British Invasion: Day 524

Hello!

Hope everything is okay with you!
I just wanted to give you a little update:

-I am in London and I'll be moving out to a permanent house tomorrow! So excited about that!

-I have been writing (with my writing buddy) to finish our fanfiction (it's in Portuguese). That means that I haven't given much thought about reading. Besides, I have already completed my GoodReads Reading Challenge and I need a break. However, I have finished Poison Study about two weeks ago and now I am re(reading) Harry Potter and the Philospher's Stone in Spanish. Yes! In Spanish!

-I have so much homework to do! Actually, I should be doing it right now.

-Uni has been amazing! I am so glad that I moved to London.

-Fall/Autumn comes with one more thing besides the cold: TV Series! I have been trying to watch them but the truth is, I prefer Netflix so much more that I am watching Pretty Little Liars instead of watching TVD or Arrow. Hopefully, I'll make a post about PLL once I finish the series.

-Yesterday, I watched Crimson Peak. So wonderful! I admire Guillermo Del Toro and the actors were amazing. I had never seen Jessica Chastain before but she was a perfect villain! And beautifully creepy. Seriously, you have to watch it.
But watch it on IMAX. I had never watched a movie on IMAX before but I guess that I started with a really good movie. Did you know that it is possible to see a tear forming in the eye? I was amazed by it!

-Due to the huge amount of things that I have to take to uni, I bought a bag in Paperchase and I am in love with her. It's from their Nordic Nights collection. It's very Kenai and Koda.

-And... I'll be joining NaNoWriMo next November! I don't know how I'll write 50,000 words in a month, but surely I will try!

xxxx

Book Review: Percy Jackson and The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

A book where the age matters

I have to admit that whenever I am reading a Percy Jackson book I always have that feeling that this is just a children's book. It is not like Harry Potter - timeless. Percy Jackson was really designed for children and the fact that I am an adult reading that doesn't help because the dialogues and the descriptions are so simple. However, the stories are funny, but I cannot see myself in the book.

Even though I can't identify with the books, I made a promise to a friend that I would read the Percy Jackson series so... here I am making a review about a children's book that I didn't like very much. Promise is a promise, after all. I believe that if I was younger (I remember that I like very much the first book and I was sixteen, I believe) I would have enjoyed this books much more. Anyway, I only have two more left. I think I can handle it.

It isn't a difficult book to read, but the dialogues are sometimes annoying because they are childish. I remember when I was fourteen (Percy's age in this book) I didn't talk like that with my friends. The events occur naturally and for that I thank Rick because that is a genius move. I like this author, don't get me wrong. Rick is a wonderful writer, I am sure of that.

You should read Percy Jackson. But if you don't want to, don't watch the movies because they are awful. Trust me; I like the books much more.

Book Review: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

Can it get any better?

So... Queen of Shadows... My Dorian, my dear, my prince, my king! The first chapter starts with him and my heart cringed and broke a little. Just a little. But then we have Aelin (I was going to write Celaena, but I guess that calling her Aelin now makes more sense), fearless, brave, iconic, smart. She is the heart of the book and I can't imagine it otherwise.

Heir of Fire was putting on a "to-do list" to perform in this book. Get the Wyrkey: tick. Kill Arobynn: tick. Kill the King: tick. Free Dorian: tick. She did all of this and much more. The most incredible think, I think, is the fact that we could see the ending a chapter in their lives and a new one beginning. That ending was marvellous. I could imagine some sighteseeing of Narnia because that is the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen in a movie.

The tricks that Aelin does in this book are incredible. From the wit of Aedion's rescue to the moment when she fights Manon.... perfect. Actually, about that fight: I wasn't expecting it to happen in this book, maybe on the next one, but it was so epic that took my breath away and I was rooting for both of them.

The flirting between Rowan and Aelin was epic and frustrating. Why can't they just kiss already? I was laughing, too. Aelin is so amazing in everything that she does.
Aedion, on the other hand... he had Aelin's temper and he was annoying sometimes, but I still liked him. Like a brother, so sweet and protective over her. Awn.

Chaol... I still don't like him. I don't even know how it was possible to like him in Crown of Midnight but for God's sake! He is stubborn. He has his reasons, I know, but I don't know how I could have ever shipped him with Aelin/Celaena. However, his dedication and loyalty to Dorian is remarkable. I ship that bromance.

Manon had her challenges to face in this book, and pretty good ones. I think that she is like Celaena in the first book but with one hundred years. She evolved so much in this book, understanding things a lot more and her heart is showing more emotion. It deserves a "awn" moment as well. One of the most interesting things about her was the fact that when she met Dorian, the Valg prince let Dorian take control of his body so that Manon couldn't figure out it was him. That was a clarity moment - for Dorian and me - and a relief too, after all of those demonic chapters.

The end was so epic! I still am astonished at the amount of things that happened in the end! So magnificent, so beautiful and tragic. I can't wait to read the next book because I want to see Aelin and her court in Terrasen with Dorian as an ally. That shall be interesting. I want to see the Queen back to the throne that she deserves.

Book Review: On Writing by Stephen King

It wasn't what I was expecting but I enjoyed it

This is the first book that I read by Stephen King. Somehow, I feel that I know him because the writing style also defines person. This book is more a memoir than a writing text book. People talked a lot about his tips but I found so many and what saddens me is that the book is not even about that.
 He writes about his writing journey - from the beginning. His tips are advices and knowledge that he acquired throughout his long life but if you can learn one thing from this book it that there are no rules when it comes to writing. Yes, you follow certain standard things (he focuses a lot in grammar and vocabulary) but the rest is all up to you.
In the end, it wasn't what I was expecting but I wasn't disappointed. He writes as if he is talking to you about his writing over tea. I felt that close to him. I think that I didn't enjoy the book as much as I wanted to but I am also taking some of his knowledge about writing to my own stories, which is something incredible. I will probably never read something from him - I'm not a horror person - but now I know how his work works and that is the best backstage sneak peek that I could ask for.

Book Review: Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Just wow

The third book. It's unbelievable, especially when the fourth comes in September and I have already pre-ordered.
Celaena - she will never stop being my Celaena, it doesn't matter if other characters call her differently - grows so strong in this book, after the absolute devastation that was Crown of Midnight. I liked to see her growth in this one, and now... we are the same age! How awesome is that? There is time when you read YA and you are younger than the characters and then... I am at the time when the characters are as old as I am. That is so awesome!

Dorian... My poor sweet prince Dorian also evolved a lot in this book. His love (or whatever it was) for Sorcha was so pure and natural that I was really rooting for them. But it just wasn't meant to be. It is crucial here to say that while Dorian grew as a character - he was just a prince in the first book but now he's acting like a king - it is not possible to say the same for Chaol. I understand his sacrifice but until the end he didn't know where he stood. Is it really that difficult to decide?

The King... now I am truly afraid of him, especially after what he did to his son. I am going to be so sad when the next book comes out because I know what is happening to Dorian and it is so not fair! Do not touch my bae!

Now... the new characters! We have Rowan, Celaenas trainer who then becomes so much more. He seems a little rough in the beginning but then we understand that it is the fact that he is almost immortal that makes him that way - he's been through a lot.
We also have Aedion and let's just say that Celaena has been surrounded by very handsome men since an early age. He is her protector, her sidekick and they gre up together. It makes him like a brother, a protector, a possible king, maybe. Let's face it: all of them - Dorian, Chaol, Rowan and Aedion - are possible kings for a queen such as Celaena.

I absolutely loved this book; I can't wait to read Queen of Shadows!

Book Review: High-Rise by J.G. Ballard

Slow and boring

For a psychologist, this book might be interesting. Ballard's history is also interesting but, maybe because I was born in the end of the century and I have a different opinion of the world around us, I couldn't relate to the story. That said I am not going to focus the storyline as much as I was thinking I was able to when I started the book. It was too slow to be interesting.
There are two ways to read this book: the high-rise as the main character or the characters as the main focus. The way that the high-rise is built is more interesting because it shows how social classes work, like a pyramid in the Middle Ages. The introduction by Ned Beduman helps a lot, specially if you read it before and after you read the book.
The behaviours of its habitants are the main focus and what keeps things moving, but don't expect much action. I also don't believe that all humans would turn into such selfish, cannibals and schizophrenic when confronted with that situation. Also, it is not realistic. Not anymore, at least. I still believe that good people exist and what hapenned in there was the exception, not the norm.
I would define the book as very futuristic, a vision of a possible apocalypse or a very old vision, not from this century.

Book Review: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

The plot thickens...

Cassandra has a way of enchanting us throughtout the books and it is possible to see her evolution as an author as well which is amazing and I believe it is one of the most incredible things that a reader might experience while reading a book series.
Clary is so strong, something that pleased me a lot because I've always seen her as a little teenager who didn't know what to do in a world full of monsters. After all, she can take care of herself. Alongside, Simon: he will always be my favourite character, there's no question in that. He is funny and sweet and here he is a true warrior, summoning an angel, defying his rage and defending not only the ones that he loves but himself as well.
Alec and Magnus... well, what can I say? Bloody hell! I understand both point of view and I am angry at Alec as well even though it was crystal clear that he would've never considered the proposal.
Sebastian is that awful thing. I thought that Valentine was crazy, but Sebastian is a whole other level, trying to live two lives at the same time. Impossible.
Jocelyn, on the other hand, even though she was the key for the first three books, she has lost her charm, I believe, now that she's alive. I still don't know what to expect of her, but I'm not expecting much. I think that her past is far more interesting than her present or future.

I only have City of Heavenly Fire to read. I already am nostalgic of this series that I learnt to love.

Reading Update: City of Lost Souls #1

Book: City of Lost Souls
Author: Cassandra Clare
Page Number: 289/542

What is happening:
I feel that this book is very concise and I am enjoying that quite a lot. The plot thickens and I don't know where this is going to end.
Clary is so strong here! I am so happy for her. Isabelle is showing her soft side and Magnus has an interesting past. At the moment, I am totally shipping Jordan and Maia. Here's how I imagine them both:

Book Review: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A beautiful story with a tragic end

The first time I encountered the name of the book was because Leo DiCaprio was the main character. I saw the movie, I fell in love with it and since then I have wanted to buy the book. Lana Del Rey's Young and Beautiful song was following me all the time while I was reading this book which made everything so special and every time Gatsby was on it, I imagined DiCaprio and the scenes from the movie revived in my mind.

The book that I bought was very short (210 pages) and then I found out that The Great Gatsby was actually only 180 pages and the rest of it was extra material about Scott (even though I like to call him Fitz - I am still trying to figure that out because no one call him that - I am going to write Scott because everyone knows him by that name). I read those extra pages and found out that Scott wrote one of my favourite short stories (I actually saw the movie, I had no idea that it was a short story) - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Without even realizing it, Scott has been one of my favourite authors and I hadn't even realized that. It's time to say that "s" word.

About Gatsby: I don't have enough words to explain how a rollercoaster this book is. And how painful it is. I still remember that the end of the movie was shocking to me (DiCpario likes to die in the water) but the book hurt so much more! In the end, we leave alone. Gatsby had that live to achieve only one goal - to be with Daisy - but in the end all of those people who loved his parties didn't return the generosity. How cruel.

One of my favourite readings this year. I am sure going to read more things from Scott. After all, he wrote so much that I won't complain that I don't have anything to read.

Book Review: Isla and The Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

I was expecting more. But I am back to Paris!

The the cicle ends: Anna, Lola and Isla - the perfect trilogy - end with this last one. Before the bad things, I have to admit that the way that Stephanie Perkins crossovers the characters from one book to the other is amazing and makes you cry.

Now, to the things I didn't like about this book: maybe it was my fault, but I got tired of Isla very quickly - probably because this kind of books only last 3/4 days but this one took more time because I am working and my reading hours are dedicated to... working. I am not complaining, but this is not the first time that I am reading a book and working (not at the same time) and this kind of tiredness never happened. So maybe it was the time and the character.

Immediately, I realised that something bad was going to happen really quickly because the story started in the opposite way: on page 100 they were already in love and dating and having the time of their lives. Something bad was going to happen and the way it did was awful and made me cry. But the distance that the characters had before that was boring.

Isla is interesting in the way that makes me remember Anna and Josh reminds me of Cricket. She isn't that unique character like Lola, but I believe that people could relate to her because she is a teenager in her senior year and doesn't know what she wants to do next - go to uni, sure but what course? I was like that on my senior year.

Josh is more likable than Cricket but I didn't fell for him the way that I did with St. Clair. Because St. Clair is unique. But he has this warm heart and is patient and likes to draw. Seriously, he is almost the perfect book boyfriend.

In conclusion, I believe that I didn't appreciate this book as much as I did with the others but that doesn't mean that it wasn't good - it was, but it's not my favourite. I think it was boring, comparing to the other two. Anyway, I am going to miss these amazing books so much and I can't wait for the next book by Stephanie. Please, Stephanie, write!

Binge watching Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

I am a Marvel fan, but I am not their Nº1 fan. I don't know all the names of the superheroes but I like their storylines and the fact that they are, at the moment, causing a huge revolution in the cinematic universe.
But, I am a huge fan of Agent Carter. It was her that made me want S.H.I.E.L.D. Also, The Avengers and Thor. They are the responsible for making me start watching the series.

So why this series and why not keep watching Marvel movies? Well, let's just say that the series is unique: it connects movie facts and connects the storylines that happen in the movies. It is not only a series: it is a piece of a much bigger puzzle which makes it incredibly fantastic and fun to watch. Besides all of this, it has its own characters, storylines and rhythm. People who don't watch the movies won't be left out in the dark.

I am very thankful to the creators. Each episode is like a mini-movie: it starts, evolves and ends. However, the cliffhangers of "we'll return in a moment" is so freaking awesome! It is like watching a mini-movie each week. Well, each day, at least for me.

Let's go to the characters now: at the beginning, they didn't glue exactly - the team was trying to build its roots and learn about each other - but in the middle of season 1 the characters already are so connected with each other that every single plot twist is painful, not only to the viewer, but also to them.
Yes, cliffhangers, plot twists, hearts being broken. It has all that.

After two weeks watching Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., I can admit that I don't know what I am going to do next summer, besides thinking about all those amazing, unique, funny and complex characters.

Book Review: Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

Never have I even seen so many plot twists in a four-hundred-page book

The cliffhanger from Throne of Glass was promising. I have to admit that I almost fell asleep in some parts not due to the lack of pace but because of the description - sometimes, it was too long.

Celaena is fierce in this book, much more adult than in the previous one. Chaol was a huge surprise for me - he knows what he wants and his father's presence in this book shooke things a bit but not much. Just like Roland. That guy showed up and left after fifty pages. I was expecting more of him but I am sure I will see more of them in the next books.

At the beginning, I was so afraid that Dorian might die! Until the moment that his powers truly revealed themselves and helped Celaena. It makes perfect sense now that I am writing this: he is the ice, she is the fire. Oh, I see a song of Lana del Rey in here.

What happened to Nehemia was a huge surprise and the fact the Queen Elena was back too - I am mentioning them both because there is a resemblance in there. Celaena isn't the only link that connects them. I will miss Nehemia, I truly will. However, it was possible to see that her death was a means to an end and Celaena went to that dark place of hers only to come back more ruthless and determined than ever. That will be very useful in the next book, I am sure.

The plot was convincing, entailing, and I wish I had had more time to read than I had. But still, the book made me company through many train journeys and tube journeys and bus journeys. Heir of Fire already is on my bookshelf, ready to be read.

Reading Update: Crown of Midnight #2

Book: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Page number: 350/418

What is happening:
So... that thing with Nehemia was totally unexpected, I was so surprised and angry. I felt for Celaena, it was a low blow and an amazing plot twist.
If at the beginning I was almost shipping Chaol and Celaena, now I'm back to the part when I don't ship her with any of them. Dorian, however, is better, I believe. At the beginning I didn't know if he was going to die or not, but now I am sure that he is more valuable alive than dead.
I wish I had more time to read, but I have been working 8 hours a day and even though I am trying to read as much as I can, when I get home I am so tired that I just want to sleep.

Reading Update: Crown of Midnight #1

Book: Crown of Midnight
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Page number: 178/418

What is happening:
I am so afraid that Dorian might die! My poor sweet Prince!
However, I think that I might be falling for Khaol because he and Celeane share something that is beyond Dorian's understanding.
I also don't like Roland - what a hell is he up to?
Just for you, a little gift: Khaol and Celaena dancing. I fangirled just a little with this scene.

Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Not one of my favourites

Sarah J. Maas is probably one of the most influential authors in the YA fantasy genre. Throne of Glass was compelling and full of strength. I believe that I still am very attached to Celaena and Feyre is so different. For example, she is not sarcastic and funny - she is deep in all of the problems. The lack of empathy towards the fairy that she killed was heartbreaking. I couldn't find a way to relate to her.

However, there are other characters: Tamlin, for example. He's so mysterious with his mask and prophecies that reveal a truthful end. Their relationship starts evolving and leads to something beautiful and my heart ached whenever I saw that his trust on her and vice-versa.
Lucien, at the beginning, was a villain... ish. I didn't know where he stood but in the end he showed his true colours.

Now, let's talk about the true villains because those are absolutely revolting. On my reading update, I talked about Rhysand and how I didn't trust him but he started revealing himself and, even though he's still a villain, he's not a villainous (is that a word?) as Amarantha. She is powerful and deceitful, that's how she got all of that power. She tried to break Tamlin and kill Feyre but in the end, true love wins. Her breaking point shows who she truly is and that her smile and minions are only a wall that she uses in order to get what she wants by luring fairies into her kingdom.

In conclusion, I liked the story but I didn't feel connected to the main characters, which made it slightly more difficult to read this book than Throne of Glass. I still think that the next book (it will be released in May 2016) will be beautiful and hope this is just the beginning of something much more interesting.

Reading Update: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2

Book: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Page number: 317/416

What is happening:
I think I will be able to finish the book this Thursday - I have an exam in the morning, more packing in the afternoon and when I'll be back home (I have 1:30h journey by train) I might finish the book. It's so interesting now, Feyre is back to the Fairies realm and she met Amarantha - a deadly Fairie who has no mercy for those who stand against her.
Meet Amarantha:

I picture Charlize Theron as Amarantha. What do you think about this evil character?

Reading Update: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1

I've been thinking about ways to keep posting things in order to keep the blog updated. This morning, while I was reading A Court of Thorns and Roses I thought: why not a reading update? Guess what? I am doing my first reading update. It will not be daily (I read or I blog) but I decided that I could share a few things with you and maybe motivate you to read too. I am sorry if there is going to be spoilers below, but you've been warned.

Book: A Court of Thorns and Roses
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Page where I am in: 280/416

What is happening: 
At first I thought that the story was leading nowhere, until Feyre was sent back to her family and then she decided to come back to Tamlin. I hate Rhysand - he was the reason of all of this and I wish I could get inside the book and sufocate him until he would collapse on the floor. I imagine Rhys as a Loki (from Thor)but with pointed ears. And a mix of Damon Salvatore (from TVD) too. I found a really nice picture of him but still, he's hateful. No one touches my ship - I created a cool name for it even though I don't know if there is a official name for it - Feylim.

British Invasion: Day 392

Hello everybody!

I am sorry that I haven't updated my blog on the last couple of weeks but I'll explain it to you what is going on:

- Exams: I have only one left and even though my study time doesn't take too long (I memorise easily) I still need to study to achieve my amazing goals;

- Moving Out: I won't be staying in the same city next academic year and that means that I am (again) creating roots in London. This means that when I am not studying or working, I am packing my things which, let me tell you, it's not easy;

- Job: I tried my luck and handed in my CV on the shop that I worked last year and... I got the job! I am so happy and thrilled but that also takes a lot of time when it comes to reading;

- Reading: at the moment, I am reading A Court of Thorns and Roses, by Sarah J. Maas. I try to read everytime I can but... the three reasons above don't leave me any free time;

- Book of June: the first book that I bought this month was Crown of Midnight. So happy! As soon as I finish #ACOTAR I will start reading Crown of Midnight because I miss Dorian and Celaena.

Book Review: The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

I was expecting a lot more. 

Sometimes, we read those books that change our lives and sometimes we read a book that is just that - reading.
Stiefvater has a very peculiar writing style that is difficult to get into - I got that and that is the very first book that I am reading of hers. I have to say that the book didn't transport me to its world; I felt that I was just reading pages with lots of details and no action. I read it on my Kindle so I am perfectly capable to admit that I only showed a fling of interest when I was in 80%. That isn't a good sign.

Blue is from a family of psychics and her power works as a battery to other people's powers. Very interesting this ability, I was interested in that. Gansey is going to be very important for the narrative too but this book didn't show that - even though the beginning is clearly clarifying about his future in the series.
The other characters were also interesting, specially Blue's family but I don't think that we are going to see more of them; Gansey's friends are mysterious, with lots of problems but we don't know what half of it.

Am I going to read the next book? Yes, because the end showed a closure but gave that me the feeling of "is it over yet?" I am not sure when I am going to read the next book, but I want to see what is going to happen to Gansey and Blue.

Book Review Video: The Night Manager

Book Review: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare keeps surprising with surprising cliffhangers that you only see on TV.

I have to admit: I am not the number 1 fan of Cassandra Clare and her series (The Mortal Instruments, I havent read The Infernal Devices yet.) However, I am still astonished when she writes amazing cliffhangers that makes you forget how to breath and make you want to buy the next book right away.

The fourth book of the series starts in New York. New characters gain more book time, like Simon, Alec and Izzie. I love this three more than I love Jace. Actually, Jace is not even close my favourite character. I liked the fact that now the story is so well maintained by the author that all these characters are essential to the narrative. Absolutely brilliant, keep going Cassandra, you're doing well.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes. Do I want to read the next? Yes. It not my favourite series but I like the characters and I believe that this book was a turning point when it comes to secondary characters. Besides, the cliffhanger was divine! I could definitely imagine it as a season finale which is amazing.

About the new characters: well introduced, there was no rush and even though there wasn't much written detail about their personalities, it was possible to understand them in a way that I am almost positive that I haven't seen the last of them yet.

The storyline didn't evolve as it did on the previous book but I liked the way that things were happening, with no rush. Well written, with detail and simplicity, it made my journey to London very pleasant. Also, it is possible to see that the characters are evolving in their personalities, not only in age. One of the reasons that I like series so much is because it gives us the opportunity to see a certain character grow and shape his/her personality. Cassandra does that brilliantly with this book. I have only two more left and I hope I will be able to finish this series this year.

American Invasion: Meeting Sarah J. Maas

British Invasion: Day 365

1 year ago it was raining in Lisbon and my mom and I were ready to fly to London. Today, she is working and I am studying Translation. When we arrived, it was sunny like today, with good weather, birds singing, everything perfect. The house was not what we expected but we are now much more aware that here we really need to see the place because people don't always say what it is.

I am studying but I haven't found a job yet, so my plans for the next fortnight is to find a room in London, where I can find a job (that is my second plan). I hope I can find it and then travel to university - 1:30/2 hours journey by train next academic year.
I don't have big plans for my second year here in the UK: I just hope that I can find a job, a good home and keep studying and having good grades, like I am having.

Thank you so much for following my blog, it is unbelievable that it's been an year.

Ebooks on sale = TROUBLE TROUBLE TROUBLE

Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Celaena is an assassin with soul.

I am going to meet Sarah J. Maas this week. Therefore, last Friday I bought two of her books (the other one was A Court of Thorns and Roses) and dedicated my weekend to read in order to go to the event with a little gist of her work. This book worked perfectly well for my purpose.

Celaena is invited to fight in a tournament that it would look like The Hunger Games except for the fact that the other opponents are being killed by something that's lurking in the dark and no one knows what. The perfect writing style invites to dive into Celaena's adventures with attention to details. The writing is simple, easy to understand and it should be: in a world where magic remains but it is abolished and the users of such thing are sentenced to death, there is no way that the writing can be complex and give you a headache with the amount of new vocabulary.

The final chapters are heartbreaking: the final duel results in pain, broken bones and deaths - even from other worlds. Usually, there is a need to rush this events because the book is about to finish, but I didn't feel that with this book, which was extraordinary. Flying from Celaena's point of view, to Chaol's and to Dorian's, the final scenes were amazingly well-written.

The mythology is introduced to us with small details here and there, which allows the reader the opportunity to understand what it is about but without further explanations of the characters: they do it and then we understand what happened.

The next book is Crown of Midnight. I can't wait to see what happens to Celaena.

Book Review Video: Lola and The Boy Next Door

Book Review: The Night Manager by John le Carré

The bureaucracies of our lives.

John Le Carré is known for his spy books. Personally, I wasn't very interested in this genre, until I heard that the BBC was adapting this book in a six episode series. I immediately grabbed it because I am the kind of person who likes to read the books before seeing the adaptations (and complain about how the movie/series doesn't caption the soul of the book.)

We follow a night manager, Jonathan Pine, who volunteers to spy on Roper, a very powerful man with dark deals that the police is incapable of catch because every single thing that he signs isn't his signature, but someone else's. Jonathan always encounters beautiful women; two of them have more emphasis: Sophie and Jed. They are both very different and very similar. Sophie is a wise woman while Jed has a sparkle that it is impossible to ignore.

The story is fervent with very intense moments when you think that there is no way out of it. It is never boring but it becomes frustrating when you see that politics and bureaucracies are what make this world so wild. The sarcasm and ironies makes you laugh but also reflect about the society that you live in - it made me remember José Saramago because he also wrote with sarcasm and irony - and the conclusion is that most of the time it is ridiculous.

It won't be just a dream

Yesterday, I told you about my dream. Today, I am here to tell you about my reality: I am going to meet Sarah J. Maas!

Still thinking about the fact that I dreamt about her, I went to the Waterstones website and clicked on "Events." The page is now very organised and I appreciate it very much because I was able to look for invents that involved Sarah.

And there it was: she is going on tour next week in the UK to promote her new book: A Court of Thorns and Roses. I have already booked my ticket to see her. That day will be very special: besides the fact that I am going to meet her, it will also be a very special date to me, because that was the first day that I stepped in the UK to live and study here.

I have "clicked and collected" two of her books: Throne of Glass and A Court of Thorns and Roses. I am looking forward to read them. I am thinking about reading at least one of them before the meeting.

It was only just a dream

This time, I'm not here to talk about books. It was something that I was reluctant to share because it is very personal, but I also thought that it might make you smile like it did to me. Two nights ago, I had a dream. I was leaving my old home when Veronica Roth and Sarah J. Maas show up. Veronica hands in a draft of Divergent with an address on it - her office. She tells me "When you finish your book, give it to me so I can read it." I smile, the happiest person on Earth. "Sure. But, if I finish a script, would you still read it?" That's when Sarah smiles at me and says "Veronica doesn't have time, but I do. Sure, send it to me."

Now, I have so many things to say about this: a) I wish to be a writer - a scriptwriter but somehow (many years writing fanfiction) I am only capable of writing prose; b) I've met Veronica Roth in person, I know what she looks like and I've read her books. However, I had never seen a photo of Sarah. I had only heard of her books. So you will find me quite surprised when I got check if she's on Twitter and the photo looks exactly like the person who was in my dream.

I told about this to my mom. She looked as astonished as I was when I saw Sarah's photo. She then told me that our souls are old and they are able to travel further then our physical bodies can go. Apparently, mine crossed the Atlantic to meet an author that I admire very much and another who I am looking forward to meet and tell her "Hi. I met you even before I knew you." I will sound like a lunatic, but it was my dream.

Book Review Video: Moriarty

Book Review: Lola and The Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Once again, Stephanie Perkins makes me laugh and nostalgic.

I was looking forward to read another Stephanie Perkins' book. And I got a chance to buy this book and read it after a disappointment (Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz). I needed a book that would make me laugh and get over the sorrow that I had. Lola is a funny and unsual character, with many adventures and a terrific balance between wonderful worlds that she lives in. She made me laugh and forget the previous book. For four days I was living an utopian happiness.

Lola has homosexual parents - no big deal according to her and a big slap in everyone's face who think that gay marriage and gay adoption is imoral. They are perfect parents - overprotective, concerned and truthful parents - I absolutely loved them. I loved even more the fact that they made pies at home and had a bakery. Please, I want to work for them.

She is dating this super rockstar guy called Max. He's between a rockstar and a nerd. I still don't know how to define him with other word besides untrustworthy. Even though Lola loves him and talkes about all of the good things she sees in him, I wasn't convinced. Even less when he insulted Lindsey.

On the other hand, we have Cricket. He broke her heart before and I didn't trust him at the beginning even though it was obvious that he would be "the boy next door." However, he starts showing his sweet and thoughful side and suddenly I want Lola and Cricket to be together. Awn.

One of the things that I loved the most about the book was St. Clair and Anna's appearances. I thought I had seen the last of them in Anna and The French Kiss but I was wrong (thankfully). I want to read the next book of the trilogy and fall in love again with the characters and the beautiful writing style that makes me laugh.

Binge watching Grey's Anatomy

Binge watching Grey’s Anatomy was an adventure. It took me three months to be up to date with this amazing series created by Shonda Rhimes. Never have I ever binged watched an 11 seasons series! It is crazy! I dived in to this amazing series with zero expectations. Eleven seasons later, I think that was the best thing I could have ever done.

Apart from Saving Hope, I had never watched a series that has medical terminology on it. It was frightening watching hearts, livers and kidneys. On the other hand, you get used to it and in the end that’s not what it matters. What it matters are the characters, so rich and complex, magnificently multidimensional. So when a kidney shows on your screen, you’re not thinking about the organ itself but the story that it represents and that helps a lot to not get disgusted by it. Seriously, I couldn’t live a doctor’s life – it requires touching organs and veins and the only thing that I like to touch are books. And my keyboard.

After season 8 I thought: wait a minute, I can actually keep up with this series! I’ll finish binge watching it while it is still airing. Of course, I couldn’t have done worse, especially after what happens in season 11 (you know what I’m talking about). However, I’ll never stop watching it because Grey’s Anatomy has been with me through this past 3 months and it’s not just because of the fact that one character left the series that the show will ruin itself.

The series has 11 years. We also need to look at the actors who have been playing this characters since the first episode – it is totally understandable if they wish to leave the series or if the character’s journey has come to an end. I’m not disappointed by that – if we take a look at our lives we see that people are always coming and going. It is sad but that doesn’t mean that they’ll be forgotten. 

Book Review: Moriarty by Anthony Horowitz

I had high hopes for this book. I was disappointed.

House of Silk was extraordinary. I wasn't expecting anything less from Moriarty. However, my hopes were utterly destroyed right at the beginning of the book - John Watson isn't the narrator, but some American detective who doesn't know Sherlock's methods. Then, we are introduced to a Scotland Yard detective (way better than Lestrade) but he has a Sherlock complex that is difficult to explain: he follows Holmes' methods but he also wants to be Holmes. Very difficult to create affection towards both characters. And you know what happens: if you don't like the characters you'll stop reading the book.
But I didn't for several reasons, one of them was the fact that I loved House of Silk very much and I was hoping that the plot would eventually lead to a terrifying twist. Which it did, three chapters before the end.
I wasn't happy with that. The book is named Moriarty but he never shows his face to us until the end, when we understand what happened and I still have some questions.
I am not aware if this is a duology of if it has more books ahead, but if it has and they are not narrated by John Watson I will not read them.

Book Review Video: Dragonfly in Amber

Movie Review: Cinderella (2015)

A beautiful movie with beautiful actors.

Yesterday, I wasn't planning on going to watch a movie. But there I was, standing in the middle of Leicester Square with a massive poster of Cinderella. I decided to give it  go. In the end, I had a huge smile on my face and couldn't stop talikng about the movie.
Hayley Artwell (you might know her as Agent Carter) plays Cinderella's mother and she was stunning.I was quite surprised, I wasn't aware that she was in the movie, but she was beautiful. The beginning was full of sugar and smiles, which gave context to Cinderella's personality. Then, her Mother dies.
And that is when her step-mother arrives, with a cat by her side, her stupid daughers and a massive black hat. I believe that Cate Blanchett was perfect for the role, she totally gave it style and personality. However, I believe that I would love to see her with a purple gown more often than a green one.
Lily James does a beautiful, wonderful job as Cinderella and there were some shots where I could see some resemblance with Miss Artwell. The hair was so beautiful and her acting was so sweet and full of personality. The blue dress (yes, I am talking about that one) was stunning. That dress was made to fly above the clouds.
Richard Madden is Prince Charming and let's admit, he's been a charm since Game of Thrones. He wanted to be king, George RR Martin said no, but Disney said yes. He was perfect for the role, with a few more scenes than in the animated version, he gave character to Charming. Sorry, Kit. I'm confused now.


The special effects were wonderful, made me forget how to breathe several times. After all, it's Disney that we're talking about. The costumes were wonderful and they certainly add a lot to the storyline. The small changes that hey made were okay, even though I still am very loyal to the animated version. It really was a fairy tale movie.

Book Review Video: Where She Went

Book Review: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

It isn't an action book, but a thoughtful book.

At the beginning of the book, I didn't understand what was happening. I don't know if this happens on purpose, or if it is the fact that Diana's writing style is very detailed and sometimes, confusing. The same had happened with Outlander, so I wasn't particularly worried about it.
The story begins in 1968 and then we go back in time, to the time where Jamie is still alive. It is very thrilling: they are living in Paris and we are presented with infinite gossip and scandals that fill the French Court. It reminded me of Reign (a CW series) and Scandal (an ABC Family series) in so many aspects.
Then we go to Scotland and see that Claire's choices have more impact in the future than she thought, so every step that she takes is done with extra carefulness.
The end is heart-breaking and bittersweet: we understand that choices need to be made or both of them will get killed. And we don't want that.

I am looking forward to read the next book, and see the second season because I believe that it will represent a challenge the fact that the show needs to recreate this two atmospheres: Paris and Scotland.

Book Review Video: Anna and The French Kiss

Book Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

A promissing story with no development.

I knew from the beginning of the book that Gayle was determined to not sugarcoat anything and I was fine with it: I understood that both characters had grown up apart and that they were very different. Especially Adam, but I believe that was because this book was all written trough his point of view. However, I’ve never thought that those 260 pages (if you exclude the extra pages) were going to be so bad that I was relieved when I finished the book.

Both characters were different and when they meet we can see that they are not the same, after all, years have passed by and they didn’t keep in touch. It was fine by me if they hadn’t stayed together. However, I was growing impatient when Adam was being a spoiled because Mia broke his heart. He had three years to forgive and forget that. Move on. But he didn’t and instead he always had Mia’s ghost following him everywhere and that ended up destroying all good that was left. And then, we find out that Mia pushed him away because he made her stay. That was the final drop. I don’t truly think that she hated him for making her stay. At least, that’s not the information we have in the first book. Adam was one of the reasons why Mia decided to live, but he was not the only one. Actually, it was his song that made her connect with her body again, but she had made the decision to live before that.

In conclusion, I didn’t like the way it all went in this book, I believe that If I Stay should’ve been a standalone book, because Where She Went doesn’t bring anything new to the story and it only brings confusion and frustration. 

©TeresaBars

Book Review Video: The House of Silk

My TVD Obsession [Part 2]

My TVD Obsession [Part 1]

Book Review: Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

A funny and colourful novel, full of parisian romance and solid friendships.

Describing a book is never easy. But I was fortunate enough to read this book and describe what it was with simple but truthful words, like the ones I wrote above.
Anna is a very american girl who doesn't speak a word of French. And where is she send to? France! From that, we already have so many things to work. Anna could be perfectely alone in Paris for nine months and we would love her adventures.

However, she is not alone: she immediately meets Meredith and trough her she meets St. Clair, the boy who is going to be there for her, who takes her to discover Paris. What starts as a friendship evolves to be something more. We see the events getting more and more complex, until both characters decide that they can't take it anymore. It was very interesting to see this.

The fact that I am also learning French helped to relate with Anna, who doesn't speak a word of the language of love. Chocolat chaud - I finally know what that is! Among other things, of course. This novel also made me visit Paris more than ever. I want to be in Poin Zéro and make a wish. I want to find a St. Clair for myself.

The humour never leaves the novel. It was almost impossible not to laugh in public while reading. I fangirled, laughed, clapped and made a huge amount of "aaaaaawn" while reading. I spent a whole day reading 200 pages of the novel, because I knew that I could not go to sleep without knowing the end of this lovely story. And when it was over... I had tears in my eyes and hugged the book because it made me happy and melancholic at the same time. That hug was sent to Stephanie, who made a wonderful job with this book. I wish I could hug her, so instead I hugged her book.

© Teresa Bars

Book Review Video: Vampire Academy

American Invasion: Meeting Veronica Roth

American Invasion: Meeting Gayle Forman

Book Review: The House of Silk

This book is what every Sherlock Holmes fan was waiting for: Anthony capture Conan Doyle's writing essence, with a detail of the 21st century, which makes it easier to understand than the short stories written centuries ago.
What made me read this book was the fact that Anthony wrote as if he was Doyle. That immediately captured my attention because I thought "is that even possible?" Apparentely, yes. I was so surprised by this that I started investigating how this amazing author did it. He researched a lot about the Victorian period and even set 10 rules about the writing and plot, which I found quite interesting (you can read all of this in the end of the book - but that doesn't mean you can't read this part before you finish reading the story.)

The whole story is very complex, with amazing plot twists and excellent cliffhangers at the end of each chapter that made you want to read the following chapter. Eventually, I needed some sleep, but I could never do that at the end of each chapter, so I always left the chapters "unfinished" and continued reading it the following day.
A compelling story that is never boring, and the next book, called Moriarty, surely is even better than this one. I am looking forward to read it.

Book Review Video: If I Stay

10 Reasons Why You Should Watch Agent Carter

Book Review Video: City of Glass

Series Review Video: Grey's Anatomy Season 1 & Season 2

Book Review Video: Gone Girl

Book Review Video: Outlander

Book Review Video: Percy Jackson and The Sea of Monsters

2014 books

2014 is officially over and the GoodReads Reading Challenge from Goodreads.com made its final balance.

My goal for 2014 was to read 20 books and I managed to finish it, with extra 4 books! Here they are, with some things I would like to tell about them:

-El corrector by Ricardo Menéndez Salmón

I have to admit that I only read this book because I had an interview with my Uni in Spanish and I would like to familiarize with the language a little bit more before the interview. However, I enjoyed the book due to its simplicity and truthful writing style.

Rating: 2/5

Extra: book in Spanish

-The Kingmaker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory

What an exceptional book! For those of you who don’t know this is the 4^th book of The Cousins’ War series. The White Queen TV series is based on these books. I have to admit that I was little bit reluctant about this book because Anne Neville wasn’t one of my favourite characters but after reading the book she earned my admiration and respect.

Rating: 5/5

Extra: it’s on my Favourite’s list

-A Ilha das Três Irmãs by Nora Roberts

A little novel. For Heaven’s sake, this book was so addictive that I finished it in three days. Like Nora Roberts has got us used, it has adventure, romance and very strong characters.

Rating: 5/5

Extra: book in Portuguese

-Um Estudo em Vermelho by Arthur Conan Doyle

As a Sherlock fan, I had to read at least the first mystery that Holmes and Watson solved together. I have to admit that it is very interesting and I loved comparing it to the Study in Pink episode of the series. Big fan, even bought the book with the short stories (but it stayed in Portugal because it was too heavy).

Rating: 5/5

Extra: book in Portuguese

-An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

After TFIOS I have to recommend this book because it looks alike but it is also very distinct. We have this boy who has dated 19 Katherines and all of them broke up with him. So, he tries to create a theorem that will tell us who is going to break up in a relationship and how long it is going to last.

Rating: 5/5

Extra: it’s on my Favourite’s list

-A Fúria dos Reis by George R.R. Martin

A book from the Song of Ice and Fire series, what else can I say?

Rating: 5/5

Extra: book in Portuguese

-Divergente by Veronica Roth

The only book of the series that I read in Portuguese. I finished it in 2 and a half days because I just couldn’t stop reading it. If I could, I would have read while sleeping.

Rating: 5/5

Extra: it’s on my Favourite’s list

Extra 2: book in Portuguese.

-Juramento do Dragão by P.C. Cast

What I like to call a good spin-off of the House of Night series. The series itself was becoming cloying and vulgar but this mini-book that I read in only one day was a breath of fresh air. Well written and with amazing descriptions it tells the story of Dragon and Anastasia.

Rating: 5/5

Extra: book in Portuguese

-Shadow Souls by L. J. Smith

I have never like these books bery mush because the series took the characters for herself and adapted everything in a way that my brain was modified for the TV series. The previous book of this saga is The Return (which means, the series that comes after TVD) was a little bit expressionless but this book caught the rhythm and was very interesting! I was surprised, and I love when books surprise me!

Rating: 5/5

-City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

I must confess that it is not one of my favourites. The author tries to be funny and fut comedic scenes when the scene requires a moment of seriousness. However, the ending represented a great cliffhanger which makes me go and buy the 3^rd book as soon as I think of that finale so... worthy of 4 stars.

Rating: 4/5

-Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Aff, after Divergent I was expecting a better book, but I think that such thing is not possible. In this book Tris is so annoying and traumatised that is seems that she watches the scenes as if she was a mere viewer. I didn’t like this book very much.

Rating: 3/5

-Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

What a cute and beautiful book to read! Cath is a fanfiction writer of a saga that looks a lot like Harry Potter and she is on her first year of Uni so trying to balance these two things is not easy but she can do it. Timid, she has a roommate that is absolutely “I don’t care” and is even a little arrogant but full of personality and solidarity towards Cath. When I was starting I wanted to read faster than ever, but when I got to the half of the book I wished it could never end!

Rating: 5/5

Extra: it’s on my Favourite’s list

-The Selection by Kiera Kass

Great book! Imagine Big Brother but in a princesses version, with a few intriguing secrets and you get the synopsis of the series. America is such an excellent character and the mysteries that the palace holds are intriguing to say the least.

Rating: 5/5

-Looking for Alaska by John Green

I haven’t read all of his books yet but without questions this is on my list of books who will stay on a corner with will accumulate dust because they will never be read again because... well, after two exceptional  books I was with big expectation for this book but it turned out to be such a disappointment! John Green didn’t do a great job here.

Rating: 1/5

-Allegiant by Veronica Roth

It was an excellent way to finish the trilogy. Some readers didn’t like the ending and I can see it why but it was the only path that the story was leaning towards to. One of the things that the book didn’t achieve was the fact that we had Tris and Four’s POVs. In my opinion, the way they think wasn’t that big.

Rating: 5/5

Extra: it’s on my Favourite’s list

-Cinder by Marissa Meyer

I, person who doesn’t understand a thing of technology, got very confused at the beginning with that description of the shop but when the story developed, it was a perfect BANG! However, I wasn’t able to attach to characters, I even considered the villain worthy of my respect.

Rating: 3/5

-Richard III by William Shakespeare

I love to read plays but I don’t find it easy to get them so easily as I would like. I read this book thinking that I would be able to see it on stage but such thing didn’t happen, which left me with a big hole in my heart because I considered that it was such an excellent play. Besides, reading Philippa Gregory gave me an advantage because both works happen on the same historical era and focus on a character, but in different ways.

Rataing: 3/5

-The White Princess by Philippa Gregory

It’s not one of my favourite books. I think that the book was tiring but very interesting. However, Elizabeth of York is a character that was always on the backstage, observing everything. Her thoughts were interesting, so was the way that she saw things, but her actions didn’t match her personality.

Rating: 3/5

-We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This book is not one of my favourites: the story is irritating, we always know that something is missing and the end is only revealed to us literally in the end, which didn’t make me love the book. This family of wealthy people hides a secret from one of the members of the family which is something really cliché. However, the end was surprising.

Rating: 4/5

-Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia

I had seen the movie last year (2013) and I wanted to read the book so much, but I only got my hand on it in 2014. The mythology is interesting but in the end there is a scene that I fear when it comes to this fantasy books that want to finish a cycle but they still have so much to tell that the only they find is to shovel the mythology and secrets and disagreements down our throats  which leave me with a huge headache. However, it was a surprising ending.

Rating 4/5

Extra books:

-O Despertar da Magia by George R.R. Martin

Again I say: it is a book from the Song of Ice and Fire series, there’s not much to tell.

Rating: 4/5

Extra: book in Portuguese

-Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Fortunately I read Fangirl before this book otherwise I would have been extremely disappointed with the author.

Rating: 2/5

-How to Write for Television by William Smerthurst

This is a very technical book that allows us to take a look at how the small screen industry works.

Rating: 5/5

-Percy Jackson and The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

Once upon a time I read the first book of the saga and a friend of mine reminded me that I had made a promise to finish this saga. In on track!

Rating: 5/5

Extra: I finished this book on the 31^st of December! The last book of the year – literally.

PS – this is a translated entry from my Portuguese blog. I hope you like it, after all, it’s a little training for what I want to be – a translator.