Book Review 📖 To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

The first time I read To Kill a Kingdom I wasn't a fan, but I thought I'll try again. Unfortunately, my opinion hasn't changed.

The premise of the story was interesting which what made me pick the book up (as well as that beautiful cover), but the execution was a letdown.

The first 100 pages was so boring, it was all talk and no action. I know it was build up so we know what world we are in and what does what, but I think it could've been done differently. Maybe slowly throughout the book, instead of dumped at the beginning. The beginning is what drags you in, not make you skim through just to get to the "good stuff".

Things started happening after 100 pages, but even then I was mainly rolling my eyes and bored out of my brain. It also made me really confused, and not because of my skipping the first 100 pages, but the main male character (which I have forgotten his name all of a sudden). <i>We</i> know she is a siren turned human, but he doesn't know. Does he treat everyone with that kind of courtesy. For some reason that just made me really angry. Even the rest of the crew felt off, like they are supposed to be strong cool guys and girl, but it came across false.

Maybe it was the author trying to make us see them as tough guys, but it just comes across weak.

I'm sorry, I really wanted to love this book, but it fell flat with me.

My star rating is:

Weekend Reads 📚 #3

Welcome!

Just in case the title doesn’t make any sense, this blog post and hopefully many to come, is just me talking about my reading plans for the weekend.

I’ve seen these sort of thing done mainly on YouTube, sometimes with a reading vlog, but since I have a blog, this is as close as I can get to that.

So, I hope you enjoy.

Nevernight by Jay Kristoff

After buying the final book in the Nevernight trilogy, I had to do a read-a-thon/marathon (or whatever you want to call it), of all the books.
I've also come to the realisation that I really need to start and finish series. There are so many series that I've started and just either never got around to finishing, or I pick up other books.

So, from now on, my plan is to start and finish a series. Obviously if the series hasn't finished yet (looking at you George RR Martin), then I'll read what is out so far.

Back to Nevernight; I've just started and I'm loving it. I love the badassery (it's now a word), of Mia. And even though when I first read it, the writing style was "difficult", I'm actually enjoying it now. Maybe I'm just used to Jay Kristoff's writing now.



Until next time, happy reading

Book Review 📖 Mythos by Stephen Fry

Book One

Stephen Fry's Great Mythology

I loved every bit of it.

I thought I knew a bit of Greek Mythology, but after reading this, I've come to the realisation I only knew a smidgen of it.

Even though all the stories were fascinating, and how certain things came to be, the Gods and Goddesses are all insane. I'm shocked people worshipped them back then after the way the Gods treated them. I definitely don't want to catch the eye of any of them, especially Zeus. Hera scares me.

The modern telling by Stephen Fry was great. It was perfectly witty while also talking to us in modern terms. Hopefully that makes sense, lets just say, there is a lot of words that are used that wouldn't have been used back then.

I don't know what else I can say except I highly recommend this book, even if you aren't interested in Greek Mythology.
Cannot wait to read Heroes.

My star rating is:

List of Scottish Monarchs ⚜️

If you don’t know already, I love Scotland.

Everything about this country and its people, it just brings me joy.

So, when I was thinking about what to post next, it had to be something about this amazing country. I’ve already posted about quick facts on Mary, Queen of Scots, so who else… Why not all of them.

Here is a list of all the monarchs:

House of Alpin

848 – 1034

House of Dunkeld

1034 – 1286

House of Sverre

1286 – 1290

First Interregnum

1290 – 1292

House of Balliol

1292 – 1296

Second Interregnum

1296 – 1306

House of Bruce

1306 – 1371

House of Stewart/Stuart

1371 – 1651

Third Interregnum

1651 – 1660

House of Stuart

1660 - 1707

Weekend Reads #2 📚

Welcome!

Just in case the title doesn’t make any sense, this blog post and hopefully many to come, is just me talking about my reading plans for the weekend.

I’ve seen these sort of thing done mainly on YouTube, sometimes with a reading vlog, but since I have a blog, this is as close as I can get to that.

So, I hope you enjoy.

Mythos by Stephen Fry

This month didn't start the way I planned, then again, anything I plan never "goes to plan". I got sick with the flu for a week, and once I though I got better, I woke up with an ear infection. Reading was definitely not an option.

I still have an ear infection, but with the thanks of antibiotics, I'm feeling slightly better (knock on wood). So, to make up for my lack of reading, I'm going to non-stop read while I can.

I'm really loving this book, I'm learning so much about Greek mythology that I thought I knew, but obviously not. I also appreciate the writing style of Stephen Fry, he has great comedic timing and he tells this for anyone to understand.



Until next time, happy reading

Book Review 📖 Eggshell Skull by Bri Lee

WOW! I don't know how to express how much I appreciate this book. Bri Lee is a strong woman for doing what she did and what she continues to do.

There were a lot of things that I felt strongly about throughout the book, but there was one that I stood by the most; I do believe that teaching children about consent, for boys and girls. 
As a mother, things like this scare me daily. I want to wrap them up in bubble wrap and never let them see the dark side of this world. Saying that, it's also my responsibility to teach them right from wrong and what to be aware of.

I don't know how many times I had to put the book down because of my frustration. Not at Bri, but what she was going through and all those court cases she witnessed. Some days I hate humans, but I know there are good people out there. Somewhere.

When my children are older, I'll definitely give this book to them. Not to scare them, but to be aware and never back down.

Well done Bri on this amazing book, I cannot wait to read more of your work.

My star rating is:

Quick Facts ⚜️ Mary, Queen of Scots

For anyone who is unaware, I should warn you now. I am obsessed with Mary, Queen of Scots.

I find her to be a fascinating woman, who was Queen when she was only six days old. Not only do I love her because she was Queen of my favourite country, but I love her story. Even though it can be seen as a tragedy.

So, just letting you know there will probably be a lot of posts about her. You have been warned.

This post is just quick facts on Mary.

Born

8 December 1542

Died

8 February 1587 (44)

Burial

30 July 1587

Peterborough Cathedral

28 October 1612

Westminster Abbey

House

Stewart/Stuart

Father

James V of Scotland

Mother

Mary of Guise

Queen of Scotland

Reign

14 December 1542 – 24 July 1567

Coronation

9 September 1543

Stirling Castle

Queen consort of France

Tenure

10 July 1559 – 5 December 1560

Spouse

Francis II of France

24 April 1558 – 5 December 1560

Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley

29 July 1515 – 11 June 1560

James Hepburn, 4^th Earl of Bothwell

15 May 1567 – 14 April 1578

Children

(with Henry Stuart)

James VI of Scotland

19 June 1566

Stay tuned for following posts where I go into more detail of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Writing Diaries ☕ My Writing

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an author.

I think my love for books and the author’s ability to captivate me in their words, have always inspired me.

However, I’m 33 years old and I have yet to do anything about it.

I have attempted to join NaNoWriMo a few times, and failed, and I’ve also tried to write on other days. But for some reason, once I get into it, I just think this whole thing is stupid.

Not the writing part or wanting to write, but my lack of ability to write what I’m thinking into legible words. My mind instantly tells me that no one will read this. Just like this sentence made no sense...

Never fear, after I found out that my son and his school friends are actually going to create a book (and publish it and send it out for the world to read), and he proudly tells me that he will be the first author in the family. Yes, my kid hits me where it hurts, I want to not only prove to my kids, but also myself, that I can do whatever I want if I put my mind to it.

I’ve always wanted to write books, what is stopping me but my stupid brain. Well, I can tell her where to go and just do it.

I’m writing this mainly because I want this to be my motivation. I want to update how I’m going and if I’m feeling down, just a nice kick up the bum to get me moving.



Until next time, happy writing

Mythathon TBR 📚

I was on YouTube and saw a new video from Brittany the Bibliophile about a read-a-thon; Mythathon. After watching it, I had to join.

The read-a-thon goes for the whole month of August, with challenges depending on what element or god or goddess you choose.

There is a lot to explain, but if you are curious, check out their Twitter and YouTube.

I’ve decided to go with Aphrodite which is with Brittany.

The challenges and what I’ll be reading are:

-Aphrodite is known for having multiple types of lovers.

Read a book with LGBTQ main character.

Mythos by Stephen Fry

-Aphrodite owned a girdle that contained her enchantments.

Read a book with a powerful main character who is also very feminine.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

-Worldwide artists continue to create stunning sculptures in the name of Aphrodite.

Read an award winning book.

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari

-Aphrodite is the Goddess of protection.

Read an adult book with a child main character or a middle grade book.

The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan

-Read the group book. Which is;

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

I’ll be updating, hopefully, on my Twitter and Instagram pages.

Until next time, happy reading