Life Is Just A Blur

The Words of the Wandering Review

Contains Major Spoilers!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5

Don’t read this review if you’re interested in picking up this series- go look at my reviews for the first two. This is just going to be a collection of my thoughts on this book and will spoil the whole thing. You have been warned.

I’m going to start right at the end— AHHHHH!!!! Why? Like why? How can we end a book in the middle of a battle scene 😳!!!! And I have to wait forever for War of the Woods 😭 (where’s that release date announcement?)

I keep expressing in these reviews that I wish things were made a bit clearer- for example I thought that the piece of the kindred stone in the Owl and the one in Star Solo were two different pieces. So this whole book I thought we were looking for the one in the owl!

Other than that, this book was a good continuation of the series, obviously a bit more of a lead up book for the final. It was a bit slower than the other 2, but we finally got the Fyn and Ivy kiss and a date! (Even though the date goes horribly wrong)

Speaking of the main couple- WHY does every couple in literature have to love triangle/square/shapes-with-even-more-sides?? We finally get some progress and now we have two other people getting in the way!

Anyways, Derwin’s death was shocking and even had me fooled for a little bit, but I quickly saw the hints that he was still alive. Rimbrick’s death was also very shocking and I liked how after we had a fake-out death, we did end up having a real one. However, I really liked Rim and wished we could have seen a bit more of him😢. But I really liked how we finally got to return to Castle Plum before Ivy’s final fight for the crown.

I’m excited to see how the series concludes and I honestly have no idea how it’s going to go down, but I do believe Ivy will finally win her crown (and her man😉 – I want to see Fyn become the King 👑)!

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The Effect of Harry’s Trauma from the Graveyard

Major Spoilers for Harry Potter 1-5. Trigger Warning for depression & PTSD.

I had a friend who was also a big Harry Potter fan and she used to joke about how “emo” Harry was at the start of book 5. I disagreed, as someone who struggled with mental health issues, I believed he was depressed.

My friend was never convinced, but now that I’m a psych student in university, I decided to actually look into it. Turns out there isn’t enough in the text to diagnose Harry with depression, there is, however, enough to diagnose him with PTSD as per the DSM-5 diagnostics.

Firstly, he clearly experienced trauma in the graveyard, both directly when he feared for his own life at the hands of Voldemort and secondhand as he witnessed the death of his friend, Cedric.

Harry is constantly on edge over the summer, thinking and worrying about Voldemort every day and barely sleeping. He has recurring nightmares of Cedric dying, even crying out for him in his sleep.

Despite Dudley bullying him his whole life, for the first time Harry starts to act violent towards him, shoving him into a wall and threatening him with his wand. (PTSD can present itself as violent actions particularly in males.) At school, Harry continues to have angry outbursts towards both his friends and enemies alike.

Harry also shows avoidant behavior as he doesn’t want to talk about Cedric and detachment as he isolates himself from his friends: not telling them about things such as his scar hurting over the summer, the detention with Umbridge (until Herminone sees his hand) when in the past he used to share everything with them.

All of the above are symptoms of PTSD; if you would like to see the proof (quotes from book) or how these points line up to the criteria in the DSM-5, I actually wrote a full paper on this topic for my psych course that I have posted in its entirety on under the “…and More” tab. But this is why I believe Harry does suffer from PTSD in book 5, and with the amount of clear evidence, I believe Rowling did it on purpose.

Disclaimer: I am not a psychologist nor do I have a degree in psychology yet. The only sources I used were the HP books themselves and the DSM-5.

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Nightwing The New 52 Vol 1 Review

Non-spoiler

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

One of my all-time fav characters is Richard (Dick) Grayson: aka the first Robin, aka Nightwing, aka the second Batman.

If you don’t know much about this character or aren’t big into DC, Dick Grayson was a young acrobat in Haly’s Circus. In Gotham, his parents/the Circus owner (depending on the version) refused to pay protection money to a mob family and during a performance that Bruce Wayne (Batman) was at, the trapeze was compromised by the mob and Dick’s parents fell to their deaths. The young orphan was taken in as a ward by Bruce, and when Dick found out his new guardian was Batman, he became the first Robin.

In this series Dick Grayson’s (Nightwing) past with Haley’s Circus is coming back in a way he never expected. It’s a mystery plot the sidekick to the World’s Greatest Detective must figure out on his own. (However this story is connected to what Batman is doing in “A Court of Owls” but I recommend reading Batman vol 1 after as it spoils pretty much the whole plot to Nightwing vol 1).

I love backstory plot lines, and this one was done well: completely changing the perspective without changing the integrity of the original backstory. The motivation behind his parents deaths is different, but not in a way that doesn’t fit in with the backstory we’ve always known for The Flying Graysons.

The art isn’t my fav ever but I love how they do all these images of Nightwing doing flips (see second picture). All the action sequences are done really well.

However, the issues are a little slow at first. The villain isn’t very interesting until you find out who it is and even then I don’t think there was enough set up in the beginning for it to have a profound effect, especially because (as far as I could find) this is a new character to the DC universe. But I still recommend this comic line as they get much better in vol 2 (review coming soon!).

I also don’t love the red costume as I’m a sucker for the classic blue.

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They Both Die at the End Review

No Spoilers until the end (where labeled)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I’d like to start out by saying that this book lived up to the hype, but no one is talking about how triggering it is. Topics include: feeling worthless/meaningless in your life, fear of dying/dying young, loneliness, car crashes/drowning, and anxiety/overthinking. I don’t recommend this book to anyone younger than about 16 – even at 20 this book hit me really hard. TW from here on.

I seriously don’t think I’ve ever read a sadder book. Even the title did not prepare me. I am not a crier – I can’t even remember the last time I actually shed a tear over a book or movie – and this had full tears running down my face so many times I lost count. It’s not even sad just because they die, it’s sad because how the boys start talking about from the beginning everything they regret in their lives and how they should have lived differently. What makes it worse is knowing there’s no hope for these characters (at least that’s what the title suggests, I’m not saying I confirm that so as to not spoil). You are just along for this journey that we all (characters included which makes this book unique in its spoiled ending) know will end tragically. The ending made me full-on sob and have to put the book down, but I think the book did the characters justice.

I was kind of prepared for an adventure story and it’s kind of that – but it’s not really a crazy ride in what they do as much as it is in what they feel. I also thought this book was about appreciating life and living it to its fullest, but, to be frank, it’s not a story that makes me want to live – it’s a story that makes me fear death around every corner. I’m not saying I regret reading this book but I am questioning why I did so. 😅 It was very good, but I’m also destroyed – take that as you will.

All that being said, it really was a great book. All of the characters were really well developed and the plot kept moving forward (I personally didn’t find it slow as others did). I felt so connected to Mateo and I will miss him. He’s one of those characters that’s going to stay in my heart forever. ❤️

MAJOR SPOILERS from here on———

The one thing I’m mad got left open-ended is Delilah’s story. We followed it for so long and never learned how she died nor did it even tie in with the other characters much. I think the idea is that Victor is the one to run over Rufus at the end because he is speeding to meet her but I just wish this was confirmed in some small way.

Also, they manage to escape a lot of death during this day which is SUPER convenient but keeps it interesting and me guessing so I’m not mad about it.

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Stranger than Fanfiction Review

No Spoilers!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I was very surprised how much I liked this book, considering that, for some reason I still really don’t understand, many don’t. I love The Land of Stories series by Chris Colfer and I also enjoyed his book Struck by Lighting (which is a very different style than this book), but that didn’t hit me like this one did. It’s been a long time since a book has made me laugh this much – or cry this much. Be prepared for a roller coaster of emotions, especially if you are going through that time in your life where you are getting ready to or have just left home for the first time – The threshold of adulthood. It really captures that “the first time reality of growing up hits you” feeling that at the time I read this, I really related to.

It’s the story of a road trip told from the perspective of four friends who are seniors in high school gearing up to go away to college. They are all dealing with their own issues of identity, family, romance, and secrets. However, some people find the characters are a bit flat, and I won’t argue with that- even though they each have interesting stories, their personalities don’t really shine through.

It’s an adventure grounded in reality but Chris Colfer’s experience with fantasy clearly shines through. So while everything that happens COULD technically happen, don’t expect it to be completely realistic. Like the title says, it ends up being “stranger than fanfiction.” (However I think it’s important to note as I have seen some people be frustrated by this: this book is not about fanfiction. It does have a bit to do about fandoms and one character writes fanfiction but that’s about it.)

Overall it’s a great read (with diversity and LGBTQ rep!) about waking up to the reality of real life. (Omg the ending had me bawling 😭 even though you see it coming, it hurts – but so does life). It has a lot of surprisingly serious messages in what appears to be a light-hearted book about friends on one last hurrah before they go their separate ways.

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The Secret Series Review

No Spoilers

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

As you may already know from my Instagram, I absolutely love this series. Not only do I have a soft spot for it because it’s some of the books that got me into reading, but I reread it last year and they are objectively, fricking fantastic.

My favorite thing about this series has and always will be the narrator/author (see below). Just like the sass and the jokes and the occasion defining of words in the footnotes: I cannot get enough. Like there’s another whole plot there (that – mini spoiler – ends up being tied into the main story).

The characters are also amazing. Cass the young survivalist who plans for everything and Max-Earnest the puzzle-solver who is terrible at jokes but somehow still funny. The plot is so good in each book I can’t choose a favorite or least favorite of the bunch (unlike every other series I’ve read that usually at least has one book that is worst than the others).

These books are like the definition of “it’s about the journey not the destination” as from book 1 we are searching for a secret we’re not sure if we will ever find, and yet it is never slow. You get to watch the characters grow and change, becoming more confident in who they are.

And it doesn’t even end when the book is over because my other favorite thing about these books, especially when I was young, is the appendices (learned that word from book 4). I had so much fun testing to see if I was a super-taster, making disguises for the book (mine from a kid below), and learning the magic tricks.

These books also have some really great full page art for each chapter.

Not only did I immensely enjoy these books (this review might honestly just be a test to see how many positive words I can use to describe these books), but as a kid I learned a lot from them. I will never stop recommending these books to people no matter how old you are because I think they are something every mystery/adventure book-lover should experience. Please just read them.

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The Girl with the Whispering Shadow Review

Light Spoilers (and major spoiler labeled at the end)

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you again to publisher and author for a free digital review copy of this book!*

In this book, you get to learn so much more about the world: it’s one of the top fictional worlds I wish I could live in. (I really want to try the drinks!) I loved learning about things like the Invisitaurs and Quogo.

We also not only learned a lot more about the characters we already knew, but a whole new cast of characters too. We got interesting backstory on Fynn and now I can really ship him with Ivy. We also got many cute Rebecca and Ivy friend moments, which I felt like book 1 was lacking.

This book is also much better paced than the first, which allowed me not only to connect to characters more but get a more clear picture of the setting.

As far as critiques, I still have some small issues with clarity. For example, I wish Ivy’s magic was a bit better explained or that we saw more of her practicing so we better understood its limits because it seems like she suddenly she can do a lot of things but then other times doesn’t use it at all. Also it’s kind of hard to remember who knows what about Ivy’s past and powers but that may be on me 😅. However, overall this book is much better written than the first.

MAJOR SPOILERS from here on———————-

Loved how the star solo came back at the end- I didn’t see that coming! These books are really good with setting up clues. I only wish Gretta’s story was set up in book 1, even if we just met her in some small but memorable way, because then it would have made a bigger impact of her being the one who let the queen in at last year’s ball.

Can’t wait for book 3!

*I received a digital copy from the publisher. This photo is edited to appear as if it is a phyical copy.

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The Eldest Curses Malec Content Discussion

**How the best TSC Characters are getting the Worst Series**

Major Spoilers for The Red Scrolls of Magic & The Lost Book of the White!

Like most people, I adore Malec: Alec Lightwood is my favorite character in all of TSC; Magnus, obviously, is another fav; and together they are my favorite fictional couple. Ever.

When I first read The Red Scrolls of Magic (RSM), I really liked it, but I knew the plot wasn’t great; I loved it for all of the very cute Malec moments. I’ll do a whole review one day, but in short: I didn’t like Shyin. Wasn’t that big of a surprise when she turned out to be bad and her villain origin-story is “I was different and no one liked me so now I’m going to rule the world,” 🙄.

It also felt like it didn’t line up perfectly with COFA (like how were they coming back from the opera if in RSM they ended up staying in Magnus’s apartment by the end?) Also the book did not line up with the extra “a story told in postcards”. BUT I was prepared to let it slide and assume that they just faked the postcards and being at the opera or that they ended up going back to traveling after the end of RSM.

But then I got to The Lost Book of the White (LBW) and I just… can’t forgive. It’s honestly probably my least favorite book in TSC. Was it really bad? No. But again it did not seem to fit in with the timeline (like are you seriously telling me that all of that stuff had NO EFFECT in TDA?). We got a different villain, which I actually really liked, but he was so powerful that literally he could’ve just snapped his fingers and they all would have died and there’s no good reason that he didn’t do that. Then he is defeated in the stupidest way- like they don’t even use the magic swords that were supposed to be their only hope! Anyway, go see my review for LBW, but it’s all just so CONVENIENT. [LBW also did the same twist RSM did with a “good” character ending up being bad, but it was at least done better because a) I actually cared about the character this time and b) double twist! he was good after all.]

Here’s to hoping the last book is going it be better. It’ll have to cover a lot of ground with the Princes of Hell or it’ll feel rushed (once again) and unbelievable/too convenient- but knowing that part of the plot will be looking for the Book of the White, unfortunately I doubt they will be able to do both storylines justice if the book length is similar to the first two.

Other Malec stories like “Born of Endless Night” and “The Land I Lost” are so good. TEC is no where near that quality or the quality of the other series in TSC. I feel like as fans we’re being cheated and we are being forgiving bc we love Malec, but honestly we deserve better.

If you are reading TSC for the first time, check out my Shadowhunters Guide & Reading Order under the “more” tab. Also check out my Shadowhunters Stories Chronological Timeline!

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The Crowns of Croswald Review

No Spoilers!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you so much to @storiesuntoldpress and @author.denight (on insta) for a free review copy of this book* in exchange for an honest review ☺️.

In the genre of fantasy, it’s difficult to find a world that is really unique, but Croswald is. I do agree with other reviewers that it’s like Harry Potter in that it’s about a magic school, and a young person discovering their abilities and their place in this new magic world. However, the way magic works in Croswald is very different and very intriguing. I love the quills and I think it’s interesting how the royals aren’t born with magic but sqwinches are, and that kind of puts them on the same playing field (instead of the royals “ruling” the school). I still don’t understand all of how the magic works in this world, but look forward to figuring it out in future books!

This book is very fast-pasted, which keeps it interesting but sometimes I wish we could slow down a bit to connect more with some of the side characters like Fyn and Rebecca (when things aren’t crazy 😅). I like Ivy as a character: she’s that typical curious, rebellious girl and easy to relate to, but she does seem to act younger than 16 at times.

Overall, the world is amazing and you can tell the author knows every little detail about it and how it works and I can’t wait to learn more about it! The way all the little hints come together for the conclusion is epic. My biggest critique is that sometimes I wish things were explained a bit clearer. There were quite a few things I had a difficult time picturing and sometimes the pace or POV changed really fast. (For example, I cannot figure out how big Humboldt is! His mouth is big enough to fit a tray of cakes but his body is small enough to fit in a cage Ivy can carry 😳?) But, I’d still love to read the second one and will likely finish the series (4th and final book was just announced)!

Side note: There is the coolest book merch stuff on the authors website and I want it all!!! Website linked in author’s bio. (I’m saying this on my own accord – just think the stuff is awesome and I can imagine how much fun it would be if I was younger to get all this stuff and feel like I’m part of the world!)

*I received a digital copy from the publisher. This photo is edited to appear as if it is a phyical copy.

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Chain of Iron Review

Major Spoilers Ahead! (Read only after finishing book)

When to read: After Lord of Shadows. If you are reading TSC for the first time, check out my Shadowhunters Guide & Reading Order under the “more” tab.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

It took me a bit to write this after I finished the book bc that ending made me so mad and sad at the same time (smad lol – that still a thing? Probably not).

But I’ll start at the beginning: How James makes up the house for Daisy is SOOOOO CUTE!!! However, this book acutally feels much more Cordelia centered than Chain of Gold (with less of James’ POV) which is now kind of throwing me off and I want more James.

I’m a bit disappointed how little Lucie/Cordelia content were getting. I understand why they have to be more apart for this book – but then we should have seen more of them in the first book. We’ve never gotten a chance to see people training to become parabatai in TSC, nor have we seen two female parabatai – so much potential and nothing is done with it! And I think this hurts the book too because than it doesn’t hurt as much when Cordelia feels like she has to give up being parabatai with Lucie.

This might be an unpopular opinion- but I like Cordelia more than Lucie. I like Lucie, but she is not one of my favorite characters. I know she’s the youngest and I know why she makes certain decisions, but I she acts naive a lot do the time. Though the fact that she carries an ax is amazing 🤩

I still don’t like Grace, but I am starting to root for her redemption (and her ship with Kit). But I still find a lot of the Grace scenes boring. As for the other “redemption arc” character, Alaster, I love him. I love him as a character and I totally think he can be redeemed.

This book feels like it has more of a plot than Chain of Gold, but somehow also slower – I think because the murders are just kind of going on for most of the book but none of the characters figure anything out until the end.

Now, the end: I understand why a lot of characters are keeping secrets (and you don’t have to keep saying “I feel so bad I’m keeping secrets” guys we get it), but the ending is just so dramatic and it HURTS. I still don’t ship Mathew x Cordelia and I just want James to be able to explain and finally be with Cordelia 😭!

Lastly, I want Mathew to be happy because I love him, but worried that he doesn’t seem to have a real love interest (that’s interested in him), and I’m starting to worry that he might die in Chain of Thorns (because Cassie usually gives everyone at the end of a series a love interest).

If you are a Shadowhunters fan, also check out my Shadowhunters Stories Chronological Timeline!

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