A Book With Unexpected Twists: Review of There Is A Door In This Darkness by Kristin Cashore

          
Title: There Is A Door In This Darkness
Author: Kristin Cashore

Rating: 5 Stars


When I was picked to be one of the ones to review this book, I was expecting to be a little magic, but never did I knew that it would turn out to be this amazing.

The title basically describes what grief would be and I don't want to go into full details of why because you just have to read the book to see why.

Just think you're in the middle of a pandemic and a political race, then boom, all this crazy stuff starts happening to you.

Wilhelmina Hart was dealing with a lot, especially after losing one of her favorite aunts to cancer. Only to deal with trauma after another. Now in 2020, she began to see things that just didn't make sense to her.

Through out the book, you find things that didn't make sense and that's the magical twist that makes the book very unique. There might be a hint of a tiny romance brewing too but I can't get into too much detail about it because you have to read it.

It's very different than Kristin Cashore's fantasy series. So I highly recommend it.

It has good build up with memories and the magic twists aren't overpowering.

And it kept to the topics of what happened in 2020.

Definitely a book that deserves a 5 star rating.
       

My New Year's Resolutions is Here.

It feels strange to be back to my blog after what seems like almost a month, eh?

I have been through a lot of stuff and I think I wanna say that I am feeling better. Sure there are bad days and that's okay. We shouldn't be afraid to express our thoughts, our bad days, our emotions and more.

I am going to be doing more for this blog, at least, when I feel like it instead of leaving it alone.

I do have a discord that anybody is welcome to join.

A Faerie Journey Discord

Anyway, let's get on with me. Usually, I would sit down and write down my resolutions for the next year and well, this time I wanna just wing it and write it here. So... here we go.

1. Do better: I am going to do better with myself and to other people. I will still be the kind, caring and loving person but I will learn better not to take sides and let things hurt me. I am going to leave certain drama out of my life as much as possible.

2. Be healthy: I have been trying to stay healthy but I am not getting any younger and I want to be able to do my best with stuff that's towards my health.

3. Find love: I may have find the love of my life but the process will be slow as we need to be ready for what is to come next. I won't say who or what's going on because that's part of the journey.

4. Finding my freedom: I say this because I feel like I am trap right now and I need to fight for my freedom so I will find it somehow.

Now for more fun stuff.

5. Record and commission my voice more: I am showing the world now what my voice sounds like and how calming it can be. I am not a mother but I can pretend to be one for now. I just want to show how caring and calming I am just by recording and commissioning my voice to the world around me.

6. Stream more on Twitch: I want to continue this as much as possible. I might only do it twice a week with maybe a surprise stream every other Sunday. I really enjoy streaming the games that I do... and well, I wanna do more than just games.

7. More content: Yes, I will do more content for my YouTube channel so it's not just gonna be voice recordings on there.

8. Read more: Something that I keep breaking every year. I want to accomplish as least 52 books this year. So which me luck.

9. Don't get behind on my penpals: I am not going to get behind again. I am going to spend time through this month catching up with my penpal letters.

10. Catching up journals: I don't want to get behind but it looks like it's gonna take a bit longer to do this.

11. Continue my hobby journals: Which is not an impossible feat as I am going to add one more journal to the bunch.

12. Get back to blogging: This is mainly so that I can get back to writing more.

13. Get back into writing: Both poems and stories are important part of my life so I need to do this.

14. VRChat content via insta and twitter: It's hard to catch up on Twitter because I don't like it but I will try my best with this. I am doing pretty well and wish to learn more.

15. Who knows: I am putting this here because I am open to many opportunities for the new year. It can be traveling, podcasting and much more. I just want to expand to doing something more for myself. So yea.

Whatever happens, I hope that all will be well for me. I was told not to overwhelm myself but I want to be able to keep busy to prevent myself from being bored and believe me... I get bored easily.

One main goal for the new year is I really hope that my dad keeps his word on getting a house so that I can have a place to do my content better.

And so, we should hope for the best for all of us. No matter what journey these things takes us, I do hope for good things to come.

So... I might write a few more blogs before the new year, but until then... Happy holidays and Happy New Year.

Am I Enough?

 Am I enough? It's a question that I asked everyday, but going through relationships made me realized one thing...

I need a break from dating.

I was told that I am a misunderstood person and I do agree. I think people don't know the truth or are afraid of the truth.

I decided to never be afraid of the truth. I want people to tell me the truth no matter what. I don't care if it hurts. I'm done with lies.

And I'm done with hidden truths too.

So if you are wondering why the delay, I had oral surgery on November 9th. I've been recovering ever since then.

And I've seen the true colors of people.

When you tell people that you only want to recover, all they want is something else. And you're like... wait a minute...

Yea... I think it's time for a change.

I might be breaking hearts but I don't need what they want.

Alright, that's all for now.

I am going to get back to recovering and hopefully be back fully tomorrow.

The Beast Is Me Too: A Review of I Feed Her To The Beast and The Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea

  Title: I Feed Her To The Beast and The Beast Is Me
Author: Jamison Shea

Rating: 5 Stars!!

Review:           When Larue wanted nothing but power, she thought of what's best when Josephine decided to take her to the Acheron. He offered her power in return of blood. An exchange that soon change the whole course of Larue's world.

Beautifully written and frightfully enjoyable. This is how I described such a wonderful book.

The main character Larue is set through a set of challenges and obstacles after she took an offering to The Acheron. Murders, injuries, commands and so much more!

I really enjoy the details within this book, especially when Larue offered her blood to the Acheron.

Imagine finding out there were other people who were just like you and you want nothing more but to have the power to do what you want.

This whole book reminded me of Black Swan in a way but much more fantasy and horror like. I enjoy a lot of moments.

The ending, which I won't reveal at all was the most shocking of all.

Truly something to recommend to those who enjoy horror. Besides, she did fed the beast and the beast was her.

Truths Can Hurt

 Stress isn't as wonderful as you would think. Between getting caught up with drama and being in the middle of one is not fun.

September hasn't been the best month for me. I made a mistake and rekindled. I lost a friend. And I found out some people can be such assholes.

Sometimes the truth hurts. And you needed see that truth in your eyes to know that you hurt so much.

I need a break.

So I am going to do all I can to stream on twitch for this month only. Then in November, I am taking a long break. Only because I have to get oral surgery on the 9th of November.

And as for discord... I think I need to be left alone for awhile. I am just done with everything that's happened on there. I really don't need anymore drama to bother me.

I haven't been getting proper sleep because of it. And I just wish people understand why I wished to stay neutral on many things.

Ah, well. That's just life for me.

I will still be able to answer any questions through dms on discord. But I'll be streaming through the month. I'll be posting on insta and twitter. But I will be more quiet in my own server. I just want to be left alone for a while.

Here's to a better October and more book reviews.

I Will Find You: A Review of "I Loved You In Another Life" by David Arnold

  Title: I Loved You In Another Life
Author: David Arnold
Stars: 5 stars

Review: One of the best books of the month and maybe of the year as well. When Evan started to hear a song that came out of nowhere, he often wondered why.

Shosh, who was struggling with the death of her sister, drinking her life away began to hear the song as well. She often wonder if she was met to be there.

The whole layout of this book is literally a lyric being wrote within a story.

Each emotions was felt through out the book. I could even feel it as I read it.

Just imagine if a song was able to bring you together. This is what this book did.

I love the title because through out the book, there was a past and a future of love. They were, too, brought together by a song.

I really do recommend this book.

The romance part does come in late, but to me that is perfect timing the way this book is.

I love the ending because it made me cry in a good way. I hope that I find love in that way.
       

Can I wake up when September ends?

 I know. I haven't posted since last month. But... I didn't really had good books that was worth to post on here.

Until now.

I will explain that once I get finished with the book. It's taking me awhile to get it finished. So once I do, I will post it here.

Anyway, a lot has happened in this month alone. August has been nothing but busy, sadness, and so much more.

I got heartbroken. Then I was grieving over my dog, Susie... I had to put her to sleep by the advice of the veterinarian. Then I have to get oral surgery in the future.

But good news, I am 4 years cancer-free. So that makes my day everyday.

But what will next month bring me? Who knows... but I do know I am going in for oral surgery soon.

Then I have to get new glasses.

Then I'm waiting for announcements for games and more.

Of course, I am going to make time to stream next month too... but I wanna do it more than just 2 times a week.

We shall see as time goes through September.

So with that note in mind... Wake me up when September is over. Because I do know it flies by fast and it's a time where it's stuck between summer and fall. And there's festivals going on too.

I will be back with the book review soon. Then who knows what else.

BDK

Just A Random Post

 I haven't posted on here in a long time... and it's on purpose.

I just never had anything to say on here and it sucks a lot.

I do want to start adding random quotes per time that I do post on here. It's kind of... like a way to share something.

Today's quote is a bit political but it does make sense.

"A political candidate once remarked that he would rather be right than president. Is there something in the Constitution that says he can't be both?"

It does make sense especially how the government is right now.

Ah, well... not being political right now... don't want to.

Anyway, I'll try my best to get back to blogging at least every day.

See you on the other side.

Until Then.

A Month Has Passed... And I'm Doing Well

 It has been one hell of a month, just wanted to let you all know.

I was going through a break up on June 1st. Then I went through a lot... both good and bad.

Mostly good.

I have to say... there's a lot of good in the world.

I am finally happy with where I am right now.

I also started doing more stuff for myself... enjoying things that makes me me.

Music, dancing, streaming, etc.

I made a lot of friends during this time.

My world on VRChat got public which was a shock to me.

I started making ASMR videos because my voice calms people down.

I am posting more pictures than ever.

And there's so much that I could say but I keep most of those a surprise. Because my journey is never over.

Alright, enjoy yourself, loves...

You are awesome.

An Ending That Is Sad And Beautiful: My Review of Another Dimension of Us

  Title: Another Dimension of Us
Author: Mike Albo

Rating: 5 stars!!

Review: Thank you Goodreads for the book to review.

I'm literally in tears because of how the book ended.

I took my time reading this because I was not emotionally ready for a romance like this book.

When Rene was struck by lightning, things changed. Tommy wanted nothing but to find Rene in astral planes. There he met Pris who was doing the same but for her friend.

This book is perfect choice for those who want something in the LGBTQ genre as well as fantasy and more.

The book is beautiful written. The chapters are easily to understand. The characters grew a lot in the book.

I highly recommend it!

Full of Mysteries, Curses, And More: A Review of Garden of the Cursed

    Title: Garden of the Cursed
Author: Katy Rose Pool

Please note: I received this book for free from Bookishfirst.

Review: When I read this book, I was surprised.

Marlow Briggs became a cursebreaker because she thought she could find her missing mother. When a crush of her past came to her for help, she is drawn into a world of mystery and secrets and curses.

All part of being a cursebreaker, according to Marlow. Little did she know, she was in for a dangerous ride.

I really enjoyed the story and it was fast paced. It was full of shocking parts and surprising parts and so much more.

I felt like the author knew what she doing when she wrote this book.

I am glad that I got to feel what Marlow was going through. All the way to end when she discovered a secret that was kept for far too long.

Who knows what secrets that her mother had kept and the five families in Evergarden.

A boy who likes to go on parties. A girl who is working to break curses while trying to find out what had happened to her mother at the same time.

I highly recommend this book.
       

Am I ready to talk about it?

Yes.

Hello. I know it's been a while since I posted here on my blog. I am using it as both personal and professional and I felt like it's time to talk about things.

Let's begin with this: We all make mistakes whether we like it or not.

Now let's get on with the story about what's going on.

As you all know, I am 37 years old. I had taken a break from blogging, writing and more. Which was merely stupid of me to do so in the beginning as I had a goal to work on a few things.

What happened you were wondering? I was dating somebody who was 15 years younger than me and we both rushed into said relationship.

He lied. He kept things from me. And in fact, I knew. He started to realized that maybe I wasn't his type. And I knew. I just couldn't tell him.

We are both at fault so there's no blaming here. I forgive him. And that let me realized that I needed to do this in order to heal myself.

I understand why he had to block me. Because we did kind of shared a bit too much to each other. That part, I will keep to myself because I felt like he should be the one to explain that part out.

And although it's only yesterday since the break up, I should be fine. I am not like I used to be. I can heal faster because I experienced two major surgeries in my life. One was a quick recover while the other I learn to accept death.

Why did I learn to accept death? Because life is so short now that I am closer to 40 years old.

I learn that life can be crazy. I learn that love can hurt. I learn that I just need to accept things better.

Just know, I did love and care for this person. But I understand why we broke up. After all, we both agree it was for the best.

I hope we both learn from our mistakes.

But... I am still attracted to people younger than me. Sorry.

Well, I will move on now. I am no longer hurting as bad I was before. I forgave him. I have to move on. Because I have a life of books and games and movies and more to catch up with.

So... yes, I am ready to talk about it.

See you all another time... and hopefully, this time, I can be better.

And fix the problems that led to this decision.

Chaos and Flame: Two different worlds, one romance. A review of Chaos and Flame by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland.

      Title: Chaos & Flame

Author: Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland

Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Thank you bookishfirst for this book!

I know it took me a while to get through this book but I wanted to enjoy it no matter what.

This is a story that started a war after a death. Then there's a vision of a girl.

Two enemies who becomes lovers with a huge plot twist which I won't reveal because you really have to read the book in order to figure that out.

The characters are all born with boons which is sort like a gift. Caspian, who was born with a vision boon, could see things that nobody wants to know.

Talon, who is the younger brother of Caspian, always felt left out so he just do what he does best... fight wars.

Darling, who doesn't know who she was until later in the story... she does have problems with her vision which I thought was interesting in this book.

Everything about this book is wonderful.

I was sitting on the edge of my seat when I finally got to the ending and really want to know more.

Yes, I will be getting the second book just to find out what happens next.

I do recommend this book!

I want a sisters grimm: My Review of The Sisters Grimm by Menna van Praag

 Title: The Sisters Grimm
Author: Menna van Praag




Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Imagine as a child, you find out that you have sisters, only to forget once you're a teenager. As it gets closer to your 18th birthday, you have to choose what your destiny is. Or die.

This book tells a story of four girls who learned that they are sisters and share the same father.

Each sister has a different power. And this is a journey towards their fateful birthday.

My view of this book is that it's interesting. I only rate this 4 because it took me forever to get done with the book. That is my own fault.

I really enjoy the characters.

Though, the ending was really unexpected.

The structure of the chapters and characters is beautiful in my opinion.

This might not be for everybody, I still would recommend it. Just make sure you don't get lost with all the characters. Also, to note... there are parts that you might get confused... just know the main character is actually Goldie. That way, you'll know who is talking more.

I feel like this book will be underrated.

Oh, I bought this book because I won the second book. It'll be a while before I get to that one so be prepared for the review in the near future!

February Monthly Favorites - Uh... There Was None... But News

 I know that this is a bit late to post, but things haven't been the best for me for the past few weeks.

As you can see, I had a life changing moment which I do not want to spend time talking about here.

So let's get on with the favorites for February... there was nothing to list.

I know it's lame to mention this here, but life did happen and I am just now recovering from it.

The only reason why I don't want to mention much here... is because I wanted to make sure all is right. In a month or two, I will mention this to you all. When I am more ready to tell the world.

I will be writing more reviews here soon... hopefully really soon.

I am going to be doing more VRChat related content here and on my YouTube channel starting in April. As I want to spend time in March trying to catch up with stuff.

However, although I am not finish with the book just yet... Sisters Grimm by Menna va Praag is actually supposed to go under February Favorites... so I think I will let that side and move it to March.

I also will be adding more reviews to not only books, but video games, movies, tv shows, youtubers, podcasts, products, worlds from VRChat and so much more.

As I want to try to monetize my blog as much as possible.

So... with that in mind.

Stay tune!

January Monthly Review and Reflection

Hello!

While I know it is February and I know it's time for a new update.

This update will list all the books, movies, tv shows, and more that I watched and finished in January. But I also wanted to add some personal things that has been going on in the past month as well.


Let's start with the personal things.

For those that don't know, the reason why I wanted to limit how much I post on my blog is because I find the things I was writing not worth it anymore. Then I found my calling... book reviews. But I want to expand my blog to more than just that.

Alright, at the same time, I was dealing with a pain in my right hip that kept causing me not to focus on things and kept me awake as well. In January, I vowed to do anything to get rid of that pain. So after finally getting a doctor to order a MRI test (long story short, insurance wanted me to do other things), I was able to find out why I was dealing with pain. Apparently, there is a small hip labral tear o my right hip. Now, I haven't taken surgery just yet, but there is still a strong possibility in the future that I will be getting surgery. However, the doctor suggested an injection because the pain that I was feeling didn't add up to where the tear was... And yes, I got the injection. Now I don't want to jinx it much but it has helped a bit better than expected. I don't go back again until March so I won't post an update on this until then.

And I was having trouble with my liver enzymes going up... so far, that's back to normal as long as I don't take any pain relievers over the counter. Now you know why I've been dealing with pain in my right hip.

I am thankful for the doctor finding my hip problem after so long. I am holding off the decision for surgery until the future or if it's needed.

Now I read a total of 4 books: They are Unseelie, The Hermes Protocol. When Faith Meets Therapy: Find Hope and a Practical Path to Emotional, Spiritual, and Relational Healing and Bliss Montage. I only reviewed two of these books on this blog. The other two, I reviewed on Goodreads only. I am currently reading Ocean's Echo which is not my favorite so far. It's an okay read. I haven't decided whether or not to do a review on my blog as well as Goodreads yet... but we shall see.

Movies... I don't remember all of them, but I really enjoyed The Yin Yang Master movies. I really love movies from China because they have beautiful stories and more.

TV Shows: Willow was wonderful. I really hope they make a season 2 of the show because it deserves one. New Amsterdam finally ended which was sad, but a good way to end. Big Sky ended as well and I thought that was a good ending for it. I have started other shows and trying to finished more shows which through the year, I will mention those.

I just stated playing a new game called Star Ocean: The Define Force... it's actually pretty good even though it only got 7 out of 10 rating from other reviewers.

So... that's the monthly review and reflection.

For the new month, I am looking forward to doing more to my health and reading more. I am also challening myself with two letter writing challenges. I will mention more of those for another monthly review and reflection in March.

Until then, I will enjoy the month.

Writers/Authors Who Are Awesome

Pick out three, creative people who inspire you. If they collaborated to make a product, what would the product be? If those three people created something awesome with all their skills, what would it be? Create that and then share your process and inspiration.

This going to be author/writer edition of this idea.

The first person would be Holly Black. I would love to work with her to make a lore of the fae in Kentucky. I'm sure she would love to learn more about the Tommy Knockers. She already creates something awesome with her skill but I would love to see her expand the fae to more adult like.

The second person would be Jonathan Maberry. He has made amazing books such as Rot and Ruin. These books were the best thing about zombies for YA. I would like to work with him by making a different perspective for zombies. Or anything else. I want to add a magical effect to the world of zombies by adding elves and more. I would like to see him do more projects. I noticed he has another book out that I haven't read yet, but planning to do so one day.


The third person is Victoria Aveyard. She is the author of Realm Breaker series and Red Queen series. I would love to work with her at making more stories about swords but crystals. I think she is really good at what she does.

And so this is all three of who inspires me. I know there are more out there but that is for another time.

You are welcome to give me an idea for this random topic above. I did got this from having different blog ideas so you are welcome to use the topic for a creative person who inspires you too.

A Fun Cyberpunk Book! A Review to The Hermes Protocol by Chris M. Arnone

      Title: The Hermes Protocol

Author:Chris M. Arnone

Rating: 4 stars

Review: When I won this book from bookishfirst, I was surprised and happy since I don't read a lot of science fiction novels.

This book was actually fun to read! From the very start, I had a good laugh as the main character (whom I learn why she is like that), tries to do her job and only keeps getting into trouble after another.

I am sure the book is not meant to be that funny but either way, it was a fun book to follow.

Everything about this book screams cyberpunk and futuristic elements.

I just wanted more with this book. I love how the book kept using pronouns because I can see that using pronouns would be important in the future.

It starts out with a heist, ends up with a mystery and action in their hands. So many twists and turns that made me want to read more and see what happens next!

The main comedy relief is the AI voice in the whole book. Believe me, you would just laugh each time you read about it.

Definitely a fun read!
       

Such A Wonderful Book: A Review of Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman

1. Thank you Bookish First.
2. I am so glad that I finally finished this book.

I really enjoyed this book a lot and love the representation of autism from a autistic author. Everything about the book makes it even wonderful to read more.

When Iselia (Seelie) realizes that she needed to protect herself and her twin sister, they set out on a journey. Although, they did what they had to in order to survive the world around them.

Seelie did what she could to protect her magic because she's a changeling.

One day, while trying to find treasure, they came across some trouble with two people. Only to figure out that this was the only way to find the treasure so they became allies with these two people.

The whole entire book is full of magic, fights and much more.

I won't spoil the ending, but you really have to read it.

I really do suggest this book to anyone. Not only because it's a good book, but a good representation to autism and their struggles with understanding things.

This book is straight up... 5 stars! I cannot wait for the second and final book to come out!