Hello!
*looks at date of my last post*
Well... This is awkward.
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Life. Show all posts
January 09, 2021
April 29, 2020
Wrap-Up | Dec 2019
It's the last wrap-up of 2019.
I'm rather gutted to be typing that, but then again, a new year, a new decade. Bring it on!
This year has been it's usual ups and downs, but that's exactly what happens over a large expense of time, nothing can be perfect all the time.
(I'm editing this four months later, but what a year, ay? New year, a new decade.. pfft.)
Obsidio (The Illuminae Files 0_3)
Amie Kaufman; Jay Kristoff
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I think my biggest mistake I made when I started this one, was to not revisit the first two books. Seriously.
City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake #1)
Victoria Schwab
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I still really loved this, even after a second read through. I've seen some people roll their eyes at the Harry Potter references, but I still stand by them, as they make sense for the age these books of Cassidy and whom these books are written for.
Tunnel of Bones (Cassidy Blake #2)
Victoria Schwab
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Of course, after reading City of Ghosts, I had to pick up the sequel straight up. What I love about Schwab's writing is that it doesn't feel like the dark themes of her YA and Adult books have been completely stubbed out. They're still there and just as prevalent.
I really enjoyed how this one expands on the first book, with character growth of not only Cassidy, but her ghost bff Jacob as the mystery around his existence starts to creep up - I am really looking forward to seeing where Schwab takes this.
The Priory of the Orange Tree
Samantha Shannon
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I briefly mentioned this on Twitter (or maybe Goodreads?), but I am actually really disappointed that this didn't become a hard fast favourite. For me, it was the pacing that let me down. It started off quite slow, which is to be expected because of the world-building and character introductions - which I really like! However, it then felt like the ending changed that steady pace that was set and was rushed through.
Meet Cute
Helena Hunting
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Okay, this was so incredibly cute. I slipped and accidentally spent 6-hours straight laying in bed reading this one on my phone. I became invested in the characters, what trials they were facing and I am trash for falling for former-actors. The biggest down for me was the writing style. It relies a lot on being explanatory rather than descriptive so I felt like although I connected to these characters and how they were feeling, I couldn't make that decision for myself.
Meat Market
Juno Dawson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Last month I found Clean in my local library and devoured it in two sittings, and the same could be said about Meat Market. Juno Dawson is doing something that no one has dared to do, nor have they been given the platform to expose some of the darker sides of the fashion industry.
Throne of Jade (Temeraire #2)
Naomi Novik
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I was a little bit disappointed with this one, despite still enjoying it. The story was slow with a lot of conflicts that I would have been more interested in if it were set in a different setting, as we spend two-thirds of the book at sea. In the final third, you finally get to China and learn about how they value and incorporate dragons into their society - that bit was fascinating!
The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2)
Holly Black
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Okay, I get the hype. I was concerned that this was going to be a hate-to-love romance that gives into the toxicity of Carden's behavior; yet, there's a complexity to it that really ropes me in. Then there's the way Black has created this world of fae that pins it down as a story of fae that I have always wanted to find. I need more stories like this! Please!
Devoted
Jennifer Mathieu
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
This one was a pleasant surprise. Found on my Kindle one night, I must have requested this title on NetGalley. I didn't enjoy this as much as her publishing debut, Moxie.
I enjoyed Rachel's narrative and the emotional journey she goes on especially with the division of her changing beliefs conflict with her family's devout Christianity.
The Comical Tragedy or Tragical Comedy of Mr. Punch
Written by Neil Gaiman; Illustrated by Dave McKeen
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
This was eery and atmospheric, and I will never be able to watch Punch & Judy the same way again.
The Lost Boy
Greg Ruth
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I'm writing this four months after reading it, and I can't remember much of the story; although, it reminded me of Holly Black's Spiderwick Chronicles? Just with added creepy child doll and less fae-like creatures.
Doctor Who: Time Reaver (The Tenth Doctor Adventures #2)
Written by Jenny T. Colgan; Performed by David Tennant and Catherine Tate
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I don't know how I ended up re-listening to this one and not the first adventure. I'm so glad that Big Finish exists. Honestly. These are so much fun and give me life.
The Starless Sea
Erin Morgernstern
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Erin Morganstern knocked it out of the park with this one. I was expecting lyrical, soul-destroying stuff and she delivered. This isn't going to be for everyone; this novel is heavily reliant on the reader piecing the puzzle pieces together, switching between narratives like a puzzle box until it comes together. I'm obsessed!
Josh & Hazel's Guide to Not Dating
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Dir. J. J. Abrams
On reflection, I'm not as thrilled about the conclusion to the Skywalker storyline as I was when I first exited the cinema. There were so many things that I could spend all day writing about that was wrong with it, but by this point, half the internet has already spoken their mind on the matter that I don't see the point.
I think I would feel madder about it if I hadn't taken my brother with me and had fun spending time with him, as I was in Bangor when the Last Jedi was released so I couldn't take him. He's enjoyment of the film certainly rubbed off on me.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Series Three
Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino
I don't do American comedy. The exceptions? Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel. This lived up to its previous seasons.
(I really wish I had actually the written detailed notes when I had planned to because four months later and a whole lot of crazy has left me forgetting what points I had to make about this fantastic season.)
December worked out to be more stressful than I had wanted it to be. It was the first one in years in which we weren't living out of someone else's front room and had completely free reign as to how to decorate, what we were doing on the day and who we were spending it with. This also meant that Mum went a bit overboard with her want of everything to be perfect and exactly how she envisioned.
Christmas was good. I got to spend most of it upstairs in my room reading, which is what I have always done on Christmas Day, and my Nan and Uncle came over for the turkey.
Don't tell my Mum and Sister (I'll never hear the end of it), but they got my present pretty spot on this year. I've been toying with repurchasing the RTD era of Doctor Who on DVD for a few months due to my nature to rewatch them more times than is good for me. But it's been years since I've listened to the episode commentaries and the confidential episodes. Surprisingly, I had not verbalized this at all, but my sister spotted this and it landed in my hands, on Christmas morning.
Of course, I kept my annual tradition alive and rewatched The Christmas Invasion. And I'm sorry to say, I still know the script better than the back of my hand.
I'm rather gutted to be typing that, but then again, a new year, a new decade. Bring it on!
This year has been it's usual ups and downs, but that's exactly what happens over a large expense of time, nothing can be perfect all the time.
(I'm editing this four months later, but what a year, ay? New year, a new decade.. pfft.)
 |
 |
Amie Kaufman; Jay Kristoff
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I think my biggest mistake I made when I started this one, was to not revisit the first two books. Seriously.
 |
Victoria Schwab
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I still really loved this, even after a second read through. I've seen some people roll their eyes at the Harry Potter references, but I still stand by them, as they make sense for the age these books of Cassidy and whom these books are written for.
 |
Victoria Schwab
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Of course, after reading City of Ghosts, I had to pick up the sequel straight up. What I love about Schwab's writing is that it doesn't feel like the dark themes of her YA and Adult books have been completely stubbed out. They're still there and just as prevalent.
I really enjoyed how this one expands on the first book, with character growth of not only Cassidy, but her ghost bff Jacob as the mystery around his existence starts to creep up - I am really looking forward to seeing where Schwab takes this.
 |
Samantha Shannon
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I briefly mentioned this on Twitter (or maybe Goodreads?), but I am actually really disappointed that this didn't become a hard fast favourite. For me, it was the pacing that let me down. It started off quite slow, which is to be expected because of the world-building and character introductions - which I really like! However, it then felt like the ending changed that steady pace that was set and was rushed through.
 |
Helena Hunting
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Okay, this was so incredibly cute. I slipped and accidentally spent 6-hours straight laying in bed reading this one on my phone. I became invested in the characters, what trials they were facing and I am trash for falling for former-actors. The biggest down for me was the writing style. It relies a lot on being explanatory rather than descriptive so I felt like although I connected to these characters and how they were feeling, I couldn't make that decision for myself.
 |
Juno Dawson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Last month I found Clean in my local library and devoured it in two sittings, and the same could be said about Meat Market. Juno Dawson is doing something that no one has dared to do, nor have they been given the platform to expose some of the darker sides of the fashion industry.
 |
Naomi Novik
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I was a little bit disappointed with this one, despite still enjoying it. The story was slow with a lot of conflicts that I would have been more interested in if it were set in a different setting, as we spend two-thirds of the book at sea. In the final third, you finally get to China and learn about how they value and incorporate dragons into their society - that bit was fascinating!
 |
Holly Black
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Okay, I get the hype. I was concerned that this was going to be a hate-to-love romance that gives into the toxicity of Carden's behavior; yet, there's a complexity to it that really ropes me in. Then there's the way Black has created this world of fae that pins it down as a story of fae that I have always wanted to find. I need more stories like this! Please!
 |
Jennifer Mathieu
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
This one was a pleasant surprise. Found on my Kindle one night, I must have requested this title on NetGalley. I didn't enjoy this as much as her publishing debut, Moxie.
I enjoyed Rachel's narrative and the emotional journey she goes on especially with the division of her changing beliefs conflict with her family's devout Christianity.
 |
Written by Neil Gaiman; Illustrated by Dave McKeen
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
This was eery and atmospheric, and I will never be able to watch Punch & Judy the same way again.
 |
Greg Ruth
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I'm writing this four months after reading it, and I can't remember much of the story; although, it reminded me of Holly Black's Spiderwick Chronicles? Just with added creepy child doll and less fae-like creatures.
 |
Written by Jenny T. Colgan; Performed by David Tennant and Catherine Tate
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I don't know how I ended up re-listening to this one and not the first adventure. I'm so glad that Big Finish exists. Honestly. These are so much fun and give me life.
 |
Erin Morgernstern
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
Erin Morganstern knocked it out of the park with this one. I was expecting lyrical, soul-destroying stuff and she delivered. This isn't going to be for everyone; this novel is heavily reliant on the reader piecing the puzzle pieces together, switching between narratives like a puzzle box until it comes together. I'm obsessed!
 |
Christina Lauren
⭐⭐⭐
My Thoughts:
This was my first ever Christina Lauren book... EVER! It was cute. But, it didn't make me want to read their entire back titles, which with adult romance, is what I require.
This was my first ever Christina Lauren book... EVER! It was cute. But, it didn't make me want to read their entire back titles, which with adult romance, is what I require.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Dir. J. J. Abrams
On reflection, I'm not as thrilled about the conclusion to the Skywalker storyline as I was when I first exited the cinema. There were so many things that I could spend all day writing about that was wrong with it, but by this point, half the internet has already spoken their mind on the matter that I don't see the point.
I think I would feel madder about it if I hadn't taken my brother with me and had fun spending time with him, as I was in Bangor when the Last Jedi was released so I couldn't take him. He's enjoyment of the film certainly rubbed off on me.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Series Three
Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino
I don't do American comedy. The exceptions? Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel. This lived up to its previous seasons.
(I really wish I had actually the written detailed notes when I had planned to because four months later and a whole lot of crazy has left me forgetting what points I had to make about this fantastic season.)
December worked out to be more stressful than I had wanted it to be. It was the first one in years in which we weren't living out of someone else's front room and had completely free reign as to how to decorate, what we were doing on the day and who we were spending it with. This also meant that Mum went a bit overboard with her want of everything to be perfect and exactly how she envisioned.
Christmas was good. I got to spend most of it upstairs in my room reading, which is what I have always done on Christmas Day, and my Nan and Uncle came over for the turkey. Don't tell my Mum and Sister (I'll never hear the end of it), but they got my present pretty spot on this year. I've been toying with repurchasing the RTD era of Doctor Who on DVD for a few months due to my nature to rewatch them more times than is good for me. But it's been years since I've listened to the episode commentaries and the confidential episodes. Surprisingly, I had not verbalized this at all, but my sister spotted this and it landed in my hands, on Christmas morning.
Of course, I kept my annual tradition alive and rewatched The Christmas Invasion. And I'm sorry to say, I still know the script better than the back of my hand.
February 11, 2020
Wrap-Up | Nov 2019
Hello. It's February and I'm sat in the library using the wifi.
I've missed blogging. I've missed writing my thoughts, writing reviews, taking part in the overall bookish discussions. Not having consistent wifi is proving a challenge; it takes a lot of motivation, as well as finding a specific time for me to set myself up somewhere to work on editing a draft to post. Usually, I write early hours in the morning when the house is quiet, and I feel like I'm on my own.
I'm rambling, but there was a purpose to this: 2020 is the year where I'm really focused on my goals. I want to put the time in once a week to come to the library, write, edit and post, as well as limit spending on books so that I can tick off all the books that I own, and that are unread.
Now, let's go back in time a little bit. What did I read, watch and do in the month of November?
Clean
Juno Dawson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
First of all, I fell like I should mention that content warnings for this book consist of drug addiction and drug abuse. However, to list all warnings would mean that you would be reading this post all day. Please do additional research if you think that this might contain something triggering to you.
Clean was an unexpected read in the month of November, but it's one I'm glad that I did. I don't think the reality of drug addiction and recognizing what it means to be an addict isn't really covered in YA, or done in a manner that is an easily digestible read. Juno Dawson tackles this heavy topic with heart and respect. What an important book!
The Missing Girl
Shirley Jackson
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
For me, the horror genre is split in two. You have horror and then terror; one is visual, the other is phycological. For me Shirley Jackson is one of the best of the latter - I love her short story The Lottery and the way it unravels. This just didn't cut it for me and was overall rather forgettable.
The Yearbook Committee
Sarah Ayoub
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I shouldn't have read this so close in succession to Clean, as they both used drugs to some effect, but The Yearbook Committee felt underdeveloped and juvenile.
A Curse so Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers #1)
Brigid Kemerer
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I always think I'm done with Beauty and the Beast retellings and then one comes along and bites my ankles. This was fresh and didn't fall into the trap of Stockholm Syndrome and instalove that often personifies in YA retellings.
Fortunately, The Milk
Written by Neil Gaiman; Illustrated by Chris Riddell
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I have a faint recollection of reading this one afternoon in my then, local library, many moons ago. However, I had completely forgotten the existance of it until my little brother came home from school one night and proceeded to read it in one sitting... and then I did too.
It's a sweet story! One I definitely recommend to read to a kid - although, please don't randomly sit down next to one and start reading. Make sure you know them first!
The Nightjar
Deborah Hewitt
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
This was sent to me by the lovely team at PanMac, after I had read the synopsis and the pitch. Unfortunately this one just fell completely flat on it's face and every time I thought it was picking up and moving in a direction I liked, the protagonist seemed to make illogical and ill-informed choices that left me wanting to shake her shoulder and tell her to get a bloody grip!
Temeraire (Temeraire #1)
Naomi Novik
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I've been planning on doing a reread of Temeraire for ages, but just never got round to doing it.
I'm really pleased did though, even though I didn't feel like it was quite a favourite anymore, I still really love the relationship between Temeraire and his rider, Lawerence.
The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials #2)
Philip Pullman
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I'm really loving my decision to reread Pullman's His Dark Materials at the moment, even though I have been holding off fro read The Amber Spyglass for months because I don't want to get to the end. (To be fair, I do own La Belle Sauvage if I ever feel inclined to return.)
I've said this before when I wrote about reading Northern Lights, but there is something wonderful about having left it so long that I don't remember a lot of the plot points and being able to put new meaning to the context of the world building and character relationships that I didn't quite understand as a young child. Much like Serafina and Lee Scorsby, which by the end of this book made me soft at how the lengths they will go for Lyra.
The Graveyard Book
Neil Gaiman
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I have some recollection of this story, but never of reading it. I'm pretty sure they were adapting this to a movie and tv show, with a cast and everything, because I remember it being featured on Blue Peter when I was growing up.
That being said, is there a Neil Gaiman book that I will give anything less than four stars to? I loved how this didn't feel like one story, but an anthology of snippets of Bod's life growing up in this graveyard and how he developed in adulthood.
All the Bad Apples
Moira Fowley-Doyle
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
My GOD! When I bought this last year, I had heard some fantastic things that made it sound like I was going to be a new favourite book; and it did not disappoint.
His Dark Materials
Adapted by Jack Thorne
This is the adaptation that we all deserved! The cast was electric and magnificent, projecting us into the polar fantasy landscape that I have wanted to see visually since I first read the books... and then was left with a sour note after the 2007 adaptation.
My only gripe was the handling of daemons. They were completely put in post-production which limited the interaction between humans and daemons. It wasn't apparent in the first couple of episodes but there's a scene in the book that is rather integral to understanding the bond that felt like it was downplayed by the alteration Jack Thorne made. (Can you tell I am TRYING REALLY HARD to not spoil anything?) And how Lyra's first instincts just felt like it missed the mark. Hopefully, this is something that get's taken on board as they go on to develop the final series.
However, I am really glad I had decided to reread The Subtle Knife when I did because... spoilers.
Carnaval Row
Created by René Echevarria and Travis Beachum
I was hesitant about going into this. I'm not fond of either Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne and as the leading roles I was pretty 'eh'; its PR and Marketing were intense and were being hailed as "the next Game of Thrones" (see why I was terrified?). But, that being said, I think this was the best performance I have ever seen from Bloom and Delevingne. Along with the supporting cast such as Tamsin Merchant, Andrew Gower, Indira Verma, and Jared Harris: it was spectacular!
If you love gritty detective noir and steampunk narratives, I think this one is definitely one to give a go.
As I briefly mentioned at the start of this blog post, I haven't had constant internet for the past several months. This is why in 2020 I have had to make the elective decision to spend more time at the library then I wish to.
So.
Hello. How are we all?
Not much else happened in November.
I attended my first launch event as a work event rather than something to do in the evening. That was terrifying and I am pretty sure I looked just like the fool as I felt. Get me in a room talking books, I'm good. Handbags? Useless.
At this point, life was getting a little too much for me. I was not going out, I wasn't reaching out to friends as much as I should and was keeping some stuff close to my chest. I'm not going to go into that here, either, it wouldn't be fair as it involves family members. Nor is it for me to talk about with a bunch of strangers on the internet.
I've missed blogging. I've missed writing my thoughts, writing reviews, taking part in the overall bookish discussions. Not having consistent wifi is proving a challenge; it takes a lot of motivation, as well as finding a specific time for me to set myself up somewhere to work on editing a draft to post. Usually, I write early hours in the morning when the house is quiet, and I feel like I'm on my own.
I'm rambling, but there was a purpose to this: 2020 is the year where I'm really focused on my goals. I want to put the time in once a week to come to the library, write, edit and post, as well as limit spending on books so that I can tick off all the books that I own, and that are unread.
Now, let's go back in time a little bit. What did I read, watch and do in the month of November?
 |
 |
Juno Dawson
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
First of all, I fell like I should mention that content warnings for this book consist of drug addiction and drug abuse. However, to list all warnings would mean that you would be reading this post all day. Please do additional research if you think that this might contain something triggering to you.
Clean was an unexpected read in the month of November, but it's one I'm glad that I did. I don't think the reality of drug addiction and recognizing what it means to be an addict isn't really covered in YA, or done in a manner that is an easily digestible read. Juno Dawson tackles this heavy topic with heart and respect. What an important book!
 |
Shirley Jackson
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
For me, the horror genre is split in two. You have horror and then terror; one is visual, the other is phycological. For me Shirley Jackson is one of the best of the latter - I love her short story The Lottery and the way it unravels. This just didn't cut it for me and was overall rather forgettable.
 |
Sarah Ayoub
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I shouldn't have read this so close in succession to Clean, as they both used drugs to some effect, but The Yearbook Committee felt underdeveloped and juvenile.
 |
Brigid Kemerer
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
 |
Written by Neil Gaiman; Illustrated by Chris Riddell
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I have a faint recollection of reading this one afternoon in my then, local library, many moons ago. However, I had completely forgotten the existance of it until my little brother came home from school one night and proceeded to read it in one sitting... and then I did too.
It's a sweet story! One I definitely recommend to read to a kid - although, please don't randomly sit down next to one and start reading. Make sure you know them first!
 |
Deborah Hewitt
⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
This was sent to me by the lovely team at PanMac, after I had read the synopsis and the pitch. Unfortunately this one just fell completely flat on it's face and every time I thought it was picking up and moving in a direction I liked, the protagonist seemed to make illogical and ill-informed choices that left me wanting to shake her shoulder and tell her to get a bloody grip!
 |
Naomi Novik
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I've been planning on doing a reread of Temeraire for ages, but just never got round to doing it.
I'm really pleased did though, even though I didn't feel like it was quite a favourite anymore, I still really love the relationship between Temeraire and his rider, Lawerence.
 |
Philip Pullman
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I'm really loving my decision to reread Pullman's His Dark Materials at the moment, even though I have been holding off fro read The Amber Spyglass for months because I don't want to get to the end. (To be fair, I do own La Belle Sauvage if I ever feel inclined to return.)
I've said this before when I wrote about reading Northern Lights, but there is something wonderful about having left it so long that I don't remember a lot of the plot points and being able to put new meaning to the context of the world building and character relationships that I didn't quite understand as a young child. Much like Serafina and Lee Scorsby, which by the end of this book made me soft at how the lengths they will go for Lyra.
 |
Neil Gaiman
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
I have some recollection of this story, but never of reading it. I'm pretty sure they were adapting this to a movie and tv show, with a cast and everything, because I remember it being featured on Blue Peter when I was growing up.
That being said, is there a Neil Gaiman book that I will give anything less than four stars to? I loved how this didn't feel like one story, but an anthology of snippets of Bod's life growing up in this graveyard and how he developed in adulthood.
 |
Moira Fowley-Doyle
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads
My Thoughts:
My GOD! When I bought this last year, I had heard some fantastic things that made it sound like I was going to be a new favourite book; and it did not disappoint.
His Dark Materials
Adapted by Jack Thorne
This is the adaptation that we all deserved! The cast was electric and magnificent, projecting us into the polar fantasy landscape that I have wanted to see visually since I first read the books... and then was left with a sour note after the 2007 adaptation.
My only gripe was the handling of daemons. They were completely put in post-production which limited the interaction between humans and daemons. It wasn't apparent in the first couple of episodes but there's a scene in the book that is rather integral to understanding the bond that felt like it was downplayed by the alteration Jack Thorne made. (Can you tell I am TRYING REALLY HARD to not spoil anything?) And how Lyra's first instincts just felt like it missed the mark. Hopefully, this is something that get's taken on board as they go on to develop the final series.
However, I am really glad I had decided to reread The Subtle Knife when I did because... spoilers.
Carnaval Row
Created by René Echevarria and Travis Beachum
I was hesitant about going into this. I'm not fond of either Orlando Bloom and Cara Delevingne and as the leading roles I was pretty 'eh'; its PR and Marketing were intense and were being hailed as "the next Game of Thrones" (see why I was terrified?). But, that being said, I think this was the best performance I have ever seen from Bloom and Delevingne. Along with the supporting cast such as Tamsin Merchant, Andrew Gower, Indira Verma, and Jared Harris: it was spectacular!
If you love gritty detective noir and steampunk narratives, I think this one is definitely one to give a go.
So.
Hello. How are we all?
Not much else happened in November.
I attended my first launch event as a work event rather than something to do in the evening. That was terrifying and I am pretty sure I looked just like the fool as I felt. Get me in a room talking books, I'm good. Handbags? Useless.
At this point, life was getting a little too much for me. I was not going out, I wasn't reaching out to friends as much as I should and was keeping some stuff close to my chest. I'm not going to go into that here, either, it wouldn't be fair as it involves family members. Nor is it for me to talk about with a bunch of strangers on the internet.
March 31, 2018
The Vicious Cycle
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| I couldn't find a photo of my university building so have one of my routes I have to walk. |
Don't get me wrong. I've learnt and honed skills; lost friends, gained friends and then lost some again; I've learnt so much about writing in theory and craft; and I've also found out just how frustrated I get, when I'm not reading or blogging.
You see, sometimes blogging can be a vicious, frustrating cycle. And no matter what happens I will always come fighting my way back. And it always comes in stages.
The best way I could describe it is by going through the academic structure that I've been following for close to two years.
It's mid-September; I've packed my clothes, kitchen supplies and have chose the books I'm going to struggle to get on the train. I get there and then have an entire week of social enduced anxiety and so I catch up on reviews from my summer reading binge and finish reading even more books.
By November I've run out of prewritten posts. The most I've read is may 200 pages of an epic fantasy and the most I can report on is books sent to me in a haul. Reading week round the corner means that I have a week off, and instead of reading, I have four different deadlines of four different stories to
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| Taken from my Insta-story, I really do pick David Tennant over most other things. |
And then the three weeks off for Christmas kicks off and I realize I have twelve books I want to read before the end of the year to reach my Goodreads goal and I binge and binge and binge, not leaving any time to write reviews as I go along. Before long I'm back to where I am prior to the winter holidays: writing for assignments, post-less, a TBR longer than an A4 and usually dying for a McDonalds.
Grades come back, they're what they need to be. But, then I get competitive with myself. It repeats for the second semester, with myself pushing even harder to get an even a higher percentage. I read less and less and then BAM! Nothing. For it's the summer, there's not much to do- so I get bored.
By this point, I haven't posted anything in perhaps over a month, maybe stretching on three. I don't know where to begin, do I write a wrap up of the numerous short stories I've read? Or what books have been piling up on my desk? Or do I try coming back with a book tag?
Earlier this year I said on Twitter that I wanted to get back to blogging regularly. To me, ACityofBooks, is an online reading diary. I want to document the things I am reading. I planned out some ideas, and then had ten pages of a sitcom with a five page bible to write and edit (that I got a First on?!) and then two-thousand words on my novel opening. University life laughed at me, as nothing got done.
I will get there eventually, maybe a once a week structure will have to be put back into place.
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