Review: French Kissmas by Catherine Hapka

Title: French Kissmas (S.A.S.S.)
Author: Catherine Hapka
Publisher: Speak
Publication Date: September 11, 2008

Summary (from Goodreads):

For Nicole Larson, the Christmas season in Paris is more than just a romantic interlude—it’s also a homecoming. Nic studied abroad in Paris a year ago, and is back in town with her friend Annike to spend Christmas and New Year’s in the City of Light. Of course, now that Nic is there, the chemistry she once had with Parisian hottie Luc instantly reignites. But why fuel a romance that has only three weeks to survive? Nic would rather spend time with her new buddy Mike . . . until it becomes clear that Mike is also interested in being more than just friends. With a backdrop of twinkling lights on the Champs-Elysées and Parisian Christmas carols, it’s going to be difficult for Nic to deny the romance around her. . . .

Review

As a fan of travel books and Christmas, I knew French Kissmas by Catherine Hapka would be a win when I found out about it. The setting is vibrant, and the characters are realistic. After reading this one, I am excited to check out the rest of the books in the S.A.S.S. series. Continue reading →

Review: Archenemies (Renegades #2) by Marissa Meyer

November 15, 2018February 8, 201918 Comments

Title: Archenemies (Renegades #2)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: November 6, 2018

Summary (from Goodreads):

The Renegades Trilogy continues, in this fiercely awaited second installment after the New York Times-bestselling Renegades by Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles.

Time is running out.
Together, they can save the world.
But they each other's worst nightmare.

In Renegades, Nova and Adrian (aka Insomnia and Sketch) fought the battle of their lives against the Anarchist known as the Detonator. It was a short-lived victory.

The Anarchists still have a secret weapon, one that Nova believes will protect her. The Renegades also have a strategy for overpowering the Anarchists, but both Nova and Adrian understand that it could mean the end of Gatlon City - and the world - as they know it.

Review

I have been waiting to read Archenemies, the sequel to Renegades by Marissa Meyer, for the longest time, so I was so happy to receive my copy. This instalment is just as incredible as its predecessor, and it is equally complex. The characters are all so original, and the setting is developed. I can’t get enough of this series, and I am desperate for the next book! Continue reading →

Review: Someday by David Levithan

November 6, 2018November 6, 201820 Comments

Title: Someday (Every Day #3)
Author: David Levithan
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 2, 2018

Summary (from Goodreads):

Every day a new body. Every day a new life. Every day a new choice.

For as long as A can remember, life has meant waking up in a different person's body every day, forced to live as that person until the day ended. A always thought there wasn't anyone else who had a life like this.

But A was wrong. There are others.

A has already been wrestling with powerful feelings of love and loneliness. Now comes an understanding of the extremes that love and loneliness can lead to -- and what it's like to discover that you are not alone in the world.

In Someday, David Levithan takes readers further into the lives of A, Rhiannon, Nathan, and the person they may think they know as Reverend Poole, exploring more deeply the questions at the core of Every Day and Another Day What is a soul? And what makes us human?

Review

Someday by David Levithan is such a gift to fans of the first two books in the series. This third book in the Every Day series takes the story into a new direction and digs deeper into what it means to be human. The characters are interesting and the political aspects that are woven into the plot give the series an updated point of view.

One of the most intriguing parts of the entire Every Day series is the way in which the character known as A inhabits another person’s body each day. Someday continues to explore how difficult it is for A to not have a life that is completely their own. It is really enlightening to read more about A and think about what makes us human. Continue reading →

Review: Wildcard by Marie Lu

September 25, 201811 Comments

Title: Wildcard (Warcross #2)
Author: Marie Lu
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 18, 2018

Summary (from Goodreads):

Emika Chen barely made it out of the Warcross Championships alive. Now that she knows the truth behind Hideo's new NeuroLink algorithm, she can no longer trust the one person she's always looked up to, who she once thought was on her side.

Determined to put a stop to Hideo's grim plans, Emika and the Phoenix Riders band together, only to find a new threat lurking on the neon-lit streets of Tokyo. Someone's put a bounty on Emika's head, and her sole chance for survival lies with Zero and the Blackcoats, his ruthless crew. But Emika soon learns that Zero isn't all that he seems--and his protection comes at a price.

Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?

Review

Since Warcross by Marie Lu was my favourite read of 2017 (and maybe even one of my favourites ever?), I was beyond excited for the sequel, Wildcard. I can safely say that this book lived up to my expectations, and the plot is almost as exciting as the first. The main character is also strong, and there is a prominent theme of family that I loved. If you have yet to pick up this series, I would definitely recommend it as it is the kind of series that will become an instant favourite. Continue reading →

Series Review: Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

August 27, 2018August 27, 201817 Comments

Title: Little Blue Envelopes
Author: Maureen Johnson
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 2010-2012

Summary (from Goodreads):

Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.

In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat.

The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist.

Because of envelope 4, Ginny and a playwright/thief/ bloke about town called Keith go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous though utterly romantic results. But will she ever see him again?

Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 little blue envelopes.

Review

I had been waiting to read the Little Blue Envelopes series by Maureen Johnson for a while, and I was so glad to finally get the chance his summer. The story is both cute and inspiring, and the main character transforms. In my opinion, the story should have ended with the first book, but the sequel is still interesting enough. This is the perfect book for those looking for an adventurous read. Continue reading →