Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Reviews. Show all posts
To gain closure from the relationships that no longer are, Lara Jean has written love letters to all the boys she's ever loved meant for her eyes only. But when her unsent letters are mailed out, Lara Jean finds herself in a rather peculiar situation.
Jenny Han's captivating novel, 'To All The Boys I've Loved Before', is a charming novel that will sweep you off your feet. It'll leave you feeling wonderful, warm and so nostalgic. This story is a beautiful read for a late summer afternoon, when you're looking for an adventure with an adorakable dash of the feels. It's a great pick-me-up if you're feeling a little blue, and wonderful treasure to the soul. I'm still smiling even just thinking about it! It's a coming of age story about family, high school and learning to love. An absolute pleasure to indulge.
'We Were Liars' - the book that captivated me and destroyed my fragile heart into a million pieces of the feels. A couple of months ago, I was blissfully unaware of how this deep dark mystery would keep my mind turning as I devoured each page. To say anymore would ruin this story for you, if you haven't already been mind-blown by its content.
So here's what I'll say to all you blissfully unaware people. We Were Liars is a unique mystery that leaves you gasping for more. The anticipation and climax will leave you utterly breathless and unsure what to do with yourself. Or even how to process the events of the novel and life. Read it, I dare you. It is a book you won't forever for many months to come.
- SPOILER ALERT -
Seriously avoid reading any reviews or material relating to this book if you have not read We Were Liars. Going into this book blind was the best decision I ever made.
Seriously avoid reading any reviews or material relating to this book if you have not read We Were Liars. Going into this book blind was the best decision I ever made.
Set in a futuristic world where the battle amongst an alien threat draws near, the Enders Game tells the story of a young boy called Ender and his journey through battle school training - a potential key to the survival of mankind.
For years and years, I have heard so many brilliant things about this novel and it truly does not disappoint. This book was incredibly thrilling and thought provoking. It explored the depths of human morality in the face of physical and ideological war. I have never felt so thoroughly amazed by a standalone - that had so much to give. This novel is incredible - and if you love dystopian fiction you need to read this now.
In The DUFF, Bianca actively seeks to change the label attached to her name, through enlisting the help of her neighbour Wesley Rush - a charmer amongst the ladies. She finds herself on a journey discovering her identity and road to self-acceptance.
I remember when I read The DUFF at seventeen - barely out of secondary school and learning to explore the world around me. I found myself captivated by this story because it addressed so many important issues that teenagers face in the modern age; politics between families, social hierarchy between their peers, and defining labels that are so hard to get rid of. I loved the message of the book, so I was excited when I heard it would be brought to life.
Although the movie was enjoyable - it was so far from the story I had envisioned on screen. I had waited so long, only for the story to be sabotaged and destroyed on screen for no true purpose. This movie slaughtered the book I fell in love with. And while it was enjoyable, it was so far from it's true potential. What had the makings to be a brilliant story in it's own right was completely upstaged by the producers attempt to become the 'next big teen story'. So heartbreaking indeed!
Starting off as a goofy light hearted show, The Flash has come a long way since it's first episode - setting up character arc's and grounding for the future, while entertaining audiences in the present. This show has had one of the most well rounded first seasons I've ever seen in the history of television - with the right amount of drama, intensity and relationship dilemmas. I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of The Flash, and I urge you if you have not see this show already to watch it. Weather or not you are a fan of the comic books, I promise you it will not alienate you ...
Highlights
The characterisation of Dr Wells through this first season has been incredible. I couldn't have expected that jaw dropping outcome. From our very first glimpses into his dark self from the beginning, to uncovering mysterious of his true identity with the team, it's been an absolutely pleasure finding out the story behind Dr Wells and Eobard Thawne. Seeing everybody come together one by one and releasing the sinister nature that lurks behind those glasses was one of the best parts of this season. An evolution of a character who was once thought to be good corrupting everything he had worked to create - well that's a first!
One of my favourite and heartbreaking moments of this season is when Bary Allen goes back in time and witnesses his mother's murder. Stopped by his future self from saving her, he pulls his willpower together to resist the urge, but is rewarded by getting to speak to her one last time. It shows such courage, such depth to his character. Grant Gustin broke me down hard. That acting in that moment was so on point. That scene is one of the most iconic moments on the show so far - hands down. Guaranteed to always be remembered!
I'm so excited for the future of this show. In those final moments there were snippets of future events including an appearance from Killer Frost, Barry Allen suck in jail and an appearance from another Flash from another universe. It was utterly overwhelming, and yet I wonder if these are all from some parallel universe, now that Barry has found himself stuck inside the worm hole. What world exists if Eddie is no longer alive, meaning that Eobard Thawne never existed? My mind is boggled and I need Season 2 to explain everything to me! Come soon October, come soon!
Shortcomings
When the episode 'Out Of Time' (1x15) aired, emotions were ever so heightened. Barry had to stop a tidal wave from coming on to Central City, he and Iris were finally together and Cisco - upon discovering the truth of Dr Well's identity as the Reverse Flash - was silenced to death by Eobard Thawne. I was so sure that we had finally reached the climax - where everything was going to take off. Things were going to start blossoming to their full potential and develop further into oblivion.
But instead when the next episode aired Rogue Time (1x17), we were faced with an ordinary everyday experience at STAR Labs, fighting average crime again instead of dealing with the events of the past episode. It was a real let down, going back into a routine of introducing characters, which in that very moment I didn't have true interest in. My energy was so focused on weather the group would the identity of Dr Wells, my interest began to falter. I wish they had given us something significant to tie us over - like Eobard Thawne conferring with Gideon on his future plans, or his thoughts on Barry's time travel experiences. It really would have helped transition the excitement accordingly - instead of leaving everyone so disorientated!
Conclusions
The Flash has a wonderfully enriched blossoming future ahead, and everything we have seen is only the beginning. From the villians we have yet to face, to future wormholes and universes I'm so excited to see what Barry Allen will face next. It's clear to say that Season 1 has been a well rounded set up for the future, but what the future holds only October will show. So excited!
So what did you think of this season of The Flash? Hit or Miss?
Continuing on from the fatal fall that left Oliver Queen on the brink of death, Season 3B finds itself exploring consequences of past actions and mysterious of the Arrow's future in Sterling City. Team Arrow find themselves soul searching and questioning their identity outside of Oliver, while trying to keep Starling city safe. So many mysterious and events lurk in the path of Team Arrow, as they collide against the league of assassins forces and the devil Malcolm Merlyn himself.
This season blew my mind. It's crazy that our biggest concern was about weather Oliver was truly alive. Who knew there were actually things worse than death and being imprisoned on an deserted island for five years? What started of as an identity crisis for Team Arrow turned into a fight for survival, where trust is no longer a given.
Between Olicity, a budding relationship developing between Felicity and Ray Palmer, and tension between Team Arrow and the league, this season was jam-packed and so thrilling! It's only unfortunate that the season finale rushed it's end conclusion, tying up storyline way too neatly packaged.
Spoiler Alert: Readers enter at your own risk.
Jumping straight back into action, Mockingjay Part 1 starts where Catching Fire picks off. As Katniss struggles to come top terms with the loss of her comrades especially Peeta, District 13 begins to prepare together the equipment to take on the capital. A war is brewing right on the horizon, and so much is at stake.
I was never really a fan of the final book in The Hunger Games series, mostly because of it's sour end. I expected to love the first part of Mockingjay, and sourly dislike the latter. But I'm surprised to say Mockingjay Part 1 is my least favourite film in the series. The story itself sets up for epic finale I'm sure, but that feels like this movie's main and sole purpose. It was truly amazing seeing the political workings of a war, but everything else falls short. The engaging elements from the book were missing from this military based adaptation, and I really don't understand why, since it had enough time to divulge and explore. It's clear that Katniss takes complete front and centre in this film - with very little room for other players to contend. All in all, I'm pretty disappointed with the outcome of this movie, and I can already tell that Part 2 will definitely be better than this.
Time for Spoilers ....
Aged 24, Matt Haig found himself feeling lost and hopeless, seeing no way he could go on living. Reason To Stay Alive is an account of that journey and how he overcome his struggle from the dark depths of his illness.
I remember stumbling across this book by accident through twitter. I had heard there would be a book signing with Matt Haig - and being an avid book signing attender I thought I'd go. Having the privilege of hearing Matt speak about his novel was pretty much what sold this book to me, and I'm so glad it did. Reasons to Stay Alive is an important non-fictional novel, that gives a preview into one individual's experience of depression and anxiety. To those who've suffered, it provides solace. To those who haven't experienced those troubles, it gives a glimpse into the hardships and struggles others face on a daily bases. I found this book re-enacts that heavy feeling of a weight you can not explain, and yet tells these stories with a hopeful twist for the future. Well worth reading, and definitely one of the must read novels for everybody this year!
Love Rosie is an enjoyable read, that definitely has some hilarious moments that will have you laughing so hard! But what struck me the most about this story is it tells the realistic struggle of adulthood. Not many romantic novels I've seen have done that pretty accurately. It's honest and authentic - well worth reading whatever age you may be. My only main flaw with this book was it dragged out its love story unnecessarily, draining out its quirky nature and narrative till it's very end.
Now, time for spoilers. Back away from the computer if you have not read this yet. Spoilers be waiting ...
After the slightly disappointing squeal, I had high hopes for The Death Cure. Probably due to the fact that The Scorch Trials continued to build up this story to it's climax. The first half of the book blew my mind. I was amazed at where this novel was going and excited. But somewhere along the way, everything seemed to become chaotic. I felt frustrated towards James Dashner - who although creates intriguing plot lines - focuses way too much on shock value. That is why I believe this novel and The Scorch Trials fall short of what they should be. Though entertaining and thrilling, I knew right of the bat that this concept - an awesome premise - was not properly executed. None-the-less, so worth the read.
Note: Spoilers ahead. Avoid if you intend on reading The Death Cure. You've been warned.
Red Band Society is a story about the lives of a group of teenagers living in the paediatric ward at Ocean View Park, struggling with their own issues. Together they form the 'Red Band Society' to stick together through the trouble life throws at them.
When I first heard about this show, I remember feeling reluctant to watch it at all. I felt torn about the way media is - in a way - exploiting stories of children with terminal illness, and almost turning them into a trend of somesort. Since The Fault In Our Stars became so successful, why not capitalise on that by creating something similar. That idea pretty much put me off. But I decided to give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.
Red Band Society is a show with so much heart and emotion. It's like My Sister's Keeper meets One Tree Hill. Each character has their own journey and struggling to face, with family and relationship drama added to the mix. The way this show handles addressing cancer and other diseases is powerful. Although it falls short on truly representing characters and storylines at times - which I'll get into later - this show does a good job of representing the teenagers time at the hospital, and bringing attention the social impact illness can have on them.
Now - Time for spoilers!
After the tragedy we faced in season 2A, The 100 came back biting stronger than ever. This season was definitely much more darker and intense than the previous two, knocking them straight out the park. It's crazy how much this show continues to evolve. Season One was child's play compared to all this drama. There were so many moments that really stood out this season on The 100. Here are a favourite few.
Note: This post contains spoilers, so if you are not currently up-to-date with The 100 - come back later and check it out.
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