The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

When Carter and Sadie Kane are brought along to a museum with their Egyptologist dad, they don't think anything of it. But of course they're dead wrong. They discover that their father has a secret plan, and it just so happens to go incredibly wrong. An explosion destroys an ancient Egyptian artifact, the Rosetta Stone, and releases the Egyptian god of chaos, Set.

Set encases Carter and Sadie's dad in a golden coffin, and if they want to free him they must embark on a quest that could cost them their lives. Along the way they discover that they have connections to the old empire of Egypt, and powers that they must learn to use. While Carter and Sadie are on the dangerous quest to save their father, they also learn that there is more at stake than just their father's life... 

Rate: 4 stars

Yet another Rick Riordan book. What a surprise! Anyways, I enjoyed this book as well! Although I didn't like it quite as much as Percy Jackson and the Olympians or Heroes of Olympus, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. That may be because I enjoyed the Greek mythology better. The Red Pyramid had the same fun adventures, awesome writing style, amazing characters and mythology. So I would definitely recommend you pick this book up if you are a fan of Rick's other work!

SPOILERS AHEAD.

I really liked the characters in this book! All of the characters that Rick creates are really fleshed out, and are written very well. I loved the brother-sister relationship that Carter and Sadie had. They were great characters on their own, but they were even greater together. I loved reading their banter! And since this book was a recording of their adventures, I liked how we got comments like "[No, Sadie. It's not an old person's soda! Be quiet!]" Those were great!

I love the fact that with Rick Riordan's books you get to learn in a fun way. I got to know more about Egyptian mythology while reading about an epic quest. He does it in such a way so that you don't get a huge info dump, and it's actually entertaining. Plus you don't need to know anything about Egyptian mythology when you start reading, because the characters don't know too much either. I think Rick's books would be a good read for when you are learning about mythology in school. I think they would really help people get into it and help them remember it better, all the while having fun while reading.

The plot and set up of the was similar to Rick's other books. We had the discovery of the powers, an epic quest (with lots of action of course), and then a final battle at the end. And this really works for his books. 

The powers that Carter and Sadie had were pretty cool. Although I did like the different powers that the characters in PJO and HoO had better. They were more varied and ultimately, I think they were more powerful. Maybe I should just stop comparing the series though. Anyways, the whole magician thing was still pretty awesome. Plus they had the extra help of Horus and Isis. I'm glad that they decided not to host the two gods at the end of the book. As cool as hosting a god is, and as powerful as it made them, I wanted to see what the two could do on their own.

The ending was of course the best part. The final battles are always the best! It was kind of sad to find out Zia was really a shabti. I wish it was really her that went on the adventure! Anyways, the ending set up well for the next book with the Carter and Sadie making a deal with Set (I can't believe he was using Amos as a host!), and they discovered that Set was the least of their problems. Apophis was really the bigger problem.

Overall this was another great book! I just finished The Throne of Fire so I should have a book review for that up soon!

Top 5 Wednesday: Anticipated Pre-Orders for the Rest of the Year

If you haven't seen my other Top 5 Wednesday posts, or don't know what T5W is, then this is for you. But if you have read my other T5W posts, you know the drill, and you can just skip to the next paragraph. So T5W was created by gingerreadslainey. If you would like to check out her channel, here is a link: https://www.youtube.com/user/gingerreadslainey And here's the Goodreads group if you would like to check it out: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday

Okay, so this week's topic, if for some reason you didn't read the title of this post, is "Anticipated Pre-Orders for the Rest of the Year". I won't necessarily be pre-ordering these books (I'm making an international move for one thing, and I'll be making a video on that later), but I'm these are just some of the books that I'm anticipating. 

5. The Fate of Ten by Pittacus Lore

This is the sixth book in The Lorien Legacies. I've been following this series for a while now, and I'm pretty excited for the next book. Although I am ready for an end to the series, as I think it is being drawn out, and I know there is at least one more book coming out. I'm hoping this book will live up to my expectations! Here is a synopsis of the first book if you would like to find out more: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7747374-i-am-number-four

4. The Rest of Us Just Live Here

This book sounds pretty different from most books, and I'm excited to have a new unique book to read. Also, I had an idea for a book that sounds similar to this, so it should be interesting to read!  If you want to know what it's about, here's a synopsis: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22910900-the-rest-of-us-just-live-here

3. The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows

This is the first book in a new fantasy series, and it sounds like something I would like. I haven't heard much about this book, so hopefully it will be good! Synopsis: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18081228-the-orphan-queen?from_search=true&search_version=service

2. The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

This is the first book in Rick Riordan's new series, and I can't wait! I loved Percy Jackson and the Olympians as well as Heroes of Olympus! Plus I'm currently reading the Kane Chronicles, which is pretty good so far! Synopsis: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15724396-the-sword-of-summer?from_search=true&search_version=service

1. Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

This series is SO GOOD! If you have not started reading it, get on it! It's going to be huge! I'm super excited for the release of this book in September! Everything about these books are great! Check out the synopsis for the first book, Throne of Glass: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7896527-throne-of-glass?from_search=true&search_version=service

BONUS: Passenger by Alexandra Bracken

So this book doesn't come out this year, but on January 5th, 2016. I can't wait for this one! The author wrote one of my favourite trilogies, The Darkest Minds, so she is now one of my auto-buy authors! Plus the synopsis sounds pretty cool! Synopsis: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20983362-passenger?from_search=true&search_version=service

So that is it for this week's T5W! What books are you anticipating for the rest of the year? 

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

The real world is a dump. And that's why Wade Watts spends all of his free time in OASIS, an online world where anything is possible. 

When the billionaire creator of OASIS died, he left behind his fortune to be found by any OASIS player who could solve the puzzles he has set up within the game. Wade has dedicated the last four years of his life studying eighties pop culture––the decade that the creator of OASIS was obsessed with––in hopes of finding the fortune hidden within the game.

When Wade manages to find the first clue in the hunt to find the prize, he realizes just how far some people are willing to go to find the prize, and that he'll have to win to survive.

Rate: 4 stars

Calling all nerds and geeks, this book is for you! Ready Player One revolves around video games, a contest to win a fortune, and '80s pop culture, and is the ultimate book for anyone who loves those things. Even though I don't really like video games, and I'm not too into '80s pop culture, I still enjoyed this book. I really liked the whole concept of the contest, and there was a fair amount of action to top it off. Overall it was a great read, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I loved video games or '80s pop culture.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

I really enjoyed everything about the contest.  I liked how there were keys that had to be found, and portals opened with that key in which Wade had to complete a challenge. All the different clues and challenges made for an entertaining read.

The characters weren't too bad either, although they weren't the best I had ever read. I liked how they all struggled with things offline though. Wade was fat (at least in the beginning), Art3mis a reddish birthmark across her face, and Aech turned out to be a black lesbian woman, not a white man. She struggled with being treated differently, and I found that her mother was right in thinking that she should make her avatar on OASIS a white man. It's ridiculous that people are treated differently based on their gender, sexuality, and the way they look, and I was glad that Ernest Cline threw these things into the book, even if they weren't really relevant.

Another thing that I liked was the fact the Wade had to deal with IOI inside the OASIS and outside. His life was threatened inside and outside the game. They we just such an nasty bunch of people. Although, I think a company would be willing to kill people of billions of dollars, especially if they had a lot of power and could cover it up.

The ending was one of my favourite parts. Wade got to meet Aech, Art3mis and Shoto in the real world. And there was huge battle and then the race to the finish. Lots of action. I thought the story wrapped up pretty nicely and I wasn't left with too many questions. I think it's best as a standalone.

The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Lia is the First Daughter of the House of Morrighan. Which means that she must marry someone she has never met for political reasons. Sick and tired of all the traditions the Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in, Lia runs away with her best friend on her wedding day. She flees to a small town avoiding bounty hunters sent by her father. She strives to begin a new life where she can finally be herself.

But when two strangers arrive in town, things get a little more interesting. Little does Lia know that these two strangers that keep popping up in her life are an assassin sent to kill her and the prince she was supposed to marry. 

Rate: 3.5 stars

Despite the incredibly cheesy title, this was a decent book. Even though this book is considered fantasy, there was an air or mystery to it. We didn't know which of the men was the assassin or the prince, and it kept me guessing. However, I had heard some pretty good things about this book, and I was honestly a bit let down. I did still like it, but I didn't love it. The characters were okay and there wasn't as much action as I had anticipated. Plus there was a love triangle, and quite frankly, I'm getting quite sick of those.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

Like I mentioned above, the characters were only okay. They didn't really do anything for me. Lia was your typical headstrong heroin. And I wasn't super fond of Kaden and Rafe either. Kaden delayed his job over and over a girl he barely knew, which I found fairly unrealistic. It was said that he had killed many people before, so what was so different about Lia? What was the point of Rafe coming down to find Lia? Was he going to bring her back to the castle, because I don't think she would have agreed to that at first.

Along with the mystery of which guy was which there was also other minor things building up which I assume will play into the next books. There was some important information that Lia stole before fleeing. Then there was this power that she had. This power of "knowing". Plus there was this whole thing with the Vendans becoming stronger and stronger.

The plot was a bit slow for my taste. Although it did pick up towards the end with Lia trying to go back home to fulfill her duties, but ultimitely being captured by the Vendans. Now that Lia has been captured by the Vendans, and Jaxon/Rafe has showed up, it will be interesting to see what the next book will be like.

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Best friends Sloane and Emily had planned their summer to be the best one yet. But then all of a sudden Sloane just disappears. 

After checking her house and her phone many, many times for Sloane, Emily finds a to-do list that Sloane left behind. On that list there are thirteen different tasks that Sloane planned for Emily. Except Emily would never do any of the things on the list without Sloane. Especially "Kiss a Stranger" and "Go Skinny-Dipping". But maybe Emily could try if completing these tasks could somehow lead Emily to Sloane...

Rate: 4 stars

This book is perfect if you are looking for a light, fun, summery read. The tasks that Emily had to complete made for a fun and entertaining read, and the characters weren't bad either. If you are looking for a contemporary to read this summer, I would definitely recommend this one. However, I don't think I enjoyed this as much as most people did. There was one aspect of the book that rubbed me the wrong way, which I will get into in the spoilery part of this review. But over all I enjoyed reading this book.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

So I liked the majority of the characters in this book. Emily was a good main character and she developed as the book went on. She started out as a super shy character that needed a friend with her in all social situations. She then became more independent and less shy. I also liked her friendship with Frank, Collins and Dawn, it developed very nicely. I liked their characters as well. But the one character that bothered me was Sloane.

She was portrayed as this super amazing best friend, but I didn't really see her that way. When we got the flash backs of her and Emily, it always seemed that she was making Emily into someone else. She seemed to have made a lot of changes to her wardrobe and appearance. Then we got the flash back before the "Penelope" scene. I really didn't like how she was making Emily do things she wasn't comfortable with. And then she spent a ton of time with her boyfriend, and ended up ditching Emily many times. Trust me, I know that is not a fun experience. End at the end I still didn't like her that much.

Moving on from the characters, let's talk about the actual plot. I enjoyed all the different tasks that Emily had to go through. I though they were very fun to read. Some of my favourites were "Share Some Secrets", "Dance Until Dawn" and "Go Skinny Dipping". I also liked the scene where Fran and Emily drove down to find Sloane.

The ending was good. Everything was wrapped up and seemed as good as can be. Sloane and Emily met up and everything was explained. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of Sloane, I liked the scene between Emily and her. I thought her story was interesting and I have to admit I kind of felt bad for her.

Overall this was a solid contemporary.

Top 5 Wednesday: Favourite Chapter Headings

Before I get into Top 5 Wednesday, I just wanted to say happy Canada Day to all of my fellow Canadians! It will probably say that I posted this article on Tuesday, but it's actually Wednesday, so excuse my computer's confusion.

Anyways, Top 5 Wednesday, as you may already know, Top 5 Wednesday was created by gingerreadslainey. Here is a link to her channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWEbV2Z1guEF0SvWF0Ng2qw , and the Goodreads group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday , just in case you want to check them out. 

This week's topic is "Favourite Chapter Headings". In the majority of the books I read, the chapter headers are just the number of the chapter, and the only really good ones I found were from the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, so all the chapter headings will be from one of those five books. It was quite difficult to choose my favourites because they are all pretty funny or awesome. But anyways, let's begin!

5. "I Go Snowboarding With A Pig"

This chapter heading is hilarious and accurately described what happens in that chapter. Percy did in fact go snowboarding with a pig, and it was very entertaining!

4. "Nico Buys Happy Meals for the Dead"

Again, this chapter heading is pretty funny. Do I need to say more?

3. "I Wrestle Santa's Evil Twin"

This chapter heading really stood out to me while I was reading. Plus I really enjoyed reading the chapter!

2. "I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom"

If you don't think this title is awesome, I don't know what's wrong with you.

1. "We Take a Zebra To Vegas"

If you haven't noticed already, Rick Riordan comes up with the best chapter headings. I means they are either super awesome or super funny. This chapter heading stood out to me while reading the books as well. Also, there's this:

BONUS: "I Go Down With the Ship"

I think every fangirl/fanboy can relate to this...

Anyways, that's it for this Top 5 Wednesday!

The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski

***The following synopsis and summary contain spoilers for The Winner's Curse.***

Being engaged to the Crown Prince is a dream for many girls. But for Kestrel, who's heart belongs to someone else, it's a nightmare. 

In order to prevent another war between Valoria and Herran, and to make sure the one she loves is safe, Kestrel agreed to the marriage. Now she is destined to live a life of lies with the Prince. But Kestrel can't just sit back and let the rebellion live on without her. She begins to play a risky game and feeds plans and secrets to spies in the castle. 

In a world of lies and false allegiances, Kestrel is bound to be found out. She'll learn what it costs to love. Will she be able to continue to play the dangerous game when her life, and many others, are on the line? 

Rate: 4 stars

I enjoyed this book almost as much as the first and it was really great overall. It still had the same intelligent characters, the beautiful prose, and the amazing political aspect. I was still in love with the world and the cultures as we learned more about them. Much like the last book, this one left me wanting the next one as soon as possible. I'm very excited for The Winner's Kiss!

SPOILERS AHEAD.

We got a few new characters in this instalment of The Winner's Trilogy. There was the emperor who was extremely cunning and actually realized what Kestrel was up to. We also had Verex, the prince, and he didn't actually turn out to be too bad. He was actually pretty nice towards Kestrel in the end. I was beginning to like their friendship. It seems like a lot of fantasy books that I read these days have a horrible king/emperor and a son that disagrees with what is going on. I'm beginning to wonder if Verex will fight along side Kestrel and Arin in the end.

While Kestrel began to build a relationship with Verex, she also lost relationships. Her relationship with Jess fell apart fairly quickly. Jess had changed after the event at the ball, she became more bitter and less naïve. Although I understand why she changed and why she was mad, I was still on Kestrel's side of things. And then we had Kestrel's relationship with Ronan crumble as well. After his proposal in the last book, he became bitter and reckless which ultimately lead to his death. You could see that Kestrel felt very guilty about this and carried the burden of his death.

While Kestrel was playing a dangerous game of secrets and lies, Arin was dealing with political things. He ended up in Dacra looking for help, which I was glad that he got in the end. We were introduced to Dacra's people and culture. I liked that these books have different cultures woven into them. We were also introduced to the queen and Roshar. I liked Roshar and Arin's friendship, they were fun to read together.

The ending was probably my favourite part though. Kestrel was found out and she will be sent to a work camp in the tundra. Her relationship with her father fell apart as well. He was too loyal to stand up for his daughter and to see that what Valoria was doing was wrong. I'm interested to see how this will all play out in the next book. And what will Arin do when he finds out about what happened to Kestrel?

Overall, The Winner's Crime was a great sequel and I can't wait for the next book!