Bohemian Rhapsody Film Review

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And after watching the film Bohemian Rhapsody last night at the cinema, the first thing I did this morning is turn on my laptop to write the review.

Because I have some thoughts on it.

I just have to say that I love the aesthetic of the poster. The purple fading into yellow just really pulls your eye in. Its a simple poster, with a stage and the one and only Freddie Mercury performing on stage, and in my opinion, that's all the poster really needs to be. I just love how simple yet eye catching the whole poster is.

The Film

I had no expectations going into this film. I thought it would be a story about Freddie Mercury, his ups and downs with Queen, and an insight into his personal life. I got some of those things, and in this those moments I was singing along, (quietly, because I didn't want to be kicked out) having the time of my life as I witnessed Queen's rise to fame, but what I thought was lacking was the insight of what was happening in his personal life as his fame continued to rise.

Saying that, as much as I wish the film had got more into the thick of it, regarding Freddie's life from the time that he found out he had AIDS, I have to remember that it is a PG13 film, and it's more of a family friendly film, which it certainly was.

One thing that they did focus on quite a bit was Freddie's sexuality. That was one factor that was very well developed. There was one scene where Queen was at a press conference but instead of asking questions about the latest hit, they were asking (the word 'pressing' is kind of an understatement) questions about his sexuality instead. That scene was very well done and really grasped the idea of what it must have been for Mercury and any other person in the public eye at that time, what it must have felt like to be seen as queer.

Also, I got to find out more about the people that were in Mercury's life, instead of just Freddie Mercury alone. And I have to say, the people cast as these amazing people were absolutely perfect. You really got the feel of what it was like for Queen, in that recording studio, what their chemistry was like when they were making music. Also, the acting that came from Lucy Boynton (who played Mary) stood out in particular as perfect.  

The best part of this film was the soundtrack (because it's Queen.) But what I enjoyed the most was how each big song was woven into the story. It really helped to see what inspired some of Queen's songs, especially as I wasn't alive when all of this was taking place, like some of the people I went to see the film with (I went with my mum, auntie and their friend.) Because I wasn't able to live through Mercury's story, it really helped me to see the bigger picture.

 It was one of my favourite parts because it added so much to the story.

Overall, a really enjoyable film. My only critiques are that they could have gone into Mercury's experience living with AIDS, and the time between when Queen performed at Live Aid in 1985, and Mercury's death in 1991.

But other than that, I recommend going to see it with the best sound and picture you can, because this is one of those films when they do not hold back on the sound.

They are playing the film in IMAX, so if you can, go and see it in IMAX. (I just saw it in regular picture though and it was still amazing.)

Right, that is my review of Bohemian Rhapsody! I hope you enjoyed it, and let me know what you thought of the review, and the film if you've seen it!

That's all I have, and that's going to do it for this post!

Byeeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

Completed Series' List (2018)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And it's officially been two years since I have posted my Completed Series' List!

Now I am just including series' that I own, and maybe 1 or 2 that I don't (that I remember.)

Enjoy!

1. The "Demonata" Series, by Darren Shan

2. The "Vampire Beach" series, by Darren Shan

3. The "5th Wave" trilogy, by Rich Yansey

4. The "Lying Game" series, by Sara Shephard

5. The "Medusa Girls" trilogy, by Tera Lynn Childs

6. The "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" trilogy, by Jenny Han

7. The "Monsters of Verity" duology, by V.E Schwab

8. The "Mistborn" trilogy, by Brandon Sanderson

9. The "Hunger Games" trilogy, by Suzanne Collins

10. The "Legend" trilogy, by Marie Lu

11. The "Tiny Pretty Things" duology, by Sona Charaipotra

12. The "Divergent" trilogy, by Veronica Roth

13. The "Lunar Chronicles" series, by Marissa Meyer

14. The "Six of Crows" duology, by Leigh Bardugo

15. The "Infernal Devices" trilogy, by Cassandra Clare

16. The "Slated" trilogy, by Teri Terry

17. The "Passenger" duology, by Alexandra Bracken

18. The "Skulduggery Pleasant" series, by Derek Landy

19. The "Demon Road" trilogy, by Derek Landy

20. The "Noughts & Crosses" series, by Malorie Blackman

21. The "Red Queen" series, by Victoria Aveyard

22. The "Frostblood" trilogy, by Elly Blake

23. The "Dark Matter" trilogy, by Teri Terry

24. The "Fairytale Retellings" series, by Jackson Pearce

25. The "Mortal Instruments" series, by Cassandra Clare

26. The "Raven Boys" series, by Maggie Steifvater

27. The "Twilight" series, by Stephanie Meyer

28. The "Series of Unfortunate Events" series, by Lemony Snicket

29. The "Harry Potter" series, by J K Rowling

30. The "Songs About A Girl" trilogy, by Chris Russell

So those are the series that I own and have finished! There are probably some more that I've finished that I haven't included, but those are the ones I own!

How many series' have you finished? Let me know some of your favourites in the comments!

Right that's it for today's post. I appreciate that it was just a plain list with nothing else, but there should be more on Monday.

Right, I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I will see you all on Monday!

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxxx

A Snowstorm and a Relationship

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And today I got the feeling that I wanted to write a short story, with minimal time and lack of inspiration.

Let me know if you like it!

45 minutes: countdown. No editing. Enjoy!

""Attention! Due to the extreme weather conditions, the train has been stalled for one hour. We are working hard to get the line clear as much as possible so bear with us."

Removing my headphones from around my ears, I glance around the stall.

Great, I think, relieved to find that I am finally alone, the rest of the passengers in the stall, having left to let loved ones know of the blizzard.

I think about doing the same, letting Dad and Jax know that the train has stalled, but I don't want to worry them. They were worried enough about me making the journey by train as it was.

I'll call them when I get there, so that they know there's nothing wrong, I think, wondering when that would be.

Closing my eyes, I think of what awaits me: a life at Uni, studying Business Studies, a life of friendship, laughter, and the start of a potential career. I can't wait to get there, and show that I can be an independent, motivated individual. Especially since everybody is convinced that I can't.

I flash through the memories: skin as white as a ghost, the fall that solidified the disease, the lack of strength...

I wake with a start. A face above me, shaking me awake. I can't quite make out what he's saying. It's a male, around my age, maybe a couple of years older. Shaking my head, I start to make sense of what he's saying.

"...So sorry, I didn't know if you were dead so I just wanted to check..."

Licking my lips, I try to speak, dumbfounded.

"That's alright, I didn't realise I'd fallen asleep..."

He grins, the sun from the window glinting off his teeth.

I start to smile again, somehow unable to stop. I just want to return his smile...

What the heck am I doing? I shouldn't be thinking these thoughts, I probably look horrendous!

Before a second thought, I'm back on my feet, bag in hand.  

"Excuse me." I push past him without a second thought.

"Oh, okay..." The smile is gone in an instant, replaced with a look of lost confusion. I rush off to the toilet as fast as my legs will carry me.

* * * * * * *

Dignity regained, I slowly make my way out of the bathroom. My head aimed at the floor, I try to think what to do.

"Hey!"

I jump like I'd just seen a ghost. Which would have been preferable.

"Are you following me?" Of course, it's the dream boy from the stall.

"No. Hey, wait!" He gets out before I attempt to run as fast as I can to the other end of the train.

But as quick as lightning, he grabs my arm and refuses to let go.

"Let go." I stop struggling and look into his eyes, knowing he won't unless I look him in the eye at least once.

"No. I wanted to formally introduce myself. I'm Jaime."

I look him up. Ruffled hair, blue eyes, and lightly tanned skin, like he's been abroad recently. Casually dressed, smiling. Attractive.

Hmm, attractive is an understatement. You just thought of him as dream boy. Stop daydreaming.

"Cara. Nice to meet you." I shake his hand vigorously, treating it business casual.

* * * * *

"So what brings you here?" He takes a swig of his Pepsi Max, but never for a second do his eyes come away from mine.

"Uni." I motion to the suitcase next to me.

"Oh. What are you studying?"

"Business studies."

"Oh..." He's quick, but not quick enough: I see a role of the eyes before he glances away.

"What's wrong with business studies?" I jump into a rage before I can stop myself.

"Nothing! It's just a bit... you know..."

"No I don't! What's wrong with it?"

"Just a bit... boring is all."

I don't even know how to respond at this point.

* * * * * * *

"All I'm saying is this: You learn business on the job. The idea, the premise, the product is what is going to get you noticed! The best way to learn to be a businessman or woman is on the job! That's all I'm saying." He crosses his arms to end the point.

To be honest, he has a point.

But I'm not going to let him think that.

"Good point. But, business studies is more than just being taught the tools. You have to put your own spin on it, so you can make it a business that you run your own way! If you're just following some other business, on the job, there's no way in hell you'll make it on your own!"

"I mean, I get that, but how many heads are actually involved in their own businesses? Take Lord Sugar for example. He invests in other's businesses', but does he ever get his hands dirty? Nope." He tucks his hands in his pockets. "You know I'm right."

And I can't help but smile.

* * * * * * *

"I guess I just realised that if I want something, I'll have to go and get it myself." He says with such heart-felt emotion that I steer my eyes away from my mug of coffee.

"What do you mean?" Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I shift a bit closer.

"Just that if I wanted a future career in music, then nobody was going to hand it to me."

I sigh. "I know."

* * * * *

The train machine wakes me up with a jolt.

"Attention! We have got the train moving again and we will be reaching Hull in five minutes.

I sneak a glance at Jaime, and am surprised to discover that he has fallen asleep. Deliberating on whether to wake him, I decide to leave this tale at it's end and leave him there.

Giving him a soft peck on the cheek, I pick up my bag, and make my leave before I change my mind.

Standing on the side, I see the train leave the platform,

a sprinkle of a tear, the return of hope that I can make my way once again.

Funny what an encounter can do.

Bye, Jaime. "

Hi guys!

Hope you enjoyed that!

I think, because I've finished my latest draft for my book, that I am ready for beta readers, and this was maybe a building confidence to send off some of my work off!

If you enjoyed it, let me know, I might start doing more of these, so let me know!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Fall Time, Cosy Time Book Tag

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

I'm here today with a tag because let's be honest, they're fun to do!

Also, this one has been circling Youtube for a while now, and the questions look cool!

Enjoy!

1. Crunching Leaves- The world is full of colour: A book with red, orange and yellow on the cover.

The closest I came to those colours is Fireblood, by Elly Blake. The second book in a recently finished trilogy, and it was my favourite by far which, based on the second book sigma, that the second book often doesn't compare to the first (especially if the book is popular) doesn't often come up. But this book showed that this isn't always the case.

2. Cosy sweater: It's finally cold enough to wear cosy clothing- What book gives you the warm fuzzies?

The Start of Me and You, by Emery Lord. Although I had heard great things of this author, given the title, I wasn't totally sure whether I was going to enjoy this book or not. I was dead wrong. I picked this book up one morning in August, and finished it that afternoon. It had just enough heart-break, from the point of view of a girl whose boyfriend had just drowned. This book was her way back from hell. A list of things to accomplish, and an amazingly cute, unique story. The perfect read for August.

3. Fall storm: The wind is howling and the rain is pounding: Favourite book/good that you love to read on a stormy day.

A book with beautiful words.

Or a romance with comedic and cute scenes.

4. Cool crisp air: What's the coolest character you want to trade places with?

Vin, from the Mistborn trilogy.

How cool would it be to jump from building to building with different kinds of metal?

I would totally be up for that.

5. Hot apple cider: What book do you want to see become the hottest book?

Well, all the books that I'm looking forward are already greatly anticipated:

(Queen of Air and Darkness). I'm going to go with This Cruel Design, by Emily Suvada. The second book in the This Mortal Coil trilogy is out at the end of the month, and the first book was honestly one of the most unique sci-fi novels I've ever read.

6. Coats, scarves and mittens: The weather has turned cold and it's time to cover up-

What's the most embarrassing cover you own, that you like to keep hidden in public?

I'm just going to opt out of this one, because I don't think I've been embarrassed by a cover. If people come up and ask about it, it opens up a discussion for another potential reader.

7. Pumpkin spice: What's your favourite fall time comfort food/foods?

Tea. Always tea.

Tags

-Andrea @https://254bookaholic.blogspot.com/

-Victoria @https://victoriasbookishblog.blogspot.com/

-And you! Anybody that wants to do this tag should be free to!

Okay! That was The Fall Time, Cosy Time Book Tag! I hope you enjoyed it, and I'm happy to admit that it was fun to end the week with a nice book tag!

As always, I wish you a lovely weekend, full of lots of lovely books!

I'll see you all on Monday.

Byeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

Aaru: Hall to Hel (Aaru #2), by David Meredith

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I feel like it's time to put up my end of the bargain for the second book in the Aaru trilogy. I did not finish this book, but I am writing a review for it nevertheless.

Enjoy!

Title: Aaru Halls of Hel

Author: David Meredith

Genre: ????

Release date: 27th July, 2018

Status: Book 2 in the Aaru Cycle trilogy

Pages: ?

Blurb: "In Elysian Industries' virtual paradise of Aaru, that means she's

practically a goddess. She is immortal. She is powerful. A

limitless paradise is hers and her friends' to command. They are

free from sickness and pain, old age and death. She should be

ecstatic over her prestige and privilege, but the gilded utopia has

lost it's luster.

In a reality where anything can be hers with a thought, and Rose can master any skill instantly with nothing but her imagination, to what can she still aspire? She has all of eternity to fill, but what will her purpose be? Rose adores her sweet, Latin boyfriend, Franco. She loves wiling away endless immaculate days with her friends, but shouldn’t there be more to life than mere play? Also, Rose is dogged by deep concern for her little sister, Koren, the Elysian Industries spokes-model and reality star back in the “Before” world.

Though Koren is wealthy, famous, and idolized by millions of adoring fans, her life is spinning out of control. Her parents’ marriage is on the rocks, and the boyfriend of her dreams, Jonas Perry, seems suddenly indifferent. Koren finds her celebrity increasingly isolating, her grueling work schedule exhausting, and the constant scrutiny of her personal life unwelcomed and intrusive. To top it all off, she has regular nightmares about the death of her friend, Kiku, and the still-at-large Magic Man who nearly stole away her everything.

Koren and Rose have more to fear from this quarter than they know. Magic Man’s obsession with the teenage idol has not lessened, and he is far from defeated. With vital aid from an unexpected source, his nefarious schemes to make Koren his own and to hack the Aaru mainframe are on track and moving forward. Unless the sisters can thwart his sinister designs, everyone and everything the girls hold dear could be destroyed. "

My Thoughts

When I was approached about reading book 2 in this trilogy, I was kind of looking forward to it. After the mad ending to the first book, I was intrigued as to how Meredith was going to bring the plot forward.

And then I started to read it. And getting back into it took some convincing. From my brain. Because it was soooo slow. And I kept reading because, I remember that book 1 had started off a bit slow, because it was busy explaining the world and the way it all works. But I had hoped that because we'd got the gist of it in the first book, that there wouldn't be so much of it in the second book. I was dead wrong. There was so much description that I frequently lost my train of thought of what the hell it was talking about. And see, I'm aware that this is just a matter of opinion, but I don't like too much description, especially when I'm finding it hard to understand the majority of the words being spoken or described.

And I was getting through the book. Slowly, very very slowly, but surely. And even though I wasn't having the best time, I was making my way through the book. (Maybe like 10 pages a day, because of hectic work schedule.) And then I realised something.

I should not be struggling through this. With the little amount of time that I have left to read, I should be excited to pick the book up, not feel like I'm being punished.

If you didn't know, I'm a mood reader. It's not about logistics with me. Like I want to be excited to pick up a book, whatever it may be about. I go with my gut instinct on what I want to read, and I realised that because it was so sloooowwww, I just didn't have the motivation to pick up Aaru Book 2.

And by this point, I was getting to be almost overenthusiastic when something exciting happened, which is not what reading a book should be like.

So I DNFed the book.

Maybe it was because there was too much description, not enough heart raising scenes or character development (because there didn't seem to be much), but this book just wasn't what I expected it to be.

You may enjoy this book, but I'm sad to say I didn't.

Okay! So that was my review of Aaru: Halls of Hel! It wasn't a totally positive one, but I've got my thoughts out.

Okay! So that's all I've got, and that's going to do it for today's post!

Byeeee!

-Abi xxxxx

September Wrap Up & October TBR (2018)

Hey guys, this is Abi here,

And I am posting today because now is the first spare moment I have had since last post.

A week of working all day and making cakes all night means that I haven't been able to post for the longest time.

So instead of using two blog posts when I could be catching up on more pressing bookish topics, I've decided to do a two in one!

Here's my September Wrap Up & October TBR!

Enjoy!

September Wrap Up (2018)

DNF's.

First off, before delving into what I read in September, there are a couple of books that I DNF (did not finish) that I honestly, cannot remember when I put them down!

1. Aaru, Halls of Hell, by David Meredith

Having worked with David Meredith before, with Reflections of Queen Snow White and the first book in the Aaru trilogy, I was happy to pick up the second. Even reading this second book, and knowing that the first Aaru book had been a slow burner, I could not carry on any longer than I did with this novel. Generally, I like description, but there was way too much in this book, and the way I reacted when something would progress was- overjoy that something had happened. But these scenes were few and far between, and I found myself fighting to pick this book up. I've decided this year that I'm not going to waste the time reading something that I'm not enjoying, when I could be spending the time reading something else. I will still do a review for this book, because that was the deal I set up, receive a free copy for a review, but I couldn't carry on for longer than I did.

2. The Astonishing Colour of After, by Emily X.R Pan

I put this down for the very same reason. Too much of a slow burner. And before you all jump on this blog, telling me that it's a book that discusses grief and that it's wrong to say it was too slow, but that's what I thought. As beautiful as the writing was, and the unique premise, and the need for Leigh to find out the truth about her mother, but there just wasn't enough content for me to stay engaged in the story. That's just my personal opinion though.

Books I Read In September

1. Evolution (Dark Matter #3), by Teri Terry

I have to say, this last book in the trilogy was a let down. There were a couple of plot developments that I wasn't expecting, and the book went in a different direction to what I was expecting, but overall, it wasn't my favourite, especially compared to some of Teri Terry's other works, like the Slated trilogy and some of her standalones. I'm satisfied with how it ended, and some of the last part of the book was so quick paced that my heart was beating like crazy! But any time that happened throughout this book, when I thought it would pick up, and it would turn into a slow crawl. Although it was a good end to the series, I feel like it could have been better.

2. The Miserable Mill (Series of Unfortunate Events #4), by Lemony Snicket

3. The Austere Academy (Series of Unfortunate Events #5), by Lemony Snicket

4. The Ersatz Elevator (Series of Unfortunate Events #6), by Lemony Snicket

I got through these three books in the Series of Unfortunate Events series this month. I like these three because you start to see more than just the story you come to expect from the first three/four books, and you start to see the beginnings of what the story becomes as the story progresses. You meet both some amazing characters, as well as some equally despicable ones. And of course that quirky quality that it's hard to find a book or a series that is as unique and fun/creepy as this one. I'm excited for how this series is going to go from here, and I am hoping to read more of these next month.

5. This is Going to Hurt

I finished this on the final day of September, so I was only just able to put this on the list. It was an interesting read to say the least, but it was one book that I definitely didn't regret picking up. This book is a sum of diary entries from the ex-doctor Adam Kay about his experiences whilst being a junior doctor and it was a book that had been on my radar for a while. All in all it was such an eye opening book about what it's like to be a junior doctor: the highs, the lows, and the funny moments that come with such an important career. I highly recommend this novel, because there is no book like it.

October TBR (2018)

1. A Shadow Bright and Burning (Kingdom on Fire #1), by Jessica Cluess

I'm currently about 20 pages into this, and the reason that this is on my TBR is because it's on my TBR Jar for 2018, and time is running out because it's OCTOBER ALREADY! I decided enough is enough and I ordered it, so I could start this trilogy that I've heard so much about. It reminds me a bit of Three Dark Crowns with the politics, and I hope that I love this trilogy as much as that one!

2. Slenderman

There is not an author for this book which means its incredibly hard to find on Goodreads. I still haven't found it! But, I got this in Waterstones a couple of weeks ago. As an avid gamer as well as reader, I am a fan of anything that tries to creep me out. I played Until Dawn, and there's always been something about Slenderman that intrigues/ creeps me out. And when I saw a novel with Slenderman, I grabbed it and bought it. Also, it's now October, and it's the perfect Halloween read! Let me know what creepy reads you want to pick up this month! 

3. The Vile Village (Series of Unfortunate Events #7), by Lemony Snicket

4. The Hostile Hospital (Series of Unfortunate Events #8), by Lemony Snicket

5. The Carnivorous Carnival (Series of Unfortunate Events #9), by Lemony Snicket

 The next three books in this series. If I get through these, then that means I have books 10-13 left in the series. But, I'm not going to think of that. I'm going to think of how good it will be to progress even more so in this series that is, and probably always will be, one of my favourite series' of all time. (Also I love the covers.)

6. Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1), by Cassandra Clare

7. Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2), by Cassandra Clare

Another challenge for my TBR Jar that I need to get to. Lady Midnight was such an amazing book and I hear that Lord of Shadows is better! It's been a year since I read the first book in the trilogy, and I want to refresh my memory on what happened.

Okay! So that was my September Wrap Up & October TBR! I know it was on a Tuesday, but I'm at a point when I'm just using whatever free time I have left to post and talk about books!

Right, that's all I've got and that's going to do it for this post! I hope you enjoyed it, and don't forget to comment what spooky reads you are picking up this month, for Halloween!

I hope you have a wonderful day and I will see you soon!

Byeeeeeeee!

-Abi xxxxx