The Rose and the Dagger (The Wrath and the Dawn #2) - Renee Ahdieh [Review]

Book: The Rose and the Dagger (The Wrath and the Dawn #2)

Author: Renee Ahdieh

Published: 26th April 2016

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers

Pages: 420

Rating: 3/5 stars

Following on from The Wrath and the Dawn, comes the conclusion to the duology, The Rose and the Dagger. I was fully expecting to love this book, and whilst I enjoyed it, I was left a little disappointed.

However, I will say that this book is, like the first, beautifully written. Ahdieh has such a way with words and that is really what carries this book first and foremost. There is a stunning poetry to words, which I loved. I also enjoyed the magical elements (would have liked more) and the setting is spectacular.

So, why didn't I love it? A few reasons: 

1) The story is incredibly slow moving in the first two thirds of the book. Although there is a lot of talking, and thinking, the story never really progresses, and I was waiting with baited breath for something to happen.

2) To perhaps make up for the slow moving first and second act, the last segment of the book (just over 100 pages or so) moves incredibly fast. Like, I'm talking lightning speed fast. There were so many plot twists and turns in this segment that I was left thinking - why couldn't this have been spread out evenly throughout the first two parts?

3) Significant trials from the first book are accomplished in this book with relative ease. I'm particularly referencing the curse on Khalid from the first book here. Everything seems to slot into place and the curse really plays no big factor in this book at all. It's all very convenient and anti-climatic. 

4) Strange and lacking character developments. Some characters seem to act ridiculously out-of-character, and particularly in the last couple of pages, characters are discarded, killed, revealed to be good guys etc. in rather implausible ways. I would have also liked to see more development of other characters, like Artan, or Rahim. The only two characters who maintain basically the same foundations are Shazi and Khalid. 

Ultimately, I felt like there was too much to accomplish in this book, and that for only a duology, the book moved incredibly slowly to start off with. Although I enjoyed the ~girl power~ moments, all the enjoyable segments were segregated to the end of the book, at which point I had slightly lost interest. 

The Wrath and the Dawn worked for me because it was a story rich with detail and romance. There were supporting characters, but the story was mainly about Shazi and Khalid. As a standalone, I loved it. However, it feels like the loose threads left by The Wrath and the Dawn needed to be tied up in a much more progressive manner, as opposed to what was presented in The Rose and the Dagger. 

Captain America: Civil War (2016) Review

"Are we still friends?"
"That depends on how hard you hit me." 

Let’s face it, if anyone said 5 years ago that Captain America was their favourite Avenger, you’d probably be laughing in their face. But somehow over the years – however inexplicable – ol’ Cap seems to have snuck his way into the hearts of millions. How? By being the main character in some serious and actually rather good Marvel movies. After all, Hulk movies up until now have been a write-off, we’re still waiting for a Black Widow movie and Iron Man’s 3 film outing is actually pretty forgettable (Pepper who?). After The Avengers (see: good) and the second, Age of Ultron (see: terrible)0, it almost seemed as if people were getting bored of watching superhero films and studios were getting bored of making them. But fear not dear citizens, the man-with-the-shield heard your cries for good entertainment and is here to deliver you cinematic enjoyment.

Needless to say, Captain America: Civil War is unashamedly packed to bursting point, with more comic book characters in a movie than both of the Avenger films, and full of hero-on-hero combat. Questioning the effectivity of heroes and villains and the devastation both cause, the film pits two teams against each other: Team Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Team Cap (Chris Evans). Oh yeah, and there’s some convoluted sub-plot about winter soldiers and Bucky’s past – all of which seem secondary to the actual heroes fighting each other storylines (perhaps not the effect they were going for). Team Iron Man consists of new characters Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and Spider-man (Tom Holland), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Vision (Paul Bettany) and War Machine (Don Cheadle), whilst Team Cap consists of Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Falcon (Anthony Mackie), Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner).

The film itself echoes the love-hate relationship between characters, as some action scenes are utterly engaging and well-devised – like Black Widow’s opening fight scene – while other elements seem out of place, such as Black Panther’s forced storyline, no doubt designed to introduce the character’s own stand-alone movie. Regardless, the new characters remain intriguing and Tom Holland’s performance as Spider-Man is thoroughly likeable and charismatic as the energised but inquisitive teen who seems just thrilled to be there. True to form though, this enjoyable scene occurs randomly just after Black widow has been almost choked to death and everyone is bloody and bruised; a bit of an odd placement for such a light-hearted moment.

While some characters are finally given some screen-time and scenes they deserve, such as Black Widow and Scarlet Witch, as we are allowed more insight into their hidden conflicts, personal viewpoints and development. Not to mention Johansson and Olsen’s performances are commendable, and probably some of the best. However, this seems to be at the expense of Sharon Carter (Emily VanCamp), who makes a brief appearance to serve as a fleeting love interest for Cap – right after love-of-his-life Peggy Carter has died. No, seriously, the funeral just happened. The whole affair is awkward and it seems a shame that she was relegated to such an abysmal role. Poor Sharon, and poor Emily VanCamp (think a girl needs to get her Revenge). While Downey Jr’s Iron Man seems to have regressed back into a petulant child, Evans’ Cap and Stan’s Bucky make for an unusual duo, and their partnership is compelling, as they both struggle with the consequences of their past lives. The overall instalment does well to tie up almost every loose end in this regard, and you are left with a renewed sense of understanding.

Unfortunately, the movie falters in places as the narrative loses its way after the first opening, and doesn’t regain momentum until the big fight scene (the one you’ve seen in all the trailers) in the latter half of the movie. It is a matter of overstuffing, as there is so much going on from each hero that the different storylines are never fully expanded on or explained, and you’re left guessing on some elements.

It goes without saying that the action sequences and special effects are lovingly crafted and structured to full-effect, drawing audiences in with every kick, explosion and magical power fights. This is perhaps what Marvel does best, and the production is exceptional in this aspect.

However, if you’re looking to rekindle your love affair with Marvel after the severely lacklustre of Age of Ultron then this will likely do it for you, provided you can hang on through its immensely long running time. So, if you want to see Black Widow kick ass, Tony Stark struggle with his huge ego, Captain America’s shiny shield, Bucky’s killer arm, Scarlet Witch’s interpretive dance moves with her telekinesis, and Ant-Man being…well…ant sized, then this shouldn’t disappoint.

Captain America has always been the series that is a bit more self-reflective, critically thinking, and immerses itself in the acts of espionage, war, and betrayal, so it comes as no surprise that these are prevalent in this instalment. It’s like Marvel-meets-Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (if Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy wasn’t such an unbearably dull film). A perfect film to view with your very own frenemies. 

A Court of Mist and Fury (ACOTAR #2) - Sarah J. Maas [Review]

Book: A Court of Mist and Fury

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Published: 3rd May 2016

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Pages: 626


Rating: 5/5 stars

It's going to be hard for me to write this review. I have a lot of feelings. Primarily: Dear god, I cannot wait another year for the sequel.

I'd like to preface this review with a small cautionary note: If you have read the first book, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and found yourself absolutely smitten with the, er, romance and epic love story between Feyre and Tamlin, you might not be the biggest fan of this book.

A Court of Mist and Fury is a LOT different to the first in the series. This is not a bad thing. I enjoyed the first book (in fact, you can count it among one of my favourite reads from last year), and although I found myself definitely surprised by the development of the story in ACOMAF, I absolutely loved every page.

Now, although the plot in this book serves to essentially set up the third book (as many second books do), that is not to say the story becomes complacent. One of the biggest draws of ACOMAF is the absolutely extreme levels of character development that happen throughout the book. Now, some readers may dislike the way that certain characters develop (~rhymes with Famlin~), however, I believe Maas chose to wrote a more daring story-line (one that in my opinion, is less stagnant), and I applaud her for that.

The way in which Feyre develops throughout this novel is astounding, and frankly, much appreciated. Let's not mince words - she died in the previous book. She was absolutely stone-cold dead. And then she was brought back. Obviously, she is not going to be the same person that she once was. She was naive, a little foolish, a dreamer, and swooned off her feet. If you are looking for a quaint fairy-tale ending for her, A Court of Thorns and Roses delivered. However, A Court of Mist and Fury, I believe, portrays a more accurate reality of what would happen after the fairy-tale 'ended'. Feyre's charm comes from her determination, her creativity, and her desire to dream and I'm glad this was not lost during this book.

Rhys, the other significant character in this novel, has all of his usual charm (and bite) from the previous book, but we get to see much more of him, of his past, and how he mirrors Feyre in a lot of ways. Other notable new character additions include Amren (my personal favourite), Mor, Cassian and Azriel. With the introduction of these complex and layered characters, the story never drags, despite it's length (over 600 pages, y'know).

The setting is beautiful. Maas really excels in describing the scenery: the Court of Nightmares, Velaris, the Rainbow, all come alive throughout the novel, and it was very easy to get lost in the pages. There is romance, although it was my kind of romance. Which is complimentary, but not overpowering. Passionate, but not sickly sweet. Important, but not the primary plot. And although there is a scattering of sex scenes, (so bear this in mind), it's not too distracting.

Ultimately, this is a truly captivating read, and the ending horrified and intrigued me in equal measure. Boy, does Maas know how to make people want to read a sequel.

The Forbidden Wish - Jessica Khoury [Review]

Book: The Forbidden Wish

Author: Jessica Khoury

Published: 23rd February 2016

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 352

Rating: 5/5 stars 

Wow, did I love this book. I had heard good things before I decided to pick it up, but, guys, I'm super impressed. 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5. 

The Forbidden Wish is a beautiful re-imagining of the story of Aladdin, full of magic, action and romance. 

The writing is rich and imaginative; the magic of the Jinn was described with such ease, and it was so easy to get lost in the sprawling desert landscapes and wondrous palaces. 

I loved the depth of the characters, my favourite being Zahra. Zahra is the jinni of the lamp, bound to serve the owner and grant them three wishes. She has served many a cruel and selfish master, and after around 4,000 years of such an existence, she has grown bitter and without hope. Basically, the girl needs some beauty sleep - but she can't sleep, the Jinn don't sleep (bummer). 

However when Aladdin finds her, he reawakens the hope she has lost and rekindles the fire within her soul. Aladdin is charming, albeit a little foolish, and he reads very similarly to the Aladdin others might be familiar with. He is the perfect companion to bring out Zahra's loving and kind nature (although he is not the first to do so). I love that the story is told from Zahra's perspective as opposed to Aladdin's. 

The princess, Caspida, is feisty and defiant and yearns to be a just ruler, and her hand-maidens are super bad-ass. Their sections of the story were among my favourite (sign me up for that girl gang, plz).

The romance in the story is lush and enchanting, and I very much enjoyed this element - which is saying something as I'm not normally one for a lot of romance (pass the bucket) - but this was really captivating and truly genuine.

I also enjoyed the little touches, like how Zahra occasionally addressed her thoughts to Roshana, the friend she had once lost, calling her Habiba (dear friend). It really added another dimension to the story, and I loved the sentiment. 

The descriptions of the Jinn remind me of Rebel of the Sands (Alwyn Hamilton), which is probably another reason why I enjoyed this book, as I loved the Rebel of the Sands. I liked the darkness of the Jinn, they aren't 'watered down' or anything like that. They are wondrous in description, but they are truly cruel and deceptive. 

The ending is satisfying and beautiful, and was an excellent conclusion the novel. 

Overall, this is an enchanting read, and I would encourage everyone to give it a go, even if fantasy or re-tellings aren't really your thing. The writing is superb. 

Outlander Season 2 Premiere [Review + Recap]

This year's power couple

Yes, that's right folks, everyone's favourite historical drama is back! 

Outlander Season 2 premiered on Saturday night (09/04) on STARZ, and was available for all us UK folks on Amazon Instant Video on Sunday. 

But what did Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) get up to in this season's premiere?

When we last left the dynamic duo, Claire had just told Jamie she was pregnant and they hugged, and kissed, and all of us viewers swooned, and it was very cute.

Of course, that shit couldn't last, because as the new episode opens, Claire is somehow back in dreary 'present day' (1948, for her), and Jamie's gone, and she's crying and I'm screaming to the heavens - WHYYYY.

Claire leaves the mystic ruins and wanders along some random road and is discovered by a wee old Scottish man who somehow doesn't have the urge to run away from her (even after she grabs him by his coat screaming WHAT YEAR IS IT), and just like that, she's in a hospital waiting for her darling Jamie Frank to come pick her up.

Frank comes into her room, clearly dumbstruck that his wife that left him two years ago is suddenly back, and safe. He is thrilled, although I can't help but feel he would have moved on in the space of TWO YEARS. But clearly Claire's the gal for him, it doesn't even matter that she shagged some other dude and is now pregnant - we all make mistakes, amirite?

Okay, Frank's not the best thrilled when Claire eventually admits the truth to him, although he seemingly doesn't think she's bat-shit crazy - even though most of us, when confronted with the absolutely absurd tale of magical stones and hot Scottish guys in kilts would think she was. So, er, I guess that's something?

But let's get real. Who actually thinks Claire and Frank make the best pairing? Seriously. They're chemistry is now non-existent and I'm sure the fact that he bares a really fucking striking resemblance to renowned torturer and rapist Captain Jack Randall is really going to help along their relationship.

And the award for most boring man in the world goes to...

C'mon Outlander, take us back to the land of thrilling fights, stunning scenery and buckets of alcohol, please. Anyway, Frank and Claire eventually decide to raise the growing baba as their own, albeit with a few conditions. Frank must never mention the word 'flog' in Claire's presence (I agree), and Claire must agree to let go of her ghost-husband and stop trying to find out if he did really die (and to that I say to you, thanks, but no thanks).

Frank reveals he has an offer from Harvard and they all move to Boston. Oh boy (zzzzz).

And with a change of scene we are back in past-day and Claire and Jamie have just landed in France. What we've all been waiting for!!! Even though there's only like 20 minutes of the programme left - DAMMIT.

What everyone actually wants to see

Claire and Jamie find somewhere to chill and after some lengthy conversation (Jamie admits he still has flashbacks of Randall, Claire comforts) they agree to try and stop the Jacobite uprising to try and prevent a monumental loss of life. Murtagh (Duncan Lacroix) is angry the dynamic duo won't tell him why they are doing all this random shit and Jamie reassures Murtagh he will tell him the truth 'when it's time' and Murtagh seems to accept this...with literally zero complaints. Er, Okay, great then, I guess?

Jamie and Claire meet with Jared Fraser (first step of their plan) who is skeptical of Jamie's sudden interest in politics, to which Jamie strips off (yes, everyone, this is the moment you have been waiting for) and that appears to be all the answer Jared needs. Jamie wants to meet the Jacobite leaders, Jamie and Jared barter for a bit, and they agree that Jamie will take over Jared's wine business whilst he is in the West Indies because he's got a 'really good head for figures'... er, if you say so Jared. JC also get the run of Jared's Paris home whilst he's away and a share of the profits. Super duper!

Later, Claire is walking along the docks and comes across some sickly fellas with apparent smallpox. After Claire's expert medical assessment (yup, it's smallpox), our new baddie le Comte St. Germain (Stanley Weber) is pissed because now his ship and all its cargo has to be burnt to prevent the spread of infection, as the sickly fellas were from his crew (erm, soz dude).

hint: I am the villain

Cue: death stare from St. Germain and sassy retort from Claire (what a babe). J+C ride away in a carriage watching the burning ship and St. Germain works his best 'plotting villain' face. It's all very dramatic.

And that's it.

Summary of the episode: Too much Frank, not enough Jamie (but when is there ever enough Jamie?)

All joking aside, although it was nice to revisit present-day Claire and see how she would adjust back into her old life, it could have taken up slightly less of the episode, to make more room for what we all came for: thrilling adventures from team JC.

Next week we expect to see:
1. More unnecessary shirtless Jamie
2. More pantomime villains
3. More sassy Claire
4. More characters who are inexplicably fluent in French