Victoria Moschou's Blog, page 7

The Art of Trying

I was actually wondering whether or not I should write this particular post. I spent days thinking of whether or not people would be interested in reading something other than books’ and movies’ recommendations from me.

Of whether or not it would be something relevant to my blog’s content. I spent hours thinking how I should start the post, whether or not it could write itself.

And then… it dawned to me. It wouldn’t write itself if I did not sit down and write it myself. Just as a relationship, whether professional or intimate, would not nurture itself and flourish if both sides didn’t try for it.

So, here I am today, on this cloudy, May Saturday, to talk to you about the art of trying.

A few days ago, I went for breakfast with two old classmates and friends. We hadn’t seen each other for quite some time, yet that was understandable, at least to some extend, due to COVID and quarantines.

Yet, we were talking on the phone and texting one another, we knew what was going on in each other’s life and we genuinely wanted to schedule something and meet, now that things seem… calmer. And so we went for breakfast and, truth be told, it was fun.

Still, there was something missing… Someone was missing.

Back in Junior High and High School, there were four of us. We did pretty much everything together. Even when two of us left our hometown to go to college, all four of us still kept in touch, we still met on holidays and weekends. Because it felt normal, it felt as natural as breathing.

And I know what you’re going to say. That things change, people evolve, grow older and grow apart. Yet, if there’s effort from both sides, lifelong relationships can truly last, flourish and be cherished, loved.

Over the years though, I realised that everyone can try as much as the other person allows them to. At first, it seemed cruel to me, to think of it this way. However, the last two years proved to me how many people were taking me for granted and how things changed once I stopped trying to keep the relationship with them healthy and intact.

I know this now.

This was exactly the same with the one of our friends and old classmates. Once I stopped contacting her, she disappeared. No phone calls, no texts. Not even the typical ones on holidays.

But you know what? It’s fine. It is totally ok. Over the past two years I realised that I don’t want to waste my energy anymore on people that have proven to me that they don’t need or want me in my life. And that is fine. It is healthy. And it has made me see things from a whole new perspective.

Past Victoria would have told you she felt sad. That relationships, friendships are too important. That you should fight day and night for them. Trust me, I did. Oh Lord, how much I fought for certain relationships!

But I know now that trying should go both ways. It should be mutual for the relationship to last, be healthy and successful. Call me cruel all you want, folks, yet this is how I see things now. It is because I know that if you want a relationship that looks and feels like the most amazing thing on earth, you should treat it as it is the most amazing, precious thing on earth. This should go both ways. And, unfortunately, not everyone does that.

Let me know all your thoughts and feeling about this particular subject in the comment section down below. Have you ever been in a similar situation? How long and how much would you try if you saw that the other person in a relationship wasn’t as eager as you to try equally hard?

I look forward to discussing this subject with you all, read your thoughts and experiences.

Thank you all for stopping by once again. It honestly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted; I never will.

Have a wonderful weekend, awesome people, stay safe and stay positive.

Love you all, awesome nerds.

Till next time… Toodles!

Fireborn (Fireborn, #1), by Aisling Fowler ~ My Comeback to MG Literature

Hello awesome nerds and happy Thursday everyone!

I hope you guys are doing well and I hope May has been treating you kindly so far.

Today’s post is a slightly different one, focusing on a genre I do not normally read but still love very much, as it it thanks to it that I actually started reading in the first place. I am talking of course about Middle Grade Fantasy, and more specifically Fireborn, the first book in Aisling Fowler’s trilogy.

I was sent the book last week by Psichogios Publications, the publishing house that translated the book in Greek and holy moly! You guys have no idea how excited I am to read this one!

“Lyra. Lucy. Percy. Once in a generation, a hero emerges whose story enthralls readers worldwide. 

Ember is full of monsters. Twelve gave up her name and identity to train in the art of hunting them–so she says. The truth is much more deadly: she trains to take revenge on those who took her family from her. But when Twelve’s new home is attacked, she’ll find herself on an unexpected journey, where her hidden past is inescapably intertwined with her destiny–and the very fate of her world.”

The cover itself reminds me so much of Brave and Brother Bear, from Disney, that I just can’t help but feel truly excited about it.

My last MG read was Zia Erases the World, by Bree Barton, and it did not disappoint. I expect this to be the case with Fireborn, as well, as I feel like I’m falling back in a reading slump and that’s the last thing I need right now.

Do you guys read Middle Grade novels? Have you read Fireborn in particular? If so, what are your thoughts and feelings about it?

I look forward to discussing the book with you all. And if you have any more MG Fantasy recommendations for me, don’t hesitate to mention them in the comment section down below.

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Have a wonderful day, y’all. Stay safe and stay positive.

Till next time… Toodles!

✨ Beacon Book Box ~ MAGICAL MOMENTS ~ February 2022 ✨

Hello awesome nerds and happy Monday everyone!

It has been a hot minute since my last Beacon Book Box unboxing, but the time has finally come for me to share with you everything that was inside the 4-year-anniversary box of February 2022.

For those of you who don’t know, Beacon Book Box is a YA monthly-subscription box, in which every month you receive a new release, as well as a bunch of bookish items, focusing on a specific theme.

I have been a rep for Beacon Book Box for the past 2.5 years and if you like what you’re about to see, you can use my rep code VICTORIOUS5 to save on your subscription or single purchase.

And so, with all that being said, let’s get to the actual unboxing.

The theme for the month of February was MACIGAL MOMENTS but I only got my box last week, due to customs’ delays.

THE GOODIESA Caraval Universe inspired night light, designed by @jdnetto The Ravens inspired “Eye of the Raven” tea, from @TheSimplyBookishCoBookish Playing Card Set, designed by @riddleandravensA Shatter Me inspired reading passport, designed by @jdnettoThe monthly #BakingWithTheBeacons Sarai’s Butter Almond and Honey CakeTHE BOOK

The book of the month was Fire Becomes Her, by Rosie Thor. The book was also signed and accompanied with a chapter sampler of the early drafts.

If you guys haven’t heard of the book before, here is the synopsis for you:

“In Rosiee Thor’s lavish fantasy novel with a Jazz Age spark, a politically savvy teen must weigh her desire to climb the social ladder against her heart in a world where magic buys votes.

Flare is power.

With only a drop of flare, one can light the night sky with fireworks . . . or burn a building to the ground — and seventeen-year-old Ingrid Ellis wants her fair share.

Ingrid doesn’t have a family fortune, monetary or magical, but at least she has a plan: Rise to the top on the arm of Linden Holt, heir to a hefty political legacy and the largest fortune of flare in all of Candesce. Her only obstacle is Linden’s father who refuses to acknowledge her.

So when Senator Holt announces his run for president, Ingrid uses the situation to her advantage. She strikes a deal to spy on the senator’s opposition in exchange for his approval and the status she so desperately craves. But the longer Ingrid wears two masks, the more she questions where her true allegiances lie.

Will she stand with the Holts, or will she forge her own path?”

This was essentially the last box before the rebranding, so you will be seeing more high-quality items from now on.

My favourite items were definitely the reading passport and the tea, as I’m definitely going to use them both.

You can definitely check the website out, as the May and the Pride boxes are both currently available.

Which was your favourite item of this box, dearies? Have you guys read Fire Becomes Her? If so, did you like it?

Let me know all your thoughts and feelings in the comment section down below.

Thank you all so very much for being here once again. It honestly means the world to me and I want you to know that I do not take your presence here for granted — I never will.

Have a wonderful week, amazing people. Stay safe and stay positive.

Till next time… Toodles!

BookBrewed ~ MODERN FAIRYTALES ~ June 2022

Hello awesome nerds, happy Saturday everyone and welcome back to Victorious Pages.

Today I’m so pleased to reveal to you the June BookBrewed theme, which is, of course, Modern Fairytales!

But, before delving into details about this very near and dear to my heart box, let me wish a very happy birthday to my everyday hero: my daddy!

He taught me to work hard, stay humble and have patience, obedience and perseverance. He taught me to never give up and for that I will be eternally grateful.

BookBrewed would not have been here today if it wasn’t for my dad. So, aside from me, the magical BookBrewed team and Momma BookBrewed, you have Father BookBrewed, as well, to thank for this magical book-subscription box (naturally).

The theme for the month of June, as mentioned before, is Modern Fairytales.

This month’s book will transport us through time and space, teaching three siblings that terrible things can happen, even to good people. When the protagonist’s older sister goes missing under suspicious circumstances, impossible, ugly memories will come back to the forefront of their mind.

This book is perfect for the fans of Mexican Gothic and Into the Woods.

You can expect items inspired by THE CRUEL PRINCE, THE LUNAR CHRONICLES, BEASTLY, as well as fandom neutral, bookish goodies.

What I can reveal for the time being is that THE LUNAR CHRONICLES item will be inspired by SCARLET and it will be our second, collectible, exclusively designed by @catarinabookdesigns drinkware item.

Feel free to click here to get your box today and, of course, visit the Apothecary for more books and bookish, exclusively made items.

Let me know in the comment section below if you’d like to see more posts like this one in the near future and if you’d be interested in seeing a “behind the scenes” posts revolving around BookBrewed.

Thank you all so very much for being here once again. It truly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Stay safe and stay positive!

Till next time… Toodles!

Victorious Masterclass 101: How To Stay Productive and Motivated

Hello awesome nerds, happy Thursday everyone and welcome to a slightly different post.

I know I’ve said it before that being organised truly helps me tame my anxiety and stress. What I haven’t talked about is how I manage to stay productive and motivated, despite suffering from anxiety and stress.

Are you ready to see my top 5 ways of productivity and motivation?

Naturally, I am not claiming that my list is going to work for everyone. These tips though have been really helpful to me over the past couple of years (some of them even longer than that) and I thought I’d share them with you.

1. Plan your days

If there is one thing I absolutely adore is lists. Since the beginning of 2022 I started my very own bullet journal. I always used journals, agendas, notebooks and all that jazz. This year though, with my everyday life being so very demanding, I took things to a whole new level. I plan my entire week, I write down everything I want to do every day and I make sure there’s time for me to craft a back-up plan if hell breaks loose.

2. Review your goals and progress

By having a journal of my own and a daily plan, I can actually review my daily goals and my progress quite regularly. This definitely comes handy when you have many things to do throughout the day. Plus, seeing that you’ve completed tasks and you’ve made progress on certain projects is a great motivator on its own, and it improves your self esteem.

3. Keep the momentum up

Research shows that it takes up to three months to develop a new habit. I have been journaling since January and I find it coming more naturally to me as the weeks pass. It seems easier to work on my weekly templates, to organise my daily plans and to map out entire weeks. The more you work on something, the easier it seems as the time passes. Plus, you become better at it, since you practise more. This brings you joy and it makes you wanna invest more on that new habit of yours.

4. Maintain a healthy lifestyle

I know it may sound cliché, but it is definitely the truth. Sleeping at least 8 hours every night, drinking at least 2lts of water and working out at least 3 times a week can work wonders on the way you see life. You feel more energised, more productive and more motivated than ever to set new goals and achieve them.

5. Surround yourself with positive people

Whether it is family or friends, surrounding yourself with positive people helps you manage the symptoms of depression and anxiety. For example, my Momma helped me deal with PTSD, my friend Jo helps me manage my anxiety crises (this woman’s a beacon of wisdom, literally) and my friends Eleanna and Kalliopi simply help me see things from a far more positive point of view. Eleanna said that funny thing the other day, when I told her I was wondering if I truly deserve happiness in life. “I really wish we didn’t live that far away. This way I could slap you whenever you talk like that about yourself.”. And I know… This doesn’t seem positive to you. But Eleanna is the purest source of light out there. She doesn’t give love. She is love. And, somehow, I consider myself blessed for having her in my life. Make sure you find your Eleannas, too.

Some things you may already know. Some may sound cliché. Yet all of them have helped me stay productive and motivated, even when things seem dark and impossible. Still, as my best friend, Nikolai, says… When people say ‘impossible’, they usually mean ‘improbable’! I like to consider that’s accurate.

What about you, dearies? What is it that helps you stay productive and motivated?

I really look forward to reading all your thoughts, tips and feelings regarding that, in the comment section down below.

Thank you all so very much for being here once again. It means the world to me and, even though I say it every single time, I do mean it: I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Love you all to Pluto and back, wonderful creatures.

Till next time… Toodles!

May TBR: The Books I Hope To Read This Month

Hello awesome nerds, happy Monday everyone and happy May!

Is it just me or do you guys feel it as well, that May is always the month that’s filled with so much positivity and optimism? I know I feel that way, especially considering the quite ambitious TBR I have in mind for this month.

Truth be told, I’ve decided to read based on my mood throughout the entire year. Still, there are certain books I would like to read this month, if things go as planned.

So, without any further ado, let’s get to my May TBR.

1. House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City, #2), by Sarah J. Maas

“Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.”

As mentioned in my last post, I’m buddy-reading this beauty with my besties and I do hope I will be able to finish it right on schedule.

1. The Ivory Key (The Ivory Key Duology, #1), by Akshaya Raman

“In this epic YA fantasy debut, magic, a prized resource, is the only thing between peace and war. When magic runs out, four estranged royal siblings must find a new source before their country is swallowed by invading forces. The first in an Indian-inspired duology that’s perfect for fans of There Will Come a Darkness, The Gilded Wolves, and We Hunt the Flame.

Vira, Ronak, Kaleb, and Riya may be siblings, but they’ve never been close or even liked each other that much. Torn apart by the different paths their lives have taken, only one thing can bring them back together: the search for the Ivory Key, a thing of legend that will lead the way to a new source of magic. Magic is Ashoka’s biggest export and the only thing standing between them and war with the neighboring kingdoms–as long as their enemies don’t find out that the magic mines are nearly depleted.

The siblings all have something to gain from finding the Ivory Key, and even more to lose if they don’t. For Vira, the Ivory Key is the only way to live up to the legacy of her mother, the beloved former maharani. Ronak plans to get out of his impending political marriage by selling the Ivory Key to the highest bidder. Kaleb has been falsely accused of assassinating the former maharani, and this is the only way to clear his name. And Riya needs to prove her loyalty to the Ravens, the group of rebels that wants to take control away from the maharani and give it to the people. With each sibling harboring secrets and conflicting agendas, figuring out a way to work together may be the most difficult task of all. And in a quest this dangerous, working together is the only way to survive.”

I started reading this with great expectations. Still, about 100 pages in and due to the four different POVs, it feels a bit slow to me. However, I will continue reading it this month and it’ll hopefully pick up!

3. Circus of Wonders, by Elizabeth Macneal

“1866. In a coastal village in southern England, Nell picks violets for a living. Set apart by her community because of the birthmarks that speckle her skin, Nell’s world is her beloved brother and devotion to the sea.

But when Jasper Jupiter’s Circus of Wonders arrives in the village, Nell is kidnapped. Her father has sold her, promising Jasper Jupiter his very own leopard girl. It is the greatest betrayal of Nell’s life, but as her fame grows, and she finds friendship with the other performers and Jasper’s gentle brother Toby, she begins to wonder if joining the show is the best thing that has ever happened to her.

In London, newspapers describe Nell as the eighth wonder of the world. Figurines are cast in her image, and crowds rush to watch her soar through the air. But who gets to tell Nell’s story? What happens when her fame threatens to eclipse that of the showman who bought her? And as she falls in love with Toby, can he detach himself from his past and the terrible secret that binds him to his brother?

Moving from the pleasure gardens of Victorian London to the battle-scarred plains of the Crimea, Circus of Wonders is an astonishing story about power and ownership, fame and the threat of invisibility.”

Circus of Wonders was the featured book in the Memories 1-year-anniversary BookBrewed box. So, it is only natural for me to read this -again- during the monthly BookBrewed readalong.

4. Defy the Night (Defy the Night, #1), by Brigid Kemmerer

“A fantasy series about a kingdom divided by corruption, the prince desperately holding it together, and the girl who will risk everything to bring it crashing down.

The kingdom of Kandala is on the brink of disaster. Rifts between sectors have only worsened since a sickness began ravaging the land, and within the Royal Palace, the king holds a tenuous peace with a ruthless hand.

King Harristan was thrust into power after his parents’ shocking assassination, leaving the younger Prince Corrick to take on the brutal role of the King’s Justice. The brothers have learned to react mercilessly to any sign of rebellion–it’s the only way to maintain order when the sickness can strike anywhere, and the only known cure, an elixir made from delicate Moonflower petals, is severely limited.

Out in the Wilds, apothecary apprentice Tessa Cade is tired of seeing her neighbors die, their suffering ignored by the unyielding royals. Every night, she and her best friend Wes risk their lives to steal Moonflower petals and distribute the elixir to those who need it most–but it’s still not enough.

As rumors spread that the cure no longer works and sparks of rebellion begin to flare, a particularly cruel act from the King’s Justice makes Tessa desperate enough to try the impossible: sneaking into the palace. But what she finds upon her arrival makes her wonder if it’s even possible to fix Kandala without destroying it first.”

Although my last Brigid Kemmerer read didn’t live up to my expectations, I think Defy the Night will be far better, especially since it’s the first book in a new series. Plus, there’s a 99.9% chance that I will buddy-read this one with my friend Eleanna.

These are the books I hope to read in May. Still, there’s a chance that my TBR may change, based on my mood — and possibly the books I may receive this month.

Have you guys read any of the books mentioned here? Are you planning on reading any of them?

Let me know in the comment section down below.

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It honestly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted; I never will.

Have a wonderful week and month, amazing people. Stay safe and stay positive.

Till next time… Toodles!

House of Sky and Breath (Crescent City, #2), by Sarah J. Maas ~ About to Break my Heart… Again!

What’s better than reading the sequel of a beloved book, knowing that it’ll break your heart… again? Reading it along with your besties, knowing that they will be there for you to give you tissues when you’ll be crying your very soul out!

Bryce and Hunt “Kiss Me Under The Mistletoe” art print, exclusively made for BookBrewed

Hello awesome nerds and happy Saturday everyone.

It is the last post of April and what better way to finish this month than to talk to you a little bit about House of Sky and Breath, the sequel in the Crescent City series, by Sarah J. Maas.

I honestly don’t remember if I have mentioned it here, as it’s been two years already (HOLY FREAKING GUACAMOLE), but I got House of Earth and Blood a few days after the very first quarantine. I was ecstatic. I was like “Hell yeah! I know what I’m gonna do while stuck in the house!”. Truth be told, that’s exactly what I did at the beginning, binge-reading the book, as it had been a while since my last SJM read. But then somebody came on Instagram, spoiling the book for me, as they decided to tell me who the killer was. And for one year and a half I was refusing to finish the book.

But then, a couple of months ago, my friend Kalliopi suggested that we buddy-read the book, along with our friends Eleanna and Federica. Eleanna and I have buddy-read plenty of books already, so I knew it was going to be a memorable experience. And it was. It really, truly was.

So, naturally, I was all in when Kalliopi said we should do a buddy-read for the sequel, as well. Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I made this month!

“Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.”

It’s been so much fun reading the book with my friends since this past Wednesday and I’m so very ready to just truly unplug and fully focus on it this weekend. I simply need that steamy, slow-burn romance back in my life.

I will of course get back to you with a full length review about this one, but for the time being, let me just tell you that I enjoy the story and the character development. Even though I’m missing a certain character a lot.

Have you guys read House of Sky and Breath? If so, and without spoiling anything, how did you like it? Also, are you buddy-reading books with your friends?

Let me know all your thoughts and feelings in the comment section down below.

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It truly means the world to me and I want you to know that I don’t take your presence here for granted.

Have a wonderful weekend, beautiful creatures. Stay safe and stay positive.

Till next time… Toodles!

The Bridgerton Effect: How The Netflix Show Made Me Start Reading More Historical Romance

Hello awesome nerds, happy Thursday everyone and welcome back to Victorious Pages.

It is no secret that after the tremendous recognition the Bridgerton Netflix show brought to the book series, more and more people started reading Historical Romance. A beloved genre that, for whatever reason, had lost its popularity for almost a decade. To be honest, I believe that this happened probably because of the fact that, some of the books, dealt with toxic relationships and behaviours as a whole, despite the fact that this isn’t the case for every single Historical Romance out there.

At least, that’s definitely not the case with Because of Miss Bridgerton, the first book in the prequel series of the well-known now book series, called the Rokesbys.

If you know me, you probably know that I love reading prequel series. Getting to know the characters and events that led to “today’s” stories fascinates me. And even though I’ve only watched the two seasons of Bridgerton on Netflix and I haven’t read the books yet, something tells me that I will do so in the very near future.

After watching the first season of Bridgerton back in 2020, right before a very, very dark year of my life, Historical Romance became some sort of refuge to me. I rewatched the first season a couple of months after the original premiere, I started searching for more books and shows of this particular genre, and I realised that… I was secretly craving for this kind of romance myself. The “happily ever after” kind of romance.

That’s probably the reason why I devoured the first book in the Rokesbys series and I will start reading the Bridgerton books pretty soon. And if you don’t know what Because of Miss Bridgerton is all about, here’s the summary of the book for you:

“Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places…

This is not one of those times.

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband… someday.

Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should…

Or not.

There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he’s arrogant, annoying, and she’s absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can’t stand the sight of him, either.

But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor…

Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can’t abide is the one person they can’t live without…”

The book was utterly refreshing, hilarious and just the right book for me during the Easter break. It helped me relax and escape, even for just a few days, from reality, I loved the chemistry between the characters and I honestly can’t wait to see what’s gonna happen next. Especially since there are so many secondary characters I wanna know more about. Like Andrew, for instance.

And even though some may call Because of Miss Bridgerton an enemies-to-lovers kind of story, to me, the relationship between Billie and George was more of a sort-of-friends-to-lovers story. And that is wonderful, at least in my opinion. It truly added that little extra I needed and wanted from this book, making it unputdownable for me.

I loved the fairytale aspect this book, as well as the majority of Historical Romance novels, had. The way it made me believe, at least while reading it, that there is such a thing as true, everlasting love.

And that is the reason why I will continue reading Historical Romance and I will keep watching shows of this genre.

Have you guys read the Bridgerton and Rokesbys series? Which is your favourite book? Also, have you guys watched the Netflix show? Are you as excited as I am about season 3?

Last, but most certainly not least, do you have any Historical Romance, friends-to-lovers and fake dating book recommendations for me?

Thank you all so very much for being here once again. It honestly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Love you all to Pluto and back, wonderful beings!

Stay safe and stay positive!

Till next time… Toodles!

Life Update: A Week to Remember, A Week to Forget.

Everyone is the villain in someone else’s story. Everything depends on the point of view from which you’ll hear that tale being told. Trust me, I’ve learnt this by now.

Hello awesome nerds and happy Monday everyone!

I hope you guys had a great weekend and, to those of you celebrating, I hope you spent Easter exactly as you wanted to.

For me, this past week was truly a surreal one.

It started with a trip I was really looking forward to. After all, doesn’t every good story start with a journey?

Along with my dance company, we visited Missolonghi, a small town in western Greece. After two years of COVID and quarantines, the town celebrated the 196th anniversary of the heroic exodus of Missolonghi, during the Greek revolution of 1821. And I can say for a fact that this was a lifetime, otherworldly experience.

I feel blessed and proud that I had the chance to participate. The parade lasted for approximately an hour, yet the celebrations that day started at 7pm and ended around 10:30pm. 23 marching bands and around 150 dance companies from all around Greece participated, reviving the events of April 10th, 1826.

After a weekend like that, I had to get back to reality and work. Don’t get me wrong, the beginning of the week was utterly magnificent. We started shipping the 1-year-anniversary BookBrewed boxes and the feedback we got a couple of days later from the first recipients was, as per usual, heartwarming! It is thanks to people’s love and support that my dream of having my own book-subscription box has turned into a reality.

I also got two amazing books from a Greek publishing house, Psichogios Books. They sent me Wuthering Heights, which is my all-time-favourite novel, and Circus of Wonders, both of them translated in Greek.

I didn’t mind the long hours at work (as aside from BookBrewed, I was helping at our family business and I had to takes photos for the publishing house, as well), nor the few hours of sleep I had up until Wednesday. And so, I guess, something had to go wrong for things to balance out.

Long story short, there was a huge queue at the bank that day, my car key broke down, so I couldn’t lock the car and I had to take it -for the second time that week- to the garage.

You may ask how all of this is connected to villains and stuff like that, right?

Well, that is because, earlier that day, something else occurred, too. I won’t get into too much detail, as it isn’t that important right now. What’s done is done and I know that I am at peace with my conscience.

If there’s one thing my family has taught me is to be just and reliable to the people I work with. I will never, ever give the right to anyone to say otherwise. My actions speak louder than words, and that’s why I can sleep peacefully at night.

A similar event had happened about seven months ago, with a so-called colleague, spreading unfounded rumours about me and my work. This is, more or less, what happened now, as well.

It’s ok. Everything is ok. Time reveals the truth eventually. And that’s why I feel at peace. Because I know the truth will shine like the sun, no matter how dark things may seem right now.

I rarely speak when people are unjust to me. Some may think of this as weakness. I, on the contrary, think otherwise. I know everything happens for a reason and I know things will be all right in the end. And if people feel proud of themselves by being unfair to others, well, then there’s nothing more I have to say.

Except perhaps this…

“… a wolf cannot stop being a wolf, instinct cannot be suppressed …” 

~ Circus of Wonders, by Elizabeth Macneal

Has something similar ever happened to you, dearies? If so, how did you react and handle the situation? Also, have you read any of the books mentioned about? Which are your thoughts and feelings about them? Let me know in the comment section down below.

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It truly means the world to me and I want you to know that I most certainly don’t take your presence here for granted.

Have a wonderful week, you wonderful creatures! Stay safe and stay positive!

Till next time… Toodles!

BOOK REVIEW: A Vow so Bold and Deadly (Cursebreakers, #3), by Brigid Kemmerer *SPOILER FREE*

“I’m confident in my strengths, but that doesn’t mean I don’t think about my weaknesses.” 

~ A Vow so Bold and Deadly (Cursebreakers, #3), by Brigid Kemmerer

Hello awesome nerds and welcome back to another book review, the final one revolving around the Cursebreakers series, by Brigid Kemmerer.

Those of you who’ve been around for quite some time now, you’ve probably read my review about A Curse so Dark and Lonely and A Heart so Fierce and Broken. The time has finally come for me to tell you all my thoughts and feelings about the third and final book in this amazing trilogy.

Last time I talked to you about A Vow so Bold and Deadly, it was back in 2021 and it’s been two years since I read the second book in the series. However, once I started reading the book I was instantly transported into the magical world that Brigid Kemmerer managed to create.

*DISCLAIMER. THE FOLLOWING SYNOPSIS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS OF THE FIRST TWO BOOKS. PROCEED CAUTIOUSLY.*

“Face your fears, fight the battle.

Emberfall is crumbling fast, torn between those who believe Rhen is the rightful prince and those who are eager to begin a new era under Grey, the true heir. Grey has agreed to wait two months before attacking Emberfall, and in that time, Rhen has turned away from everyone—even Harper, as she desperately tries to help him find a path to peace. 

Fight the battle, save the kingdom.

Meanwhile, Lia Mara struggles to rule Syhl Shallow with a gentler hand than her mother. But after enjoying decades of peace once magic was driven out of their lands, some of her subjects are angry Lia Mara has an enchanted prince and a magical scraver by her side. As Grey’s deadline draws nearer, Lia Mara questions if she can be the queen her country needs.

As the two kingdoms come closer to conflict, loyalties are tested, love is threatened, and a dangerous enemy returns, in this stunning conclusion to bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreakers series.”

With four different POVs, this book was probably the hardest one for me to follow. This probably had to do with the fact that it’s been two years since I read the sequel and three years (and two lifetimes ago) since I read the first book in the series.

Up until page 100, more or less, I was still trying to remember everything that had occurred in the last two books. Once I was finally in though, there was no turning back. I loved Lia Mara’s and Grey’s chapters more than I enjoyed Harper’s and Rhen’s. This is probably an unpopular opinion, but going back to 2020, I remember loving A Heart so Fierce and Broken more than A Curse so Dark and Lonely. So, it only made sense for me to be looking forward to reading these characters’ chapters now.

I would have loved some more world-building, even if that was the third book in the series. Nonetheless, with everything going on in this book and an upcoming war looming on the horizon, getting to know more about the two countries would’ve been much appreciated.

From the second half of the book onwards there was far more action and plot twists. I got to feel more for Rhen and Harper, some characters grew even more on me and, of course, some remained annoying and hateful till the very end.

I ended up rating A Vow so Bold and Deadly with 3.5 out of 5 stars, mostly because I enjoyed the previous two books way more and this “epilogue” wasn’t really what I expected it to be. Still, I highly suggest you guys read it, if you haven’t done so already, especially if you’re in for a YA fantasy book, packed with twists and turns, some romance and a lot of magic and action.

Have you guys read the Cursebreakers series? Which is your favourite book of the three and why? Let me know all your thoughts and feelings in the comment section down below.

Thank you all so very much for stopping by once again. It honestly means the world to me and I want you to know that I do not take your presence here for granted.

Have a wonderful weekend, dearies. Stay safe and stay positive! And, of course, happy Easter to those who celebrate.

Till next time… Toodles!