How to Deal With A Reading Slump| Carenza Bramwell

We've all been there as readers. The dreaded reading slump. The moment when we cannot read anymore despite our love of literature. Personally, I've felt like I've spent most of 2020 in one never ending reading slump. I'm going to share with you some tips for how I deal with reading slumps. I hope these tips help you!

Don't force Yourself to Finish a Book You're Not Enjoying

A crucial tip for when you find yourself in a reading slump is to not continue with the book you're not enjoying. If you aren't enjoy that book, either DNF or put it to one side for later. Continuing with a book when you're in a slump is going to make it even more difficult to leave the slump. It's okay to put a book to one side if now is not the right time to read it. Now is just not the time for you. The book will still be there when you decide it's time to reread it.  

Try Rereading a Favourite

Something it might be worth trying if you're not enjoying reading is to pick up a book you know you love. If you know you love it, then you're going to want to read it. It acts as the perfect antidote for if you're not in the reading mood. I'm sure we all have our favourite books or our comfort books. Pick up one of those and watch the reading bug come back.

Step Away From Books Altogether

Alternatively, if that doesn't work for you. Take some time away from books. Give your brain a bit of a break and then come back rejuvenated. As someone who loves reading and TV, I find having a break from one of them for the other always makes me miss the other. Find something else to do until you're ready to come back to reading. Forcing yourself to read is only going to lengthen the slump and make it worse. Like I mentioned earlier, books and reading will always be there to welcome you back when you're ready.  

Try a Different Format   

Whatever your usual or prefered reading format is, when in a reading slump, maybe try something that's a bit outside your comfort zone. Personally, I prefer physical books. I find I engage a bit more as I have to focus on the text in front of me. However, when in a slump, I listen to more audiobooks. I like to put them on when I go for walks or when I'm doing something like tidying or cleaning. I just let to story wash-over me without the effort of having to read myself. I find that this makes me want to pick up my usual reading format afterwards as I'm back in the reading mood.  

It's Okay Not to Read All the Time

My last tip is more of a reassuring statement and that's it's okay to not read all the time. It doesn't make you any less of a reader. It can be hard when we see everyone smashing their reading goals on Instagram, but remember everyone reads at their own pace. We should all be proud of what we achieve with our reading. 

That concludes my tips for if you find yourself in a reading slump. I hope this helps if you're in a reading slump!

Carenza :) x

The End of Year Book Tag 2020| Carenza Bramwell

The end of 2020 is slowly approaching. Soon we can leave this hellish year behind and prepare for whatever 2021 has installed for us. With the end of the year approaching, it is time to reflect on various things, including the books we have read. Today's post is going to be the End of the Year Book Tag. I've seen this on various content creators sites, but I found the questions on Kristin Kraves Books Blog.   

Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

The book I'm hoping to finish by the end of the year is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JKR. I started this as a part of a reread during lockdown before the whole JKR fiasco happened. I am only finishing it to finish the series and then I plan on distancing myself from the series for quite some time. I think I'm almost halfway through the audiobook, narrated by the legendary Stephen Fry.  

Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

I would consider my most recent read, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab, an autumnal book that transitioned to the end of the year. It had some spooky vibes to it, which was perfect for this time of year. I'm not one that usually reads transitional books, but Addie LaRue is an incredible book for this time of year when it's dark and cold outside. 

Is there a new release you're still waiting for?

All the books I was waiting for to be released have been, but I am waiting for my copy of These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong to be delivered. It's a 1920s retelling of Romeo and Juliet set in Shanghai with some fantasy elements in. I cannot wait to read it when my copy finally arrives. Another book that I haven't order is This Winter by Alice Oseman, a Solitaire/Heartstopper novella. It's a Christmas novella about Charlie and Nick. I'm going to pick it up closer to Christmas. 

What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

It's very difficult to pick only three books! But if I was forced to I would have to pick The Secret History by Donna Tartt, The Familiars by Stacey Halls and The Angry Tide by Winston Grahame. These are books I can see myself picking up before the year ends. 

Is there a book you think could shock you and become your favourite book of the year?

Quite possibly! To be honest, I don't think I have a favourite book of 2020. I have read some good books, but none have wowed me. There's only one book I'd consider coming close to wowing me. Understandably, 2020 has been a very difficult and it has impacted my reading quite severely. I have been finding solace in my books, but I don't know if I've enjoyed them as much as I normally would. 

Have you already started making reading plans for 2021?

A goal of mine for 2020 is to tackle as much of my TBR pile as possible. I feel I made a good dent in it this year, but I know I can make an even bigger dent next year. I also plan on being just as strict with book buying as I was this year as I cut my book buying habit back quite significantly. I also really want to be more selective with the releases I buy as there have been quite a few that I haven't enjoyed this year. 

That concludes my answers to the End of Year Book Tag! What are your hopes for your reading by the end of 2020?

Carenza :) x 

Blood and Honey Fairyloot Collectors Box Review| Carenza Bramwell

If you saw my Chain of Gold Fairyloot box review, then you will know that I was interested in their Blood and Honey box. Well, the time has come for me to unbox it. Be warned, there are detailed spoilers for what is inside this box. 

What Is A Fairyloot Box?

Fairyloot is a UK YA book box that sends out monthly boxes with a new release and a bunch of bookish goodies. In the past year, they have branched out into collectors boxes for certain releases. For more information, click here.

How Much Did this box cost?

This box cost £35 plus postage and taxes. Normal boxes cost £26 plus postage and taxes. These boxes are much bigger than the normal ones.

The Controversy

If you, like me, have been following this box for a while, then we have to address the controversy surrounding this box and Fairyloot at the moment. This box was supposed to go on sale to both active subscribers and members of the public in July. However it was revealed that Fairyloot were having problems with their website and with fraud allegations. The fraud allegations were quite serious, with a number of customers having their online banking details stolen. I believe I was a victim of this myself as I experienced this issue. This resulted in them pushing back the sale for the public and them having a second subscriber sale. This didn't occur until September, after the book had been published. I feel that Fairyloot handled the situation very badly and have left a lot of people disappointed with them. It has certainly made me think about if I want to buy from them again. The boxes then weren't shipped until the end of October, with people finally receiving them almost two months after the book was released. Compared to other companies in similar positions, Fairyloot has been struggling and attitudes towards them have changed. I hope they improve their communication with their audience and fix these issues going forward. Enough about that, let's get on with reviewing the box! 

The Box

This box was designed by Team Fairyloot and in collaboration with Shelby Mahurin herself, who approved each item for this box. 

The first item is quite possibly my favourite and that is the cosy blanket they included. This was one of the items they announced that they would be including. I have been using this every day since I got my box and it is amazing. It keeps me warm and it looks pretty. I couldn't get a photo with the whole design in, which was a shame as I wanted to do it justice. It has a quote from the series and the outlines of the two central characters, Lou and Reid. It also has the iconic serpent and dove on it. It was designed by @noverantale. 

The next item in the box was a favourite of mine to get and one I have gotten many times from Fairyloot, and that was a candle. Inspired by La Foret Des Yeux from Blood and Honey, it smells divine. The scents are wild patchouli, distressed leather and fruits. For the first time ever, I have a candle with a wooden wick, which is meant to crackle as it burns. It smells so nice I'm not sure I'll ever burn it. The label was designed by @blanca.designs and the candle was made by @bookishburns. 

I had been looking at items very similar to this one, so I was so happy when they included a enamel pin set. Designed by @jezhawk, it features key elements from the series, alongside the iconic quote "love makes fools of us all, darling". I plan on getting some display for my pin badges at some point as I have some very pretty ones. I had never received a double pin set before so this was extra special. 

Fairyloot then included a very unique item and that was a storage tin. I will say with these collectors boxes you get items you are unlikely to get in an average subscription box. It was designed by @chattynora. My one complaint with this item is that I think there is a typo on the tin as I cannot read one of the words as it says "hre". Aside from that, this is a stunning item and I'm going to have to find something to put in it. 

Another item Fairyloot announced they would be included was a 22 gilded tarot deck. I have to admit I know nothing about tarot cards, let alone what an arcana deck is. There are 22 cards, each with a different portrait from the series. This made me realise that I don't know who half the characters are so I probably need to reread this series again. They are stunning and it has made me want to learn more about tarot cards. Fairyloot will be explaining each card on their community section of their website at some point. They were designed by @oblivionsdream.

The final item, similar to the Chain of Gold box, is an art print. I have received some very stunning art prints over the years from Fairyloot. It features our four main characters, Lou, Reid, Coco and Ansel. I have been dying to get my hands on some Serpent and Dove character art. It goes without saying that I adore this and will be finding a very special place to display this.  The illustration is by Katherine Britt. 

Lastly, there is the book itself. From the exterior, it looks like an average copy of Blood and Honey. But it isn't! It has shimmery metallic edges. If you got the add on of Serpent and Dove, then you will have a matching edition. Inside, it has exclusive end pages that have been signed by Shelby. Finally, under the dust jacket is some stunning art. I am seriously considering getting this framed as it is absolutely gorgeous.  

Despite the set backs this box faced, I was thoroughly pleased with it. I hope they release a matching edition for Gods and Monsters, the final book in the serious. Fairyloot do make their boxes worth it, with every item being hight quality. I would give this box 4/5 stars. 

Carenza :) x

What I've Been Reading Recently- Autumn Edition| Carenza Bramwell

The year is slowly, but surely coming to an end. The leaves have turned from green to gorgeous autumnal hues. With the end of another month and another season, comes another what I've been reading recently post. Ever since I returned to university at the beginning of September, my reading has gone downhill. I miss the amount I was reading during the summer. I'm hoping this was just a blip and I'll be back to reading in no time.  

September

In September, I read a total of six books. The majority of these were rereads for series with new books coming out in September. 

The first on my list was one I started in August and that was Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin. Any longtime reader of my blog will be sick to death of me talking about this book. It was an absolute favourite of mine in 2019. With the sequel, Blood and Honey coming out in September, I needed a refresh as it had been almost a year since I read it. While I still loved this book, I did spot this time round that there were problems with the writing. The pacing was also something I had issue with as it seemed to jump quite quickly. Lou and Reid are still some of my favourite characters of all time. Compared to when I read it in 2019, I gave it 4.5/5 stars, taking off half a star after spotting all my issues with the book.

Then I reread Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by JK Rowling. Earlier in the year, before the JKR scandal happened, there was a community readalong on Instagram that I joined in on. It was a fun way to feel like a community during lockdown. However, once the news about JKR hit, the readalong was cancelled and I felt I could not continue rereading the series. I have since decided to continue rereading as I hate stopping in the middle of a series. I've made it very clear my feelings on JKR and no longer wish to be associated with her. I am only continuing because of the reason stated. I will no longer be giving her a voice on my platform. I will also not be rating her books anymore. 

Finally, after two months, I finished the Diviners series by Libba Bray with The King of Crows. This was the final instalment in this series. I was a bit disappointed with this book as it felt very dragged out and not much happened at the same time. The ending was not as satisfying as I think fans were hoping for. I have a whole review of my thoughts on this book, which you can read here. I gave it 3/5 stars.    

Another reread for me was The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu. This is the Magnus and Alec spin off series they've been working on. Again, the latest instalment in the series was due out in September so I decided to reread the first one as I couldn't remember what happened. It was a good refresher before the newest release and meant I was ready when it came out. I'm very happy that Magnus and Alec are getting their own series as they deserve it. I gave it 4/5 stars.

I then read one of my most anticipated releases of the year, which was Blood and Honey by Shelby Mahurin. I had seen some comments before it was released that it was a bit disappointing as a sequel and sadly I have to agree. I was so excited to read it, but it fell flat for me. I found the lack of communication frustrating and at times it was a bit repetitive. I still enjoyed it, but it wasn't what I had hoped it would be, which has left me a bit unsure where I stand with this series. I have a review of this if you want to read my full thoughts here. I gave it 4/5 stars.    

Lastly in September, I read The Lost Book of the White by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu. I found this to be an enjoyable read and I was glad to be back with these characters. I'm not sure what this adds to the original series, but I'm happy these characters are getting their own series. I gave it 4/5 stars.

October

October was a very poor reading month as I only read four books. This is the least amount of books I've read in one month in the whole of 2020. I had a lot going on with uni, but I'm still very sad about it.

The first book I read was A Single Man by Christoper Isherwood. It was a short book that I decided to read after watching Fosse/Verdon, which uses some of Isherwood's work and turns it into Cabaret the musical. It was a surprisingly moving book and has made me want to pick up more Isherwood. I gave it 4/5 stars.

My next read was Magnus Chase and the Swords of Summer by Rick Riordan. It had been over four years since I last read a RR book. It was also the last one I owned as I decided to get rid of my other ones. Personally, compared to my other experiences with RR's books, I didn't enjoy this one that much. It felt very dragged out and I didn't like any of the characters. Maybe if I had been younger, I might have enjoyed it, but I just don't feel that Rick's books are for me anymore. I have no interest in continuing the series anymore. I gave it 3/5 stars. 

Then I read The Confession by Jessie Burton. I have a bit of a hit and miss relationship with Jessie's books. I've read her other two this year and I loved the Muse, but not the Miniturist. I decided to pick this one up to see if I could enjoy this one. I flew through it. I found it very easy to read and didn't want to put it down. It was very similar to the Muse. It has restored my faith in her as a writer and I would read more from her in the future. I gave it 4/5 stars. 

My final read for October was The Once and Future Witches by Alix E Harrow. I plan on writing a full review of this one as I have a lot of thoughts on it. While I found it very slow to read, I did really enjoy it. I loved the feminist elements and would love to read more like this in the future. I also want to read more from her in the future. I gave it 4/5 stars. 

That concludes my most recent episode of what I've been reading recently. What have you been reading recently?

Carenza :) x

Halloween at Home 2020| Carenza Bramwell

If you scroll into the depths of my blog, then you will know I am a massive Halloween lover. My family goes all out for the holidays. Obviously, due to the pandemic, Halloween is a bit different this year. No trick or treating. No going out. As someone who knows a thing or two about how to make Halloween special at home, here are some tips on how to make this year's Halloween a spooktacular event.

Some pumpkins from 2017

 Decorate the House

This is something I have done every year, probably since I was a very small child. I love decorating the house. It doesn't have to be all out, it can be quite subtle. It's a tradition I've continued onto university. Most shops sell some form of Halloween decorations for affordable prices. They're also reusable, so they can be kept for future Halloween's. My housemates and I have had our decorations, which mostly consist of various Halloween themed fairy lights and a couple of fake pumpkins, up since the beginning of October to make the most of spooky season. I know this year, we are being encouraged to decorate the front of our houses to create a treasure hunt type event for local children instead of them going trick or treating. With decorating, you can go big or small. You can tailor it to your taste. It can also be a fun activity to do with friends or family.  

Halloween Themed Food

Quite possibly one of my favourite things about Halloween and other celebrations around the year, is the themed food. I don't know why the idea of eating chicken goujons in the shape of something else makes me more excited than normal, it just does. In more recent years, shops have been going all out with their Halloween themed food. There's a wide range from savoury to sweet. Something I'm trying for the first time, is a Halloween themed baking kit. It cost me £2 and I am greatly looking forward to making some Halloween biscuits. Alternatively, you could buy ordinary food and make Halloween themed yourself. This used to be really entertaining when I was a child and would have Halloween parties, but again is something that can be done with friends and family.  

Autumnal Walk

Something I will be doing on Halloween is going on an autumnal walk. Admittedly, you can do this any time during autumn, but as most of Halloween will have to be spent at home, make the most of being able to go on a walk. I'd recommend a woodland walk, to give it that extra Halloween feeling. You could maybe even dress up and go in costume on your walk. An activity I'd recommend, is telling spooky stories as you walk, taking inspiration from your surroundings. It allows you to burn some energy off before settling down for some of my more calmer, evening activities.    

Arts and Crafts

My housemate actually came up with this idea after the pumpkins we carved fell apart after only one week. We are going to be making paper mache pumpkins. I also want to attempt making a ghost and some ghost bunting. Arts and crafts are always fun, no matter if you're a child or grown up. They can be very therapeutic and encourage creativity. I'm sure if you can think of it, then it can be made. A simple google search will help spark inspiration. It's a chilled activity that everyone can join in on.  

Spooky Movies

My last recommendation is a classic and that is to curl up in front of the TV with a good spooky movie/tv show. Again the list is endless and one you can tailor to your preference. Alternatively, you could curl up with a good spooky book. Personally, I plan on curling up with The Nightmare Before Christmas, my favourite Halloween movie. Get some snacks, create the right atmosphere and enjoy yourself. 

Those are some activities you can do on this Halloween to make it just as magical as any Halloween. I hope you have fun!

Carenza :) x  

How to Create the Perfect Reading Playlist| Carenza Bramwell

If, like me, you like to curl up with a good book every now and then, a vital ingredient to this scenario is a good playlist. I used to be able to read in total silence but now I have to have some kind of music in the background. In this post, I will be talking about how to create the perfect reading playlist and what music I have in mine. I hope you enjoy!

Atmosphere

Part of the reason I love a good reading playlist, is that it helps create a good atmosphere. It gets me in the mood to read. Obviously it depends on the book in question, but there will most likely be some music out there for any book you want to read. You can also tailor your music to the book/atmosphere you want to create. If you are reading an epic fantasy, something like the Lord of the Rings soundtrack would be perfect. However, if you wanted a more chill vibe, you could try some classical music. 

How to Make a Reading Playlist

My first tip would be to tailor it to your music style. Don't try and listen to something that you've never listened to before as you'll want to concentrate on that. You want something your familiar with so that the music washes over you rather than demands your attention. 

Secondly, unless you are someone who can listen to songs with lyrics in, I'd recommend choosing instrumental music. Soundtracks and classical musics are going to be your best friend. There's also a wide range out there, so there will be something out there for you. I really like movie and tv soundtracks as not only do they remind me of some of my favourite movies/tv shows, they add the atmosphere I mentioned earlier. I always have something to listen to when I'm reading. 

Ultimately, this all depends on your music taste. If you are like me, and enjoy instrumental music, then there is a lot to choose from. You might be someone who likes having songs on in the background. This is all about preference in the end. 

My Playlist

I have a playlist on my phone called "Reading Playlist". It is what I choose to listen to 95% of the time. On it you can find the following albums:

• The Lord of the Rings Soundtrack
• Sherlock Soundtracks
• Poldark Soundtracks
• The Living and the Dead Soundtracks
• Harry Potter music
• The Musketeers Soundtracks

I think it goes without saying that I like soundtracks. Sometimes, I'll pick a specific album to listen to rather than the whole playlist. I also have an album of music by Bach on an accordion that I love listening to. It really depends on the book and my mood when I'm deciding what to read. 

I hope this has helped you create the perfect reading playlist.

Carenza :) x      

My Social Media Habits| Carenza Bramwell

A goal of mine this year was to be more active on my social media sites. It has never been a strong point of mine and was something I often forgot to do. However, recently I've been posting more on my social media sites and have noticed that I have been getting more views than I used to. In today's post, I will be talking about my social media habits, why I am doing this and how. 

I would like to add a small disclaimer that I am not doing this for views, stats, attention and so on. I am doing this because I genuinely enjoy it. Obviously, getting the views and so on is a rewarding feeling as it means I am not creating content that is just sitting in the endless void that is the internet.  

Taken from Google Images 

My Social Media Habits

To put it simply, my social media habits are as follows. I post two blog posts a week, one on Monday and one of Thursday. My other two main platforms are Instagram and Twitter. I split my time 50/50 on them. I post on Instagram on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. This means I post on my stories three times a day and I put up one Instagram post. For Twitter, I post on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. I've been posting three times a day on there as well. 

This looks like a lot and it is a lot of work behind the scene. It takes a lot of planning and I already have a fairly busy lifestyle. However, when you break it down, the workload is fairly spread-out. There are only two days a week where content is going live on two different platforms. 

Why?

The big question is why am I doing this? I've already mentioned I'm a very busy person, so why add to my work load? Truthfully, I've been creating content online for over five years. There are times when it feels like an obligation, but most of the time I do it because I find it fun. It challenges me as a person. This isn't a style of writing that I would normally gravitate towards. I share select details about my life online. 

The changes in my social media habits started because I wanted to do this properly. I've been half-arsing it for many years and now I finally feel like I can do it properly. There is also a chance once I finish my degree this could be something I turn into a job. I enjoy being creative and I don't mind working from my own home. By posting more regularly online, it expands who sees my posts. It's also part of the requirement as if you don't use social media, very few people will just stumble across your blog/website. Social media is your best friend in this line of work. 

How?

Another big question is how am I doing this? The first step I took was to sit down and work out when my posting days would be. I worked out a little schedule that I wrote out by hand and have stuck next to my desk. It means I can keep an eye on what should be going up when. The next step is to preprepare a lot of my content. Blog posts are usually written the week before they go up. I plan content in advance, especially blog posts so I don't sit down and have nothing to write. With Twitter, I've started scheduling tweets. It means that I can go about my day and know I will still have content going up. I also set time aside to take my Instagram photos. I usually have about two weeks of photos taken in advance, meaning that I'm not having to constantly take photos. All this preparing makes my workload at the time a lot easier. On average, I'd say I spend maybe three hours a week working on my social media content, most of that time going into writing blog posts. It takes up such a small chunk of my life. The thing I'd take away from this section, is that planning is a very useful resource when trying to manage multiple social media platforms. 

That concludes my post on my social media habits. I hope this helped you with yours.

Carenza :) x      

Reasons to Love Reading| Carenza Bramwell

Recently, I've been struggling with my reading. Uni has knocked me for six and it hasn't officially started. I haven't really read any books I've loved this year. Yet, I keep on reading and there are times when I have to ask myself, why? Why continue? Is it out of obligation or out of joy? It got me thinking, why do I love reading? So, I decided to write this blog post and I came up with four reasons why I love reading.  

Mental Health Benefits

I'm going to start with the big one and point out the benefits on your mental health. There is probably someone out there with much more knowledge on this than me, but I will attempt to explain why it helps with my mental health. When I'm having a bad mental health day, I like to escape into worlds that aren't my own. I will come back and explain my thoughts on escapism a bit more later in this post. I'm sure a quick google search will provide you with a list on why it benefits your mental health. It provides that break from reality that can make things, for a while, a bit better. It can also be quite a calming activity. I love to curl up at the end of a long day with a book and loose myself for a while. Most times, when I'm not feeling great, reading a book cheers me up. It allows my brain to engage with something other than what's on my mind and actively forces me to take a break from whatever is worrying me. Reading before bed often means when I go to sleep, I sleep a bit better as I have separated myself from my worry. 

  

Learning

Maybe I'm just a massive nerd, but I love learning new things. Bonus if I can learn new things from books. A lot of the things I've learned in life have come from books. Mostly my vocabulary. I've learnt so many words from books. As someone who is also interested in writing professionally, I've also learnt a lot about what does and doesn't work well in books. I've learnt how to create characters, how to structure stories and so much more. It's a two for one situation, I have fun and I get to expand my knowledge.  

Escapism 

I've already touched on this briefly but escapism is a big part of why I love reading. The ability to loose myself within a book and momentarily forget the world we live in, is a great comfort. It provides that respite from day to day life. There's also something reassuring about being able to visit these amazing fictional places and go on this incredible journeys all from the comfort of your own home. Especially at the moment, with life being so difficult, the ability to take a short break from everything is what we all need.  

Entertainment 

Lastly, but by no means least, books are fun. They're a solid form of entertainment. They're also one of the few forms of entertainment where you don't need to leave the home and you don't need wifi for them. With most of my life being moved online, I've noticed I'm craving that time away from screens. Reading provides that time. I put my phone to one side, only to use it to listen to music and I drown myself in fiction. Unlike films and TV shows, where you know how long it is going to take you to watch them, you have no idea how long it will take you to read a book. As the story progresses, you find you can't put the book down. I get equal, if not more enjoyment, from reading a book compared to other forms of entertainment. There's something about physically holding it, if you read physical books, and have to move the story forward yourself by turning the pages. They bring me endless supplies of joy and entertainment.

Those are just some reasons I adore reading. Why do you enjoy reading?

Carenza :) x

The Dark Academia Book Tag| Carenza Bramwell

Recently, I have been seeing a lot of content relating to the Dark Academia aesthetic online. If you have not heard of Dark Academia, allow me to provide a definition from Urban Dictionary- "An aesthetic that is inspired by old and classic literature/philosophy, as well as themes of existentialism and death (essentially a knowledgeable, vintage emo)". The more I saw it floating around, the more it intrigued me and the more I realised I had some common interests with it. I then stumbled across this tag online and I knew I had to complete it.

Taken from Google Images

1) What is your favourite dark academia book and movie?

I had a look on the Goodreads page for Dark Academia books and it turns out I've read a surprising amount of books on this list. However, the only I could consider to be a favourite is Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. I remember adoring this book when I first read it in 2016. I had to be told to put it down as I was desperate to continue reading it. I have since lost interest in the series, but maybe a reread is required. 

For movies, I did a quick google and one of the films that came up was the 2019 adaptation of Little Women. Greta Gerwig is my favourite writer-director and I will adore anything she releases. I have seen this film twice and each time I have loved it. This film has become one of my all time favourites.

2) What dead poet would you like to have a drink with?

Poetry is one of the areas in the dark academia aesthetic that I do not care for. I have too many traumatic memories from studying poems in school. However, I saw someone class Shakespeare as a poet and I would not say no to having a drink with him. I've been going to Shakespeare plays since the age of six and I have a great respect for his work. I would like to have a drink with him and ask why everyone has to die horrible deaths in his plays?

3) What is your favourite painting/or sculpture?

It's cliche, but I am a huge fan of Vincent van Gogh's work. I've been very fortunate to see a lot of his paintings over the years. I love Starry Night. It became particularly special to me after that episode of Doctor Who they did about Vincent. A close second for favourite painting has to be Monet's Waterlilies. They are breathtakingly beautiful. I would love to see them again at some point as I was ten years old when I saw them and I don't feel I fully appreciated them. 

4) What is your favourite architectural marvel?

Again, my answer is cliche, but visiting the Palace of Versailles will stay with me forever. The Hall of Mirrors is astounding. Just the whole palace is amazing. If I was to go again, I would love to explore the gardens more as I spent a whole day in the Palace. Visiting the Palace of Versailles sparked my interest in the French Revolution and writing when I visited Paris when I was ten. 

5) What Shakespeare play would you want to be the lead in?

I have seen many Shakespeare plays in my life and the only one I've been interested in playing is Hamlet. I have seen a couple of productions where they changed Hamlet to be played by a female actor and it worked really well. Hamlet has some of the most famous and interesting speeches. He also has the most fun and is a well layered character. I've lost track of how many versions of Hamlet I've seen at this point. 

6) How many languages do you speak and which language would you most like to learn?

The only language I speak fluently is English. I used to be able to speak decent French as my school was bilingual, meaning I took some of my classes in French instead of English. I started to pick French up again during lockdown on English and I'm really enjoying refreshing my memory. If I had to learn another language, it would be a tie between Italian and Japanese. I've tried learning both in the past and it's been challenging. Maybe once I've graduated and I've got a bit more time on my hands, I would love to pick up another language alongside English and French.

7) What is your favourite quote from poetry, plays, prose etc?

A quote I really fell in love with a few years ago was an Oscar Wilde quote and it was "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars". I just fell in love with the imagery and how beautiful it was. Oscar Wilde is a writer I admire and need to read more of his works. 

8) Which fictional character's death is your ideal way to go?

I've read a lot of books and I'm trying to think of a character that dies peacefully in their sleep. I can't. All the deaths I read are horrifying. They get murdered in various creative and brutal ways. I don't want to die like that. I would happily choose a mundane, boring, peaceful death over one I've read about. 

9) Which university or college would you most like to attend?   

I love my university and I can't believe I'm in my final year. However, the thing I don't like about my university is the campus itself. It's a very modern campus, with none of the charms of an old campus. A university I did look around but decided against applying to was Bath Spa. That campus was stunning. It was one of the prettiest campuses I visited when I was looking for places to attend university. It had this gorgeous woodland, and as I visited in autumn, it was stunning. Any classically pretty campus, I am super jealous of. 

10) What is your murder weapon of choice?

I think this question says a lot about people and what they choose. I've seen a lot of people choose poison. Personally, I would love one of those tiny daggers that you don't see until you kill someone with it. I think that's really morbid but whenever I've read about them or seen them used in film, I find it really interesting. It also forces you to get up close with your victim. I'm not sure if I should be concerned if this is where my mind goes.

11) What mythology would you most like to be apart of?

Again, I'm fairly certain my answer is cliche, but I'd have to go with Greek mythology. I've read a lot about it and it's one I would still like to know more about. I need to learn more about mythology in general as there are so many interesting ones out there. 

12) If you had to do a PhD what would you choose to do it on?

I would probably choose something to do with film studies. I want to go into film and tv after I graduate, so this is an area I would like to expand my knowledge on. I don't know much about film in general, so this would be a really useful avenue to explore.

13) What fictional character would you die for?

Honestly, none of them. They're all a bunch of muppets. 

Rapid Fire Round

For this round I will be choosing my answer and then providing one sentence on why. 

1) Leather bound or cloth bound books

Cloth bound books, leather bound ones are kinda gross when you think about it.

2) Dog earring pages or highlighting 

Highlighting, it makes it easier to find passages when flicking through books. 

3) Sculptures or paintings

Paintings, I just find them easier on the eye.

4) Films or theatre

How dare you make me choose? But if I had to, theatre. Nothing beats live performance. 

5) Poetry or prose

Prose, I do not like poetry at all. 

5) Museums or bookshops 

Again, how dare you make me choose? Museums as some have bookshops inside and then it's two for the price of one. 

6) Smell of books or coffee/tea

Smell of books, I don't like tea or coffee. 

7) Fountain pen or typewriter

Typewriter, much easier to use and less messy.

8) New or old books 

New books, I really like being the first owner of a book. 

And that concludes my answers to the Dark Academia Book Tag!

Carenza :) x 

My Autumnal TBR| Carenza Bramwell

Autumn is upon is. Leaves are falling. The evenings are getting darker. Jumpers are in fashion and you can drink as much hot chocolate as you desire. Autumn is my favourite season, it always has been. I find it very cosy and calming. With the change in the season, it means it's time to find some autumnal books to curl up with. I am very bad at sticking to TBRs, so I am only picked five books I plan on reading, from a variety of genres. 

Mythos by Stephen Fry

The first book on my list is Mythos by Stephen Fry. I picked this up during the summer as Stephen Fry is someone I admire, yet I've never read any of his books. I've been interested in mythology for as long as I can remember, and as I had heard nothing but good things about this book, I decided to pick it up. I think there is another book or possibly two in this series. They are retellings of classic Greek myths. I've read a couple of other books like this, so I think I should enjoy it. I can see myself curling up with this book, most likely with a hot chocolate and some nice music in the background. 

The Professor by Charlotte Bronte

A few weeks ago, I picked up a second hand copy of the Professor by Charlotte Bronte. I've only ever read one novel by the Bronte sisters, that being Jane Eyre. I know that there is some connection between The Professor and Jane Eyre. The Bronte sisters are fascinating people to me and I've been meaning to read more of their work. I even intend on eventually rereading Jane Eyre as I haven't read it in about five years. I believe the Professor is based on Charlotte's time as a teacher in Brussels. I'm excited to read more classics as I don't have the best track record with them. 

The Confession by Jessie Burton 

I read my first Jessie Burton novel, The Muse, earlier this year and I adored it. I then read The Miniturist and did not enjoy it. So I'm hoping I do enjoy this book. From the blurb, I've gotten some Evelyn Hugo vibes from it. It's about a young women trying to find what happened to her mother as she never knew her. It leads her to a Hollywood actress and there is a big revelation. I believe it has a dual timeline, so we get to met the mother and the daughter separately. The Muse was so beautifully written that I cannot wait to dive into another book by Jessie.   

Kings of the Wyld by Nicholas Eames 

A bit of a different book, but one I'm no the less excited to read. I picked this and the second book up in a charity shop after hearing nothing but good things from them from Piera Forde. She is the Queen of adult fantasy on BookTube, so I'm very intrigued to read these books. I don't actually know much about them, but I've heard they're quite humours fantasy books. The tagline is "the boys are back in town" and I think it's about these middle-aged bounty hunters reuniting. It sounds right up my alley, and yet again, is another book I cannot wait to dive into. 

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald 

Now this is actually a book I've read many times, but for some reason I'm craving a reread. I studied this for my A-Level English Literature and loved it. I'm now working on my dissertation which will be set in the 1920s and I decided that I should read a classic 1920s text. I've already read this at least six times, but this will be my first time reading it for fun and not for my education. It might also inspire me to read some more F Scott Fitzgerald as he is a brilliant writer. 

 

And that concludes my TBR for this autumn, stick around and key an eye out for my wrap ups as I'm sure some, if not all, of these books will feature on them.

Carenza :) x

Routines and Online Learning- Finding the Balance| Carenza Bramwell

As I mentioned in a post recently, I have started my journey into online learning. It was quite a scary transition, but after two weeks, I have to say I've got the hang of it. In today's post, I will talking about the importance of finding a routine when everything is online. 

My new uni desk!

The Magic of Bed

With everything being online, it can be tempting to just roll out of bed and to your desk. Still in your pjs, why bother changing if you never have to leave home? My first piece of advice would be to try your hardest not to do all your work from bed in your pjs. I know it's difficult but in the long run it will be better for you. 

Firstly, it allows for that distinction between bed and work. If, like me, your desk is in your room, then it can feel like you only ever spend time in your room. There's no separation between home and work. This can be bad for your mental health as you become to associate your room with either work or sleep. By getting out of bed and your pjs, it allows your brain to know that now is time to work not sleep. 

Secondly, it's also good for your physical health. Sitting at a desk allows you to support your back. Personally, in the last year or so I have developed back problems due to various reasons and I no longer find sitting in bed comfortable. I struggle at my desk, but at least I know my back is being supported correctly. 

Treat it Like a Normal Education

Again, this can be quite difficult to do, but treating it like a normal education is going to mean you get the most out of it. You wouldn't do this if you were having to go into university (or whatever educational establishment you're at), so treat it the same. It's a challenge that we're all currently going through and it's the current period of navigating it that is going to be the most difficult. You still have to do the prep work. You still have to take notes. You still have to show respect to those around you. Make the most of a bad situation and work your hardest to still get the grades you deserve.

Trial and Error

Like most things in life, there will be some trial and error in finding a routine that works for you. I sat down and created a routine that I intend to stick to and have I stuck to it so far? No. I'm working out if this is the right routine for me. Personally, I want to treat my last year of uni like a 9-5 job. Have set hours I know I'm going to work. It brings structure to my day. Something I struggled with once I had finished uni for the year was a lack of structure in my life. It was so tempting to just stay in bed all day and do nothing. Now, I don't have the time to do that. Depending on your work load, it might be easier to try a bunch of different routines until you find one that works for you. Once you've found that one that works, it will be amazing how life is easier to navigate.

It Takes Time

I'll leave you with this, these things take time. It's also okay if you don't always stick to your routine. You have to be able to adapt in when plans change. It can be frustrating to feel that you don't have total control in your life and finding a routine, especially at the moment, it a vital part of that. Take your time to experiment and then you'll find the perfect routine for you.    

Carenza :) x

Blood&Honey by Shelby Mahurin Book Review (Contains Spoilers)| Carenza Bramwell

 

Title- Blood&Honey

Author- Shelby Mahurin

Series- Serpent&Dove

Published- 2020

Page Count- 528 pages

Publishing House- Harper Teen

Genre- YA Fantasy

Rating- 4/5 stars 

About the Author

Shelby Mahurin grew up on a small farm in rural Indiana, where sticks became wands and cows became dragons. Her rampant imagination didn’t fade with age, so she continues to play make-believe every day—with words now instead of cows. She still lives near that childhood farm with her very tall husband and semiferal children. Serpent & Dove is her debut novel and is followed by Blood & Honey. Visit her online at www.shelbymahurin.com.

Taken from HarperCollins Website

Plot

After narrowly escaping death at the hands of the Dames Blanches, Lou, Reid, Coco, and Ansel are on the run from coven, kingdom, and church—fugitives with nowhere to hide.

To elude the scores of witches and throngs of chasseurs at their heels, Lou and Reid need allies. Strong ones. But protection comes at a price, and the group is forced to embark on separate quests to build their forces. As Lou and Reid try to close the widening rift between them, the dastardly Morgane baits them in a lethal game of cat and mouse that threatens to destroy something worth more than any coven.

The hotly anticipated sequel to the New York Times and IndieBound bestseller Serpent & Dove—packed with even steamier romance and darker magic—is perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas.

Taken from Goodreads

Opinons 

To read my review of Serpent&Dove, click here. 

For long time readers of my blog, it will come as no surprise that I was very excited for Blood&Honey. After Serpent&Dove became my favourite book of 2019, I would have sold, traded, done anything to get my hands on the sequel. The first release date announced was September 1st, two days after my twentieth birthday. I would have happily skipped my own birthday just to read this book. It didn't end up coming out until September 17th in the UK and I got my copy a couple of days later.  

Something I am very glad I decided to do was reread Serpent&Dove first. It had been almost a year since I read it and turns out I'd forgotten basically the entire plot. A refresher was desperately needed. I read it in about two days and I actually changed my original rating from 5 stars to 4.5 stars. This is something I'll expand on in my review, but while I adored this story, I did spot some things I had issues with. Namely, the writing and the pacing. The writing wasn't as sophisticated as I remember it being, but that necessarily isn't a bad thing. The main thing is the pacing. It takes a while to get going and then it jumps from nought to a hundred very quickly. Those are my only complaints and the reason I changed my star rating on it.

Now, the reason you are here, are my thoughts on Blood&Honey. I'll get straight to it. I wasn't the biggest fan. I think I put so much pressure on myself about this book being amazing that I actually ended up disappointing myself. In essence, I found it too angsty and repetitive. It suffered from second book slump, which is such as a shame as I adore this series. What I mean when I say angsty and repetitive is that the central relationship between Lou and Reid felt off. They were at loggerheads for most of the book through everyone's least favourite trope- lack of communication. This became repetitive as they were like "oh I love you but I'm going to leave you". I was not a fan of this element of their relationship. Also, quite a few chapters ended with at least one of them being injured or knocked out, how many times can a person survive those sorts of injuries? 

Despite my issues with the plot, I was so happy to be back with the characters. They have become some of my favourite fictional characters. Lou is a badass women who doesn't take nothing from nobody. I find it really encouraging that despite all these traumas in her life she has remained the same person. She hasn't changed her personality that much, yet she has still developed as a character. Reid also went through quite a journey in this book, with regards to his relationship with his mother and brother. The characters in this series feel very real, which is something that keeps on drawing me back to them. I want to know more as I do care about them. I think the characters are probably my favourite part of this series. 

A character I loved throughout was Ansel. He was so sweet and the group really needed someone with that dynamic. It was announced before the book came out that a major character was going to die and as I read the book, I slowly realised it was going to be Ansel. He went through a lot. His relationship with Coco and a need to be worthy of his position in the group. While I adore Ansel, he did get a little bit annoying, but that didn't stop his death from being sad. I realised it was going to be Ansel as in theory the group can continue without him, which is so sad as he had a lot of potential. The ending was what really saved this book for me. I think Shelby is fantastic at writing endings. Lou has been possessed by the Dames Rouges and obviously we as readers know this but the characters don't. It shocked me that this was where the book decided to end. 

I am very anxious for book three. I know it is going to be an action packed finale as this is a trilogy. I hope nothing too bad happens to my precious beans as they are my favourites. I have treated myself to a Fairyloot special edition box for Blood&Honey, so keep an eye out for when I do an unboxing for this. 

What did you think of Blood&Honey?

Carenza :) x 

What I've Been Watching Recently- Summer Edition| Carenza Bramwell

Another couple of months have flown by, we are now in the final quarter of the year. It means it's time for me to share what I've been watching lately. The summer actually ended up being a fairly tame viewing period for me, compared to my previous posts in this series. As always, I'll be going through the TV Shows and Films separately.  

Taken from Google Images

TV

Mrs America

First on my list is Mrs America, a miniseries from HBO. This came from the creative team behind Mad Men, which is a favourite show of mine. It follows a movement in the 1970s about the Equal Rights Amendment. This was a proposed bill to get women equal rights in America. It follows both sides of the argument, the women who were for and against it. Each episode was based around a different woman in the series. I found it to be a really engaging show, especially in today's climate, with the ERA only just having passed in America. If you're interested in feminism and politics, I'd recommend. Plus it has a phenomenal cast and crew behind it.  

Lucifer Season Five Part One

Next, is another favourite of mine and that is the most recent series of Lucifer. I have been banging on about Lucifer since I first watched in 2016. Compared to season four, which has been my favourite so far, this season was okay. It still had that enjoyable Lucifer vibe. I am looking forward to part two, especially the musical episode. My favourite was the 1920s noir episode, they just had too much fun with that and made it really enjoyable. 

Avatar the Last Airbender

Since rewatching Legend of Korra in April/May, I had been in the mood for Avatar. I then started seeing lots of people on Twitter rewatching it and that was all I needed to decide to rewatch it. Like LoK, I haven't watched it fully in about four years. This a childhood favourite of mine and it still stands as being a great show for me as an adult. My favourite character is Zuko, he's so dramatic and he goes through one of the best redemption arcs in the history of TV. I've now started reading the comics as I've been meaning to read them for years. If you haven't seen Avatar, I'd highly recommend it as it's so good. 

Umbrella Academy Season Two

A show I was very excited for was the second season of Umbrella Academy. My uni housemates and I had binged the first season back in 2019. I loved it so much. However, I ended up not being the biggest fan of this season. I just didn't find it as engaging as the first season. It also felt like it was falling into that trap where it's difficult to top the first season. I think I'm in the minority as most people I've spoken to enjoyed season two. I will continue watching season three when it comes out, but I don't think I'll be going into it with as much excitement as this season. 

Fosse Verdon

This is a show I watched for university. I've been meaning to watch it for a while as I'm quite interested in Broadway theatre. It tells the story of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, a married couple in the Broadway theatre industry. They worked together on projects such as Cabaret and Chicago. It follows their lives from before they met to the end of their lives. It was told in a non-linear narrative, which I really enjoyed. The performances were solid and the crew behind it were also great. I would highly recommend it. 

His Dark Materials 

Another show I watched for university was His Dark Materials. It's been on my radar for a while and when it ended up being an example of something I could watch this year, I had to choose it. After the first couple of episodes, I found I was fully invested. The world building was a little bit clunky for a BBC adaptation. I would like to have had a bit more explanation at times. Again, it was another show with a solid cast and crew behind it. I know they've filmed a second season and that it's coming out soon. I'm quite excited for it and I'll have to finally read the books as I never read them as a child. 

The Capture

I had started watching The Capture this time last year, but I had to return to university so I couldn't finish it. It was about to vanish from BBC iPlayer so I decided to watch it. The show had such a promising premise, about how you can't always trust modern technology and how we're advancing as a society. However, the delivery was a bit clunky and just didn't work for me. I think it was the scripts that didn't work as the central performances were very good. I did not like the ending at all and was sadly quite disappointed by this show. 

Euphoria 

The last TV show on my list is Euphoria. I had wanted to watch this since it dropped and was getting a lot of hype. I finally watched it this past week and man, it's so good. I'd compare it to Sex Education with it tackling issues to teens/young people and making them realistic. It doesn't diminish any of the issues and this show felt very realistic. As I keep on saying, it had a solid cast and crew behind it. I really enjoyed the writing style. The soundtrack was also incredible. I'm very excited for season two after the finale. 

Films

In Bruges

If you're a long time reader of my blog, then you will know one of my favourite films is In Bruges. I have seen it six times in the last year. I just adore it. Last year, my family and I went to Bruges. Obviously, this year we couldn't go to Bruges so we decided to rewatch the film. I've seen it so many times I can quote it and I've read the screenplay. I will always adore Martin McDonagh's work and this is no exception.

Aladdin (2019)

While my family had Disney+, we decided to watch Aladdin. None of us had seen it in the cinema. It was enjoyable, but I feel it was missing something from the original. I did like the addition of Jasmine's song, but I found Jaffar to be an underwhelming villain. It certainly had some impressive visuals.   

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

Sticking with the Disney train, I rewatched Beauty and the Beast. I have a controversial opinion and that is I prefer this to the original cartoon. It gave it that slight modern update it needed. It also had a bit more humour to it than I remember the original having. I really enjoyed this and will continue to enjoy it when I rewatch it every now and then.  

Inglorious Basterds

A very different film I watched is Inglorious Basterds. I am slowly starting to watch more Tarantino films. I had wanted to watch this for a while and it actually ended up being a film I watched for university. I didn't realise that Tarantino films were that long. It was not what I was expecting when I went into it, but then I have no idea what I was actually expecting from it. I did enjoy it and it had that trademark Tarantino level of violence. I would consider watching more Tarantino films as I've enjoyed the two I watched. 

The Invisible Man

I'm not one to normally enjoy horror or psychological thrillers, however I did enjoy The Invisible Man. A new adaptation of the story of the same name by HG Wells and countless film adaptations over the year. This one had a more modern and clever approach to it. Elizabeth Moss gave a stellar performance. You really didn't know if you could trust what you were seeing. A surprising film for me, I may consider watching more in this genre in the future. 

Thor Ragnarok 

You can't go wrong with a Marvel film. You especially can't go wrong with Thor Ragnarok. This is a favourite for me and my family. There's not much I can say except that I enjoy the humour in it and the performances. It's a solid film. 

Jojo Rabbit

After watching Thor, we had to rewatch Jojo Rabbit. We saw it on New Years Eve last year and all loved it. I was desperate to watch it again as I had had some issues with my hearing when we saw it and had missed half the jokes. It rightly deserved an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. It managed to make quite a dark topic funny without it being offensive. It's a film I see myself coming back to time and time again.  

Black Panther

With the sad passing of Chadwick Boseman at such a young age, we decided to watch Black Panther in his honour. I know a lot of people find this film empowering and it's sad it took so long to see a black superhero on our screens. It is an amazing film. I was devastated by his passing, but glad he was able to make such a profound impact on the film industry during his time. 

Amelie

On my birthday, I decided I wanted to watch Amelie. I have fallen head over heels with the musical and needed to rewatch the original. I think it's on its way to becoming a favourite film of mine. I love the story and the characters. The music is also incredible. I haven't really seen a film like it. It just reaffirmed my love for Paris and French films. It's one I would highly recommend.  

Cabaret

As I mentioned earlier, I watched a TV show about the original creator of this film. I had gotten some of the lyrics stuck in my head so we decided to watch it. It's a surprisingly good film and works as one of the best musical films out there. It has inspired me to pick up works by Christopher Isherwood, who wrote the book the film is based on. Plus some of the songs are absolute ear worms.  

Wreck it Ralph

My friends were horrified to hear I hadn't seen Wreck it Ralph, so we watched it. I found it to be an okay Disney films, not the best I've seen but by no means the worst. I've heard interesting things about the sequel. It was enjoyable and that's about as much as I have to say about it. 

Basil the Great Mouse Detective

A favourite Disney film of mine is Basil the Great Mouse Detective. This is essentially a Sherlock Holmes retelling but with mice. I've loved it since childhood. It's probably where my love of Sherlock stems from. It's a hidden gem of a Disney film and not many people have seen it. If you have Disney+, then I would really suggest watching it as it's a beautiful Disney film. 

The Rescuers

My friends were then horrified to hear that I had never seen The Rescuers, which is considered to be a classic Disney film. Again, I found it to be okay. I have no interest in watching the sequel at the moment. Maybe if I had been a child, I would have enjoyed it but as an adult it just wasn't for me. 

Joker

Joker was a film I had mixed feelings about. I wanted to watch it but I was also not that fussed about it. I finally watched it with friends. I can see why so many people find it enjoyable. I'm not sure where I stand on it. I think the writing and acting were great. I'm just not sure why we needed a Joker origin story. I would consider watching the sequel though. 

Enola Holmes

Finally, I watched Enola Holmes. As I've already mentioned, I do love a Sherlock inspired story. I found this to be enjoyable. I can't help but agree with the comments online that it would have been better as a TV show. It had a solid cast and creative team behind it. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had been a bit younger, say closer to Enola's age. It is nice that there is a strong female detective young women can look up to.

And that concludes all the things I've watched recently, what have you been watching recently?

Carenza :) x