Tag Archives: Cyn’s Workshop reviews

Movie Reviews

Stunningly Ambitious | Review of ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’

Leave a comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets starring Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen & Rihanna STX Entertainment Image Credit: IMDB

“A dark force threatens Alpha, a vast metropolis and home to species from a thousand planets. Special operatives Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe.” —IMDB

Many of the critics have been a bit too harsh on the film, but I can personally see where they are coming from. I’m not a reader of the comic that this is based on, although I would like to be, especially after seeing this film. I will say this, while the visuals are stunning, the story at the end lends itself to predictability.
 Continue reading Stunningly Ambitious | Review of ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ →

Book Reviews

Who Says Crooks Can’t Be Winners? | Review of ‘Crooked Kingdom’ (Six of Crows #2)

Leave a comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Henry Holt and Company
Image Credit: Goodreads

“Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn’t think they’d survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they’re right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and badly weakened, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies, emerge to challenge Kaz’s cunning and test the team’s fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city’s dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of the Grisha world.” —Goodreads

Published September 20, 2016, by Henry Holt and Company Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo is the second novel in her Six of Crows duology, a YA fantasy following thieves as they do what they do best: scheme.
 Continue reading Who Says Crooks Can’t Be Winners? | Review of ‘Crooked Kingdom’ (Six of Crows #2) →

Reading List

Weekly Reading List #93

Leave a comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Hey there avid readers! I’ve been staying true to my goal. Well, waking up early has been a challenge, always so hard to wake up in the morning. But I have been working out! My lower abdomen and thighs still feel sore from my workout Monday night. Progress. And I have been making time to do more reading at least. Three books that are about to expire. Gotta get to those soon.

Anyway, check out some of the titles I will be reading this week. Happy reading!
 Continue reading Weekly Reading List #93 →

Reading List

Weekly Reading List #92

Leave a comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Hey there avid readers! I hope everyone is having a great week. So as it stands, I’ve become quite lazy so I’ve decided to try to mix things up…and maybe put myself on some sort of normal sleep schedule which is going to be a little hard since I work nights. Not complaining, I like working nights, the energy at work may be hectic but at least it gets my blood pumping and time flies by. But I’ve decided I’m going to make a change, work out 3 times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s, get up earlier, clean my room, have my cup of coffee, and then dedicate my morning to cleaning and reading before working out and working on my reviews and such. I’m hoping this change is going to make me more productive, energy building is supposed to do that right? I’m also hoping this is going to offer me a chance to focus on my reading and my writing, giving me more energy to do the things I love to do.

Anyway, that’s enough about me, here’s my reading list. Man, I’m so behind. See why I need more time?
 Continue reading Weekly Reading List #92 →

Book Reviews

Captivating from Beginning to End | Review of ‘Out of the Shadows’ (Shadowlands #1)

Leave a comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Out of the Shadows by Ashlee Nicole Bye
Huntuzie Press
Image Credit: Ashlee Nicole Bye

Death. So delicately controlled by reapers of The Order of Dark and Light, is being threatened by an ancient enemy, and in the hidden streets of the Shadowlands, no one is safe while darkness and light struggle against an enemy of power. For Sachi, it’s even harder. Following the death of her friend, Sachi has not been able to cope, especially once she sees him alive again, battling against a Reaper with the keys to her heart. Sachi shouldn’t be able to see them at all, the dead and mystical. She wants answers and is willing to do whatever it takes to get them. Even die…

Published May 4, 2017, by Huntuzie Press, Out of the Shadows
by Ashlee Nicole Bye is her debut novel following mystical elements familiar to young readers who read The Mortal Instruments.
 Continue reading Captivating from Beginning to End | Review of ‘Out of the Shadows’ (Shadowlands #1) →

Book Reviews

A Breathtaking Ending | Review of ‘Vicious’ (Pretty Little Liars #16)

Leave a comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Vicious by Sara Shepard
HarperTeen
Image Credit: Goodreads

For years, Hanna, Emily, Aria, and Spencer have been terrorized by “A,” a mysterious figure who has harassed them, revealed all their secrets and even threatened their lives and the lives of their loved ones. But now the mystery is over. They know A is the real Alison who. through a vicious scheme, has placed them in jail. In the final fight for their lives, some will leave broken, some will fight until the very end. One things for certain, this is the end of the Pretty Little Liars.

Published December 2, 2014, by HarperTeen Vicious by Sara Shepard is the final novel in her bestselling Pretty Little Liars series where young adult meets mystery.
 Continue reading A Breathtaking Ending | Review of ‘Vicious’ (Pretty Little Liars #16) →

Book Reviews

A Bad Romance | Review of ‘Aris Returns’ (Infinity Diaries Trilogy #1)

Leave a comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Aris Returns by Devin Morgan
Image Credit: Goodreads

Sarah Hagan has been through the ringer. After her divorce and a turn at a self-involved attorney, she has given up on romance and love. That is until Carlos enters her life. But as he’s her patient, he’s untouchable, leaving her with dreams both terrifying and exciting. But there’s more to Carlos. As she regresses him with hypnotherapy, she discovers an unusual presence, an alter ego that claims to be a phantom vampire. Who is Aris and what does he mean to Sarah?

Published October 30, 2012, by BroadLit, Aris Returns by Devin Morgan is the first in her paranormal romance Infinity Diaries Trilogy. Continue reading A Bad Romance | Review of ‘Aris Returns’ (Infinity Diaries Trilogy #1) →

Reading List

Weekly Reading List #78

Leave a comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Hey, there avid readers! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I’m still trying to catch up on my reading and my writing, but, more importantly, my book which is slated for publication this coming August. It’s approaching fast, especially if I want to send out advanced copies in May-June. Man do I need more time. But all work and no play is never fun and this week I have been enjoying some 10th Kingdom! Woo!

Anyway, I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. Check out these titles and see if they tickle your fancy or should be added to your To-Read list.
 Continue reading Weekly Reading List #78 →

Book Reviews

Truly Unique and Captivating | Review of ‘Zodiac’ (Zodiac #1)

1 Comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Zodiac by Romina Russell Razorbill Image Credit: Goodreads
Zodiac by Romina Russell
Razorbill
Image Credit: Goodreads

Once upon a time, there were once 13 houses in the Zodiac Galaxy. Now there are only 12. The thirteen house thought to be a legend, the boogeyman. But in a tragic accident that kills millions, Rhoma Grace has discovered that the Thirteenth house has a name and has come back from the darkest depth of the universe to destroy the Houses of the Zodiac.

Published December 9, 2014, by Razorbill, Zodiac by Romina Russell is the first in her sci-fi young adult series that takes astrology to the next intergalactic level.
 Continue reading Truly Unique and Captivating | Review of ‘Zodiac’ (Zodiac #1) →

Book Reviews

Questionably Enthralling | Review of ‘Nemesis’ (Project Nemesis #1)

1 Comment

By Cynthia Ayala

Nemesis by Brendan Reichs Image Credit: Goodreads
Nemesis by Brendan Reichs
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Image Credit: Goodreads

Ever since Min was eight she has been hunted on her birthdays only to awaken in an empty filed far from home. But the last time was different. Thought to be crazy, Min challenges those around her. Then Noah opens up to her. Part of the popular crowd, Noah and Min don’t seem to have much in common, except for the fact that they share a birthday…and a death. Together, once their home comes under attack they try to put together the pieces of what’s been going on and what Project Nemesis means for them and their futures.

Published March 21, 2017, by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, Nemesis by Brendan Reichs is a young adult thriller that combines elements from Orphan Black and Lord of the Flies to make a riveting read full of tension and daring for the audiences of any age.
 Continue reading Questionably Enthralling | Review of ‘Nemesis’ (Project Nemesis #1) →