I can't believe how little chatter I've heard about this book considering it's by Holly Black. You hear so much about The Cruel Prince, Wicked King, & Queen of Nothing but this one seems to have fallen into the shadow of those. Which is unacceptable. (In fact, although I named my dog after Cardan himself, I'm tempted to say I like this book more than those books combined. WILD.)
The characters and scenery in this book are just magical and engrossing. You become a part of their lives and the magical town they live in where the fae walk amongst them. It's written so real you'd think it was a place you could actually travel to, people you could actually meet.
This book also has Queer representation which I absolutely did not expect going into it. When Hazel's brother was mentioned to be gay I assumed that like in the other Folk Of The Air series books he'd be a side character that didn't really matter all that much (sorry Vivi). I am happy I was wrong because I think his Queer identity is an invaluable addition to the complexity of this book. If anything, reading about how his family supports him is something that really touched my heart because not all of us are lucky in that way. The fact that it's barely mentioned on the back of the book is also extremely commendable. It's almost like *gasp* heterosexual baiting. MWHAHAHAHA, how the tables have turned.
The plot of this book is something I certainly didn't expect and the ways the little hints were snuck in for the reader and Hazel herself is so clever. I found myself flabbergasted by the last half of the book when it all fell together and I was left on the edge of my seat until that final page.
I feel as though there could have been more to this book. It felt like a very short period of time for so much to go down and a lot less of an adventure compared to SoC. I was hoping for something more generally plot wise, not just Kaz's grand scheme going on for 18 hours worth of audio book. (( Speaking of which, if you haven't heard Wylan's voice actor doing the voice for Kaz, you need to go do that right now. ))
It took me FOREVER to get into this book. When I picked up SoC I was immediately drawn in, I was expecting that even more in this book knowing how much I adored the characters from the first novel. However, I found myself taking a ridiculously long time to get invested into the storyline for this one. I kept pushing onwards because I know I can't really hate a Leigh Bardugo book because she has never ceased to amaze as far as story-telling ability and corkscrew plot twists in the past. On the whole, I'm glad I kept reading. I just likely won't re-read it.
Bean soup is a favorite of any vegetarian or vegan as it is cheap and delicious to make! This is a simple recipe to make on a day that you're too busy to slave in front of a stove when lunch or dinner time comes around. Just prep this meal earlier in the day and let it cook until your busy life allows you to sit down and eat!
Ingredients:
2 large carrots
1 Leek
2-3 Large Potatoes
2 Small-Med Onions
16oz Pinto Beans (Canned)
8oz Black Beans (Canned)
3 Vegetable Boullion Cubes
6 Cups Water (Or until your crockpot is filled)
1 Bunch Fresh Dill (Full--take it out before serving)
1 Bunch Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
2 TB Garlic
1 TB Chilli Powder
2 TB Dried Basil
1. Chop and prep all vegetables to bite size pieces.
2. Add Beans to crockpot. (Be sure to drain out the water first)
3. Place Boulion Cubes in the CrockPot & add warm water.
4. Add Vegetables & stir together!
5.Add Spices & Fresh Herbs. Stir again!
6. Cook on High for 4-5 Hours.
7. Serve hot with French baguette for a hearty and delicious meal! <3
Living people can have an effect on an area. This is most fascinating to me because I've experienced the imprint of energy being left behind by still living people. Sometimes, if a person's energy is strong enough in an area and the electromagnetic fields are just right they can leave a living imprint of their energy in an area without even realizing it. This can be anything from sounds left behind to, to feelings, to in extreme cases 'shadow figures' and parts of themselves playing in a loop. Especially in areas where they spent a lot of time. I've experienced this twice on my own. The first time was when I was younger, my sister and I would see my mother in the bathroom of our house all the time and when we walked into the kitchen--she'd really be there instead. My mother found solace in the bathroom, it was the only place she could be to herself and relax and not have to worry about everyone bugging her all the time. So, it's quite possible that her energy imprint was left in that room. Since she's moved out to a different house and doesn't stay in that room anymore, I haven't seen the 'apparition' (for lack of a better word) since. The second experience I have with energy being left behind is a former room mate of mine had a very negative personality. Not that she realized it, she just tended to harp on the negative things that would happen in her life and have just general bad vibes most of the time around her because so many things had gone wrong in her life. She's the same room mate who used to have problems with a shadow figure in her room (I believe this might have been RSPK that she was unaware of at the time for she is fairly sensitive). Ever since she's moved out, the room that she used to live in has very negative feelings still and me, being an empath, am constantly getting angry while in the room with no apparent cause. I believe this is still her energy clinging to the room. Even with sage cleansing it won't go away, because it's not a ghost....but an energy imprint. I believe it will go away on its own in time.
Look guys! Another beautiful Influenster VoxBox arrived at my doorstep! For those of you who don't know, Influenster in an AMAZING company that will send you free full size products for your honest review of them. I mean, obviously, it requires some work. Like, writing this blog post for instance and posting pictures everywhere. We live in a social media influenced economy, you see a picture of one of your friends using a product. It'll inspire you to go get it. So, basically that's exactly how this website works. You become an Influenster and Influence other to go get the products you receive if you like them! Now this sounds like a lot of work but, trust me, going to your mail box and seeing a box filled with free candy & tea definitely makes it all worth wild. Sound like your kinda thing? Click the link below & join up!
This bar was quite good. Kat & I were surprised by how amazing it tasted. It pretty much became our new favorite chocolate bar. It was the perfect sharing size because they give you two blocks of chocolate in the packaged. One for now, one for later. If you're looking for a bar that's easy to share with a friend. This is perfect...of course, once you try it chances are you won't want to share any of it at all. It's that good.
Yogi Green Tea
10/10 Cheerleading Bats
I'm going to start by saying I'm already a HUGE fan of Yogi tea. Their Cold Season tea is the reason I can survive New York Winters. This tea was definitely something I'd buy during the winter. I received "Green Tea Kombucha" & "Blueberry Slim Green Tea" in this Box. Both tasted amazing, although I'm a fan of the Kombucha more than the Blueberry. The Blueberry tea tasted just like a blueberry muffin. It's a great tea to have in the morning with breakfast. The Kombucha is SO good. It's earthy, yet has a sweet undertone that ties it all together. I can't wait to drink this Iced during Summer.
Lovatics by Demi Lip & Cheek Tint: Cheeky Pink
1/10 Cheerleading Bats
I was NOT a fan of the Demi Lip & Cheek Tint. It was created by NYC Cosmetics a notable drugstore brand that I personally really enjoy. However, this product is a complete miss. It stains your skin. Badly. It took me a LONG time to get this off my lips and an even longer time to get off my cheeks. The color once applied to your lips by itself make them look bloody like you just got out of a brawl. Its redeeming factor is it does look good when applied over other lipsticks to give them a bit of highlight. Only problem is the disgusting chemical taste this product has. Overall, the cons outweigh the positives and this product is one I wouldn't recommend. Sorry, Demi & NYC!
Sweet Spot Labs On The Go Toilettes
9/10 Cheerleading Bats
As a fan of Summer's Eve products, I was really excited to see that there is another gynecologist recommended company out there. Let's face it girls, our periods can make us feel less than clean down there and these wipes are awesome to have on hand. I love that these wipes say they are 98% natural, biodegradable, and cruelty-free right on the packaging (And can I mention how cute the packaging is?! Love!). It's always nice to see a company concerned about the environment. They have more ingredients than Summer Eve's wipes, but being that most of the ingredients are natural that's not necessarily a bad thing. I received the scents "Vanilla Blossom" & "Neroli Mandarin" in my box. They smelled really good and help you feel super clean. However, be warned...the smell certainly lingers but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Just something I felt I should note. Also, be sure to test a small area in case you're allergic or they irritate you. Lady Parts are a fickle thing. Overall, these are great to keep in your bag if you're out and about and need a little bit extra freshening up. Totally recommend.
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
