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The modern world and the human race faces extinction, as an unwelcome force of Aliens pays a visit to Earth, and sends forth a series of attacks in "waves". Ohio teenager, Cassie Sullivan, is one of the remaining survivors of the four waves and the "red plague" which had decimated her family and just about everybody else. Cassie is determined and will do everything at cost to reunite with her younger brother Sam. Throughout her journey, she faces endless threats, and must carefully navigate whom she can trust, as anyone can be the enemy, as the fifth wave proceeds.

Rating: 3.5/5

I recommend this book heavily to those who are into sci-fi and dystopian fiction novels. The story of The Fifth Wave intertwines numerous of the basic sci-fi/dystopian elements that most people enjoy, such as the concept of an alien invasion and forming alliances with other individuals to oppose an authority.

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This book features a bunch of different tactics and strategies, as well as advice for new, upcoming businesses that make extremely good advice in terms of not only surviving but also thriving in the business world. Featuring examples from top companies such as Apple and Twitter (pre X era)

Rating: 4/5

Its an extremely helpful book, featuring tons of information, advice and more. It features quotes from many famous players in the field such as Bill Gates. All in all, its a very informative book, talking in deep detail about the business world, the strategies, tactics and how to counter these tactics if used by other companies. It also provides advice to survive and grow in the business world, and how to become a top player or, failing that, allows your company to become at least slightly better than it is now

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Summary: The Book Marley and Me by John Grogan is a memoir about Grogan and his wife Jenny going through the ups and downs of having their labrador retriever, Marley. With Marley's unparalleled hyperactive personality, it's hard not to fall in love with such a dog. From destroying furniture to ripping walls, there were many hardships when it came to Marley, as the growth of their family with the birth of their 2 sons, Marley always remained a constant love-providing companion.

Review: I would rate this a 3.8 out of 5, as it is quite a funny book, with lots of funny, and emotional moments that really get you hooked onto the book. And if you are a pet owner yourself, you would enjoy this book even more.

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Under your assigned column, add your first quarter SIR book review. Insert a photo of the book cover. Underneath the cover image, provide a brief summary (no spoilers) and give it your recommendation in a few sentences and a rating out of 5 stars (1 = never would read it again to 5 = one of the best books I've read). repeat for each book you've read this year.

Storm Runners Review:

“Storm Runners” by Roland Smith is the first novel in the “Storm Runners” series and was released in 2010. When the storm of the century hits, amateur storm runner Chase Masters will be in for the biggest storm of his life and be tested more than he could ever imagine.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes adventurous and suspenseful stories. It starts exciting, with a huge tsunami hitting a small town and causing all kinds of problems. The story has some action, but I found parts of it a bit slow since there aren’t as many adventures as I expected. The author uses a lot of detail, which brings the scenes to life but can feel a little long. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so to get answers, you’ll need to read the next one. Overall, I’d give it a 3/5. It is interesting, but it didn’t quite pull me in enough to keep reading the series.

⭐⭐⭐

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Under your assigned column, add your first quarter SIR book review. Insert a photo of the book cover. Underneath the cover image, provide a brief summary (no spoilers) and give it your recommendation in a few sentences and a rating out of 5 stars (1 = never would read it again to 5 = one of the best books I've read). repeat for each book you've read this year.

Animal Farm Review:

In the novel Animal Farm (1945, by George Orwell), a group of Animals depicted by the name Animal Farm rebel against Humans and their Farmer, and successfully become their masters. Things work smoothly and rights are set for the animals on the Manor Farm which was renamed Animal Farm after the revolution, against their Farmer. Their rights stating:

THE SEVEN COMMANDMENTS:

1. Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy.

2. Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings is a friend.

3. No animal shall wear clothes.

4. No animal shall sleep in a bed.

5. No animal shall drink alcohol.

6. No animal shall kill any other animal.

7. All animals are equal.

Although everyone agreed on these rules, looking at the end of the book clearly shows us that not everything was followed.

Animal Farm is one of the best books I've read since it can be very complex for teens or adults depicting history and the nature of humans, or it can be a simple story any child can understand. This is why I give the book a 5(One of the best books I've read.)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Under your assigned column, add your first quarter SIR book review. Insert a photo of the book cover. Underneath the cover image, provide a brief summary (no spoilers) and give it your recommendation in a few sentences and a rating out of 5 stars (1 = never would read it again to 5 = one of the best books I've read). repeat for each book you've read this year.

Ender's Game is a 1985 military science fiction novel by American author Orson Scott Card. Set at an unspecified date in Earth's future, the novel presents an imperiled humankind after two conflicts with an insectoid alien species they dub "the buggers".

Overall I give the book 4 stars. While Ender's Game has some strong points, it’s also is way too long and feels far stretched out. The pacing is too slow, especially in the beginning, and some parts could have been trimmed down without losing the story’s impact. The book spends a lot of time on military training and strategy, which can be repetitive and tedious many times.

Ender’s character is interesting, but the novel often focuses more on the aspects of war than on developing the emotional depth with the reader and the characters. The story brings up some troubling ethical questions, like the use of children in war, but doesn’t fully explore them.

The world building is impressive, but the book could have benefited from a faster plot, since the plot actually happens at the end of the book, and less focus on alot of details. It’s engaging for fans of military sci-fi, but it requires a lot of patience to get through.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Fly Guy and the Frakenfly by Tedd Arnold

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Yousuf Fly Guy's and the Frankenfly Review

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Yousuf Fly Guy's and the Frankenfly Review

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Under your assigned column, add your first quarter SIR book review. Insert a photo of the book cover. Underneath the cover image, provide a brief summary (no spoilers) and give it your recommendation in a few sentences and a rating out of 5 stars (1 = never would read it again to 5 = one of the best books I've read). repeat for each book you've read this year.

Buzz dreams about Frankenfly--but Fly Guy is a friend, not a monster! In the latest installment of the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling Fly Guy series, Buzz and Fly Guy spend a day together playing some spooky games and doing arts and crafts projects. When Buzz goes to bed, Fly Guy stays awake and experiments. What happens is next is shocking!

The short story was exciting adventurous and well written. It was very descriptive and Imaginary giving the reader the feeling of being right next to Fly Guy and Buzz. This was by far the best book I've ever read. I would recommend this book to everyone reading this review.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Summary: This book follows the journey of a young boy named Santiago, who's initially a Shepherd from Spain, but is told to follow his destiny of finding hidden treasure located at the pyramids of Egypt, which becomes his dream he does anything to achieve. Throughout his journey, he encounters a variety of characters and goes through different experiences that contribute in teaching him important things and are all apart of reaching his destiny. The main message this book strives to communicate is how one should listen to their heart and follow their dream.

I recommend this book because it allowed me to explore deeper meanings hidden within the themes and reflect that onto my own life. Especially considering I'm at the age where I have responsibility of what my future may look like, this book opened my eyes by clarifying the difference between "What is best to pursue?" and "What do I want to pursue?" This understanding will guide me in navigating my own path and purpose in life, so that it's a choice that fulfils me. I feel like this could resonate with many people in my age group which is why it's a good book to read as it's thought-provoking and inspirational.🤓

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Project Hail Mary Review:

In the novel Project Hail Mary, (2021, by Andy Weir) we are introduced to a physics professor turned astronaut named Ryland Grace who wakes up in a spaceship. We learn that he is on a mission to save the earth from aliens. Those aliens are capable to steal energy from the sun, changing earth's temperature drastically. Ryland Grace has to find a way to save earth by going to a different solar system that is unaffected by these aliens knowing that it is a suicide mission as he will not be able to come back.

Project Hail Mary is a very fun and interesting book to read as it keeps on introducing new variables and throughout the book we learn more on the main character. I would give it a 4 as it is an easy book to get into. But since it uses scientific terms, it is a bit complex to understand.

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This book is about 7 contestants who play a large mystery/puzzle game set by a billionaire. These players all compete to win, each with hidden motives, secrets, and relations to hide. This book is part of a series so I would recommend reading the other books first. Would give ★★★☆☆ stars, as it is somewhat intriguing but quite slow. Overall, I would recommend this book to people who like mystery.

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The Three Body Problem is a science fiction book. It depicts a woman who had discovered an alien race, yet with her problems with society, allows them to take over the earth. In the present, the government tries to stop this alien civilization from coming to earth, and the society of people that support them. I would highly recommend this book to those who are fond of science fiction, as it is a very interesting book, diving deeps into the understanding of space and how other species might act. It also takes a look at whether humans should be in control of this planet, and whether we are doing good or harm. I would give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

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A practical guide on building good habits and breaking bad ones through small, incremental changes. Clear's approach emphasizes how tiny habits can compound over time into massive improvements.

James Clear breaks down the process of habit formation into four essential steps: Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward. These stages explain how habits are triggered, acted upon, and reinforced. To build good habits, Clear suggests making the cue obvious, the craving attractive, the response easy, and the reward satisfying. Conversely, to break bad habits, you follow the inverse: make the cue invisible, the craving unattractive, the response difficult, and the reward unsatisfying.

This is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their life through actionable, science-based strategies. It's an ideal mix of psychology and productivity.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Summary: Fight Club by "Chuck Palahniuk," released on August 17, narrates the life of an unnamed narrator who is affected by modern consumerism, while suffering from insomnia, and yearns for a meaningful life. This meaningful life then changes for him when Tyler Durden comes into his life, taking him into an underground new self destructive lifestyle filled with rebellion which involves the establishment of an illegal organization of fighting. This book delves into the identity of masculinity and critical issues of social dissatisfaction, interfering with the laws of modern consumerist life.

Review: This has a 4 out of 5 stars rating for this book as the story cuts really sharp and provokes the readers mind by invigorating a provocation for consumerism vs individuality. This is because the book presents itself to the readers with a internal conflict and mind provoking rant against societal norms by either prioritizing materialism and stifling personal identity. I would reread this book again since I enjoy challenging my perspective on identity and society, with my liking to offer fresh insights with each read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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The night in Lisbon takes place initially in Lisbon in 1942 during the first months of WW2. The protagonist, Josef Schwarz is a Jewish German refugee that fled Germany travelling all over Europe to escape persecution. Schwarz meets a refugee like him desperate to flee Lisbon. Schwarz offers his tickets and Visa for America in exchange for keeping him company throughout the night. Josef Schwarz retells his and his wife's story travelling over Europe fleeing Germany.

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars, the book starts off quite slow but then it picks up towards the middle of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in WW2 or people interested in history.

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Born A Crime", by Trevor Noah is an autobiography that tells stories from his childhood in South Africa growing up during apartheid. Noah's had a black Xhosa mother and white Swiss-German father. Noah was born a mixed baby, one of the worst things during apartheid. This autobiography tells his story about not fitting in and finding comfort in that.

I would rate this book 5/5 stars, it's one of the funniest books I've read in a long time while also showing the reality behind growing up in South Africa during apartheid

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Summary:

The Power by Rhonda Byrne teaches how love and positive thinking can improve your life. It explains that focusing on good emotions and gratitude helps you attract more good things, while negative thoughts bring more negative things. The book encourages you to use the power of love to achieve happiness and success in everything you do.

This book is essential for anyone going through hardships and only thinking about the negative things in their lives.

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Summary:

Dracula, written by Bram Stoker, follows the story of Count Dacula as he moved from Transylvania to England in pursuit of new blood and a different life. This novel tells the story through letters, diary entries, and news paper articles, revealing the impact of Dracula's presence on a group of characters, including a young lawyer named Jonathan Harker, his fiancé and her best friend Lucy. As they confront mysterious occurrences and dark forces, they must all unite to fight against the threat that poses the Count Dracula.

Review:

I had a hard time liking and getting into the rhythm of the story because I found the different narrative confusing. An epistolary novel can be enjoyable to read, but I felt that in the beginning the different points of view were confused. Additionally the story did not always have a linear timeline, making following the story difficult if you are not focused.

However, I found that the plot gets more interesting near the middle of the novel. The narration also get clearer, making the reading more enjoyable.

Overall, it was not a bad book to read, as I did not necessarily expect the ending.

I recommend this novel to anyone who likes tension, suspense and fiction.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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Zoe - The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde

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Zoe - The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde

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Summary:

Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, published in 1890, remains a timeless exploration of morality and consequences of unchecked desires. Set in the late 19th century London, the novel follows the life of Dorian Gray, a young man captivated hedonistic philosophies of Lord Henry. The story takes a dark turn when when Dorian wishes for his portrait to age instead of himself, leading to a disturbing revelation of the moral degradation caused by his self indulgent life. Wilde's critique of Victorian society the complexities of human nature, and the allure of aestheticism invites readers to reflect on the consequences of pursuing pleasure at the cost of ethical principles.

Review:

I enjoyed reding this novel as it made me reflect a lot on human nature and why they make certain decisions. It was easy enough to read and I enjoyed the witty and humorous dialogue from the character Lord Henry.

I recommend this book to those why enjoy philosophy and questioning one's reasoning.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Summary: Makoto Shinkai's "Your Name" is a well-written story that combines mystery, romance, and fantasy combined with the theme of connection. It focuses on two teenagers named, Mitsuha and Taki, who start switching bodies one day, with no correlation and reason. Taki is a boy who lives in the busy city of Tokyo and tries to balance his relationships, job, and school. On the other hand, Mitsuha, a girl from a small rural town, dreams of leaving her life behind and wants to become a teenage boy in Tokyo. Later on, they wake up in each other's bodies without knowing why, while constantly adjusting to each other's daily schedules and exchanging diary messages in notes. However, never having met in person they become closer as they learn about the weird events connected to fate and time written in the notes, which prompts them to look for answers beyond the normal of why they keep switching.

Review: I would reread this book happily, since "Your Name" is an excellent mix of romance and fantasy with likable characters that are relatable to us as teenagers which gives us a thought of a "what if" type of fate, like being tied to someone bounded with an invisible string. Because of this development of curiousness in the "what if" feeling I'd give it a rating of 4/5. However, one bad aspect is that the conclusion seems a little hurried with less emotional depth offered at the ending of the story.

Rating:

🌟🌟🌟🌟

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"Spy School Goes South" by, Stuart Gibbs is a fictional novel series in which the main character, is a pre-teen aged 13 named Ben Ripley, in which he is a new recent transfer into a spy school for his amazing talent with numbers. Although he lacks strength and fighting skills he is highly intellectual with numbers and problem solving. This book contains action, suspense, teen romance and much more. In this novel, Ben is sent to go infiltrate an evil spy school named SPYDER, in which he needs to collect information and report back to the CIA. Although, complications occur when someone else is included and plans can fail.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy mystery books filled with suspense. Not only this, the characters in the book are easily relatable making it great fun to read for all. I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

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"The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene talks about how people gain and use power. It shares 48 rules with stories from history to explain them. The book gives advice on how to be successful, but some people think it teaches sneaky or unfair ways to get ahead. Still, it can help people learn about leadership, personal growth, and how power works in real life.

I would suggest it for older readers rather than younger ones, as the lessons and language might be harder for younger audiences to relate to.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Summary:

I, Robot written by Isaac Asimov is a book that contains 9 interconnected short stories. They all explore humanity's relationship with robots which are governed by the Three Laws of Robotics which are designed to ensure their obedience and safety. The stories all delve into moral, ethical and technical dilemma's as robot's behavior challenge humans expectations. From a story about a child befriending a robot to machines acting with contradictory orders, the book examines the themes of artificial intelligence and free will and how those two can have consequences which can shape society.

Review:

I would recommend this book for anyone that enjoys science fiction or robotic as it does make you think about how that can backfire and how there are always drawbacks. Overall the readability is also very good and it is easy to understand for anyone.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Summary

The book "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green is a truly heartfelt and deep story about a girl named Hazel Grace, who suffers from cancer, where she meets a boy named Augustus in a cancer support group. Despite all the challenges they face, their chemistry, shared humor, and love for books brings them closer together, building their friendship into something you wouldn't be able to classify as friends. They venture into a journey that changes their views on love, life, and loss. This book explores hope, love, and how you should cherish every moment and never take it for granted.

Review:

This is one of the only books that I really enjoyed and had an almost "deep connection" with, as it can really take you an a rollercoaster of emotions. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone as it is truly a heartfelt story, and will make you both laugh, and want to cry.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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The book, "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green is a truly heartfelt and deep story about a girl named Hazel Grace, who suffers from cancer, where she meets a boy named Augustus in a cancer support group. Despite all the challenges they face, their chemistry shared humor, and love for books bring them closer together, building their friendship into something you wouldn't be able to classify as friends. They venture into a journey that changes their views on love, life, and loss. This book explores hope, love, and how you should cherish every moment and never take it for granted.

I would 100% recommend this to any reader who wants to go through a roller coaster of emotions. You can really feel this book in your heart and will make you want to both laugh, and cry. This was without a doubt one of the better books I've read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Didn’t See That Coming is a whirlwind of absurdly entertaining chaos, perfectly mixing romantic comedy with crime caper antics. The story follows the misadventures of Sharlot Citra, a socially awkward yet endearingly quirky teen, and George Clooney Tanuwijaya (yes, that’s his real name), a naïve but determined boy, as their families manipulate their romantic lives. What starts as an awkward online flirting scheme explodes into a hilariously outlandish series of events involving elaborate lies, meddling families, and criminal twists, all delivered with Sutanto’s signature blend of sharp wit and fast-paced humor.

While this book isn’t in my usual reading genre, I still thoroughly enjoyed the experience thanks to Sutanto’s dynamic and engaging writing style. The narrative is brimming with laugh-out-loud moments, well-timed absurdities, and relatable characters, making it a fun, lighthearted read. Despite not being captivated by the premise itself, I found myself appreciating how Sutanto brought the story to life.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Under your assigned column, add your first quarter SIR book review. Insert a photo of the book cover. Underneath the cover image, provide a brief summary (no spoilers) and give it your recommendation in a few sentences and a rating out of 5 stars (1 = never would read it again to 5 = one of the best books I've read). repeat for each book you've read this year.

Storm Runners Review:

“Storm Runners” by Roland Smith is the first novel in the “Storm Runners” series and was released in 2010. When the storm of the century hits, amateur storm runner Chase Masters will be in for the biggest storm of his life and be tested more than he could ever imagine.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes adventurous and suspenseful stories. It starts exciting, with a huge tsunami hitting a small town and causing all kinds of problems. The story has some action, but I found parts of it a bit slow since there aren’t as many adventures as I expected. The author uses a lot of detail, which brings the scenes to life but can feel a little long. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so to get answers, you’ll need to read the next one. Overall, I’d give it a 3/5. It is interesting, but it didn’t quite pull me in enough to keep reading the series.

⭐⭐⭐

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The Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler is a famous science fiction book detailing about the journeys of Lauren Olamina through her journals and her daughter. The book takes place in a future dystopian era of America, where society is crumbling and violence and slavery is common. Olamina is trying to build a community to promote a belfie system she made called Earthseed, a belief system in which adaptability and Change is key, and reaching the stars is their final goal. Olamina faces attacks my zealots, slavery, and many other difficulties in establishign earthseed and trying to fix what was lost in society years back, as well as finding a part of herself. THe book is a commentary of religious and political problems and the sacrifices that are made for a greater vision.

Review: I would give this book ⭐⭐⭐⭐ as it is a great read as a science fiction book, with the author giving a message about society through this book and a more realistic tone on a dystopian society. The characters are complex and can hold relevance today. I recommend this to people who enjoy sci fi dystopias who are looking for a meaningful book to read.

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"The Best We Could Do" by Thi Bui
Summary: This graphic memoir explores Thi Bui’s family history, tracing their journey from war-torn Vietnam to the United States. The book delves into the struggles of immigration, intergenerational trauma, and the sacrifices parents make for their children. Using powerful illustrations, Bui reflects on her relationship with her parents while coming to terms with her own role as a mother.

Recommendation: A beautifully illustrated and deeply emotional story about family, resilience, and the immigrant experience. If you appreciate personal, heartfelt narratives, this one is a must-read.
Rating: ★★★★★

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The Bone Witch is an excellent book about a girl named Tea who discovers she has innate powers to channel the Dark, a rare and dangerous ability, she accidentally summons her dead brother, Fox, and get sent to a school of sorts where she receives training to become an asha; a skilled mage who's able to fight off beasts. Ashas can come in all shapes and forms and can channel various elemental powers, although channeling the dark is rare. All asha are women and all men who can channel magic become deathseekers: A fearsome soldier. Tea is made to fight off mystical yet dangerous creatures known as Azi, being forced to kill them over and over as they regenerate.

This is an excellent book with great story, characters and development. I would happily reread this book and its next one due to how interesting this book is, with the end of the book leaving you wanting more. The book also switches between the past and present, telling two different stories at the same time and making it work. I would give this book a 5/5 due to the creativity put into its layout and the excellent story, concept and worldbuilding.

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"Atomic Habits" by James Clear is a guide on building good habits and breaking bad ones. He describes methods in which you develop and destroy habits through small changes. He mentions the importance of having good "atomic" habits in the long run as it compounds and leads you to success.

This book is an important read for EVERYONE. This book discusses important ideas that can help improve peoples lives overall. The idea of building good habits and destroying bad habits and having an in-depth guide on how to do it can greatly improve anyone's life. I highly recommend you give this book a read once in your life and to absorb the information and try applying it to your real life.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Summary:

Foundation written by Isaac Asimov is one of the 7 books in the Foundation Series. Inside this one book, there are 5 interconnected stories which all tell the story of the foundation. A country built by a psychohistorian called Hari Seldon who is trying to save the universe from a barbaric era.

Review:

I believe this book is very good as it demonstrates how humans interact through psychology. It is also easy to understand but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who doesn't like dystopia or sci-fi.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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"Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley is a science fiction and dystopian novel. Brave New World is set in a mostly futuristic world state, whose citizens are created in a lab and are environmentally engineered to fit different castes. Huxley depicts a world that uses technology to manipulate and control its citizens in a lab in order to maintain control and create stability. The world is based upon Henry Ford's assembly line with mass production, predictability, and uniformity.

I would recommend this book to anybody that is interested in science fiction, especially dystopian novels. Brave New World offers a unique perspective on the world and shows what the world could look like if stability was prioritized. The book has one of the most interesting concepts I've seen and it's definitely a great read.

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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"The Caves of Steel" by Isaac Asimov is an interesting science fiction book that starts off a millennium into the future. It depicts a detective from New York named Elijah Baley, who is given a case where he has to investigate a murder of an individual not from earth. He is forced to pair up with the robot R. Daneel Olivaw, during his investigation he is slowly roped into a problem even worse.

I believe that this is a book that should be read if you love science fiction. It has great imagery and an interesting plot, it also explores deeper themes of prejudice and builds a lot of mystery. All in all, I believe that if you enjoy science fiction, you should read this book by Isaac Asimov.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Children of Ragnarok by Cinda Williams Chima is a fantasy novel inspired by Norse mythology. Set in a world struggling in the aftermath of the gods' downfall, the story follows Eiric, a warrior who loses everything, and Reginn, a girl with magical abilities. As their paths cross, they find themselves in a lot of trouble and have to fight to survive.

I believe this is a good book to read if you are a fan of mythology and fantasy. It has great world-building and great characters. It also is filled with a lot of mystery and adventure.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

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In a racially charged setting in 1940s Louisiana, Grant Wiggins, a disillusioned schoolteacher, is reluctantly pulled into a moral struggle involving Jefferson, a slow-witted man wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Jefferson’s lawyer has dehumanized him in court, calling him no more than a “hog,” which prompts his godmother, Miss Emma, to seek Grant’s help in ensuring Jefferson dies with dignity. As Grant grapples with his own feelings of resistance and apathy, he forms an unlikely bond with Jefferson, trying to teach him about self-worth and the impact of his death on the black community. Amid personal struggles with his girlfriend, Vivian, and the Reverend Ambrose, Grant’s emotional journey is tested as he faces the harsh reality of Jefferson’s impending execution. This poignant story delves into themes of redemption, racial identity, and personal growth.

“A Lesson Before Dying” is a powerful book that really makes you think about topics like dignity, justice, and what it means to be human. The story follows Grant Wiggins, a teacher who is asked to help a man named Jefferson, who has been wrongly convicted of murder and sentenced to death, find his sense of worth before his execution. The book tackles important issues like racism and morality, and by the end, it really leaves you reflecting on life.

That said, I did have some trouble with the beginning. It takes a long time to get into the story, and I found the first few chapters a bit slow and boring. It felt like it took too much time to get to the main part of the book. Once the plot started moving, it got a lot better, but the slow start was a bit frustrating.

Even though it took a while to get going, the book makes you think deeply about life and the choices we make. Overall, “A Lesson Before Dying” is a good and meaningful read, but the beginning could have been faster. I’d give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️1/2

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"Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell explores the power of rapid decision-making and intuitive thinking. The book argues that our subconscious mind can make accurate judgments in just seconds, often as effectively as careful analysis. Through real-life stories and research, Gladwell explains how snap decisions can be both powerful and flawed, depending on experience, bias, and context.

This book is great for those interested in psychology, decision-making, and how our minds work under pressure.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Summary:

When a Mars mission goes wrong and astronaut Mark Watney gets stranded on Mars, he quickly realizes that his survival relies on his ability to think critically and adapt. Believed to be dead by his crew after a violent dust storm forces them to abort the mission, Watney is left behind alone on the planet. With only limited supplies and not communication whatsoever with Earth, he faces the daunting task of staying alive long enough to be rescued.

Using his skills as a botanist and engineer, Watney manages to survive for more than a year and a half on Mars, creating anew food source, establishing communication with Mars and more.

But the journey to rescue Watney is filled with challenges—ranging from technical malfunctions to the enormous distance that separates Mars from Earth. As the world watches, Watney’s story becomes a symbol of human resilience and the power of innovation.

Review:

This novel is a perfect blend of comedy, suspense and science. Through his difficult moments, Watney uses sometimes surprising humor to survive. The anticipation of finding out if he survives is one of many things that keep you hooked. This is an easy read despite some more complicated scientific vocabulary and is a good airport novel.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy science, humor, and those that wonder how it would be like to live on a different planet.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Summary: Miyamoto's The Book of Five Rings originally published in 1645, however, translated and implemented a translation by Alexander Bennett depicts his views and ideologies on martial arts strategies and combat and warfare methods. The book describes legendary samurai Masashi uses his experience to explain battle techniques with an emphasis on flexibility and mastery of self-control and strong mental resilience. The document comprises five main sections called Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Void which examine different strategic thinking styles. The book focuses mainly on sword fighting methods yet its teachings extend to business principles and leadership development and individual self-improvement.

Review: In my opinion I think the book unveils important historical information about Masashi's teachings however it becomes redundant throughout some sections but still continues to deliver deep explanations. The strategic principles have value yet require substantial examples to become applicable for present day situations, rather being up to its superficial and symbolistic meaning. I think that only enthusiasts of martial arts history, and people who are looking for insight of life should consider reading it because its appeal is limited only these specific groups, which I luckily resided with. And, due to the availability of other strategy books which provide better clarity I would pass on rereading this specific iteration of the book, looking forward to rely on third source information regarding this book and premade explanations.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Grit The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth is a non-fiction book in which it discusses the idea that success is not solely determined by talent but by having the traits of passion and perseverance, which she calls "grit." Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and professor, tells the readers that people who consistently work toward on long term goals, despite setbacks and challenges, are people who are more likely to succeed than people who solely rely on natural talent. She discusses how to achieve grit and the power of it, she also tells the readers the difficulty of having grit and the importance of it.

I would recommend this book for students, athletes, teachers, entrepreneurs and anyone going through a difficult time or taking a risk, as it teaches you how to develop your resilience and long-term motivation skills.

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Summary: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin follows Sam Masur and Sadie Green, two childhood friends who met in the hospital, who reconnect in college and collaborate to create video games. Their first game, Ichigo, becomes a huge success, causing them to enter the gaming industry. As they navigate fame, creative challenges, and personal struggles, their relationship is tested by ambition, loss, and miscommunication. The novel explores themes of friendship, love, and the nature of artistic collaboration, showing how games can be both an escape and a reflection of life.

I would definitely recommend this book to any reader. As someone who doesn't enjoy reading, this was the first time where I had wanted to keep reading a book. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions when reading this book. It's going to make you feel happy, depressed, and every emotion you could possibly think of. You are really able to feel the emotion from this book, and it will make you emotional. From the narration. characters, and their relationship, it all works together and complements each other fantastically. This is arguably the best book I've read in my life, and maybe even my favourites pieces of fiction I have ever read.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐​​

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High school senior Jude is just trying to get by, working shifts at a local diner and navigating the usual teenage struggles, until he stumbles across a mysterious coin that changes everything. Suddenly, luck is on his side in ways that feel too good to be true. From winning bets to asking out his forever crush, life takes a dramatic turn. But as the lucky streak continues, Jude begins to wonder: how much control does he really have, and what happens when luck runs out?

Rating: 4/5

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary stories with a magical twist. This novel combines humor, charm, and a touch of chaos in a fun, fast-paced narrative. The author explores how power, even the power of chance, can shape who we are and how we treat the people around us.

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K-POP Confidential by Stephan Lee follows Candace Park, a Korean-American teenager from suburban New Jersey who lives a quiet, conforming life filled with viola lessons, academic pressure, and her parents’ high expectations. But everything changes when she secretly auditions for one of the biggest K-pop entertainment companies—and gets accepted! Thrown into the high-stakes, high-pressure world of K-pop trainee life in Seoul, Candace faces intense competition, strict rules, grueling practice schedules, and tough choices. As she trains for a shot at debuting in the company’s first-ever, ultimate, global girl group, she has to ask herself how much of her true identity she’s willing to sacrifice for a dream that seems implausible.

Rating: 4/5

This novel is exciting and powerful. While it has obvious elements of the “small-town girl chasing a big dream” trope intertwined with clichés, Candace's determination makes you root for her every step of the way. Stephan Lee offers a behind-the-scenes look at the K-pop industry, showing both its glamour and its darker pressures. I’d recommend this to anyone who is a fan or curious about the world of K-pop or loves stories about culture, ambition, and staying true to yourself and identity.

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The continuation of The Bone Witch known as The Heartforger is filled with suspense and intense moments, including the romance between some of the main characters as well as the (very close) death of some of them as well. It continues the two plots of the first book and shows how the bone with herself got exiled from her home due to a misunderstanding. It is an excellent book filled with action, comedy and moments that make you want to squeal. I would give this book a 4.8/5 for its excellent writing and I will definitely be continuing the book series in my own time with the other books in the collection. I find myself unable to give any good drawbacks or downsides to this book without sounding picky or petty about certain aspects and is as such an excellent book to read casually while fantasizing about its worldbuilding and story.

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Summary: Samurai Rising written by Pamela S. Turner recounts the lively story of one of the most famous samurai's from Japan, Minamoto Yoshitsune. This book was written on a setting of a 12th century Japan torn by civil war, where the novel tells the story of how an orphan boy became one of the greatest warriors. His story is summarize by Yoshitsune’s father’s defeat means Yoshitsune is betrayed, often lonely and rarely feels safe. Yet with special training, intelligence and bravery, he figures out how fight like a noble and true samurai, serving in medieval Japan. The genre story chronicles Minamoto Yoshitsune’s exciting exploits and the dangers of his wars as well as his relationship with Yoritomo, who succeeded him as the head of the Minamoto clan which is one of the main plot points.

Review: This book is dedicated to anyone who likes action, historical storylines and discovering the lives of heroes from history would enjoy reading it. Instead of feeling like a typical history book, Samurai Rising is well-written and keeps the reader engaged. Combining information with interesting details, where the author makes Yoshitsune’s story both enjoyable and informative. I think it is a 4 out of 5, since the action is very exciting, even though the history parts might confuse those unfamiliar with Japanese history.

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