Sarai Henderson's Blog, page 47
May 22, 2024
Book Review: Rebellion by Kass Morgan
My book review of Rebellion by Kass Morgan. This book is a worthy addition to the series, offering a compelling mix of drama, action, and character growth. If you’re a fan of dystopian tales with a strong emotional core, "Rebellion" is definitely worth your time.
Title: Rebellion
By: Kass Morgan
Genre: Dystopian
Pages: 352
Release Date: December 6th, 2016
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Centuries after nuclear war destroyed our planet, humanity struggles to rebuild. It’s been a month since the dropships landed and the Colonists joined the Hundred on the ground. The teens, once branded juvenile delinquents, are now leaders among their people.
The Colonists and the Earthborns are celebrating their first holiday together when, to everyone’s horror, they’re attacked by a group of strangers whose unusual battle cries fill the air. The newcomers kill scores of people, seize prisoners, and pillage crucial supplies. When hotheaded Bellamy and his analytical girlfriend Clarke discover that Wells, Octavia and Glass have been captured, they vow to get them back at all costs. But as they go after their new enemies, Bellamy and Clarke find themselves increasingly at odds, unable to agree on a plan to save their friends.
Meanwhile, Wells, Octavia, and Glass are being slowly brainwashed by their captors, religious fanatics with one goal: to grow their ranks and “heal” the war-ravaged planet… by eliminating everyone else on it.
But centuries of radiation exposure have taken their toll, forcing the cult to take drastic steps to survive. And unless the rescue party arrives soon, the teen captives will face a fate more terrifying than anything they could imagine. In this thrilling fourth installment, the hundred fight to protect the people they love on the dangerous planet they always dreamed of calling home.
Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic Earth, Rebellion picks up where the previous installment left off, diving straight into the heart of conflict and tension. Morgan's world-building is, as always, top-notch. She paints a vivid picture of a society struggling to rebuild amidst chaos and uncertainty, making it easy for readers to visualize and immerse themselves in the setting.
The character development in this book is particularly noteworthy. Morgan gives each character room to grow, exploring their motivations, fears, and strengths. Clarke, Bellamy, and Octavia are standouts, with their evolving dynamics and personal struggles adding depth to the narrative. The relationships between characters are complex and authentic, providing a strong emotional core to the story.
The plot of Rebellion is fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists and turns. Morgan skillfully balances action scenes with moments of introspection, ensuring that the story never feels one-dimensional. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the strengths of Rebellion is its exploration of themes such as loyalty, survival, and the moral ambiguities of leadership. Morgan doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of humanity, making the story feel more realistic and compelling. This thoughtfulness adds layers to the narrative, elevating it beyond a simple adventure tale.
However, the book is not without its minor flaws. At times, the plot can feel a bit predictable, and some secondary characters don't receive as much development as they deserve. Despite these minor issues, Rebellion remains a thoroughly enjoyable read that will please fans of the series.
Overall, Rebellion by Kass Morgan is a strong continuation of The 100 series. It delivers on action, character development, and emotional depth, making it a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. Morgan's storytelling prowess ensures that readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment.
May 20, 2024
Weekly Menu #557 And The Book Of The Week
Hello Monday. Welcome back to my weekly menu where I share all the delicious recipes we will be making this week.Well, the rain is back. I can't say I'm thrilled about it, but it is what it is. Its good for the plants I just bought, so I guess I will take it.
I may have bit off more than I can chew with the amount of books I borrowed from the library. It wasn't on purpose, it just happened that 6 books I've been waiting for came available all at the same time. Top that with the 7 books I was going to rea last week, 3 of which are reviews from Netgalley and the 1 new book from Netgalley this week I picked up. What have I done.
Its going to be a long week reading, but its possible. I first want to dive into The Book of Elsewhere by Keanu Reeves and China Mieville. I've heard these two can really write an intriguing story. We shall see. Follow my Goodreads to see all the other books on my TBR this week.
Lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!
WEEKLY MENUMonday
Kids - Chicken and Noodles
Tuesday
Kids - Nachos
Wednesday
Kids - Chicken Burgers
Thursday
Baked Lemon Meatballs and Pasta
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Friday
Kids - Pizza Night
Saturday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Sunday
Leftovers Night
May 19, 2024
Sunday Confessions #250
Welcome back to the Sunday Confessions. Another week down and so much to share with you.
Sunday Confessions #249~Weekly Menu #556 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare~Book Review: Homecoming by Kass Morgan
Weekly Menu #557 And The Book Of The Week~
Book Review: Home is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose~
Series Review: The 100 Series by Morgan Kass~Sunday Confessions #251
55/100 2024 Reading Challenge~70/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~96/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
Another wonderful week on the blog. Happy reading my friends.
May 17, 2024
Book Review: Homecoming by Kass Morgan
My review of Homecoming by Kass Morgan. A gripping narrative that seamlessly blends action, romance, and intrigue.
Title: Homecoming
By: Kass Morgan
Genre: Dystopian
Pages: 345
Release Date: February 24th, 2015
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:Weeks after landing on Earth, the Hundred have managed to create a sense of order amidst their wild, chaotic surroundings. But their delicate balance comes crashing down with the arrival of new dropships from space.
These new arrivals are the lucky ones—back on the Colony, the oxygen is almost gone—but after making it safely to Earth, GLASS’s luck seems to be running out. CLARKE leads a rescue party to the crash site, ready to treat the wounded, but she can’t stop thinking about her parents, who may still be alive. Meanwhile, WELLS struggles to maintain his authority despite the presence of the Vice Chancellor and his armed guards, and BELLAMY must decide whether to face or flee the crimes he thought he’d left behind.
It’s time for the Hundred to come together and fight for the freedom they’ve found on Earth, or risk losing everything—and everyone—they love.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its character development. As the Hundred struggle to rebuild civilization on Earth, Morgan delves deeper into their individual struggles, fears, and desires. From Clarke's determination to lead her people to Bellamy's internal conflict between duty and love, each character grapples with their own demons, making them relatable and compelling protagonists.
Morgan's world-building remains a standout aspect of the series. In "Homecoming," she further explores the complexities of Earth's post-apocalyptic landscape, introducing new threats and challenges that test the resilience of the Hundred. The vivid descriptions of the overgrown ruins and treacherous wilderness evoke a sense of both wonder and danger, immersing readers in the harsh reality of their environment.
The novel's pacing is well-executed, with tension steadily building as the plot unfolds. Twists and turns keep readers guessing, while moments of quiet reflection allow for emotional resonance. However, some plot threads may feel rushed or underdeveloped, particularly towards the climax, detracting slightly from the overall impact of the narrative.
Despite its flaws, "Homecoming" delivers a compelling continuation of "The 100" series, offering fans a satisfying blend of action, romance, and suspense. With its well-rounded characters, immersive world-building, and dynamic storytelling, Kass Morgan proves once again why she is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of young adult dystopian fiction.
May 15, 2024
Book Review: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
My book review of City of Glass by Cassandra Clare. A forbidden love with gripping intensity.
Title: City of Glass
By: Cassandra Clare
Genre: Paranormal
Pages: 541
Release Date: March 24th, 2009
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Rating: ★★★★☆
Summary from Goodreads:To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.
As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost?
Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the third installment of the New York Times bestselling series The Mortal Instruments.
Clare's world-building reaches new heights in City of Glass, as she expands the lore of the Shadowhunter universe beyond the confines of New York City. The vivid descriptions of the Shadowhunter stronghold in Alicante transport readers to a realm where magic and danger intertwine seamlessly. The intricate politics and history of the Clave add layers of complexity to the story, enriching the reading experience.
The one complaint I have is the constant droning on about Clary's romantic obsession with her "brother." It was disturbing and went on and on. Knowing what I know now, I'm feeling better, but going into the story, the author has made it very clear what their relationship is, and then makes things weird.
If you can push past the supposed incest, then you should be able to really enjoy this read. I don't want to spoil things, but everything works out.
May 13, 2024
Weekly Menu #556 And The Book Of The Week
Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful mothers day and welcome back to the weekly menu where I share all the delicious recipes we will be making this week.I've been a reading, or listening wizard this last week and managed to blow through all 5 of the books I had planned one. That usually never happens. Good thing I always have an abundance of books on my TBR pile to keep me busy.
This weeks read is City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare. I've been trying to finish more of the series I've started a long time ago and this series was started when I was pregnant with my eldest 16 years ago. I think its about time to finish it up, don't you?
Lets get to the menu, and some reading. Enjoy!
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
Cheesy Skillet Hashbrowns and Eggs
Kids - Sheet Pan Pancakes
Tuesday
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Wednesday
Kids - Chicken and Rice
Thursday
Kids - Nachos
Friday
Kids - Beef Ramen
Saturday
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Sunday
Family Dinner
BBQ
Pie Iron PB&J
May 12, 2024
Sunday Confessions #249
Hello Sunday! Welcome to my confessions. Lets recap the blog.
Sunday Confessions #248~Weekly Menu #555 And The Book Of The Week~~Book Review: My Lost Freedom by George Takei
Weekly Menu #556 And The Book Of The Week~Book Review: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare~Book Review: Homecoming by Kass Morgan~Sunday Confessions #250
I didn't even know this was coming out until it was already released, but Tales of the Empire was awesome. It gives backstory to Morgan Elsbeth and continues the story of Baris after her fall from the Jedi order. Really well done.
51/100 2024 Reading Challenge~69/196 in my Star Wars Legends challenge~70/341 Gilmore Girls challenge~96/100 in my 100 books before you die challenge
Another great week on the blog.
Question of the day: Where is everyone from? Leave a comment below.
Happy reading, friends.
May 10, 2024
Book Review: My Lost Freedom by George Takei
My book review of My Lost Freedom by George Takei. A profoundly moving memoir that offers readers a glimpse into the life of a man who has not only lived through extraordinary circumstances but emerged as a tireless advocate for justice and equality.
Title: My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War 2 Story
By: George Takei
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 48
Release Date: April 16th, 2024
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:A moving, beautifully illustrated true story for children ages 6 to 9 about growing up in Japanese American incarceration camps during World War II—from the iconic Star Trek actor, activist, and author of the New York Times bestselling graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy.
February 19, 1942. George Takei is four years old when his world changes forever. Two months after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares anyone of Japanese descent an enemy of the United States.
George and his family were American in every way. They had done nothing wrong. But because of their Japanese ancestry, they were removed from their home in California and forced into camps with thousands of other families who looked like theirs .
Over the next three years, George had three different “homes”: the Santa Anita racetrack, swampy Camp Rohwer, and infamous Tule Lake. But even though they were now living behind barbed wire fences and surrounded by armed soldiers, his mother and father did everything they could to keep the family safe.
In My Lost Freedom , George Takei looks back at his own memories to help children today understand what it feels like to be treated as an enemy by your own country. Featuring powerful meticulously researched watercolor paintings, this is a story of a family’s courage, a young boy’s resilience, and the importance of staying true to yourself in the face of injustice.
What sets "My Lost Freedom" apart is Takei's unwavering commitment to honesty and authenticity. He does not shy away from difficult truths or uncomfortable moments, instead confronting them head-on with grace and courage. His voice is at once intimate and universal, inviting readers to share in his triumphs and tribulations with empathy and understanding.
I loved diving into Takei's early life. Not only did it bring to life a part of history that is not often talked about, but it gave more depth to an actor that I love and appreciate. 5 out of 5 stars, a must read.
May 8, 2024
Book Review: By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
My book review of By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult. An enthralling masterpiece that captivates from the very first page to the last.
Title: By Any Other Name
By: Jodi Picoult
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 528
Release Date: August 20th, 2024
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Rating: ★★★★★
Summary from Goodreads:Two women, centuries apart—one of whom is the real author of Shakespeare’s plays—are both forced to hide behind another name to make their voices heard.
In 1581, Emilia Bassano—like most young women of her day—is allowed no voice of her own. But as the Lord Chamberlain’s mistress, she has access to all theater in England, and finds a way to bring her work to the stage secretly. And yet, creating some of the world’s greatest dramatic masterpieces comes at great cost: by paying a man for the use of his name, she will write her own out of history.
In the present, playwright Melina Green has just written a new work inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano. Although the challenges are different four hundred years later, the playing field is still not level for women in theater. Would Melina—like Emilia—be willing to forfeit her credit as author, just for a chance to see her work performed?
Told in intertwining narratives, this sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire asks what price each woman is willing to pay to see their work live on—even if it means they will be forgotten.
I love Jodi Picoult. Her stories draw me in and I can't put them down. I'm now wondering if Shakespeare really did write his own works, or was it a strong woman who had no other choice. Food for thought.
5 out of 5 stars. This is a must read this summer.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
May 6, 2024
Weekly Menu #555 And The Book Of The Week
Hello Monday! Welcome back to my weekly menu where I share all the delicious recipes we will be making this week.The rain has fully set in in the PNW and its miserable. We have so much work we want to do outside and its so muddy and wet. I just want it to warm up a bit and dry out so we can finish the back deck. If we can do that, I will have some place to hang on these rainy spring and summer days, instead of being inside in my cave of an office. Praying for sun!
This week I'm going to try and finish House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas. That one is kicking my butt, and then finally read To Hold the Bridge by Garth Nix. If you ask me who my favorite author is, Hands down its Nix. I love his Abhorsen series. Those were the books that got me back into reading as an adult.
Lets get to this weeks menu. Enjoy!
WEEKLY MENU
Monday
With Mashed Potatoes and Green Beans
Kids - Chicken and Tater Tots
Tuesday
With Salad
Kids - Cheese Quesadillas
Wednesday
With Chicken
Kids - Mac and Cheese
Thursday
Epic Beef NachosKids - Nachos
Friday
Kids - Chicken Salad
Saturday
Kids - Pizza Night
Sunday
Leftovers Night
