Review: Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)

 Scarlet
Marissa Meyer
Lunar Chronicles Book 2

*Spoilers for those who haven't read Cinder

Scarlet's grandmother is missing. The town, and the police, all think she ran off and consider her deceased. Scarlet knows better; she knows her grandmother would not just up and leave.

Now to prove it.

Scarlet is off on an adventure through France.  Living on a farm in the small town of Rieux, she meets Wolf one day while making a vegetable delivery.  Wolf: the dark, brooding street fighter with the strange tattoo.

The two make an unlikely pair and without giving away too many spoilers, Wolf believes he can help her find her grandmother.

Their spark is electrifying from right the get-go!

(Figured out who she's based on yet? Yes, she even has the hood)

While this is happening, we continue to follow Cinder who has escaped from prison and is on the run with an unique criminal helping her out.

Kai is worried about her.
The Queen is still after her. (and Kai. and the world. but let's calm down a bit, folks)

When Scarlet and Cinder realize they are fighting for a common cause, they decide to join forces.

Another captivating story that will have you glued to your seat! Scarlet and Wolf's relationship is so heartbreaking yet loving at the same time, the wit from Captain Thorne and Cinder is perfectly timed, and it's nice to see Iko again (baby got back!).
More lies.
More secrets.
Both friendships and love, old and new, are all put to the test ... and we've only just begun.

Meyer has you finishing one book and reaching for the next in the same second.

Review - Cinder (Lunar #1)

 Cinder
Marissa Meyer

Lunar Chronicles - Book 1

Imagine Cinderella as a cyborg.
and living in Japan.

Meyer does an amazing job at bringing the classic story we all know (and some love) to life in a new and fascinating way.

Earthlings have been infected by a plague brought to the planet by the Lunar species who live on the moon.

Cinder was in a tragic car accident as a child. She was the only survivor.
She is then taken in by a Garan, a man with a wife and two daughters, but he dies.
The wife decides to keep Cinder on as a ward, and as a slave of sorts - instead of a maid, she is made to be the sole breadwinner as a mechanic in the local market.

(Do you see the similarities yet?)

One day, the royal prince comes looking for the famous mechanic "Cinder". Low and behold, he is shocked when he finds out Cinder is a girl. He leaves his dear android with her to be fixed, as she holds valuable information.
While out that night looking for scrap android parts with one of her step-sisters, Peony, and the family's android-maid, Iko, her sister contracts the plague.

Now everyone is curious as to why Cinder didn't. 

I won't give away anymore, as it gets complicated as the story goes on. but I will say that there is a ball, and a shoe (of sorts) left behind for the prince. It's all very cute. 

The writing is amazing, the characters are stunning, the chemistry between Cinder and her Prince Kai is so sweet... I just loved everything about it. I read it in one sitting.  I'd be the first to admit that I avoid Cinderella based stories, but after all the good things I heard about this series, I relented and gave it a shot. So happy I did and I kick myself for not reading it sooner.  The backstories, the lies, the secrets, the possibilities and plot twists that Meyer weaves will have you anxiously waiting to turn the pages! 

Review: Red Queen (Book 1)

Victoria Aveyard
Red Queen

Welcome to a world where you are separated by blood colour, and by skill. 

A unique skill.

The ability to manipulate the elements.

Elements, such as metal, air, water, fire, can only be done by those with Silver Blood. Mare Barrow does not have a skill like this as she is a Red Blood. She is waiting for the day she is forced into the army, like her brothers before her. Mare does not want that life. She knows there is better out there. She’d rather find out what it could look like on her own.

When her latent power comes to light, it is not believed by those who do not see it for themselves. A Red… with an ability?

Whisked away to live like Royalty, and having to fake her way through it, Mare is torn with how she should feel. She knows she is being used by the people around her – who can she really trust? She knows she can be strong enough, but can she be brave enough?

A beautiful opening to what I am sure will be a fantastic series. Mare’s actions and thoughts are easy to relate to, her love triangle makes for some interesting plot twists, the characters are written vividly and with such beautiful descriptions.  While I’ve seen the element bending before in television and movies, but reading about it gives it a more magical feel. Mare’s talents, and the talents of those around her, are unpredictable and frightening at times.  The history of this world is absolutely fascinating. I could not put this one down!

Review: The Nest

  #indigoreviews

The Nest
Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

4 siblings and their inheritance

Bea - Single, a writer. Still grieving over the loss of her ex.
Melody - The mother. The wife. The one struggling to stay afloat.
Jack - The practical one. The one who's trying to hide his mistakes until he can fix them.
Leo - The troublemaker. The one this story revolves around.

Leo's accident sends him to rehab. When he is released, the siblings get together to discuss The Nest. This has been their nickname for their inheritance for as long as they can remember. Bea, Melody and Jack have all been depending on this money coming in. It has been a long time coming.

Finally, the time is near ... only to find out that their mother has used up quiet a bit of it to help out Leo. What's left to be divided between the siblings is not nearly what they were expecting. It's not nearly enough for college tuition, paying off mortgages, paying off loans...

Leo promises he'll come up with something. A plan. To get The Nest back up to snuff in some way. Just give him some time. He's trying to better his life.. he just needs some time.

He's their brother. They'll give him a chance. Just one more.


This was an interesting story. It began with the accident, which draws you in. It keeps your interest as it goes through the different perspectives of all the characters involved, but it dies off somewhere in the middle all the way to the end.

Sometimes, we got a random character's POV- which I felt was unnecessary. As I got more into the story, I got more confused, and bored at times.  There are a lot of players drawn into the Plumb's family web. While I liked the main 4 siblings, I would've liked more from them and more of an "after" story than the additional chapters from the extra characters along the way.

The ending was quite disappointing for me. I get that it was just in true Leo fashion to do what happened.... but I guess I just like closure. Felt like there was a chapter missing. I was waiting for it all to come together. Instead I got "The End".

3/5 stars only. The writing was decent, and the characters were interesting, but I feel like there was so much potential left untapped with their stories.  

Review: Iron Fey 1-3

You know those stories that everyone is reading... and it sounds really interesting, so you put it on the #TBR list. And it stays there for a while. Then you finally get around to picking it up and you think "why did I want so long!?" This is one of those series.

The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa

*Spoilers

The Iron King

From the first page you are taken in to a world of wonder and awe, of creatures and characters and of lands unknown.

Meghan Chase is turning 16. All she wants is to hang out with her best friend, Robbie, play with her German Shepherd Beau, and get her licence. Fate has other plans for her. When her younger brother Ethan is taken, Meghan must face her destiny and travel into the land of Fey to rescue him.

Kagawa does an amazing job of connecting the story of the famous Fey from medieval literature and Shakespeare's' plays: King Oberon, Queen Titania, the jester Robin "Puck" Goodfellow and Queen Mab. 

What Meghan is about to learn is that she is the daughter of Oberon. Which makes her half-fey, and a child of the Summer Court.

Queen Mab rules over the Winter Court. After an attack on the court, her son Ash is ordered to go after Meghan and bring her to Mab. Meghan agrees to go with him on one condition: he helps rescue Ethan first. He agrees, and the two of them, with Puck and a sarcastic yet helpful cat name Grimalkin trailing up the rear. set off. 

Who are the Iron Fey? The Nevernever, Fey,  "fairy land" or whatever name you choose to say is created by humans. With the creation of technology, us humans now dream about iron. These dreams led to the formation of a new species of Fey.

Their leader is the one who has Ethan.

An intriguing opening to what is an wondrous adventure. The tests of family, friendship and love will be tested. I only have one thing to say: I do believe in fairies, I do, I do. 

The Iron Daughter 

After being held in the Winter Court as a prisoner, once again Meghan is off to try and save the land of Fey.

The Scepter of the Seasons is stolen.  Oberon is blamed, but Meghan knows the truth.

Her, Ash and Puck yet again set off. A furry feline at their feet (not that he is ever at their feet; always hiding, that one). This time, they seek help from Leanansidhe. She lives in a limbo of sorts, and offers to help.

After Ash is taken, and being controlled by Iron, Meghan must decide on how to save both her heart and her land at the same time. With a new friend, she has the manpower (excuse the pun) but she does not know if she is brave enough.

Another adventure through the Nevernever, which leaves the reader wanting more and more. Honestly, you cannot read the pages fast enough. The author paints a breathtaking picture of the world of Fey, with characters that seep into your heart.  I would read this before bed, and dream about adventures with them. (Best part of reading!)

The Iron Queen 

What starts off as a trip to get a memory about her father back (or rather, the man she thought was her father) turns into the third installment of Meghan's adventure through the Nevernever.

The Iron Fey are getting stronger. Each day they take over more of the land. Winter and Summer have made a temporary truce to try and fight them, but the only one who can handle the iron is Meghan.

With Ash and Puck gifted special amulets to keep the iron at bay for as long as possible, they vow to help Meghan as best as they can.

Back through the land they travel to find the False King and kill him.  The iron is strong. It's effect on Ash and Puck is something they try and hide from Meghan but she is not stupid.

The trio call in favors, made new vows and rely on friends to help get them to their goal. Can Meghan finally be brave enough to accept her destiny and do what must be done, even if it goes against her heart?

Another long journey. This time we get more emotion than we have before, and we feel for Meghan and the decision she must make. Your fate vs. your heart. It is not an easy choice. The right decisions never are. 

This series is shaping up to be a heartwarming and adventurous story. I still cannot believe I waited so long to read it; I cannot put them down. The writing is descriptive in all the right places, the dialogue is witty and realistic. The characters are those you can relate to. You can see the triangle happening with our Heroes, and you cannot help but feel for each player as they fight for one another each step of the way.  What the next stories bring only time will tell.

Personally, I am all for #teamash 

Review: Adare Series

My Sweet Audrina and Whitefern

My Sweet Audrina (MSA)
V.C. Andrews

Audrina always knew she was second best. Second best to the First, to the original, perfect Audrina.

Audrina Adare grew up knowing she was born with a purpose. Her parents were trying to replace the daughter they lost. When her sister Audrina (the first) was killed in the woods, her parents felt such a loss at their beloved daughter that they decided to replace her. Audrina knew she could never be like her sister. She could never be so perfect, try as she might.

She lived with her parents Damian and Lucietta, her younger sister Sylvia, her aunt Ellsbeth and her cousin Vera. They all lived in her mother’s family home, which was called “Whitefern”.

At 9 years old, Audrina never felt right. It was difficult, always being told about the first Audrina. The perfect Audrina. Her father, Damian, was convinced that Audrina could channel her sister and be just like her. He forces Audrina to sit in a rocking chair, and meditate (for lack of better word), trying to connect with the First Audrina’s spirit.

There is also one rule in this house: Do not go into the woods. That is where Audrina was killed. They are not safe.

But when Audrina meets the new neighbours, Arden Lowe and his mother Billie, she cannot help but be drawn to them. Finally, people who seem to accept her for who she is: Audrina. Just Audrina; no “second” in front of, no mocking, no judgement.  The Lowe’s seem to have their own secrets though: Why doesn’t Billie ever come out of the house? Why is Arden so anxious to get close to Audrina?

and secrets always come out in the end.

A dark, twisted story with secrets around every corner. I won’t give too much away, so this is a very basic outline of the story. Originally written by V.C. Andrews herself, she does a wonderful job of portraying the lengths people will go to protect their family members. The characters are described so in-depth that you have no problem envisioning them as you eagerly turn the pages and fall deeper and deeper into the web of lies, betrayal and secrets that hold this fragile world together.  The shocking twist at the end will have you in awe and disbelief, and possibly rereading in order to pick up on all the nuances throughout the story.

I personally love that the ending is vague, it leaves it to the reader to imagine what could happen next. One of my favourites! You will not be disappointed.  5/5 stars!

*There is a Lifetime adaptation of this book.  Strongly suggest reading the book first as the movie focuses on main points only, and leaves a lot out (character development and whole characters). Plus Spoilers! 

Whitefern
V.C. Andrews (written by the ghostwriter: Andrew Neiderman)

*Spoilers for those who haven’t read this or MSA

The highly anticipated sequel, published 34 years later, but set only 12 years in the story’s future.

Audrina and Arden are married. Sylvia has grown into her own person, albeit still needing help now and then.

Damian is on his deathbed. It come to pass that he has left the majority to his company to Audrina, not Arden as it originally seemed. Arden is not happy and demands Audrina sign over her authority.

As the story progresses, Arden turns into a sort of Damian-esque character. The word that comes to mind is “brute”. He is rough, quick to anger and just downright mean to Audrina. Most of this is due to their inability to conceive a child.

While Audrina is busy being a housewife, and teaching Sylvia how to take care of herself and learn new skills, it seems that besides Arden’s new attitude, Whitefern is no longer the dark and dreary place it once was.

However, Audrina cannot figure out her father’s motives for giving her majority control over the business. She refuses to sign it over to Arden, which just irritates him more.

Then one day, Sylvia announces “baby’s coming”. This throws Audrina’s world upside down, and it looks as if Audrina will never be free of the curse that is on the house.

More secrets, a deeper web of betrayal and the whole truth finally revealed!

A very unique way to continue the story so many years later. Predictable at times, but overall, a more “classic” V.C. Andrew-style story than what us fans have been reading lately. Although, any hardcore VCA fan can tell it has been written by the ghostwriter, just by the style of writing and a few timeline mistakes. 

For this particular reader, the characters didn’t grow up to be who I thought they would be.  Like I mentioned in my review of My Sweet Audrina, I liked how the original story ended and could imagine what happened to the characters in my own way, but I do believe Virginia would be proud of this story-line.

Review: The Pilgrims of Rayne (Pendragon #8)

Pilgrams of Rayne
Pendragon #8
D.J MacHale


*Spoilers

With the death of his parents, Mark can't handle his reality anymore. With Andy Mitchell at his side, and Forge in his pocket, the two set off to change the past, the present... and the future.

Bobby sends Courtney off to stop him. Only she can do it, as Bobby must continue to follow Saint Dane. This time it's to the island of Ibara.

Ibara also holds the secret of "Challenger yellow", who Nevva informed Bobby was the Traveler from there.  His son, Siry, is now the one Bobby must track down and befriend. Problem is that Siry never believed his father, and has his own beliefs he must fight for.

Bobby enters a world unlike any other. On the island of Ibara, there is order, there is routine, there is tradition. Being an outside, no one will tell him much. He becomes a outlaw, in order to be with the "in"crowd with Siry and his friends and learn the ins and outs of the territory. What he learns, is one of the most shocking twists of the series.

Meanwhile, back on first/second earth, Courtney and Dodger (Gunny's acolyte) are hunting down Mark in order to stop him from changing history. This is more difficult than it seems. Saint Dane has worked his brainwashing on Mark, and Mark is determined to be happy with his parents. Unfortunately, he has been out of the "What's going on with Bobby" loop for so long, he only has half the story.

A non-stop adventure, that takes you all over Halla. New friends and old friends come together to figure out what is right, what is wrong, and what must be done to save everything that the gang loves. Timing is everything in this one... and the clock is ticking.

Bobby makes a big decision at the end of this one that changes the game. The rules and the "how" time and space work together are still fuzzy and confusing.... but MacHale does a wonderful job of keeping the readers on their toes as they flume around the universe.

Hobbey Ho,

Review: Precious Cargo

Precious Cargo
Craig Davidson


A memoir of a man who drives a school bus for special kids for one year.


This is a very easy, quick read of a man's recollection of his year driving a unique bunch of kids.
My boss gave me this book, and I was done by the time she got home (I was babysitting her kids - they went to bed). There are 5 main teenagers on his bus. The writing is not beautiful, but the story is captivating. The author writes like he is talking to you... he is reminiscing, and filling in blanks, drawing a picture of what his life was like and what led him to Bus #3077. There is also a few chapters weaved into the book of another story that the author wrote, also based on the same kids. I skipped most of them, personally, but I thought it was an interesting bonus story. The way he ties it all together will have your heart swelling.

It was a unique view. I've worked with special needs kids, and work in a "disabled" community, so I could connect with the author's initial view, I understood his anger when he saw his kids getting bullied or made fun from afar... It opens your eyes in new ways even if you're aware of the prejudice that is still present in today's world.

Canadian author, which is always cool. (yay Toronto!) but the story takes place in Calgary. I personally am not fond of non-fiction, but I did find it intriguing. It got my mind thinking of my job in new ways. It made me remember that I love my job. It made me remember to always be kind to everyone - from the bus driver, to the janitor, all the way up to the C.E.O. Everyone deserves respect.

3/5 stars overall.

Review: Me before you

Me before you
JoJo Moyes

What do you do when your heart tells you to hold on, but your head tells you to let go?

A heartbreaking (shattering? crushing? is there anything worse?), tragic yet wonderfully magical love story of two people destined for each other… if only for a moment in time.

Will Traynor had everything he could ever want. He had a great job, a great girl, and the ability to curb his sense of adventure whenever he wanted.

Then it all goes away.

Now, he cannot do anything. The accident left him in wheelchair, dependent on everyone. He loses his job, his girl, and the control over his own body. The sense of adventure never goes away for someone like Will though.

In walks Louisa Clark. Lou is a small town, dressed-from-second-hand-stores, no filter on her mouth kind of girl. Her need for a job is desperate, as her parents don’t make much, and she needs to help out. She sees an ad for a 6 month contract on being a “nurse aid”. A job is a job.

Spoiler alert, the two fall in love.

It’s not love at first sight. Will is difficult. He hates being pitied. Lou is awkward, unsure of how to act, of what to say. Careful not to offend, she slowly learns to adapt to Will's needs and his moods. 

When she finds out the reason for why the contract is only 6 months, she is determined to show Will there can still be a great life even if you’re in a wheelchair forever. Even if you have to depend on others. If others love you, they’ll show you the time of your life.

When you finally look up from the pages, you realize just how much you’ve read in a short time. The author has so much emotion, and detailed descriptions of what is going on and who these people are. It will take your breath away.

These are characters who will stay with you forever. Their story is one of star-crossed lovers, to be up on the shelves beside the classics. Their love will transcend time. 

Will’s lesson to Lou, and Lou’s lesson to herself is one for the reader to take into their own life: 

Never be afraid to love.

Review: Quillan Games (Pendragon #7)

Pendragon: Quillan Games
D.J MacHale

*Spoilers

Do you like to play games?

Bobby does, in general. He's always been competitive, and has always been found playing on a team, or hunkering down in a basement with Mark playing video games.

Quillan games are different.
They're life or death.
and everyone is betting that Bobby will lose.

Except him, of course. No one should give up on themselves, after all. While he is confident in the training that he has from Alder and Loor, he still needs to learn the tricks of the games and the territory.

Meanwhile, back on Second Earth, Courtney is in recovery mode, and Mark is good friends with Andy Mitchell. Together, they come up with an invention known as "forge", and little do they know, set themselves on an interesting adventure of their own.

A thrilling tale right from the start. Bobby hits the ground running (literally. from giant machine spiders) and is constantly figuring stuff out as he goes. Like always.
Between the games, the clowns, Veego and LaBerge who run the show, and the mystery behind Challenger Yellow, and now this "forge" invention, Bobby and the gang are in for a lot of surprises. The end is getting closer.

We are introduced to more characters, and with a massive twist. Saint Dane even takes some time to have a conversation with Bobby that sparks many questions.  We get a lot of of Courtney and Mark's backstory, which sets up a chain of events for the rest of the series. MacHale does a wonderful job of diving into the effect of what the gang is going through, even if it is through Courtney's eyes. Bobby doesn't have a chance to slow down, but Mark and Courtney have all the time in the world (well, by Second Earth standards) to sit and contemplate what it all means. Not everyone can handle the weight of the universe on their shoulders. Tragic and well done ; teachers the readers that it's okay to hit rock bottom.... the only place left to go then, is up.

4/5 Stars !

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Parts one and two)
[J.K Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne]

Special Rehearsal Edition Script

*Spoilers* 

Welcome to platform 9 3/4. It has been 19 years since the Battle of Hogwarts.


I was at the midnight release for this book, of course. I have been a #potterhead since high school, but this was the first midnight release I've been to (for an HP book at least).

I was maybe 15th in line. Got my book - with my fancy lil tote bag (posted below) - went and found my husband who was in the "parents" section, and home we went. I got comfy, and settled in for the long haul. Which ended up being just over 2 hours. I then continued to cry for another hour.

What most people seem to not understand is that this is a script.
It says it on the cover "Rehearsal script"! so the comments of "why is it not in novel form?" makes me shake my head... but I digress.

The plot itself, in a nutshell, is that Harry's second son, Albus, makes unlikely friends with Draco's son Scorpius. After misunderstanding a situation, the two decide they can change history and decide to go back in time.  The butterfly effect happens and the two try to figure out how to put their world back in order.  Someone has other plans and decides that if going back a few years won't do the trick, let's go back further.

To be honest, I loved it. All of it. Cried from page 2, on and off, right to the end.

and my favourite line?

"Scorpius: No, I meant it as a nice thing, you smell like a mixture of fresh flowers and fresh...bread.
Rose: Albus, I'm here, okay? If you need me.
Scoprius: I mean, nice bread, good bread, bread... what's wrong with bread?
*Rose walks away, shaking her head* Rose: What's wrong with bread? " [pg51]

too cute for words, if you ask me.

Of course, the title makes you curious the whole time. Who exactly is the cursed child? There are rumors that Scorpius is actually the son of He-who-shall-not-be-named. Which gives him a very bad reputation. Us fans have always discussed whether or not Voldy was able to have a child or not. Dumbledore always said he was unable to feel love, but what about lust? or physical attraction? I can see tumblr having fun with this one in the upcoming months.

But then there's Albus, who feels out of sorts with his life, with being the son of Harry Potter, with himself...  11 is a difficult age no matter if you're a wizard, a muggle, fey or hobgoblin.

These boys do have an adventure fit for the wizarding world. Harry would be proud (if he wasn't so busy worrying. He really does have James, Sirius and Lupin in him). The story has a mix of the original, with Ginny explaining "all you have to do is walk straight at the wall between platforms nine and ten" (pg 8) - which if you didn't hear Julie Walter's voice something is siriusly ron with you - and a whole new mix of characters. While they aren't flushed out as much as the fans would like, nor do we get a description of what they look like, what they're wearing etc, it's not difficult to imagine tiny replicas of their parents. There are pictures of the actors from the play in London floating around to help with a visual for those who want one. We do get stage directions, which are interesting and they do help give the reader small cues on what is going on. If you've seen the movies, and read the books, you have the imagination to make the story come to life for yourself.

The story twists and turns in ways you wouldn't believe. With the loss of our beloved Allan Rickman this past year, seeing his character of Snape "cameo" in the play hits you right in the feels too. A lot of "what if" questions are answered, even if more are brought up. The ending is a beautiful, harry potter-styled ending.

Well done Miss Rowling and team, Well done.
I raise my wand to you  in awe. /*

Now, can the play please come to Toronto? ;)



*tote bag with my purchase!  I love it!