Sci-Fi

3 Banned Books To Add To Your TBR

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Happy Banned Books Week! I want to start by saying that I don’t support banning or challenging books in any way. Just because a book touches on a sensitive topic or doesn’t end with a happily ever after doesn’t mean it should be banned. There’s definitely a place for those stories in literature, and no reader should miss out on them. Everyone deserves the freedom to choose what they want to read, and no author should face silencing.

Thanks for letting me hop on my little soapbox for Banned Books Week! Now, I’d love to share a few banned and challenged books that are on my TBR.

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
I have both this book and the prequel, ‘The First to Die at the End‘, on my TBR. It combines sci-fi and dystopian elements in a world where you receive a call the day before you die. An app called Last Friend helps you find someone to spend your last day with. I believe it also features an LGBTQ+ romance. Just from the title, I can tell this book is going to break my heart.

Scythe by Neal Shusterman
This dystopian novel hasn’t been banned, but people have challenged it because its main theme revolves around death. The story takes place in a world where people no longer die naturally, so Scythes train to control the population by deciding who lives and who dies. I might be a bit off on the synopsis, but that’s the general idea. It sounds like a fascinating series, and I know it’s hugely popular.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
I’ve had this one on my TBR for years, so I’m not sure when I’ll actually get to it, and I don’t know the full plot. From what I gather, it follows two teenagers in the 1980s, and I think it’s a love story. I’ve heard it’s a YA contemporary that explores love and coming-of-age, and people really hyped it up when it first came out.

So, there you have it three banned and challenged books that I’m excited to read! The great news is that you can find all of these books on Everand. I know I sound like a broken record, but you can use my link (click here) to get a free trial, which I really recommend.

As readers, we need to stand up against those who try to silence authors by supporting their work and sharing why banning books is wrong. One of my favorite books, ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger, is banned, and I think that’s absolutely ridiculous. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on an amazing story!

Before you go, it would mean the world to me if you left a comment and liked this post. If you want to support my little blog even more, please share this post and hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Flight 171 // Book Review

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About The Book
 In this edge-of-your-seat horror novel, a four-hour flight takes a nightmarish turn when a supernatural creature gives a group of high school students a sinister ultimatum. Choose one among them to sacrifice before the end of the flight. Or the plane will crash. As the clock ticks down, the creature slowly unearths the passengers’ deepest, darkest secrets. The students must agree on a sacrifice, or there won’t be any survivors.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3CdJKnM

My Rating

Honestly, when I think about the fact that I read this book, I think, “why?” And also, “what did I even read?” This book is crazy (to say the least). I have no idea what the author was thinking when they came up with this plot, but at least it was slightly entertaining.

Seriously, the whole time I was thinking “what am I doing?”, but I just couldn’t put it down. There was so much going on, and it was so weird! It was a murder trial, which we jump right into at the beginning. We learn about tons of different characters, but mostly we follow Devon, whose twin sister, Emily, was killed in a hit and run.

One of my biggest problem, besides the mess of a plot, was that none of the character were very likeable, and the MC especially drove me crazy. Even the romance side plot was a little bit off. However, romance had to be the last thing on the authors mind when writing this book.

Honestly, a big pet peeve of mine from reading stories where a family member (or a best friend) passes away, is the fact that our main character always carries some intense guilt because they said or did something regrettable right before they lost them. People say things out of anger, people get in fights. And, if we lose someone, it isn’t our fault. So, to say the least, Devon was not handling her sister’s death very well.

“Life is made of regret. You survive long enough and sometimes it’s all that’s left.”

I feel like I’m having such a hard time explaining this book, because it really is just all over the place. We have Devon trying to solve the mystery of who hit her sister. We have a bunch of kids trapped on an airplane with some supernatural creature that wants to inhabit one of their bodies. Yeah you can see how this book is hard to put into words

Maybe it’s just because I don’t read a lot of sci-fi, but I just didn’t enjoy the plot. It was strange, and all the characters made me so irrationally angry that they were willing to sacrifice one of their own to save themselves. I wanted to throw the book across the room, if I’d even had a copy (I am an audiobook reader, and was not angry enough to throw my phone). But it does show that grief really can make you do some unspeakable things.

The ending was OK. It was probably my favorite part of the entire book (and not just because it was finally over). I would say the last 20% really picked up, and it had an open-ended cliffhanger kind of ending. And, after all was said and done, it really did make me afraid to fly. Not exactly sure I’ll get on a plane, like ever again.

Overall, if you’re a fan of the Goosebumps, with a little bit of the twilight zone thrown in, you might end up enjoying this story. As for the writing, I’m not exactly sure how I feel about it, so I’ll probably be willing to give the author another try. Still, this book just wasn’t for me. There was a lot going on, and I didn’t enjoy either of the plots.

In the comments, leave me your sci-fi book recommendations! If you like book reviews, and other bookish content, please like this post and follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Towering Sky // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

Synopsis
In this breathtaking finale to The Thousandth Floor trilogy, Katharine McGee returns to her vision of 22nd-century New York: a world of startling glamour, dazzling technology, and unthinkable secrets. After all, when you have everything… you have everything to lose.
Synopsis from GoodReads

My Rating

My Thoughts
Since this book is the final book in the ‘Thousandths Floor’ trilogy, it will be hard not to include spoilers. So before continuing, I recommend you first read my reviews on the first and second books in the trilogy. The books follow the perspectives of 5 different characters, and is set in a sci-fi, dystopian version of the real world. This final book takes place a few months after the events of the second book, and we learn what the characters have been up to since then.

Each of our characters have their own plots going on, but are still connected to one another. However, this time around, I didn’t actually feel as though the characters stories really intertwined. It felt as if I was reading five different stories, which made the plot feel disjointed. However, there was a one main plot point that held the book together, but for me it wasn’t really a huge aspect of the story.

Calliope, who was introduced in the second book, ‘The Dazzling Heights’, is my favorite character. I love her personality and her backstory. That being said, I still can’t figure out what her character added to the story in this book. She had minimal interaction with the other four core characters, and wasn’t a part of the bigger plot that had been at play since the first book. Although her character was my favorite, she just felt really out of place, but I found her arc to be very transformative. Ultimately, her story’s ending was very bittersweet. I wasn’t 100% in love with the way the author warped things up for her and her mother.

Avery was another character that I enjoyed reading about, but her entire story-line in this series is kind of weird. I am not sure if the author wants us to support her forbidden romance, or be creeped out by it. Still, it was nice to see her standing up for herself, and not being the perfect daughter her parents expected her to be. Honestly, her relationship with Atlas gave me ‘Flowers in the Attic’/’Petals on the Wind’ vibes. Well, maybe not that extreme. It’s cringey, but secretly, a part of you is rooting for them.

Wyatt’s plot in the book focused around Leda, which I found pathetic. I cannot stand their relationship, or how the author turned Wyatt into such a lovesick puppy. He started off as one of the most interesting characters in the books, then he got paired with Leda. Yet, it was nice to see him realize how one can become too reliant on technology. Being connected with Nadia for so long made him lose himself, and this discovery helped take his character development to the next level.

“Maybe happy endings were real, as long as you understood that they weren’t endings, but steps on the road.”

Rylin is a character that I didn’t mind, since she added a bit of realness to the story. She’s the only character that isn’t rich, and has to work hard to get where she wants to go in life. I do think that in this book she was a bit stubborn and rash. I felt as though she didn’t feel good enough to be around these characters, or in their world. And, she take her own insecurities out on others. The main issue with her character is that her presence isn’t memorable at all. I can’t remember much about her chapters, and didn’t really see much character development.

Leda is the worst character ever! Okay, maybe not ever, but in each of these books, she finds new ways to make me dislike her. However, in this book we find that she has been distancing herself from everyone and trying to become a better person. She eventually learns to let her loved ones back in, and forgives herself for her mistakes. But, I personally couldn’t get behind her sorry, because if she truly felt bad for the crimes she committed she would have owned up to them and turned herself in. She kept saying it was all an accident, but really it was a drugged up episode that all sparked because she was a jealous spoiled brat. And, the fact that the characters all acted like Eris death wasn’t her fault was ridiculous.

The plot of the book was slow moving, but the multiple story-lines were slightly more interesting than the ones in the second book in the series. Still, I was having to push myself to finish reading it. The biggest problem with the book was that it felt like the previous two books. The books all followed similar plots and the characters kept repeating the same patterns. There wasn’t enough mystery thrown in to make the book to make it interesting, or standout from the first two books in the trilogy. Nevertheless, there was one twist at the ending that I didn’t see coming, and it really worked well with the story, and world that the book takes place in.

Overall, there was the message that you can’t simply sweep your problems under the rug, but instead you have to face them head on. Only once you own up to your mistakes can you start moving on from them. There was a mention that we all have a Tiffany’s (Breakfast At Tiffany’s reference), a place where we go to think, and feel at peace. It made me wonder if I have a Tiffany’s, so to speak. Do you have one?

All in all, these books missed the mark completely, which is a bummer since the first book showed so much promise. Let me know in the comments your thoughts on this trilogy as a whole. And, give my blog a follow so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Dazzling Heights // Book Review

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Title: The Dazzling Heights (Thousandth Floor, 2)
Author: Katharine McGee
Published: 2017
Genre: YA/Sci-Fi
Rating:Full, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on IconfinderFull, star, bookmark, favorite, favourite, like, rating icon - Download on Iconfinder

Synopsis
New York City, 2118. Manhattan is home to a thousand-story supertower, a breathtaking marvel that touches the sky. But amid high-tech luxury and futuristic glamour, five teenagers are keeping dangerous secrets…

*This review contains information that might be seen as spoilers.*

After reading ‘The Thousandth Floor’, I couldn’t wait to see where the story was going to go. This trilogy follows multiple perspectives, and each character is hiding something. After book one’s insane ending, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, the events that occurred in the first book weren’t a major plot point. It seemed that most of the characters were fine sweeping everything under the rug and moving on with their lives. Sure they were being blackmailed, but the fact that nobody considered going to the police didn’t sit well with me.

The plot of ‘The Thousandth Floor’ was incredible, and the characters’ story lines were engaging. This time around, they had far less depth. Avery was a favorite character of mine, but her love story went way too far. She borders on being possessive of her brother/boyfriend. Wyatt is one of my favorite characters, but I wasn’t a fan of him being paired with Leda. How was he was falling for her after everything she had done?

I did enjoy the addition of the character Calliope. She and her mother are con-artists, but you get to see the real Calliope behind the facade. Honestly, I would read a whole book just about her, and I’m genuinely curious to see where her story goes from here. Also, I liked that Avery had many sweet moments with Cord throughout the story and wish we could see that relationship develop more. What can I say, I love a good friends-to-lovers story.

The biggest problem with the plot was that the author wanted us to sympathize with a killer. I know it was an accident, but her blackmailing people and lying to the cops was her own doing. The character might have felt remorse for her actions, but didn’t want to take responsibility for them. The characters were way to quick too forgive and forget. In my book, they all have blood on their hands.

“Rich girls never left something expensive on the ground, unless they’d been the one to toss it there.”

Unlike the first book, a lot of the story was about how if you’re rich or have the right friends you can get away with anything, including murder. This time around no one seems to have any kind of moral compass. The characters are willing to commit crimes indiscriminately, provided it doesn’t ruin their lives, and that makes me dislike them all.

The story kind of let me down, which is probably why it took me forever to get through. I was hoping for more excitement, definitely more consequences. There was a cliffhanger ending, which is probably the only reason I’ll pick up the final installment. Things can only go up from here, right?

Leave your thoughts on this book in the comments below. Don’t forget to share and like this post, and show your support by following the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Unfinished Series

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Hi Friends,
Let’s talk about all the book series I need to finish, and a few I might not. I am horrible at starting a series and never finishing it. I prefer standalone books, yet I can’t resist a good series.


This is a magical realism contemporary trilogy following two sisters. I wasn’t sure I would enjoy this series, since this isn’t my go-to genre. Nevertheless, the story and characters captivated me. I would like to reread the first book, Caraval, before continuing on with the series. All the books have been released, so I’ll probably binge-read them all sometimes next year.

This is a set of companion novels marketed as a series. The first book is ‘My Lady Jane’, which is a historical reimagining of Lady Jane Grey. The next book follows Jane Eyre, and the last Calamity Jane. I have only read the first book, but would like to finish the series fairly soon. This author trio does have a new book out about Mary, Queen of Scots, which I’d also like to eventually read.

Truth be told, I started the series because of its stunning cover. Yep, it was a cover buy. Unfortunately, I wasn’t impressed by the story. The overall plot was interesting enough, but I found the book slow and boring at times. Also, the love story was a snooze. And there are 10 books in the series? Seriously? What is this ‘The Immortal Instruments’? Do I really care enough about these  characters to read nine more books? Probably not.

Sadly, another likely DNF series. If you remember the old days of Booktube and book blogging, then you have probably heard about these books. A young adult dystopian trilogy with a bachelor-type plot, sounds cool, right? Wrong. Maybe I’m strange, because I didn’t love the first book. I didn’t exactly hate it, but, eh. Also, I can’t seem to bring myself to finish the series. I fear that reading it will put me into a reading slump. On top of everything, the author released a companion duology that wasn’t well received. I’m just not sure I want to force myself to read something I have no interest in.

This series is pretty special to me. I remember getting the entire trilogy for my 15th birthday. But for some reason, I’ve never picked up the last book in the series. I remember enough of the first and second books to not have reread of them, at least. So, I just need to bite the bullet and pick up the final book. Plus, I’d like to finish the series so I can watch the HBO series adaption that I’ve heard about.

I am dying to read the next book in this YA sci-fi, dystopian trilogy. The books follow multiple characters perspectives, and the ending of the first book took me completely by surprise. I am curious to see where the author takes the story. In case you’re interested, I have a review for the first book in this trilogy, if you’d like to know my more in-depth thoughts on it.

This series gives me Sherlock Holmes energy and I am here for it. The characters, forensics aspect and slow burn romance is magnificent. I have been putting off these books, because they take me a while to read. They are mainly plot-driven and are somewhat drawn out. Still, the writing and stories are fantastic.

I am probably one of the only people in the world that hasn’t read this series in its entirety. To my surprise, I enjoyed ‘The Hunger Games’ a lot. Tried picking up ‘Catching Fire’ soon after, but wasn’t in the mood for it. But I would like to finish the series off, since I have seen mostly all the film adaptations. Can one truly be a book lover if they’ve only seen the movie, and not the book its based on. I think not!

This is a cheesy trilogy that boarders on middle grade, and follows a group of young Robin Hood-esque thieves. Sure, it isn’t a great work of fiction, and it’s a bit too much like a Nickelodeon series, but it’s a fun and easy read. Finishing this series isn’t top priority, but I do plan on continuing with it. If anything, they’ll be entertaining.

This series got me hooked on audiobooks! The books are read by Sarah Drew (April on Grey’s Anatomy), which made for a great reading experience. The story takes place in a dystopian world where love is seen as a disease. I was riding high on this book after I read it back in 2013, but my taste in books has changed and the story doesn’t interest too much anymore. Maybe too much time has past for me to continue with the series. I’m not writing it off forever, but I’m also not 100% sure I’ll ever finish the series.

I still have to finish a certain series that ‘Shall Not Be Named’, but I refuse to talk about those books on my blog. Let me know in the comments if any of these are one of your favorite series. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog, and like this post.

Until The Next Chapter,

Bunny

Book Review: The Thousandth Floor By Katharine McGee

- Bunny 2 Comments

Title: The Thousandth Floor
Author: Katharine McGee
Published: 2016
Rating: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: Amid breathtaking advancement and high-tech luxury, five teenagers struggle to find their place at the top of the world. But when you’re this high up, there’s nowhere to go but down.
Source: GoodReads

The first description I got of this book was a sci-fi Gossip Girl, and being a GG lover I knew that I had to pick it up. However, I found the book to be a futuristic version of Pretty Little Lairs. The book is the first in a trilogy that follows multiple characters that live in the same apartment building. Although, they do not all come from élite families all of their stories intertwine, and they all have their own secrets.

I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put the book down. There was so many twist and turns that kept me engage. The characters were very well written, and I wanted everyone to get a happy ending even though I knew that wasn’t possible. I did think something were a little cringe worthy, but I do think that the books covered the more taboo talks well. The story deals with incest, obsession, drugs and social class.

“I believe in happiness. I’m just not sure love will actually get you there.”

The ending was probably the most shocking part of all. I did not see it coming one bit, and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was sad, dark and fascinating. I know that a lot of people aren’t a fan of this book, but I adored it. It was my first science fiction novel, and I am glad that I decided to give it a chance.

I tried not to give too much away in this review, so I hope that I didn’t spoil anything. I would love for you to share this post with your bookworm friends. Please like the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny