Harmony Moon

A Court of Silver Flames

WOW.. I really don’t know how else to begin this review. This book was simply beautiful. I knew there would be a lot to handle in this story, and I was ready for it all. To be honest, Nesta hasn’t always been my favorite… but this really made me see her in a different light. Being able to see inside her head and get a better understanding of her actions due to her pain and trauma.. while at times hard to read.. really showed how complex she is. Cassian, our wonderful General, was no different. I already knew I liked him, and getting the taste of his POV in ACOFAS made me want more. The way he truly saw Nesta, even through all her bad habits and trauma, saw all that she was and by stuck by her side? Cauldron, this man is so damn perfect. Also, don’t get me started on our Valkyries, I could talk for hours. I didn’t realize how much I needed to see a badass trio of women altogether until we saw Nesta, Emerie, and Gwyn kicking ass. I also really enjoyed how from Nesta’s POV we got a closer look at outright battle and the techniques, which made me even more awed at SAM’S detail. Overall, I’d rate this book as a masterpiece. The raw emotion and intensity of it all were so perfect. I couldn’t put the book down. I know it’ll be a while before the next book, but I’m really anticipating it. To see how the outcomes of this book play out further..for better or worse.

A Court of Frost and Starlight

This book was exactly what was needed after the intensity of the war. I think my favorite part was seeing the multiple POVs, not just Feyre, this time around. Everyone was impacted by the war and by things even before that, so getting a glance into those minds felt nice. The entire vibe of this book was downright cozy. Seeing a bit into the culture more of Prythian, and more closely of the Night Court, as they celebrate the Winter Solstice. Partnered with the bonds of friendship and the healing we can see beginning with the characters. One of my favorite moments had to be during the actual Solstice festivities, seeing the family relaxed and enjoying each other’s company. This book also makes a great segway of the problems I’m sure will be addressed more in the following books. The healing Nesta NEEDS to find… the unspoken connection between Nesta and Cassian… the treaties that need to be reformed between all of Prythian… Tamlin (hopefully) is getting some sort of redemption or healing that he REALLY needs… Feyre and Rhysand’s hopeful future child… All of it I hope to see talked about or play out soon. Overall, this book was great! It was comforting and a nice look into normalcy with a break from the drama.

Aggretsuko Season 5

I didn’t realize when I started this new season that it was going to be the last one. I’ve really enjoyed this show for many different reasons. It’s funny, the characters are all cute, and the plotlines are always interesting. This season was no less than any of those. Following Haida more closely was nice to see more into his mind… especially when he’s gotten to such a low point. I’ve always enjoyed him, and he still remains relatable. Also, now that Haida and Retsuko are a couple, it was nice seeing how they worked together. I’ve always thought they’d be good together, and the events of this season proved it. Retsuko supported Haida as he worked through his job hunt, and then Haida’s support of Retsuko when she got roped into campaigning for office.  However, with this being the last season, I feel like there are still some things left open. Halfway through, the plot sort of abandoned Haida’s job hunt to focus on Retsuko’s campaign. Also, I feel like there was still more to see with Tadano… like that man DEFINITELY still has feelings for Retsuko. Anyways, overall, I’d say this season was fine. I wished we’d had a bit more since it was the final season, but it was still a good season. I will for sure miss this show.

A Court of Wings and Ruin

Oh. My. Cauldron. This book…holy crap. It had everything. Suspense, drama, romance, action, pain…all in one perfect package. I knew this book was going to hurt since it’s the culmination of what’s been building in the first two books, but OUCH! I have not cried so much from a book in a long time. All the twists and reveals and growth that occurred still have my mind reeling. Feyre..she has to be one of my favorite main characters ever. She is such a complex person that I absolutely adore. Her growth has been amazing as she comes even more into herself and her powers, especially now being High Lady. Every character, not just Feyre, has such intricacies hidden within. The cast in these books just keeps getting better as the world of Prythian becomes wider to the readers’ eyes. I only hope to see even more in the following books. Writing battle scenes, I know, can be hard, but SJM is so vivid in her descriptions that I could easily see the war in my mind. Feel the pain and anxiety the characters felt..and ultimately the relief too. This book is a masterpiece in my eyes, and while I was almost ready to throw my book at the end… I’m also thankful and relieved of the true outcomes. Now onto some much needed peace of mind (hopefully) in the next book.

Lockwood & Co.

I have not been keeping up all that much with original Netflix shows, so at first, I wasn’t aware that this show existed. Scrolling through suggestions with my mom and this pops up, so we checked it out. This show is, firstly, very well done. I found out that it is based on a book series of the same name, and while I haven’t read the books (yet), from what I’ve heard from readers, this show stays pretty true to the source material. It’s got the perfect blend or mystery, suspense, and action. The concept is also a very cool one too. Following three youths with gifts that allow them to see, hear, and fight ghosts… which have become a big problem in the world. Our three main characters are also quite likable in their own ways. George is the quirky brains of the group. Lucy is the stricter one who keeps the boys in line. Lockwood is the brooding leader you can’t help but love. I absolutely adore these three characters and their relationships with one another. It’s so very tender and caring, and you watch their bond grow deeper throughout the season. Overall, I would give this show a rating of great. I hope it gets renewed for a second season, and I think I’ll be checking out the books, too!

Radiant Sin

I have been waiting months for this book to come out! Katee Robert’s ‘Dark Olympus’ series has easily got me hooked…combining my love of mythology and some good, steamy romance. This book takes the story of Cassandra and Apollo to the dark politics of Olympus within this 4th book. While it’s overall more slow paced than the first 3 books, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of the drama that’s been hinted at before starts to take deeper effect here. I now fully understand the authors point that to continue the rest of the series, this book needs to be read first. It sets up so much of what is sure to come. Of course, though, knowing Katee Robert, plenty of twists will still come.. even if you think you know what will happen. Now for the characters… Cassandra is definitely up there in the ranking of my favorite female characters in this series. Her dedication to her sister and willingness to sacrifice her own happiness is beyond relatable. Her co-star in this story, Apollo, is just as loveable as I expected. He’s charming and strong willed..and had the PERFECT dichotomy of ‘good boy in the streets and dominate in the sheets’. But even with that, he deeply shows he cares for Cassandra, always pushing her to stand up for her own needs and desires. Making sure she chooses herself in some of the decisions she makes, which eventually she does. Overall, this book is very good! It got me surprised at certain twists, even if I thought I had an idea of what was coming. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this story.

80 for Brady

I wasn’t sure what to expect with this movie. Truthfully, I didn’t have an intention to see it before my mom suggested it. Now that I have, though, I’m glad I did. This movie is the definition of a feel good, buddy comedy. From the first scene, I was laughing, thinking of my friends and I doing something similar to the 4 leading ladies ‘Kick-Off Tradition’. While I don’t know anything really about football, it wasn’t necessary. All of the antics that happen…even while under the atmosphere of the Superbowl…happen in their own way. I may not have grown up with the actresses in this movie like my mom, (truthfully I only knew Sally Field), but all of them were enjoyable. I can’t give this movie a perfect score, but the writing, albeit cheesy, was decent. The characters are all likable and quirky in their own ways. Plus, the plot doesn’t take itself too seriously. Overall, I’d rate this movie as fine. During a girl’s night, I wouldn’t mind watching it and laughing with my friends about how the characters will be us in 60 years.

A Court of Mist and Fury

If I thought the first book in this series was good, ACOMAF doubles that. The amount of growth in Feyre here was remarkable. From being so broken after what happened Under the Mountain, to finding her power within and learning to choose her own happiness…all of it was amazing. My heart went on another Rollercoaster throughout this book. From being sad and angry how Lucien, Ian the, and especially Tamlin were treating Feyre; to the happiness I felt seeing her growth in Velaris. Don’t even get me started on the Inner Circle…OH MY CAULDRON do I adore all of them. Feyre truly needed that sort of family in her life and the way Cassian, Mor, Amren and Azriel were able to provide and help with fixing the broken pieces was beautiful. A true testament to found family that is a trope I so love. Also, where do I even begin with Rhysand?! I already knew I had a likening toward him, but this book made me fall in love. I am both excited and nervous once more for what’s to come. After what happened in Hybern, especially with Nesta and Elain, I CANNOT wait to see the way our Lady and Lord of the Night Court get through this. Overall, this book takes the place as my first rating of masterpiece for a book this year. Easily marking this series a new favorite.

BTS: Yet to Come in Busan

As an almost eight year ARMY, of course I had to go and watch this in theatres..and just as I did when first watching the livestream I bawled my eyes out. This concert had so much heart and love in it from BTS. You could tell how much they wanted to leave the fans with a great show to remember until they come back in 2025. I was so happy to get to see this with my friends and family too. Not everyone understands how much BTS means to me, but being with people who know my dedication and that I knew wouldn’t judge me, just made it better. I am glad that this concert movie still showed us their talking ments. Especially since ones in the past that played in theaters haven’t always. It’s also good to see the talking meets since some of what was talked about hit so deep. Some of my favorite songs of BTS’ discography were performed and it’s always thrilling to watch. Whether it be watching them perform live and in person or whether it’s on the screen it’s always some of the best hours. This concert also felt special since the boys decided they wanted to spend it altogether on stage, no solos, just group songs so that they could be together. They may all be on their own small paths right now as we wait for them to do their military enlistment and solo projects, but this movie and the overall experience is definitely a masterpiece in my books.

Little Witch Academia

This show had been on my TBW for a long time. If I remember correctly, what originally caught me was the cute style of the animation. After watching, this is definitely a cozy, low-risk fantasy. Following a girl, Akko, attending an academy for witches and her many mishaps along the way. Akko, though not gifted with much magic, is still determined to achieve her dreams and this makes her very loveable to me. I wholly enjoyed all of her friendships in the show. From her two roommates, Sucy and Lotte…to her rival turned friend, Diana. The plot line isn’t too intense, usually following episodic stories with some overarching plots throughout the show. The main overarching plot being Akko trying to find the lost magic words and access a special kind of magic. I also really enjoyed the recurring character Andrew too. He may seem stuck up at first, but as we saw him interact more with our characters you began to like him more. The teachers at the academy are also, for the most part, likeable. Of course, like all school shows, we have the teacher who always seems to be trying to bring our MC down. But even she was a fun character. Overall, this was a pretty average show. It was fun and enjoyable to watch, and I’d recommend it to those looking for a chill fantasy.