Now For Something Different: Game of Thrones Season Five

 

Media Review

-Because sometimes it's good to have variety

Television - Game of Thrones

Title: Game Of Thrones (Season Five)

First Air Date: 14th June 2015

What Channel: Sky Atlantic
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Pre-Order the Boxset On Amazon Here
Amazon Box Set Price: £24.99 (as of when posted)

Poster:

IMDB Description:

Several noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros.

Starring:

Peter Dinklage - Tyrion Lannister
Emilia Clarke - Daenerys Targaryen
Kit Harington - Jon Snow

Writer:
David Benioff
D.B Weiss
George R. R. Martin
+ More

Director:
Alan Taylor
David Nutter
Alex Graves
+ More

Review:

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT IN THIS REVIEW

I know the series has been finished a while now but I have only now gotten round to writing up this review so I apologise for that!

For me the first few episodes of the series were a little slow going, mostly because they were just setting the scene for the major changed that were happening later on. I loved how this series saw some characters who were in completely different plot lines actually meet. My favourite of which was the meeting between Tyrion and Daenerys. They make a good team in my opinion with Daenerys doing the strong and dangerous job of ruling and Tyrion giving her wise advice which she needs so often. My favourite characters still remained my favourites in this series as they have throughout the show: Daenerys, Tyrion, Arya and Brienne. 

However this series began to get quite dark and more fantastical than the last few with the plot emphasis on The Red Lady, the Dragons, the White Walkers and on the creepy and disturbing Ramsay Bolton. 

The action was great also with more wars and fighting than ever before but this season held greater meaning in the violence. Instead of it just being mindless like it has been occasionally before, the violence in this season all had underlying motifs which were fun to try and guess.

I have to talk about the last few episodes now. This will contain spoilers, lots of spoilers so don't scroll further if you are yet to watch the show.

First of all the white walkers attack! How creepy were they? The fight was epic, like in an old Greek or roman battle film and I was devastated over the deaths of characters that we had only met a few minutes earlier. That shows you how concise the writing of the show creators is. The death that was the saddest for me was that of the wildling woman who shipped of her kids to safety with the promise to join them soon, but that never happened. Also the children who had turned into white walkers is the creepiest thing I have ever seen!

Now for the last episode - what an episode that was and so full of death!
First of all I am going to discuss the death of Myrcella Baratheon. And although her time was short on the show her death did pack a punch or two. Mostly because for all his faults I have began to actually like Jaime Lannister and although it is absolutely disgusting that Myrcella is his child with his sister (Blergh) It was heartbreaking to see Myrcella understand this and accept Jaime as her father which is all he has ever really wanted. But then she goes and dies in his arms before she gets the chance to really know him or before she gets to marry her true love and return home to her family - heartbreaking.
The next death I really did not mind at all! Stannis Baratheon has been a hated character of mine from the minute he killed his brother but it got worse throughout the series until it came to a head this series when he killed his own daughter! I was so glad that Brienne killed him as I love her I literally cheered at my TV when it happened.
Jon's death was the most shocking though. There are many theories that say that he isn't staying dead and I believe them. They wouldn't just kill off a main character in the middle of their important plot line would they? Killing off Jon leaves so much unanswered and so many plots unfinished that it wouldn't be a good idea. I think the idea that the Red Lady will bring him back is a good one but personally i thought he would come back as a white walker as they didn't burn his body, how much of an epic and complicated plot line would that make?
On the other side there was Cersei's walk of shame. I hate the character but even I felt sorry for her walking through the streets like that. 
Personally I found Arya's story in the last episode a little confusing, good for her for killing that disgusting man but what was the thing about all the faces and stuff all about? I got a bit lost at that point.
And the question on everyone's minds. Who was that giant gold knight at the end?



Rating:

 

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-The Reading Rose

Review: Fangirl

Title: Fangirl

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Genres: YA, Teen, Romance, Drama
Release Date: September 10th 2013

Pages: 445
Where Acquired: Waterstones (Yes, somewhere different for once!)
Buy at Amazon Here 
- Best Book Price: £3.85 Kindle Price: £3.66 (as of when posted) 

My Cover: 


Collectors Edition: 


Goodreads Description: 
Cath and Wren are identical twins, and until recently they did absolutely everything together. Now they're off to university and Wren's decided she doesn't want to be one half of a pair any more - she wants to dance, meet boys, go to parties and let loose. It's not so easy for Cath. She's horribly shy and has always buried herself in the fan fiction she writes, where she always knows exactly what to say and can write a romance far more intense than anything she's experienced in real life.

Now Cath has to decide whether she's ready to open her heart to new people and new experiences, and she's realising that there's more to learn about love than she ever thought possible.

My Review: 
This is going to be the most honest and personal review I have ever written on the Reading Rose. That is because I found that I related to Cath like I have never related to a character in a book ever before. 

It could be partly down to the fact that Rowell has written Cath in such a way that makes it seem that she can just leap off the page mostly because Cath is so realistic. 

It could also be down to the fact that the book is so true to life, an unusual style for me to encounter as even in the most seemingly down to earth teen, Ya, romance novels etc you still can't always believe that what your reading could actually happen, Fangirl was a completely different case, it was believable. Very believable.

I think I related to Cath mostly though because of her personality and experiences. I saw myself in Cath on so many levels it just made this books so much more enjoyable for me, giving me hope that I could find a life and love like hers and Levi's too. 

The first thing I could relate to was her University experience. I too have just finished my first year and I could relate to the ups and downs that, that first year can bring. I wasn't as brave as Cath to move out completely but I understood her fear at making friends and her fear of the social life of university, I am much the same. I would rather be at home typing on my computer than out getting drunk and partying like Wren. Rainbow captured the essence of university life perfectly, the fear of going to a new place and leaving your childhood behind, The first attempts at finals which can make you feel as if you are drowning. But she especially captured the way everyone always grows up after being at University, whether you live on campus or not.


I need to thank Rainbow Rowell for one thing in particular that is very personal to me. She described my social anxiety that I have been fighting for about three years exactly how I experience it. To see Cath going through it as well and slowly coming out of her shell just gives me hope for the future and made the book even more realistic for me than I could ever have imagined when I picked it up. I never imagined to go through such an emotional journey when I first read the synopsis and decided to buy this book. Regan is the perfect friend for anyone with social anxiety and it lead me to wish I had a Friend like that as well. Regan was understanding and never pushed Cath to do anything she didn't want to do, but when Cath did want to try something new Regan was there to guide her through without leaving her side. Levi is also the perfect boyfriend and I fell in love with him instantly, as I am guessing, do most readers. He is gentle and never pressures Cath to do anything before she is ready. That is another thing that lead me to see myself in Cath; The smallest touches meant the world to her and she valued the small things rather than just jumping into bed with Levi as Wren did with her boyfriends. It made me feel happier that i wasn't the only one to feel like this, even if Cath is a fictional character, Rowell must have gotten that idea or experience from somewhere. 

Reading about Cath and Wren's relationship even struck a nerve in my heart. Although my brother and I are not twins, we are incredibly close. When we argue it does feel like I am missing a part of me and like Wren, he is sociable and popular but always doesn't mind coming home to enjoy watching a movie or hanging out with our family. For me it is like I can relate to nearly every detail in this book, and that is one of the reasons this book will most probably stay in my heart forever.

The biggest thing I related to though is being a Fangirl! Hurrah! A book for us 'nerds' who love to immerse ourselves in a world of fiction whether that be TV, Movies or books, it is all amazing! I mean my personal twitter username is even @Fangirl_of_lots. Finally a book that points out that us fandom obsessed human beings are not mad, or boring but are instead (in Cath's case anyway) Awesome, intelligent and we can enjoy some form of a social life! It also helps that Rowell seems to be such a fangirl herself *High Five to the Fangirls Out there*

I enjoyed reading Cath's Writing and the snippets from the Simon Snow books and fanfiction. I am a lover of fanfiction myself and can't wait to actually read Carry On Simon because it actually exists! It did remind me a little of Harry Potter, and as that is one of my favourite things in the word, I loved it. I wish I could write as well as Rainbow but it has only been recently that I have been inspired to try and write my own stuff, so we shall see how that goes. Cath has amazing talent and dedication though so I will aim to be like her if I ever do manage to finish writing a whole book instead of the odd chapter.

Ultimately, I never expected to relate to a character this much and love a book so much for the emotional journey it took me through. The book was real. I never expected how realistic and relatable it was going to be when I picked it from the shelf based on reviews from other bloggers who's opinions I value. It is an absolutely incredible book and I can't describe how much I respect and love Rowell for creating something that I could see myself experiencing in real life if I was lucky.

Quotes (Sorry for all the Quotes, there are so many fantastic one liners, inspiration sentences and amusing strings of words in this book):

“In new situations, all the trickiest rules are the ones nobody bothers to explain to you. (And the ones you can't Google.)”

“Happily ever after, or even just together ever after, is not cheesy,” Wren said. “It’s the noblest, like, the most courageous thing two people can shoot for.” 

“To really be a nerd, she'd decided, you had to prefer fictional worlds to the real one.”

“But you're so helpless sometimes. It's like watching a kitten with its head trapped in a Kleenex box.”

“Sometimes writing is running downhill, your fingers jerking behind you on the keyboard the way your legs do when they can’t quite keep up with gravity.”

“It's okay if you're crazy," he said softly. "You don't even know-" "I don't have to know," he said. "I'm rooting for you.”

 “I don’t just kiss people. Kisses aren’t... just with me.”

“Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow"

“There are other people on the Internet. It's awesome. You get all the benefits of 'other people' without the body odor and the eye contact.”

Rating: 

 3 Similar Books You May Enjoy (According to Goodreads):

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-The Reading Rose

Now For Something Different: The Musketeers

 

Media Review

-Because sometimes it's good to have variety

TV

Title: The Musketeers

First Air Date: February 2014

What Channel: BBC One
Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama.

Amazon Box Set Price:£17.00 (as of when posted)

Poster:

IMDB Description:

Set on the streets of 17th century Paris, series gives a contemporary take on the classic story about a group of highly trained soldiers and bodyguards assigned to protect King and country.

Starring:

- Luke Pasqualino (D'artagnan)
- Santiago Cabrera (Aramis)
- Tom Burke (Athos)
- Howard Charles (Porthos)
- Peter Capaldi (Cardinal Richelieu)

Director:
Colin Wratten & Adrian Hodges

Based On: 

The Original Musketeers Tales.

Review:

Wow, this series was thrilling, so fast paced and interesting. Who doesn't like watching attractive guys sword fighting, saving the day and sweeping women off their feet! The romance in this series was touching and dramatic and the action was perfect with the Cardinal making a great enemy! I loved the brotherly love between the Musketeers and the way that they would do anything for eachother and anything to save their country from any threats. It was great to get a look at Peter Capaldi in acting a darker role before he takes up the role of Doctor Who later in the year.

This series contained many phenomenal actors some of which i recognise from the likes of Merlin (Santiago) and Miranda (Luke). But to be honest, even without some recognisable actor this show would have held it's own as it was so captivating to watch!

Quotes:

"All for One, and One for All"

"We're soldiers... We follow our orders no matter where they lead. Even to Death"

"Patronise me one more time and you lose your head"

"Goodbye D'artagnan, It was a beautiful Dream"

 Rating:

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-The Reading Rose

Now For Something Different: Atlantis

Media Review
-Because sometimes it's good to have variety

TV

Title: Atlantis (Series One)

First Air Date: 28 September 2013

What Channel: BBC One
Genres: Fantasy, History, Adventure, Drama

Amazon Box Set Price: £15.25  (as of when posted)

Poster:
 

IMDB Description:
Far from home, Jason washes up on the shores of the ancient and mysterious city of Atlantis.

Starring:

- Mark Addy (Hercules)
- Jack Donnelly (Jason)
- Robert Emms (Pythagoras)

Director:
Alice Troughton
Based On:
Greek Mythology

Review:
This TV show is a great take on the classic Greek myths of Hercules, Jason and Medusa. It is exciting and very funny, but serious in all the right places. I have a feeling this show could go on to be something great. Already known as the replacement for the much loved Merlin;

and even though Merlin was a wonderful show, this series is a respectful replacement due to how good it was to watch. I was captivated from the beginning to the end and loved the way each episode covered a separate much loved myth.The chemestry between the three leading characters was hilarious and Mark Addy never fails to make me laugh! Jack Donnelly was the perfect hero with room for his chaarcter to grow and Robert Emms was the geeky sidekick who had the answer to everything!

Quotes:

 "Finding boredom in one’s work is to be relished. It means you are being paid to do nothing." - Hercules

"I never truly felt I belonged where I came from. I was always searching for something." - Jason

 "I would have to say the probability of us dying seems extremely high." - Pythagoras

 "There is no shortage of hope in the world. There is a shortage of brains." - Deadalus

 "Why do you look at me like that?" - Medusa

 Rating:

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-The Reading Rose

Review: Queen Of Teen

Title: Queen Of Teen ( fabulous stories from top teen authors)
Authors: Cathy Cassidy, Jacqueline Wilson, Louise Rennison, Cathy Hopkins, Meg Cabot, Karen McCombie, Lisa Clark, Joanna Nadin and Sarra Manning.
Publisher: Piccadilly
Genres: Teen, Girls, Tween, Romance, Paranormal, Humour, Drama.
Where Acquired: It has been sitting on my shelf for ages so i can not remember where i got it from.
Buy at Amazon Here 
        - Best Book Price: £2.81 (in aid of kids company) Kindle Price: Not Available  
(as of when posted) 

UK Cover: 


A Cover From Elsewhere: 

  (Portuguese)

Goodreads Description: 
Short stories from the fabulous finalists of the Queen of Teen award, selected by you - their readers and their fans. An irresistible chance to read something new by your all-time favourite author - or to discover an amazing writer you've been missing up to now!
There are nine short stories in this amazing, shiny pink book; in order they are Cathy Cassidy, Jacqueline Wilson, Louise Rennison, Cathy Hopkins, Meg Cabot, Karen McCombie, Lisa Clark, Joanna Nadin and Sarra Manning.

My Review: 
Sink or Swim:
This is a heart warming tale of an underdog who goes out into the world an achieves her dream of being a fashion photographer, whilst spiting a stuck up popular 'mean girl' on the way.I enjoyed this one as i like a good underdog tale, and reading about the inner workings of a fashion magazine was interesting too.
Big Red Bottomosity:
You have to love Georgia Nicolson books, i know i do! They are creative and funny and this short story was no exception! The only downside was that it was too short compared to some of the other stories.
Mum Never Did Learn To Knock: 
This story was very sad, but i enjoyed it as it contained  a hint of the paranormal. It was a good length but a little too sad for my likings.
Digger Number 5: 
I really enjoyed this one as i already have a love of Egyptian myths. the added hint of romance and the heroine were very interesting as well. this one was easily my favourite of the lot.
B.L.D:
I wasn't a big fan of this story, it was a bit too sad for my liking and the parent of the protagonist seemed to me to be a bit irresponsible letting their grieving daughter sneak around all over the place! this story seemed to me to be a little unrealistic.
How to be a Star: 
I didn't really like this one either as it was a little too young for me and a little too immature.
A Life Less Ordinary:
I didn't like this one either as i have never been a fan of Rachel Riley, i tried reading on of the books once and found it too boring.
Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others: 
This book i really enjoyed, luckily as it was the longest one of the lot! It was funny and quirky and more suited to older teenagers. The plot of a popular boy crazed girl finding a boyfriend for her shy co-worker was great, and i was a big fan of the dramatic party scene towards the end.

Rating:
Sink or Swim: * * *
Big Red Bottomosity: * * * *
Mum Never Did Learn To Knock: * * *
Digger Number 5: * * * *
B.L.D: *
How to be a Star: *
A Life Less Ordinary: *
Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others: * * *

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-The Reading Rose