Book Review 14: Void & Onix Bowl by Fernanda Liedo & Macarena Matrajt

I have read many cat stories... more than I can count. Short stories, YA novels, memoirs, and children's books. Most of which I have really enjoyed. But I have never read anything like this. 

Void and Onix Bowl is a story within a story. It follows a mommy cat telling a bedtime story to her three kittens. One of the kittens is especially curious, and as most cat people know, this is exactly how a real cat would act. It captures the playful nature of kittens really well, and simultaneously makes the story very heartwarming. The author did a good job of making it fun and enjoyable to read. 

Along with the descriptive storytelling, I really liked the vivid and colourful illustrations. This would be the perfect bedtime story for anyone who likes fantasy, fables and cats. Maybe I am a bit biased, but as a cat lover (and especially a black cat lover), I really enjoyed Void and Onix Bowl. I would give this book a 4/5. 

 

Book Review 13: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes by Suzanne Collins

I read the original Hunger Games trilogy (for the first time) a few months ago. I wanted to read it in time for the new book's release. Although I was late to the Hunger Games craze, I was curious to read this one shortly after it was released. (Partially because I missed The Hunger Games hype, so wanted to be a part of it this time around.)

I didn't know what to expect since it already has so many mixed reviews. It seemed like not a lot of people were interested in hearing a story about President Snow, but much rather wanted to learn more about Haymitch. I also know a lot of people felt like the book was a way to sympathize with the villian. Nevertheless, I am always curious to know more about the villain's (tragic) backstory.

The first half of The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes started off slow (another complaint people seemed to have). I feel like Collins started the story off slow to show Coriolanus' character development. It picked up and got a bit more fast paced halfway through. Not only did we learn about Coriolanus' adolescence, the book also gave insight to a few other significant aspects of The Hunger Games.

Unsurprisingly, the story ended on a high note. Whoever has read The Hunger Games trilogy already knows Snow's fate. I didn't love the first half of the book, but I started to like it when things got a little more interesting. I'm happy I read it and would give it a 4/5.

Considering this book contains a lot of violence and death, I am onto a much lighter book next!

President Snow

Book Review 12: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus had been on my TBR for quite some time. I found this copy at my local library book sale maybe about a year ago. I was a bit reluctant to start it since I'd heard so many mixed reviews. It seemed like people either loved it or hated it. I instantly fell in love with it. It was unlike any other book I'd ever read. It was enchanting, magical and electrifying. A part of me can't believe how many people didn't like it. That being said, I know many people thought it was slow and boring. Although the story does move a bit slow, that is what I loved most about it. It portrayed the character development so beautifully.

Fantasy is my favourite book genre but it does tend to be dark at times. That was another reason I wasn't sure if I wanted to start this book right now. Lately I've been trying to keep a balance between fantasy and light reads. But the author did such a great job of keeping the book fantastical and lighthearted.

Someone on Facebook described it as a book you want to just crawl inside and live in! That is the best way to describe it. It really captivated me and I think it is a book I would want to reread down the road. 5 stars!

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Book Review 11: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

*** This review contains minor spoilers***

I remember hearing about The Hunger Games books many years ago from a local librarian. There were a couple of librarians who knew me personally and knew my genres of choice when it came to reading. The last book (Mockingjay) was about the be released that year, so she suggested it was something I may enjoy. I had the books on my TBR for many years, until I finally decided to pick them up near the end of 2019. I was lucky to have found all three books in pretty good condition at my local library book sale. 

The book(s) were intriguing and hard to put down. However, by the time I reached the last few chapters of Mockingjay, it was when the world started dealing with the covid-19 pandemic. As much as I was still enjoying the story, I couldn't help but notice the parallels between this (dystopian) book and reality. People living in bunkers, secretly hoarding food, the government implementing food rationing, and one chapter even had them wearing masks as protection from a deadly gas. It made me feel a bit uneasy. Real life should not feel like a dystopian book/movie. Eventually, I pulled through and made it to the end.

Although I found the ending a bit anti-climactic, it was overall an enjoyable and entertaining read. I liked that the author portrayed the story through Katniss' eyes. It gave the story some heart. I would recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of YA books. Even though I was a bit late to the Hunger Games party, I finally made it! Better late than never! I would give this trilogy a 4 out of 5 stars. 

Book Review 10: Escape from Aleppo by N.H. Senzai

I received this advance copy of Escape from Aleppo from an online contact. Unfortunately, it didn't reach me in time to do the review before the book got released. It took me some time to get into it. The first few chapters didn't reel me in like I was expecting. However, once the story got interesting, I had a hard time putting it down. It follows Nadia on her journey through the war torn streets of Syria in search of her family. She makes unexpected friends (and enemies) along the way.

 

The story is full of love, friendship, sadness and mystery. N.H. Senzai plans to write future books in the same world. I am interested in checking those out as well, to find out what happens to all the characters in the book and how their fate plays out. Overall it is a heartwrenching tale about family. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars.

 

 

 

Book Review 9: Throne of Glass by Sara J. Maas

I first heard about the Throne of Glass series a few years ago (through social media.) When I started researching on what the book was about, I was intrigued. The story follows Celaena Sardothien (Adarlan's most dangerous assassin), as she competes for the chance to become The King of Adarlan's Champion. The King promises her total freedom after four years of being his lackey...if she wins. The readers witness Celaena's journey from being a dangerous assassin to fighting for her freedom. 

Despite Celaena's cocky nature, you can't help but fall in love with her. Having gone through such a rough childhood and adolescence, she grows to be a strong and independent eighteen year old. Her spirit and headstrong personality reminded me a lot of Raisa Ana Marianna from the Seven Realms series (one of my favourite book series.) 

In addition to the parallels between Raisa and Celaena, both the Throne of Glass series and Seven Realms series have a similar undertone to them. If you are a fan of one of these series', I think you may enjoy the other one just as much. Sarah J. Maas does a great job of hooking her readers in with fantasy, love and friendship. We learn right from the get go of Celaena's deadly demeanor, However, Maas does a nice job of successfully humanizing her through out the book by introducing us to some her hobbies and interests as we get further into the story. 

The Throne of Glass book series consists of five books in the series (and a sixth one underway.) I am looking forward to continuing on with the series and reading more of Calaena Sardothien's adventures. 

Happy Reading! =)

A Dog's Purpose Controversy

Unless you're living under a rock, you may have heard of the animal abuse video that has recently surfaced from the set of the movie "A Dog's Purpose." The video shows a dog handler forcing a German shepherd into a water rapid simulator (and the dog is clearly not having it.) The video is then edited to show the dog submerged under water and nearly drowning. 

For obvious reasons, this video upset a lot of people. Not only is the dog trainer forcing the dog to do something against his will. It's also ironic and very disturbing that this took place behind the scenes of a movie that celebrates a dog's love for his/her masters. Many people have decided to boycott the movie due to the circumstances of how the movie was filmed. 

I read the book a few months ago and was really looking forward to watching the movie. W. Bruce Cameron wrote a tear jerking novel with such great delivery. It's really unfortunate that the actions of an unprofessional dog handler has tainted his beautiful story. Due to the controversy surrounding the movie, now the author is being shunned. Cameron released a statement on his official facebook page stating that he wasn't on set when this all went down. He's currently looking into the situation and investigating exactly what happened. 

For those people who've decided to boycott this film (and there's a lot of them), my personal recommendation would be to at least read the book. I understand the disturbing content in which the film was made, but please don't deprive yourself of this amazing book about love and friendship. It's written beautifully and with so much heart and soul. However, you may need to have a box of tissues nearby as I was completely red eyed and sobbing through out half of the book. Also keep in mind that it may give you some Marley and Me flashbacks. Nevertheless, the author shouldn't be blamed for the actions of an irresponsible animal handler.