Sadaf Shahzad's Blog, page 2

Meaningful Kpop Songs Part 3: Mental Health

Disclaimer: All the lyrics have been quoted from Color Coded Lyrics and I don’t own the rights to any of them.

TW: Depression and suicide 

Hey! Everyone looks at mental health differently as you will see from these songs that we have all come to love and relate to. Remember to love yourself, do your best, stay positive, speak out and get professional help. People around you care a lot more than you think. Just because everyone is immersed in their own secret battles doesn’t mean that they won’t care about yours.

No No No by Apink

Starting off on a high note, we have the ultimate anti-depression anthem. I love how Koreans talk about “giving strength” rather than “having strength”. They take that extra step to show that they care and that you can rely on them. Sometimes, all you want is for someone to say, “I’m here for you.” A shoulder to lean on can be the most powerful thing for a person who’s suffering silently.

Don’t be sad no no no, you’re not alone no no no

You always became a light for me

Hold my hand, come and lean on me

I’ll always be your strength

Although there is a romantic aspect to this song, it can be applied to any valuable relationship. Initially, they talk about the other person being “the light” for them when they were having a hard time. Basically, they are saying that they will return the kindness and love shown to them. At the same time, they are reminding that person of their true strength which can uplift others. This is a great way to help a person heal on their own without being dependent on another.

You had so many dreams a nd when you were feeling nervous

You hoped for a miracle out of the many hardships

I’ve never seen you being shaken

By the continuous wind

A lot of people find it hard to talk to a depressed person. Not only does this song contain some wonderful examples of what to say but the ideal conversation starter that shows that you sympathize with them:

Did you hold it in for a long time?

The sweetest bridge endings ever

When people start to leave you one by one in this world

I’ll shine on you

and,

When the lights turn off one by one

I’ll shine on you

I know people usually listen to sad songs when in a bad mood but this MV is guaranteed to make you feel better. Tastefully done with pure, cute and sexy vibes all in one, No No No’s iconic point dance and catchy chorus is irresistible. Visual queens. Vocal queens. Apink has it all

 

Ayo by SHINee

One of the most comforting Kpop songs, I could not stop crying when I first saw this video. Thanks to the person who recommended it ages ago This is definitely one of my favourite live performances ever because it is everything and more. I don’t think anyone can watch it without being affected because of the sheer sincerity and love with how this song was made and presented. They did a great job of pointing out situations that hurt people: love, school and work. They made it so extra and fun that you cannot help but smile.

For everyone tired of trying:

Sometimes, you walk alone

You stop for a moment and take a look around

When you’re tired of the feeling of being alone

Follow me then, follow me, me, eh

For insomniacs:

You fall asleep alone again

You try hard to doze off, you close my worn out eyes

When you still can’t sleep

because of the many, many thoughts

Follow me then,

follow me, me, eh 

Taemin knows what’s up lol:

Your IQ is two digits, test scores are also two digits

School rank is three digits, why in the world, why, why

Remember, grades don’t matter. Skills get you jobs. Just do your best and don’t let anyone tell you that you are not smart because of your low grades. The education system is shit after all.

To all the assholes I loved before:

Person I trusted,

I gave you my best, but your love that changes

like seasons do, bye, goodbye

Their loss!

We have all lost loved ones. The love you had for each other always keeps them alive in your heart so you only have to look there to find them waiting for you.

Woo~ when it’s tough,

think about who will greet you

As I wait for you to come, I’m smiling for you, hey

SHINee wants you to know:

A-yo, when it’s tough,

doong-ta-dak, lean on the rhythm, oh

With our song for you oh,

everyone a-yo, everyone a-yo

Side to side, my sad tears,

side to side, all my pain

Brush it off, leave it to the rhythm oh,

everyone a-yo, everyone a-yo

Fighting

 

Plz Don’t Be Sad by Highlight/ BEAST

I don’t quite know what to say. Highlight in their natural habitat trying to find your smile, fighting your shadow, making carpet angels and being ridiculous in general has got to make you smile. First of all Highlight thinks that you have a pretty angelic face so don’t dare call yourself ugly! Secondly, they’re trying really hard here. I mean Dongwoon nearly lost an eye. Just one smile, come on you can do it!

You’re smiling less, especially today

You seem sad for some reason

When I asked you what’s wrong

You said everything’s fine and turned your head

They know something’s up so don’t lie, okay? If it’s too hard to say something then write a note, send a message or record audio for the person you want to spill your feelings too. Don’t keep it in!

Your single tear drop

Makes my day crumble down

Your deep sighs

Tear apart my heart

There are people out there who care for you just like this

Don’t hide it, tell me

I’ll hold you without a word

So all your scars can heal

Inside my arms

Hugs are healing so hug more! We all need them so don’t be shy.

Even if everyone leaves, I only need you

I want you to be happy as you’re with me

If I can protect you, nothing’s a waste

Even my own world

There are nice people around us whom we take for granted. They wonder if they are good enough. Don’t be fixated on those who walk away. Seek comfort from those who open their arms for you.

Like This by Pentagon

This is Pentagon’s best title track and nothing can change my mind. From Hui to Yanan, every vocalist shined and of course, rap line never disappoints. I did want to see and hear more of Shinwon though. The year 2016 was the year some of the best Kpop male vocalists debuted and if you are still sleeping on them….boo WHY? The MV is awesome with lovely symbolism that supports the lyrics. You can check out my review of Demo-01 here. Like This is an entire journey with so many important messages in between. Ready? Let’s go!

Every day and every night

In the passing time

There is one shadow that stops

Where am I looking?

Everything feels so strange

Even myself, that I was so familiar with

Even when the bright morning comes

It doesn’t shine on me

I mean, we have all been there. This is so relatable. You’re not the only one going through this. Life can come to a standstill and lose meaning. Everything seems repetitive yet unfamiliar even yourself. Everyone seems to be moving ahead leaving you behind and when anything good happens, it doesn’t seem to touch you.

I’m letting out a cold breath

In front of the hardships that repeat every day

I don’t want meaningless fights

But the more I hold it in, the bigger the thorn gets

I don’t want to get caught

So I hide it more but my heart hurts

But all of these little things that happen

They’re all the same

Wooseok’s part is very interesting. Daily, there’s conflict and he’s tired of it so he does’t want to be a part of it. As a result, he keeps his feelings hidden to avoid confrontation. Eventually, it just becomes background noise. This is a very unhealthy state to exist in. Speaking up is important. The problem is that most people don’t have the emotional energy to talk things out. Make people feel valuable. Less judgment. More listening.

Like a flower blooming for the first time

Like a small blade of grass sprouting

I believed in you and go on my way

I hope you’ll wait for the real me, like this

Like Hui said, he didn’t know himself or he lost his idnetity somewhere along the way. Self discovery is an exciting yet draining journey. It becomes easier when your loved ones encourage you and believe in you. Sure, there are risks not to be taken but opposition should be reasonable and gentle.

I won’t cry anymore

Scream it to the world, oh yeah

Even if I fall and my knees bleed

I’ll keep running like this

I won’t ever stop

For the only light I want

Oh yeah, even if there’s a storm

I’ll keep running like this

And so should you

I’ll live with no regrets, looking at the sky like this

Spread my wings and fly, now like this

I’ll fly with you!

365 FRESH by Triple H

I was surprised by how many people misunderstood this song. Glad to take this opportunity to explain it

Meaningful Kpop Songs: Fighting the System

Hi! How are you all? So, I woke up this morning to some ignorant moron dragging NCT 127’s Simon Says because apparently, the lyrics were pure nonsense. Listen, if you lack the intellectual capacity to understand the problem with a simple children’s game, that’s not NCT’s fault. Despite me being sick, I’ pissed enough to do part 2 of this series. Click click to the bang bang bitch don’t make the rest of us look bad.

LEGGO!

Simon Says by NCT 127

(Credit for the lyrics translation goes to @nctfriendly and other NCTzens on Twitter who were kind enough to share their interpretations)

Let me start off by saying that children’s games can be pretty messed up. Simon Says, Spin the Bottle and Truth n’ Dare are all games that we have played as kids (teens are still kids because I’m so old). All these games take away consent from players and give others an unhealthy amount of control over them. That’s a terrible thing to teach your kids. It  makes them vulnerable to predators and may encourage them to turn into predators in the future. The system NCT talks about is not just society or the Kpop industry but fans who are granted way too much power.

There are two sides to this song (real and fantasy) and they are in search of the real “me”. You’ll notice the door frames and the masks. When they put on the masks, they represent the fantasy that “Simon” approves of. The choreo shows how they are being controlled as well. You’ll see them circling around the door frames because that’s what their lives revolve around. Going through the door frame means transitioning from the image to the real “me”. Simon’s perspective is also shown from the camera angles in the boardroom scenes which the boys later take over. There are mics all around them transmitting their voices instead of “Simon”‘s. They reclaim their rights blocking out the voice of “Simon”. The chorus expresses Simon’s complaint about them:

“Simon says that we’re real vibe killers”

“You guys are mine mine mine”

“We don’t need those words from that time

We don’t pay no mind”

Basically, “Simon” tries to control them but they rebel. It’s no secret that NCT’s music is true to SM’s experimental style. They want people to know that you cannot force them into stereotypical boxes because they won’t fit.  “Simon’ treats them like possessions or puppets but NCT says that they don’t pay any attention to “Simon”‘s commands anymore. There is plenty of symbolism in the MV and choreo so check it out. Frankly, Simon Says is pretty self-explanatory for anyone with half a brain.

Awake by TARGET

(Lyrics translation credit to POPGASA)

The fact that people slept on TARGET’s debut is a real tragedy. The boys had a really hard time finding a company that would take them all together so they had to delay their debut. I’m so glad their company allowed them to have such a power and meaningful debut. There are two major interpretations of this song when you combine the MV. In the lyrics, they talk about the hardships idols face as trainees and even when they reach the stage. This can be applied to any dream you have. The fact that our youth has to pay such a severe price for their dreams is sickening. It’s one thing to work hard but quite another to sacrifice your life force for it.

“All day, I can’t get this dirt off my hands

It’s not enough, I’m pushing myself to the edge

Pain became my friend since I was young

It’s been long since I forgot about my mom’s empty spot”

“It’s hard but we have the right to dream”

Considering the terrifying exploitation of both male and female trainees/ idols in this industry, it’s not hard to imagine the things they go through. From starvation and compulsory plastic surgery to sexual slavery, their struggles are not to be forgotten especially with The East Light’s recent case. This actually happens in every field not just showbiz.

“Before my faith disappears

Before that heart disappears

I must decorate myself with red blood

There’s no regrets, so I can kick out my feet and rest afterwards”

Instead of encouraging our youth (and people of all ages) to follow their dreams, society puts hurdles in their path out of spite. Awake is not meant to dishearten you but to give you strength and hope. It tells you that you are not alone.

The MV paints a slightly different picture from the lyrics. The boys lie seemingly unconscious while their blood is drained away. Someone has set this up to drain away their life force. They are drugged and their blood is collected in packets presumably to be sold. This could represent the agencies that profit off idols while keeping them in a state where they are barely alive. However, we see a spirit separate from the body and protest that they are “still awake”. They are aware of what’s happening and they won’t let it go on. I urge you to watch their comeback stage to check out their fantastic choreo

Chococo by Gugudan

Surprise!!! I know most people have not heard this song or dismissed it because its eccentric cute concept. Chococo is a slap on the faces of people who claim that cute/pure/feminine concepts are meaningless. Well, Gugudan begs to differ. Plus, it’s inspired by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory so only intellectuals can understand it.

If you blink for a second, you’ll miss the clues. Willy Wonka doesn’t own this particular chocolate factory. The owner/ manager is a creepy doll that spies on her workers and has only three options for them: Sleep, Dance, Work. You can see the doll turning the dial to “Work” as the song starts. So, we see the girls mixing ingredients, supervising quality control, transporting giant chocolate bars and other tasks. When the bridge begins, the mood changes. The girls have a burning desire to taste the chocolate but the creepy doll manager shows up and they drop their chocolates. Even when they are sleeping, they have nightmares where the chocolate is so close yet so far. They are even advertising the chocolate products in what look like TV commercials and printed ads. It’s safe to say that chocolate is their greatest desire. A turning point arrives when two of them sneak chocolate into their bedroom and hide under the blanket to taste it. The significance of this scene is expressed in an advertisement setting where one of them feeds the other a piece of chocolate. The girl nearly cries of joy and we see what happens to the others who have apparently eaten chocolate too. They are not just super happy but it’s like they got superpowers or something. In the end, the workers leave the factory.

So, what’s all this about? The factory represents the system. The creepy doll is the one who supervises or implements the rules. Of course, the girls don’t have basic rights much like the terrible conditions of labourers all over the world. They toil all day but they don’t even get to taste the products that they have created with their own hands. In the context of Kpop, it might be pointing towards the unfair profit distribution practices. Idols work incredibly hard but they don’t get much compensation. Giving employees their rightful compensation and benefits (chocolate) empowers them. The contrast between the before and after / right and wrong is obvious.

Get Down by Boys Republic

Trigger warning: graphic violence

Please turn on CC for English lyrics

Boys Republic is currently on hiatus but Suwoong has just signed with a new agency so please look forward to his activities. They play good old revolutionaries in Get Down who are part of an armed resistance against the rulers/ government. This can be applied to any system of course. The rulers are greedy and want the public to give them everything so that they can live a lavish lifestyle. The lyrics boldly show the mindset of the revolutionaries and the MV shows how they overthrow their rulers when they are pushed to the edge.

“What? How dare you want to compromise with me

You stop and freeze! Stop and freeze!”

“I no longer obey you

Stop and freeze! Stop and freeze!” 

Clearly, the people have suffered under and they’ve have enough. The rulers demand everything yet disguise it as a compromise. The resistance finally puts it foot down and refuses to play their games.

“Shut your mouth! You are guilty guilty

You must be guilty

Don’t move a step, you are guilty guilty”

Not only do they refuse to give in to unfair demands but they want the corrupt rulers to stand trial and get justice.

“You know that the hands you stab me with will get hurt

Baby, get down get down get get get down”

Now, they are ready to take action and tell them to resign from their positions. There is a threat of violence but they give the corrupt ones a chance to turn a new leaf and stop pushing themselves to be villains. In the end, they pay no heed to the rebels warning and are overthrown.

Young Wild and Free by BAP

(Lyrics translation credit to colorcodedlyrics)

This an anthem which is a lot more than just motivational which is why I did not add it to that list of this series. We all know what happened and is happening with the lawsuit against TS Ent. This song was released a year after BAP filled the lawsuit when they had decided to settle with their agency. It’s a declaration of winning against the system that so many are scared to criticize. Of course, others have filed lawsuits for similar reasons before but how BAP handled things with such determination and kept their dignity intact by the end is a lesson to us all. The song maybe personal but that doesn’t mean we can’t relate to it. It is forever iconic for the powerful message it gives those who abuse their power and deny rights to those underneath them. Honestly, all the lyrics are great so I’ll just highlight a few verses.

“We are Young Wild and Free

(I know we better together WHUT)

Even if the sun sets and the darkness comes

keep running til the end

Shout Young and Wild and Free” 

“Ma way the highway

No pain No gain drink it up

I’m a pain that is called caffeine WHOA” 

“We’ll make it

This isn’t the end

You have to break the prejudice to know it “

Ah Yeah by EXID

Ah Yeah’s story has two different parts which are connected in an ironic way. The lyrics talk about women being sexually harassed (at work mostly from what I can understand) and not being able to express their extreme distaste of such behaviour openly in a professional environment. Meanwhile, the MV trolls censorship laws about female sexuality because its such a threat apparently lol. So, the irony is that women being sexy on TV (with their consent) is vulgar so men censor it but the women who are sexually harassed in seemingly safe spaces are just supposed to put up with disgusting words and acts. No matter how many laws you make, they are useless unless you implement them. Women are not safe and it’s your fault not theirs. Instead of safeguarding their rights you make them feel dirty for wearing miniskirts and crop tops. How messed up is that? In the MV, Hani plays an office worker who has to put up with sexual harassment and LE depicts the true feelings of Hani as a completely different woman. Both are inside the same person. She has to hide her disapproval because speaking up against such things only makes it worse for women. Near the end, the censored images turn out to be cute stuff. It kinda shows how those censored images aren’t that harmful after all.

Let’s look at some of the lyrics.

“Why can’t you get it?

I don’t know why I’m telling you this

You softly smile and keep pestering me

Treating me like an other girl

Man don’t do that

I don’t wanna answer those kinds of questions, no way”

Typical creepy guy at work ugh!

“Why do you have so many questions?

What are you, a child?

What is it that you know?

I can’t understand a single thing you’re saying

Your attempts make me despair every time

How about you pay attention and look?

Everyone but you can see this signal”

As always, too dumb to understand basic things like consent and respect.

N.O. by Bangtan

Ah the good old days

Meaningful Kpop Songs Part 1: Abusive Relationships

Disclaimer: All lyrical references are quoted from Color Coded Lyrics. I don’t own the rights to them. Check out their website to see the full lyrics. 

Hey! I want to start a series where I talk about meaningful Kpop lyrics since most people, even Kpoppers, seem to be unaware of the important issues being highlighted by Kpop artists. These are in no particular order and I’ve chosen those that struck me the most.

Abracadabra by Brown Eyed Girls

Iconic doesn’t even begin to describe this badass song, its controversial MV and of course, the point dance that Psy used for Gentleman (ft. Ga In of Brown Eyed Girls) . Not only is the production simply fantastic but the lyrics are powerful! Abracadabra is a story about a woman who is begging her lover to stop cheating on her with another woman. Cheating is a soul-crushing experience that leaves a lot of trauma especially trust issues. You might think that love songs aren’t meaningful but cheating is directly tied to depression for millions of people. The song introduces us to a decent woman who loses her moral sense in trying to possess her lover’s loyalty.

I used to be nice, soft and tender,

but if I keep going crazy like this

You’ll change me into something bad

She talks about him being her fantasy and how she’s casting a spell (hence the title) to make him love her. This woman has been taken to the point where she feels helpless and will do anything to gain control even if it means turning another person into a puppet.

I’ll cast a spell again

I`m like a supervisor

I control you, I am the emperor

You cant get away from me From me

In the MV, instead of a Voodoo doll, she actually attaches a time bomb to him. Funnily enough, the MV concludes in both women falling for each other and their male lover dying. Twisted but awesome

Are You Human Too? VS. I Am Not A Robot: Kdrama Comparative Review

Disclaimer: Although I love friendship and even go along with romantic feelings characters grow for AI robots, I am not comfortable with physical intimacy like kissing between human and AI robots. I also don’t like sexually suggestive remarks about the bodies of AI robots or other characters sexualizing them in anyway. AI is very different from basic robots. Their processors are programmed to develop in a manner similar to that of the human brain. As we can see from these futuristic AI robots, they are a lot more than just machines. 

Hi

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo Kdrama Review

Hi! I’ve known about this drama for a long time obviously, but I thought I’d never watch it because I had low expectations. Well, I was right for the most part so I wasn’t severely disappointed. There are some great things about it so it wasn’t a total waste of time. Let’s explore the world of Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Switch: Change the World Kdrama Review

Hello! I don’t believe I’ve seen a drama revolving around con men before so this was a refreshing new experience. I nearly cried watching Jang Keun Suk’s cameo in Hwayugi so I was really excited for Switch. He plays a double role in this drama so it was extra cool! Let’s see what’s all about, shall we?

Welcome to Waikiki Kdrama Review

Hey all! There have been some refreshing dramas on offer this summer and one that really stood out to me was Eulachacha Waikiki. I don’t think I’ve watched an Asian drama with high on comedy before. It was a very rewarding experience

Radio Romance Kdrama Review

Hi! Today I will be talking about Radio Romance. It was a pleasant surprise and I was never bored which was surprising considering the genre. Without further ado, let’s dig in to the plot, spoiler-free of course.

The Plot

Ji Soo Ho (Yoon Doo Joon) is the most popular actor in Korea who is a puppet for his CEO mother. Their perfect family life is a lie. His father is only concerned with public image and his latest girlfriend. Song Geu Rim (Kim So Hyun) lives with her blind mother and dreams of being the main writer of a radio show. She has been the maknae writer at the radio station for ages and is constantly bullied by her sunbaes. Her only ally is an eccentric genius radio show producer notorious for his temper issues. Lee Gang (Yoon Park) returns from his “vacation” after the chaos  he caused and makes her an offer. He promises to make Song Geu Rim the main writer of his show if she can snag Ji Soo Ho as their RJ. Song Geu Rim is the ultimate people pleaser so everyone loves taking advantage of her. Her sincere love for radio wins over Ji Soo Ho and their professional relationship is off to a rocky start. This doesn’t sit well with his CEO mother who is adamant about casting him in a profitable production rather than a unprofitable radio show. This fight is more than it seems. Ji Soo Ho’s Radio Romance becomes a symbol of rebellion against his controlling family. For the first time, Ji Soo Ho finds a warm encouraging friend in Song Geu Rim. Although there’s constant tension between producer Lee Gang and RJ Ji Soo Ho, loyalty runs deep. The most profound change is the progress in Ji Soo Ho’s mental and emotional state. His therapist, Jason (Kwak Dong Yeon), has waited years for Ji Soo Ho to open up about his past trauma to no avail. Song Geu Rim’s gentle personality works a miracle even a professional couldn’t perform. The secondary cast includes Jin Tae Ri (Yura of Girl’s Day) who has been a child actor with Ji Soo Ho and is the complete opposite of Song Geu Rim. We also have Ji Soo Ho’s childhood manager Kim Joon Woo (Ha Joon) who he isn’t exactly fond of. Gradually, the secrets of Ji Soo Hoo’s family and his past are revealed. I am sure everyone can make good guesses but watching the plot unravel was immensely satisfying.

Characters
Ji Soo Ho

The reason I watched this drama. Highlight/ BEAST Yoon Doo Joon is the male lead and can I just say, the casting was perfection He is introduced as the cold hero who couldn’t care less about the heroine. Unlike most Kdrama heroes, Ji Soo Ho actually has some background that helps us understand his behavior. There are two Ji Soo Hos. The perfect actor and son the public sees and the tortured soul behind closed doors. It’s important to note that Ji Soo Hoo only shows his true self around a few people including the heroine. Why? That’s a spoiler

Super Junior Lo Siento ft. Leslie Grace-Comeback Review/ Fangirling

Hey! Super Junior killed us all with Black Suit earlier this year and returned with a repackaged version to make sure we were really dead. I was busy these past few days but all of my free time was spent jamming to Lo Siento. I am not being a soft stan for once because first of all, Lo Siento is S.E.X.Y and H.O.T and S.I.N.F.U.L and secondly, SUJU is an oppa group for me (Ha!). This rarely happens to me because I am a 90 liner so it’s a momentous occasion children.

[image error]

Lo Siento is a collaboration with a Latino singer, Leslie Grace. They had this cute little interview with her on the set of their MV and she’s such a sweetheart I’m ecstatic that Super Junior not only decided to go for the Latin vibe but also collaborate with an actual Latino artist.

[image error]Credit: SM Ent. Label SJ

You know the best part about Lo Siento? FREAKING JIWOO (MY BIAS) AND SOMIN FROM KARD WERE FEATURED IN SUJU’S LO SIENTO COMEBACK STAGES! I don’t know about you guys but SUJU is the ideal sunbae group in Kpop for me. They keep promoting other groups not just from SM but from small agencies too. They care about rookies and even pre-debut idols like KNK’s Seungjun (He mentioned SUJU treating KNK well at a gym and Donghae  promising to remember his name which he hid later when KNK acted as backup dancers for their sister group, Bestie). I’m sure everyone has seen the new SuperTV clips by now. They had a dance segment where each member was assigned a girl group to choreograph a short routine with. It was hilarious! Do watch it if you haven’t especially fans of Daler Mehndi

Book Review: River (Stranger in the Woods #2) by India R. Adams

Hello! Today I will be reviewing the second book, River, in the paranormal romance series, Stranger in the Woods, by India R. Adams. The first book, Rain, was an interesting mix of mythology and fantasy in a modern setting. Rose moves from the world of humans to the world of the Travelers as she becomes the center of an ancient prophecy. She falls in love with the Traveler elf, Ryder who’s a Guardian Warrior of his clan. Her childhood friend, Gunner, turns out to be not-quite-human and they have a baby, Rain. Dark forces threaten the future of the Travelers who have vowed to protect humans from the vile shadows. Little is known about these villains in book 1 but we learn a lot more in book 2.

I loved the world building in the first book and the characters I met. The Vikings make a reappearance and play an important roles in the plot of River. Gunner, Rose and Ryder are still the three main characters but this time, the plot is stretched until you forget how you got there. Things get pretty complicated and dark *cue dramatic music*. Seriously, this book is not for the faint of heart. Trigger warnings for graphic violence and sexual abuse are needed. If you’ve committed yourself to this world, prepare to have the carpet swept from under your feet!

[image error]River (Stranger in the Woods #2) by India R. Adams

 

 

Plot

Little Rose wasn’t so little in book 1. Obviously, she had a baby but she is still pretty young. She’s the only full human in a clan of elves and now she has to deal with motherhood, one diaper at a time. Of course, her new family is super helpful and Ryder’s venom makes her stronger but she remains the weakest physically. To add to the stress of being a first time mom, King wants her dead. The Guardian Warriors are paranoid about the shadows hurting Rose or Rain because they believe that Rain will be the one to end the shadows for good. The Vikings pop in to do their part and things get a bit…wild. You might feel like the initial pages are slow but that’s just the calm before the storm, kids.

Beware! This book makes you think you were only told lies before. It’s easy to empathize with the characters who were just as clueless as me. Some new characters are introduced who are not as innocent as they appear *coughs* Ince *coughs*. Gunner finds himself a special someone at long last *wiggles brow*. The true motive of King is revealed as more mysteries are unveiled. The creation of the elven race is explored in detail and is surprisingly related to the present. Lots of life threatening chaos ensues as everyone fights to uncover fiercely guarded secrets. Old enemies return and best friends almost get eaten!

[image error]Credit Tw: @_HpFans_

Honestly, no one can catch a break. It’s insanely cruel and ridiculously inconvenient for the characters. I feel so sorry for Rose. I really do. Makes me want to never have a kid. She’s literally feeding her child and changing diapers 24×7. Not to mention, poor baby Rain keeps getting dragged around and starved. To be fair, people do keep trying to rescue them so..okay. People are going to hell and back, making deals with the devil and whatnot.

Fair warning: If you like things nice and neat, this is NOT the book for you. It’s messy, gruesome and ugly in the best way. 

 

LET THE SPOILERS SPILL FORTH!

 

Characters
Rose

Sometimes, I feel like all three MCs are kids trapped in adult bodies. I guess we all have an inner child