbreak in it than the other Maddox boys' women. Falyn's past truly speaks to why her current circumstances are so drastic from what they could be.
• The mystery compels you to read more. Why does she live a life of "rags" when she grew up in "riches?" Why does she hate her parents so much? Why is she cold toward men who are attracted to her? Why is she dead set on going to Eakins, Illinois?
• The secondary characters really add to the story. They provide a lot of depth to Falyn's character as she sometimes holds back information that is vital to know how the story will unfold.

Cons:

• It seemed like there lacked some depth in Taylor's character. If you don't love Maddox boys, then this series will seem slightly repetitive when it comes to the Maddox men.

Jamie McGuire's Website:

http://www.jamiemcguire.com/

Other Recommendations:

Beautiful Oblivion by Jamie McGuire
Perfect Chemistry by Simon Elkeles
Easy by Tammara Webber

Review Wednesday: RoseBlood by A.G. Howard

Title: RoseBlood

Author: A.G. Howard
1st Date of Publication: January 10, 2017

ISBN: 9781419719097
# of Pages: 432

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
In this modern day spin on Leroux’s gothic tale of unrequited love turned to madness, seventeen-year-old Rune Germain has a mysterious affliction linked to her operatic talent, and a horrifying mistake she’s trying to hide. Hoping creative direction will help her, Rune’s mother sends her to a French arts conservatory for her senior year, located in an opera house rumored to have ties to The Phantom of the Opera.

At RoseBlood, Rune secretly befriends the masked Thorn—an elusive violinist who not only guides her musical transformation through dreams that seem more real than reality itself, but somehow knows who she is behind her own masks. As the two discover an otherworldly connection and a soul-deep romance blossoms, Thorn’s dark agenda comes to light and he’s forced to make a deadly choice: lead Rune to her destruction, or face the wrath of the phantom who has haunted the opera house for a century, and is the only father he’s ever known.

Setting: Paris, France in the 21st century
Point of View: 1st person- Rune Germain, 3rd person- Thorn

Goodreads Rating: 3.36

My Rating: 2.0

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Cover

View on the Cover: It is absolutely beautiful yet haunting. The thorns might mean that she is stuck and tangled in something that she can't get out of. Is the mask a reference to Phantom of the Opera.
View on Title: Isn't the color of blood the same as the color of roses? I think that's redundant.

Pros:

• The writing was the only good thing about this book. The style is beautiful and that was the only thing keeping me reading. It made me hope things would possibly get better.

Cons:

• The jumping from the first person as Rune to the third person as Thorn was really confusing at first and made it extremely difficult to read even after figuring out what happened at the point of view switch. The concept of switching seemed like it was cool but it wasn't executed properly.
• The Phantom of the Opera is a classic and this novel did no justice to it. The novel was filled with so many cliches that weren't executed well either.
• The Rune's superpower through the use of her voice was pretty ridiculous and didn't really fit well into the story.
• The vampires were by far the worst thing in this book. It was awful.
• There was a lack of description, purpose, and action for the opera school RoseBlood.

Critics' Reviews:
"A rich, atmospheric story that readers will be hard-pressed to put down." -Kirkus
"This is an accomplished undertaking... A good purchase for paranormal romance collections, and the connections to a classic work of literature add appeal." -School Library Journal
"Part vampire lore and part love story, this will appeal to those who enjoyed titles like Beautiful Creatures and Vampire Academy." -School Library Connection

A.G. Howard's Website:

http://www.aghoward.com/

Other Recommendations:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine
Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Review Wednesday: Cinderella's Shoes by Shonna Slayton

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ CINDERELLA'S DRESS. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about Cinderella's Dress by clicking on the link: Review: Cinderella's Dress by Shonna Slayton

Title: Cinderella's Shoes (Cinderella's Dress #2)

Author: Shonna Slayton

1st Date of Publication: October 6, 2015

ISBN: 9781633751231

# of Pages: 400

Genre: Historical Fiction

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description: 
The war may be over, but Kate Allen’s life is still in upheaval. Not only has she discovered that Cinderella was real, but now she's been made Keeper of the Wardrobe, her sole responsibility to protect Cinderella’s magical dresses from the greed of the evil stepsisters’ modern descendants.

But Cinderella’s dresses are just the beginning. It turns out that the priceless glass slippers might actually exist, too, and they could hold the power to reunite lost loved ones like her father—missing in action since World War II ended. As Kate and her boyfriend, Johnny, embark on an adventure from New York to Italy and Poland in search of the mysterious slippers, they will be tested in ways they never imagined.

Because when you harness Cinderella's magic, danger and evil are sure to follow...

Setting: 1942 (Post-WWII), New York, Italy, and Poland

Point of View:  3rd Person- Kate Allen

Goodreads Rating: 4.05

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The shoe is beautiful. Although shouldn't it be blue or clear like in the story.
View on Title: Cinderella's shoes are the main reason for the original plot so I wonder if there's something really special about them like the dress did in the first novel.

Pros:

• This novel seemed to have a little more mystery about it. In the first book, it was clear that the dress has magical powers, but in the second book, it wasn't clear whether Cinderella's shoes had special powers. There was also the mystery of whether Kate's father was really dead or not.
• This novel takes you further than just New York as Kate travels with the Princess and her granddaughter, Nessa, to Italy and eventually Poland.
• There is a lot more characterization in this novel.
• Johnny is pretty awesome as he seems to be extremely supportive of Kate and letting her do what she thinks is best. 
• The Princess's granddaughter, Nessa, is a girl who wants to understand her role and be more of an active part in Cinderella's dresses as she learns more about her role.
• When I was reading the first novel, I was wondering why the Cinderella's dress was handed to her aunt rather than her grandmother like what was supposed to happen. There is a reason for it.

Cons:

• The only issue had was that there wasn't really enough action in it. There could have been a little more action than there was in the book.

Shonna Slayton's Website:

http://shonnaslayton.com/

Other Recommendations:

The Accidental Empress by Allison Pataki
Between the Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Children of Willesden Lane by Mona Golabek