M.S. Watson's Blog, page 2

Book Review: A Thousand Pieces Of You by Claudia Gray (Spoilers)

Okay. Hands up for who absolutely adores the cover! *Puts hand up.*

A Thousand Pieces of You is a beautiful novel that holds some unique gems, but also some shortfalls.
To rehash, the novel follows protagonist Marguerite Caine as she crosses multiple dimensions to avenge the death of her father. The main elements centre around love and trust, betrayal and a huge focus on science without any of the confusing language specific to the subject.
So, it's a story of vengeance. Right?
 Wrong. Mostly, at least. What commences as an action-filled beginning promising intrigue and jumping between dimensions quickly turns to a small, almost insignificant point raised in the blurb of the novel: 'Marguerite is swept into an epic love affair that feels both dangerous and inevitable…'
Such a tiny sentence in a scientifically swamped novel and yet it holds so much of the plot.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love a bit of romance, hence why it's my favourite genre to write alongside Y.A. and sci-fi but the simple fact of the matter is that it is frustrating how misleading the blurb is in terms of the level of romantic content. A bit more of a warning next time, please?
In all I really enjoyed the book. I love the idea of the steampunk-like (or at least that's how I imagine it to be) Firebird device and on the subject of romance, I absolutely swooned when she and Paul spoke about fate. I'm not as sure about how I feel about the whole sexual intercourse when in Russia, what with the ethical and moral issues, but hey, that's where Meg and I differ.
As for the plot twists, I'm not sure whether it's because I'm a writer myself or just in general but I personally found it quite easy to tell who the villains are. It's pretty clear almost from the very beginning that Paul isn't the culprit because that would just be too predictable in itself. Personally, I would have chosen either one of the parents. I would have given them a hidden agenda and disappeared for personal gain. Yet I love the parents the way they are. We don't really see much of Kovalenka but Caine is obviously an amazing father. Yet I still think he needs a few more flaws to make him more realistic.
On the upside, overall I feel satisfied at the conclusion of the novel and that I could be happy to put the book aside if I so felt that I just wanted a single read. It ties up with just enough loose ends to make it a good read either on its own or in a trilogy. 
The character development is spot on for Meg, complete with the good and bad. Personally I felt a little bit frustrated about how she acts when it comes to love interests. She seems to throw herself toward any guy that will have her pretty much. I really, truly dislike this element and is alongside the misleading blurb part of the things that I hated about this book.
I felt as though Meg can overcome this though and perhaps that is just a part of being a teenager. I remember being in her shoes, feeling that kind of desperation to be loved and have a stable relationship to rely on, that I kind of understand Meg's situation. I suppose that is why I hate it so much, that situation and her reactions to it because they were so similar to my own when I was younger. And now that I have a loving boyfriend of almost 3 years, I'm able to reflect and see how naive I was, and how that is reflected in Meg's character. I love that she is willing to sacrifice her return to her home dimension though for those she loves. That, she and I agree on.
Paul I imagine to be that tall, lanky guy with a ton of muscle that isn't too big to look bulky. I loved Paul as a character and don't get me wrong, he's completely swoon-worthy, but overall I felt as though he's based on the appearance of a Calvin Klein model. It's a difficult thing to think, to be against the stereotypical idea of what a female finds appealing in a character love interest. I love the stereotype but on the downside, it means that males are placed in that fictitious role, that need to look perfect. But enough about looks. I don't think I'm even describing my thoughts right.
On the emotional side, I love the mysteriousness of Paul. He's sweet and quiet. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea but I personally loved it. Especially his thoughts on fate. It's no surprise that I'm definitely on team Paul!
On the other hand, we have Theo. I enjoy Theo's antics and the fact that he isn't stereotypically tall, dark and handsome but rugged in a realistic way is something that I find appealing in Theo's character that appears to lack in Paul's. He's a typical high school flirt but with that sweet, caring side shining through in a way that takes away from the stereotypical glare. Yet the fact that he's involved with Triad in the way that he is by the conclusion of the novel makes me uneasy about his character. I saw it coming from a mile away and still hoped that it wasn't him. I was glad, though, that it wasn't Meg's Theo that did the betrayal.
Finally, to wrap this all up I give the novel a 4/5 stars in total. The cover was amazing, the characters mostly thought through and the world building was spectacular. I look forward to reading the next instalment and recommend this read to anyone that loves Y.A. sci-fi romance.

Swimsuit Love

Swimsuit Love by missa-watson featuring one piece swimsuits

Unique Vintage one piece swimsuit
115 AUD - unique-vintage.com

Accessorize one piece swimsuit
89 AUD - accessorize.com

Unique Vintage vintage bathing suit
58 AUD - unique-vintage.com

Unique Vintage vintage bathing suit
55 AUD - unique-vintage.com

Vintage bathing suit
12 AUD - amazon.com

Coach black sandals
255 AUD - coach.com

Jack rogers sandals
155 AUD - neimanmarcus.com

Jack rogers sandals
145 AUD - stbernardsports.com

Volcom black sandals
58 AUD - zappos.com

Aéropostale pink shoes
9.16 AUD - aeropostale.com

Guess handbag
81 AUD - guess.com

Rip Curl beach bag
57 AUD - nordstrom.com

Billabong tote bag
59 AUD - billabong.com

Aéropostale beach tote
20 AUD - aeropostale.com

Yunotme black headband
195 AUD - lanecrawford.com

Melissa Odabash floppy hat
195 AUD - jades24.com

MANGO wool hat
58 AUD - mango.com

Floppy hat
33 AUD - dunelondon.com

Beach hat
7.10 AUD - nastydress.com

Autumn Uni Days

Autumn Uni Days by missa-watson featuring Kate Spade

Mini dress
29 AUD - lucluc.com

White coat
54 AUD - shechic.com

Oasis ballet flat
49 AUD - oasis-stores.com

Ippolita gemstone jewelry
695 AUD - therealreal.com

Forever 21 midi ring
8.81 AUD - forever21.com

Apple iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi 64GB Gold
705 AUD - bestbuy.com

Kate Spade tech accessory
110 AUD - selfridges.com

Accessorize flower crown
20 AUD - accessorize.com

An itty bitty update!

Hello friends!
I hope that the world is treating you right. Right now, I am sitting in the cafeteria so to speak, typing away as I update my blog and let you all know that I have finally completed the novel outline for the first book Of Shadows (#1) of my Clarity duology. They may only be a few words per chapter thus far, but it's a lot more than I had before. Yay for two hour train trips to university!
I am entirely surprised to be sitting here, with this news. Two weeks ago I received my offer to university via the post, and I was lucky to get in considering the vast number of late enrolment students. But here I am. I didn't get my ATAR like other students at high school here in Australia, but instead studied a Certificate III in Childcare and had some casual jobs here and there that barely kept me afloat during my 'gap' year between completing high school and now, in Newstep.
When my school stuffed up during my final year of high school, I cried and cried and pretty much gave up on the idea of ever going to university. But I've been given a second chance, a chance to set things right.
What is it like?
Tiring, and physically and emotionally exhausting. Especially with my financial issues right now hindering whether or not I will be able to continue university. And if it weren't for the fact that I have the best family, friends and boyfriend in the whole world I wouldn't be sitting here right now, writing this. Not even having a job can sustain me for much longer, and the two hour rides on the train morning and night are exhausting. But you know what? I am getting through it, piecing things together and stronger than ever.
It's going to be difficult keeping up the work on my Clarity books, the series I'm planning for after the duology and the collab I'm working on with my best friend. Not to mention my university course, the finances, the homework and my two online writing courses - but I'm dealing.
This isn't my way of complaining about how stressful life is and how I can't cope - much the opposite. My message - aside from the fact that you will certainly love the Clarity duology if you enjoy my writing - is a message of hope. Just because things don't go to plan doesn't mean it's too late to work toward the same goal in a different way. Personally, I prefer this way. Only 40% of the people at my university are school leavers - meaning the other 60% are like me, taking a bridging course or a break, being that they didn't get what they needed in high school or simply are mature age students.
It's never too late. That is the lesson I have learned this month. The lesson I forgot about until now, as I work toward the end of the year and further, toward my Bachelor of Visual Communications Design. Do you have a goal to achieve? Have you missed the benchmark and are feeling like giving up? Tell me in the comments and speak to me. Sometimes the best way to getting back on track from things falling apart is a bit of friendly conversation from a positive influence! I will try and update the progress of my Clarity duology again as soon as possible. In the meantime, enjoy your day!

First week of university and already run off my feet!

Whoever knew that I would be spending $100+ per week on travel to uni, put your hands up!

No? Oh, okay.

The simple fact of the matter is that YAY! I'm in University studying Newstep for 2015 and am aiming for entry into a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design in 2016, but it also means that I am struggling to divide the proper time to each of my areas of importance. At a ridiculous rate of over $18 to get a return trip to university I no longer can afford the basics - both financially and time-wise.
All of my writing except for my two online writing courses are going on the back burner until the Easter holidays. In addition, I don't even have enough time for sleep! I know I'm complaining but I need everyone to know that it may be a while until I bring out Of Shadows, book #1 of my Clarity duo.
I apologise to everyone for imposing this delay but it necessary for me in order to complete my Newstep course and keep on track with both University and Open Colleges. I am seriously regretting not getting them done last year!
As a result, I am going to reduce the price to free for Of Shadows within the first week of it's release probably later this year and see how it goes from there as to whether I bring it back to the original price of $0.99 USD or to leave it free. Let's see how it goes, shall we?
I will try to keep up with my blog and all things writing as much as possible but with such a full study load, studying three courses at once is going to be pretty tough, especially without internet access where I currently live. Thank you all for your patience and promise to make it up to you all ASAP.

Double Book Cover Release!

Image © Anna Ismagilova - Fotolia.comHello everyone!
Tonight I finally finished Photoshopping the images I purchased from an amazing artist on Fotolia.com by the name of Anna Ismagilova. Her artworks feature many beautiful and insanely gorgeous watercolour paintings and I am super lucky that I am able to use her wonderful art. I recently bought some watercolours because although I'm alright at drawing, I am not so fluent in watercolour and would love to practice to maybe someday create my own cover images.
Image © Anna Ismagilova - Fotolia.comThat said, here are the covers to my new #ClarityDuology including both Of Shadows and Of Light. They include the front covers, the rear covers and the spine images simply because they're too beautiful for me to hide away until a particular date! Without further ado, here they are! (P.S. When I seem to upload images with a predominantly white background on my blog they get this pinkish-grey colour to them. For a more accurate preview of my covers you can see them on my Facebook here!)

The Clarity Duology: Nyx's Formal Scene

The Clarity Duology: Nyx's Formal Scene by missa-watson featuring a cuff bracelet

Black dress
165 AUD - amazon.com

Valentino black pumps
1 175 AUD - liberty.co.uk

STELLA McCARTNEY clutch
1 310 AUD - saksfifthavenue.com

Vintage jewelry
2 280 AUD - gilt.com

House of Harlow 1960 silver earrings
110 AUD - piperlime.gap.com

H M cuff bracelet
7.57 AUD - hm.com

L Oréal Paris silver eyeshadow
walmart.com

The Clarity Duology: Nyx's Wardrobe

The Clarity Duology: Nyx's Wardrobe by missa-watson featuring a draped cowl neck top

Lanvin red top
1 550 AUD - marissacollections.com

MARC LE BIHAN draped cowl neck top
farfetch.com

Michael Kors long sleeve crop top
625 AUD - marissacollections.com

Off shoulder top
sportsgirl.com.au

Boat neck sweater
32 AUD - romwe.com

Jane Norman v neck top
57 AUD - janenorman.co.uk

Alexandre Vauthier white jacket
3 560 AUD - farfetch.com

Balmain white jacket
3 795 AUD - balmain.com

OPUS Fashion pattern blazer
125 AUD - zalando.co.uk

NLY Trend biker jacket
91 AUD - nelly.com

Chiffon kimono
18 AUD - choies.com

Wool poncho cape
32 AUD - lotmart.co.uk

Michael Kors long beige skirt
5 305 AUD - harrods.com

Donna Karan pull on pants
1 510 AUD - neimanmarcus.com

Michael Kors elastic waist pants
110 AUD - psyche.co.uk

Long gold skirt
115 AUD - riverisland.fr

Topshop mini skirt
38 AUD - nordstrom.com

Chicwish white shorts
43 AUD - chicwish.com

Valentino strap sandals
1 260 AUD - bergdorfgoodman.com

Alexandre Birman slingback sandals
985 AUD - saksfifthavenue.com

Ash leather shoes
295 AUD - jildorshoes.com

Vince Camuto shoes
140 AUD - vincecamuto.com

Steve Madden high heel pumps
125 AUD - stevemadden.com

Wet Seal vegan shoes
24 AUD - wetseal.com

A Moment Of Updates

Hello everyone!
I hope that 2015 is treating you all fairly. I know it has certainly been a roller-coaster ride already on my end - and it has barely even started!
Recently I have been very family-focused and spent most of my time away from social media, putting my Fiverr account on vacation mode and doing only the basic things. I haven't been writing, only drawing, and doing what I need to in order to survive day to day.
Do not be alarmed though. Some occurrences in my life have been happening recently which has meant that I am to do these things. However, there have been some new advancements in my life.
More than ever, there are so many downloads of my books - both paid and free - online that I am so pleased about! My writing is getting out there, my voice is being heard! The cover for Of Light is complete and the cover for Of Shadows is close behind! Not to mention that I have a lovely little surprise that will come probably once Of Shadows is complete and released. Yet at this stage, I have barely done anything except planning for it! A.K.A. 40 pages of planning and only 8 chapters have any sense of direction as of yet!
I am also scouring my local area for a part-time job and applied for university yesterday. My hope is that I will be able to study my dream course of a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) at university and team it with a Diploma of Languages. If it goes ahead, it will mean that I will be at university for the next several years.
In addition, Ice is well on its way to becoming a paperback through www.lulu.com (Glass Bones is already available) and should be on its way soon. Keep an eye out here because I am planning on writing an entry about it and providing the proper links.
In terms of reading, I have been recently enthralled by The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead. I mean, the first one took me forever to read, but this - wow! I'm going to be on the road for 6 hours in total in the morning so I should breeze through the final hundred pages. Good thing my Mum bought me the next three for Christmas! I also bought myself the new A Thousand Pieces Of You by Claudia Gray recently. Also in my currently reading list are:

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James (On a dare from my best friend).This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner.Divergent by Veronica Roth.In conclusion, I have until July to finish my writing certificates online, Of Shadows is on its way and my little surprise has something to do with the number 7 - and it may even catch you all off guard! I'm off to bed now! On a final note: I can't wait until winter. This heat!

5,000+ views & my absence

Hello everyone! I hope that you're all enjoying the New Year and that you're all safe and well. Recently I have been getting behind on everything in my life due to stresses and the recent hospitalisation of a close family member. I was in the hospital with him yesterday and things will be touch and go for at least the next month. I apologise for my inactivity and I will continue working on my writing and creative pursuits as much as I possibly can during these tough times.
On a brighter note, I logged on just now to discover that there have been over 5,000 views of my blog, and over 14,000+ downloads of my books in 2014. That is staggering! I just want to take a moment to thank you all and give you a heads up for any inactivity I have over the weeks and months to come.
In addition, I would like to let you all know the covers of the Clarity duology are on their way and I have a massive surprise that will pop up online sometime this year! The covers of the Clarity duology just have a little bit of editing to be done but they will be amazing - I promise!
I am going to go and have a bit of an emotional break from everything in a moment so happy new year to all and I hope you're all safe and sound!
- M.S. Watson