April Releases and TBR 2019

RELEASES

books
Defy Me- Tahereh Mafi
Wicked Saints- Emily A. Duncan
The Red Scrolls of Magic- Cassandra Clare
The Princess and the Fangirl- Ashley Poston
tv and movies
The dreaded month is here!!! Game of Thrones and Endgame!!! My emotions!!!!
Avengers: Endgame 
Game of Thrones Season 8
Killing Eve Season 2
Shazam!
Pet Sematary 


TBR
The Near Witch- V. E. Schwab 
This is the final book I own of Victoria Schwab's and, as I'm going crazy for her books now, I'm definitely going to be reading it in April. The Near Witch is a fairytale love story which is a little different to the other fantasy books I've read of hers but I'm sure it'll be as amazing as ever.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to comment your thoughts. Stay amazing!
Chloe

March Wrap Up 2019

I read a lot more than I originally thought I would because, at the beginning of the month, A Conjuring of Light was taking me forever! But, after that monster of a book was finished, I stormed through a nice number of other reads. I'm also super pleasured with how many new books I've read so far this year- I really wanted to get out of the habit of just re-reading everything.

BOOKS
A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic #3)- V. E. Schwab 
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It took me a lot longer than I wanted to finish this book but it totally wasn't the book's fault. I was super busy at the beginning of this month (still am busy, if I'm being honest) and I barely got any time to read which was so frustrating because this book was spectacular! The final book in the Shades of Magic trilogy was everything I needed from this series and action-packed from beginning to end. The characters were amazing as always, drawing me in more than anything else, and the world is awe-inspiring. I've truly become a V. E. Schwab junkie and I'm not even sorry.
A Darker Shade of Magic Review
A Gathering of Shadows Review
A Conjuring of Light Review to come!!

Stage Kiss- M. F. Lorson
* *
This was an arc I was sent by Netgalley and... I really wanted to love it. But I just didn't. Firstly, I didn't particularly like the protagonist which is instantly a turn-off. I found her to be pretty superficial and bitchy and spoilt which didn't make it fun to read in her perspective. Then there was the love interest who was just a bundle of contradictions. It's like the author was so desperate for readers to love him that they refused to give him any flaws, creating a personality that wouldn't make sense in real life. He was geeky, but still hot and popular. Introverted and shy but extroverted and confident. His personality completed changed in different situations and it was hard to like him at all. I've read books with similar concepts to this one and they are so much better (Operation Prom Date by Cindi Madsen is essentially the same kind of plot but it's so much better- it's adorable, fun and endearing!). Overall, I was pretty disappointed.

March Book Haul 2019

Only two books this month and my bank account is weeping with joy at that fact. It's also trying to prepare itself for May because Spring is when all the amazing releases come out... it's gonna be hard time for us all.

The Near Witch- V. E. Schwab (Signed Edition!!!)
I've been keeping my eye out for this book for a while because, if you don't know, I'm currently binge reading anything and everything V. E. Schwab. I've read Vicious, the Shades of Magic series and am currently working through the Monsters of Verity duology... you could say I've grown a healthy obsession (it's healthy, I promise!). The Near Witch is V. E. Schwab's newest release and can you imagine my excitement when I found a signed copy at my local Waterstones? It wasn't even a conscious decision to buy this book- my hand was grabbing it and taking it to the till before I could even process what was happening.

She Must Be Mad- Charly Cox
I'd never heard of this book before but it caught my eye on the shelf and looked interesting. I like a good poetry book every now and then so I decided to pick it up. I had a flick through it and the poems seem to be in a very similar style to Rupi Kaur and Amanda Lovelace so I have no doubt I'm gonna love it.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to comment your thoughts. Stay amazing!
Chloe

Game of Thrones 6x05 'The Door' TV TALK

This was an emotional episode in the grand scheme of things. I didn't personally cry but that's only because I'm heartless- I'm sure a lot of people did. The only time I've ever cried in this show is at certain colourful wedding... one colour in particular. I'll never get over that episode...

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  |  3x05  |  3x06  |  3x07  |  3x08  |  3x09  |  3x10

Season 4:  4x01  |  4x02  |  4x03  |  4x04  |  4x05  |  4x06  |  4x07  |  4x08  |  4x09  |  4x10
Season 5:  5x01  |  5x02  |  5x03  |  5x04  |  5x05  |  5x06  |  5x07  |  5x08  |  5x09  |  5x10
Season 6:  6x01  |  6x02  |  6x03  |  6x04

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
Starting in Essos, we had a proper Jorah and Khaleesi interaction which was nice. It seems like she's forgiven him which promotes the idea that, if a girl says no.... keep trying until she gives in- but let's sidestep that landmine. Because, in real life, that would appear to be stalking.... it's not like I even expected more from you, Jorah.

This Savage Song- V. E. Schwab

* * * * *
As my addiction to V. E. Schwab grows, I went head-first into the Monsters of Verity series and... I'm in love. It's as simple as that.
V. E. Schwab has such an effortless ability to create interesting worlds, gripping concepts and fascinating debates over good vs evil. The characters are lovable, complex and flawed which makes the read so much more realistic and entertaining.
This Savage Song is about a world where crime literally breeds crime. Whenever a criminal act is committed, it creates a monster that then terrorises the city. Our two main characters live on two sides of a divided city; Kate, a ruthless monster Hunter who yearns for her father's approval and August, a conflicted monster who yearns to be human. An assassination attempt forces them to become allies and find the true evil threatening to take over both sides of the city. It gave me super Renegade vibes (Renegades by Marissa Meyer) so, if that appeals to you, you'll definitely love this.
This book was griping, thrilling, captivating and V. E. Schwab never fails to impress me.

GOODREADS

AMAZON

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It initially took me a bit of time to get my head around the world but once you understand it, the whole thing's pretty easy to follow. I found the territory battle between the Harker's and Flynn's interesting (and very Renegade-esque with the Harker acting as Anarchists and Flynn pretty much the Renegades).

Killing Eve 1x02 'I'll Deal With Him Later' TV TALK

* * * * *
As always, every episode of this show is amazing. Despite it only being episode two, so much happens and it causes me to be inexplicably addicted to it. This episode was full of death, humour and an anticipation that grows with every single second. This episode particularly has a brilliant ending and is so effective at making you yearn for more. This is a totally bingeable series.

Season 1:  1x01


SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
We start the episode with a good ol' Villanelle killing and, again, it's super entertaining!!! (What's happening to me?) Villanelle has to be the most lovable psychopath on TV, I swear. She just has this great humour and nonchalance when she's killing people that makes it so fun to watch!
Konstantin has Villanelle assessed before she gets any more assignments because he's worried she's not in the best mental state and... this was maybe the best scene on TV ever. She shows up to the assessment with a giant pink dress on and answers all the questions with such sass and sarcasm... the whole scene encapsulates why I love Villanelle. She isn't signed off but she steals the next target from Konstantin anyway.

Game of Thrones 6x04 'Book of the Stranger' TV TALK

This episode was particularly satisfying because a certain thing happened- something I've been waiting for for so long! We've had so many near instances and they never worked out but finally!! I was so ecstatic in this episode and it was great to see the interactions and strength arising from this circumstance.

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  |  3x05  |  3x06  |  3x07  |  3x08  |  3x09  |  3x10

Season 4:  4x01  |  4x02  |  4x03  |  4x04  |  4x05  |  4x06  |  4x07  |  4x08  |  4x09  |  4x10
Season 5:  5x01  |  5x02  |  5x03  |  5x04  |  5x05  |  5x06  |  5x07  |  5x08  |  5x09  |  5x10
Season 6:  6x01  |  6x02  |  6x03

SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD- SPOILERS AHEAD
Let's begin at Castle Black because I'm so excited!!!
We finally had a Stark reunion!!! Sansa made it to Castle Black before Jon went anywhere and that hug was just everything! I've been waiting four entire seasons for that to happen!

Captain Marvel MOVIE TALK

* * * * *
As always (for some bizarre reason), I had high hopes but low expectations for this movie and, thankfully, all of my expectations were blown out of the park- out of the galaxy! You can always count on Marvel to live up to the hype and surpass all expectation.
Captain Marvel is the first solo female movie made by Marvel and I love how they handled it! It passed the Bechdel test with flying colours and girl power flooded the entire movie. The women were fierce, strong and (*gasp*) not revolving around a male love interest!!!!
While the women were the main course, we had lots of side dishes of male characters which was also amazing. I've never been a huge huge fan of Nick Fury but this movie changed everything! I absolutely loved seeing him in the early days of S.H.I.E.L.D and seeing young Agent Coulson was even better!
If it isn't already obvious, I loved every single thing about this movie and, if it isn't already obvious, you need to watch this before Endgame! Sure, Endgame would probably still pretty good without the background of this movie but it would help so much knowing the background of Carol. (Also, there's a pretty epic post credit scene...)

TRAILER

AMAZON

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First and foremost, I need to mention the spectacular tribute to Stan Lee. The beginning Marvel credits started and they'd replaced all the usual superhero footage with images and recordings of Stan Lee and... I'm not gonna lie, I teared up. 

And then there was his cameo. It was pretty easy to guess that it was coming up but I loved how Carol and him locked gazes and shared a smile. I don't know whether it may have been during re-shoots after he'd died but the smile that Carol shot him almost felt like a thank you and an acknowledgement which was just beautiful.

A Gathering of Shadows- V. E. Schwab BOOK TALK

* * * *
Unfortunately, this wasn't another five star book like the first one- A Darker Shade of Magic. Don't get wrong, it was still amazing but there wasn't as much going on and the stakes were nowhere near as high.
This book felt like a very long setup for the final book in the trilogy. We focused a lot on character development and relationships which was fine because the characters are amazing but it just meant that, in terms of plot, not much happened. The whole book centres around The Element Games which was a fun concept but it didn't really further the main plot in any way. Until the last 50 pages, there wasn't much of an antagonist or conflict... which left the book feeling a little sluggish compared to the first.
Nevertheless, that cliffhanger had me clinging onto the series and I have no doubt the next book is going to be jam packed.
A Darker Shade of Magic Book Review

GOODREADS

AMAZON

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Starting with new characters, our main addition was Alucard... who I love. He's cool and mysterious and funny and I loved his friendship with Lila. He's also a pretty powerful triad... which would've been a lot more impressive if we didn't already know Kell, who happens to be ten times more powerful. 

What I also loved was the brief moments between Alucard and Rhy. We didn't see much of them together and there's the lingering past of Alucard having broken Rhy's heart but... I can feel an intense ship coming up and I'm 100% on board... (pirate pun, anyone?)

Favourite TV Females

Considering it was International Woman's Day yesterday, I thought I'd do a fun post listing some of my ultimate favourite women in TV.
It's no secret that I get seriously obsessed with certain TV shows and there are so many strong and independent women throughout. This was actually a really hard list to narrow down but I figure that's a good thing because that means women are finally starting to get the representations they deserve.
This post contains no major spoilers so feel free to read away with no fear! Also, I obviously recommend these shows to anyone because they're all amazing and are my favourite shows of all time.
Sidenote: How many of you can name all four women from the merged photo before you see the answers???

Peggy Carter (Agent Carter)
My first favourite female had to be the one and only Peggy Carter. Peggy first appears in the movie Captain America: the First Avenger but also goes on to star in two series of her own show, Agent Carter.
Peggy is such an inspiration to me. Her character is set in the 1940s and she's an agent that receives so much sexism and discrimination but she never lets that affect her. She's strong and intelligent and she knows her own value. Peggy has taught me to have confidence in whatever I do and do believe that I can achieve anything I set my mind to.

A Darker Shade of Magic- V. E. Schwab BOOK TALK

* * * * *
This book was everything I wanted and more.
When I was younger, my favourite stories were quick and fun reads, fun characters and little bit of a romance but now that I'm older (a whopping 18 years old... basically ancient, I know) I've really grown to appreciate much more complex books. I love intricate worlds- even if that involves a little extra heavy world-building, I love complex characters and I love slow-burning relationships because they're just so much more rewarding in the end. And A Darker Shade of Magic is the perfect example of these types of books.
The world was fascinating to learn and even though we deal with multiple parallel universes, it never gets confusing. The transitions between the worlds are seamless and the different cultures and so interesting to dissect.
Then, there's the characters. This book has two main characters who are maybe some of favourites ever and the rest of the cast is just as amazing. Seeing all them interact and cross paths was so exciting and I can't recommend this book enough.
V. E. Schwab is a fantasy genius.

GOODREADS

AMAZON

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The first thing I really want to mention and take the time to appreciate is the world building! This was such a intricate and detailed world and everything fit together seamlessly! I loved learning about the complexities of the magic system and I am in awe of the entire world! Juggling with multiple parallel universes with their different cultures, magical limitations and languages must've been so hard to construct but it was fascinating and I loved everything about it.

March Releases and TBR 2019

RELEASES
Opposite of Always- Justin A. Reynolds 
Girls With Sharp Sticks- Suzanne Young
The Everlasting Rose- Dhonielle Clayton 
Field Notes on Love- Jennifer E. Smith 

Captain Marvel
Dumbo



TBR
A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic #3)- V. E. Schwab 
I started this series last month and I've completely fallen in love with it. The world is detailed and fascinating, the characters are lovable and the plot is gripping! I'm so sad this is the final book in the series because I could read about these characters forever.

This Savage Song (Monsters of Verity #1)- V. E. Schwab 
Our Dark Duet (Monsters of Verity #2)- V. E. Schwab
Because I'm in a V. E. Schwab kick at the moment, I want to go straight into her Monsters of Verity series. I don't know much about the premise but I'm happy to dive in without knowing a single thing because it's V. E. Schwab and that's all I need to know.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to comment your thoughts. Stay amazing!
Chloe