💚 Ro 💚

Second Chance – Liam W H Young.

Finally finished, I bought this book, along with the second installment back in May when I went to Comiccon, the author himself was lovely!

Certainly an interesting read, I loved the plots and the way Rayna's coming into being known as such was handled. I feel it had a slow start; however I think that's just due to me entering this book in a bit of a reading slump. I enjoyed being introduced to the different characters and the way aspects of the world were introduced as you read. I think a critique I do have, however, is that at times it took me a page or two to realise who's narrative each chapter was focused on or when it changed. Especially when it switched to a character I did not readily know.

Half a Soul— Wonderfully whimsical.

I only came across this book not too long ago, with reviews for the book such as 'Howls moving castle' meets Bridgerton' and I wholeheartedly agree. Whilst I can't bare the idea of slating Howls moving castle (the book by Diana Wynne Jones, or the Studio Ghibli movie) the book certainly goes beyond that of Howls moving castle with a specific time frame stitched into the story; being set shortly after the war with Napoleon, whereas Howls Moving castle was merely written within its own world.

Half a Soul begins with Dora (Theodora Ettings) whom as a young child, comes across a mysterious gentleman faerie (Lord Hollowvale) who wishes to take her away. It is then her cousin, Vanessa whom saves her with a small pair of iron scissors, however leaving her appearance altered forever; one peculiar eye drained of colour.

It when Dora is older that the story is in full swing, with enchantment subtly slipped in, forgetting from time to time that it is in fact a tale of fantasy. But of course the magic becomes more obvious as you continue to read, especially when Dora becomes entangled in a relationship with her romantic lead, whom slowly grows fond of her, yet seems to bicker regardless.

It is fantasy regency so of course The Lord Sorcier has to crash a ball to save our lead Dora, yet it is truly Dora whom saves herself and many others under a plague, before returning home and eventually marriage. I loved every moment of this book and now crave more stories like it.

Words of enchantment straight from the page, with a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter just as their should be. With themes of female empowerment and acceptance — a beautifully crafted book from start to finish.

A book I felt I'd been waiting an eternity for, based on the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydicy. The story transports us to the whispering Isles, in which we meet our lead Orphia, having been placed their under the Kings protection as ordered by the sun-god Apollo. Despite the author having flipped round the genders of the original characters, we find Orphia to be trained in the art of spearfighting and tasked to defeat every opponent faced with on the island.

I don't think I truly understand how prolific a theme consulting the rights of women was going to be, as its evident around almost every bend and as it seems, one of Orphia's core intentions; to give a voice  and to protect them.

Journeying on, I found the book to be rather wholesome and sweet, especially around two thirds of the way in. A deep and meaningful conversation is shared between the titular characters, resulting in joyous bliss and acceptance of one and other.

Saw a couple of people doing this on Instagram, I'd already wanted to do it, there are a few I want to do actually, as a way of introducing some OC's.

I forgot to add the tumblr handle (I'm used to just posting to instagram)

When the details were still vague on the 60th specials, and there were only a few snippets, one being the scene where Rose meets the Meep down the alleyway, I thought the Meep was going to appear in all three episodes and that Rose was going to have a bigger role. (Though I'm sure we'll see more of her in episode three and hopefully in the future too!)

I essentially thought she was going to go off on her own with the Meep, thinking she was helping them get back home and then the Meep would turn around in episode three, revealing Rose to actually be a hostage.

I should have posted this yesterday really because now I have mixed feelings looking at it this morning.

A couple of weeks ago I basically split my leg open (but that's unrelated kinda) I was struggling to draw (in part because of my leg) anyway I was trying to doodle simple things.

And well, like every inktober, I think I'll try my hand at some cute spooky art. I came up with a skull. Initially they had wings and they were reading a book. The idea was that they were like a spirit that lived in a library or abandoned bookshop.

I abanded that drawing pretty quickly.

The idea waw bothering me so I then had to try and draw it again;

So meet Audrey. She has no recollection of her previous life and is shrouded in mystery. She inhabits an almost abandoned bookshop with the stray pup Castille whom has become rather fond of her and vice versa.

(The image on the right is likely what she died in)

It likely isn't anything I'll take further but I do have found family ideas involving a couple of other characters she'd meet, but this is all I've got. If I were to develop it, I think it'd be land somewhere between junior to ya graphic novels or if I could illustrate, I feel like it has the potential of a cute wholesome cartoon (but I can't stress enough, I really don't have any story beyond this!)