Zoe Adams's Blog, page 6
March 8, 2015
'How I Read' Tag
To all who are reading this,
It's already the second Sunday in March, and when I look back to when I last blogged... Well, I hang my head in shame. I've been very under the weather, with various health complications, but I'm back and I have several little reviews planned!
I spotted this Tag on The Lilac Scrapbook's blog and though it was great! I had previously done her Book Lover's Survey tag as well, so it seemed fitting to complete this one.
Feel free to do the tag yourself and let me know what your answers are!
How do you find out about new books to read?
Quite often, I find books on social media. I'm quite lucky to know several indie authors on Facebook, so I always know when they are expecting to release a new book. I also follow hundreds of authors on Twitter, which is handy. I've also been following several bloggers on Instragram, and they always have new reads!
Although, nothing quite beats the allure of real shelves in supermarkets, bookshops or libraries for those new reads.
How did you get into reading?
Both of my parents read to me at bedtime. I was very young when books were introduced, and I will always remember being read The Hobbit. When I was very young, I used to pick up books, papers, or magazines and pretend to be reading them. As I got older, I used to take my favourite reading books home from school so my parents could help teach me learn, as well as having the usual bedtime story.
How has your taste in books changed as you've gotten older?
Since I was a child, I've always read whatever I've fancied. As I hit my teen years though, I grew to love paranormal and fantasy novels, even those tinged with sex. Those books are still a staple part of my reading diet!
I've also definitely come to appreciate crime books as I've gotten older. Even though, I can't solve them. I've found that some of the authors in the genre are from foreign lands, such as Sweden or Norway. I'm currently reading The Blind Goddess by Anne Holt - originally written in Norwegian.
How often do you buy books?
I'm one of those people who has a "one click addiction" to Amazon - all those eBooks that you can get at one touch of a button. I can do that every few days, and they aren't necessarily very expensive. Some books you can get for as little as 77p, whereas others may be at the £4 mark.
Paperback books, I get maybe every couple of weeks, if something grabs my fancy. I was quite lucky finding loads of the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter books by Laurell K. Hamilton in the charity shop for £1.50 the other week!
How do you react when you don't like the end of a book?
If it's the first book in a series, I feel sort of lost. There's all this amazing stuff that happens, there's all this build up, there's all this interesting characters that are sure to develop... And then the book falls very flat. If it's a home book, it gets sent to a charity shop. If it's library, it's a straight return.
How often have you taken a sneaky look at the back page of a book to see if it's a happy ending?
I always read the last line - I don't even know why! I think it's stemmed from reading the Harry Potter series when I was younger - namely The Order of the Phoenix, when there was a huge character death. My friend and I were very Sirius about this (I can't believe I wrote that). We had to know, who it was, but the last line never gave it away.
And I've been doing it ever since...
How many people are you going to tag, and who are they?
There's nobody I'm going to particularly tag, because those people never respond!
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Blind Goddess by Anne Holt
It's already the second Sunday in March, and when I look back to when I last blogged... Well, I hang my head in shame. I've been very under the weather, with various health complications, but I'm back and I have several little reviews planned!
I spotted this Tag on The Lilac Scrapbook's blog and though it was great! I had previously done her Book Lover's Survey tag as well, so it seemed fitting to complete this one.
Feel free to do the tag yourself and let me know what your answers are!
How do you find out about new books to read?
Quite often, I find books on social media. I'm quite lucky to know several indie authors on Facebook, so I always know when they are expecting to release a new book. I also follow hundreds of authors on Twitter, which is handy. I've also been following several bloggers on Instragram, and they always have new reads!
Although, nothing quite beats the allure of real shelves in supermarkets, bookshops or libraries for those new reads.
How did you get into reading?
Both of my parents read to me at bedtime. I was very young when books were introduced, and I will always remember being read The Hobbit. When I was very young, I used to pick up books, papers, or magazines and pretend to be reading them. As I got older, I used to take my favourite reading books home from school so my parents could help teach me learn, as well as having the usual bedtime story.
How has your taste in books changed as you've gotten older?
Since I was a child, I've always read whatever I've fancied. As I hit my teen years though, I grew to love paranormal and fantasy novels, even those tinged with sex. Those books are still a staple part of my reading diet!
I've also definitely come to appreciate crime books as I've gotten older. Even though, I can't solve them. I've found that some of the authors in the genre are from foreign lands, such as Sweden or Norway. I'm currently reading The Blind Goddess by Anne Holt - originally written in Norwegian.
How often do you buy books?
I'm one of those people who has a "one click addiction" to Amazon - all those eBooks that you can get at one touch of a button. I can do that every few days, and they aren't necessarily very expensive. Some books you can get for as little as 77p, whereas others may be at the £4 mark.
Paperback books, I get maybe every couple of weeks, if something grabs my fancy. I was quite lucky finding loads of the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter books by Laurell K. Hamilton in the charity shop for £1.50 the other week!
How do you react when you don't like the end of a book?
If it's the first book in a series, I feel sort of lost. There's all this amazing stuff that happens, there's all this build up, there's all this interesting characters that are sure to develop... And then the book falls very flat. If it's a home book, it gets sent to a charity shop. If it's library, it's a straight return.
How often have you taken a sneaky look at the back page of a book to see if it's a happy ending?
I always read the last line - I don't even know why! I think it's stemmed from reading the Harry Potter series when I was younger - namely The Order of the Phoenix, when there was a huge character death. My friend and I were very Sirius about this (I can't believe I wrote that). We had to know, who it was, but the last line never gave it away.
And I've been doing it ever since...
How many people are you going to tag, and who are they?
There's nobody I'm going to particularly tag, because those people never respond!
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Blind Goddess by Anne Holt
February 7, 2015
This Man - A Review
To all who are reading this,
If you read yesterday's blog entry (Book Lovers Survey Tag), then you will know that my current read was This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas, an adult contemporary novel (2013). Well, I finished it 6:14pm (GMT) today.
I thought that because I had mentioned it in the blog post, then I probably should review it now that I had finished it!
There may be spoilers. 18+.
Blurb
Young interior designer Ava O'Shea has no idea what awaits her at The Manor. A run-of-the-mill consultation with a stodgy country gent seems likely, but what Ava finds instead is Jesse Ward - a devastatingly handsome, utterly confident, pleasure-seeking playboy who knows no boundaries. Ava doesn't want to be attracted to this man, and yet she can't control the overwhelming desire he stirs in her. She knows that her heart will never survive him, and her instinct is telling her to run, but Jesse is not willing to let her go. He wants her and is determined to have her.
I had first heard of author, Jodi Ellen Malpas, when I saw an article on Facebook about how the author left her husband, because she had fallen in love with 'the fantasy hunk' from her novels. Malpas had originally self-published this book in 2012, before being picked up for mainstream publication. The article was published back in 2014 by The Daily Mail. I had only seen this maybe a week or so ago. Click here for more details. It got me thinking how something like that could happen, and I reassured my partner that I would not be leaving him for some fantasy man from any of my books.
Anyway, I spotted This Man at the library, and was drawn in by the simplistic cover, depicting the beautiful calla lily. Now, this style cover is the current trend for contemporary romance/erotic novels. Also, it didn't help that a little yellow label shouted that this was, 'the hottest book of the year'. The blurb didn't sound bad, and I'm not averse to these kinds of books. I took it home with me.
When I started reading it, I was maybe a chapter or so in before I realised the connection to the book and the Daily Mail article. And now that I've finished the book, I'm in no immediate hurry to leave anyone for Mr Jesse Ward.
The novel follows Ava, a twenty-six year old, single, modern interior designer for the company Rococo Union. She's living with best friend, singleton and cake designer, Kate in London. Ava is hired to work her magic on rooms at The Manor, a stylish hotel. The brief? 'Sensual, intimate, luxurious, stimulating, invigorating...' This brief comes from manager, Jesse Ward, who inherited it from his uncle.
The brief of the interior design very much sums up the relationship between Ava and Jesse. What it neglects to mention is the controlling aspect of his personality. If I was Ava, I would have kicked him out the door, even when he tried to make his one hundred and one apologises. Every chapter or so, there is arguing, warnings to 'watch your language' which is very reminiscent of a parent telling a child off, being told what to wear, whether she should drink on a night out with friends, what to do, how often to spend time with each other, when to have an orgasm. There is nothing that sexy about Jesse - in fact, he's downright annoying and controlling - he's very much a dominant in and out of the bedroom. Not that there is any kink of any kinds, unlike the Eighty Days novels by Viva Jackson and the Fifty Shades series by E.L. James. Jesse's only kink seems to be the repetitive line, 'I love you in lace'.
Another thing is that Jesse never truly tells Ava his age - progressively through the novel, Ava asks him and he increases it by one each time. He reveals that this is so she doesn't think he is too old for her. We end the novel knowing that he is 'thirty-ish'.
Although, having said this, there are reasons for Jesse's attitude, but you would have to read the book for that. It has left me curious, I can't deny that.
The novel is Ava's journey into this cataclysmic, self-destructive relationship between herself and Jesse. It's well matched with the contemporary style of the day - working class girl meets handsome, rich, well proportioned guy. It's easy to follow and if you put the book down for an hour or so, it's simple to carry on with. I read most of it yesterday, before continuing and finishing it today.
There were elements of the novel that I liked - the British humour and the straightforward writing style made it easy to follow. Ava is likeable enough - she has a sparky personality. The background characters are well rounded and add elements to the novel, such as best friend Kate, who begins dating Jesse's friend, Sam. This couple are wild and funny. The sex within This Man was well written and explosive, barring Jesse's attitude and constant jibes about language.
It is the first book in the series, following on with Beneath This Man and This Man Confessed. I will continue to read the series, to see where we end up. There is potential for more here, and for this love story to continue and bloom like a beautiful calla lily.
You can find Ms Malpas on the Internet in the following places:
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon
Website
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Fire After Dark by Sadie Matthews
If you read yesterday's blog entry (Book Lovers Survey Tag), then you will know that my current read was This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas, an adult contemporary novel (2013). Well, I finished it 6:14pm (GMT) today.
I thought that because I had mentioned it in the blog post, then I probably should review it now that I had finished it!
There may be spoilers. 18+.
BlurbYoung interior designer Ava O'Shea has no idea what awaits her at The Manor. A run-of-the-mill consultation with a stodgy country gent seems likely, but what Ava finds instead is Jesse Ward - a devastatingly handsome, utterly confident, pleasure-seeking playboy who knows no boundaries. Ava doesn't want to be attracted to this man, and yet she can't control the overwhelming desire he stirs in her. She knows that her heart will never survive him, and her instinct is telling her to run, but Jesse is not willing to let her go. He wants her and is determined to have her.
I had first heard of author, Jodi Ellen Malpas, when I saw an article on Facebook about how the author left her husband, because she had fallen in love with 'the fantasy hunk' from her novels. Malpas had originally self-published this book in 2012, before being picked up for mainstream publication. The article was published back in 2014 by The Daily Mail. I had only seen this maybe a week or so ago. Click here for more details. It got me thinking how something like that could happen, and I reassured my partner that I would not be leaving him for some fantasy man from any of my books.
Anyway, I spotted This Man at the library, and was drawn in by the simplistic cover, depicting the beautiful calla lily. Now, this style cover is the current trend for contemporary romance/erotic novels. Also, it didn't help that a little yellow label shouted that this was, 'the hottest book of the year'. The blurb didn't sound bad, and I'm not averse to these kinds of books. I took it home with me.
When I started reading it, I was maybe a chapter or so in before I realised the connection to the book and the Daily Mail article. And now that I've finished the book, I'm in no immediate hurry to leave anyone for Mr Jesse Ward.
The novel follows Ava, a twenty-six year old, single, modern interior designer for the company Rococo Union. She's living with best friend, singleton and cake designer, Kate in London. Ava is hired to work her magic on rooms at The Manor, a stylish hotel. The brief? 'Sensual, intimate, luxurious, stimulating, invigorating...' This brief comes from manager, Jesse Ward, who inherited it from his uncle.
The brief of the interior design very much sums up the relationship between Ava and Jesse. What it neglects to mention is the controlling aspect of his personality. If I was Ava, I would have kicked him out the door, even when he tried to make his one hundred and one apologises. Every chapter or so, there is arguing, warnings to 'watch your language' which is very reminiscent of a parent telling a child off, being told what to wear, whether she should drink on a night out with friends, what to do, how often to spend time with each other, when to have an orgasm. There is nothing that sexy about Jesse - in fact, he's downright annoying and controlling - he's very much a dominant in and out of the bedroom. Not that there is any kink of any kinds, unlike the Eighty Days novels by Viva Jackson and the Fifty Shades series by E.L. James. Jesse's only kink seems to be the repetitive line, 'I love you in lace'.
Another thing is that Jesse never truly tells Ava his age - progressively through the novel, Ava asks him and he increases it by one each time. He reveals that this is so she doesn't think he is too old for her. We end the novel knowing that he is 'thirty-ish'.
Although, having said this, there are reasons for Jesse's attitude, but you would have to read the book for that. It has left me curious, I can't deny that.
The novel is Ava's journey into this cataclysmic, self-destructive relationship between herself and Jesse. It's well matched with the contemporary style of the day - working class girl meets handsome, rich, well proportioned guy. It's easy to follow and if you put the book down for an hour or so, it's simple to carry on with. I read most of it yesterday, before continuing and finishing it today.
There were elements of the novel that I liked - the British humour and the straightforward writing style made it easy to follow. Ava is likeable enough - she has a sparky personality. The background characters are well rounded and add elements to the novel, such as best friend Kate, who begins dating Jesse's friend, Sam. This couple are wild and funny. The sex within This Man was well written and explosive, barring Jesse's attitude and constant jibes about language.
It is the first book in the series, following on with Beneath This Man and This Man Confessed. I will continue to read the series, to see where we end up. There is potential for more here, and for this love story to continue and bloom like a beautiful calla lily.
You can find Ms Malpas on the Internet in the following places:
Amazon
Website
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Fire After Dark by Sadie Matthews
February 6, 2015
Book Lover's Survey Tag
To all who are reading this,
It's Friday and it's February - where the hell did January go?
In January, I decided to partake in some reading challenges! One of those is the Goodreads Reading Challenge, where I've decided to read 60 Books this year. I'm already 12% through the challenge, and believe me, I'm going to get to 100%!
The other challenge is the PopSugar 2015 Reading Challenge, which is different books with different themes, such as 'A book with more than 500 pages', 'A book that became a movie', 'A book with nonhuman characters' etc. These are just a sample of the fifty quests. See my answers at the end of this blog post!
It was only as I was talking about these challenges with a friend at work, that I knew I had to do this blog. I had previously seen this on The Unprofessional Writer's blog, and also The Lilac Scrapbook's blog.
Feel free to do the tag yourself and let me know what your answers are!
Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
I fondly remember bedtime stories. When my mum worked late nights in the local pub, my Dad would read me fairy tales, or funny stories, or tales where animals spoke in funny voices. What cemented it the most for me was my Mum reading one of her favourite books to me: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. I wanted to read it too!
Where do you usually read?
That question is sort of difficult to answer. I'd have to say either in the bath, or in bed. I am one of those readers that has a book with them wherever they go. True to form, I have This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas beside me on the sofa. I seem to have the ability to read wherever too - from doctor's surgeries, planes, trains, and automobiles, to any room in the house.
Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?
I prefer to read one at a time. It's not that I don't get muddled, I just prefer to sink myself more firmly into the story nowadays. At one time, I used to read two at a time.
What is your favourite genre?
Fantasy, without a doubt. I love the idea that there are otherwordly creatures in our world, and that there are other worlds out there, that are yet to be discovered. I've read young adult, adult, classical, contemporary, and blended genres. Fantasy is what got me into reading, and I think that's where my heart will always lie.
What genre will you not read?
Western. Been down that road for uni, and not again.
Do you have a favourite book?
I adore Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. It's simply beautiful, and this is the answer I give all the time. I read the book before I saw the movie, which I also adore. I really could go on here, but I wouldn't want to bore you!
What is the worst book you've ever read?
The House of Night series by P.C. and Kristen Cast, for the young adult genre. I felt it was really bland, full of product placement and predictable.
What is the biggest book you've ever read?
George R. R. Martin's first book in The Song of Ice and Fire series: A Game of Thrones. It took me just over a week to read. It's a very chunky book!
What was the last book you bought?
On eBook, it was Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp by Jenn Nixon.
In paperback, it was Fractured Fairy Tales edited by Catherine Stovall.
Which do you prefer? Library books or buying books?
I'm a huge supporter of libraries! I love that I can try, before I buy, to a certain degree. My local library know me and my family by names now, and I often request new books to be brought in.
Then again, there is nothing like buying a book and knowing that it is yours.
What are you reading now?
This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas (library, paperback edition). I read an article about how the author left her husband because she had fallen in love with her own fictional character. I only realised that it was this book in question last night! I chose it for the cover - not because it is 'the hottest book of the year', or that it's in the same vein as Fifty Shades of Grey - sex.
What are the disadvantages of being a book-lover?
I hate that I have no space any more. Two shelves, the end of my bed, some in cupboards in the hall, some in the meter room, and some in the dining rom. I'm getting to that stage where I am rereading older books on my shelves and trying to part with them, by donating them to various charity shops. Some of the books were gifts, and I feel guilty when I give them away.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
'A book with more than 500 pages' - Allegiant by Veronica Roth
'A book that became a movie' - Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
'A book with nonhuman characters' - Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
It's Friday and it's February - where the hell did January go?
In January, I decided to partake in some reading challenges! One of those is the Goodreads Reading Challenge, where I've decided to read 60 Books this year. I'm already 12% through the challenge, and believe me, I'm going to get to 100%!
The other challenge is the PopSugar 2015 Reading Challenge, which is different books with different themes, such as 'A book with more than 500 pages', 'A book that became a movie', 'A book with nonhuman characters' etc. These are just a sample of the fifty quests. See my answers at the end of this blog post!
It was only as I was talking about these challenges with a friend at work, that I knew I had to do this blog. I had previously seen this on The Unprofessional Writer's blog, and also The Lilac Scrapbook's blog.
Feel free to do the tag yourself and let me know what your answers are!
Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
I fondly remember bedtime stories. When my mum worked late nights in the local pub, my Dad would read me fairy tales, or funny stories, or tales where animals spoke in funny voices. What cemented it the most for me was my Mum reading one of her favourite books to me: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. I wanted to read it too!
Where do you usually read?
That question is sort of difficult to answer. I'd have to say either in the bath, or in bed. I am one of those readers that has a book with them wherever they go. True to form, I have This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas beside me on the sofa. I seem to have the ability to read wherever too - from doctor's surgeries, planes, trains, and automobiles, to any room in the house.
Do you prefer to read one book at a time or several at once?
I prefer to read one at a time. It's not that I don't get muddled, I just prefer to sink myself more firmly into the story nowadays. At one time, I used to read two at a time.
What is your favourite genre?
Fantasy, without a doubt. I love the idea that there are otherwordly creatures in our world, and that there are other worlds out there, that are yet to be discovered. I've read young adult, adult, classical, contemporary, and blended genres. Fantasy is what got me into reading, and I think that's where my heart will always lie.
What genre will you not read?
Western. Been down that road for uni, and not again.
Do you have a favourite book?
I adore Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. It's simply beautiful, and this is the answer I give all the time. I read the book before I saw the movie, which I also adore. I really could go on here, but I wouldn't want to bore you!
What is the worst book you've ever read?
The House of Night series by P.C. and Kristen Cast, for the young adult genre. I felt it was really bland, full of product placement and predictable.
What is the biggest book you've ever read?
George R. R. Martin's first book in The Song of Ice and Fire series: A Game of Thrones. It took me just over a week to read. It's a very chunky book!
What was the last book you bought?
On eBook, it was Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp by Jenn Nixon.
In paperback, it was Fractured Fairy Tales edited by Catherine Stovall.
Which do you prefer? Library books or buying books?
I'm a huge supporter of libraries! I love that I can try, before I buy, to a certain degree. My local library know me and my family by names now, and I often request new books to be brought in.
Then again, there is nothing like buying a book and knowing that it is yours.
What are you reading now?
This Man by Jodi Ellen Malpas (library, paperback edition). I read an article about how the author left her husband because she had fallen in love with her own fictional character. I only realised that it was this book in question last night! I chose it for the cover - not because it is 'the hottest book of the year', or that it's in the same vein as Fifty Shades of Grey - sex.
What are the disadvantages of being a book-lover?
I hate that I have no space any more. Two shelves, the end of my bed, some in cupboards in the hall, some in the meter room, and some in the dining rom. I'm getting to that stage where I am rereading older books on my shelves and trying to part with them, by donating them to various charity shops. Some of the books were gifts, and I feel guilty when I give them away.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
'A book with more than 500 pages' - Allegiant by Veronica Roth
'A book that became a movie' - Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
'A book with nonhuman characters' - Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
January 29, 2015
Circus of Horrors - Roll up, Roll up!
To all who are reading this,
When I heard that Circus of Horrors was returning to Grimsby, I was so excited! Having seen it the previous year (2014), I was looking forward to seeing any new additions to the show.
This year the shoe became known as Circus of Horrors: The Night of the Zombie, which according to the cast is now celebrating its twentieth anniversary! So on 28 January, my partner and I collected our tickets arrived at the Grimsby Auditorium, ready for what awaited us this time around.
Once again, we entered the venue to scantily clad women, who must have been freezing as they waited for people to arrive. The women were part of the act, and they kept to their roles - their heavily made up faces were full of concentration. They offered official brochures for sale, which we took. A menacing Dracula was near the entrance to the seating and was offering people the chance to enter the official stocks and have their photographs taken.
And yes, I chickened out.
Our seats were four rows from the back, and around six seats in from the right. We had a great view of the stage and whilst people arrived, the women and Dracula wandered amongst the audience, asking people if they would like to purchase programmes. The stage dims and Camp Dracula announces who he is and how long it will take for the show to begin. He interacts with the audience, and practises a card trick on a young man on the front row (called Adam), rousing us all in the spirits.
Three minutes later and the show begins. The live rock music is amazing whilst lights, and pyrotechnics flash. Parts of the acts begin, but it was not until maybe ten minutes in that the lights are fully turned off and various zombies begin climbing audience members. I had my shoulder groped by a latex hand, and I heard him groan in my ear, whilst my partner laughed himself stupid at my predicament.
The Night of the Zombie takes us through London where the blood of two beautiful virgins soaked the grounds and brought zombies to the surface.
Here is a list of performers we witnessed!
- Dr Haze, the undead Ringmaster.
- Hannibal Helmurto, the tattooed, pierced, forked tongue sword swallower
- Anastacia IV, also known as the Hairculian Diva, with her act of using her hair to spin herself over the audience
- Sergey the Seducer and Hanna, the Hell Woman, who perform stunning adagio acts
- Captain Dan, the dwarf who superglued his penis to a Henry Hoover
- The VooDoo Warriors, who are able to perform amazing gymnastic feats
- Sycho Sean, the knife thrower and his glamorous assistant, Daynamite
- The Sinister Sisters, performing stunning and mesmerising acts above the crowds
- Camp Dracula, an assistant and comedic gentleman
- Garry Stretch, a Grimsby born gentleman who appeared for our show only, and able to stretch his skin to epic proportions
I don't know if he counts but Adam from Camp Dracula's card trick at the beginning of the show, was routinely brought up during the acts. He was a good sport throughout it all! And yes, audience participation can be required...
Music was provided from the House Band - the Interceptors From Hell!
I have been astounded each time I have seen the show, and I'm already anticipating the next time I see the cast and crew work their magic! I met Dr Haze for the second time, which was a real treat!
The Circus of Horrors contains some nudity and language of an adult nature. It is not suitable for the squeamish or those with nervous dispositions. Or children, sissies, or chavs. This show contains nuts - seriously. Due to the dangerous nature of the performance, individual acts may sometimes change. And of course, do not try this at home!
You can check out a taster of what I experienced here!
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz
When I heard that Circus of Horrors was returning to Grimsby, I was so excited! Having seen it the previous year (2014), I was looking forward to seeing any new additions to the show.
This year the shoe became known as Circus of Horrors: The Night of the Zombie, which according to the cast is now celebrating its twentieth anniversary! So on 28 January, my partner and I collected our tickets arrived at the Grimsby Auditorium, ready for what awaited us this time around.
Once again, we entered the venue to scantily clad women, who must have been freezing as they waited for people to arrive. The women were part of the act, and they kept to their roles - their heavily made up faces were full of concentration. They offered official brochures for sale, which we took. A menacing Dracula was near the entrance to the seating and was offering people the chance to enter the official stocks and have their photographs taken.
And yes, I chickened out.
Our seats were four rows from the back, and around six seats in from the right. We had a great view of the stage and whilst people arrived, the women and Dracula wandered amongst the audience, asking people if they would like to purchase programmes. The stage dims and Camp Dracula announces who he is and how long it will take for the show to begin. He interacts with the audience, and practises a card trick on a young man on the front row (called Adam), rousing us all in the spirits.
Three minutes later and the show begins. The live rock music is amazing whilst lights, and pyrotechnics flash. Parts of the acts begin, but it was not until maybe ten minutes in that the lights are fully turned off and various zombies begin climbing audience members. I had my shoulder groped by a latex hand, and I heard him groan in my ear, whilst my partner laughed himself stupid at my predicament.
The Night of the Zombie takes us through London where the blood of two beautiful virgins soaked the grounds and brought zombies to the surface.
Here is a list of performers we witnessed!
- Dr Haze, the undead Ringmaster.
- Hannibal Helmurto, the tattooed, pierced, forked tongue sword swallower
- Anastacia IV, also known as the Hairculian Diva, with her act of using her hair to spin herself over the audience
- Sergey the Seducer and Hanna, the Hell Woman, who perform stunning adagio acts
- Captain Dan, the dwarf who superglued his penis to a Henry Hoover
- The VooDoo Warriors, who are able to perform amazing gymnastic feats
- Sycho Sean, the knife thrower and his glamorous assistant, Daynamite
- The Sinister Sisters, performing stunning and mesmerising acts above the crowds
- Camp Dracula, an assistant and comedic gentleman
- Garry Stretch, a Grimsby born gentleman who appeared for our show only, and able to stretch his skin to epic proportions
I don't know if he counts but Adam from Camp Dracula's card trick at the beginning of the show, was routinely brought up during the acts. He was a good sport throughout it all! And yes, audience participation can be required...
Music was provided from the House Band - the Interceptors From Hell!
I have been astounded each time I have seen the show, and I'm already anticipating the next time I see the cast and crew work their magic! I met Dr Haze for the second time, which was a real treat!
The Circus of Horrors contains some nudity and language of an adult nature. It is not suitable for the squeamish or those with nervous dispositions. Or children, sissies, or chavs. This show contains nuts - seriously. Due to the dangerous nature of the performance, individual acts may sometimes change. And of course, do not try this at home!
You can check out a taster of what I experienced here!
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz
January 25, 2015
Would You Rather - A Review
To all who are reading this,
Today I bring a review of a film that I watched over a week ago. My partner and I were very undecided about what to watch. I wanted to watch Divergent (2014), but we were unable to. After flicking through Amazon Prime, we found this flick. I had always been intrigued by the poster, and so we gave it a go.
There may be spoilers and repetition...
Length: 93 Minutes
Release date: 14th October 2012
Synopsis: Desperate to help her ailing brother, a young woman unknowingly agrees to compete in a deadly game of "Would You Rather," hosted by a sadistic aristocrat.
Genre: Horror / Thriller
Studio: Periscope Entertainment
Director: David Guy Levy
Writer: Steffen Schlachtenhaufen
Starring: Brittany Snow, June Squibb, Jeffrey Combs
MPA-Rating: Unrated
Most people have heard of the conversational party game, 'Would You Rather'. Players take it in turns to ask questions such as, "Would you rather be able to turn into a wolf or become a vampire?" Now, my answer to that question... Both! I love both creatures, but that's not what I'm getting at. The questions asked could be anything, ranging from perfectly harmless, "Would you rather drink tea or coffee?", to something sexual, "Would you rather watch a threesome or be part of a threesome?". The game is designed to be able to enable players to learn something new about each other, and to a certain degree, perhaps embarrass.
I had heard of the film before, and I'd played the game before at sleep overs in my teenage years. One thing for sure is that I've never played something like this before. The poster is designed to send shivers down your spine, cementing itself into the horror genre. Initially, I was a little apprehensive. The idea of a horror film that revolves somewhat around an eye is pretty creepy. Mainly because I have the firm belief that eyes are the windows to the soul etc...
The film revolves around Iris (Brittany Snow) who has set aside her life to care for her ailing brother, Raleigh (Logan Miller). The leukaemia treatment costs are high and Dr Barden (Lawrence Gilliard Jr) introduces her to aristocrat, Shepard Lambrick (Jeffrey Combs). Lambrick suggests that she join him for dinner and an evening game. If she wins his game, he will locate a bone marrow transplant donor and pay for the treatment. After spending the evening with her brother, seeing him in pain and sinking further into depression, Iris agrees to the game.
She is driven to a large manor house where she is introduced to Lambrick's son, Julian (Robin Lord Taylor). She also meets the fellow contestants: Lucas (Enver Gjokaj), war veteran Travis (Charlie Hofheimer), the elderly and paralysed Linda (June Squibb), gambling addict Cal (Eddie Steeples), Amy (Sasha Grey) and debt ridden, recovering alcoholic Conway (John Heard). They all attend the evening meal, where Iris reveals that she is a vegetarian. Shepard offers her a large sum of money to eat the meat that is on her plate. And now, the game is afoot. It is much more dangerous than eating meat, or asking a recovering alcoholic to choose between wine and scotch.
"Would you rather..." electric shock yourself, or the neighbour at your dinner party.
"Would you rather..." stab someone in the thigh with an ice pick or whip someone with a sjambok (a heavy leather whip, traditionally made from hippopotamus or rhinoceros hide).
"Would you rather..." face the unknown in an envelope, or have your head held in a barrel of water for two minutes. Of course, this is even more dangerous - the card can hold anything, such as ignite a firecracker in your hand, slit open your eye with a razor blade (and I will admit that I hid under the bed cover at that stage), have all your teeth extracted, or spend longer in the barrel...
Whilst the house has an classic grandeur, and is the main set of the film, it has those classic horror tropes, such as the spooky glass panelled doors that are great for shadowed effects, empty and deserted corridors, and the large layouts of the stairs. The dining room becomes specifically styled by outlining it with plastic wrapping, to prevent blood staining anything and creating a mess.
In contrast, Iris and Raleigh's home is simple and effective. In the bathroom, there are railings for people to hold onto - namely, Raleigh with his illness. The bedroom's seem clutter free. The only thing that holds some comfort is the kitchen, where the two share their meals. It gives the audience pity for Raleigh and even Iris - how she gives things up, saves all the money she can to try and help her brother in any shape that she can.
The film is certainly psychological to a certain degree. I found myself answering the questions. What would I do in that situation? It makes you think what can a person be capable of doing, especially when their life is in the hands of the someone else. Can someone be driven to murder by such a simple question? The ending has a twist, but I'm afraid to say that I saw it coming. I won't give it away for you, but I'll leave you with this question:
Would you rather watch the film or not watch the film?
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
Currently reading: Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
Today I bring a review of a film that I watched over a week ago. My partner and I were very undecided about what to watch. I wanted to watch Divergent (2014), but we were unable to. After flicking through Amazon Prime, we found this flick. I had always been intrigued by the poster, and so we gave it a go.
There may be spoilers and repetition...
Length: 93 Minutes
Release date: 14th October 2012
Synopsis: Desperate to help her ailing brother, a young woman unknowingly agrees to compete in a deadly game of "Would You Rather," hosted by a sadistic aristocrat.
Genre: Horror / Thriller
Studio: Periscope Entertainment
Director: David Guy Levy
Writer: Steffen Schlachtenhaufen
Starring: Brittany Snow, June Squibb, Jeffrey Combs
MPA-Rating: Unrated
Most people have heard of the conversational party game, 'Would You Rather'. Players take it in turns to ask questions such as, "Would you rather be able to turn into a wolf or become a vampire?" Now, my answer to that question... Both! I love both creatures, but that's not what I'm getting at. The questions asked could be anything, ranging from perfectly harmless, "Would you rather drink tea or coffee?", to something sexual, "Would you rather watch a threesome or be part of a threesome?". The game is designed to be able to enable players to learn something new about each other, and to a certain degree, perhaps embarrass.
I had heard of the film before, and I'd played the game before at sleep overs in my teenage years. One thing for sure is that I've never played something like this before. The poster is designed to send shivers down your spine, cementing itself into the horror genre. Initially, I was a little apprehensive. The idea of a horror film that revolves somewhat around an eye is pretty creepy. Mainly because I have the firm belief that eyes are the windows to the soul etc...
The film revolves around Iris (Brittany Snow) who has set aside her life to care for her ailing brother, Raleigh (Logan Miller). The leukaemia treatment costs are high and Dr Barden (Lawrence Gilliard Jr) introduces her to aristocrat, Shepard Lambrick (Jeffrey Combs). Lambrick suggests that she join him for dinner and an evening game. If she wins his game, he will locate a bone marrow transplant donor and pay for the treatment. After spending the evening with her brother, seeing him in pain and sinking further into depression, Iris agrees to the game.
She is driven to a large manor house where she is introduced to Lambrick's son, Julian (Robin Lord Taylor). She also meets the fellow contestants: Lucas (Enver Gjokaj), war veteran Travis (Charlie Hofheimer), the elderly and paralysed Linda (June Squibb), gambling addict Cal (Eddie Steeples), Amy (Sasha Grey) and debt ridden, recovering alcoholic Conway (John Heard). They all attend the evening meal, where Iris reveals that she is a vegetarian. Shepard offers her a large sum of money to eat the meat that is on her plate. And now, the game is afoot. It is much more dangerous than eating meat, or asking a recovering alcoholic to choose between wine and scotch.
"Would you rather..." electric shock yourself, or the neighbour at your dinner party.
"Would you rather..." stab someone in the thigh with an ice pick or whip someone with a sjambok (a heavy leather whip, traditionally made from hippopotamus or rhinoceros hide).
"Would you rather..." face the unknown in an envelope, or have your head held in a barrel of water for two minutes. Of course, this is even more dangerous - the card can hold anything, such as ignite a firecracker in your hand, slit open your eye with a razor blade (and I will admit that I hid under the bed cover at that stage), have all your teeth extracted, or spend longer in the barrel...
Whilst the house has an classic grandeur, and is the main set of the film, it has those classic horror tropes, such as the spooky glass panelled doors that are great for shadowed effects, empty and deserted corridors, and the large layouts of the stairs. The dining room becomes specifically styled by outlining it with plastic wrapping, to prevent blood staining anything and creating a mess.
In contrast, Iris and Raleigh's home is simple and effective. In the bathroom, there are railings for people to hold onto - namely, Raleigh with his illness. The bedroom's seem clutter free. The only thing that holds some comfort is the kitchen, where the two share their meals. It gives the audience pity for Raleigh and even Iris - how she gives things up, saves all the money she can to try and help her brother in any shape that she can.
The film is certainly psychological to a certain degree. I found myself answering the questions. What would I do in that situation? It makes you think what can a person be capable of doing, especially when their life is in the hands of the someone else. Can someone be driven to murder by such a simple question? The ending has a twist, but I'm afraid to say that I saw it coming. I won't give it away for you, but I'll leave you with this question:
Would you rather watch the film or not watch the film?
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
Currently reading: Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
January 14, 2015
Take a step... Within the Shadows
To all who are reading this,
Today, I'm so excited to share with you an excerpt of a novel that I immensely enjoyed (with permission from the author of course). So much so in fact, that if you scroll further down you can even catch my review of it!
The book in question is Within the Shadows, the first book in the Shadow World series. The books are written by Julieanne Lynch, and are already getting fans excited. You'll learn why, if you continue reading!
Living on the razors edge, Giselle Bergman's life is torn apart by her cheating boyfriend. Little does she realize that he is the least of her worries when her long term friend, Alex, reveals a secret long hidden, and introduces to his family and a new, darker world; a world of lies, deceit and corruption.
Thrown from one problem straight into another, the razors edge gets thinner and sharper, testing Giselle's sanity and vitality. Never truly knowing who her allies are, Giselle soon learns not to trust anyone, not even herself.
How far will Giselle run to escape what fate has dealt her?
Will she truly be free from the shadows that not only want her soul, but have her reborn as their Queen?
Join Giselle on a journey that is only beginning... Not even she can hide when living within the shadows.
“Yes, Alexander survived, but that was because of the great lengths his father took to protect him. And there was the odd occasion that his life was put in jeopardy.”
“Oh, okay. I suppose you are trying your best here, but could you at least elaborate a little more?” I was becoming irritated with the short answers. I wanted more. I needed more.
“Well, hasn’t it become quite obvious we aren’t the monsters folklore portrays us to be?”
“What do you mean?”
“Consider how I could have ripped your throat out, and drank you dry. Instead, I sit here, and amuse you with my answers. There is a war, and you play a vital role. You should have realised by now that you are a very important commodity among vampires. You possess what others seek, and it is you who will strengthen the bloodline. We will evolve because of you.”
“Yeah, so Alex keeps telling me, but I can’t help but to wonder as to how this whole mess started. Why are all of you so afraid of the Nelapsi, or whatever they’re called?”
He pondered this before he spoke, looking at me intently, as though he was about to reveal some deadly secret, and then he began his story.
“I was born more than two centuries ago in a small village in the Zemplin region of eastern Slovakia. I am what you would call a classical vampire. I am not dead or undead. I just exist. I am what I am. But, of course, my kin, the Nelapsi, are viscous, bloodthirsty monsters that stop at nothing in order to feed.
“They care not for their donors. In fact, in most cases, they consume blood with or without permission. It was the winter of 1790, and times were harsh. Humans were dying from starvation, and, as you can imagine, when you rely solely on the blood of a human, it becomes a risk to you when they are dying.
“Unfortunately, that didn’t stop many of my brothers. Instead of trying to help them, many turned on the young and defenceless, feeding and consuming their short innocent lives. I couldn’t live with that guilt, and hated seeing the bloodshed. That is when I found Leonid, who helped me and many of my brothers to change what once was an acceptable way of life. We found a new way of co-existing with humans.”
“But I thought Leonid was a descendent of the Nelapsi?” I asked, confused.
“Ah, you are right. His Majesty is a descendent through birth. He, like Alexander, is an inheritor. Meaning, they were born into their lifestyle like me, but they are not immortal. They can live for a long time, but death does come eventually.”
“So, if I wanted to, I could kill them. I mean, hurt them?” I inquired.
He laughed menacingly. “I doubt you would survive long enough to cause them any kind of wound.”
I didn’t have the balls to answer him back, so we sat in silence. Being reminded of how he could kill me sent a shiver down my spine, and not in a good way.
Like a hungry wild animal, I devoured this book within a few days - generally over lunch breaks at work, and curled up with my cat. And I was not disappointed with what was inside the gorgeous cover.
The tale follows Giselle as her teenage existence starts to fall apart when boyfriend Marc makes a mistake. Running from the anger and pain, Giselle ends up down the proverbial rabbit hole, and finds herself in a world of beautiful and deadly mythological creatures. Commonly known to the world at large as vampires. And from that point onwards, Giselle's world is upside down.
A refreshing and unexpected take on the vampire novel, it is well written, fast paced, action packed and heart wrenching! Love, loss, life - three key things that play the essential part of Giselle's world. She is to a certain degree a typical young woman, but all that is sure to change. Ms Lynch kept me hooked throughout and she certainly knows how to throw a curve ball or two!
Other characters that support Giselle's world are well crafted and clever, with human elements that shine through. Perfect for YA (Young Adult) or NA (New Adult) readers! I have already bought the second book, and I cannot wait to start it!
If you want to grab your own copy please visit:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/VULiwf
Nook: http://bit.ly/1tv0q1K
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1octOlk
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1pi8COM
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1rw1xeh
You know what's even more exciting? This book is already in development for a film, with director Mark Roemmich leading the way! More information on the film can be found www.nhepictures.com or www.theshadowworldmovies.com
Whilst there is no cast list up as of yet, If List are running a chance for you to vote on your dream cast - right here at http://www.iflist.com/stories/withintheshadows# It's a fun and simple way to support the film! This is the sort of thing that writers like myself and Ms Lynch sort of do when we are creating our characters. Seeing this vision coming to life must be a startling and awe inspiring thing! I've already made my choices. Who will you choose?
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade by Oliver Bowden
Today, I'm so excited to share with you an excerpt of a novel that I immensely enjoyed (with permission from the author of course). So much so in fact, that if you scroll further down you can even catch my review of it!
The book in question is Within the Shadows, the first book in the Shadow World series. The books are written by Julieanne Lynch, and are already getting fans excited. You'll learn why, if you continue reading!
Living on the razors edge, Giselle Bergman's life is torn apart by her cheating boyfriend. Little does she realize that he is the least of her worries when her long term friend, Alex, reveals a secret long hidden, and introduces to his family and a new, darker world; a world of lies, deceit and corruption.
Thrown from one problem straight into another, the razors edge gets thinner and sharper, testing Giselle's sanity and vitality. Never truly knowing who her allies are, Giselle soon learns not to trust anyone, not even herself.
How far will Giselle run to escape what fate has dealt her?
Will she truly be free from the shadows that not only want her soul, but have her reborn as their Queen?
Join Giselle on a journey that is only beginning... Not even she can hide when living within the shadows.
“Yes, Alexander survived, but that was because of the great lengths his father took to protect him. And there was the odd occasion that his life was put in jeopardy.”
“Oh, okay. I suppose you are trying your best here, but could you at least elaborate a little more?” I was becoming irritated with the short answers. I wanted more. I needed more.
“Well, hasn’t it become quite obvious we aren’t the monsters folklore portrays us to be?”
“What do you mean?”
“Consider how I could have ripped your throat out, and drank you dry. Instead, I sit here, and amuse you with my answers. There is a war, and you play a vital role. You should have realised by now that you are a very important commodity among vampires. You possess what others seek, and it is you who will strengthen the bloodline. We will evolve because of you.”
“Yeah, so Alex keeps telling me, but I can’t help but to wonder as to how this whole mess started. Why are all of you so afraid of the Nelapsi, or whatever they’re called?”
He pondered this before he spoke, looking at me intently, as though he was about to reveal some deadly secret, and then he began his story.
“I was born more than two centuries ago in a small village in the Zemplin region of eastern Slovakia. I am what you would call a classical vampire. I am not dead or undead. I just exist. I am what I am. But, of course, my kin, the Nelapsi, are viscous, bloodthirsty monsters that stop at nothing in order to feed.
“They care not for their donors. In fact, in most cases, they consume blood with or without permission. It was the winter of 1790, and times were harsh. Humans were dying from starvation, and, as you can imagine, when you rely solely on the blood of a human, it becomes a risk to you when they are dying.
“Unfortunately, that didn’t stop many of my brothers. Instead of trying to help them, many turned on the young and defenceless, feeding and consuming their short innocent lives. I couldn’t live with that guilt, and hated seeing the bloodshed. That is when I found Leonid, who helped me and many of my brothers to change what once was an acceptable way of life. We found a new way of co-existing with humans.”
“But I thought Leonid was a descendent of the Nelapsi?” I asked, confused.
“Ah, you are right. His Majesty is a descendent through birth. He, like Alexander, is an inheritor. Meaning, they were born into their lifestyle like me, but they are not immortal. They can live for a long time, but death does come eventually.”
“So, if I wanted to, I could kill them. I mean, hurt them?” I inquired.
He laughed menacingly. “I doubt you would survive long enough to cause them any kind of wound.”
I didn’t have the balls to answer him back, so we sat in silence. Being reminded of how he could kill me sent a shiver down my spine, and not in a good way.
Like a hungry wild animal, I devoured this book within a few days - generally over lunch breaks at work, and curled up with my cat. And I was not disappointed with what was inside the gorgeous cover.
The tale follows Giselle as her teenage existence starts to fall apart when boyfriend Marc makes a mistake. Running from the anger and pain, Giselle ends up down the proverbial rabbit hole, and finds herself in a world of beautiful and deadly mythological creatures. Commonly known to the world at large as vampires. And from that point onwards, Giselle's world is upside down.
A refreshing and unexpected take on the vampire novel, it is well written, fast paced, action packed and heart wrenching! Love, loss, life - three key things that play the essential part of Giselle's world. She is to a certain degree a typical young woman, but all that is sure to change. Ms Lynch kept me hooked throughout and she certainly knows how to throw a curve ball or two!
Other characters that support Giselle's world are well crafted and clever, with human elements that shine through. Perfect for YA (Young Adult) or NA (New Adult) readers! I have already bought the second book, and I cannot wait to start it!
If you want to grab your own copy please visit:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/VULiwf
Nook: http://bit.ly/1tv0q1K
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1octOlk
iBooks: http://bit.ly/1pi8COM
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1rw1xeh
You know what's even more exciting? This book is already in development for a film, with director Mark Roemmich leading the way! More information on the film can be found www.nhepictures.com or www.theshadowworldmovies.com
Whilst there is no cast list up as of yet, If List are running a chance for you to vote on your dream cast - right here at http://www.iflist.com/stories/withintheshadows# It's a fun and simple way to support the film! This is the sort of thing that writers like myself and Ms Lynch sort of do when we are creating our characters. Seeing this vision coming to life must be a startling and awe inspiring thing! I've already made my choices. Who will you choose?
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Assassin's Creed: The Secret Crusade by Oliver Bowden
January 11, 2015
Into the Woods - A Review
To all who are reading this,
I welcome you back to this blog of mine! I sincerely hope that your Christmas and New Year was splendid! Have you made any resolutions? I haven't made any this year, which is strange enough in itself for me.
So let us kick of 2015, as I kicked of 2014 on this blog. With a film review! There may be spoilers...
Length: 125 Minutes
Release date: 25th December 2014
Synopsis: A witch tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree.
Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Fantasy / Musical
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Rob Marshall
Writer: James Lapine
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Chris Pine
MPAA-Rating: PG
After being drawn in by spellbinding posters, gorgeous magazine covers and cinema trailers for a good portion of 2014, I was delighted when my partner asked if I wanted to go see this film. Not knowing a great deal about the plot was great - it meant I could sit back and really immerse myself in the story. I hadn't even known until the end credits that the film that been a stage production!
Whilst a great deal of the general public are giving this mixed reviews, I fell head over heels for this film. With Stephen Sondheim (who brought us Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) working on the musical score, it was something that I knew I would really get into it. The plot was very engaging and featured an amalgamation of popular fairy tales - notably, I could pick out the classic Cinderella from The Brothers Grimm (1812).
The film revolves around a childless couple, The Baker (James Corden) and his Wife (Emily Blunt), who long for a baby of their own. To their shock and horror, a Witch (Meryl Streep) reveals that the family tree is cursed after the Baker's father stole from her private garden. She makes them a bargain - retrieve a selection of magical items and she will reverse the curse, all in the time limit of three days. The items are: a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. As the couple set out to retrieve these items, by passing through the woods, where they run into familiar fairy tale faces.
Each fairy tale face has their own classic story to tell.
Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford) mustn't stray from the path as she takes her basket of sweets to Granny's house, and not to be tempted by the Big Bad Wolf (Johnny Depp).
Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) must sell his best friend and family cow at market on the orders of his mother (Tracey Ullman) until he is distracted by magic beans which grow into a giant beanstalk.
Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) wants to go to the Prince's festival (played by Chris Pine), much to the disapproval of the Stepmother (Christine Baranski) and the two step-sisters, Florinda and Lucinda (Tammy Blanchard and Lucy Punch, respectively).
Rapunzel (Makenzie Mauzy) must let down her hair for those who call, and she finds herself falling in love with a Prince of her own (Billy Magnussen).
The biggest set is, of course, the woods themselves which are such an integral part of the story. They have gnarled branches, upturned roots, trees with and without leaves, sloping hills, dirt paths, flower fields, you name it, it's there! As you follow the characters throughout the film as they journey through the woods, you are drawn completely into the world. The tiny details make it all that more special.
A live-action Disney film is not compete without stunning, and sometimes simple, costuming. Streep's Witch, and Depp's Wolf, were just two of my favourites when it came to design. Streep's elegant, smoky make-up adorning her eyes is simplistic enough to recreate at home, making her character that slightest bit more human. Depp's is great - fur, suits, with an almost Cockney charm. The ears that poke through his hat, and his swishing tail are certainly wolf-like.
And the songs? Well, needless to say the opening number, Prologue: Into the Woods by the Main Cast, generally gets in your head, and is often mentioned through vocals throughout the film. Kendrick's vocals are a little too Broadway style for me - she's too much like a Princess, but then again, she is Cinderella... Corden is a certain surprise with his vocals. Pine and Magnussen'a duet in Agony is pure comedy on screen. Depp's deep, low vocals provide sexual undertones in Hello, Little Girl which are perfectly complimented with the naive and often sarcastic, comedic tones of Crawford. Streep, though, the woman who turned down three witch roles after turning 40, only to come back for this Sondheim work - well, she certainly steals the show. Stay With Me and Last Minute are powerful and beautifully haunting. I'm certainly going to be purchasing the soundtrack at some stage this year.
This film is great - it offers that happy ending for Disney fans, but also offers something more, which is realisation that life is really not like a fairy tale in the slightest.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Grotesque by Natsuo Kirino
I welcome you back to this blog of mine! I sincerely hope that your Christmas and New Year was splendid! Have you made any resolutions? I haven't made any this year, which is strange enough in itself for me.
So let us kick of 2015, as I kicked of 2014 on this blog. With a film review! There may be spoilers...
Length: 125 Minutes
Release date: 25th December 2014
Synopsis: A witch tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree.
Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Fantasy / Musical
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Rob Marshall
Writer: James Lapine
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Chris Pine
MPAA-Rating: PG
After being drawn in by spellbinding posters, gorgeous magazine covers and cinema trailers for a good portion of 2014, I was delighted when my partner asked if I wanted to go see this film. Not knowing a great deal about the plot was great - it meant I could sit back and really immerse myself in the story. I hadn't even known until the end credits that the film that been a stage production!
Whilst a great deal of the general public are giving this mixed reviews, I fell head over heels for this film. With Stephen Sondheim (who brought us Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) working on the musical score, it was something that I knew I would really get into it. The plot was very engaging and featured an amalgamation of popular fairy tales - notably, I could pick out the classic Cinderella from The Brothers Grimm (1812).
The film revolves around a childless couple, The Baker (James Corden) and his Wife (Emily Blunt), who long for a baby of their own. To their shock and horror, a Witch (Meryl Streep) reveals that the family tree is cursed after the Baker's father stole from her private garden. She makes them a bargain - retrieve a selection of magical items and she will reverse the curse, all in the time limit of three days. The items are: a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. As the couple set out to retrieve these items, by passing through the woods, where they run into familiar fairy tale faces.
Each fairy tale face has their own classic story to tell.
Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford) mustn't stray from the path as she takes her basket of sweets to Granny's house, and not to be tempted by the Big Bad Wolf (Johnny Depp).
Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) must sell his best friend and family cow at market on the orders of his mother (Tracey Ullman) until he is distracted by magic beans which grow into a giant beanstalk.
Cinderella (Anna Kendrick) wants to go to the Prince's festival (played by Chris Pine), much to the disapproval of the Stepmother (Christine Baranski) and the two step-sisters, Florinda and Lucinda (Tammy Blanchard and Lucy Punch, respectively).
Rapunzel (Makenzie Mauzy) must let down her hair for those who call, and she finds herself falling in love with a Prince of her own (Billy Magnussen).
The biggest set is, of course, the woods themselves which are such an integral part of the story. They have gnarled branches, upturned roots, trees with and without leaves, sloping hills, dirt paths, flower fields, you name it, it's there! As you follow the characters throughout the film as they journey through the woods, you are drawn completely into the world. The tiny details make it all that more special.
A live-action Disney film is not compete without stunning, and sometimes simple, costuming. Streep's Witch, and Depp's Wolf, were just two of my favourites when it came to design. Streep's elegant, smoky make-up adorning her eyes is simplistic enough to recreate at home, making her character that slightest bit more human. Depp's is great - fur, suits, with an almost Cockney charm. The ears that poke through his hat, and his swishing tail are certainly wolf-like.
And the songs? Well, needless to say the opening number, Prologue: Into the Woods by the Main Cast, generally gets in your head, and is often mentioned through vocals throughout the film. Kendrick's vocals are a little too Broadway style for me - she's too much like a Princess, but then again, she is Cinderella... Corden is a certain surprise with his vocals. Pine and Magnussen'a duet in Agony is pure comedy on screen. Depp's deep, low vocals provide sexual undertones in Hello, Little Girl which are perfectly complimented with the naive and often sarcastic, comedic tones of Crawford. Streep, though, the woman who turned down three witch roles after turning 40, only to come back for this Sondheim work - well, she certainly steals the show. Stay With Me and Last Minute are powerful and beautifully haunting. I'm certainly going to be purchasing the soundtrack at some stage this year.
This film is great - it offers that happy ending for Disney fans, but also offers something more, which is realisation that life is really not like a fairy tale in the slightest.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: Grotesque by Natsuo Kirino
December 4, 2014
Fractured Fairy Tales Anthology
To all who are reading this,
Today is a blog to celebrate the latest Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly anthology release - Fractured Fairy Tales. A collection of stories that are set the turn the tables on the classic fairy tales that you all know and love.
My short story, 'The Maid and the Outlaw' is featured in it too, and whilst it isn't my first anthology piece of fiction which has been featured within Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly, I was delighted to be working once again with the ever delightful Catherine Stovall.
This anthology is sure hit the best sellers charts on Amazon around the world for weeks and months to come. It was officially launched on the 3 December, and it's already proving popular. You can find it on Amazon - click this SMARTURL and you will be taken to your designated Amazon site for purchase.
What is the Fractured Fairy Tales anthology though? That's what I hear you ask. Well...
Where the fairy tale ends, we begin... Some of today's best new and established independent authors have come together to bring you a book of not so happy endings, strange twists, brutal fates, and love that conquers and consumes. Fractured Fairy Tales presents a whole new look on some of your favourite classics and some fresh new stories to tempt your imagination. Seventeen stories, three poems, and three original artworks bring you into a make believe matinee with a little of something for everyone.
Featuring:
- The Maid and the Outlaw by Zoe Adams
- Frosted Hearts by Leah D.W.
- Luvia by Stephen T. De Marino
- The One and Only by Victoria Kinnaird
- Pixie by Pyxi Rose
- No Turning Back by Nicole Daffurn
- Weather Vain by K.C. Finn
- Goldie by Samantha Ketteman
- Cirse of the Witch by Nicole Daffurn
- Lorelei: The Nightingale by Catherine Stovall
- Wayward Place by Pyxi Rose
- A Pleasant Surprise by Nicola Daffurn
- Raise by Lexi Ostrow
- The Singing Bones by Sinead MacDughlas
- Ivory Tower by Cecilia Clark
- The Innkeeper's Daughter by Andrea L. Staum
- Hidden City of the Sea by Jeanette Joyal
- Out of the Hat and into Wonderland by Nicola Daffurn
- Echo by N.C. Thomas
- Run Boy Run by Nicole Daffurn
- Prince Charming by Jennifer Raygoza
- Bloody Red by Jade Heart
- The King's Wizard (Excerpt) by Lillian MacKenzie Rhine
Join new and established authors as they come together in a new venture. Abandon all that you knew or thought you knew about the fairy tales of your childhood. Abandon all that you knew or thought you knew about the Disney centred, song filled version that we love even in our adult years. Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly are ready to tell you a new bedtime story.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Telling Error by Sophie Hannah
Today is a blog to celebrate the latest Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly anthology release - Fractured Fairy Tales. A collection of stories that are set the turn the tables on the classic fairy tales that you all know and love.
My short story, 'The Maid and the Outlaw' is featured in it too, and whilst it isn't my first anthology piece of fiction which has been featured within Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly, I was delighted to be working once again with the ever delightful Catherine Stovall.
This anthology is sure hit the best sellers charts on Amazon around the world for weeks and months to come. It was officially launched on the 3 December, and it's already proving popular. You can find it on Amazon - click this SMARTURL and you will be taken to your designated Amazon site for purchase.
What is the Fractured Fairy Tales anthology though? That's what I hear you ask. Well...
Where the fairy tale ends, we begin... Some of today's best new and established independent authors have come together to bring you a book of not so happy endings, strange twists, brutal fates, and love that conquers and consumes. Fractured Fairy Tales presents a whole new look on some of your favourite classics and some fresh new stories to tempt your imagination. Seventeen stories, three poems, and three original artworks bring you into a make believe matinee with a little of something for everyone.Featuring:
- The Maid and the Outlaw by Zoe Adams
- Frosted Hearts by Leah D.W.
- Luvia by Stephen T. De Marino
- The One and Only by Victoria Kinnaird
- Pixie by Pyxi Rose
- No Turning Back by Nicole Daffurn
- Weather Vain by K.C. Finn
- Goldie by Samantha Ketteman
- Cirse of the Witch by Nicole Daffurn
- Lorelei: The Nightingale by Catherine Stovall
- Wayward Place by Pyxi Rose
- A Pleasant Surprise by Nicola Daffurn
- Raise by Lexi Ostrow
- The Singing Bones by Sinead MacDughlas
- Ivory Tower by Cecilia Clark
- The Innkeeper's Daughter by Andrea L. Staum
- Hidden City of the Sea by Jeanette Joyal
- Out of the Hat and into Wonderland by Nicola Daffurn
- Echo by N.C. Thomas
- Run Boy Run by Nicole Daffurn
- Prince Charming by Jennifer Raygoza
- Bloody Red by Jade Heart
- The King's Wizard (Excerpt) by Lillian MacKenzie Rhine
Join new and established authors as they come together in a new venture. Abandon all that you knew or thought you knew about the fairy tales of your childhood. Abandon all that you knew or thought you knew about the Disney centred, song filled version that we love even in our adult years. Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly are ready to tell you a new bedtime story.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Telling Error by Sophie Hannah
November 15, 2014
Naughty Bedtime Stories Anthology
To all who are reading this,
Today is a blog to celebrate the latest Hot Ink anthology release - Naughty Bedtime Stories: First Taste. A collection of stories set to stir the senses, thrill the mind and generally give us that naughty feeling that everyone has within them.
My short story, 'The First Time' is featured in it too, and whilst it isn't my first anthology piece of fiction which has been featured within Hot Ink, it is the first time that Olivia Harper has edited these works. Drawn in by the advertising poster and encouraged by a dear friend, I knew I had to write for it.
This anthology is sure to hit the best sellers charts on Amazon around the world for weeks and months to come. Released on 14 November, it's already proving a hot read. You can find it on Amazon - click this SMARTURL and you will be taken to your designated Amazon site for purchase.
What is the Naughty Bedtime Stories anthology though? That's what I hear you ask. Well...
Strangers passing through. Friends seeing each other with new eyes. The hesitant touch of new lovers. A first glance. A first word. A first touch. A first kiss. Take a journey through thirteen erotic shorts, poems and art to relive that first-time feeling. Naughty Bedtime Stories: First Tastes will stir the butterflies, curl the toes and send hearts racing. After all, nothing tastes as good as naughty feels...
Featuring:
- The First Kiss by Jackie McMahon
- Her Night by Ethan Radcliff
- Serendipity by Elodie Parkes
- Tackle Me by Jen Raygoza
- Before the Fall by Aurelia Fray
- The Proposition by Jackie McMahon
- The Wrong Number by Trixie Taylor
- The Rescue by Sabina Bundgaard
- Irish Sweets by Lexi Ostrow
- Lovers by Ethan Radcliff
- The First Time by Zoe Adams
- The Encounter by Jackie McMahon
- Bratva: Brothers in Sin by Inger Iverson
Join new and established authors as they come together in a new series. Get your blanket, your hot cup of tea/coffee or whatever floats your boat, and get ready to fall in love for the first time all over again.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud
Today is a blog to celebrate the latest Hot Ink anthology release - Naughty Bedtime Stories: First Taste. A collection of stories set to stir the senses, thrill the mind and generally give us that naughty feeling that everyone has within them.
My short story, 'The First Time' is featured in it too, and whilst it isn't my first anthology piece of fiction which has been featured within Hot Ink, it is the first time that Olivia Harper has edited these works. Drawn in by the advertising poster and encouraged by a dear friend, I knew I had to write for it.
This anthology is sure to hit the best sellers charts on Amazon around the world for weeks and months to come. Released on 14 November, it's already proving a hot read. You can find it on Amazon - click this SMARTURL and you will be taken to your designated Amazon site for purchase.
What is the Naughty Bedtime Stories anthology though? That's what I hear you ask. Well...
Strangers passing through. Friends seeing each other with new eyes. The hesitant touch of new lovers. A first glance. A first word. A first touch. A first kiss. Take a journey through thirteen erotic shorts, poems and art to relive that first-time feeling. Naughty Bedtime Stories: First Tastes will stir the butterflies, curl the toes and send hearts racing. After all, nothing tastes as good as naughty feels...Featuring:
- The First Kiss by Jackie McMahon
- Her Night by Ethan Radcliff
- Serendipity by Elodie Parkes
- Tackle Me by Jen Raygoza
- Before the Fall by Aurelia Fray
- The Proposition by Jackie McMahon
- The Wrong Number by Trixie Taylor
- The Rescue by Sabina Bundgaard
- Irish Sweets by Lexi Ostrow
- Lovers by Ethan Radcliff
- The First Time by Zoe Adams
- The Encounter by Jackie McMahon
- Bratva: Brothers in Sin by Inger Iverson
Join new and established authors as they come together in a new series. Get your blanket, your hot cup of tea/coffee or whatever floats your boat, and get ready to fall in love for the first time all over again.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud
October 1, 2014
September Favourites
To all who are reading this,
Today on the blog, I bring this post to you a day late, due to unfortunate family circumstances. Yet, in this time, they would want us to continue in life, and so, we must.
Enjoy my September favourites!
1. Only Lovers Left Alive DVD
When I heard last year that Tom Hiddleston would be appearing alongside Tilda Swinton in a new edgy vampire film, it was like my dreams had come true. I eagerly anticipated seeing this at the cinema, but unfortunately, my local Parkway Cinema had decided not to air it. So when I found out the DVD would be coming out, I pre-ordered it from Amazon eagerly for £11.99. Having seen trailers and teaser images on Tumblr, Facebook etc. I was excited to see it play out.
Directed by John Jarmusch, the film follows depressed musician and vampire, Adam (Hiddleston) as he reunites with his lover, Eve, (Swinton). A love that spawns centuries, their idyllic lifestyle is disrupted by the arrival of Ava, Eve's uncontrollable sister (Wasikowska). Romantic, brutal, fashionable and artistic, it is definitely a film I would recommend to others.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk for more information. Normally priced at £11.25.
2. The Moomin Collection
I am a huge Moomin fan - have been since I was a child. It's something that connects my mother and I and cements the bond we share. I've been trying to get the collection for a while now, so when I found them all available on Amazon, for different prices, I priced up the collection, and whoops! I clicked 'Place Order'.
Written by Finnish author and illustrator, Tove Jansson, the Moomin books consist of; The Moomins and the Great Flood (1945), Comet in Moominland (1946), Finn Family Moomintroll (1948), The Exploits of Moominpappa (1950), Moominsummer Madness (1954), Moominland Midwinter (1957), Tales from Moominvalley (1962), Moominpappa at Sea (965), and, Moominvalley in November (1970). Clever and well written, with humour and sweet touches, they are perfect for children and adults alike.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk for more information. Various prices.
3. Waterstones Badges
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On visiting my local Waterstones, I bought two books. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King (2013), and Blood of Dragons by Robin Hobb (2013). As I approached the cashier, I noticed a small half formed cardboard box of badges, each with various sayings on them. All focusing on books and writing. I picked out the badges which I thought reflected me as a person, and as a writer. I would adorn my, 'Books are my Bag' tote bag, which I was given free from Waterstones a while ago.
The badges are well made, and attach well on various materials. They are quirky, fun and are perfect for book lovers the world over - whether you prefer hardbacks, paperbacks, or ebooks.
Visit your local Waterstones store for more information. Each priced at 99p.
4. Daenerys 'Dany' Targaryen Dress
I'm a huge fan of the book series, A Song of Ice and Fire by fantasy author, George R. R. Martin. So when it became a television series, entitled Game of Thrones, named after the first book in the series, I was highly excited. I've seen the episodes so far and my favourite character is Daenerys 'Dany' Targaryen, of House Targaryen. And I'm a huge cosplay fan, so I only thought it would be natural to look into costuming, since I'm quite frankly, crap, at sewing.
I found this dress through a cosplay company on Amazon, CosHeartEU, which not only craft Game of Thrones costumes, but a wide variety of others including the video game franchise, Final Fantasy. This dress is an XL due to my awkward sizing, and on purchase, was expected to arrive late October. It arrived in late September, so I was rather happy about that. It fits well, falls down to my feet and fits well around the bust and waist. It's styled to look like it comes directly from the series, apart from no mesh on the shoulders. Made from linen, it has a zip on the back, just before you reach the circular space, which is designed on the dress. It's very comfortable and I can't wait to complete the costume with my accessories and wig.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk for more information. Prices vary between £62.00 and £89.99.
5. T.U.K Mary Jane Flats
I've been a fan of these shoes for a while, and when I was luckily enough to be offered a job promotion, it seemed the ideal opportunity to buy these shoes. Official T.U.K shoes, these are the original women's design, featuring the cat face in the Mary Jane fashion.
Black with white intricate details, the shoes have a buckle across the top part of your foot. They are soft and comfortable, with cute tail designs on the back. These shoes are available from size 4 upwards. Official T.U.K shoes are quite pricey, so I shopped around to find the best deal. These were £46.58, and have now gone up a considerable amount on Amazon. There were a few designs to chose from, and, I decided upon these. They are incredibly comfortable and can't wait to wear them into my new job.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk for more information. Prices vary between £33.00 and £56.95.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson.
Today on the blog, I bring this post to you a day late, due to unfortunate family circumstances. Yet, in this time, they would want us to continue in life, and so, we must.
Enjoy my September favourites!
1. Only Lovers Left Alive DVD
When I heard last year that Tom Hiddleston would be appearing alongside Tilda Swinton in a new edgy vampire film, it was like my dreams had come true. I eagerly anticipated seeing this at the cinema, but unfortunately, my local Parkway Cinema had decided not to air it. So when I found out the DVD would be coming out, I pre-ordered it from Amazon eagerly for £11.99. Having seen trailers and teaser images on Tumblr, Facebook etc. I was excited to see it play out.
Directed by John Jarmusch, the film follows depressed musician and vampire, Adam (Hiddleston) as he reunites with his lover, Eve, (Swinton). A love that spawns centuries, their idyllic lifestyle is disrupted by the arrival of Ava, Eve's uncontrollable sister (Wasikowska). Romantic, brutal, fashionable and artistic, it is definitely a film I would recommend to others.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk for more information. Normally priced at £11.25.
2. The Moomin Collection
I am a huge Moomin fan - have been since I was a child. It's something that connects my mother and I and cements the bond we share. I've been trying to get the collection for a while now, so when I found them all available on Amazon, for different prices, I priced up the collection, and whoops! I clicked 'Place Order'.Written by Finnish author and illustrator, Tove Jansson, the Moomin books consist of; The Moomins and the Great Flood (1945), Comet in Moominland (1946), Finn Family Moomintroll (1948), The Exploits of Moominpappa (1950), Moominsummer Madness (1954), Moominland Midwinter (1957), Tales from Moominvalley (1962), Moominpappa at Sea (965), and, Moominvalley in November (1970). Clever and well written, with humour and sweet touches, they are perfect for children and adults alike.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk for more information. Various prices.
3. Waterstones Badges
[image error]
On visiting my local Waterstones, I bought two books. Doctor Sleep by Stephen King (2013), and Blood of Dragons by Robin Hobb (2013). As I approached the cashier, I noticed a small half formed cardboard box of badges, each with various sayings on them. All focusing on books and writing. I picked out the badges which I thought reflected me as a person, and as a writer. I would adorn my, 'Books are my Bag' tote bag, which I was given free from Waterstones a while ago.The badges are well made, and attach well on various materials. They are quirky, fun and are perfect for book lovers the world over - whether you prefer hardbacks, paperbacks, or ebooks.
Visit your local Waterstones store for more information. Each priced at 99p.
4. Daenerys 'Dany' Targaryen Dress
I'm a huge fan of the book series, A Song of Ice and Fire by fantasy author, George R. R. Martin. So when it became a television series, entitled Game of Thrones, named after the first book in the series, I was highly excited. I've seen the episodes so far and my favourite character is Daenerys 'Dany' Targaryen, of House Targaryen. And I'm a huge cosplay fan, so I only thought it would be natural to look into costuming, since I'm quite frankly, crap, at sewing.
I found this dress through a cosplay company on Amazon, CosHeartEU, which not only craft Game of Thrones costumes, but a wide variety of others including the video game franchise, Final Fantasy. This dress is an XL due to my awkward sizing, and on purchase, was expected to arrive late October. It arrived in late September, so I was rather happy about that. It fits well, falls down to my feet and fits well around the bust and waist. It's styled to look like it comes directly from the series, apart from no mesh on the shoulders. Made from linen, it has a zip on the back, just before you reach the circular space, which is designed on the dress. It's very comfortable and I can't wait to complete the costume with my accessories and wig.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk for more information. Prices vary between £62.00 and £89.99.
5. T.U.K Mary Jane Flats
I've been a fan of these shoes for a while, and when I was luckily enough to be offered a job promotion, it seemed the ideal opportunity to buy these shoes. Official T.U.K shoes, these are the original women's design, featuring the cat face in the Mary Jane fashion.Black with white intricate details, the shoes have a buckle across the top part of your foot. They are soft and comfortable, with cute tail designs on the back. These shoes are available from size 4 upwards. Official T.U.K shoes are quite pricey, so I shopped around to find the best deal. These were £46.58, and have now gone up a considerable amount on Amazon. There were a few designs to chose from, and, I decided upon these. They are incredibly comfortable and can't wait to wear them into my new job.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk for more information. Prices vary between £33.00 and £56.95.
Yours, with eternal ink,
Zoe
---
Currently reading: The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson.
