September Wrap Up 2017

This month was a month of re-reads... I started college and really didn't fancy pushing myself through even more unfamiliar territory- it was too much for my brain. I was quite content sticking to older reads and feeling safe and familiar in worlds I know I love.

Origin (Lux #4)- Jennifer L. Armentrout (Re-read) 
Opposition (Lux #5)- Jennifer L. Armentrout (Re-read)
* * * * * 
JLA is one of my favourite authors and I just had the urge to re-read the ending of this beautiful series. I skipped to the best books in the series and fell in love with the world and characters all over again. Her books are so entertaining and it instantly lifted my spirits.





Fangirl- Rainbow Rowell (Re-read)
* * * *
This was such a perfect read for me right now. I enjoyed it so much more as I'm now in Cath's position a lot more and I've also read Carry On which means I get all of the Simon Snow references. This book was so nice to fall into and helped a lot through this month.

Game of Thrones 3x05 'Kissed by Fire' TV TALK

I'm going to ignore the fact that I just spent 40 minutes writing this review only for it to poof into internet air.... But here we are again! Writing this review for a second time.... sorry if this version isn't as funny or imaginative as the original was.... I suppose what you don't know won't hurt you.
Nevertheless, this was a brilliantly clever episode. I love how complex this show is because all the subplots are so intricate and it's great to anticipate and predict how they're all going to intertwine in the future.

TV TALKS:
Season 1:  1x01  |  1x02  |  1x03  |  1x04  |  1x05  |  1x06  |  1x07  |  1x08  |  1x09  |  1x10
Season 2:  2x01  |  2x02  |  2x03  |  2x04  |  2x05  |  2x06  |  2x07  |  2x08  |  2x09  |  2x10
Season 3:  3x01  |  3x02  |  3x03  |  3x04

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
We had political scheming and marriage proposals in Kings Landing today.
And Baelish was at the centre of it all- wondering around like the clever devil he is and manipulating everyone to get what he wants.... man, I love the guy.
Baelish uses Oliver to seduce Loras in order to get information about his arranged marriage with Sansa which, obviously, Baelish doesn't want because she's now his easy key to the North.
So, he goes running to tell Cersei and she immediately runs to Tywin.... because daddy will sort everything out.

September Book Haul 2017

I didn't buy many books this month but the ones I did get are by a collection of my favourite ever authors so I can't complain too badly.

Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #5.5)- Sarah J. Maas
I pre-ordered this book because Sarah J. Maas is one of my favourite authors and I need her books as soon as they release! I'm a bit hesitant to go into this one, however, because it's missing many of the regular protagonists' perspectives and focuses on a character that is.... no ones' favourite. I don't personally mind him but we're leaning on him heavily here....



Opposition (Lux #5)- Jennifer L. Armentrout 
I've already read this book multiple times but I hadn't yet bought it. I'm slowly but surely collecting all of JLA's books but she does have a good 50 books published so it may take a bit more time.
JLA is another of my favourite authors and everything I've ever read of hers is stunning! I'd recommend starting off with the Covenant series or the Lux series if you're being introduced to her work- you will not regret it.

Westworld 1x01 'The Original' TV TALK

I'm so intrigued with this show. There are a few things that went over my head but, generally, I can't stop thinking about it.
This show has a weird blend of dystopian, sci-fi and Western culture which shouldn't work but.... kinda does. We frequently switch between the western setting and the dystopian scene which can sometimes be quite jarring. I can't put my finger on why I like it but I'm finding it super compelling and it has me theorising and analysing all sorts of things.
The show follows our world in the future where technology has progressed so much that we've created hosts (robots) that are essentially human (think Terminator). Westworld is a western theme park that rich people can visit to get the full western experience- visiting brothels and even killing hosts. The hosts reset every day (forgetting the previous days) and repeat every day- maybe slightly different depending on their interaction with the guests. However, some of the hosts are malfunctioning and going off script. And then stuff goes down.

Series I Will Never Finish

We all come across those books, those series, that you start but simply can't finish. This could be because of a variety of reasons but, ultimately, it's because you're not enjoying it. You can't justify struggling through the rest of the series when there's so many books and so little time.
So, I thought I'd list some series that I never plan on finishing... some may be controversial so please do tell me if some series get better as they go along. I have different reasons for each one and would generally not recommend picking up these books... maybe avoid them instead.
NO SPOILERS 


Daughter of Smoke and Bone series- Laini Taylor 
I've most recently read this book and, while I enjoyed it, I don't think I can continue. I flicked through the sequel and everything seemed so slow and boring- the things that I wanted to happen didn't even occur until the end of the book. This series had so much potential and I started out really enjoying it... but the story went in a direction that I didn't want to follow.




The Selection series- Kiera Cass
Now, when I first read the original trilogy, I loved these books. I may always have a guilty pleasure of them even though I'd probably hate them if I re-read it. But, needlessly, Kiera Cass has added on another two books from the protagonists' daughter's POV and I'm just not into it. It's like history repeating itself and I'm never going to be in the mood to re-read a recycled version of the original trilogy.

Game of Thrones 3x04 'And Now His Watch Is Ended' TV TALK

Despite the poor grammar in the title of this episode, I freaking loved it!
Every Game of Thrones episode is insanely clever but I found this one more so, uncovering scheming plans from some of the most intelligent characters I've ever seen (I'm looking at you, Baelish).

Warning: I make a lot of shameless hand puns in this review. (And yes, I'm super proud).

TV TALKS:
Season 1:  1x01  |  1x02  |  1x03  |  1x04  |  1x05  |  1x06  |  1x07  |  1x08  |  1x09  |  1x10
Season 2:  2x01  |  2x02  |  2x03  |  2x04  |  2x05  |  2x06  |  2x07  |  2x08  |  2x09  |  2x10
Season 3:  3x01  |  3x02  |  3x03

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
We see Jaime in this episode which is great but he's seen better days. Poor guy- he's literally wearing his chopped off hand around his neck! He makes an attempt to fight the Boltons and get away- and when he almost gains the upper hand, he fails. But you've gotta hand it to him; he gave it a good try despite him having his hands full. Brienne joins in and the two are working together hand in glove but. really, they just play into Bolton's hands because they don't achieve anything.
Brienne then goes on to ask him why he saved her earlier from getting raped and he replies with silence. I do quite like the idea of them together but, on the other hand.... nope; I just like them together.
(I hope you appreciated all that).

Emptiness- Original Poetry

Here we are again. Another depressing poem. I wrote this a couple of months ago and, honestly, it's one of my favourites. When I go through it, I read it out loud in a whisper... it gives off an ASMR feel and the soft whispers calm me despite the helplessness of the actual message.
I hope you enjoy!

Emptiness

my brain is tangled,

thoughts scattered

springing in different directions

yearning for affection,

clinging to discretion.

my feelings are hiding,

withdrawing into a bottle. 

they scuttle away from judgement,

to wonder and pray-

thought for what, it's hard to say. 

my childhood is running away from me,

nostalgia caught in clenched teeth

the loneliness I've always felt,

peeling away to possibility,

disintegrating beneath piled up dreams.

Game of Thrones 3x03 'Walk of Punishment' TV TALK

I loved this episode-it was comedy genius. There were so many brilliant scenes and it's one of those episodes that proves why this show is such a success; because it's simply amazing.

TV TALKS:

Season 1:  1x01  |  1x02  |  1x03  |  1x04  |  1x05  |  1x06  |  1x07  |  1x08  |  1x09  |  1x10
Season 2:  2x01  |  2x02  |  2x03  |  2x04  |  2x05  |  2x06  |  2x07  |  2x08  |  2x09  |  2x10
Season 3:  3x01  |  3x02


SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
Let's start with Daenerys for once because, for some reason, I always save her for last.
In Astapor, Khaleesi has finally bought the Unsullied but for a big price- one of her dragons. I'm not too bothered- we still have two dragons, so we'll still be epic on the battlefield. Khaleesi also purchased Missandei which I'm happy about because I've seen this girl in so many promos etc. I want to see her and Daenerys grow a really nice and strong bond!

Mystery Blogger Award TAG || Take Two

I've already done this Tag before but... I got nominated again- this time by the lovely Esther from BiteIntoBooks. I'm not going to do the entire rules and will only ask her questions she left for me. If you want to check out my previous post with all the rules and my own nominees, I'll leave the link below.
Original Mystery Blogger Award Tag


1. If you could recommend me one book that I would HAVE TO READ one day, which one would it be?
I'm gonna break down a couple...

A Court of Mist and Fury- Sarah J. Maas
This is my all time favourite book so of course I'd always recommend it but this is the second in a series so, generally, read the first book first. This story is a blend of fantasy, epic action and steamy romance. The world is so well-developed and it has everything I'd ever need from a book.

As for a standalone...
Undone- Cat Clarke
This is an underrated book that I love. It touches on issues in this society that I'm very passionate about and it blends, love, hate and revenge so beautifully. The characters are great and I've re-read this book so many times.

2. What's the last book that made you cry so hard?

Rarity from the Hollow- Robert Eggleton Non-spoiler BOOK TALK

I was sent a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. 

* * *
I decided to go non-spoiler for this review because I'm still kinda processing what happened...

This book very much teeters on the edge between total genius and total crazy. Your opinion on this book would completely depend on which way you fell.... and, honestly, I'm still on the fence getting splinters up my backside.
The first chapters were a little hard to get into but once you push through, you can truly appreciate the exploration of mental health issues. This book draws on a variety of different life experiences which is what makes it such an insightful read.
The story didn't shy away from subjects that are usually 'untouchable' in literature; child abuse being a main topic. At times, this was disturbing to read and could get a little heavy and intense for the reader but it's poignant and eye-opening at the same time.

The Walking Dead 3x14 'Prey' TV TALK

It's been a while since I've posted a Walking Dead review but, don't worry, I'm still watching it. I'm just seriously behind on this stuff. So what better filler for a Tuesday do you need?! I have taken a break from the Walking Dead since being introduced to the Game of Thrones world but now that I've nearly finished season seven, I can continue watching this (Game of Thrones just demands attention).

TWD TV TALKS:
Season 1: | 1x01 | 1x02 | 1x03 | 1x04 | 1x05 | 1x06
Season 2: | 2x01 | 2x02 | 2x03 | 2x04 | 2x05 | 2x06 | 2x07 | 2x08 | 2x09 | 2x10 | 2x11 | 2x12 | 2x13
Season 3: | 3x01 | 3x02 | 3x03 | 3x04 | 3x05 | 3x06 | 3x07 | 3x08 | 3x09 | 3x10 | 3x11 | 3x12 | 3x13

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
We start with a flashback which is different. We see a snippet of Michonne and Andrea when they were on the road together and we get a little insight as to who those two Walkers were- the ones that Michonne kept on chains and dragged around everywhere.
Michonne never really elaborates on anything but I really want to know more about her past and what she used to do before the outbreak.

Game of Thrones 3x02 'Dark Wings, Dark Words' TV TALK

While we didn't get any screen time from my favourite character (Dany!!!!), we got a nice selection of characters and a lot of sass in this episode (which is always exciting).
I enjoyed seeing the events unfold in Kings Landing- which is turning out to be my favourite city to watch aside from Astapor or wherever Danaerys is.


TV TALKS:

Season 1:  1x01  |  1x02  |  1x03  |  1x04  |  1x05  |  1x06  |  1x07  |  1x08  |  1x09  |  1x10
Season 2:  2x01  |  2x02  |  2x03  |  2x04  |  2x05  |  2x06  |  2x07  |  2x08  |  2x09  |  2x10
Season 3:  3x01  |

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
Starting with North of the wall, we had Sam struggling- poor guy. He wants to give up but Mormont gives him the order of survival and he seems to get more of spring in his step.
Jon, cosy amongst the forces of the wildlings, met a warg in this episode which nicely opened the path to learn about Bran's gifts.

Everything, Everything ADAPTATION TALK

From inconsistencies, one dimensional characters, to talking in space and astronauts... this movie was weird. 

I was interested to see how they'd do this movie and, altogether, I wasn't overly impressed. It was still enjoyable but not the right story for a movie screen.

I must say that it was a pretty poor choice of a book to adapt to begin with; not a massive amount happens and a lot of the interactions occur over text as the protagonist is constricted to her home. Because of this, the movie tried 'inventive' ways to portray this and avoid just an essay of texts to read on screen but it didn't work super well. 

Overall, this movie was still enjoyable but I also felt like the characters fell a bit flat... though, this may be my 'meh' feelings of the book bleeding into my opinion of the movie. 

This story has such a small cast- a few characters with only two being really prominent. This gives the chance to really go into depth with these characters and flesh them out super well but... the movie didn't do this. The characters were flat, one dimensional and didn't portray greatly onto the screen. 

TRAILER

AMAZON

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
Starting with characters...
I like Maddy. I feel like we could've seen a much richer and complex set of emotions due to her circumstances but, generally, I liked the acting and the character portrayal when comparing it with the book.
I had a slight issue with Olly, however. His character was just so one dimensional. This movie has a tiny cast so you'd think we have enough time to get to know the characters but no- we only established Olly as the 'nice guy next door who occasionally says witty things.' Oh, and he has an abusive dad. Because we're quickly ticking through the cliches here.

Game of Thrones 3x01 'Valar Dohaeris' TV TALK

I'm making it. Slowly.
I can't say this this is one of my favourite episodes of all time.... because it's not. Not an awful lot seemed to happen but everything that did happen was exciting. This episode had an all-time low of my least favourite characters so I suppose that was a pleasant surprise.

TV TALKS:

Season 1:  1x01  |  1x02  |  1x03  |  1x04  |  1x05  |  1x06  |  1x07  |  1x08  |  1x09  |  1x10

Season 2:  2x01  |  2x02  |  2x03  |  2x04  |  2x05  |  2x06  |  2x07  |  2x08  |  2x09  |  2x10


SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
Starting with a bit of Jon Snow, we're off to meet Mance Rayder today. From what we've seen from Mance Rayder, I quite like the guy. Jon seems to have won him over at least, and now.... won't die. Hooray! I can totally see Jon becoming sympathetic to the wildlings' cause, though, because even his 'fake' reasons to join them were pretty much the truth.

F.R.I.E.N.D.S BOOK TAG

If you don't know, I'm a huge fan of the sitcom Friends. It is and will always be one of my ultimate favourite shows. Chandler is my ultimate favourite character along with Ross at a close second (though my favourite between the six change frequently).
So, I dug through the internet specifically to find a Friends Book Tag. There were so many results and I wanted to do all of them but I'll start with one I found from The Book Addict's blog. Who knows? I may do more in the future.
NO SPOILERS 


The One Where Eddie Won't Go
A character you wish would go away 
Theon- Game of Thrones
This may be a cheat because I'm watching the show and not the books but.... I'm sure he's just as annoying in the books as he is in the show.





The One Where Ross and Rachel Were on a Break
Most painful breakup
It Ends With Us- Colleen Hoover
Hoover knows exactly how to pull out your heart and smash it into pieces. And, for some reason, I keep going back to her.
I don't even want to think about this book because I'll just start sobbing....

Writing Diary #10 - It's Been A While...

Side note: Previous Writing Diaries will be linked below this post in case you missed anything. 

I've decided to share a song from my current novel's playlist each Writing Diary! The song has links to my plot and has a similar feel to the story so I thought it'd be interesting to share. Today's are....

Live Like Legends- Ruelle and Take It All- Ruelle (Listen to all Ruelle songs... she's stunning)

So, the last time I updated, I was letting my first novel sit and had started planning my second novel- Project Prophecy... (That's not the actual title and it's cooler than that name, I promise).

I will say that I've totally pushed my first novel to the side because, reading over it, it sucks. I may return to it in the future but, at the moment, I'm much more excited about my new project.
And I'm around 30,000+ words through. I manage to write near 1000 words when I sit and write but I also put in a lot of planning- a big reason why this book is much better than the last. I've planned my characters, their backstories, the plot, the next two books (!!!) and characters that don't even appear until book three. I know I should focus on book one before continuing but.... book three characters are so good and I'm really excited!! This extra planning means I can also put sneaky foreshadowing in which I get a kick out of doing.
I'm also planning a novella for a certain character's backstory that I'm planning to write for Nanowrimo this year... my first year!! But I'll talk more on that nearer the time.

Game of Thrones 2x10 'Valar Morghulis' TV TALK

The season finale is here!!! We covered a lot of characters in this episode and so much happened! It was a pretty epic episode full of manipulation and deceit and I loved it! I'm so pumped for season three now! Bring it on!

TV TALKS:

Season 1:  1x01  |  1x02  |  1x03  |  1x04  |  1x05  |  1x06  |  1x07  |  1x08  |  1x09  |  1x10

Season 2:  2x01  |  2x02  |  2x03  |  2x04  |  2x05  |  2x06  |  2x07  |  2x08  |  2x09


SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD 
Starting with a drab Stannis Baratheon- just so we can say we've acknowledged his presence- he's off licking his wounds at the moment because he failed so epically in the Battle of Blackwater Bay. And yet, Melisandre still manages to convince him to continue by making Stannis see a vision of his success in fire.
This is exactly why I'll never root for these guys.

Fandom Merch Haul || Summer 2017

Because I can't really include this stuff in a Book Haul, I decided to create a brand new fandom haul every six months or so to show you guys what other random stuff I get that's fictional! I'll try and link where I got it from if you fall in love with anything so much that you need it yourself.
You'll notice a common theme in this haul... have I mentioned that I'm a new Walking Dead and Game of Thrones addict?

Warning: I will look like a major shopaholic after this haul but, remember, this has been collected over more than six months.... but I do have a buying problem.

Hamilton shirt (Redbubble)
I was given this for my birthday and I love it! I'm such a Hamilfan and this shirt is my pride and joy. Hamilton merch isn't exactly something you can find in stores so definitely head over to Redbubble- they have tons of stuff on practically every fandom!

The Walking Dead shirt (Primark)
This was a good ol' Primark purchase which I love. It's got the Daryl Dixon wings which is just perfect!!


The Walking Dead canvas print (Inside Out)
I found this stunning canvas print and had to buy because it was only £5!!! I'd really recommend this shop because they do a huge range of different fandom pictures and artwork for really cheap prices.