#the saddest episode of the whole dang show

[tathracynart]

The Deerfox (Everything Stays - Adventure Time)

[bamboobrat]

succession s3 e2 recap: spooked by fucking donuts 2/4

along with the worlds saddest cob salad, logan is joined by fucking hugo in the hotel room.

when i tell you i hate this man.... oh boy. i can't explain it. he just appeared out of fucking nowhere and continues to be the most useless person on the whole show.

just give karolina a promotion so we don't have to look at this schmuck. writers of succession, i'm BEGGING YOU.

greg the egg is confused about this whole lawyer situation of his and decides to invite his friend over for a beer. turns out she is only in her first semester, which is a loss for all of us. i want someone who utters lines like "should i text my professor?" back on this show.

then greg is visited by this creepy guy, who says he was there at the congressional hearings, but let me tell you, i don't trust him.

"there were a lot of us, right?"

fucking right, i did not see you there. not even once. and i've watched that AT LEAST seven times. mostly, though, i kept rewinding and watching over karl's panic attack, but that's another matter.

whatever. i guess he is sent there by gerri... which makes me trust him less and also more.

kendall is being absolutely maniacal and spewing shit like "i'm the real you" to shiv. also telling her she thinks she is a good person, but she is not.

projecting much, bro?

the twins show us the only two appropriate reactions to kendall's shit:

at this point in the episode i am begging them not to get on board with kendall's plan. oh, how the turntables. and bless the writers of this show for being so dang clever.

shiv receives a loving message from her big bro:

and yet another "thank you" from tom when she says she loves him.

she presses him this time, though, and they come to some kind of agreement. the word "portfolio" is mentioned. it is by far the least romantic "i love you"-scene in history, which kind of makes me love them???

also, please get tom to do something else than just be on the phone. i need dear matt to see his full potential. that being said, he is doing some great phone acting in this episode.

my favorite grumpy grandpa arrives, without noodles this time. he is just so very disappointed in greg all of the time and i enjoy that about him:

more importantly, though, MARCIA IS BAAAAACK!!!

marcia, marcia, marcia, we all collectively cheer!

i love her so much. highly recommend watching the film "incendies" if you are in the mood to get completely traumatized.

part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4

[takaraphoenix]

shadowhunters for the ask game

Oooh, the shiny! Thanks for playing *^*

Top 5 favourite characters: JACE Herondale, Magnus Bane, Lydia Branwell, Isabelle Lightwood, Simon Lewis

Other characters you like: Raphael Santiago, Bat Velasquez

Least favourite characters: Maryse Lightwood, Jocelyn Fairchild, Valentine Morgenstern. All three of them can get fucked ^-^v

Otps: uh let’s say Top 5? Magnus/Jace, Alec/Jace, Simon/Jace, Raphael/Jace, Bat/Jace

Notps: Luke/Maryse, Jace/Clary, canon Magnus/Alec

Favourite friendships: Jace & Alec, Jace & Simon, Isabelle & Clary

Favourite family: okay so that’d be my non-canon construct of Luke/Catarina being married and raising Madzie together and also Clary getting a good stepmom here. Also Jace is part of this family too because fight me on Luke and Clary accepting Jace into their family during the time they though him and Clary were blood ^-^

Favourite episodes: uuuh Blood Calls for Blood? The reveal of Jace and Clary being siblings, Imogen’s gorgeous face appearing for the first time, Lydia and Isabelle, the Jace angst with “Michael Wayland”‘s return, maybe also You Are Not Your Own because Sebastian and Imogen’s pretty faces and the great acting on the Magnus-Valentine body-switch and again lotsa Jace angst

Favourite season/book/movie: deeefinitely season 2, man. Season 2 was actually good. Like, there were still some downsides to it, but overall it was good

Favourite quotes: not really a quote-kinda-gal

Best musical moment: *blinks* sadly this show has no musical episode but good gods it sure had the chaotic energy to have one now I wish there had been an episode where a whacky spells causes everyone to sing and dance, dang

Moment that made you fangirl/boy the hardest: every time Jace and Alec get to get lost in each other’s eyes and had an actual bonding moment?? JACE MOVING IN WITH MAAAGNUS THAT ONE KILLED ME. Magnus and Jace talking on the balcony at the loft with all the kittens and in daylight, it was so nice *^*

When it really disappointed you: ...we don’t have THAT much time and like look at this, it’s already so long? So, my biggest disappointment is when they forced the kids to forgive their neglective and abusive mother because “my husband cheated on me that’s why I’m a bad mom pls pity me uwu” man I am foaming at the mouth just thinking about the shitty writing there like holy crap :D”“““

Saddest moment: shit so many, but like... inside Jace’s mind when the Owl possessed him? He was so small and broken and it hurt??

Most well done character death: nope. Like, the character deaths were... meh, at best, and frustrating at worst...

Favourite guest star: I have genuinely no idea how you define a guest star but since she is barely in episodes, Mimi Kuzyk as Imogen?

Favourite cast member: Dominic Sherwood *^*

Character you wish was still alive: IMOGEN HERONDALE

One thing you hope really happens: I mean the show has ended so there is that :D

Most shocking twist: I mean... I mean all twists were kind of REALLY predictable or foreshadowed SO HARD that they weren’t twists?? I guess the fact that they DIDN’T kill off Max was a shocking twist for me, because I know that happens in the books and I was like mentally bracing myself for it but then it didn’t happen

When did you start watching/reading?: I started watching it when it first started airing and started reading it... I think during season 2?

Best animal/creature: ...the show doesn’t have animals, which is a travesty. Creature, I guess I do like this world’s take on witches - warlocks with warlock-marks and demon-blood

Favourite location: the Institute is so cool? Old, abandoned church but super high-tech? That makes for such a stunning thing, tbh. But also the Seelie Realm is sooo pretty

Trope you wish they would stop using: miscommunication :D I swear the whole fucking way through this show they whack you over the head with characters not talking to each other, like literally the reason season 1 happens is because Jocelyn Rather Not talk to her daughter about her heritage and Luke doesn’t get to talk to her right away and it just continues through the show that characters don’t communicate to further the plot

One thing this show/book/film does better than others: uuuuuuuuuuuuuh *awkward laugh*

Funniest moments: mh...

Couple you would like to see: HELEN AN ALINE. Due to the cancellation they were crammed in there to happen within two episodes, in the background. I wish I coulda gotten a whole season of them at the Institute, slowly developing their relationship

Actor/Actress you want to join the cast: okay so I REALLY wanted to see Kate Bosworth play Céline Herondale in flashbacks. I really wanted them to elaborate further on the Circle in season 3, I wanted to SEE Stephen and Céline - heck, even younger Robert, Maryse, Luke and Jocelyn. Maybe because Luke or Imogen tell Jace stories about his parents. Either way, I faceclaim Kate Bosworth as Céline because she is beautiful and blonde and has heterochromia like Dominic Sherwood

Favourite outfit: while half of Magnus’ outfits look just ridiculous, the other half looks really fucking good. Also, Jace at the Seelie Court was A Look

Favourite item: I liked the way the Mortal Cup looked

Do you own anything related to this show/book/film?: I got custom funko pops of Magnus, Alec and Jace, I own the Herondale family ring, stickers and a button with Jace’s pretty face, a pillow-case with Jace’s pretty everything

What house/team/group/friendship group/family/race etc would you be in?: realistically, I would probably be a mundie. But I would want to be a warlock :D

Most boring plotline: Maryse figuring out her mundie life. Like. No thank you, not just because I dislike the character but also because the actual main characters didn’t even get to do shit beyond their romantic plotlines and I would have much rather seen some more of them doing life and shit

Most laughably bad moment: ...there are too many, I can’t...

Best flashback/flashfoward if any: I... I mean they barely ever did flashbacks. So I guess the best would be Magnus’ past, even though they were too short??

Most layered character: Don’t try to fight me on this, but Jace Herondale. He who starts out as a shallow asshole and then within a short time is established as only using those walls to protect himself after all the child-abuse. Then all the torture, mental health issues, the soft romantic, the sub. All those sides that go beyond that one dimensional asshole persona

Most one dimensional character: FUCKING OLLIE. Goodness, I loathe her. She is really just that obnoxious one dimensional prodding normal human who tries to get into the supernatural world and then acts all “oh no :O” when the supernatural comes to bite her in the ass -_-

Scariest moment: when they went all creepy with the owl

Grossest moment: there probably were, but I can’t recall right now

Best looking male: DOMINIC SHERWOOD AS JACE HERONDALE

Best looking female: MIMI KUZYK AS IMOGEN HERONDALE

Who you’re crushing on (if any): Imogen

Favourite cast moment: Dominic Sherwood being carried around by others :D I love that there are more than one male cast member to carry him around :DDD

Favourite transportation: that flying motorbike they absolutely underused...

Most beautiful scene (scenery/shot wise): visiting Idris for the first time?

Unanswered question/continuity issue/plot error that bugs you: looooooooool the list is too long

Best promo: I don’t watch promos

At what point did you fall in love with this show/book: During the movie!

IN DEPTH FANDOM QUESTIONS

[starline]

Game of Thrones, Season 8 Episode 4, Review Reaction!

It begins!

I’m weirdly not sad about Jorah and I’m still pissed at Theon so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Baeworm Lives!!! I’m so glad some black people have survived on this show. It’s rare! 

I feel like Tyrion wrote that speech for Jon.

Okay visually this pretty with the blue of the bodies and the orange of the fire. Good use of complementary colors! I like that I can see it!

The ladies are cool as fuck. Haha Jon just happy to eat.

Haha Gendry lookin’ for his lady...

What what what she’s making Gendry a real Baratheon?!?!? Aaaaaaaaaah!!!! Nice nice. Okay Dany!

Oh Brianne not expecting to be alive and not knowing how to flirt.

Bran just kinda sounds depressed.

I kinda ship Sansa with Tormound? The red haired thing.

Yes give Arya her praise! Smart Dany!

Aw my wildlings!

Dany is feeling left out. Doesn’t have her family.

I love this drinking game, don’t fuck it up Tyrion! Goddamn worst wingman. The worsttttttt lol or wait... best wingman?

Dang Pod?

Well Tormoud is a player.

Wait. No please not Sansa / Hound shopping. Please no. Nope nope nope. Okay good. It was just a moment. That was nice actually. 

Gendry trying to impress his lady with his promotion. Oh she’s gonna break his little heart...  awwwww this is a bummer but yeah Arya isn’t gonna be no ones lady.

Is Jamie and Brianne gonna happen? Is it?!? Please?! SO MUCH TENSION. THIS IS FANFIC. I LOVE IT. (I don’t need to see her titties but show ALL OF JAMIE pls. Aaaaaaaah it’s happening!!!!!!! Yasssssss!!!! GET THAT D BRIENNE!!

I mean Dany/Jon okayyy okayyyyyy. I mean she’s not wrong. They will demand he’ll be King. Just get married. Ugh. That will fix it.

Yikes this war meeting.

Hahaha Sansa letting Jamie stay so she can be with Brianne.

Ooh family meeting!!!

Hahaha Bran sippin’ tea. OH NO JON DONT SAY IT. YOU DUMBASS.

lolololol Tyrion... climbing mountains

Oh no Bronn. Lol this is funny but also I’m scared.

Arya and The Hound... road trip!!!!

God I wish Sansa could tell Tyrion- oh shit is she?!?

Oh Tormoud and Ghost!! Awww him and Jon saying goodbye is the saddest thing :( I actually tested up.

Gilly’s knocked up! Aw Sam and Jon!

Aw goddamn it don’t leave the North Jon! It’s a bad idea! Bad idea!! :(((((((

Aw Missandei and Baeworm getting the fuck outta there. Making beach plans to get away from that snow. 

Tyrion told Varys oh it’s done. Varys is gonna male backup plans.

OMG OMG DRAGON DOWN HOLY SHIT

I swear if they killed Missandei... for what.

Oh no that’s worse. I hate this.

Yeah fuckkkkkkkk this is horrible of course she wants to burn them all. Of course!!

I’m on Varys side to be honest. Tyrion you shouldn’t have told him. You knew better.

Aw man what’s gonna happen. Jamie is gonna leave to go kill Cersei, right? Seems like what he would do... aw stay with Brianne... ugh Jamie you fucker. You fucking asshole. Now I’m gonna be happy when you die. Kill Cersei first though.

This gate scene is tense. Fuck.... I’m scared.

Goddamn Tyrion going to speak to the manager.

Yeah she killed Missandei burn that whole shit down Dany.

BURN IT DOWNNNNNNN

Conclusion: 

I AM LIVID!!!! Y’ALL SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO SANSA. FUCK JAMIE. FUCK CERSEI. BOO TO ALL OF IT. I HOPE ARYA KILLS THEM ALL. DANY TOO FOR NOT LISTENING. 

[clarislam]

My Reactions To “Escape The Night, Season 3 Episode 6:”

Throwing under a cut due to spoilers!

NO DOLLMAKER, DON’T DO IT, DON’T MAKE A DEAL WITH THAT GUY

And now I feel horrendously sorry for him. He just wanted to keep his business alive...

Colleen’s flirting with Mortimer now!? O_O Ok...

Oh gosh Colleen’s really coming onto Joey

Oh my gosh those dolls are actually seriously CREEPY. 

HE FOUND A COINNNNNN

JOEY PROVED HIMSELF GUYS

I WILL REPEAT, HE FOUND A COIN FOR THE LAZARUS BOX

Also, that “blood doll” is creepy.

No, no, don’t make Ro torture a doll! SHE’S TOO SWEET TO DO THIS

Also in the meantime STOP getting her covered in disgusting stuff like blood and the stuff in the toilet from the first episode!! I feel so bad for her...

I can’t imagine how confused Colleen is by the change of events, but...I’m scared it’s too late for her apologies to Joey at this point.

Oh my gosh. Is everyone just curb-stomp voting Colleen into this maiden!?

OH MY GOSH THEY ARE

WHAT

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA COLLEEN

DANG. That was...that was probably even scarier than Justine’s in Season 1...

OMG WE’RE GETTING A REVIVAL GUYS

NOO YOU CUT IT OFF AT THE BEST PART

Summary of my thoughts below:

1. GUYS WE’RE GONNA GET MATPAT BACK NEXT EPISODE I SWEAR

I think that’s the one person Safiya and Joey have on mind. EVERYONE knows that Matpat is basically one of the best players on the team and one of the best puzzle-solvers, so they’d probably want him back to help them with those types of things. 

But also, as many of us fans have speculated, the trailer for the whole season have scenes with Matpat where he’s clearly alive and have not been shown yet, so...looks like we can look forward to those after he comes back!

2. Colleen’s death: Scariest and potentially the saddest in the show.

It’s bad enough to ‘die’ in this show at this point, if Seasons 1 and 2 didn’t make that obvious already as well as how alll the deaths in Season 3 have been going so far.

It’s worse when you know your friends all decided to turn on you 100%. I cannot imagine how she was feeling when it was all going on, but I imagine she was incredibly terrified on Justine levels or worse. 

3. Who’s going to die next? I have no clue.

Clearly a revival will happen. However, I doubt they’re just going to bring back Matpat only to kill him off in the same episode. I think everyone also loves Ro too much to try to vote her in again (and we all know Matpat’s probably gonna protect her as evidently shown in every past episode of this Season). 

So that leaves Manny, Nikita, and Joey. Joey’s the only one that hasn’t been voted in, so I feel like it’s possible the group will all deliberately vote him in. He’s been lucky to be in challenges in past seasons where he and the other voted in with him has no risk of death, but maybe his luck might run out. Other potential ‘deaths’ next episode I think could be Manny or Nikita. To be entirely honest, I just don’t know who will die next episode, IF there is a death (there have been episodes where there were no deaths of the main cast so that could happen again). 

ADDITIONAL EDIT AS OF JULY 19, 2018: One of you pointed out the fact that I missed mentioning Safiya, soooo I’m just going to mention her here. *facepalms self*

Going along with death predictions here, I HIGHLY doubt Safiya’s going to die next episode. She’s one of the strongest competitors AND she’s caused literally no drama among everyone, so I’d like to think she’s safe for another episode. Then again, I could be entirely wrong and she could be just as unlucky as JC was in Episode 1. We’ll have to wait and see!

[dawnquafam]

The Flash

The first character I ever fell in love with: Barry

A character that I used to love/like, but now do not: The original Wells. It tore me apart when he turned out evil, but the other Wellses have more than made up for it

A ship that I used to love/like, but now do not: I used to occasionally lowkey ship Snowbarry, but now I just view them as siblings and am very glad the writers never went there and made things awkward (a viewpoint that also applies to Cisco/Caitlin. I’m so glad the writers never tried to make a love triangle out of those three as a way of stalling Westallen)

My ultimate favorite character™: Ciscooooooo, my geek son with luscious locks and a heart of gold (Joe and his extremely powerful dadness is a very close second)

Prettiest character: Killer Frost (my gay is really showing withthis ask game dang)

My most hated character: Zoom. How DARE he kill Henry just to prove they’re similar, I hate him so much for that

My OTP: Westallen

My nOTP: Barry/Linda. She was just… so wrong for him

Favorite episode: Girls Night Out (which I found out from IMDb is apparently considered the worst of the entire show??? How the frick??? I’m so confused by that???)

Saddest death: Henry. That was UNNECESSARY, I rewatched it a few days ago and bawled like a baby

Favorite season: DEFINITELY 4. It’s so funny and had quality dad!Joe content and quality Westallen content (they actually got married I was so shocked the show let that happen in season 4, ships like never get married in canon, let alone that early on) and it had Killer Frost as the ex-villain-turned-reluctant-soft and I just. Ralph annoyed me at first and I don’t like Thinker as a character (but he was a much-needed reprieve from the constant speedster villains) and I wish Julian had stuck around, but mostly it was just a whole season of quality TV that brought back all of the love and humor that sold me on the show back in s1 and I can’t get enough of it.

Least favorite season: Probably 3. It was just so dark and depressing and that’s not why I fell in love with this show. Plus a third speedster villain resulting in half a season of more of Barry obsessing about getting faster was boring enough that even his identity plot twist couldn’t completely save it

Character that everyone else in the fandom loves, but I hate: Honestly? Wally. I just. He was a moron when he wanted speed and he was never really interesting to me in the first place so I just can’t bring myself to care

My ‘you’re a piece of trash, but you’re still a fave’ fave: Snart. Absolutely Snart. Even in 1x04 when he’s murdering people I’m still going “That’s my boy!!!”

My ‘beautiful cinnamon roll who deserves better than this’ fave: This applies to… so many Flash characters… Cisco… Barry… but if we’re talking “who deserves better” then definitely HR. I’m glad it wasn’t Iris who ended up dead bUT WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE HIM

My ‘this ship is wrong, nasty, and makes me want to cleanse my soul, but I still love it’ ship: Probably the closest is Cisco/Lisa. (@ Flash writers if y’all are sticking with the Gypsy breakup [which I do not want] then now’s a great time to bring Lisa back for an episode or two)

My ‘they’re kind of cute, and I lowkey ship them, but I’m not too invested’ ship: Wally/Jesse

[iamnesta]

2017 Recap: Books

At the beginning of the year, I had a Goodreads goal to read a total of 50 books. But as the months passed and I continually ran out of time for reading, I kept lowering that goal. Before long, I had reduced my goal to half. I thought that surely I could read 25 books in a year! Apparently, I could not. I completed 24 books in 2017, and many of those were rereads. Nonetheless, here is my reading recap for the year. I hope you enjoy it. 

(2016′s Reading Recap)

Bookish Superlatives:

fastest read

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

best ending

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

saddest death

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

favorite ship

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas (NESSIAN!!)

best cover

One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus

best sequel

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

best lead character

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

best supporting character(s)

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

best villain

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

best setting

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

best plot twist

Warcross by Marie Lu

best book overall:

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Below the cut, I have listed all of the books I read this year in the approximate order in which I read them. I have listed a synopsis and a review for each book.

Fear the Drowning Deep by Sarah Glenn Marsh

Witch’s apprentice Bridey Corkill has hated the ocean ever since she watched her granddad dive in and drown with a smile on his face. So when a dead girl rolls in with the tide in the summer of 1913, sixteen-year-old Bridey suspects that whatever compelled her granddad to leap into the sea has made its return to the Isle of Man.

Soon, villagers are vanishing in the night, but no one shares Bridey’s suspicions about the sea. No one but the island’s witch, who isn’t as frightening as she first appears, and the handsome dark-haired lad Bridey rescues from a grim and watery fate. The cause of the deep gashes in Fynn’s stomach and his lost memories are, like the recent disappearances, a mystery well-guarded by the sea. In exchange for saving his life, Fynn teaches Bridey to master her fear of the water — stealing her heart in the process.

Now, Bridey must work with the Isle’s eccentric witch and the boy she isn’t sure she can trust — because if she can’t uncover the truth about the ancient evil in the water, everyone she loves will walk into the sea, never to return. (via Goodreads)

★★★★☆

Fear the Drowning Deep was particularly fun for me to read because it was written by one of my Creative Writing teacher’s old students. I was very curious about whether this debut novel would meet my high standards, and I was absolutely blown away by it. I loved the characters and the storyline, and I especially enjoyed the setting -- I really want to visit the Isle of Man now! The only reason this didn’t get five stars is because there were a couple plot holes and some explanations that were rushed or glossed over. 

Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo

[no synopsis due to possible spoilers for previous books]

★★★★★

I kept putting off reading Crooked Kingdom, despite having received a signed copy of it sometime in 2016. I was so nervous that it wouldn’t live up to the first book (Six of Crows) but I honestly shouldn’t have. The sequel was maybe even better than the first, and expanded greatly on characterization while still providing a compelling plot. This book was addictive and heart wrenching, and I definitely cried a few times. 

Something in Between by Melissa de la Cruz

Jasmine de los Santos has always done what’s expected of her. Pretty and popular, she’s studied hard, made her Filipino immigrant parents proud and is ready to reap the rewards in the form of a full college scholarship.

And then everything shatters. A national scholar award invitation compels her parents to reveal the truth: their visas expired years ago. Her entire family is illegal. That means no scholarships, maybe no college at all and the very real threat of deportation.

For the first time, Jasmine rebels, trying all those teen things she never had time for in the past. Even as she’s trying to make sense of her new world, it’s turned upside down by Royce Blakely, the charming son of a high-ranking congressman. Jasmine no longer has any idea where—or if—she fits into the American Dream. All she knows is that she’s not giving up. Because when the rules you lived by no longer apply, the only thing to do is make up your own. (via Goodreads)

★★★★☆

Something in Between talks about the very relevant, important issue of deportation while still containing a cute romantic subplot. I thought it was very eye-opening, and I am much more aware of the impact deportation has on families. I also liked the romance aspect of the story, and was definitely squealing from the cuteness. The Barak Obama cameo was also pretty epic. 

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah’s voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out why. 

Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah’s pain, and as he follows Hannah’s recorded words throughout his town, what he discovers changes his life forever. (via Goodreads)

★★☆☆☆

I read Thirteen Reasons Why because everyone was obsessed with the TV Show and I like to read the book before watching the adaptation. I read this book in one day, in one sitting. It gave me anxiety just by reading it and often I found it hard to breathe. I honestly don’t know why I finished it. I think the subject of this book is very important and suicide should be talked about more in literature, but this was not a healthy way of discussing suicide. I only watched two episodes of the TV show and it made me want to barf. Suicide is not entertainment. 

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. 

Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive. (via Goodreads)

★★★★★

Wow! This book! Was amazing! A Darker Shade of Magic was an impulse buy for me, and I pretty much bought it just for the cover. I didn’t really know much about it, just that it mixed magic and history, and dang! I honestly fell in love with all of the characters, and the plot was exciting and surprising. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-pace fantasy. 

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

[no synopsis due to possible spoilers for previous books]

★★★★★

Lord of Shadows was probably my most anticipated book of the year, and it certainly lived up to all my expectations. I loved the broad spectrum of characters, and the diversity of the entire crew. I loved the new relationships being built and the whole shenanigans with the Seelie Court. I can’t say much because of spoilers, but if you’ve read Lady Midnight and are hesitating to pick up the sequel: don’t!! Seriously, this book was amazing. 

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control. (via Goodreads)

★★★★★ -- reread

I have read To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before at least once a year for the past three years. It is by far my favorite contemporary book and has the absolute cutest romance I’ve ever read. So obviously I read it again this year. It still makes me smile and squeal and cry, just as if I was reading it for the first time. (Also, sidenote, they’re apparently turning this into a movie?? I’m so freaking excited? So make sure you read the book before watching the adaptation!!)

Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han

[no synopsis due to possible spoilers for previous books]

★★★★★

I was so, so scared to read Always and Forever, Lara Jean. The sequel in the trilogy (P.S. I Still Love You) was absolutely fantastic, and I was afraid the third book wouldn’t be as good. I shouldn’t have worried, though, because this book was AMAZING!! Seriously, it had me sobbing one second and then laughing the next. It was a very strong ending to a phenomenal trilogy. 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever. (via Goodreads)

★★★★☆

A Court of Thorns and Roses had been sitting on my bookshelf for over a year before I started reading it. I had heard really good things about the series, but I could never get past the first chapter. So after months and months of collecting dust, I decided to finally just push through the boring chapters and actually read the dang book. And I was...underwhelmed. I loved the writing style, the setting, the main character, the villain. I liked Tamlin, but didn’t love him. I hated Rhys, and didn’t understand why people were so obsessed with him. I thought it was a good book. Not great, not terrible. But I couldn’t understand how Sarah J. Maas had turned it into a trilogy, because the end of the book seemed so final. The villain was defeated, so how was she going to continue the storyline? My curiosity was the only thing that made me pick up the next book, and I am so, so glad that I did...

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

[no synopsis due to possible spoilers for previous books]

★★★★☆

A Court of Mist and Fury was much better than the previous book, in my opinion. It was different, because it was a character-driven book instead of being plot-driven, but I like learning about the characters and their backstories and whatnot. No, it wasn’t always exciting or action-packed (although there was some of that) but I still thought it was interesting to read and I thought Feyre grew a lot as a person (or Fae, as the case may be) and I enjoyed that. I enjoyed it so much, in fact, that I finished the entire book in two days. 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

[no synopsis due to possible spoilers for previous books]

★★★★★

This may be an unpopular opinion, but I actually thought A Court of Wings and Ruin was the best book in the trilogy. All of the buildup in the second book finally paid off, and we got the giant battle scene we were waiting for. There was still character development, but this was much more about the plot than the people. Also, my favorite character (Nesta) got be a f*cking badass, so I obviously loved that. The one thing I didn’t like about this book was the ending. It was kind of lame. But I’m not complaining. 

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss? (via Goodreads)

★★★★★ -- reread

Anna and the French Kiss is another book that I like to read annually. It’s another one of my favorite contemporaries/romances. The thing I love the most about it is the setting, which is in Paris. The setting is kind of like it’s own character; everything about the description is so vivd that you feel as if you’re in Paris too. France is probably my favorite place in the whole world, and I was feeling nostalgic about my brief 48 hours in Paris, so reading this book brought me back to the place I love most. Also Étienne and Anna are cute so... hurray for sappy, adorable romances!

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. (via Goodreads)

★★★☆☆

Lola and the Boy Next Door isn’t really a sequel to Anna, but it does include a couple of the same characters. I was hoping for another cute love story, but was somewhat disappointed. I liked the characters, and I liked the setting, but I didn’t fall in love with them the same way I did with the previous book. Lola was entertaining and passed the time, but it wasn’t my favorite. 

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

Hopeless romantic Isla has had a crush on introspective cartoonist Josh since their first year at the School of America in Paris. And after a chance encounter in Manhattan over the summer, romance might be closer than Isla imagined. But as they begin their senior year back in France, Isla and Josh are forced to confront the challenges every young couple must face, including family drama, uncertainty about their college futures, and the very real possibility of being apart. 

Featuring cameos from fan-favorites Anna, Étienne, Lola, and Cricket, this sweet and sexy story of true love—set against the stunning backdrops of New York City, Paris, and Barcelona—is a swoonworthy conclusion to Stephanie Perkins’s beloved series. (via Goodreads)

★★★★☆

After reading Lola, I wasn’t expecting much from Isla and the Happily Ever After. And while it wasn’t as epic as Anna, this third book was still fun to read. I loved Isla and the book split its time between New York City and Paris, so I obviously loved the setting. This book quenched my need for a cute high school romance and I thought it was quite good. But nothing is better than Anna. 

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

At first, Jude and her twin brother Noah, are inseparable. Noah draws constantly and is falling in love with the charismatic boy next door, while daredevil Jude wears red-red lipstick, cliff-dives, and does all the talking for both of them. 

Years later, they are barely speaking. Something has happened to change the twins in different yet equally devastating ways . . . but then Jude meets an intriguing, irresistible boy and a mysterious new mentor. 

The early years are Noah’s to tell; the later years are Jude’s. But they each have only half the story, and if they can only find their way back to one another, they’ll have a chance to remake their world. (via Goodreads)

★★★★★ -- reread

You guessed it... another book I read annually. In my defense, I’ll Give You the Sun is probably one of the most beautiful, heart-wrenching books ever written. I relate to Jude on so many levels, and I love her character development. Guillermo is also one of my most favorite characters ever, and I love his tragic story with all my heart. I always enjoy the mystery aspect of the book, and the different perspectives and time periods. It’s a book that I recommend to literally everyone, and so far they’ve all loved it too. 

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself? (via Goodreads)

★★★★☆

My Life Next Door is a cutesy romance, self-discovery type of book, and that’s pretty much all I have to say about it. It’s funny and romantic and sometimes surprisingly serious and I finished it in one day. I read it over the summer while I was at the beach, and it does have a very summery feel to it. If you’re ever looking for a way to pass the time and want a cute contemporary/romance, this is the book for you. 

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Audrey can't leave the house. she can't even take off her dark glasses inside the house.

Then her brother's friend Linus stumbles into her life. With his friendly, orange-slice smile and his funny notes, he starts to entice Audrey out again - well, Starbucks is a start. And with Linus at her side, Audrey feels like she can do the things she'd thought were too scary. Suddenly, finding her way back to the real world seems achievable. (via Goodreads)

★★★★★

As someone with anxiety, Finding Audrey was really refreshing to read. Finally, anxiety has been accurately represented. And it’s all told from the point of view from a sarcastic, witty narrator! I really enjoyed how the book was occasionally told using a script format, as well as standard prose. I highly, highly recommend this to anyone with anxiety -- and anyone without it who just wants to read something well written and funny. 

One of Us Is Lying by Karen McManus

The Breakfast Club meets Pretty Little Liars, One of Us Is Lying is the story of what happens when five strangers walk into detention and only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect, and everyone has something to hide. 

Pay close attention and you might solve this.

On Monday afternoon, five students at Bayview High walk into detention.

Bronwyn, the brain, is Yale-bound and never breaks a rule. 

Addy, the beauty, is the picture-perfect homecoming princess. 

Nate, the criminal, is already on probation for dealing.

Cooper, the athlete, is the all-star baseball pitcher.

And Simon, the outcast, is the creator of Bayview High's notorious gossip app. 

Only, Simon never makes it out of that classroom. Before the end of detention, Simon's dead. And according to investigators, his death wasn't an accident. On Monday, he died. But on Tuesday, he'd planned to post juicy reveals about all four of his high-profile classmates, which makes all four of them suspects in his murder. Or are they the perfect patsies for a killer who's still on the loose? 

Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you would go to protect them. (via Goodreads)

★★★★☆

One of Us Is Lying was an unexpected page-turner. As new debut novel, I didn’t know much about it, except that it had been compared to The Breakfast Club and involved murder. This book ended up being really well written, with both romantic subplots beneath the whole murder ordeal. The only reason I didn’t give this five stars is because I guessed the ending almost immediately. But it was still plenty entertaining, and I look forward to future books by this author. 

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in an overwhelming, never-ending stream of Noise. Just a month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd and his dog, Manchee -- whose thoughts Todd can hear too, whether he wants to or not -- stumble upon an area of complete silence. They find that in a town where privacy is impossible, something terrible has been hidden -- a secret so awful that Todd and Manchee must run for their lives.

But how do you escape when your pursuers can hear your every thought? (via Goodreads)

★★★★☆

Okay. I will admit that the main reason I read The Knife of Never Letting Go was only because Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley will be starring in the movie adaptation of it. I guess I’m just superficial like that. But I also love Patrick Ness’s other work (A Monster Calls is one of my favorite books of all time) so I thought I should go ahead and start the Chaos Walking trilogy. I will admit that the book was a little weird, but I’m not one to shy away from weirdness. The whole sci-fi futuristic war planet was certainly weird, but I rather enjoyed it. Very entertaining, always keeps you guessing, and also somewhat amusing. Todd is... an interesting narrator. I’m very curious how the Noise will be represented in the movie. 

Warcross by Marie Lu

For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. Struggling to make ends meet, teenage hacker Emika Chen works as a bounty hunter, tracking down players who bet on the game illegally. But the bounty hunting world is a competitive one, and survival has not been easy. Needing to make some quick cash, Emika takes a risk and hacks into the opening game of the international Warcross Championships—only to accidentally glitch herself into the action and become an overnight sensation.

Convinced she’s going to be arrested, Emika is shocked when instead she gets a call from the game’s creator, the elusive young billionaire Hideo Tanaka, with an irresistible offer. He needs a spy on the inside of this year’s tournament in order to uncover a security problem . . . and he wants Emika for the job. With no time to lose, Emika’s whisked off to Tokyo and thrust into a world of fame and fortune that she’s only dreamed of. But soon her investigation uncovers a sinister plot, with major consequences for the entire Warcross empire. (via Goodreads)

★★★★★

I wasn’t expecting to love Warcross as much as I did because I’ve never really played video games. However, due to its setting in the future, I found it quite easy to immerse myself in this world with its virtual reality tech. I really loved the different characters and how diverse they all were. And there was a Hunger Games kind of feel to the story, what with the gaming battles. I flew through this book and I definitely did not expect the ending. Totally didn’t see it coming. I am super excited for book two!!

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life. (via Goodreads)

★★★★★

The Hate U Give was by far the most influential, most important book I read this year. It is very focused on the current events surrounding police violence and the unfortunate amount racism in this country. It was extremely eye-opening for me to read about the community the narrator grew up in, and to see the world as she sees it. It made me sad to think about how this book is not just fiction but a reflection upon the United States today. I think everyone can benefit from reading this book, no matter what their skin color is. I think it’s important for people to learn about different perspectives, and I desperately hope that this country will change its ways. I also had a lot of fun writing a detailed book review about this for my English class... my conservative teacher wasn’t very happy with me but it was definitely worth it. 

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

When a plane crash strands thirteen teen beauty contestants on a mysterious island, they struggle to survive, to get along with one another, to combat the island's other diabolical occupants, and to learn their dance numbers in case they are rescued in time for the competition. (via Goodreads)

★★★★☆

OH. MY. GOD. THIS BOOK. Y’all, Beauty Queens has got to be the funniest book I’ve read in years. It’s a subtle sort of humor, but I loved it. The entire thing is essentially a parody of the United States, and makes fun of our society. It breaks all of the unfair expectations society places on girls, which was super refreshing. The characters were extremely diverse and didn’t shy away from discussing sensitive topics. Every time there was a “commercial break” I started laughing like a lunatic. There were actual tears streaming down my face because I was laughing so hard. Please read this book it is so freaking good.

Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina by Michaela DePrince

The extraordinary memoir of Michaela DePrince, a young dancer who escaped war-torn Sierra Leone for the rarefied heights of American ballet.

Michaela DePrince was known as girl Number 27 at the orphanage, where she was abandoned at a young age and tormented as a "devil child" for a skin condition that makes her skin appear spotted. But it was at the orphanage that Michaela would find a picture of a beautiful ballerina en pointe that would help change the course of her life. 

At the age of four, Michaela was adopted by an American family, who encouraged her love of dancing and enrolled her in classes. She went on to study at the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre and is currently a member of the Dutch National Ballet’s junior company. She has appeared in the ballet documentary "First Position," as well as on "Dancing with the Stars, Good Morning America," and "Nightline."

In this engaging, moving, and unforgettable memoir, Michaela shares her dramatic journey from an orphan in West Africa to becoming one of ballet's most exciting rising stars. (via Goodreads)

★★★★☆

I had to read a biography/autobiography as an assignment for school, and I am so glad that I chose Taking Flight. I was absolutely blown away by the things Michaela has lived through, and to read about her struggles and successes was very emotional for me. I don’t think you have to be a dancer to enjoy this book, although I certainly appreciated all the references to specific ballets and specific variations/choreography. I think it’s a truly amazing story that can inspire anyone, whether they’re a dancer or not. 

Animal Farm by George Orwell

As ferociously fresh as it was more than a half century ago, this remarkable allegory of a downtrodden society of overworked, mistreated animals, and their quest to create a paradise of progress, justice, and equality is one of the most scathing satires ever published. As we witness the rise and bloody fall of the revolutionary animals, we begin to recognize the seeds of totalitarianism in the most idealistic organization; and in our most charismatic leaders, the souls of our cruelest oppressors. (via Goodreads)

★★★☆☆

Animal Farm was an assignment for school, but I didn’t hate it as much as I usually hate school assignments. It pains me to admit this, but it was actually a pretty decent book. A little weird, what with the talking animals, but not bad. I do wish it had a more concrete ending. It ended rather abruptly. (Although I suppose that was the point.)

If you actually read this whole thing (or at least skimmed through it) I would like to say THANK YOU!! I love you all so much, and I am so grateful for each and every one of my followers. I hope everyone has a fantastic 2018 💜💜

[recentanimenews]

Crunchyroll's First Staff Picks Feature!

'SUP Y'ALL, I’m Cayla! I just got hired on to help curate anime at Crunchyroll, and I've noticed that everyone here has pretty rad taste. Since I'm a genius, I came up with the idea to start CR Staff Picks, a new monthly feature where we list recommendations from Crunchyroll employees! For our first installment, we’re covering some of my favorites, but future entries will include picks from plenty of different staff members. Now read on and bask in my super good taste~!

Restaurant to Another World

                            Restaurant to Another World is chill as hell. I love over-the-top action as much as the next person, but sometimes I just want my entertainment to help me unwind after a hard day in the anime mines. Despite heavily featuring warriors, mages, and dragons, Restaurant prefers to spend its runtime on quiet worldbuilding and detailed shots of food that leave me HELLA HUNGRY. The nameless proprieter of Nekoya, the dimension-hopping restaurant in which most of the action takes place, is a soft-spoken, mysterious dude, but the moments of warmth he shows to his customers and his waitress make him pretty darn endearing. So there's my first recommendation: come for the food, stay for the relaxing, scenic atmosphere!

  Parasyte -the maxim-

                          I really, really like David Cronenberg, and Parasyte -the maxim- is probably the closest you can get to a Cronenberg-directed anime. Parasyte offers a fun cocktail of brutal horror-action, existential philosophy, and unsettling body horror that mixes together just right. The main duo are really engaging as well! Our protagonist Shinichi starts off as a bookish nerd, but we get to see him slowly become a Cool Edgy Teen as he gains more battle experience. And Migi (the horrifying mouth-eye-tentacle monster living in our hero's hand) makes a similarly satisfying arc as he progresses from a cold, calculating killer to an empathetic friend to Shinichi. Also, I know he looks... not great at first, but by the end of the series I thought Migi was really cute? Like a mascot character, sort of??? You'll see what I mean, just watch it! 

  Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid

    Sometimes a family is just a salarywoman, a dragon, and also another slighty smaller dragon. Stupid memes aside, Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid really is all about building your own family. I really like Kobayashi a lot, she's a great main character. It's always nice to see yourself reflected in the media you watch, and the emotionally complicated, overworked adult woman with Real Grown-Up Responsibilities™ that is Kobayashi certainly hit a bit close to home. What got me even more than that is how this non-traditional family of people and humanoid dragons builds up around our protagonist. I recently moved away from my home state and left behind a lot of family and friends. Kobayashi forming relationships with Tohru and the ever-increasing cast of weirdos in her life somewhat mirrors my experiences of building up a support group as an adult in a new place. That's a big reason  this show is so close to my heart! Also, hecking damn I really love Kanna. She's so pure and good and cute and I want to protect her.

Cardcaptor Sakura

                                  When I was a little kid I would watch Cardcaptor Sakura and then pretend to unleash Clow Cards using a stick and some Pokemon cards. I was SUPER COOL and had LOTS OF FRIENDS. The point is, Cardcaptor is really cool and inventive and captured my young imagination! Sakura's journey to wrangle the cards and maneuver through fourth grade serves up some hella cool action scenes and engaging plot beats that pulled in viewers both young and old when it aired in '98. For anyone wondering if it holds up, I re-watched the whole series recently and was happy to see that my childhood nostalgia was totally merited! It's a super high-quality show, and required viewing for anime fans in my book. I'm not saying everyone has to like Cardcaptor Sakura--I'm just saying if you don't, you might hate fun. 

   March comes in like a lion

                          I don't give a FRICK about shogi. But I do give at least fifty fricks about sad boys, and Rei Kiriyama is the saddest boy. March comes in like a lion follows Rei as he advances in his professional shogi career, overcomes his past traumas, and attempts to make meaningful connections to the people around him. You. Will. Cry. I promise. Every episode of this dang series had me wiping at my eyes in a futile attempt to save my eyeliner. One of my favorite things about March is the way it fleshes out its cast. Someone will be introduced one week seemingly as a one-off joke character, but then we'll have a mini-arc a few episodes later dedicated to illustrating their own personal hardships and backstories. This series has some beautiful things to say about empathy and the value of opening up to people. Also, Rei Kiriyama is a GOOD BOY and I will PROTECT HIM WITH MY LIFE.

  Log Horizon

                            I know it's en vogue to dunk on "trapped-in-a-vide-game" series, but Log Horizon is really good, okay?? Most shows of this ilk are focused primarily on combat and cool fight scenes. This is great! Combat stuff is cool as hell! But I also think that it's cool to take the time to explore these imaginative fantasy-scapes and engage in some worldbuilding. Log Horizion has this in spades. Shiroe's interesting mix of Machiavellian talent for manipulation and humane empathy (think Frank Underwood from House of Cards but less... terrible) make him a hugely engaging protagonist. His ability to weave together a plan that brings together seemingly disparate actions across episodes makes something as ostensibly boring as setting up a functioning economic system just as exciting as any world-shattering shonen battle scene! Be forewarned, though, that the theme song is going to be stuck in your head literally forever.

  And that wraps up our inaugural Staff Picks list! Check out some of my AMAZING recommendations, and be sure to check back next month for a new list featuring more favorites from around the office!

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Cayla Coats is an Editorial Programming Coordinator at Crunchyroll and VRV. You can follow her on Twitter here!

By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com