August Wrap Up (2023)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with my August Wrap Up (2023)! I read a total of 4 books and even though it's the same number as last month, they were definitely a lot larger. 

Makes me think I might actually do okay at reading all the huge fantasy series' I'm thinking of reading in the next few months. 

Without further ado, I hope you enjoy. 

1. Amari and the Great Game (Supernatural Investigations #2),by R.B. Alston

After re-reading and re-inversing myself back into the story, I had no idea as for what direction the second book would take, given it all wrapped up quite neatly at the end. I knew Amari's childhood friend would be joining her at the academy, and that Quinton would be a part of it, but nothing more than that. As I often find is the case, I found I didn't enjoy this The Great Game as much as the first one, but that's down to enjoying stories that have a clear premise- a clear goal. If I was to describe this book, I'd use the words organised chaos because I never felt like I had a hand on where the story was going, I was always waiting to be tripped up with a plot twist. Very different feel to the first book, different characters were developed in this and I found myself rooting for a couple that I previously disliked. Very solid sequel, eagerly awaiting the third and final book. 

2. The Seven Sisters (The Seven Sisters #1), by Lucinda Riley 

I came across this series from my colleague Liz at work, and although it seemed interesting, I never dreamed she'd lend it to me- or that I'd love it as much as I did! 

The Seven Sisters is the first book in an eight book series following six adopted daughters- named after the famous constellations- after their father, Pa Salt, passes away. They are each given a letter, and co-ordinates as for where he adopted them- which they can pursue if they wish. 

The protagonist of the first book is Maia, who decides to travel to Rio de Janeiro, after a familiar face sends her a message. Having lived in Geneva with Pa Salt all her life, Maia starts off shaken up to her very core, but as the book progresses, it's lovely to see her blossom into the independant woman who is eager to find her family and her heritage. Extremely likeable, she was an excellent protagonist that made me eager to continue on with this amazingly written- eight book series. 

3. The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give #1), by Angie Thomas 

Finally, I got to one of my re-reads! I chose The Hate U Give as my 'open space' book because well, I'd been putting the list off for long enough. For those that don't know, I have a select list of re-reads I want to get to this year, that I'm reading as and when I feel like. 

As always, The Hate U Give is still a hard-hitting, very real book about Starr, a seventeen year old that witness her friend Khalil, shot and killed by a white cop, and all the repercussions of that. It's a truly moving and powerful story, and one that you should check out if you haven't yet. 

4. The Storm Sister (The Seven Sisters #2), by Lucinda Riley 

I didn't think it was possible to love a book as much as I loved The Seven Sisters, following Maia, but then I read this. I love Maia, and the way she slowly came out of her shell, but Ally (Alycone) was just a wonderful character to read about. Headstrong, a sailor, yet warm and passionate; but with no direction when a traggic accident occurs, she makes the journey to Norway to find out where she came from. 

Despite The Storm Sister's many a page, I never felt like I was bored or wanted to put the book down, which I'm finding more and more these days.

Of course I still have a great many books to read in this series, but I think this book might have solidified this series as one of my favourites of all time. 

Okay! Those are the books I read this month! I am extremely proud of myself for finishing these, especially the Seven Sisters books, and I'm hoping I'll get to read even more in the coming months. 

As always, feel free to comment down below what you picked up this month and we can talk about it! 

I hope you have a wonderful afternoon and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

Heathers the Musical UK Tour

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 
And yesterday I went to go and see the Heathers the Musical UK Tour at The Curve- and basically, I've decided, the only way for me to truly purge everything I experienced, is to write a review about it (and to listen to it on repeat in my car but mainly this). 

I hope you enjoy it. 

Now, before I start, I'm just going to state a little disclaimer. This is not a professional review, this is me just attempting to put my thoughts in some kind of order. So, I'll just start and see how it goes: 

Of course, there is no other place I want to start, but with the leading lady: Jenna Innes (like in Guinness). 

She was the constant throughout the show, we follow her as she becomes part of the legendary Heathers' clique: Heather Macnamera: head cheerleader; Heather Duke, no discernible personality, has implants; and Heather Chandler, mythic bitch. After throwing up on Heather's shoes we watch Veronica make some questionable decisions that send us on a whilewind the audience does not expect. 

Frankly, it takes a lot to be Veronica in Heathers. Vocally especially, but also, she very rarely leaves the stage, meaning you need someone special to be able to handle her. But honestly, you wouldn't think they'd done 200 shows and still sound the way she did. Powerful belting, no straining, and also somehow clear. Made the role her own, but was everything I was expecting Veronica to be. When I say she made it her own, what I mean is, I'm still thinking about her performance, the way she delivered certain lines- over 24 hours later. 

Up next- Kingsley Morton. Plays the best friend of Veronica, Martha Dunnstock. A side character that crops up every so often, but is never really the centre of the story. Until her solo "Kindergarten Boyfriend"- the song that really makes people sit up and take notice of her. And what a performance. Such clarity in Kingsley's vocal, such innocence. The way she performs this solo makes me want to get up onto the stage and hug her. When I'm listening to the UK album in my car, I always tend to overlook this song over "Shine A Light" or "I Say No" but this was one of my favourites live. You could hear every syllable when Kingsley Morton was singing this. A standout song for me. So beautiful. 

Now, on a different note: in terms of comedic timing, Alex Woodward (Kurt Kelly), Morgan Jackson (Ram Sweeney) and Katie Payne (Ms Fleming/ Veronica's Mom) were amazing. Alex and Morgan were full of energy, the chemistry between those two was off the charts. They were the assholes you hate to love. 

And then there's Katie Payne, who played Ms Fleming/ Veronica's mom. what a performance with shine a light. Didn't matter that her rendition was a little different- she performed the hell out of it. It takes a heck of a lot of confidence to flirt with a man in the audience but she pulled it off. Also probably had the quickest quick change in the history of the world towards the end, so props for that. 

Up next, Billie Bowman, who played Heather Macnamera. Bowman's lifeboat was heartbreaking. My heart was crying for Macnamera because out of all of the shit that takes place in Heathers- she was the one that was suffering the most throughout. I mean, they all are in their way, and of course Veronica goes a bit round the bend mentally with her hand in it all, but at least she knows what's going on. All Mcnamara knows is that her best friend and boyfriend aren't here anymore. Honestly, Bowman's "Lifeboat" and Morton's "Kindergarten Boyfriend" are the most emotional I've felt watching a piece of theatre since the "Rent" UK tour a few years previously. 

Jacob Fowler- having read the programme before the show and finding out that he played JD at The Other Palace, I knew I was in for a treat. Voice of an angel, and no I'm not exaggerating. His gorgeous voice, coupled with the disturbing personality of JD made for an amazing performance. If I close my face for a second I can see his meloncholy expression- it gives me chills. 

And finally, I can't post this without mentioning the groundbreaking Heather Chandler- Verity Thompson. Commands attention as soon as she walkes on stage- which is exactly what Heather Chandler does. I would go as far to say that Verity Thompson IS Heather Chandler. The main antagonist at the start, you can feel the audience turn on her almost instantly. Even when she isn't the main antagonist anymore, she never loses that grace, sophistication or presence of Heather Chandler. 

I will also mention that, even though this isn't a dance heavy show,  (it's not that type of show), they still manage to have some phenomenal cast choreography in there. It all looked extremely polished and together- My Dead Gay Son was an absolute banger- even though you could tell they weren't all dancers. Every movement was precise and energetic. Choreography- nailed. 

Also, for those wondering how much the musical version will co-exist against the iconic film of the 80s, the answer is very much. It is very much the same dark humour, the same storyline, to a tea, same characters, you just get to know more about them with these AMAZING SOLOS- I'd argue at least. 

You can see the musical, even if you've never seen the film in your life- in truth, I watched the film, so I could have a comparison to the musical- I became excited about the musical way before I started getting interested in the film. 

You can also see it if you've watched the film a million times- but the musical is just a separate beast. 

Overall, Heathers in itself is a hard show. Everybody dances at least once, none of the songs are easy, and of course there's the difficult subject matter. Not to mention there are only 12 cast members, so you really have to be high energy constantly with a show like this. But honestly, it was absolutely seamless. High energy all the way through, no hint of anything but pure exhilaration. I love this cast, I love this musical, I would 100% go and see it again if given the chance. 

Go and see it- they're touring the UK until October. 

Okay! That is my review of Heathers the Musical UK Tour- very different from my usual reviews, but I needed to write this down- and I'm glad I did. 

I hope you have a wonderful and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeeee! 

-Abi xxxxx

August TBR (2023)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with (a rather late) August TBR! 

I've already finished 2/6 of the books I planned on picking up this month (one of which was this evening- which enabled me to start (and hopefully finish) this TBR). 

But nevertheless, here is my August TBR. I hope you enjoy it. 

1. The Seven Sisters, by Lucinda Riley 

My work colleague gave this to me to read, because I was interested in it. It's the first in, I think an eight book series, and it's about seven adopted sisters, that were born all across the world, and upon their pa's death are each given a clue- a clue that leads them to their heritage, their past. 

Eighty years earlier, in the Belle Epoque of Rio, 1927, Izabela Bonifacio's father has aspirations for his daughter to marry into aristocracy. Before she is married, she convinces her father to allow her to accompany him to on his trip to Europe. In the lively, vibrant café of Montparnasse, she meets ambitious young sculptor Laurent Brouilly, and knows her life will never be the same again. 

It's 622 pages long, and I'm so excited to sink my teeth into this huge novel. 

2. Happy Place, by Emily Henry 

It's September next month, which means I'll be thinking about the spooky reads and the thick fantasies to sink into. And honestly, it's about time I picked this up. 

Happy Place is about Harriet and Wyn-who are considered 100% right for eachother- going on a trip with their best friends for the last time- as the cottage is closing after this holiday year. There's only one problem- they've been broken up for the last six months, and they haven't told their friends. They decide, for this last trip, they'll just pretend- just for one week- to be a couple once more to protect their friends' feelings. Besides, what's the worst that could happen? 

Looking forward to loving another one of Emily Henry's books. 

3. Open slot

 
I'm just going to leave this for when the time comes. Originally it was going to be Good For A Girl, an autobiography by Lauren Fleshman, an american runner, but now I'm in the mood to pick up THUG for a re-read. Last month it was Theatrical. Honestly have no idea which one I'll be picking up. 

4. The Miniaturist (The Miniaturist #1), by Jessie Burton 

I've had The House of Fortune (sequel) for several months now and because it's been several years since I read the first, I feel I'm due a re-read. 

I'm going to list the blurb in bullet points now: 

1. Nella is sort to a wealthy but distant merchant. 

2. He gifts her a miniaturist house, exactly the same as the house they live in. 

3. As Nella uncovers hidden secrets within the house she realises the depth of the danger they are all in. 

4. The Miniaturist seems to hold their fate in her hands- but will she save or destroy them?

It seems this is the month for historical fiction books! Not gonna lie, I'm genuinely looking forward to it. 

Okay! Those are all the books I plan to read in the month of August! If you have any thoughts on any of the books listed, then don't hesitate to comment! 

I hope you have a wonderful evening and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxxxx

July Wrap Up (2023)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back with my July Wrap Up (2023)!

I think I did slightly better this month in terms of finishing books. I read a total of 4 books and they all took round about the same amount of time- there isn't a book that took 14 days at all! 

Slowly getting there. 

Here's what I read. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

1. Little Girls Tell Tales, by Rachel Bennett

I'm trying to actually read some books that people have mentioned to me recently, and this was one of them, from my mother. Little Girls Tell Tales follows Rosalie, a girl trying her best to stay on her feet after her wife passed away, when her brother and a girl knocks on her door. The girl claims that the skeleton Rosalie found in the marsh when she was a young girl (which noboby believed her about) might have been her sister. 

Rosalie, along with Dallin and Cora, start to scour the marsh for clues, or anything the town folk can give that might stear them in the right direction. But the further they delve into the marsh, the more strange happenings occur. Who doesn't want them looking for Cora's sister? And what's hidden in the depths of the marsh?

This was a very easy book to get into, and every time I picked it up again, I was always able to remember exactly I'd got up to previously. Well written characters, compelling plot. I'm starting to think I should give the crime/ thriller genre more of a chance than I have been. 

Not an absolute masterpiece but I'm very glad I followed through and picked Little Girls Tell Tales up. 

2. A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman 

I've recently posted a review of this book so if you want to read some of my most in-depth thoughts, you can click the link in the title. 

All my thoughts rolled into one paragraph: I loved this book. Less than 300 pages long, but it sure packs a punch. I laugh, I smiled, I nearly cried on a train, I went through a range of emotions because of this book and I would do so again. The film is decent too, so after sobbing your heart out on this book, go and watch that. This is my favourite book of the year before and I challenge every other book to make me feel even a tiny amount of what I feel when reading this book. I dare you. 

3. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

As soon as I post this and my August TBR, I'll be back with my review of THIS. That's right, I'm posting another review! To be fair, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo very much needs one, because I have thoughts. And I'm thinking I'll fit in as many as I can, providing I have thoughts and I'm in the mood. 

This has been my third Taylor Jenkins Reid book, and even though the two other books I've read by her, Carrie Soto is Back and Daisy Jones and the Six have subject matters that I care about a bit more, I found this just as amazing. Maybe even more actually- every time I put this down, I was almost anxious to find out what was going to happen next. 

I so very much want to say more but I should probably hold off until writing this review I've promised myself I'll write- otherwise I might just end up posting it now. 

4. Amari and the Night Brothers (Supernatural Investigations #1), by B.B. Alston 

I finally got to this! Enjoyed it just as much the second time around- and am currently reading Amari and the Great Game and thoroughly enjoying what I've read so far! 

Amari and the Night Brothers follows Amari who, after being expelled from school, is nominated to a  summer camp by her brother Quinton- who has been missing for several months- which turns out to be a magical summer camp! Amari's only goal is to find out what happened to her brother, but after finding out what her own magical power is, must contend with all sorts of challenges- not least her only classmates- but the question is- will she ever find out what happened to her brother?

It's difficult not to see the similarities this book shares with Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone- but I really do love this- great start to the trilogy (I think it's a trilogy)- very excited to see where this series is headed! 

Okay! Those are all the books I read in the month of July! I'm hoping I'll get to heaps more in August, but of course, I'll be taking it steady so as not to fall into a reading slump. 

I hope you have a wonderful evening, and I'll see you all soon! 

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxx