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| Unicorn Crate, ft. The Light Between Worlds, Hogwarts bookmark, Unicorn Berries wax melt, Rivendell tea, Peter Pan socks, Wizard of Oz pin, Narnia tote, etc. |
Screen Subplots
Once Upon a Time Season 6
I finally finished watching this season! It only took me all year, wow. Overall, it was a bit disappointing, but there were enough good parts that it wasn’t a total write-off. I was hoping for a more epic conclusion, especially with all the build-up. And I really don’t know what to expect of season 7 . . . I haven’t heard much good about it. I feel like they maybe should’ve quit at season 6.
Rich Man
I started my first K-drama with my sisters, and so far we’ve seen just one episode.
The Fellowship of the Ring
I actually watched the first half of this a couple months ago with a friend, and we recently watched the second half. (After baking butter tarts. Because Christmas.)
The Incredibles 2
THIS WAS SO GOOD. It definitely didn’t suffer from the sequel blues! In fact, I’d say it was just as good as the first one. I’m glad they stayed true to the heart of it. (Best part: JACK JACK.)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
More thoughts on the actual story in a moment, since I read the book this month too, but as far as the movie goes–it was good, but didn’t meet all my book-inspired expectations. It could’ve been more cohesive, I think, and it missed some of my favorite parts of the book. Lupin was cool, however. (I didn’t expect him to be played by David Thewlis, whom I’ve seen only in villainous roles up til this point!)
Page Storylines
The Scorpio Races // Maggie Stiefvater
This one is now tied with All the Crooked Saints as my favorite Stiefvater book, and it’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year!
The island of Thisby crackled with life. The characters were full of a spark of their own, too, painfully lifelike in their hopes and hurts and mannerisms. Puck Connolly reminded me at times very much of myself. Sean Kendrick stole my heart from page one. Together, their slow burn romance was A+. The story itself carries the emotions of best horse stories, while steering clear of most of the inherent clichés. The cappall uisce are downright terrifying, I want ten November cakes right now, and I plan to reread this lovely, haunting book next year! 5 stars!
Omega Dragon // Bryan Davis
Well, this concludes my epic year of rereading all twelve Dragons in Our Midst/Oracles of Fire/Children of the Bard books! What a joy to revisit these characters and relive their adventures, right to the apocalyptic (yet satisfying) end.
In this final instalment, explosions and gunfire rock the land, paths between worlds have become fraught with danger, and many dear characters shed sacrificial blood . . . some even to the point of death. Matt and Lauren have come far in such a short span of time. They’re now right at home in their lineage of brave heroes. And that final chapter–it was the sigh of relief and contentment after a wild ride. 5 stars!
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban // J.K. Rowling
My favorite HP book yet! This plot takes a more ominous turn, thanks to the Dementors. I can’t help but love Harry more as he struggles with a far darker and more difficult reaction to these creatures than his friends do. Also Lupin is hands-down the wisest and kindest adult in Hogwarts, aside from Dumbledore himself.
The ending had more twists than I expected, and all my favorite parts are too spoilery to talk about–so I won’t. But a certain person is AWESOME, and a certain spell is ALSO AWESOME. 5 stars!
[Currently planning to finish two more books by the end of the month: The Sacred Enneagram by Christopher L. Heuertz and Horseman by Kyle Robert Schultz. Will update post with reviews if successful.]
Written Subplots
I HAVE EXCITING NEWS!It’s been a great month! Between Christmas and family and good books and the news about Dead Magic, I have a lot to be thankful for. I hope your December was kind to you, too.
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P.S. I’m keeping this post short on purpose, because a yearly wrap-up/looking-ahead-to-2019 post is coming up soon! There will also be a “Books of 2018” post, featuring mini reviews of allll the books I read this year! And I don’t want you getting sick of me. 😉
Congratulations on your story being accepted!! That’s so exciting!!! 🙂
And Merry Christmas to you as well! I hope you have a great rest of 2018 (what’s left of it, anyways. XD).
Thank you, Nicole! I am pretty excited. 😀
Well, I hope 2019 is off to a great start for you! Happy New Year!
I gave up on Once UpOn A Time half way through Season Two hahaha! And that KDrama looks so good! How can one watch it?
I can't wait to read Dead Magic! I just subscribed so I wouldn't miss it along with Jessi Roberts story. So exciting 🙂
keturahskorner.blogspot.com
I know I’m not Tracey but hey, I’m one of her sisters who showed her the k-drama! XD
I found an online site that has a bunch of Korean dramas and shows you can watch for free! It’s called “Viki” and although it’s free, there are quite a few ads if you watch longer episode of shows. To me, it’s worth it and I wouldn’t pay monthly for it to be ad-free.
I’d try Viki if you want to watch Rich Man! ^.^
Ok, thanks! I will check that out ;D
Keturah: Well, I really enjoyed MOST of Once… in MOST of the seasons… but yeah, I don't begrudge anyone for dropping it. 😛
Thank you, friend! I recently subscribed too, because I don't want to miss any of the stories. ^_^
Lostfairy: Hey sis, thanks for helping out! I wouldn't know where to send anyone. XD
So many awesome shows and movies devoured! 😀 I agree with everything you said about season 6 of OUAT. It had some good stuff, but completely lost the magic of the first seasons. And season 7…yeah. It totally loses the charm, in my opinion. I don't really regret watching it though. It kept my interest well enough, but it kind of felt like an ENTIRELY different show…
I've been marathoning the Harry Potter movies this week! 😀 I've made it to The Goblet of Fire thus far. I REALLY enjoyed The Prisoner of Azkaban movie, but I do agree it came up short on the charm of the novel. But it's to be expected I suppose. I keep reminding myself they can only fit in so much, even if I really, really want EVERYTHING to be in the movie. XD
I looove how you read all the DIOM books this year. Doing one for each month since there's 12 is BRILLIANT. I'm extremely considering stealing your idea for 2019, because I've been super in the mood for them!
I'M STILL SO THRILLED ABOUT DEAD MAGIC MAKING IT INTO HAVOK. But not surprised at all because IT'S SO GOOD! But EEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! SO HAPPY FOR YOU. *GLOMPS*
And I'm happy to hear you had a good December! ^_^ (I just can't believe we're mere days away from 2019!!! :O)
I kinda went crazy as soon as exams were over! XD Sigh… Season 6 was disappointing in that way, I agree. I'm reeeeaaally not sure what to expect of 7. o.O Maybe if I think of it as a sister series instead of a continuing story, I'll like it well enough?
How fun! And I think my opinion of The Prisoner of Azkaban movie has improved slightly upon further thought. They have been remarkably faithful to the books so far, and it's hard to fit everything in, yes!
IT WAS EPIC. 10/10 recommend. (I once thought of doing all twelve back to back, which would've been a bit much.) I'd be honored if you stole the idea. 😉
EEEK, THANK YOU! <3333 I can't wait to see it go live soon!
Happy 2019, my dear!
I really want to see Incredibles 2 😮 It looks super good!
It was fantastic! Definitely a worthy sequel. I hope you get to see it soon! 🙂
Published by Havok? How thrilling! I look forward to seeing Dead Magic in print! I also look forward to that books of 2018 post. I plan on doing one myself.
Thank you, Blue! I'm looking forward to it too! There will be more details on Dead Magic very soon. Oooh, I'll have to remember to check out your list!
We could never get sick of you, Tracey!
Congratulations on getting published in Havok. I am very happy for you, and I expect it's just the beginning of great publishing news to come.
Thanks for all of the reviews. I may just read The Scorpio Races because of your review. I am going to PRN work starting January 13 and hope to have *time* to read again. I'm looking forward to it!! Plus, I hope to come to Realm Makers with my love in July, and I would love to see you there.
Awww. <3
Thank you so much! I'm excited to see what's down the road.
I'm glad the reviews have been helpful. Let me know what you think of The Scorpio Races! It was one of my favorite books this year Enjoy the extra reading time, and I would LOVE to see you at RM this year!!!
That crate is gorgeous! I'm still so excited that your getting published in Havok.
Can't wait to read it!
Isn't it lovely? I'm looking forward to reading The Light Between Worlds.
Awww, thank you, friend! <3
Congrats on your publication!! That's so awesome for you!!
I loved Incredibles 2!!!! It was… incredible. LOL. Definitely the right mix of new and old. Just perfect.
I have got to get my hands on Scorpio Races. I keep hearing great things about it, but I never can seem to get my hands on it. Maybe 2019 will be the year I pick it up.
I hope you have a wonderful 2019!
Thanks so much, Sarah! 😀 There'll be more details on when you can read it soon.
It *was* incredible. XD I was very happy with how it turned out.
YES YOU DO, GRACIOUS ME. Hopefully you find it soon!
Happy New Year to you as well! <3
Whoo!!!! Publication, even online, is EPIC!!!! Can't wait to read Dead Magic (and the title is cool??)!
I'd love to try a book crate someday, but being a person who doesn't prefer loads of magic in my fantasy…it's been hard to find one that would have a book I would enjoy. 🙂
THANK YOU! Ahhh, I so appreciate that. <3
There are so many crates to choose from–but you're right, it's probably harder to find ones that offer fantasy sans magic. 😛
I'm so excited that we're official Havok Author Buddies. (This is a thing, I just made it up. *nods*)
Prisoner of Azkaban is awesome. I can't wait until you get to Order of the Phoenix… which is my favorite of the series. I need to re-read these, it's been many years. Thinking about re-watching them once we've finished Lord of the Rings (which keeps getting interrupted for random re-watches of Psych episodes… LOL)
Incredibles 2 was SO FUN!!!! I totally agree with you about everything.
I haven't watched OUaT since the end of season 3. People keep telling me they were disappointed with all the things and I didn't LOVE the first 3 seasons (when the only characters I like are the villains… that feels like a problem LOL)… so I haven't gotten around to it. Probably will eventually, though…
Looking forward to your coming posts!
Happy New Year!
Havok Author Buddies forevaaahhh! <333 I'm so excited to read Deja Vu. (I subscribed, knowing I'd be late to a lot of stories while in college.)
Oh, Order of the Phoenix is book four, right? Yay! And lol, sounds like quality watching material. *thumbs up* (I… have actually never watched Psych, but I always hear good things whenever it comes up.)
It was hilarious!
Heh, if you didn't love the first three seasons, then maaaybe don't bother continuing. Seasons 2 and 3 were my personal favorites, and parts of 4 and 5 were good… but it's been going downhill since 5. :/ But if you DO get around to, I'll be curious to see what you think!
Thank you, and Happy (belated) New Year, Jenelle!
Order of the Phoenix is book 5. 🙂
Psych is so funny and totally weird. But funny. It doesn't really start to get "good" until about the 8th episode of season 1, but after that it's pure gold.
Currently, my thing to watch by myself is Heartland, which is kind of different for me, but really cute and fun and HORSES and doesn't require me to think too much (and never makes me cringe, the show is VERY clean) which is probably why I enjoy it for my, "Need a break" watching.
Ha, whoopsie! 😛
Funny is good. Funny is up my alley. I really should look into watching it!
Heartland would be one of those feel-good, mindless breaks, from what I know of it!
Oh my goodness! Congratulations on Dead Magic!! I will definitely be on the lookout for that!! (I've been thinking about submitting to Havok, so I can only imagine how exciting it is to have gotten accepted!!! EEK! *flings congratulatory cookies at your face*)
And oh man, Prisoner of Azkaban is probably my favorite Harry Potter book, Lupin is one of my top three favorite characters from those books, as well. XD He's just AMAZING. And he gives people chocolate. WHAT IS NOT TO LOVE ABOUT HIM. 😂 And I'm trying to think of the spell you're talking about and I CANNOT REMEMBER WHICH SPELLS ARE IN THAT BOOK ARGH. 😂 Well, good thing I'm planning on rereading HP this year… 😂😂😂
Ahhh, thank you, Kenzie! ^.^ Details on that are forthcoming! (The folks at Havok have been great to work with, so I say GO FOR IT.) *devours congratulatory cookies*
It seems to be a favorite of many fans! Lupin is MY FAV. I sincerely hope he comes back later in the series because he's too epic to just leave. CHOCOLATE, YES. He's forever handing it out. "Here, eat this, it will make you feel better." XD Oh, the spell I'm referring to is just the Patronus one! XD But it was particularly cool how it played into the ending…
Congrats on your publication! That’s so exciting! I’m so happy for you! I love the Prisoner or Azkaban as well and Lupin and the character I know you’re talking about. 😉
Thank you so much, girl! <3 LUPINNN. And that certain character. 😉 They were both fantastic and I'm really hoping we see more of them!