September TBR (2023)

 Hey guys, this is Abi here, 

And I'm back! With none other but my September TBR for 2023! 

I'm including just five books for this because most of them are over 400 pages, and two are 500+. 

I like big books and I cannot lie! 

Let's get on. I hope you enjoy. 

1. Happy Place, by Emily Henry 

I'm currently about 100 pages into this and although I haven't prioritised it like I wanted to, it never takes much for me to become invested in the story at a moment's notice. As always with Emily Henry's books, there are funny moments, heartfelt moments and thoroughly cute moments that make my heart skip. Another solid Emily Henry book to add to the ranks. 

(Side note: If you want to know what this is about, I tell you in my August TBR and this Anticipated Releases post.)

2. The Shadow Sister (Seven Sisters #3), by Lucinda Riley 

I am so excited to continue on with this series, you don't understand. This is fast becoming one of my favourite series' of all time and I never want to stop reading it. 

This time around, we're following Star, the third sister, whose life is very closesly intertwined with her sister CeCe, seeing that they're only a few months apart. Star is currently at crossroads in her life when Pa Salt, her adopted father suddenly passes away. When she nervously decides to pursue the co-ordinates left for her from her father, she finds herself at a bookshop in the Lake District. 

Honestly, that's all I know or need to know. I love Lake District, having just been, and bookshops of course, and I know I'm going to love reading from Star's POV. 

3. The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1), by R.F. Kuang 

This is the last book on my "Want to Read" shelf on Goodreads, I was gifted the entire series several months ago. It's time I start this. I don't usually start a second series when I'm already reading one, especially one as vast and long as the Seven Sisters, but being how I'm not marathoning that, and coming back to the series every so often, I reckon I can handle this too. 

Very much the dark and nitty gritty book that fantasy readers gravitate to, The Poppy War follows Rin- a warrior from the slums of Rooster Providence- fighting her way through the Academies and Sinegard- to earn respect from her classmates and teachers- to the very depth of war, where she discovers a dark and terrifying power that just might end the war. 

Discussing themes such as death and addiction- this is one book that I can't wait to pick up this month. 

4. I Invited Her In, by Adele Parks 

This book looked intriguing after I read the blurb. Kind of all the decision making that came into picking this up. 

This is a very simple premise, so I'm just going to quote it:

"Imagine the worst thing a friend could ever do. 

THIS IS WORSE.

When Mel receives an unexpected email from her oldest 

friend Abi, it brings back memories she thought she had

buried forever. Their friendship belonged in the past. To 

those carefree days at University. 

But Abi is in trouble and needs Mel's help, and she wants

a place to stay. Just for a few days, while she sorts things

out. It's the least Mel can do. 

After all, friends look out for each other, don't they?" 

I think this'll be a nice change in book, so I've stuck it on this TBR in the hope that I'm in the mood for it when it's next on the list. 

5. Open re-read 

Of course I have to have this option at the end. Four books for an entire month just wasn't enough? (Even if I am being a tad ambitious adding a fifth book with the length of some others.) 

But right now, I have no idea what that fifth book will be- so I'm holding it open to a re-read. 

After finishing THUG, I was basically reaching for The Help almost straightaway. But with the constant advertisements for The Book Thief musical popping up on my facebook, I'm also considering re-reading the book (no I'm not seeing the musical, for some reason it doesn't sit right with me). 

So, we'll see which one I go with. 

Okay! Those are the books I'm hoping to read in September! 

As always, feel free to comment down below what you're planning to read this month, or if you like to read a specific type of book, now that Autumn is looming! 

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

Byeeee! 

-Abi xxxx

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