Review: Distant Horizon by Stephanie Flint

Add It To Goodreads!

Rating: PG

Genre: Fantasy, Dystopia

Score: 3.75 stars

Page Count: 320

Book #1 of the Distant Horizon series

Publisher: Infinitas Publishing

Published: October 27th, 2016

The Community is safe.
Unless you have superpowers.

Sixty years ago, a hallucinogenic plague annihilated half the world’s population, leading to the formation of the Community—an international government that promises its citizens safety, security, and efficiency. Every day, Community citizens swallow a mandatory pill to ensure their immunity to the plague. A year after graduating high school, they take the Health Scan.

Most pass, and continue with their lives. Others disappear.

Eighteen-year-old Jenna Nickleson hasn’t taken the pill since her senior year in high school. She feels more alive without it, and she hasn’t shown any signs of infection—at least, not until two days after a surprise Health Scan is announced and Special Forces arrive at her university campus.

Spurred by the recent string of hallucinations, Jenna searches for any inkling of what happens to those who fail the scan. Rumor has it that they’re sent away for treatment and, once cured, receive a menial job. But when she uncovers the cruel truth behind the plague, her ideal world is shattered.

Underneath the illusion of safety, Special Forces agents harbor a dark secret.

The plague is a lie.

Review:

PROS:

1. Special thanks to Sara from YA Book Bound Tours for sending me an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Now, since I really love dystopian novels and any book set in the future, I was really excited when I got the chance to review this book. It sounded like a really neat concept and since I'm a sucker for books about conspiracies, I couldn't pass up the chance. Here's the review: 

2. The story was action-packed which kept the book moving forward, especially since there is quite a lot going on and the characters are having to overcome difficult obstacles. The rigid and strict society that our characters live in is reminiscent of other dystopian worlds I've read before so while it was a little cookie-cutter in that sense, I still thought it was a cool setting and an interesting world to learn about as the story progresses.

3. I would describe the setting and overall feel of this book as DIVERGENT but instead with superpowers with a steampunk overlay and a dash of MATCHED. It was a pretty standard dystopian world, however, the book is laced with uncovering secrets and lies which made it interesting to read. I also liked the characters even though none of them really stood out to me but I was still invested in seeing what happened to them all. They were a very smart and clever group of kids so it was fun to see their problem-solving skills take action many times throughout the book.

4. The writing was also great and it is a fast-paced book so I would totally recommend it if you're a fan of other dystopian novels or a fan of action-packed sci-fi adventures. While not my favorite dystopian novel, I can't really put a finger on what I didn't like about the story itself. I think I would have given this book a higher rating had it been more original as like I said before, it was reminiscent of a lot of other dystopian novels. If the book had an element that was creative to its genre or a huge plot twist or two thrown in, I think I would have enjoyed it more. Otherwise, it was still a nice read. 

You Can Purchase The Book Here:

Amazon

Amazon UK

Barnes and Noble

iTunes

Kobo

Smashwords

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About The Author:

Stephanie Flint (formerly Stephanie Bibb) graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in photography and a minor in creative writing. She merged the two interests into book cover design and photographic illustration, but she particularly enjoys writing speculative fiction and plotting her stories in the form of table-top RPGs with her husband, Isaac. They cofounded Infinitas Publishing in June 2015. 

Author Links

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Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Website

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Flickr

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I hope you all enjoyed this book review! Read on, bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

Review: Hero High by Mina Chara + GIVEAWAY! (CLOSED)

Howdy, everyone! Today, I have a fun review for all of you because it involves superheroes. YES PLEASE. Today, I'll be reviewing Hero High by Mina Chara hosted by YA Bound Book Tours so huge thanks to them!

I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of this blog tour.

 Down below you'll find my review of the book, the links to where you can purchase a copy for yourself as well as a GIVEAWAY! Yay! I hope you guys enjoy this one! Read on, bookworms!

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Add It To Goodreads!

Rating: PG

Genre: Fantasy

Score: ❤❤❤❤

Page Count: 348

Stand Alone

Publisher: Byzantion Books

Published: October 1st, 2016

Reality TV meets Superhero High School in this intriguing story about friendship, fame, and what it means to be a hero. 

In Icon City superheroes save the day every day on the quarter hour. Led by Captain Fantastic, scores of superhero celebrities do their best to train the next generation. Seventeen year old Friday Fitzsimmons and Jake her childhood friend are their latest starstruck recruits. When Doctor Dangerous returns from the dead and the Figure in Flames decimates the city, Captain Fantastic is betrayed by one of his own.

Torn between Jake, Ashley and her feelings for Doctor Dangerous, Friday must decide if her childhood friend is worth fighting for, and if the worlds most famous super-villain is worth saving, all while learning how to be a hero.

Review: 

PROS:

1. I was sold when I saw the word 'Superhero' in the description because who doesn't love a good superhero story? I was a fan of such movies as SKY HIGH and ZOOM so the idea of kid superheroes in high school that's also a filming set for a 'reality' show just sounded like too much for fun for me to pass up on. I'm so happy to have been able to read this book. Here's my review:

Source

2. I thought the characters were really fun and I loved seeing all the different superpowers they all had the varied from the typical super strength and flying. Our main character Fitz has the super power of being able to think at a rapid speed, spending hours thinking about such a thing as a math problem in her head when in real time, no more than a second goes by. That would totally be so useful to a ton of people I think. I thought Fitz, or Friday, was a snarky and sarcastic girl and even though she wasn't considered a 'real' superhero by others, she was determined to prove everyone wrong. She was a feisty one and though she did come across as a little immature at some points and tended to react rashly and on impulse, she was quick to redeem herself which I really liked since it kept me interested in her character. Add in Veronica who was all about the showbiz and getting any drama on film and cared about nothing else, Fitz's teammates that I wished we saw more of in the book because they were awesome, and Ashely who never hesitated to put Friday in her place and tell her what's what and constantly reminded her that she got on his nerves, it was very entertaining character wise.

Source

3. The concept of both superheroes and supervillains going to a special high school just for them was really original and I applaud that idea because I have never read a book quite like it. It had a really nice pace for most of the book and the author did a great job of establishing the famous superheroes of their world such as Captain Fantastic and Sense. Superheroes are the celebrities of their world and it was really fun to see a few of the famous superheroes play certain roles in the book and help out our main character. The book also had it's supervillains, however, and let me just say that they added some major twists and turns to the story, one of which I was anticipating and even though I was able to see it coming, it was still surprising because of the deeper explanation. It's also action packed and a few scenes had me on the edge a bit and cheering for Fitz and the other characters.

4. Overall, I was really impressed with this book and I think it's such a great read for anyone who loves superheroes and action-packed storylines. I'm not entirely sure if this book is only the first of a series but I really hope there's more to come. Not only does this book have fun characters, exciting adventures, and a really fun atmosphere, but I also really liked how seamless everything was. The writing kept the story moving without any awkward jumps which made reading it nice and easy and simple to understand without getting too complicated. The romance in the book also wasn't the forefront of the story but only a smaller sub-plot that didn't take the spotlight and wasn't constantly being thrown in your face. It added interest and I liked it.

The reason why I didn't give this book a five-star rating is because while I did really enjoy it, I think the conflict in the book could've been handled a little better, specifically the bigger plot twist that pops up towards the end. I think that situation could've had a little more of an explanation and fleshing out so that it didn't feel too rushed in moving past it. Because it was pretty big. Just saying.  

You Can Purchase The Book Here:

Amazon

Amazon (UK)

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About The Author:

Hi! I’m Mina Chara, I’m a student, an artist, a daughter, sister and companion to my two furry friends, Gimli and Gwynne. This blog is here because I’ve just written a book called Hero High: Figure In The Flames.

This is My Story

Being dyslexic isn’t so much of a problem, the hard part  is not letting it dictate what I like, and what I can do. For years I was scared of reading, but then I discovered YA fiction, real books with main characters I could relate to because most of them were girls.

When someone criticizes my writing, I feel like crying, because I feel like that I’m back in English class getting yelled at again, just wanting to go home, but I’m not a kid anymore, I’m an adult, and as an adult, I wrote a book, and you can too. 

Author Links
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Website
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Review: The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Ryan North & Erica Henderson

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Ryan North & Erica Henderson (Issue #1)

Add It On Goodreads!

Rating: PG

Genre: Comic Book, Marvel

Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Page Count: 128

Book #1 of The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl series

Publisher: Marvel

Published: September 1, 2015

Wolverine, Deadpool, Doctor Doom, Thanos: There's one hero that's beaten them all-and now she's got her own ongoing series! (Not that she's bragging.) That's right, you asked for it, you got it, it's SQUIRREL GIRL! (She's also starting college this semester.) It's the start of a brand-new set of adventures starring the nuttiest and most upbeat super hero in the world!

Review:

PROS:

1. I've been wanting to read way more comic books than I do but I feel like I'm so busy reading other books and graphic novels that I forget comic books exist and need some love too. I adore Marvel and I have my favorite superheroes from both Team Cap and Team Iron Man (Scarlet Witch, Spiderman, and Ant-Man forevaaaa) and I've really been meaning to get around to finally reading some Marvel comics since I've been so overwhelmed with how many are out there. It's a crazy amount, people! On top of the TBR I already have too. So, I thought I'd pick up a comic book for once and I obviously decided to start with the coolest one I could find: Squirrel Girl.

2. First off, I feel like me and Squirrel Girl would totally be best friends because we're both awkward, burst out into song and talk to animals like they can understand us. Which is probably why my dog thinks I'm an insane person. Anyhoo, I really liked Squirrel Girl, her secret identity being Doreen Green with her sidekick Tippy-Toe saving the world one theme song and nut at a time. I loved how Doreen juggled trying to be a superhero and a totally normal college student all while also trying to make a name for herself among her enemies as a hero to be feared. She was very quirky, a little bit awkward, and just a very fun character than I can so relate to. Not to mention she's very sassy and ready for any fight that comes her way.

3. I think this comic book is totally so much fun to read! I think even if you aren't a fan of Marvel or comic books, you can still really enjoy this one if you're looking for a new graphic novel or something short and quick to read. This was very funny, witty, action packed, and even sometimes a little bit random and goofy. It's nothing serious that will leave you depressed so I think you should pick up Squirrel Girl if you want something that's plenty entertaining. 

4. Can we just talk about these illustrations? As an artist myself, I swoon! Just the colors and the linework and everything having to do with the pictures that bring this story to life makes this comic book that much more awesome. I've read plenty of graphic novels with amazing artwork but this one is in my top five. Throw in some witty banter and dialogue from squirrels and chipmunks and you have a comic book I seriously need you to read! 

So what's your favorite Marvel superhero? Do you have a favorite Marvel comic you can't stop obsessing over? Let me know in the comments! Read on, bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

Review: Heroes Are Extinct: Volume 1 by Ryoji Hido

Heroes Are Extinct: Volume 1 by Ryoji Hido

Rating: PG

Genre: Manga, Science-Fiction

Score: ❤❤❤❤

Page Count: 200

Publisher: Digital Manga Publishing

Published: July 31, 2007

A hero from a distant star arrives on Earth to pit his strength against Earth's famous superheroes! Only problem is Earth doesn't really have any superheroes. Growing up watching super-hero TV shows from Earth - think Power Rangers or Ultraman, our fearless hero decides to amass an army on his home planet and invade Earth to pit his strength against them. Only when the invasion starts, no one comes to stop him. What is an alien on Earth supposed to do with entire army and no one to fight?!?

Review:

PROS:

1. As if the synopsis couldn't get any better, I just didn't see why this book or even how it could possibly be not as entertaining. I found this one while randomly looking for something new to read and I was really happy to have found this one. I wasn't sure if it would turn out to be good or not but hey, it looked good at the time and I needed something to keep me busy. Here's my review:

2. I'm happy to say that I pretty much loved everything about this manga, especially the characters. I seriously loved how random the characters were and how different they were from each other. They're supposed to be the heroes of their world but they don't exactly get along and they aren't your typical evil/good doers either. If anything, only one of them is "professional" and even then, the only things he knows about being a hero is what he watched on television. It was a really fun cast of characters to read about and I can't wait to get more of their story!

3. I love to draw manga myself but I was envious of all the cool costumes! Anyway, I love manga because it can get really detailed and the narrations can get really interesting. I loved the art in this book because it wasn't too complicated and wasn't harsh on the eye. I think the art would be cool to see in color but the grey scale is a normal thing for a manga series. I loved all the sound effects and narrations in this book because they were just so hilarious! What with the "sparkle, sparkle" and the "depression", it was just so funny to read and I couldn't get enough of it.

4. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a fun manga to get into. It's a very fast read (I read it in 30 minutes) and you will not be bored while reading this one. I couldn't stop laughing and at least every other page I was dying from something a character said or did and I will more than likely be picking up the rest of these books! I can't wait to see what trouble these characters get into and how they'll go about being the "heroes" they are.

5. P.S. If you love the Power Rangers (what's 90's kid doesn't?) or just anything about super heroes, you'll love this book! Just saying.

The reason why I didn't give this book a five-star rating was simply because I wasn't feeling well while reading it. Being sick and in a reading slump? NOT a good combo!

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you guys have any other book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

Review: Secret Identities by Various Authors (GN)

Secret Identities: The Asian-American Superhero Anthology by Various Authors

Rating: PG

Genre: Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, Anthologies

Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Page Count: 194

Stand Alone

Publisher: The New Press

Published: May 3, 2009

 

Appealing to both comics fans and Asian Americans seeking to claim their place in American culture, Secret Identities makes brilliant use of the conventions of the superhero comic book to expose the real face of the Asian American experience.

This groundbreaking graphic anthology brings together leading Asian American creators in the comics industry including Gene Yang (National Book Award finalist for American Born Chinese), Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman), Greg Pak (The Hulk), and Christine Norrie (Black Canary Wedding Special) to craft original graphical short stories set in a compelling shadow history of our country: from the building of the railroads to the Japanese American internment, the Vietnam airlift, the murder of Vincent Chin, and the incarceration of Dr. Wen Ho Lee.
Entertaining and enlightening, Secret Identities offers whiz-bang action, searing satire, and thoughtful commentary from a community too often overlooked by the cultural mainstream, while showcasing a vivid cross-section of the talents whose imagination and creativity is driving the contemporary comics renaissance.

Review:
PROS:
1. I was really excited to read this graphic novel, not only because I was in the mood for one but I was really interested in the Asian-American theme of this one. I love diversity and I thought this one delivered beautiful on that. I thought it was a really fun and laugh-out-loud type of graphic novel so let's get into the review!

2. The first thing I really loved about this graphic novel was obviously the art styles. Each short story had it's own art and I thought it was really cool to see that. I definitely had my favorites, however, but it was really cool to see how each story was illustrated differently and how each style matched the storyline and it's characters.


3. I also really loved how many genres were in this graphic novel. I think it definitely had something for everyone. It had stories from the war years, the silver age, modern day and even futuristic stories. I have to say that I really loved the modern day ones the best because I found them the funniest for an unknown reason. I really enjoyed these different time eras that each story was placed in and I think you'll find at least one story that will stick out to you.


4. I thought this graphic novel was so funny at times and even a little depressing at others. Some stories were heartwarming and beautiful whereas others were action packed and full of fighting and even had some girl-power in a few! I found myself laughing out loud at some of the characters and stories and I just overall really loved everything about this book. It's one that I highly recommend if you want a superhero story that focuses on multiple. I would love to see a few of these become full-length graphic novels, such as "Meet Joe" by Koji Steven Sakai.  It was a really fun read and I'll more than likely be picking it up again in the future!


I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any other book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

P.S: Is anyone on a Marvel/Superhero kick at the moment? I had to watch ten hours of Marvel movies in a 24-hour time period and I'm pretty sure I'm going insane.

P.S.S: The Avenger: Age Of Ultron was AWESOME!!!! Okay, bye.