2023 Reads
1. The Awakening: Zodiac Academy #1
By Caroline Peckham, Susanne Valenti
2. The Hunger Games: The Hunger Games #1
By Suzanne Collins
3. Divergent: Divergent #1
By Veronica Roth
Zodiac Academy
I bought this book because it was pitched as Harry Potter for adults… and the description hit the mark! Going in, I didn’t know much about the plot, just that the book was penned by a dynamic duo of sisters with a legion off eager fans who waited for each new installment
And oh boy, did I love it! The magic, the underdog journey of Darcy and Tory, the struggles with bullies, and that touch of romance—it all had me hooked. The cliffhanger ending didn’t bother me very much since I bought the second book right after I finished reading! I’m enamored with the magical world they’ve crafted and I’m buzzing with anticipation to dive into book 2 and see where the story takes me!
February 5, 2023
The Hunger Games
This marked my second reading of this book. Initially, I dove into it because it’s a frequent mention in various author craft books and YouTube videos—I wanted to understand what all the fuss was about and learn from Collins’ craft style. The funny thing is, I got so caught up in the story the first time that the intricacies of craft slipped my mind entirely. I was utterly engrossed—putting it down wasn’t an option.
Fast forward to my second read-through, and I promised myself I’d pay attention to craft this time. Spoiler alert: that didn’t happen. Once again, I found myself sucked into the narrative, even with the knowledge of how it all concludes. It’s a fantastic book and part of an amazing series. Solid 5/5 stars
February 22, 2023
Divergent
I absolutely loved this book! It’s one of those rare instances where I watched the movie before picking up the book. Usually, I avoid that because knowing the ending tends to make the book less engaging for me. However, in this case, there were enough differences between the two that I was kept on my toes, unsure of what to expect from the book.
Veronica Roth’s world-building is spectacular (and it doesn’t hurt that I visit Chicago often so I loved the setting as well)! I found Tris to be a fascinating character to follow throughout the story. The concept of dividing people into factions based on their personalities struck me as particularly unique (at least it was to me). Overall, I’d rate it 4.7/5 stars.
March 7, 2023
Newsletter Ninja: How to Become an Author Mailing List Expert
This marked my first reading of a non-fiction book for 2023, and what a delightful start it was! Tammi Labrecque’s easygoing style, couple with a wealth of facts, made for an enjoyable read. I must confess, prior to reading this book, I was on the fence about driving into the world of newsletters. However, this book not only convinced me of their importance but also illustrated just how relatively easy it is to get started. Once the systems are in place, all it takes is a bit of dedicated writing to connect with your readers.
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I wholeheartedly recommend this book for both new and established authors seeking assistance with their newsletters. It’s the kind of read that, even after finishing, I referred to several times. My book is well worn! 5/5 stars!
March 15, 2023
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
This prequel to the main Hunger Games trilogy is a compelling addition that I would strongly recommend to be read after the trilogy. While it stands as an excellent book on its own, its true brilliance shines through when considered in the context of the broader storyline. Following the origin story of the series’ main antagonist, the young (pre) President Snow, this book meticulously unravels the complex web of events that lead to the creation of The Hunger Games as depicted in the main trilogy.
What makes this story particularly masterful is Suzanne Collins’ ability to elicit sympathy for a character who turns into the villain. Despite the presence of clear red flags in Snow’s character, the author skillfully navigates the reader through shocking actions, offering a nuanced understanding of his motivations.
Throughout the book, the emotional journey is a roller coaster, compelling this reader to shift between empathy and shock until the narrative threads seamlessly come together.
It’s worth noting that familiarity with the original trilogy enhances the depth of appreciation for this prequel. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of The Hunger Games, but caution those unfamiliar with the series. A solid 5/5 stars from me!
March 29, 2023
Who Was Sojourner Truth?
My daughter loves for me to read the “Who Was…?” books to her and it’s become our thing! They have a magical quality of keeping her entertained and me hooked, creating a win-win!
Prior to reading this book, my knowledge of Sonjourner Truth was lacking, but now I know, as well as my daughter. Born a slave, she’s granted freedom and goes on to champion the rights of slaves and women in the United States. The writing is informative and fun to read.
March 30, 2023
The Book of Deacon
Being immersed in the world of The Book of Deacon was an absolute joy! Tracking Myrand’s journey as her life takes a magical turn with the discovery of a mystical sword was thoroughly enjoyable. From stumbling upon a dragon to encountering a wizard, and uncovering the truth that appearances can be deceiving, the adventure kept me hooked.
There were moments where the story dragged, and the pace slowed down a bit. But, despite that, I found myself captivated as Myranda delved deeper into her world, unraveled the mysteries of her past, and prepared herself for the future.
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I eagerly look forward to diving into book 2—can’t wait to see where the journey takes her next!
April 10, 2023
Catching Fire
A second journey through the series of Catching Fire only solidified my love for both the book and the entire series. The allure of this installment rivals that of the first, holding my attention even during the second reading—I couldn’t put it down!
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Collins possesses a unique ability to transport readers into the heart of Panem. With each turn of the page, I found myself right there in the arena with Katniss, fighting for district 12 alongside her. The immersive quality of the narrative is truly commendable.
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My only complaint lies in Katniss’ repetitive refrain of “I must die and Peeta must live.” After the second or third iteration, it felt a bit like beating a dead horse. Yet, despite this minor gripe, the book still earns 5/5 stars from me. The overall experience is simply too enthralling to warrant anything less!
April 18, 2023
Mockingjay
I’m torn between rating Mocking Jay 4 or 5 stars. While the ending was absolutely stellar, the journey to get there felt like a prolonged emotional roller coaster with fewer tangible actions compared to the first two books. In those, we got to know Katniss gradually through her actions, whereas this installment felt more like sitting in her feelings for prolonged periods of time.
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Despite this, on my second read-though, I found myself compelled to finish it in a speedy three days—q brisk pace for me! Once the action kicks in, the book delivers a satisfying conclusion to the series, dispelling any initial reservations. It’s just a bit of a slow burn to get there. All things considered, I’m settling on a rating of 4.7 stars—it’s a great book, with a fantastic ending, though it takes its time getting to the heart of the action.
May 3, 2023
The Falling Machine
This book might not resonate universally, I found it to be an enjoyable read. Set in New York in the 1880’s, a league of steam-powered superheroes, known as the Society of Paragons, grapples with turmoil following the murder of their leader. Sarah, a spirited young woman, dreams of joining the Paragons but faces resistance from her father, who insists this realm is exclusively for men. A unique ally, a steam-powered automation within the society, aids in her unlocking the secrets of the Paragons.
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On the positive side, the book has numerous action-packed sequences, with Sarah emerging as truly remarkable. The plot, overall, is captivating. However, a few drawbacks include occasional confusion caused by shifts in points-of-view and lengthy descriptive sentences that don’t consistently contribute to the plot progression. It concludes with a gripping cliffhanger.
For those passionate about steampunk, historical fiction, and/or superheroes, this book promises an enthralling journey. 4/5 stars
