tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29844371415959804422024-03-18T11:52:26.365+00:00The Bewitched ReaderA girl shares her love for literature and life!Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.comBlogger342125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-57243975646979077912020-09-03T06:30:00.002+01:002020-09-04T00:43:50.251+01:009 Podcasts You Need to Listen Right Now<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-8K_LEZpGY/Xy8kb4iLvDI/AAAAAAAADX4/aHacedLOHfcMk3HcfcbTRimA-gL3ukzPACLcBGAsYHQ/s560/Copy%2Bof%2BPODCASTS%2BI%2527M%2BLOVING.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="394" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-8K_LEZpGY/Xy8kb4iLvDI/AAAAAAAADX4/aHacedLOHfcMk3HcfcbTRimA-gL3ukzPACLcBGAsYHQ/w700-h394/Copy%2Bof%2BPODCASTS%2BI%2527M%2BLOVING.png" width="700" /></a></div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Have you ever wondered about what you could be doing while you are driving, walking, running, drawing or even gardening that both entertains you and contributes towards your general knowledge? Then welcome to the wondrous world of podcasts!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Podcasts are a series of episodes in an audio format that you can both stream and download! You can subscribe to them and be notified as each episode comes along and most of them even make notes available in case you want to check something that was talked about further. These series can talk about anything and everything you can fathom, so you will certainly find something that speaks to you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In this post, I have compiled 9 podcasts that you need to listen right now! They are interesting, engrossing and fun to listen to and I know that you will find at least one of them speaks to you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>1. And That's Why We Drink</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="ATWWD_1400x1400_72dpi.jpg" height="480" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5aea0189d274cb62fe5f703e/1525322037231-PQN8EQOLF34NGE2YUCPE/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kHldqyjDwaeS7kYSmaCmglZ7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QHyNOqBUUEtDDsRWrJLTmTl_ALRZE0UkEheIF40jl8l-p-UjEfP0lrs6khMOijucIE9LbemCnC0mKIu4O-BCA/ATWWD_1400x1400_72dpi.jpg?format=750w" style="text-align: justify;" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.andthatswhywedrink.com/">Website </a>| <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ6T4yvuVYXSq6vLhRY547w">Youtube </a>| <a href="Stitcher ">Stitcher </a>| <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/and-thats-why-we-drink/id1204570053">Apple Podcasts</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>And That's Why We Drink</i> is a dynamic and fun podcast, hosted by Christine Schiefer and Em Schultz. Every episode you get a paranormal and a true crime story (and a lot of amazing banter that makes the content even better). The hosts are able to turn the most gruesome topics into fun conversation starters and discuss them in a mostly lighthearted way. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Besides the show's amazing hosts, Em's everlasting love for Canada and Christine's constant reminder that English is not her first language, you get some amazing theorising about current life, "young" issues and the warm feeling of having two friends you have never even met. They also make an effort to analyse older issues they present in a more modern light and often point out biasses and abide for inclusivity in every aspect of life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you like listening about interesting and creepy stories, from mobsters and assassins to Ouija Boards and haunted Airbnb's then this is a great podcast for you! I have started listening at the end of last year and am almost catching up to their current episodes (they have a lot of episodes released, so you're welcome to a binge listen!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>2. Let's Talk About Myths Baby</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Let's Talk About Myths, Baby! A Greek and Roman Mythology Podcast" height="459" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/593100562994ca75ce0d1817/t/59971970bebafba6e46a16e1/1594308879532/?format=1500w" style="text-align: justify;" width="459" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mythsbaby.com/" style="text-align: justify;">Website </a><span style="text-align: justify;">| </span><a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lets-talk-about-myths-baby/" style="text-align: justify;">Stitcher </a><span style="text-align: justify;">|</span><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-about-myths-baby-a-greek-roman-mythology-podcast/id1264449047" style="text-align: justify;"> Apple Podcasts</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Have you ever wanted to listen to a Greek and Roman mythology loving millennial recounting the most (and least) famous stories from antiquity? Well, Liv has got you covered with <i>Let's Talk About Myths Baby</i>! Twice a week she tells you an amazing story with an added perspective considering the issues of male dominating perspective throughout times. She also sheds light on how the record-setting and interpreting of ancient texts and stories can affect their current narratives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">One of the things I really love about this podcast is how Liv is able to take the ancient source material and turn it into a fun and engrossing story that makes you want to listen more and more. She also draws constant comparisons and parallels between issues that can be found on myths and historical societies and current events that shape our lives. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">All the stories in the podcast are the result of Liv's dedication and dwelling through as many primary sources as she is able and, as a person in academia, I love that! Many times she brings light to subjects that I would not have thought of by myself and challenges my way of looking at certain myths and stories. She also has a very great list of sources she uses on her website so you can check them yourself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Liv has just announced the publication of her first book <i><a href="https://www.mythsbaby.com/the-book">Greek Mythology: The Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes Handbook</a></i> and you can pre-order it <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Greek-Mythology-Gods-Goddesses-Heroes-Handbook-Liv-Albert/9781507215494/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">here</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>3. The Dirt</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="The Dirt" height="488" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b63c66875f9eed6d86405f6/t/5b660fbc758d46d3425e4250/1584357530809/?format=1500w" width="516" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thedirtpod.com/episodes">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-dirt-2?refid=stpr">Stitcher </a>| <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dirt-podcast/id1404606470?mt=2">Apple Podcasts</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In <i>The Dirt</i>, Anna, a PhD in Archaeology, and Amber, a former PhD student in Near Eastern Studies, apply their love of the world to bring us a podcast about Archaeology and Anthropology. In each episode, they analyse a different subject with recent themes going from hunting and gathering to ancient climate and art. They are extremely knowledgeable in the subjects they cover and often invited guest hosts that are specialists in their fields to discuss a subject.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>4. Noble Blood</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Listen Free to Noble Blood on iHeartRadio Podcasts | iHeartRadio" height="504" src="https://i.iheart.com/v3/catalog/podcast/46601390" width="504" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="http://noblebloodtales.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0sAgB3flk32QNHLjNlGAZw">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1468332063">Apple Podcasts</a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">With <i>Noble Blood</i>, Dana Schwartz welcomes you to the world of bloody and fascinating royals. Through narration and sometimes scary sound effects, the host presents the narratives of some of history's most captivating characters. There is a reason for this podcast to be on the top of iHeartRadio podcasts. There is something very unique on how Schwartz is able to turn very historically charged narratives into engrossing tales that bring to light not only the bloody and cruel events but also the most human and personal side of people who lived so long ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">To be honest, some of the narratives are so chilling and so well told that I had to stop listening to this podcast at night. I still love hearing it at times that are less probable to make me scared! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>5. Myths and Legends</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Myths and Legends – Telling the stories of the past in the ..." height="472" src="https://ssl-static.libsyn.com/p/assets/e/b/7/5/eb75c7e68e2c85b1/logo-new_castle.png" width="472" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mythpodcast.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/6xqETOvGnSQHH0xdLtgcXU">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/myths-and-legends/id990897842">Apple Podcasts</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Just like the title hints, <i>Myths and Legends</i> dedicates each episode (or some of them) to explore various myths and legends from all around the world. Besides the great energy brought by the host, Jason, it also presents great diversity in stories and tales. One day you are hearing about Viking legends and the next the subject has changed to Rumpelstiltskin. Honestly, I believe diversity and great storytelling to be some of this podcast's greatest assets. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you love to hear stories from all around the world, told in a great fashion with clear plots and characters then I am sure you will love this podcast! Before all of this pandemic business, I loved to hear this in my car during my commute. Sometimes I even ended up listening to the stories after I got home! Now I mostly listen to it during my daily walks and exercise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>6. Ancient Greece Declassified</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Ancient Greece Declassified – Podcast – Podtail" height="491" src="https://is5-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts123/v4/f0/d4/3d/f0d43d3a-dd33-22be-435a-e5feddefd8ea/mza_6638071775387517079.jpg/1200x1200bb.jpg" width="491" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://greecepodcast.com/" style="text-align: center;">Website</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">|</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/057Cy3fAnTRJiXhHPhPaqG" style="text-align: center;">Spotify</a><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">|</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ancient-greece-declassified/id1158506284" style="text-align: center;">Apple Podcasts</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This podcast is quite different from all I have mentioned until now. In <i>Ancient Greece Declassified</i>, Lantern Jack, a PhD in Ancient Philosophy receives a guest specialist in order to discuss a specific subject about Ancient Greece. This podcast makes informed and new discussion on matters of Greece and Antiquity accessible to everyone, even people who are not part of academia. The host always makes sure to locate the listener and explain certain topics that can be more complex.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Until now, some of my favourite episodes are the ones on Oligarchy, something I studied a little about during my bachelor's but that I had never delved deep into. Even if the premise of the show scares you a bit I still urge you to try it if you are interested in Ancient Greece! You will not be disappointed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>7. Ancient History Fangirl</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Podcast list" height="500" src="https://static.pocketcasts.com/discover/images/400/c8f30390-f392-0135-c25e-7d73a919276a.jpg" width="500" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.ancienthistoryfangirl.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/143l0W2TsU0qJOw54HVwG5">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ancient-history-fangirl/id1348151802">Apple Podcasts</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I have never seen a podcast more adequately named than this one! <i>Ancient History Fangirl</i> is hosted by two self-proclaimed ancient history fangirls Jenny Williamson and Genn McMenemy. Throughout many many episodes, they take you along the narratives and tales of some of history's most unique and famous people. My absolute favourite episodes are the ones on Agrippina (not telling you which, you have to find that out for yourselves), a Roman woman who knew how to navigate the Empire's dangerous politics and which personal story has been widely negatively portrayed throughout history. For the specific episodes I am referring to, you should check out <i>The Ancient-World Stark Family</i>, <i><a href="http://www.ancienthistoryfangirl.com/2018/11/22/the-ancient-world-stark-family-part-1-germanicus-the-manicus/">Part 1 - Germanicus the Manicus</a></i> and <i><a href="http://www.ancienthistoryfangirl.com/2018/12/06/the-ancient-world-stark-family-part-2-the-rise-and-fall-of-little-boots/">Part 2 - The Rise and Fall of Little Boots</a></i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">These two very charismatic and joyful hosts are able to share their very evident enthusiasm for Ancient History and share it in a fun and engrossing way! I love how each episode feels unique and how the audience can understand how much effort the hosts put into everything they present.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>8. Pontifacts</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="PONTIFACTS" height="459" src="https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/883815/Pontifacts_Logo_70.jpg" width="459" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://pontifacts.podbean.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/58Ez4JaE7Ea1RrSNsr012S">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pontifacts/id1387540364">Apple Podcasts</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Welcome to the somewhat interesting and scandalous world of Popes! In <i>Pontifacts</i>, Bry and Fry rank "all the Popes from Peter to Francis" with some delightful banter in between. Each episode tells the story of one of the Roman Catholic Church's pontiffs (including some initial episodes explaining the lingo and how the Catholic Church actually works). After reviewing the life and deeds of each Pope, the hosts rate him according to some very very fun categories and, when all the Popes are ranked, we will be able to know "who is the Popest Pope who ever Poped" (like they say in the podcast). Besides the amazing research that the hosts do, you get amazing comedy and simplifying of very messy facts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This is a good way to learn some history since through the lives and deeds of Popes you get to learn a bit about the world and struggles that surrounded them (but in a fun way)!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>9. Books Unbound</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Books Unbound Podcast" height="513" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5de5bcb46b779f2d5a391d77/t/5de5d1e78d3bc029402d244e/1595908974149/" width="513" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/">Website</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1rIeYzL1fh7ujLoOkrrJo2">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/books-unbound/id1484378635">Apple Podcasts</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I had to finish this list with my favourite bookish podcast! Ariel Bisset and Raeleen Lemay, who might already know from YouTube and Instagram take you through a journey of books and fun. Every episode they tell you about the books they are currently reading and the books they bought, finishing each one with answering to listener emails, advising them books according to their specifications. I will admit that one of the major benefits I get from this podcast is amazing book recommendations! Both Ariel's and Raeleen's taste on books matches with mine and they have many recommendations that I had never heard about. It is also amazing to hear great discussions about books from two people who clearly love to read. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-58475090862068473742020-05-15T18:14:00.004+01:002020-05-15T18:23:45.478+01:0010 Books That Will Give You Nice Dreams<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpuzvYs9YXk/XrL8cPXHg2I/AAAAAAAADQ0/IkcuHkx63GMBpSK0IFTYT0ssf0a3X-RxACK4BGAsYHg/The%2BBewitched%2BReader.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UpuzvYs9YXk/XrL8cPXHg2I/AAAAAAAADQ0/IkcuHkx63GMBpSK0IFTYT0ssf0a3X-RxACK4BGAsYHg/w640-h360/The%2BBewitched%2BReader.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;">Even though most of us are trying to gloss over the current world pandemic business in our social media and internet platforms, it is here and we feel it. In a time where most people have already been social distancing for two months, we need increasingly more positive stimuli. We need something that will make our brains from overthinking and panicking about everything around us and that helps us calm down. One of the reasons why I created this blog was to share my love of books. This love also comes from the part of me that uses stories as a way to escape from reality and embark on new adventures. Yes, this is just like that very tiresomely used quote from the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin: "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies [...].". Maybe this quote is used and referred to so many times because this is simply true? I can relate to it and I can see how many of the people that, like me, love reading can relate to it too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a small attempt to give you some tools to sleep better at night - because we all know how messed up sleep schedules can get during a quarantine - I have compiled a list of ten books that will help you feel better and sleep well at night. Some of these books I have read, some are suggested and some I found through research on the internet. They are not necessarily dreamy and fantasy-driven reads but rather atmospheric tales that will make you travel through other worlds and realities. I suggest reading them before going to sleep, like a small daily ritual. It will help you fall asleep since you will ideally be kept far away from blue lights and electronics that might keep you awake, help you establish a sleep schedule if you program your reading time every night and help you relax and be distracted from all that is wrong with the world right now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Always remember, it does not matter what kind of books you read or how many books you read! What matters is that you enjoy the act of reading!</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><font color="#4285f4">1.</font> <i>The Chronicles of Narnia</i> by C.S. Lewis</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="11127. sy475" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1449868701l/11127._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Chronicles-of-Narnia/9780066238500/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Journeys to the end of the world, fantastic creatures, and epic battles between good and evil—what more could any reader ask for in one book? The book that has it all is The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, written in 1949 by Clive Stapl</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">es Lewis. But Lewis did not stop there. Six more books followed, and together they became known as The Chronicles of Narnia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For the past fifty years, The Chronicles of Narnia have transcended the fantasy genre to become part of the canon of classic literature. Each of the seven books is a masterpiece, drawing the reader into a land where magic meets reality, and the result is a fictional world whose scope has fascinated generations.</div></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">In The Chronicles of Narnia series, C. S. Lewis transports his readers to the magical and ethereal land of Narnia. A land that is like ours in many ways but very distinct in others. You have probably read these books or at least heard something about them during your lifetime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">They are a great read and, having read them as children, they are a great subject to re-read and re-discover. I promise you that you will find new things that you never realised were there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><font color="#4285f4">2.</font> <i>Anna and the French Kiss</i> by Stephanie Perkins</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="17453983. sy475" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1472307261l/17453983._SY475_.jpg" width="421" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Anna-and-the-French-Kiss/9781409579939/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?</div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Love and Paris are two great words to associate in everything related to the escape of daily life. This is certainly an atmospheric read: you will feel transported to Paris, discovering little corners that you never imagined were possible to exist. If you want to go to Paris in the future, this story will give you amazing tips of places to visit and things not to miss (there is no problem with dreaming about the future) and if you have already been to Paris this book will make you look at it with another set of eyes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><font color="#4285f4">3.</font> <i>The Little Paris Bookshop </i>by Nina George</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="25393301. sy475" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1437820543l/25393301._SY475_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="419" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Little-Paris-Bookshop-Nina-George/9780349140377/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span></span>Monsieur Perdu calls himself a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can't seem to heal through literature is himself; he's still haunted by heartbreak after his great love disappeared. She left him with only a letter, which he has never opened.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">After Perdu is finally tempted to read the letter, he hauls anchor and departs on a mission to the south of France, hoping to make peace with his loss and discover the end of the story. Joined by a bestselling but blocked author and a lovelorn Italian chef, Perdu travels along the country’s rivers, dispensing his wisdom and his books, showing that the literary world can take the human soul on a journey to heal itself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Internationally bestselling and filled with warmth and adventure, The Little Paris Bookshop is a love letter to books, meant for anyone who believes in the power of stories to shape people's lives.</div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I know this is the second Paris book in a row but it came highly recommended (from the general population over at Goodreads)! After some scrolling around looking for "feel good" books this one kept appearing over and over again. From what I can gather, it talks about lost love and the journey not only to rediscover oneself but also to learn how to love again. Honestly, who does not want to hear the love story of a man who mends broken hearts through books? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background-color: white;"><font color="#4285f4">4.</font></span><i> One Day in December</i> by Josie Silver </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="38255337" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573862622l/38255337.jpg" width="437" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/One-Day-December-Josie-Silver/9780241982273/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Two people. Ten chances. One unforgettable love story.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Laurie is pretty sure love at first sight doesn't exist anywhere but the movies. But then, through a misted-up bus window one snowy December day, she sees a man who she knows instantly is the one. Their eyes meet, there's a moment of pure magic... and then her bus drives away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Certain they're fated to find each other again, Laurie spends a year scanning every bus stop and cafe in London for him. But she doesn't find him, not when it matters anyway. Instead they "reunite" at a Christmas party, when her best friend Sarah giddily introduces her new boyfriend to Laurie. It's Jack, the man from the bus. It would be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">What follows for Laurie, Sarah and Jack is ten years of friendship, heartbreak, missed opportunities, roads not taken, and destinies reconsidered. One Day in December is a joyous, heartwarming and immensely moving love story to escape into and a reminder that fate takes inexplicable turns along the route to happiness. </div></blockquote></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Here we have another love story, this time in London. This is, over everything else, a cosy book. A book that talks about meeting the right person at the wrong time, the reality of love and of how impossible things happen every day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you love great character development and a great romance novel, this is the book you have been waiting for!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><font color="#4285f4">5.</font> <i>The Unhoneymooners</i> by Christina Lauren</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="42201431" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1548201335l/42201431.jpg" width="413" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Unhoneymooners-Christina-Lauren/9781501128035/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Olive is always unlucky: in her career, in love, in…well, everything. Her identical twin sister Ami, on the other hand, is probably the luckiest person in the world. Her meet-cute with her fiancé is something out of a romantic comedy (gag) and she’s managed to finance her entire wedding by winning a series of Internet contests (double gag). Worst of all, she’s forcing Olive to spend the day with her sworn enemy, Ethan, who just happens to be the best man.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Olive braces herself to get through 24 hours of wedding hell before she can return to her comfortable, unlucky life. But when the entire wedding party gets food poisoning from eating bad shellfish, the only people who aren’t affected are Olive and Ethan. And now there’s an all-expenses-paid honeymoon in Hawaii up for grabs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Putting their mutual hatred aside for the sake of a free vacation, Olive and Ethan head for paradise, determined to avoid each other at all costs. But when Olive runs into her future boss, the little white lie she tells him is suddenly at risk to become a whole lot bigger. She and Ethan now have to pretend to be loving newlyweds, and her luck seems worse than ever. But the weird thing is that she doesn’t mind playing pretend. In fact, she feels kind of... lucky.</div></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">You know when a literary trope is done right and it feels so nice? Well, this is it! Enemies to lovers, haters to lovers, guy and girl who do not like each other stuck in a room thanks to circumstance... This book has been recently published in Portugal and let me tell you: it is all over my Instagram feed! Everyone is reading it and loving it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Engaging characters with the pleasant, funny and light tone that Christina Lauren's books always seem to promise: this is certainly a recipe for a better mood and a reading binge!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><font color="#4285f4">6.</font> <i>The Light in the Piazza </i>by Elizabeth Spencer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="1296688" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1201462506l/1296688.jpg" width="429" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Light-Piazza-Other-Italian-Tales-Elizabeth-Spencer/9780878058372/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Light in the Piazza takes place in Italy in the summer of 1953. Margaret Johnson and her beautiful, twenty-six-year-old daughter, Clara, are touring the Tuscan countryside. While sightseeing, Clara meets a good-looking young Italian man, Fabrizio, and quickly embarks on a whirlwind romance with him, despite her mother’s stern disapproval.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Margaret, extremely protective of her daughter, attempts to keep Clara and Fabrizio apart, not only because of the cultural differences between the young lovers but also because of a family secret that would be revealed: Clara is not quite all that she appears. Considering whether to inform Fabrizio and his family of the truth about Clara, Margaret realizes that it could possibly spoil her daughter’s one true chance for happiness.</div></blockquote></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This book can be mostly described as an Italian Summer dream. If you put together foreigners and Tuscany in 1953 there is so much potential to be unlocked. Yes, this is an old story, but there is something so atmospheric (I really like this word, it seems) about it that is difficult to explain in order to conceptualise it better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This was the book that gave origin to the famous musical with the same title!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><font color="#4285f4">7.</font> <i>Stardust</i> by Neil Gaiman</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="16793" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1459127484l/16793.jpg" width="425" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Stardust/9780755322824/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">Life moves at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall—named after the imposing stone barrier which separates the town from a grassy meadow. Here, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the beautiful Victoria Forester and for the coveted prize of her hand, Tristran vows to retrieve a fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends him over the ancient wall and into a world that is dangerous and strange beyond imagining...</blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">You may know it only as a movie but Stardust is another one of Neil Gaiman's great stories! This is not a book for deep characters and thoughts but rather a lighthearted and adventurous tale that brings back all the knightly and fantastical tropes we all love. I would go so far as to say that this book reads like a grown-up Disney movie and I cannot see anything wrong with that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Do not mistake me, this is certainly an adult story, but it is surrounded by whimsical magic and characters that make you love them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><font color="#4285f4">8.</font> <i>Juliet</i> by Anne Fortier </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="6718608" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1366399299l/6718608.jpg" width="429" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Juliet-Anne-Fortier/9780345516114/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Juliet, an ambitious, utterly engaging historical novel on the scale of The Thirteenth Tale and The Birth of Venus, follows a young woman who discovers that her family’s origins reach all the way back to literature’s greatest star-crossed lovers. Twenty-five-year-old Julie Jacobs is heartbroken over the death of her beloved aunt Rose. But the shock goes even deeper when she learns that the woman who has been like a mother to her has left her entire estate to Julie’s twin sister. The only thing Julie receives is a key—one carried by her mother on the day she herself died—to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This key sends Julie on a journey that will change her life forever—a journey into the troubled past of her ancestor Giulietta Tolomei. In 1340, still reeling from the slaughter of her parents, Giulietta was smuggled into Siena, where she met a young man named Romeo. Their ill-fated love turned medieval Siena upside-down and went on to inspire generations of poets and artists, the story reaching its pinnacle in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">But six centuries have a way of catching up to the present, and Julie gradually begins to discover that here, in this ancient city, the past and present are hard to tell apart. The deeper she delves into the history of Romeo and Giulietta, and the closer she gets to the treasure they allegedly left behind, the greater the danger surrounding her—superstitions, ancient hostilities, and personal vendettas. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in the unforgettable blood feud, she begins to fear that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is destined to be its next target. Only someone like Romeo, it seems, could save her from this dreaded fate, but his story ended long ago. Or did it?</div></blockquote></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This book is one of my all-time favourites. Seriously, it is one of those books that I feel that are not appreciated enough (and there are loads of people who really disagree with me on this). I love Italy as a setting for stories and this is a dual one. You get to see the development of the plot along with two storylines that are deeply intertwined. From the origins of Romeo and Juliet's story comes a mystery that lasts generations!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The mix between the story, the romance, the literary aspect and the compelling characters always succeeds in taking my breath away!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><font color="#4285f4">9.</font> <i>Interred with Their Bones</i> by Jennifer Lee Carrell</b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="4332646" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1393217466l/4332646.jpg" width="426" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Interred-with-Bones-Jennifer-Lee-Carrell/9780452289895/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A long-lost work of Shakespeare, newly found.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A killer who stages the Bard’s extravagant murders as flesh-and-blood realities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">A desperate race to find literary gold, and just to stay alive. . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On the eve of the Globe’s production of Hamlet, Shakespeare scholar and theater director Kate Stanley’s eccentric mentor Rosalind Howard gives her a mysterious box, claiming to have made a groundbreaking discovery. But before she can reveal it to Kate, the Globe burns to the ground and Roz is found dead . . . murdered precisely in the manner of Hamlet’s father. Inside the box Kate finds the first piece in a Shakespearean puzzle, setting her on a deadly, high-stakes treasure hunt.</div></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">From Romeo and Juliet we jump to another Shakespeare themed book, this one much more than the other. I find it deeply appealing to mix Shakespeare with a mystery and a scholar! Honestly, I love all about the premise of this book and could not resist putting it in this list. After all, a book can still have a little murder and take your breath away!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><font color="#4285f4">10.</font> <i>Love in the Time of Cholera </i>by Gabriel García Márquez</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="437476" height="640" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344370121l/437476.jpg" width="391" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Love-Time-Cholera-Gabriel-Garcia-Marquez/9780141189208/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><img border="0" data-original-height="132" data-original-width="355" height="74" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-62GvfEYjNDI/Xr7Or4Sp03I/AAAAAAAADSY/S7hE8TkQxv8nzS4oRPUi7bnH08hFi10XgCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h74/bookdepository-button.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote style="text-align: justify;">In their youth, Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza fall passionately in love. When Fermina eventually chooses to marry a wealthy, well-born doctor, Florentino is heartbroken, but he is a romantic. As he rises in his business career he whiles away the years in 622 affairs—yet he reserves his heart for Fermina. Her husband dies at last, and Florentino purposefully attends the funeral. Fifty years, nine months, and four days after he first declared his love for Fermina, he will do so again. </blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This last book is a very special suggestion, although it is not mine! This is a suggestion from my friend Camila, from Ecuador. She told me that this is a story about lovers re-finding themselves years after, 50 of them to be more specific, their torrid and passionate love affair. According to her, this is a very heartwarming story that will make you feel deeply. I do not want to say too much about it so I do not disclose too much of the plot. Many people already know about this story but, in this case, you can always rediscover it. For those who do not know it, like me, there is a whole tale waiting for us!</div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, please do check out my<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebewitchedreader/" target="_blank"> Instagram Page</a>! You can find me <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebewitchedreader/" target="_blank">@thebewitchedreader</a></b>, I try to update it regularly so I can be more present in the bookish community ☻</div><pre style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></pre><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-19609373488866170042020-05-05T19:30:00.001+01:002020-05-05T19:30:12.950+01:00Truthwitch (The Witchlands #1) by Susan Dennard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Review.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Susan Dennard<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Pan Macmillan<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> 12th January 2017<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> ebook (Netgalley)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1428675822l/21414439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="21414439" border="0" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1428675822l/21414439.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulYuCVpM1sc/VXisqvPcKgI/AAAAAAAABRY/q4klnHhXzgQSwjozCh311wKY5zcz5lCEQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulYuCVpM1sc/VXisqvPcKgI/AAAAAAAABRY/q4klnHhXzgQSwjozCh311wKY5zcz5lCEQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.5.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.<br />
Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.<br />
In a chance encounter at Court, Safi meets Prince Merik and makes him a reluctant ally. However, his help may not slow down the Bloodwitch now hot on the girls' heels. All Safi and Iseult want is their freedom, but danger lies ahead. With war coming, treaties breaking and a magical contagion sweeping the land, the friends will have to fight emperors and mercenaries alike. For some will stop at nothing to get their hands on a Truthwitch.</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Truthwitch-Witchlands-Novel-Book-ebook/dp/B00Z5Z5NNO/ref=sr_1_1?adid=082VK13VJJCZTQYGWWCZ&campaign=211041&creative=374001&keywords=Truthwitch&qid=1565907082&s=books&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Truthwitch-Susan-Dennard/9780765379290/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21414439-truthwitch?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/truthwitch-susan-dennard/1121725388?ean=9780765379290">B&N</a><br />
<div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><strong><u><br /></u></strong>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u>Review:</u></strong></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
* I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u><br /></u></strong></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Iseault and Safiya are two young witches and threadsisters who really like to get in trouble. Iseault is a threadwitch and a Nomatsi, she sticks out in a crowd and suffers from the overall xenophobia reserved to her people. Safi, is a truthwitch and a Domna of Cantorra, although she comes from a prominent family, she very much prefers her life in the city with Iseault and the rest of their threadfamily.<br />
<br />
One day their trouble takes a step too far and they find themselves hunted by a dangerous bloodwitch, which can track beings with a scary degree of efficiency and velocity. They never thought that they would get into so much trouble with the Guildmaster who commands him, but now they must save themselves. When Safi meets Prince Merik of Nubrevna by chance - on one of the most confusing days of her life - little does she know how entertained their lives will be from then on.<br />
Merik ends up being the best way to escape the bloodwitch. War is brewing, the old treaties are expiring, it is every kingdom for itself! All this happens as they depart on their attempt to save their lives, a kingdom and an identity.<br />
<br />
One of the things that I like the most about this story was its focus. The main theme of the book is friendship. There is romance, adventure and fight scenes but it always comes back to friendship and about the family that you choose. Safi and Iseault complement each other: Iseault is the calm and wise ocean to Safi's thunderstorm. They are bound by much more than fate or circumstance, they are each other's family. The story also talks about acceptance and the importance of not judging and excluding others because of their outer appearances. Due to the rarity of her magic, Safi tries to hide her true powers from almost everyone: this way people can't use her as leverage. Only Iseault knows her truth. The girls both want to break free, one from the obligations at court and the other from the prejudice that constantly surrounds her just because she looks different. When they are forced to flee with Prince Merik aboard the Jana, they cannot predict the turn that their lives will take. Prince Merik has his own set of complicated issues: a poor country, a power-hungry family that only cares about profit and prestige, a sad and hungry people which he desperately wants to help.<br />
<br />
One of the strongest assets of this book is its amazing set of characters. While they are a rather large group, each of them is beautifully complex and well developed (and also a somewhat relatable). Dennard shows how a person can have good and bad actions, show regret, change and evolve with their experiences in life. The author uses the characters' faults as opportunities for reflection and It is also very hard not appreciate fierce female warriors that strike fear those who watch them fight, they impose respect through their actions. The story is told in four different points of view (POV): Safi's, Iseault's, Merik's and Aeduan's (the bloodwitch). This only made the characters feel more real since you could see what the characters were thinking, what were their motivations, perceptions and reactions to their surrounding environment. I love this especially because you know someone's true motivations but you can see how they sometimes need to hide them and the others do not realise the truth: this made me root so much more for certain characters!<br />
<br />
There is no raging cliffhanger by the end but a lot of questions are let loose to hang in the air and I will admit that I cannot stop wondering what will happen next. It was a little hard to get into the story, since the very beginning is full of information about the world, the magic, the people, the geography, amongst others. However, I was eventually able to immerse myself in the story and fully appreciate it in all its beauty.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-58432239926941026922020-05-02T15:00:00.000+01:002020-05-02T15:00:01.570+01:00Chain of Gold (The Last Hours #1) by Cassandra Clare <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Cassandra Clare<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Margaret K. McElderry Books<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> March 3rd, 2020<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> Hardback (purchased)</span></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1571379245l/17699853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="17699853" border="0" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1571379245l/17699853.jpg" width="265" /></a><strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.<br />
James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love.</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chain-Gold-Last-Hours-Book-ebook/dp/B075RT7BCG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Chain+of+Gold&qid=1586559433&s=books&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Chain-of-Gold-Cassandra-Clare/9781481431873/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17699853-chain-of-gold">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chain-of-gold-cassandra-clare/1129994128?ean=9781481431873">B&N</a><br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EJLU0qeRcs/XpD5UvXTp8I/AAAAAAAADOA/6iCgWiA6vtYmT1mxaBp7_jN42kdN8fHaQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Clearance%2BSale%2BBlog%2BBanner.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3EJLU0qeRcs/XpD5UvXTp8I/AAAAAAAADOA/6iCgWiA6vtYmT1mxaBp7_jN42kdN8fHaQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/Clearance%2BSale%2BBlog%2BBanner.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u>Review:</u></strong></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book brings the reader back to Edwardian London and its Shadowhunters. Characters from previous instalments in the Shadowhunter world - <i>The Infernal Devices -</i> whose adventures of love and life we accompanied before, are now respectable adults with their own children. Children that are every bit as adventurous and brave (and a little too fearless for their own good) as them.<br />
For the past 10 years, demons have been keeping away from London. The reason? No one knows. But this has made it so that the newest generation of Shadowhunters have grown up without the constant gruelling battles their parents had to deal with. Lucie and James Herondale grew up in a loving home, enjoying a sense of peace and calm lifestyle that is very uncharacteristic for the typical Shadowhunter. They were trained but rarely ever saw any demons.<br />
When the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come back to London things start to happen. Secrets are unfolded, secrets are created and demons come back. In a most unexpected moment, the demons have started to prey on Shadowhunters all around London. With their parents too involved in politics to be able to be of any use to them Lucie, James and their friends embark on a journey to save London and the world.<br />
Where should I start when talking about this book? It is a difficult thing to have any sort of critical perspective when talking about a series that has accompanied me through more than 10 years. So, please do consider this my bias warning: I have many many feelings associated with many characters in this book and have had them for quite some years now (*caughs* Will Herondale).<br />
<i>Chain of Gold </i>is the first book in Cassandra Clare's <i>The Last Hours</i> trilogy. As it relies very heavily on previous knowledge about the Shadowhunter World I do not advise newcomers to start with this book: you should, at the least, read <i>The Infernal Devices</i> trilogy before embarking on this adventure. It is certainly a book that, having its own characters and plotlines, expounds on previous plot and relies on previous world-building. I gather that a new Shadowhunter reader would feel very confused if starting with this book.<br />
This new London that we find ourselves now is much more modern than that of Will and Tessa's youth. Their children are all grown up and have their own little groups and hobbies, which are both diverse and also relatable to their bringing up (we all know their parents love books). We are also introduced to a vast set of characters, highlighting Cordelia and Alastair Carstairs, Grace Blackthorn, Christopher, Thomas and Anna Lightwood and Matthew Fairchild. The story relies on a very long cast of characters, and it is not my aim here to tell you all about them, however, I really want to talk about a few things that I appreciated.<br />
I will begin with the amazing representation in this book. Edwardian London was not as "white" as people like to imagine it and we must also take into account that Shadowhunters are spread all around the world and are of all sizes, colours, nationalities, cultures and sexualities. Yes, sexuality in Edwardian London was sort of taboo, but that does not imply that people just conformed to the "norm" (I really do not like this word). I found that <i>Chain of Gold</i> is a great representation of the evolving and dynamic world the Shadowhunters interact with. Seeing Anna Lightwood in all her gentleman attire and Cordelia Carstairs being proud of her <i>Persian </i>origins makes my heart flutter. I found two new favourite characters in this universe.<br />
Cassandra Clare has honed her craft of producing period novels with a romantic and, at the same time, ominous ambience. This is a novel that truly showcases how much the Shadowhunter universe has evolved throughout the years. Of course, there are some points that are almost expected at this point, we now Cassandra loves them, but there is no denying the innovation and intricacy that it took to build this new story. I anxiously await the next instalment!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_nYPoggKgM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_nYPoggKgM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_nYPoggKgM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
Ver esta publicação no Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_nYPoggKgM/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">🍂 "That's everyone's dream, isn't it? Instead of many who give you little pieces of themselves - one who gives you everything." 🍂 . 📖 Chain of Gold (The Last Hours #1) by Cassandra Clare . 🇬🇧 I've been reading Shadowhunter books for so long that I've gotten to know the characters very well, reading about them can feel like coming home. I know, I know cliché... But I loved the Mortal Instruments and I loved reading about what happened after some years. Their future. Out of the characters I already knew, I gained a deep love and appreciation for Cordelia Carstairs. She is my heart 💞 I love to see a powerful woman which can spellbind people with her character and whose closest ally is her sword. Lucie Herondale is another woman that captivated me deeply. Honestly, I could talk about this book for hours 😅💖 do read it and get back to me so we can talk about it. . 🇵🇹 Eis que continuo a ler livros de Shadowhunters após tantos anos. Livros que comecei a ler no no nono ano e que, de certa forma, cresceram comigo. Voltar ao mundo de Londres nos anos de 1900 é quase como voltar a casa. 💖 Muito dramático eu sei, mas realmente é uma daquelas séries que permaneceram comigo. Este livro especialmente tem tantas personagens profundas e fortes e eu poderia falar sobre isto até amanhã de manhã 😂💖 . #thebewitchedreader #bibliophilefeatures #vscoreads #readmorebooks #victorian #victorianLondon #bookstagram #shadowhunters #cassandraclare #yaliterature #youngadult #ya #yabooks #fabtasybookseries #bookaesthetic #flatlay #bibliophile #bookCommunity</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
Uma publicação partilhada por <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebewitchedreader/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> The Bewitched Reader</a> (@thebewitchedreader) a <time datetime="2020-04-30T18:36:18+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">30 de Abr, 2020 às 11:36 PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-13181489781357545122020-04-11T16:30:00.000+01:002020-04-11T16:30:06.522+01:00Heartstopper: Volume One (Heartstopper #1) by Alice Oseman <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Review.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Alice Oseman<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Hodder Children's Books<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> September 2016<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> paperback (purchased)</span></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulYuCVpM1sc/VXisqvPcKgI/AAAAAAAABRY/q4klnHhXzgQSwjozCh311wKY5zcz5lCEQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulYuCVpM1sc/VXisqvPcKgI/AAAAAAAABRY/q4klnHhXzgQSwjozCh311wKY5zcz5lCEQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1538767061l/42189109._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="42189109. sy475 " border="0" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1538767061l/42189109._SY475_.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="262" /></a></div>
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore, and he's sort of got a boyfriend, even if he's kind of mean and only wants to meet up in secret.<br />
Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He's heard a little about Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he's never had the opportunity to talk to him. That is, until the start of January, in which Nick and Charlie are placed in the same form group and made to sit together.<br />
They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1444951386/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1444951386&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Heartstopper-Volume-One-ALICE-OSEMAN/9781444951387/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42189109-heartstopper" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heartstopper-alice-oseman/1133594836?ean=9781338617436" target="_blank">B&N</a> | <a href="https://heartstoppercomic.tumblr.com/post/148737198070">Tumblr </a>| <a href="https://tapas.io/episode/444220">Tapas</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u>Review:</u></strong></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first volume of Alice Oseman's collection of graphic novels, <i>Heartstopper</i>, is a short and sweet book that will certainly warm your heart. This book series originated in the webcomic that the author started in 2016, about two characters from her book <i><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Solitaire-ALICE-OSEMAN/9780007559220/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Solitaire</a></i>. After having it available on both <a href="https://heartstoppercomic.tumblr.com/post/148737198070" style="text-align: center;">Tumblr</a> and <a href="https://tapas.io/episode/444220" style="text-align: center;">Tapas</a>, Oseman decided to self publish the first part of her comic: she was surprised by the number of people who adhered to her project. After that, the book was picked up by <i>Hodder Children's Books </i>and is currently on its third installment. <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Heartstopper-Volume-One-ALICE-OSEMAN/9781444951387/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader"><i>Heartstopper</i> </a>talks about Nick and Charlie, two boys that go to the same boys-only Grammar School. They are very different people, with different personalities, ages, and interests and they don't even flow in the same social channels. That is, until one day, by chance, they are sat together in a class and their paths finally crossed. Quickly, a beautiful and awkward friendship starts to bloom. Nick and Charlie hold each other up through some complicated situations, all the while they are getting to know each other.<br />
<br />
I don't want to talk a lot about this book because it would spoil your reading experience but there are a few things that I can tell you. There are some big and important themes in this book in regards to the LGBTQ+ community. My perspective as a heterosexual white cis female may not be the most accurate but I feel that this book portrays issues that people go through when coming out or coming to terms with their own sexuality. I believe that it is very important to "normalize" this - not that it isn't normal, I just believe many people in society just don't see it as such - especially regarding young people, when they may feel that they are alone, just because they don't conform to the norm. Seeing Nick come to terms with his sexuality and discovering more about himself warmed my heart, we all need to be able to look within and should not be ashamed of whatever we find there.<br />
<br />
Oseman also portrays how much the outer perception we have of others may not correspond in the slightest to the truth. I love to see societal tropes challenged and I loved to see how a relationship blooms from the ground up, all built on friendship, trust, and mutual understanding. This was the perfect book to get over my book slump and I can't wait to read the next installments and have my heart stolen again!<br />
<br />
<br />
Also, please give Alice Oseman some love! 💕<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BthOtkXnl2h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BthOtkXnl2h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BthOtkXnl2h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
Ver esta publicação no Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BthOtkXnl2h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">I’m a damn fool for not taking any photos of me actually with other people but it was the book launch for Heartstopper tonight!! It was just a little thing with some bookish friends and it was just wonderful. Huge thanks to everyone who came along and to @gaysthewordbookshop for hosting! I left lots of signed copies there too 💕🌿🐶</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
Uma publicação partilhada por <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aliceoseman/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Alice Oseman</a> (@aliceoseman) a <time datetime="2019-02-05T23:52:28+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">5 de Fev, 2019 às 3:52 PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-31738342382219307742019-12-17T13:11:00.003+00:002019-12-17T13:11:38.431+00:00Capturing the Devil (Stalking Jack the Ripper #4) by Kerri Maniscalco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Kerri Maniscalco<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> JIMMY Patterson<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> September 10th 2019<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556550359l/37539001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="37539001" border="0" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1556550359l/37539001.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> book (purchased)</span></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLg3HIR3tdI/VXSurqYjo0I/AAAAAAAABQM/lLuhYiK3z2MXmfEHoLLg5x0_mumVwyzJACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLg3HIR3tdI/VXSurqYjo0I/AAAAAAAABQM/lLuhYiK3z2MXmfEHoLLg5x0_mumVwyzJACPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.5.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell have landed in America, a bold, brash land unlike the genteel streets of London they knew. But like London, the city of Chicago hides its dark secrets well. When the two attend the spectacular World's Fair, they find the once-in-a-lifetime event tainted with reports of missing people and unsolved murders.<br />
Determined to help, Audrey Rose and Thomas begin their investigations, only to find themselves facing a serial killer unlike any they've heard of before. Identifying him is one thing, but capturing him---and getting dangerously lost in the infamous Murder Hotel he constructed as a terrifying torture device---is another.<br />
Will Audrey Rose and Thomas see their last mystery to the end---together and in love---or will their fortunes finally run out when their most depraved adversary makes one final, devastating kill?</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316485543/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316485543&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Capturing-the-Devil-Kerri-Maniscalco/9780316485548/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37539001-capturing-the-devil">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/capturing-the-devil-kerri-maniscalco/1130069926?ean=9780316485548&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20Inc#/">B&N</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2019/08/review-stalking-jack-ripper-stalking.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="1200" height="291" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kL_uB3ujZRs/XdnVRCrVE7I/AAAAAAAADIA/y7BW-g23JU43UNIjeKbRqeuGTIpAl_sqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/SJTR%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2019/09/review-hunting-prince-dracula-stalking.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="1200" height="294" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rUs_G4pio6U/XdnVYdPZoSI/AAAAAAAADIE/bipBfXhXRosFquxQ3C4_WqfcdzYJGEOxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/SJTR%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2019/09/review-escaping-from-houdini-stalking.html"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z10mGsXBoDY/XdnWDkhfldI/AAAAAAAADIY/fQTJu5hE4coJBICBz8kxWGUoEDLV50bmgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/SJTR%2B3%2Bcopy.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u>Review:</u></strong></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After stalking Jack the Ripper, Hunting Prince Dracula and escaping from Houdini, Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell will have to capture the Devil! Audrey and Thomas have now arrived in New York. Audrey is learning to live with her injured leg and Thomas is learning that Audrey is not made of glass, or at least trying to.<br />
After a mystery killer escaped from the RMS Etruria, Audrey and Thomas decided that, as soon as their life stabilizes, they need to find him. Soon they discover a trail of victims, it seems that the killer is trying to lure them his way. As their lives get increasingly complicated, Wadsworth and Cresswell must put their feelings aside and discover new truths that would be better to be forgotten. Pain and rawness rule over America and our protagonists' hearts. In the city of Chicago, in the midst of the International Exposition.<br />
It was a bittersweet feeling to read the conclusion of a series that has brought me so much happiness and that filled so many hours of my life. I have written extensively about how I feel about Audrey Rose and her meaning to me. I love to read books that encourage people, books that teach you that you have an inner strength bigger than you might think, books that are different.<br />
What could be more singular than a whole series about a Victorian girl who wants to study forensic medicine and that fights tooth and nail to achieve that goal? Thomas is also different from the classic representation of the Victorian man, going through a whole journey from seeming non-emotional to accepting and expressing his emotions. In a way, Cresswell's feelings are an essential element to the climax of the story.<br />
There is also so much representation throughout the whole series! There is no whitewashing of the Victorian society, as can be attested by Audrey's Indian ancestry, which goes in line with the mesh of cultures that took place in Victorian times (and all throughout history). There is also an accurate representation of how same-sex love and relationships have always been present, they might not have been accepted by polite (and impolite) society but they still existed. In this book, there is also a showcase of how much control the family and the parental figure had in the suns' and daughters' lives. Overall, you can see that this was a very very well researched series which brings up important matters in today's worlds, whether on an indirect or direct manner.<br />
I loved the way that the author completely slapped me on the face, taking the conclusions from the first book and flipping them completely around. I had never heard of the theory that H. H. Holmes was Jack the Ripper but I loved how it completely suited the overall plot, making the thread between books even stronger. All the scenes inside the Murder Hotel (or Murder Castle) were positively macabre, they needed to be like that.<br />
I like to believe brought about a certain apotheosis of Audrey Rose, where she was elevated to something else by completely sacrificing herself in every possible way. Not that I would suggest that people chase prolific dangerous assassins on their own. This was certainly one of the best books in the series and one of the darkest too. It is definitely in my top of best books of 2019 and I would suggest you give it a read!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6I8GMYgaUo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6I8GMYgaUo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6I8GMYgaUo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6I8GMYgaUo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6I8GMYgaUo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
Ver esta publicação no Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">
</div>
</div>
</a><br />
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B6I8GMYgaUo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Uma publicação partilhada por The Bewitched Reader (@thebewitchedreader)</a> a <time datetime="2019-12-16T16:16:10+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">16 de Dez, 2019 às 8:16 PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-38359507769502056852019-11-27T23:12:00.003+00:002019-11-27T23:17:07.991+00:00Milan Trip: Day 2 - Bergamo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnluD_eUxdo/XQPqSo6BmhI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/_Qcewu0HIMkVk52Yw4svhDuPI9b5HhynwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Milan%2BTrip.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnluD_eUxdo/XQPqSo6BmhI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/_Qcewu0HIMkVk52Yw4svhDuPI9b5HhynwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Milan%2BTrip.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2019/07/milan-trip-2019-day-1.html"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLmJHHABjvI/XdnaXn6HseI/AAAAAAAADI8/5cXDYqqHu00cuIEHg74MixzqMSa3w5vFACK4BGAYYCw/s400/milan%2Bday%2B2%2B%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here I am, it is taking me a little longer than I would like to get these posts written but some things came up and my writing was delayed. It may not seem like it but these posts take some time to write, in order to get all the details and curiosities right. Still, I am back to tell you more about my journey and to, hopefully, give you some useful tips.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the second day of our trip, I and my friend decided that it would be a great idea to go on a day trip to Bergamo. Bergamo is a very beautiful and cultural city located about 40 km from Milan, being the 4th largest city in Lombardy. It is also a very peculiar town, being divided into the <i>Città Bassa </i>(the Low City) with the newer more modern buildings, and many older ones too, and the <i>Città Alta</i> (the High City) a walled predominantly medieval part of the town. The <i>Città Alta </i>is enclosed by Venetian defence systems that are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a city rich and proud of its history, with high inclines and wonderful architectonic marvels that you only be able to admire by being there and experiencing it. It is a fairly cheap journey from Milan and totally worth the trip.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RLUOoaHJv-I/XdnavmyJkCI/AAAAAAAADJI/v7Vcm64thE0w5H2RgFsNgaB8ELQig7SMQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190608_113043.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Porta San Giacomo</i>, the entry to the Cittá Alta</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We caught a train early in the morning in the <i>Milano Centrale</i> Station in direction to Bergamo. The tickets can be easily bought at the Trenord machines inside the station and cost us 5.50 euros per journey for a 50 minutes trip. Italian trains are very comfortable and the staff at the station is always available to help, just always check you always talk with identified staff in order not to be robbed. If you have trouble getting to the station on foot you can always get there either by subway, bus or tram.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The train left us right inside the <i>Città Bassa</i>. It is very easy to get around the town from the train station. It is situated right at the beginning of the <i>Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII</i>, which is a central street from which you can very easily locate the main monuments in the city and that leads into the <i>Città Alta</i>'s access route and the<i> funicolare </i>(funicular) station, in case you do not want to walk the steep streets that lead into the top.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Chiesa Prepositurale di Santa Maria Immacolata delle Grazie</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="428" src="https://www.visitbergamo.net/rimg/4lc/5/e/a/c/5eac7cdd81a531e6327e26745485730e_6ba2ff66.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Chiesa Prepositurale di Santa Maria Immacolata delle</span> Grazie</i> (</span>Source: <a href="https://www.visitbergamo.net/en/object-details/8023-santa-maria-delle-grazie--%28bergame%29/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Visit Bergamo</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
This was the first building we visited was a short walk away from the train station, just on the <i>Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII</i>. Its name loosely means <i>Church of Saint Mary Immaculate of Graces.</i> The visible church is the second embodiment of the original one, who was built in 1422. The present building actually, with its neoclassical style, dates from 1875, due to building work to better integrate it with the architectonical context of the city.<br />
Even though this building already looks grand and magnificent from the exterior, it is absolutely worth it to visit it: its interior is beautifully and intricately decorated.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Porta Nuova</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for porta nuova bergamo" height="425" src="https://www.almaresidence.it/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Porta-Nuova1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Porta Nuova (Source: <a href="http://www.almaresidence.it/propriet%C3%A0/bergamo-centralissimo-quadrilocale-porta-nuova/">Alma Residence</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Walking along from the church, we found ourselves crossing the <i>Porta Nuova</i>. Previously known as <i>Barriera delle Grazie</i>, these neoclassical twin buildings are one of the monumental doors to the city. These were built in 1837 by the occasion of the return of Ferdinand I of Austria to the city and were based on an 1828 project by Giuseppe Cusi. This landmark is situated on the city's main axis, going from lower town to upper town. These magnificent buildings were used as Customs House until 1901, their function being to control the entering of goods and assets into the town.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Monumento al Partigiano</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for monumento al partigiano manzù bergamo" height="400" src="https://www.aquadro.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/0348.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Monumento al Partigiano</i> (Source: <a href="https://www.aquadro.net/monumento-al-partigiano/">aquadro.net</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <i>Monumento al Partigiano</i> is a monument also situated along the central axis of the city and its depiction rarely lets it go unnoticed. Made and donated by Giacomo Manzú to the city of Bergamo, it celebrates the Italian anti-fascist resistance. The <i>partigiano</i>, the partisan, was a member of the Italian anti-fascist resistance movement in World War II.<br />
Also by now, you must have noticed the constant references to Pope John XXII, <i>Papa Giovanni XXIII</i>, he was born in Bergamo and many things were named after him.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Chiesa di Santi Bartolomeo e Stefano</h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for Chiesa di Santi Bartolomeo e Stefano" height="480" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2c/Chiesa_di_San_Bartolomeo%2C_Bergamo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Chiesa di Santi Bartolomeo e Stefano</i> (Source: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santi_Bartolomeo_e_Stefano,_Bergamo">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Diverting a bit from the central axis of the city we found the <i>Chiesa di Santi Bartolomeo e Stefano</i>, Church of the Saints Bartholomew and Stephan, on the Largo Belotti. This is a beautiful baroque building that is totally worth the visit.<br />
Built between 1613 and 1642, this magnificent church is adjacent to the monastery of Saint Bartholomew. An important art highlight is the Martinengo Altarpiece, a beautiful canvas by the painter Lorenzo Lotto which is inside the church, alongside other beautiful art pieces.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Via Torquato Tasso</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4e_zXIRbFAY/Xdnn6VHp6fI/AAAAAAAADJU/m2ym1B4dFvEQ4L_qzWNnwvlnKpD2dU_HACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190608_102930.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4e_zXIRbFAY/Xdnn6VHp6fI/AAAAAAAADJU/m2ym1B4dFvEQ4L_qzWNnwvlnKpD2dU_HACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190608_102930.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
After leaving the church we followed along to the <i>Via Torquato Tasso</i>. This is a very quaint street where you can find a lot of what I would class "higher class stores". It is a very pleasurable walk since it is very well kept and it is very interesting to look at the shop windows and see all the things they have on display. I sear I had never seen so many beautiful second-hand jewellery in my life (that was also, unfortunately, way out of my price range).<br />
It is also on this street that you can find the <i>Prefettura di Bergamo</i>, which is basically the municipal council of Bergamo. Also, at the beginning of this street, you will find the Library <i>Ciro Caversazzi.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<h4>
Chiesa di Santo Spirito</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for chiesa di santo spirito bergamo" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/92/850BergamoSSpirito.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chiesa di Santo Spirito (Source: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Spirito,_Bergamo">Wikipedia</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
We walked along the entire <i>Via Torquato Tasso</i> and, at the end of the street we arrived and the <i>Chiesa di Santo Spirito</i>, Church of the Holy Spirit. This church was founded in 1311 by Cardinal Guglielmo Longo, along with an adjacent hospital and a Celestine convent. In 1476 canons of the regular order of the Lateran moved in and with the expansion of the order started to remodel the church, giving it the 500s façade and look it now has.<br />
In Bergamo, this church is known as <i>chiesa dei Tasso</i>, church of the Tassos's, a prominent bergamasc family that gave very important monetary contributions to the church building work during the 500's. The outside beautiful, and very prominent, bronze sculpture was made in 1972 by Francesco Somaini and represents the descent of the Holy Spirit. To this day, the church conserves various works of important artistic value from the 15th and 16th centuries. Amongst these works are artworks by Lorenzo Lotto, Ambrogio da Fossano (il <i>Bergognone</i>), Andrea Previtale, Agostino Facheris and others.<br />
After leaving the church we headed towards the <i>Monastero di San Benedetto</i>, St. Benedict's Monastery, in V<i>ia Sant'Alessandro</i>. We really wanted to see this church because of its beautiful Renaissance architecture but it was closed. This is one of those amazing churches that have been around since the 13th century and has a lot of different features that we wanted to see.<br />
Since the church was closed, we followed along V<i>ia Sant'Alessandro </i>which, let me tell you, it is a very very steep street towards the<i> Città Alta</i>. However, the climb up to the old city was immensely beautiful and had great spots to stop and enjoy the view on the way. It was totally worth it not to catch the funicular up, still, I caution you, it is not an easy climb.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydgzdHFq-i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydgzdHFq-i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydgzdHFq-i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydgzdHFq-i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydgzdHFq-i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
Ver esta publicação no Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">
</div>
</div>
</a><br />
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydgzdHFq-i/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Uma publicação partilhada por Ana Esteves (@tizanab)</a> a <time datetime="2019-06-08T19:50:34+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">8 de Jun, 2019 às 12:50 PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
<br />
We entered the<i> Cittá Alta</i> via the <i>Porta San Giacomo</i> and, in the picture above, you can see me resting after finally having arrived in the old part of the city. The view from the path leading to the "high city" is marvellous and takes your breath away and you also can almost feel the buildings getting older and more mystical as you travel upwards.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Piazza Mercado delle Scarpe</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uM_App9ZXc8/Xdnoo9HaBUI/AAAAAAAADJg/0uVLiL1ts90yoYfFJVRBAxUaJXboWBvbgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190608_120426.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uM_App9ZXc8/Xdnoo9HaBUI/AAAAAAAADJg/0uVLiL1ts90yoYfFJVRBAxUaJXboWBvbgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190608_120426.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After taking a small break to rest in the gardens beside the Porta San Giacomo we headed towards the centre of the Città Alta. The first place we found ourselves in was the <i>Piazza Mercato delle Scarpe, </i>which basically translates to "Piazza Shoe Market". This piazza connects the low and high city, it is where the funicular station is located. Formerly, the piazza connected the roads that came from Venice and Milan.<br />
This is also one of the three oldest piazzas in Bergamo, already indicated in 1263. It gained its name during the dominations of the Visconti, when piazza's throughout the city gained the name of the products they sold. There is still a shoe store in the piazza so I believe it makes it even more authentic! I was joking, but you have to admit it is funny. We followed along towards the <i>Piazza Vecchia</i> and enjoyed the stores and the architecture. It is very easy to get lost in the beautiful details of the city.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Piazza Vecchia (Fontana del Contarini)</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4sHjaX1zRA/Xdnox4pS_ZI/AAAAAAAADJw/PQLPZKDZdlsdXaGc7CB7RXkhHc6R66rKwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190608_121456.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4sHjaX1zRA/Xdnox4pS_ZI/AAAAAAAADJw/PQLPZKDZdlsdXaGc7CB7RXkhHc6R66rKwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190608_121456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After a short walk, we finally arrived at the <i>Piazza Vecchia</i>, where I took the amazing panoramic shot you can see above. I really love medieval squares, since I am a giant geek, and this one certainly stole my heart. I have heard that this is a great spot to drink and have fun with friends.<br />
This piazza is the core of the Città Alta and it was the heart of political power for centuries. In this piazza you can find the <i>Palazzo della Raggione</i>, which is the oldest municipal seat in Lombardy, and the <i>Torre Civica. </i>In the middle of the square you will find the <i>Contarini fountain</i>, donated to the city by the chief magistrate Alvise Contarini in 1780. One interesting thing about this piazza is that it was built exactly where the Roman Forum once stood.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a>
<br />
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">Ver esta publicação no Instagram</a></div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a>
<br />
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">
</div>
</div>
</a><br />
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BydueHvFFc-/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Uma publicação partilhada por Ana Esteves (@tizanab)</a> a <time datetime="2019-06-08T21:50:00+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">8 de Jun, 2019 às 2:50 PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
<br />
<h4>
Piazza Duomo </h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hjLxdam2mE/Xdno-OzIDyI/AAAAAAAADJ8/IayDSguH0Dg98y2FVpX3I5ST620pjpieQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190608_121727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8hjLxdam2mE/Xdno-OzIDyI/AAAAAAAADJ8/IayDSguH0Dg98y2FVpX3I5ST620pjpieQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190608_121727.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Left) <i>Cappella Colleoni</i>; (Right) <i>Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
We went across the <i>Piazza Vecchia</i> and arrived at the<i> Piazza del Duomo</i>. The first thing we were faced was the very big and very impressive <i>façade </i>of the <i>Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore</i>, honestly, it is very very hard not to notice it immediately. The basilica was built on the second half of the 12th century and its outside conserves the original Romanic-Lombard architectonic lines. The interior is decorated in the baroque style (1500s/1700s) and it is one of the most richly decorated churches I have ever seen, and I have seen many. It is completely worth the visit!<br />
Besides the Basilica we found the <i>Cappella Colleoni</i>, "chapel Colleoni", which also has an impressive and beautiful <i>façade</i>. This <i>Cappella</i> was built as a personal burial shrine to the <i>condottiere</i> Bartolomeo Colleoni. Built between 1472 and 1476 by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo, this beautiful Renaissance chapel, annexed to the Basilica, is a work of art by itself while also containing marvellous works of art inside it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RamtnZFUrY/XdnpBCz_8DI/AAAAAAAADKE/6D_-aVPWWV8lD24NVVQemKoctrzQaCargCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190608_121833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RamtnZFUrY/XdnpBCz_8DI/AAAAAAAADKE/6D_-aVPWWV8lD24NVVQemKoctrzQaCargCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190608_121833.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Duomo di Bergamo, Cattedrale di Sant'Alessandro</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Besides the other two amazing buildings, there is a third amazing building, the <i>Duomo di Bergamo, Cattedrale di Sant'Alessandro</i>! With its neoclassical outside and baroque interior, this is certainly a church to visit. The Duomo was built between the 15th and 19th centuries and carries many architectural features of all that time. Across from the <i>Duomo</i>, you will find the Battisterio, built in 1340 by Giovanni da Campione.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Piazza della Citadella / Torre di Adalberto</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s-dso08gEY/XdnplC5mw7I/AAAAAAAADKY/fJNoY9RAjOApCnYMcBEzVBz3chMJ7xA3QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190608_132042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4s-dso08gEY/XdnplC5mw7I/AAAAAAAADKY/fJNoY9RAjOApCnYMcBEzVBz3chMJ7xA3QCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190608_132042.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Polenta e Osèi</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
After leaving the Piazzas we went on a long walk throughout every little street and corner we found until we stopped in order to eat our lunch, that we had packed. For dessert, we bought some traditional Bergamasc cakes called <i>Polenta e Osèi</i>. This little cake is made of sponge cake, butter, chocolate, hazelnut cream and rum. The sponge is covered in yellow marzipan and dusted with yellow sugar crystals.<br />
After our little lunch break, we walked through the <i>Piazza della Cittadella</i>. This Piazza was built in the heart of Bergamo to defend the citizens and also as a sort of garrison in case of an uprising. The piazza also served as a reminder of the Visconti's power, as they were the head of the duchy of Milan and ruled Bergamo from 1352 until 1428. This is also where the museum centre is, with the Civico Museo Archeologico and the Science Museum. As this was only a day trip we did not have the time to visit them but they come very highly recommended.<br />
We then crossed through to the <i>Torre di Adalberto</i>, which is one of the oldest documented towers in Bergamo, hailing from medieval times and headed to the <i>Funicolare di S. Vigilio</i>. In the funicular, we bought two-way tickets and headed towards the castle!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Castello di San Vigilio</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnB9txhDl5k/XdnpvLV4OwI/AAAAAAAADKg/_4a8fe-FH_MS1w40hpq6RohLeCrc6tHLACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190608_142641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RnB9txhDl5k/XdnpvLV4OwI/AAAAAAAADKg/_4a8fe-FH_MS1w40hpq6RohLeCrc6tHLACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190608_142641.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Castello S. Vigilio</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
The <i>Castello S. Vigilio</i>, or the ruins of the castle, stand 496 meters above the Città Alta. This site consists of the ruins of a 6th-century castle with beautiful gardens and wondrous views! After visiting this part of the city we caught the funicular down and ate a great gelato at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/carmengelato.ita/" target="_blank">Carmen Gelato</a> and walked down back to the train.<br />
Overall, this is an amazing city and I would like to have had more time to visit it! However, I do believe this was a really great one-day trip. I am sorry to post this so much time after the previous post but these take a very long time to write! </div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-49735146722419278042019-11-23T19:16:00.002+00:002019-11-23T19:56:54.502+00:00Review: The Wicked King (The Folk of the Air #2) by Holly Black<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Review.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Holly Black<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Little, Brown Books for Young Readers<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> January 8th 2019<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> book (hardcover)</span></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLg3HIR3tdI/VXSurqYjo0I/AAAAAAAABQM/lLuhYiK3z2MXmfEHoLLg5x0_mumVwyzJACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HLg3HIR3tdI/VXSurqYjo0I/AAAAAAAABQM/lLuhYiK3z2MXmfEHoLLg5x0_mumVwyzJACPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520620414l/26032887._SY475_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="26032887. sy475" border="0" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520620414l/26032887._SY475_.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
You must be strong enough to strike and strike and strike again without tiring.<br />
The first lesson is to make yourself strong.<br />
After the jaw-dropping revelation that Oak is the heir to Faerie, Jude must keep her younger brother safe. To do so, she has bound the wicked king, Cardan, to her, and made herself the power behind the throne. Navigating the constantly shifting political alliances of Faerie would be difficult enough if Cardan were easy to control. But he does everything in his power to humiliate and undermine her even as his fascination with her remains undiminished.<br />
When it becomes all too clear that someone close to Jude means to betray her, threatening her own life and the lives of everyone she loves, Jude must uncover the traitor and fight her own complicated feelings for Cardan to maintain control as a mortal in a Faerie world.</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-King-Folk-Air/dp/0316310328/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=wicked+king&qid=1565907970&s=gateway&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Wicked-King--The-Folk-of-the-Air--2-/9781471407352/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032887-the-wicked-king?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wicked-king-holly-black/1128113143?ean=9780316310338&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20Inc#/">B&N</a><br />
<div>
<br />
<b>On This Series: <a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2018/10/review-cruel-prince-folk-of-air-1-by.html">THE CRUEL PRINCE (THE FOLK OF THE AIR #1) BY HOLLY BLACK</a></b></div>
<div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u>Review:</u></strong></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When it was revealed that Oak was the rightful king of Faerie, Jude did all in her power to keep him safe. Now that Oak is safely away in the human realm with Vivienne and she is in power through her puppet king, Cardan, she can make Faerie safer and better. However, it is difficult to navigate the everchanging currents of the Faerie court, especially when you are a human.<br />
Not only is the court difficult to navigate but there are also the bridges Jude burned between her and her family. Now that she knows that someone close to her will betray her she must tread very carefully. She must strive to maintain her power to keep Oak safe.<br />
In this book, we find not only a Jude in power but also a Jude that has tasted the sacrifices and work that great power demands from you. She is now the puppet master of the Faerie Court, ruling through Cardan, no one can touch her now. This false sense of security completely falls apart once she learns of the future betrayal she will suffer soon: she starts analyzing every conversation, every look, every breath of everyone that surrounds her, even those whom she trusts the most.<br />
Cardan's character gets a whole new meaning in this book. In a way, you get to see him drop the diva act: there is some raw and true Cardan underneath all that carefully acted exterior he showcases to the world. Not only is Cardan's character improved but you also get to see a completely different side of Jude. Yes, she has always been power-hungry but this book showcases her development into a person who starts to only see the power in front of her, being blind to details she could and would catch before. All the other characters in the book also get some ( effective) attention and development and my favourite thing to read about is still the relationships between characters and watching their motivations manifest into actions while trying to decode them.<br />
This is truly a short book, but it proves that great and impactful stories do not need a big package. Every page is intense and emotion ridden, all of this also mixed with dark folklore and an extensive magical universe which both amazes and scares you at the same time. Like many, I will state that if you can take a message from this book it would be: do not trust men. I was definitely not ready, neither was my heart, for the latest developments in the court of Elfhame and cannot possibly imagine what awaits me in Queen of Nothing. Black did it again, she made faeries even more interesting by exploring the dark dimension that is usually approached in folk tales. These are truly the faeries that steal your children and haunt your nightmares.<br />
Honestly, this is one of the best fantasy series I have ever read! I would recommend it to everyone who can appreciate the dark side of the faeries. Even if you do not regularly read faerie books, this is certainly one you might enjoy.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5OEk0hgwUE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5OEk0hgwUE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5OEk0hgwUE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5OEk0hgwUE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5OEk0hgwUE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
Ver esta publicação no Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">
</div>
</div>
</a><br />
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5OEk0hgwUE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Uma publicação partilhada por The Bewitched Reader (@thebewitchedreader)</a> a <time datetime="2019-11-23T19:35:03+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">23 de Nov, 2019 às 11:35 PST</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-29471042071108170462019-11-07T19:31:00.000+00:002019-11-23T19:57:19.307+00:00Review: The Beautiful (The Beautiful #1) by Renée Ahdieh <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Review.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Renée Ahdieh<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> October 8th 2019<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> ebook (Netgalley)</span></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rating:</u><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pf3l3ZpQUWw/VXisqRKoUaI/AAAAAAAABRI/c2q9q3NlRN89QUYCz3N0Irtwt0WsoiJdgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating3.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pf3l3ZpQUWw/VXisqRKoUaI/AAAAAAAABRI/c2q9q3NlRN89QUYCz3N0Irtwt0WsoiJdgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating3.5.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1547578763l/42265183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="42265183" border="0" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1547578763l/42265183.jpg" width="264" /></a><strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
<strong><u>Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
In 1872, New Orleans is a city ruled by the dead. But to seventeen-year-old Celine Rousseau, New Orleans provides her a refuge after she's forced to flee her life as a dressmaker in Paris. Taken in by the sisters of the Ursuline convent along with six other girls, Celine quickly becomes enamored with the vibrant city from the music to the food to the soirées and—especially—to the danger. She soon becomes embroiled in the city's glitzy underworld, known as La Cour des Lions, after catching the eye of the group's leader, the enigmatic Sébastien Saint Germain. When the body of one of the girls from the convent is found in the lair of La Cour des Lions, Celine battles her attraction to him and suspicions about Sébastien's guilt along with the shame of her own horrible secret.<br />
When more bodies are discovered, each crime more gruesome than the last, Celine and New Orleans become gripped by the terror of a serial killer on the loose—one Celine is sure has set her in his sights . . . and who may even be the young man who has stolen her heart. As the murders continue to go unsolved, Celine takes matters into her own hands and soon uncovers something even more shocking: an age-old feud from the darkest creatures of the underworld reveals a truth about Celine she always suspected simmered just beneath the surface.<br />
<br /></blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beautiful-Ren%C3%A9e-Ahdieh/dp/1529368138/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TYN2CRQOWA7R&keywords=the+beautiful&qid=1572650512&sprefix=the+beauti%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Beautiful-Renee-Ahdieh/9781529368130/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42265183-the-beautiful">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-beautiful-ren-e-ahdieh/1130202241;jsessionid=FF0D2F64738E8852E6DBF56C5B286087.prodny_store02-atgap10?ean=9781524738174&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20Inc#/">B&N</a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u>Review:</u></strong></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><strong>*This book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*</strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's 1872 in New Orleans, Celine Rosseau just arrived after being forced to flee her life in Paris. She is a refugee in the Ursuline convent, where she and six other girls are staying until they are able to make a suitable match for marriage.<br />
New Orleans is new and vibrant but it seems that the darkness that chased Celine out of Paris has accompanied her to her new city. Quickly she becomes aware of La Cour des Lions, a shadowy group of people that follow the rule of their leader Sébastien San Germain. Bastien quickly grabs Celine's attention, with his dark aura and mysterious glint in his eye.<br />
When dead bodies drained of blood start turning up, Celine realises that killer has his mind set on her. In the midst of these bloody and gruesome crimes, Celine does her best to deal with her new situation and her growing attraction for the mysterious Bastien. She must also find a way to stop these murders, which becomes more and more difficult as her security gets increasingly endangered.<br />
Celine starts to discover that something else is going on, something out of this world. No one offers any explanation as to what it might be and Celine finds herself trying to piece it together on her own. How can this mysterious facet of her new acquaintances be related to the gruesome murders that had been happening in New Orleans? That is what Celine needs to find out before she is killed herself.<br />
<i>The Beautiful</i> is a highly anticipated return to the world of vampires. With its setting in 1800's New Orleans, its romance and otherworldly aspects and its gruesome murders this is a dark and ominous fantasy book. It explores without shame many themes of sexuality, race, feminism and societal repression in the 1800's and one of its main strengths is the wonderful setting in the both dark and magical New Orleans.<br />
Celine is a very, and I repeat, very powerful main character. It should be highlighted that Celine is a character that reflects the very dynamic and varied society of the 19th century, she stands out from the usual whitewashed main characters in books set in that time. Here we are presented with a woman capable of making beautiful things, she is a seamstress of Parisian couture, but that also has a dark side to her soul. In my opinion, that is what I found the most appealing in Celine: she has a dark side, a side that seeks danger and enjoys peril. She does not need anyone to defend her, through her the reader gets a look at desire, darkness and power from the point of view of a young woman.<br />
Another aspect that should be highlighted about this story is the fact that the main character is not the only developed character: much care was put into weaving layers on other characters so they mostly feel multidimensional and realistic. A character I would like to highlight is Odette: she is the character, besides Celine, that I craved to read about. Every time you find Odette within the story you learn new information about her, a characteristic, a taste, a liking, a motivation. This is something that also happened with Bastien and something I really enjoyed reading.<br />
Even though my review and overall thoughts of this book are very positive, I do need to address some problematics that arose during reading. The French passages of the book were not translated for the readers (nor the Italian) which can create some impairment in understanding certain parts of the plot. There were also some world building problems and some confusing details about the mythical side of the book: honestly, I still do not know what are the Brotherhood and the Fallen. Knowing that this is a series, I hope some of these problems are addressed in future instalments.<br />
Overall I ended up loving this book and reading it really quickly. I believe one of the main mistakes in marketing this book as the successor to Twilight since I believe it is very strong on its own and the expectations created by that statement only decreased the overall opinion on this book. I would advise this book to everyone, especially if you like Anne Rice books. This story has a very complex and compelling setting which is raised up by the beautiful setting and the diverse cast of characters and it is also a very easy read!</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-12612676188559703952019-10-14T20:23:00.001+01:002019-10-14T20:38:02.270+01:00Review: An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Margaret Rogerson<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Margaret K. McElderry Books<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> September 26th 2017<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> paperback book (bought)</span></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486244049l/30969741._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="30969741. sy475 " border="0" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1486244049l/30969741._SY475_.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
A skilled painter must stand up to the ancient power of the faerie courts—even as she falls in love with a faerie prince—in this gorgeous debut novel.<br />
Isobel is a prodigy portrait artist with a dangerous set of clients: the sinister fair folk, immortal creatures who cannot bake bread, weave cloth, or put a pen to paper without crumbling to dust. They crave human Craft with a terrible thirst, and Isobel’s paintings are highly prized. But when she receives her first royal patron—Rook, the autumn prince—she makes a terrible mistake. She paints mortal sorrow in his eyes—a weakness that could cost him his life.<br />
Furious and devastated, Rook spirits her away to the autumnlands to stand trial for her crime. Waylaid by the Wild Hunt’s ghostly hounds, the tainted influence of the Alder King, and hideous monsters risen from barrow mounds, Isobel and Rook depend on one another for survival. Their alliance blossoms into trust, then love—and that love violates the fair folks’ ruthless laws. Now both of their lives are forfeit, unless Isobel can use her skill as an artist to fight the fairy courts. Because secretly, her Craft represents a threat the fair folk have never faced in all the millennia of their unchanging lives: for the first time, her portraits have the power to make them feel. </blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1481497588/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1481497588&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/An-Enchantment-of-Ravens-Margaret-Rogerson/9781481497589/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30969741-an-enchantment-of-ravens">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-enchantment-of-ravens-margaret-rogerson/1125685793;jsessionid=5C39DD92D2FBC8CE80476F184762664E.prodny_store01-atgap15?ean=9781481497589&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20Inc#/">B&N</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u>Review:</u></strong></u></strong><br />
Isobel is a painter. She is considered a prodigy amongst her peers, with a Craft at a level no one has ever seen. Her clients are dangerous and mysterious: she is employed by the fair folk. The fair folk are dangerous, cruel and mysterious creatures that crave the human craft: they cannot write, weave cloth or even bake without dying and crumbling to dust. They employ Isobel to paint their portraits in order to be remembered for posterity.<br />
One day a different sort of patron appears: Isobel's first royal client, Rook, the Autumn Prince. This time she makes a fatal mistake, she paints human sorrow in his eyes. When he unveils the portrait in his court and finds out what has happened he is infuriated and leaves in a quest to bring Isobel back to the Autumnlands to stand trial.<br />
With their path disrupted by the Wild Hunt, under the influence of the feared Alder King, they head towards the Spring Court. Escaping from monsters too scary to describe and escaping from the dangers and illusions of the faerie lands, Isobel and Rook start getting close and depend on one another to survive. However, when their bond blossoms into love, they are breaking one of the fair folk most sacred laws, for a faerie cannot take a human as a consort, or even just love one. Both of their lives are forfeit and Isobel tries to use her Craft to battle against the faerie courts: her portraits now show emotions of the otherwise emotionless visage.<br />
The first comment I found when researching a bit about this book is its frequent comparison with <a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2015/08/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-court-of.html" target="_blank">Sarah J. Maas's <i>A Court of Thornes and Roses</i></a> (ACOTAR). Even though I can see very clearly where the similarities lie, I believe they are mostly due to the <i>Beauty and the Beast</i> aspect of the story. ACOTAR is very clearly a retelling of this old story and <i>An Enchantment of Ravens</i> certainly contains two essential aspects for this style of book: a male main character that can be described as a monster and a female main character that is beautiful, innocent and smart, also, they fall in love (sorry but there is no spoiler there). I believe Margaret Rogerson's can stand on its own, even with its similarities with Maas's one.<br />
One of the aspects of this story that has bewitched me the most are the great world building and atmosphere, with beautiful heartfelt visual cues: you can visualize what is going on. The descriptions are beautiful and detailed but not so specific as to bore the reader. You can associate the faeries real look with the cold aspect of their personality and how immortality and coldness transpire in their outward appearance: they are beautiful but they are also cold and stagnant. That is why Rook stands out.<br />
Everything about Rook is warm: he is associated with his court, the Autumn Court, and with rich tones of red and orange and brown and all that we would associate with Autumn time. That makes the reader associate him with some warmness, especially after reading his interactions with Isobel. Rook is visibly torn on some occasions and that makes him as relatable as his coldness and utter lack of visible emotion make him otherworldly and mysterious.<br />
Isobel is the real main character of this story, the whole plot relies on her development and growth. The most special way of emulating her is translated into the ambience and descriptions: there is a very deep association and extensive exploration of colour and its meanings and effects. Everything is associated with colour, making it like we are reading an artist's interpretation of the world. Colour, texture, light and darkness are not only of artistic importance but also transmit essential pieces of symbolism throughout the story.<br />
Overall, this is a very nice quick to read story about family, love and loyalty. The focus on human values and the love for one's occupation make this a very inebriating read and the love aspect is certainly swoon-worthy and not graphic at all. This is a story I happily advise to everyone!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nE0acAHE8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #FFF; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: -webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width: 99.375%; width: calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nE0acAHE8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a></span><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nE0acAHE8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
Ver esta publicação no Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; height: 0; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">
</div>
</div>
</a><br />
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B3nE0acAHE8/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Uma publicação partilhada por The Bewitched Reader (@thebewitchedreader)</a> a <time datetime="2019-10-14T19:35:25+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">14 de Out, 2019 às 12:35 PDT</time></div>
</span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "segoe ui" , "roboto" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></span></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br style="text-align: justify;" /></div>
</div>
<br /></div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-53889715714686338372019-09-24T23:09:00.001+01:002019-09-24T23:58:11.844+01:00Review: Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper #3) by Kerri Maniscalco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2019/08/review-stalking-jack-ripper-stalking.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3Jn-9rVTSc/XXKz1jnQk0I/AAAAAAAADDo/LCu7g783SiI7EPegmRl5zwDODPAk0wrAQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/SJTR%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv0iofUaciw/XYqJI98bc1I/AAAAAAAADFI/StcwB52c2Osg0gNheIo6jJ49WDx3fhUJQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/SJTR%2B2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rv0iofUaciw/XYqJI98bc1I/AAAAAAAADFI/StcwB52c2Osg0gNheIo6jJ49WDx3fhUJQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/SJTR%2B2.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bpftt9oJm0/XYqInSrXGFI/AAAAAAAADE8/g4ocyVrJCIwdK3yks5D1x4MYwPt1FKf0wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/30375937._SX318_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bpftt9oJm0/XYqInSrXGFI/AAAAAAAADE8/g4ocyVrJCIwdK3yks5D1x4MYwPt1FKf0wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/30375937._SX318_.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Kerri Maniscalco<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Jimmy Patterson<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> 18th September 2018<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> book (paperback)</span></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria, Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are delighted to discover a traveling troupe of circus performers, fortune tellers, and a certain charismatic young escape artist entertaining the first-class passengers nightly.<br />
But privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shocks the entire ship. The strange and disturbing influence of the Moonlight Carnival pervades the decks as the murders grow more and more bizarre. It's up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation before more passengers die before reaching their destination. But with clues to the next victim pointing to someone she loves, can Audrey Rose unravel the mystery before the killer's horrifying finale?.</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316551724/ref=x_gr_w_bb_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316551724&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Escaping-From-Houdini-Kerri-Maniscalco/9780316551724/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43209298-escaping-from-houdini">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/escaping-from-houdini-kerri-maniscalco/1127784981;jsessionid=5936978ACC9CEA6262220A9BAD8B6049.prodny_store01-atgap09?ean=9780316551724&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20Inc">B&N</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u>Review:</u></strong></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>*This review may contain spoilers for the previous books*</strong></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thomas Cresswell and Audrey Rose Wadsworth embark on a week-long voyage in RMS Etruria, heading towards New York. Their perilous adventures in Romania are over and they must accompany Dr Wadsworth to investigate a recent string of crimes. What not even Cresswell's amazing deduction skills can guess is that a crime-filled journey awaits them.<br />
At the beginning of the journey, upper-class young women start to disappear and a series of brutal murders shock the ship's passengers. Suspicion soon falls onto the travelling Moonlight Carnival, aboard to entertain first-class members every night. Thomas and Audrey Rose investigate and try to discern which parts of the travelling carnival were lies and the truth lying underneath their ruses.<br />
One thing I have to state right at the beginning of this review is that I believe that this is the book in this series which has the most complicated and complex murder plot. There is both a great number of details and few concrete conclusions throughout the investigation of these new murders. At times it feels like Cresswell and Wadsworth are grasping for straws but in the end, there is the shocking revelation of the killer's identity and I would have never guessed who it was.<br />
Many things make this book amazing and one of them is its characters. Audrey and Thomas we already know, still we learn a lot about them and their dynamic throughout the events of this book. There is also more development regarding Liza, Audrey Rose's cousin and the introduction of a whole new "main supporting character" (as I like to call it), Mephistopheles. Mephistopheles, or Devil, as Thomas likes to call him, is, in a way, a Cresswell-like character that represents the first-ever romantic opponent Thomas encounters in his relationship with Audrey Rose. I could write many paragraphs about Mephistopheles but I believe that would spoil much of his character. The best way to describe him, in my opinion, is if Thomas was arguing with himself in the mirror, but that other self had a mask on his face and sequins in his clothes. Obviously, the title character, Harry Houdini, makes his appearance, although he does not have a very preponderant role in the plot.<br />
I love the way Thomas acts towards Audrey: he never limits her choices, even when they may (and do) hurt him. To me, Mephistopheles has the great role of being a catalyst in Audrey Rose's exploration of herself and the world around her. In this book she gets a bit distant from Thomas in order to explore things on her own and, even though it hurts my heart, I believe it is beneficial for both of them. Thomas' personality also keeps evolving, he not only lets himself feel but is not afraid to show his feeling (which made this book a lot harder to actually read). There are some Thomas and Audrey alone moments where you can just feel the electricity in the air and how their attraction towards one another muffles their logic. These are tender, witty, electric and lovely moments that I loved to read.<br />
The Carnival aspect of this book makes a lot of sense, and it was well incorporated in the murders. There is a touch of showmanship in everything that happens. Some trade secrets are dispelled as Audrey Rose unveils the artist's secrets but there are hidden truths that remain, even when the story is over. Also, I loved the blasé reference to P. T. Barnum, if you watched the movie "The Greatest Showman", yes the one with Hugh Jackman, you will know whom I am talking about. Also, that same movie kept jumping into my thoughts as I read this story and I loved it!<br />
As with the rest of the series, I loved this book and cannot wait to see what happens next! (And I impulse bought the next instalment too so a review may not be very far ahead!)<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2z54bxg-vE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2z54bxg-vE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2z54bxg-vE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2z54bxg-vE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2z54bxg-vE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
Ver esta publicação no Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2z54bxg-vE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">"Some risks are worth taking, even if they feel impossible at first." . 📖 Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper #3) by @kerrimaniscalco . 🇬🇧 I have again surrendered to the misery of Audrey Rose's and Thomas's investigations. When I thought I wouldn't be surprised again I was amazed with this new story. I wrote a review today and published it (link in bio), the same day I finished reading it! And I impulse bought #CapturingTheDevil (the next book that came out this month). I can't wait to see what is going to happen in the next book, even though my heart cannot handle that it is the last one. . 🇵🇹 Aqui estou eu com mais uma publicação acerca desta série. Se querem uma série com uma personagem principal feminina que é ao mesmo tempo destemida e ainda a descobrir-se a si mesma, então este livro é para vocês. Editoras portuguesas onde estão vocês! Com tanta tradução que há por aqui tenho pena que este livro ainda não tenha chegado ao mercado português! . #thebewitchedreader #bibliophilefeatures #vscoreads #readmorebooks #readingislife #yaliterature #ya #victorian #murder #mystery #femaleempowerment #kerrimaniscalco #stalkingjacktheripper #houdini #carnival #magicnbooks #marvellous #magic #bookgramz #bookblogger #bookreview #bookstagram #livrolicos</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
Uma publicação partilhada por <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebewitchedreader/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> The Bewitched Reader</a> (@thebewitchedreader) a <time datetime="2019-09-24T22:38:34+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">24 de Set, 2019 às 3:38 PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> </div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-30002644845652158752019-09-10T16:39:00.000+01:002019-09-10T16:39:13.704+01:00Review: Hunting Prince Dracula (Stalking Jack the Ripper #2) by Kerri Maniscalco <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2019/08/review-stalking-jack-ripper-stalking.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u3Jn-9rVTSc/XXKz1jnQk0I/AAAAAAAADDo/LCu7g783SiI7EPegmRl5zwDODPAk0wrAQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/SJTR%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Kerri Maniscalco<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Jimmy Patterson<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1489420853l/33784373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="33784373" border="0" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1489420853l/33784373.jpg" width="266" /></a><u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> 4th September 2018<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> book (paperback)</span></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper's true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, she journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe's best schools of forensic medicine...and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend.<br />
But her life's dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school's forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again.</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031655166X/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=031655166X&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Hunting-Prince-Dracula-Kerri-Maniscalco/9780316551663/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33784373-hunting-prince-dracula">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hunting-prince-dracula-kerri-maniscalco/1125424411?ean=9780316551663&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20Inc#/">B&N</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><u><strong><u>Review:</u></strong></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><strong>*This review may contain spoilers for the previous book*</strong></strong></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After their investigation on Jack the Ripper, Thomas Cresswell and Audrey Rose Wadsworth were accepted to study in a prestigious school for forensic sciences in Romania. Audrey Rose is still in great pain after the trauma she suffered at the hands of the Ripper and Thomas believes this will help her to get better.<br />
When they final arrive in Bran Castle, where the feared father of the <i>strigoi </i>(vampires) once lived and where their new school is located, they are faced with the reality of new mysteries to investigate. After a series of bodies are found, depleted of blood and with a stake through their hearts, a rumour arises that Vlad Dracula is back from the dead and killing again.<br />
Audrey Rose finds herself investigating these murders in order not only to prove herself to a disbelieving headmaster as well as to prove that no <i>strigoi</i> are walking around and killing people. Both Audrey and Thomas find themselves in the midst of a mystery that seems to have no solution.<br />
One very positive aspect of this book is its setting. Set in Bran Castle, in Romania, during Winter and close to Christmas there is a special tone to the story. You can feel the castle's corridors cold and crisp air, you can smell the decaying corpses on the morgue, you can imagine the all-white landscape that surrounds these characters as they try to dispprove the existence of mythical beings. The very history of Bran Castle and its relation to Romanian history and folklore, and the way that plotline is inserted into the story make it even more of a great setting for this story, amplifying its grotesque details.<br />
Thomas Cresswell continues to be a very important character. His charm and intelligence never fail, unless in situations related to his feelings for Audrey. The duality of a person who is quite keen on everything that is scientific and palpable but fails when it comes to sensibility and even his own feelings make him not only believable but also closer to the reader. A perfect character would not be as interesting as someone who has their faults, that begin to come out more as the story progresses.<br />
Audrey Rose seems to be dealing with some manifestation of PTSD and also with her own dark, painful feelings that she does not know quite how to handle. She never stops being the badass female character she was in the first book but added to it, she becomes the example of someone who is dealing with grief. The author does not shy away from the ugliness and toughness of grieving. Still, there is a realistic portrayal of a person trying to move on with her life after a traumatic event.<br />
Non regarding the mystery aspect of it, I would say this book is about how Thomas' and Audrey's relationship evolves. It never ceases to be interesting to read about a relationship between two people constrained by their society and how they try to surpass that. Their feelings and attraction grow as well as their understanding of each other and their mutual respect. Societal barriers start to become blurry or even non-existent. Still, there is work to be done in their relationship (or lack of it).<br />
The reader gets to know more about the characters from the previous book and gets a glimpse at Thomas' family life. We meet Daciana Cresswell, the sensual and deeply intelligent sister of Thomas. Not forgetting the mystery, which is immersive and interesting. It may be that I am a bit obtuse but I was not able to discover the solution until the very end.<br />
Overall this is a very well written and well-researched book that continues to tell the reader about the characters introduced in the first instalment. There is great feminist representation in a time period where it sometimes feels there was none and there is also LGBT representation, as well as social taboos. It is certainly a great historical mystery and I really want to keep reading this series and see what this leads to.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-7867823381806785992019-08-14T23:52:00.000+01:002019-08-14T23:52:25.600+01:00Review: Stalking Jack the Ripper (Stalking Jack the Ripper #1) by Kerri Maniscalco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Review.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u><u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Kerri Maniscalco<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Jimmy Patterson<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date: </u> September 20th 2016<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> Paperback Book</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471010109l/28962906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="28962906" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471010109l/28962906.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.<br />
Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.<br />
The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031627349X/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=031627349X&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Stalking-Jack-the-Ripper-Kerri-Maniscalco-James-Patterson/9780316273497/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28962906-stalking-jack-the-ripper">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stalking-jack-the-ripper-kerri-maniscalco/1123395718;jsessionid=44249E0ED170C6F422314773DCD99449.prodny_store01-atgap01?ean=9780316273497&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20Inc#/">B&N</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<strong><u><br /></u></strong><strong><u>Review:</u></strong><br />
<div>
Audrey Rose Wadsworth could be just another high society lady, caring only about tea, parties and gossip. Instead, she prefers the study of the human body while performing autopsies under the tutelage of her uncle. Unfortunately, this is not something that Victorian London society, or even her father, accept and she has to keep her love for forensics hidden from the ones closest to her.<br />
One day she finds herself working with her uncle on a string of murder victims that will come to be known as the victims of Jack the Ripper. With everyone on their nerves end and frightened, a lot of fingers are pointed around. In order to protect her uncle from the police, Audrey takes the investigation into her own hands, assisted by her uncle's other pupil, Thomas Cresswell. Together they vow to unveil the killer that predates on society's rejects.<br />
The premise of this book is interesting on its own: a seventeen-year-old high society girl that cuts open the bodies of the dead and investigates the cause of their deaths. This goes against any retelling of the Jack the Ripper case I have ever known, either those of fiction or the attempts to unravel the mystery (and there are a lot of them).<br />
Because of this detail, the book ends up being built upon a very strong character and grounding every other character through her. Audrey Rose Wadsworth is not like other girls, she aims for more and she knows she is capable of more. Even though society does not agree with her ideas and her hopes for the future, she finds in her uncle and Thomas Cresswell someone who values her intelligence and considers her a sort of equal. It is very interesting to observe how an insufferable know it all like Thomas Cresswell finds himself unarmed against Audrey's exoticness. Thomas has to learn how to deal with her without following the rules he was always thaught, still, he remains a mystery to the reader. There is something lurking behind his eyes and the reader does not know quite what it is.<br />
The author was able to write an interesting and engaging crime story with history and romance and all the gritty details while also exploring important themes. These themes are things like the Victorian incursions into science and the woman's place in Victorian society. There is always a clear line of where the society these characters live in establishes its boundaries (which are meant to be broken). There is also the fact that personality and respect are attributed to the Ripper's victims. Audrey cares for them, they are not mere objects to be exploited as grim material for the story.<br />
This is, overall a great story. I feel that the series will only get better because the characters become more tridimensional with the progression of the story. I also believe that the following books will explore even more complex characters an themes. If you are in some kind of a book slump this is a great book to get you back into reading or even to read between two big heftier books!</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-22004535396177447652019-07-18T08:00:00.000+01:002019-07-18T08:00:26.907+01:00Milan Trip 2019: Day 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnluD_eUxdo/XQPqSo6BmhI/AAAAAAAAC8M/HK6EM1oeXa8d0gjUKgTqBKl24acPhjKHACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Milan%2BTrip.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JnluD_eUxdo/XQPqSo6BmhI/AAAAAAAAC8M/HK6EM1oeXa8d0gjUKgTqBKl24acPhjKHACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Milan%2BTrip.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello, my lovely readers! This has been a Summer of changes for me: I finished my bachelor's, got into a master's and feel like I am an adult! You can read more on this on my <a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2019/06/the-reader-diaries-20-baby-steps.html">The Reader Diaries</a> blog post. One thing that I really wanted to do was to get back to Italy. Honestly, I have been thinking of going back ever since I came home from my first time visiting, a few years ago with my family. Since you are reading this I believe you can guess that I made it and I went back to Milano, or Milan, whatever you prefer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To me, Milan is the perfect mix between classy and imponent old buildings and modern sleek new buildings. It is the centre of high fashion in Italy and, therefore, the world. In this marvellous city in Lombardy, you always feel surrounded by the old masters and, at the same time, by the young innovators of the world. This is a cosmopolitan fashionable city, and this is not only because Chiara Ferragni lives there. Its famous canals were designed by Leonardo Da Vinci, it houses one of the greatest examples of late Gothic architecture in the world and it is, most of all, a "good vibes" cultural city.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In this series, I want to share with you what I managed to do on my trip and to give you some tips to succeed in this amazing area of Italy. Like the Italians would say: <i>cominciamo</i>!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a>
<br />
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">Ver esta publicação no Instagram</a></div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">La felicità 🇮🇹 . . . #travelling #travel #sightseeing #italy #treasures #vsco #vscopt #trip #flight #history #culture #duomo #duomodimilano #gothic #architecture #happygirl #happiness #milano #milan #lombardia #cathedral</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
Uma publicação partilhada por <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tizanab/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Ana Esteves</a> (@tizanab) a <time datetime="2019-06-07T11:01:41+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">7 de Jun, 2019 às 4:01 PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I firmly believe that one of the smartest decisions I made on this trip was to book night flights. I went with an amazing friend of mine who is always up to take a ton of pictures of yours truly and to go along with my crazy ideas. Since he works, I had the stupendous idea of booking night flights, this way we won an extra day and a half and he was able to work on the day of our first flight. I also used up some of my <a href="https://www.staralliance.com/en/">Star Alliance</a> frequent flyer miles that I had piled up flying with <a href="https://www.flytap.com/pt-pt/">TAP</a> during my <a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/search/label/The%20Erasmus%20Diaries">Erasmus+</a>. We departed from Lisbon Airport around 9 p.m. and arrived at Milan Malpensa Airport around midnight. Since I like to save my money where I can, we opted to sleep in the airport arrivals chairs and get to the city on the earliest train we could catch after the sun was up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before our trip, I bought the train tickets online to the <a href="https://www.malpensaexpress.it/en/">Malpensa Express</a>. Buying a return ticket online and taking it printed meant that besides saving money, we did not have to wait for the ticket office to open. We just got on a train at around 6:30 a.m. and headed towards <i>Milano Cadorna Station</i>. The Cadorna station is literally right beside the <i>Castello Sforzesco</i> (the Sforza Castle) which is located quite in the centre of the city. Our Airbnb check-in was only at 12 a.m. so we just took in the moment to walk around the city before the other tourists got out on the street.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you ever plan to do like I did, please do remember to pack light. I only took a <a href="https://www.decathlon.co.uk/nh500-30l-backpack-dark-grey-id_8383599.html">30-litre Quechua backpack</a> with me, so I only had to carry the weight in my back. It is certainly a privilege to walk around some of the busiest places in Milano and not seeing a soul around, it really lets you take in the scenery. Of course, we had to go to the<i> Piazza del Duomo</i> (the Cathedral's Square) and take some pictures while it was relatively empty.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Right beside the <i>Duomo</i>, it is the <i>Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II</i> the oldest still sunning shopping mall in Italy. This amazing piece of architecture was designed in 1861 and built between 1865-1867 by Giuseppe Mengoni and it is named after the first king of the unified kingdom of Italy. Until Vittorio Emanuelle II what we now know as Italy was in fact divided into several smaller kingdoms with their own languages and traditions, this is still very noticeable today. There is a tradition that states that "if you want to return to Milan, ... you have a spin with your heel on the mosaic bull's 'attributes' that make up the pavement of the Galleria" (from <i><a href="https://www.turismo.milano.it/wps/portal/tur/it">Turismo Milano</a></i>).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIyInGL69y4/XS89l0Z2LbI/AAAAAAAAC-s/-HoM_pXqrWE08mwKFEWlVclD-UjpagX0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190607_073542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIyInGL69y4/XS89l0Z2LbI/AAAAAAAAC-s/-HoM_pXqrWE08mwKFEWlVclD-UjpagX0ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_073542.jpg" width="300" /></a> <img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_q0ZsvmNmM0/XS89mQInqSI/AAAAAAAAC-8/NFJJ7iMrJo4tbel2p9sDnMN4AEvmbswCACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_074158.jpg" width="300" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After strolling around between the Galleria and the Piazza del Duomo, we entered one of the side streets in search of a nice place to have breakfast. After at least 20 minutes of checking Google Maps (amazing place for advice) and walking around, we settled on <a href="https://www.caffevergnano.com/en/">Caffè Vergnano</a> (the one on Via Speronari). I had an amazing <i>Caffè Vienes</i>e and a <i>cannolo siciliano </i>(my dears, <i>cannoli </i>is the plural of <i>cannolo</i>). The caffè has an amazing ambience and the people are very nice! If you get to go there be sure to ask them for guidance on what to have because they know all the ins and outs of Italian desserts and barista culture.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iI1PkXFKK6E/XS89n3ru4YI/AAAAAAAAC-w/iYk7Foh2GVUKPtr4nGsgOk1hQ9A6m4nMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190607_084454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iI1PkXFKK6E/XS89n3ru4YI/AAAAAAAAC-w/iYk7Foh2GVUKPtr4nGsgOk1hQ9A6m4nMwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_084454.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OynO0Cm9cc/XS89l0cRdKI/AAAAAAAAC-o/_rzTYduYv9gzVgVBA0iYv5azVqrOP9WygCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190607_084442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OynO0Cm9cc/XS89l0cRdKI/AAAAAAAAC-o/_rzTYduYv9gzVgVBA0iYv5azVqrOP9WygCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_084442.jpg" width="300" /></a> <span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After having breakfast we started making our way towards the area of our Airbnb. Since we still had some time, we decided to make some detours in order to kill some time. First, we visited the <i>Colonne di San Lorenzo</i> and the <i>Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore</i>. Unfortunately, I did not have access to my makeshift skirt and was wearing shorts so I did not want to risk entering. One thing that you will learn very quickly when you go to Italy is that you need to cover up to enter churches. This means no bare shoulders and nothing above the knee, for both men and women, even if they are a bit more relaxed when it comes to menswear.<br />
The <i>Colonne di San Lorenzo</i> are 16 humongous corinthian columns in a row that were moved to their current location in the 4th century, after being removed from either a public bathhouse or a pagan temple. They are a reminder of how in the 4th and 5th centuries Milan, or<i> Mediolanum</i> how it was known then, was the capital of the Roman Empire. Besides being one of the most important Roman findings in the city, the square between it and the <i>Basilica</i> is a great place to experience Milan's nightlife along with the locals. In the square between the columns and the church you will also find a bronze copy of the 4th-century statue of Emperor Constantine, the original is located in the San Giovanni in Laterano church in Rome.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHi8Pc28SGk/XS89uxeL-wI/AAAAAAAAC_I/qUIALbUkVz82JIXKewaycc6TtKH5TeVUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190607_100226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHi8Pc28SGk/XS89uxeL-wI/AAAAAAAAC_I/qUIALbUkVz82JIXKewaycc6TtKH5TeVUACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20190607_100226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <i>Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore</i> is located right in front of the columns and behind the statue of Constantine (that is posterior to it). This basilica was originally built in Roman times and rebuilt several times over the centuries, it is one of the oldest churches in Milan being consecrated in 402. This is a great symbol of the legacy of the Roman Empire in Milan. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Bramante and Giuliano da Sangallo studied this building's architecture. Besides its great cultural importance, this is a great place to stop by and eat lunch underneath the trees. It is also located in an area known for its old churches, having a wide garden behind it that was once used for executions (I know, it takes my hunger away too).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Su1q3wZokYw/XS89oqUQquI/AAAAAAAAC-0/eqDzcu0L2BEpEEz2M-gqtAgpRqMjMnrfACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190607_095120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Su1q3wZokYw/XS89oqUQquI/AAAAAAAAC-0/eqDzcu0L2BEpEEz2M-gqtAgpRqMjMnrfACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_095120.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XC9puwDSP4E/XS89s9mfNyI/AAAAAAAAC_A/J5ui5XpGig0zxNZ0EmTjfxb_ILNNNu_MACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190607_095259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XC9puwDSP4E/XS89s9mfNyI/AAAAAAAAC_A/J5ui5XpGig0zxNZ0EmTjfxb_ILNNNu_MACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_095259.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After crossing one of the amazing parks located in this area we headed towards the <i>Chiesa di Sant'Eustorgio</i>. To be honest, we were not even heading towards the church, we were walking around and stumbled upon it. This church was probably founded in the 4th century by Eustorgio I, Bishop of Milan. It was once an important place of pilgrimage since it is said to contain the relics of the Three Magi, translated to the church from Constantinople in 344.<br />
Besides its great religious significance, it also possesses one of the main and most notable examples of Renaissance Florentine art in the whole of Milan: the Portinari Chapel. Firstly, my bookish friends, as far as I have been able to check, Pigello Portinari, who commissioned this chapel to be a private sepulchre was of the same Florentine family as Dante Alighieri's famed Beatrice Portinari.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl2IG4NKeps/XS89xK43qgI/AAAAAAAAC_M/An-AG3YcGn0lzSsSanASyOGStYV4jeJYwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20190607_101804.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Portinari Chapel is exceedingly beautiful with its frescos and overall magical ambience. This is where the tomb of San Pietro Martire is located: a luxurious funerary monument in marble by Balduccio Pisano (believe me, the details are out of this world). You will see a lot of San Pietro Martire in this church, so here is a little bit of context. San Pietro Martire was a 13th-century catholic priest and served as an inquisitor in Lombardy. His only recorded act in Milan was one of clemency and he was able to convert a lot of Cathar Christians (Cathars were a very weird sect of Christians) back to Catholicism. Milanese Cathars did not like his conversions and hired an assassin to kill him, which he did, cutting the top of his head with an axe. His way of being assassinated is why he appears in drawings and sculptures with a blade stuck in his head.<br />
I really enjoyed this church, it is one of those places where you can quite literally feel the old. Ever since the moment I walked in, I felt surrounded by the imposing and beautiful building and decor. One cannot simply explain how one felt in that situation but I gather that you can assume how astounded I was by my lack of ability to describe it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UupUK6BCr4E/XS89xaPMLiI/AAAAAAAAC_U/Pjh0TK0khPoZQhg-X6y1axkoU65Y8w4SgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_110734.jpg" width="300" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UogjQQ4Rihg/XS89xFftaKI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/_LVcv1bD3NMFBhfcImM1Bjio32Xs-9cpgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_104053.jpg" width="300" /></div>
<br />
After leaving the church we did finally head towards our Airbnb directly. This statement may not be totally honest: Milan has so much to see that it is totally impossible not to stop and stare every 5 minutes. We stayed in an amazing studio near the <i>Parco Vittorio Fomentano</i> which was chosen not only because of the price but also because of its closeness to the Duomo. After checking in and taking a shower we headed towards Navigli. We did this in a way I do not advise: we went through Porta Romana and passed through <i><a href="http://www.fondazioneprada.org/?lang=en">Fondazione Prada</a></i>. The Fondazione Prada is a complex of buildings in the old gin district of Milan that serves as the headquarters of the institution headed lead by Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli. This institution is dedicated to contemporary art and culture and promotes a rich cultural programme.<br />
After walking nervously for a while because I was waiting to know if I made it into my master's degree or not we finally arrived in Navigli. After sitting to rest my feet, I started to check my email (for the one-millionth time) to see if the university had sent news... and I was accepted! We then decided to commemorate by eating pizza.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzHGdMBFlRV/" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzHGdMBFlRV/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzHGdMBFlRV/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
Ver esta publicação no Instagram</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">
</div>
</div>
</a><br />
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BzHGdMBFlRV/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Uma publicação partilhada por Ana Esteves (@tizanab)</a> a <time datetime="2019-06-24T23:28:27+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">24 de Jun, 2019 às 4:28 PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b>
Prior to actually eating anything, we took some time to walk through the amazing canals of Navigli. The artificial canals located throughout the city of Milan were built between 1179 and the 16th century. They were used to transport merchandise and also to bring the marble used to construct the city's cathedral, the <i>Duomo di Milano</i>. The system of dams used in these canals was famously designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself, who stayed in Milan or awhile, serving the Sforzas. After their construction, the canals quickly became the city's main form of communication and transport<br />
This is a great place to have an <i>aperitivo</i>, the Milanese tradition of buying drinks and getting the food for free (within a certain schedule, of course, usually by the end of the afternoon)! We opted not to do that though and I ate an amazing pizza Margherita, which is my favourite.<br />
Going to Italy, and especially places like Navigli, you should be prepared for the prices. As an example, I paid 8 euros for my pizza, 4 euros for a can of coke, 3 euros for <i>coperto</i> and the dessert we shared was a whopping total of 12 euros. This could have been more expensive if we had gone along with the Italian tradition of meal structure.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KrpRi-NtHaY/XS_Jlyg08OI/AAAAAAAADAI/d3fwjDTGsZkKgfLo2K9Fy1CGBo6UHvUmgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_175612.jpg" width="300" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XXq_nAPCaLo/XS_Jl9pyzRI/AAAAAAAADAM/MynTFjYjPdYpOnCspDMm7SjyBP4NRlwbQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_182410.jpg" width="300" /></div>
<br />
The classic <b><u>Italian meal structure</u></b> is as follows:<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <i>aperitivo</i>: it is the beginning of the meal, similar to an appetizer (it relates to the Milanese tradition I mentioned earlier); usually includes alcoholic drinks and light food.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <i>antipasto</i>: another starter that is a bit heavier; usually cold foods, like <i>mortadella</i>, <i>prosciutto</i>, <i>bresaola</i> and other charcuterie, also cheeses and small bread-based dishes, like<i> bruschetta</i> and <i>panino</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <i>primo piatto</i>: the first course; hot food; heavier than the previous course but lighter than the next; usually non-meat dishes such as <i>risotto</i>, <i>pasta</i>, <i>soup</i>, <i>gnocchi</i>, <i>polenta</i>, <i>lasagne</i> and others.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <i>secondo piatto</i>: usually meats or fish; sausage, pork, steak, stew, beef, <i>zampone</i> and others; the most Milanese food to eat in this course is <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veal_Milanese">Cotoletta alla Milanese</a></i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <i>contorno</i>: side dish; usually served with the <i>secondo piatto</i>; usually raw or cooked vegetables.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <i>formaggi e frutta</i>: cheeses and fruit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <i>dolce</i>: the dessert; included are things like <i>panettone</i>, <i>tiramisu</i>, <i>panna cotta</i> and other Italian delicacies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <i>caffè</i>: coffee; we Europeans like to drink our expresso after our meals.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- <i>digestivo</i>: after coffee, alcoholic drinks like <i>limoncello</i>, <i>grappa</i> and <i>amaro </i>are served.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSpOLne1p4U/XS-8EFwYxmI/AAAAAAAAC_0/pleaKh5vyvAZYj8E2BhK7_IDGYBOEo_XACLcBGAs/s1600/67337394_713800289080076_2627645422436352000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSpOLne1p4U/XS-8EFwYxmI/AAAAAAAAC_0/pleaKh5vyvAZYj8E2BhK7_IDGYBOEo_XACLcBGAs/s640/67337394_713800289080076_2627645422436352000_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Besides the food, we strolled around, watching the sun go down and collecting free books. That's right: free books. I was so lucky that on the day we went to Navigli it was the anniversary of an Italian chain of bookstores called Libraccio. Libraccio spread books alongside the canal and let people pick and take what they wanted without paying. These were used books and they said they were giving them away because books are not meant to be forgotten. It is important to mention that I do actually speak Italian so I was not taking books just for taking.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We ended our first day by strolling around the canals and drinking a cup of Spritz! I do not approve of plastic straws but the seller gave them to us before I could refuse. Spritz is an Italian drink made with Aperol, prosecco and a bit of sprite.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1060" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJCuacfSskM/XS-8IToJR6I/AAAAAAAAC_4/zi2SBH2_dQkI4o2WEQPQrEJ3Z7Syjx23QCLcBGAs/s400/66848437_394081207746856_9001741536718749696_n.jpg" width="262" /> <img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JsHDu22RtY/XS_M_DD7jiI/AAAAAAAADAc/eGa5t5zZjUQBjMjS6te0Ba0W8zUpyE2DwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190607_195106.jpg" width="300" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JsHDu22RtY/XS_M_DD7jiI/AAAAAAAADAc/eGa5t5zZjUQBjMjS6te0Ba0W8zUpyE2DwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190607_195106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This is the end of the first post in the 5 post series about my trip to Italy in June. I hope you enjoyed it! Please comment below what you thought!</b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Extra tips:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- if you ever see a sign or a warning saying <i>sciopero </i>in Italy then there is some kind of strike.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- a train platform is called <i>binario</i>, a ticket<i> biglietto,</i> help<i> aiuta,</i> please<i> per favore </i>and thank you<i> grazie.</i></div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-39931612355932944082019-07-12T16:41:00.001+01:002019-07-17T01:38:49.060+01:00Review: Enchantée (Enchantée #1) by Gita Trelease <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yCn6TPjgfs/W-rlj29PoWI/AAAAAAAACm0/S86Mk5rRDdQgacFWs_r-nl4-N3bbMU6AACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Review.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;"></u><br />
<a name='more'></a><u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Gita Trelease<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539524515i/41577908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="41577908" border="0" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539524515i/41577908.jpg" width="264" /></a><u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Macmillan Children's Books<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> February 21st 2019<br />
<u style="text-align: justify;"><b>Source:</b></u><span style="text-align: justify;"> ebook (given by Netgalley)</span></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_tb0J3_1IA/VX1iAsZ4LTI/AAAAAAAABSU/M1zd8i07qsAkFWzf-Bk3hEvRHktURiRMwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_tb0J3_1IA/VX1iAsZ4LTI/AAAAAAAABSU/M1zd8i07qsAkFWzf-Bk3hEvRHktURiRMwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating5.jpg" width="200" /></a><strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Paris in 1789 is a labyrinth of twisted streets, filled with beggars, thieves, revolutionaries—and magicians...<br />
When smallpox kills her parents, Camille Durbonne must find a way to provide for her frail, naive sister while managing her volatile brother. Relying on petty magic—la magie ordinaire—Camille painstakingly transforms scraps of metal into money to buy the food and medicine they need. But when the coins won’t hold their shape and her brother disappears with the family’s savings, Camille must pursue a richer, more dangerous mark: the glittering court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.<br />
With dark magic forbidden by her mother, Camille transforms herself into the ‘Baroness de la Fontaine’ and is swept up into life at the Palace of Versailles, where aristocrats both fear and hunger for la magie. There, she gambles at cards, desperate to have enough to keep herself and her sister safe. Yet the longer she stays at court, the more difficult it becomes to reconcile her resentment of the nobles with the enchantments of Versailles. And when she returns to Paris, Camille meets a handsome young balloonist—who dares her to hope that love and liberty may both be possible.<br />
But la magie has its costs. And when Camille loses control of her secrets, the game she's playing turns deadly. Then revolution erupts, and she must choose—love or loyalty, democracy or aristocracy, freedom or magic—before Paris burns…</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1509895973/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1509895973&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Enchantee-Gita-Trelease/9781509895977/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41577908-enchant-e">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enchant-e-gita-trelease/1128543519?ean=9781250295521#/">B&N</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong><br /></div>
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
<strong><u>Review:</u></strong><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*The publisher provided this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Paris in the reign of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette is a place of dreams, a place of new ideas, a place of beauty but also a place of thieves, a place of oppression and a place of death. The court's luxuries have drained the people's money and food and while the high classes have fun, others die of disease and hunger.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Camille Durbonne knows this all too well. After her parents die of smallpox and she is left alone with her money draining gambler brother, Alain, and her frail little sister, Sophie, and little way to make ends meet. She lives in the dark part of Paris, the one where nobles do not venture to dwell. It is in this Paris that she meets Lazare, a balloonist that dreams as high as herself.<br />
Trying to make some money to be able to escape from Alain's grasp, Camille turns to the magic her mum had taught her. With this secret and forbidden magic, Camille turns herself into the 'Baroness de la Fontaine' and tries her luck at Versailles' gambling tables, always aided by la magie.<br />
As time goes on, Camille starts to realise the true costs of using la magie as well as the danger of being a magician in one of Europe's most dangerous courts. Times are changing and each one has to save themselves, at a certain point Camille finds herself entrapped between the nobles and the people and between herself and her persona as the Baroness.<br />
There is a quote that, for me, summarises the feeling of this whole book:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"This was the Paris of the strivers, of those who dwell low, not high. This was not the Paris of balloonists."</b></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
If one expects to find a small fairytale about how amazing Paris was and of how many wonderful luxuries all French people enjoyed during this time, that will not happen. The author has taken a very different approach to the subject choosing a storytelling style that showcases both sides of French society during this time. Camille is the spokesperson for both the nobles and the common people, finding herself divided between her life and the one she created through her glamour as the Baroness.<br />
This a story that highlights the spirit of discovery and freedom of speech wished by the Enlightenment and the "boom" new ideas and concerns that took place in that era. The entanglement between the aeronauts' plot with the Versailles and Camille's family plot make this story beautifully complex in all the right ways. Yes, there are a lot of plot lines but they mesh together in a way that culminates in the same plot line and each one having its importance for the whole web of the story.<br />
One thing that is really interesting in this story is that it being a fantasy set in the real world, the author did not whitewash 1789 Paris. Lazare Melais is Indian on his mother's side and that shows the conscience that French people (and other nations) actually "mingled" with the people from their colonies, leading to a more diverse society than one might be led to imagine. Besides this, it is also important to highlight (again), how the hunger and sickness of the underfed French general populace were taken into account. Instead of embellishing this time period the author was faithful to the realities of the time.<br />
The magical and fantastical elements of the story and the way they are intertwined with the glamorous and the dark details of Paris makes this book especially great. You will fall in love on the very first chapter and you will feel the characters in your core. Do pick this book up! It is worth it.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-61969208475319466392019-06-21T11:50:00.001+01:002019-06-21T11:50:31.947+01:00Review: Fire & Heist by Sarah Beth Durst<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHNFGPXqQ1U/W-rlM-9KoEI/AAAAAAAACmo/1Q9cMTYAQEQlOjiPkbvpyGrBefKLeNggACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHNFGPXqQ1U/W-rlM-9KoEI/AAAAAAAACmo/1Q9cMTYAQEQlOjiPkbvpyGrBefKLeNggACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Review.png" width="640" /></a></u></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><u style="font-weight: bold;"></u></u><br />
<a name='more'></a><u style="font-weight: bold;"><u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u></u><u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Sarah Beth Durst<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1545419176l/43305952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="43305952" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1545419176l/43305952.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Crown Books for Young Readers<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> December 4th 2018</div>
<u><b>Source:</b></u> hardcover (Fairyloot Edition)<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n1GZlm6pL1s/VXisrM1YmvI/AAAAAAAABRo/i-HG8KTQRt09v7dfgU9E39evLWA2Ro0jgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Leading your first heist is a major milestone in Sky Hawkin’s family—even more so than learning to talk, walk, or do long division. It’s a chance to gain power and acceptance within society. But stealing your first treasure can be complicated—especially when you’re a wyvern, a human capable of transforming into a dragon.<br />
Embarking on a life of crime is never easy, and Sky’s mission uncovers deep secrets about the mother who recently went missing, the real reason her boyfriend broke up with her, and a valuable jewel that could restore her family’s wealth and rank in their community.<br />
With a handpicked crew by her side, Sky knows she has everything she needs to complete her first heist—and get back the people she loves in the process. But instead, she ends up discovering a dark truth about were-dragon society—a truth that is more valuable and dangerous than gold or jewels could ever be.</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Heist-Sarah-Beth-Durst/dp/1101931000/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=fire+and+heist&qid=1549959988&s=books&sr=1-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Fire-and-Heist/9781101931004/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43305952-fire-heist">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fire-heist-sarah-beth-durst/1129473623?ean=9781101931004">B&N</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong><br /></div>
<strong><u>Review:</u></strong><br />
<div>
Sky Hawkings is just a girl but she is not exactly a human. She descends from an ancient group of dragons that were expelled from their homeland, and she also descends from humans, she is a were-dragon. Were-dragons can resist heat (flames included) until a very high threshold and some (very little of them) can even do magic! They like to call themselves wyverns and their immense love for shiny beautiful things, like gold and jewels, made them into prolific thieves, amassing surprising amounts of wealth.<br />
One day, after a job gone wrong, Sky's mum disappears without a trace and there is scandal in the wyvern community, which turns its back on the Hawkings family. After her father and brothers refuse to go searching for her mother, Sky makes it her mission to find her, whatever it costs.<br />
This is a very special book. I cannot lie and say this is the best book ever, because, in my opinion, it is not. However, it is a short funny standalone novel about a society of wyverns that live amongst humans. It is a story that entails personal development, new friendships, a romantic relationship, family values and constant jokes on the tropes explored within the novel itself.<br />
One might consider this a great novel for book slumps or whenever one desires to read a short lighthearted story. The merits of this book are in the way the story is able to entertain its reader, even when certain events may seem a little too obvious. You can count on laughing a lot!<br />
This book contains amazing characters and I believe that they are a great part of why this story is so entertaining. The author is able to slowly unveil each character's motivation, personality traits and overall comedic power. It may seem that this is a comedic book because of my description, it is not. The way the characters speak and make fun of certain situations makes it more lighthearted and funny than what you might be expecting and that is part of its special power.<br />
If you find yourself wanting to read a good but small book to break away from bigger books for a bit, then this is the one I would advise you to pick up!</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-32786011666506605752019-06-14T20:27:00.000+01:002019-06-14T20:27:04.835+01:00The Reader Diaries #20: Baby Steps Towards Adulthood<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsulEUYd3JE/XQPoUQMNDkI/AAAAAAAAC8A/wLlzCyxuJ6oror2NIQXtYBVrUzY3U8NlwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/The%2BReader%2BDiaries.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsulEUYd3JE/XQPoUQMNDkI/AAAAAAAAC8A/wLlzCyxuJ6oror2NIQXtYBVrUzY3U8NlwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/The%2BReader%2BDiaries.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a>Sooooooo... Hello, I am back! I know that I have been away for a month and a half now and that this year has been a low one in terms of posts. This is kind of a "life updates" post because a lot has been going on in my life lately.<br />
In the last two months, I have: finished my degree, applied for a master's programme, applied for a job, got in my master's programme, got a job and went to Italy. As you can imagine, life has been a whirlwind of emotions and things to do. I ended up needing a break from blogging so I could get my head straight, and also to organise my priorities, have some time to rest and to think about what I want to do with this blog in the future.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">Ver esta publicação no Instagram</a></div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZ_e1Nl706/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">La felicità 🇮🇹 . . . #travelling #travel #sightseeing #italy #treasures #vsco #vscopt #trip #flight #history #culture #duomo #duomodimilano #gothic #architecture #happygirl #happiness #milano #milan #lombardia #cathedral</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
Uma publicação partilhada por <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tizanab/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Ana Esteves</a> (@tizanab) a <time datetime="2019-06-07T11:01:41+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">7 de Jun, 2019 às 4:01 PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script> </div>
<div align="center">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This time off has really been a time of healing and resting. With the stress of the final days of the semester and the passing of my grandpa at the beginning of the year, I really did not have time to process everything that went on in my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These past months I have been working on elaborating a list of things I want to accomplish in the future. This list includes things such as academic success, more health and not being so hard on myself. Growing up is very hard but with resilience and a smile on your face, you can get through anything and do anything you set your mind to.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since I went on a short vacation to Milan, in Italy, I have been working on a small travel diary and travel tips post. Going to Italy was a really important thing for me because it was my first actual vacation without my parents (if you do not have scouts camping trips into account) and it was also a great opportunity to practise my Italian. It was in Italy that I received the news that I was accepted into a masters degree and it was there that I made my small celebration with my friend that went with me.</div>
<br />
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByizYMUlJb9/" data-instgrm-version="12" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByizYMUlJb9/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByizYMUlJb9/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByizYMUlJb9/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByizYMUlJb9/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">Ver esta publicação no Instagram</a></div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByizYMUlJb9/" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByizYMUlJb9/" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">Enjoying the view 🇮🇹 . . . #travelling #travel #sightseeing #italy #treasures #vsco #lagodicomo #lakecomo #varenna #boat #lake #gloomy #trees #boat #italia #italian #italy #travel #travelling #girl #wind</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
Uma publicação partilhada por <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tizanab/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> Ana Esteves</a> (@tizanab) a <time datetime="2019-06-10T21:09:05+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">10 de Jun, 2019 às 2:09 PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have talked so much about university but I seem not to have actually told you what I finished! I finished my undergraduate degree in <i>Language, Literature and Cultures</i> in the School of Arts and Humanities of the University of Lisbon! I feel really accomplished since I finished with a really nice average and I loved most of my last semester's subjects (basically everything but English Linguistics, sorry linguistics lovers).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am going to be doing the Master's Degree in <i>Communication Studies</i> in the <i>Communication, Marketing and Advertising</i> branch in the Universidade Católica Portuguesa. I know, it is a lot different from my plan of studying Comparative Literature, but I am postponing that dream for a bit so I can actually start my career. I would really like to work in editorial marketing and communications area in Portugal, which is really difficult. I really want to change people's minds about books being boring.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Besides getting a part-time job, so I can generate some income to help out my parents I have just signed up for a gym membership so I can work on my health. I have no problem with being "big boned" I have a problem with being unhealthy and, unfortunately, that is what I am.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Within the next week, I will probably be finally able to upload a book review! It is been a long time and I miss it!</div>
<script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>
</div>
What has been going on in your life? Leave a comment below so we can chat!</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-13335086632169234822019-04-25T23:59:00.000+01:002019-04-25T23:59:51.950+01:00Dealing With Stress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VtVKqnqCZwM/XLnj4FGS8KI/AAAAAAAAC5E/o7mEY92Q14AZmqDfFhHFWZszhKN4J2YPwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2BWith%2BStress.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VtVKqnqCZwM/XLnj4FGS8KI/AAAAAAAAC5E/o7mEY92Q14AZmqDfFhHFWZszhKN4J2YPwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Dealing%2BWith%2BStress.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
Stress is something that is present in everyday life, no one escapes it, no one dominates it, we just have to learn to deal with it when it appears. My aim in this blog post is not to get overly technical about stress and how it is a problem or where stress comes from. I only want to help those of you that, like me, struggle with stress in your lives, from a non-expert point of view.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There is a key thing to know about stress and its consequences: stress can be good for you (if it is not too much). Stress can be positive when it creates some accountability and makes you do work that you would not usually do. This can be, for example, when you know you have a test and you feel stressed because you have to study for it, you are being held accountable for your ability to learn concepts and memorise information, that is why you are stressed. I recognize this is not the best example since you can be overly stressed because of an upcoming test but I believe my point has been made: stress can retroactively make you do positives things you would not do otherwise, like being more cautious, holding yourself accountable, thinking out of the box in order to solve a problem and many others.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However, what I am to help you with are those moments when stress is too much to handle, the moments when stress affects learning or those when it does not allow you to live your life to its fullest. There are many, and I restate many, causes to this kind of negative, paralyzing anxiety triggering stress: it can come from family, school, your career or even yourself, amongst many other possible causes of stress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are times when negative stress is so bad that people start developing symptoms. Some of these symptoms can be: anxiety, skin rashes, diarrhoea, chest pains, hair loss, stomach aches, dizziness, back pains, anxiety, the need to use coffee, alcohol or drugs in order to relax, tiredness, headaches, high blood pressure, and others. Yes, this is a very scary list but its purpose is not to scare you, it is to show you how negative stress can be and how important it is to identify it and to create strategies to deal with it. Please be mindful and aware of yourself and see a doctor if stress becomes too hard to handle, your mental health is very very important. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Stress has no miracle cure you do need to identify and address its causes, to create coping mechanisms to deal with something that is going to be present every day of your life. In this blog post, I will suggest some creative - or very non-creative - ways to help you deal with stress.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Take Time to Breathe</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Always remember not to let stress overcome you. Remember to get out and about, go for walks, take a day off... Pause and listen to what your mind and your body are asking of you. Stress relief can come from simply pausing and re-setting your life.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Simple things you can do in order to "take time to breathe" are, for an example, reading a book, talking to a friend, go on a walk, do a small out of town trip to a new place, discover a new corner of your city, do sports, paint, draw, be yourself for a little while. I am being very serious, simply going out for a coffee with a friend and talking can go a long way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Plan</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Get a planner or simply use your phone calendar to organise your life! It is essential to anyone's mental health to keep track of important events, work/school commitments, deadlines, doctor's appointments, and everything else in your life. I confess I am kind of a planner freak and I do lists simply for the pleasure of crossing out things I get done. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Make use of all the technology you have available to you! Also, colour coding is amazing and you need it in your life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5UpKXK6xV0/XMI1gzGaomI/AAAAAAAAC54/ZvN1XIidq80bVinZxtg7aG8qRbyDDSc7QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/calendar%2Btips.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5UpKXK6xV0/XMI1gzGaomI/AAAAAAAAC54/ZvN1XIidq80bVinZxtg7aG8qRbyDDSc7QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/calendar%2Btips.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Practise Self-Care</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take care of your body and your mind! Self-care is one of the most amazing things you can do for yourself. There are some things that are mostly common to everyone and then there are small things that only work for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Make a list of the thoughts that bother you, clean up/declutter your space, run a bath, treat yourself and your body, keep your mental health in check, drink water, brush your teeth, take your vitamins, there are so many things you can do!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are some links to help you out: <a href="https://changeforhappiness.tumblr.com/post/159476432769/guys-this-is-very-important" target="_blank">Mental Health and Illness Stuff</a>, <a href="https://roseonhissleeve.tumblr.com/post/160331302813/post-ticket-sale-self-care-masterlist" target="_blank">Post-Ticket Self-Care Masterlist </a>, <a href="https://literarygirl.tumblr.com/post/168153525723/dealing-with-the-worst-case-scenario" target="_blank">Dealing With the Worst Case Scenario</a>, <a href="https://rhymesforyourtime.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Rhymes for Your Time</a> (please leave more suggestions in the comments if you have them, let's help each other out)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sleep</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Literally, just get some ZZZZZZZs. I am not joking, sleeping enough hours and on a regular schedule is very very important. Your brain is not a machine, sleep is its way to rest and you need a rested brain during the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know sleeping enough hours is very difficult in today's world but you have to make an active effort to do it! If you were not able to sleep enough last night please consider taking a short nap to recharge your body.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Take Care of Your Diet</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everyone knows this one: you need to have a healthy and balanced diet. Do not let yourself fall into the MacDonald's and Doritos hurricane in times of trouble, it will only pull you down even more. Am I an example of this? No, I am not, I drown myself in chocolate when I am stressed. The thing is, you need to try to do it and in trying you will make it a bit better.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Make sure you eat enough carbs, sugars, protein and other nutrients daily. Also, do not forget to drink your water and do not overdo coffee and energy drinks, besides worsening your stress levels it can cause some very awful health problems.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know this is a very simple and quick blog post for a subject matter that could fill pages and pages. Please take it as a reminder that it is possible to deal with stress, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Find your way to relax and enjoy life! Please do share some tips in the comments!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="https://www.saudebemestar.pt/pt/blog-saude/stress/" style="text-align: justify;">https://www.saudebemestar.pt/pt/blog-saude/stress/</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-49765510013258461262019-04-17T06:00:00.000+01:002019-04-17T17:35:42.101+01:00Review: The Queen's Resistance (The Queen's Rising #2) by Rebecca Ross<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHNFGPXqQ1U/W-rlM-9KoEI/AAAAAAAACmo/1Q9cMTYAQEQlOjiPkbvpyGrBefKLeNggACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHNFGPXqQ1U/W-rlM-9KoEI/AAAAAAAACmo/1Q9cMTYAQEQlOjiPkbvpyGrBefKLeNggACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Review.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2018/11/review-queens-rising-queens-rising-1-by.html">* REVIEW: THE QUEEN'S RISING (THE QUEEN'S RISING #1) BY REBECCA ROSS *</a></u></div>
</u><br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Author:</u> Rebecca Ross<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1529602560l/38739550.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="38739550" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1529602560l/38739550.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Harper Collins Children's Books<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> March 5th 2019</div>
<u><b>Source:</b></u> ebook (given via Edelweiss)<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ulYuCVpM1sc/VXisqvPcKgI/AAAAAAAABRY/q4klnHhXzgQSwjozCh311wKY5zcz5lCEQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating4.5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ulYuCVpM1sc/VXisqvPcKgI/AAAAAAAABRY/q4klnHhXzgQSwjozCh311wKY5zcz5lCEQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating4.5.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong><br />
<strong><u>Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Finally, Brienna is a mistress of knowledge and is settling into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house. Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to the throne, she faces another difficult challenge. She must prove herself trustworthy to the MacQuinns. But as Queen Isolde Kavanagh’s closest confidant, she’ll have to balance serving her father’s house as well as her country. And then there’s Cartier, a wholly separate but desirable factor in her new life.<br />
Aodhan Morgane, formerly known as Cartier Évariste, is adjusting to the stark contrast between his pre-rebellion life in Valenia as a master of knowledge and his current one as the lord of a fallen house. During his castle’s restoration, he discovers a ten-year-old boy named Tomas, whose past and parentage are a complete mystery. So when Cartier’s former pupil Brienna is as taken with Tomas as he is, he lets his mind wander—what if he doesn’t have to raise him or his house alone?<br />
As the Lannon trial rapidly approaches, Brienna and Cartier must put their feelings aside to concentrate on forging alliances, executing justice, and ensuring that no one interferes with the queen’s coronation. But resistance is rumbling among the old regime’s supporters, who are desperate to find a weakness in the rebels’ forces. And nothing makes a person more vulnerable than deep-seated love.</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Queens-Resistance-Rising-Book-ebook/dp/B07H54VSN4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1542100350&sr=1-1&keywords=9780008246013">Amazon </a>| <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Queens-Resistance-Rebecca-Ross/9780008246013/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40604561-the-queen-s-resistance">Goodreads </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u><br /></u></strong></div>
<strong><u>Review:</u></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>*Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the publisher for review via Edelweiss; all thoughts and opinions are my own.*</strong><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Brienna has finally become a mistress of knowledge and is trying to fit in her new family and court with the MacQuinns but it is not easy to fit in when everyone hates you. Surviving a rebellion is starting to seem easy when compared with the challenges of living in this new society after everyone discovered who her biological father was. However, Brienna is the new Queen's, Isolde Kavanagh, closest confidant and friend, so she must learn to succeed in the gut-wrenching world of politics in an unstable nation that has no respect for her. She must assert herself through might, not violence, and show everyone what she is capable of.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As unexpected things start to happen in Maevana, both political and personal wise, Brienna has to learn how to deal with Cartier, now known as Aodhan. Relationships are never easy, but they become especially harder when you are trying to establish a new governmental regimen. Contrary forces start to rise and Brienna has to join forces with her friends to fight against those of the old regimen who believe they can overthrow the new Queen and put the cruel old king back in the throne. Justice can be cruel and Brienna needs to forge new alliances and learn to play the game or she may die.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This sequel to <i><a href="https://www.thebewitchedreader.com/2018/11/review-queens-rising-queens-rising-1-by.html">The Queen's Rising</a></i> picks up immediately after the end of the previous book: there is almost no gap in the narration between the two. In a way, it feels like you are reading the second part of the same book. Now that the reader has been introduced to the wondrous and very complex world of Maevana, it is possible to observe the inner workings of the kingdom, to get to know its people and more of its traditions. This a nation of warrior women and it is beautiful to see it unfold in this novel's pages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book's complex plot not only discusses the post-rebellion politics of establishing Queen Isolde's reign but also speaks to all the societal levels found in Maevana. The reader gets to know how the people feel, how the servants and the guard feel, how the new queen feels, no one escapes this scope. Besides the political and knowing how the characters feel, there are very important themes discussed throughout this story. Some of these themes are: balanced romantic relationships, being accepted for who you are and not what people think of you, trusting yourself, building trust, building your own family, amongst others. Some very poignant points about family and friendship are made in the story.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Throughout this book, the reader gets to see the characters evolve throughout the story. After a first book (in the series) that seemed to wrap all of the action, the reader gets a gut-punch and bucket of cold water spilt on top: nothing that seemed simple actually is. This is definitely one of the kinds of plots I like to call "onion plot" because of all of its layers and underlying complexity. Besides watching amazing personal progress from everyone - and also the Maevan society as a whole - you get to see Brienna and Aodhan's (formerly known as Cartier) relationship flourish, as well as her friendship with her new family and also her new people and servants.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is definitely a very underhyped and underappreciated YA (Young Adult) and Fantasy book. The world building and character construction always take me away and, if you think the first book was enough, think again! </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-1286786034572237442019-04-15T06:00:00.000+01:002019-04-15T06:00:01.040+01:005 Books to Read During Easter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Egqf0YnpYs/XLJqosk9arI/AAAAAAAAC4g/ZPJ5QLDjiZET1qY_r2ybQKbQz4AIjkaIACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/5%2Bbooks%2Bto%2Bread%2Bduring%2Beaster.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Egqf0YnpYs/XLJqosk9arI/AAAAAAAAC4g/ZPJ5QLDjiZET1qY_r2ybQKbQz4AIjkaIACK4BGAYYCw/s640/5%2Bbooks%2Bto%2Bread%2Bduring%2Beaster.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Usually, when Easter comes around, we get a little time to ourselves and to spend with the family. Even though not everyone celebrates this as a religious holiday, it is certainly a mark on everyone's calendar. It mostly represents a pause on our usually very busy schedule, one that is a very good opportunity to read a book and think about life.<br />
Books can represent many things to many people and we appreciate them for their capability to get us out of our heads and into somebody else's story. That is the reason why I remembered to compile a quick list with 5 suggestions for you to read during this time of the year. I hope you enjoy it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1548349704l/34992959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="34992959" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1548349704l/34992959.jpg" width="212" /></a><b>Defy Me (Shatter Me #5) by Tahereh Mafi</b><br />
The gripping fifth instalment in the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shatter Me series. Will Juliette’s broken heart make her vulnerable to the strengthening darkness within her?<br />
Juliette’s short tenure as the supreme commander of North America has been an utter disaster. When the children of the other world leaders show up on her doorstep, she wants nothing more than to turn to Warner for support and guidance. But he shatters her heart when he reveals that he’s been keeping secrets about her family and her identity from her—secrets that change everything.<br />
Juliette is devastated, and the darkness that’s always dwelled within her threatens to consume her. An explosive encounter with unexpected visitors might be enough to push her over the edge.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34992959-defy-me?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062676393/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062676393&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Defy-Me-Tahereh-Mafi/9780062676399/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<br />
Tahereh Mafi has been noticeable in the publishing community for some time now for her magical style of writing. Her <i><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Shatter-Me-Series-Box-Set/9780062563088/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader" target="_blank">Shatter Me</a></i> series took the Young Adult community by storm in 2011 and now her faithful readers will get a chance to read the conclusion to the series. This book has already received high reviews on Goodreads. Even though I only have only gotten to the middle of the series I am curious to see how it will end.<br />
This seems like a great book to read during a break if you are curious to finally know how this series ends. I believe a nice series conclusion is one of the best feelings ever, especially when you want to relax. Juliette is one of my favourite characters and I am very curious to see where she is at!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1528915777l/30295312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="30295312" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1528915777l/30295312.jpg" width="216" /></a><b>The Red Scrolls of Magic (The Eldest Curses #1) by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu</b><br />
All Magnus Bane wanted was a vacation—a lavish trip across Europe with Alec Lightwood, the Shadowhunter who against all odds is finally his boyfriend. But as soon as the pair settles in Paris, an old friend arrives with news about a demon-worshiping cult called the Crimson Hand that is bent on causing chaos around the world. A cult that was apparently founded by Magnus himself. Years ago. As a joke.<br />
Now Magnus and Alec must race across Europe to track down the Crimson Hand and its elusive new leader before the cult can cause any more damage. As if it wasn’t bad enough that their romantic getaway has been sidetracked, demons are now dogging their every step, and it is becoming harder to tell friend from foe. As their quest for answers becomes increasingly dire, Magnus and Alec will have to trust each other more than ever—even if it means revealing the secrets they’ve both been keeping.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30295312-the-red-scrolls-of-magic?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1471162141/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1471162141&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Red-Scrolls-of-Magic-Cassandra-Clare-Wesley-Chu/9781471162145/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<br />
Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood's love story is an epic one: the junction of their very peculiar personalities makes for one of the best fictional couple ever written. These two always make it a fun time to read and this is, together with <i><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Bane-Chronicles/9781406361322/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader" target="_blank">The Bane Chronicles</a></i>, the only Shadowhunters' books I am yet to own.<br />
The premise of the book itself sounds quite enticing: how on Earth do you accidentally create a demonic cult? I really want to understand that one. Besides, it is always very fun to connect all the dots between Cassandra Clare's many many books. There are never enough books in the Shadowhunter universe!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1448470869l/25322449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="25322449" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1448470869l/25322449.jpg" width="209" /></a><b>Radio Silence by Alice Oseman</b><br />
Frances has been a study machine with one goal. Nothing will stand in her way; not friends, not a guilty secret – not even the person she is on the inside. Then Frances meets Aled, and for the first time, she's unafraid to be herself.<br />
So when the fragile trust between them is broken, Frances is caught between who she was and who she longs to be. Now Frances knows that she has to confront her past. To confess why Carys disappeared…<br />
Frances is going to need every bit of courage she has.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25322449-radio-silence?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Radio-Silence-Alice-Oseman/dp/0007559240/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7DNX3OLF1RDG&keywords=radio+silence&qid=1555252224&s=gateway&sprefix=radio+s%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Radio-Silence-ALICE-OSEMAN/9780007559244/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<br />
Alice Oseman is one of the authors I have been hearing more and more about in the last few years. Her books are famed to be very high quality with very diverse characters and very interesting and complex plots. This specific book has a biracial bisexual protagonist who believes her future is in academia but things do not go as she expected. It talks about identity, diversity and the freedom to choose.<br />
With very high ratings, this is a book that interests me deeply. This is not a book that I have read already but is on my priority wishlist - to be honest, all Alice Oseman books are. When I think of this book, I think of reading it during a rainy day with my hot chocolate mug in hand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1545833559l/43362414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="43362414" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1545833559l/43362414.jpg" width="208" /></a><b>The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe</b><br />
Fourteen-year-old Dita is one of the many imprisoned by the Nazis at Auschwitz. Taken, along with her mother and father, from the Terezín ghetto in Prague, Dita is adjusting to the constant terror that is life in the camp. When Jewish leader Freddy Hirsch asks Dita to take charge of the eight precious books the prisoners have managed to smuggle past the guards, she agrees. And so Dita becomes the secret librarian of Auschwitz, responsible for the safekeeping of the small collection of titles, as well as the ‘living books’ - prisoners of Auschwitz who know certain books so well, they too can be ‘borrowed’ to educate the children in the camp.<br />
But books are extremely dangerous. They make people think. And nowhere are they more dangerous than in Block 31 of Auschwitz, the children’s block, where the slightest transgression can result in execution, no matter how young the transgressor…<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43362414-the-librarian-of-auschwitz?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L1G6YVY/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B07L1G6YVY&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Librarian-Auschwitz-Antonio-Iturbe/9781627796187/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<br />
This book is one of a translation from Spanish, its original title is <i>La Biblioteca de Auschwitz</i>. The premise of this book sounds really interesting and it agrees with this time of the year. We must never forget what happened during World War II and Easter is a good time to remember all those who suffered and died.<br />
This book talks about the power of books: they can be both very dangerous and very powerful. I have not read this book yet and I want to read it in Spanish but I still believe it is a very viable option for Easter. World War II books are always tough to read because of their emotional charge but they can also be very culturally enlightening.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1433587153l/25534223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="25534223" border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1433587153l/25534223.jpg" width="209" /></a><b>The Woman Warrior by Maxine Hong Kingston</b><br />
With an introduction by Xiaolu Guo A classic memoir set during the Chinese revolution of the 1940s and inspired by folklore, providing a unique insight into the life of an immigrant in America. When we Chinese girls listened to the adults talking-story, we learned that we failed if we grew up to be but wives or slaves. We could be heroines, swordswomen. Throughout her childhood, Maxine Hong Kingston listened to her mother's mesmerizing tales of a China where girls are worthless, tradition is exalted and only a strong, wily woman can scratch her way upwards. Growing up in a changing America, surrounded by Chinese myth and memory, this is her story of two cultures and one trenchant, lyrical journey into womanhood. Complex and beautiful, angry and adoring, Maxine Hong Kingston's The Woman Warrior is a seminal piece of writing about emigration and identity.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25534223-the-woman-warrior">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1447275225/ref=x_gr_w_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1447275225&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Woman-Warrior-Maxine-Hong-Kingston-Xiaolu-Guo/9781447275220/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<br />
This is one of those books which have surprised me the most. This is a wondrous tale about culture and the woman's role in Oriental society, as well as how it is to be a first-generation American in a very traditional Chinese family. It talks about female power, with powerful examples and it discusses cultural identity on a very deep level.<br />
I was introduced to this book when I was on Erasmus+ in the University of Leeds, in England. At first, I thought this was going to be a very boring academic read. However, I was astounded by the complexity and readability of this book. I think you will enjoy it, especially if you are looking for an empowering feminist read.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you liked my suggestions! Please do comment down below with your own suggestions and thoughts.</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-76054438811661632952019-04-13T17:48:00.000+01:002019-04-13T18:27:48.154+01:00An Interview with Christopher Paolini<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZ11kepBs7s/XJqEEjRmscI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/9xnXvmHUAD0wO2PBFz5-1FjLpr-u10mBACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Paolini%2BInterview.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zZ11kepBs7s/XJqEEjRmscI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/9xnXvmHUAD0wO2PBFz5-1FjLpr-u10mBACK4BGAYYCw/s640/Paolini%2BInterview.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello my lovely readers! Today I come to you with an interview. I have been sitting on this for some time now because my university commitments delayed my plan to edit and post this interview, that happened on the 26th of March 2019 in my school, the School of Arts and Humanities of the University of Lisbon.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christopher Paolini was in Portugal in order to promote the Portuguese translation of his new novel <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Fork-Witch-Worm-Christopher-Paolini/9780241392362/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Fork, the Witch and the Worm</a>. This book came out on the 25th of March, published by ASA, and its Portuguese name is </span><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.leyaonline.com/pt/livros/fantastico/o-garfo-a-bruxa-e-o-dragao/"><b><i>O Garfo, a Bruxa e o Dragão</i></b></a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;">In the midst of all of this, he accepted to lecture a very interesting open-class about writing Fantasy and Science Fiction. I attended that class and he was very nice in agreeing to let me interview him for a post. Believe me, he was very tired, so I am very thankful that he was able to spare some time to talk to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: center;">The </span><i><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Inheritance-Cycle-4-Book-Trade-Paperback-Boxed-Set-Eragon-Eldest-Brisingr-Christopher-Paolini/9780449813225/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Inheritance Cycle</a> </i>was one of the first Fantasy Young Adult series I have ever read. At the time I was very young and did not speak any English so I read the Portuguese translations as they came out. This is a series that lead me to read other fantasy books, it was not very long after reading the last book that I started reading <i><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/A-Song-of-Ice-and-Fire/9780007477159/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">A Song of Ice and Fire</a></i> series by George R. R. Martin. I sort of grew up reading Paolini's stories about dragons so, interviewing him was a great honour.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope you like the interview! Don't forget to comment!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0yxKzrk20Ss/XLIHkiE9j1I/AAAAAAAAC38/o5F6quexypUue2TsK4w22donEqa4lPERQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/paolini%2Btabs%2B1.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="64" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0yxKzrk20Ss/XLIHkiE9j1I/AAAAAAAAC38/o5F6quexypUue2TsK4w22donEqa4lPERQCK4BGAYYCw/s200/paolini%2Btabs%2B1.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Christopher Paolini is the very well-known author of the <i><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Inheritance-Cycle-4-Book-Trade-Paperback-Boxed-Set-Eragon-Eldest-Brisingr-Christopher-Paolini/9780449813225/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Inheritance Cycle</a></i>: you may remember that book series which starts with <i><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Eragon-Christopher-Paolini/9780375826689/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Eragon</a></i>. He lived most of his life in Montana, where he was homeschooled by his parents. He became a New York Times Bestselling Author at only 19 years old and his books have sold over 35 million copies and are translated into several languages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the 31st December 2018 he published his latest novel and the first instalment in the <i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/245790-tales-from-alaga-sia">Tales from Alagaësia</a></i> series: <i style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Fork-Witch-Worm-Christopher-Paolini/9780241392362/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">The Fork, the Witch and the Worm</a>.</b></i></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8349.Christopher_Paolini">Goodreads Page</a> | <a href="https://www.paolini.net/">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/christopher_paolini/">Instagram</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLdQp0mQOgk/XLIH367aALI/AAAAAAAAC4I/qwyEblQkpWYTIJsukk7b9OhxqNNVHm2_gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/paolini%2Btabs%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SLdQp0mQOgk/XLIH367aALI/AAAAAAAAC4I/qwyEblQkpWYTIJsukk7b9OhxqNNVHm2_gCK4BGAYYCw/s200/paolini%2Btabs%2B2.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A:</b> You’ve been writing for so long, how did your writing change from your first book? Since you started so young and had so many books in the middle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CP:</b> Well, I am much more technically skilled than I was when I started. So, the natural process of growing up and becoming more experienced has certainly helped me learn more about the world and certainly become more empathetic toward maybe the experiences that other people have in life. My basic writing process has remained the same, actually, and if anything, I have become much more convinced of the importance of plotting your story before writing it, outlining it, and all of that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A:</b> I actually sometimes have some contact with my readers and they tell me they are mostly pantsers but they aspire to be plotters.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My other questions are about your research. Your books, they do have a mythological emphasis but they still go out of it and expand into something else.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CP:</b> I am a stickler for realistic detail. Even if you have mythological elements you need to treat them realistically. Ultimately, if you’re physically unrealistic in your story you need to be emotionally realistic. And if you’re emotionally unrealistic you need to be physically realistic. You could combine both elements and have like a fantastical world with unrealistic emotions, everyone thinks over the top, but it’s really hard to make people care about that. And, with research it’s very easy to gain, let’s say, 80% of the knowledge you need on a field or on a subject very quickly. The last 20% takes a lot of time and that’s where the experts spend their time mastering that. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, if you need to write about what’s like to sail a ship, as an author, I go get some books from the library or look up resources on the internet, you know, a couple of hours a day or two I have enough information that I can fake it. And then, if it’s something that is really important like a medical question or something like that in the story, I’ll ask a professional to look at what I have written and see if it works.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A:</b> As a male, how is it to you to write female characters?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CP: </b>Interesting question. I write my female characters the same way I write my male characters. I simply think of them as people. I try to imagine what seems natural for how they would react to the situations, given who they are. Are there differences between men and women? Obviously but, if I try to stereotype those differences or focus on them I will probably end up writing a very stereotypical view of a woman, just as the same would be true for a woman if she’s writing about men. And that doesn’t really help me as an artist. It’s certainly not good for society.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is a difficult question and I don’t think that I am necessarily the greatest writer of female characters because I am not trying to capture what it means to be a woman, I am simply trying to write a person. And, that may mean that maybe my female characters might read more like men than women, I don’t think so, and at least they don’t read like helpless creatures that I’m, you know, objectifying.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A:</b> My readers would really like to know how does it feel to be on book tour. It is such a thing in America, in Portugal it really isn’t and most of my readers are mostly from the UK and the US.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CP:</b> What it is like to be on book tour? Well, physically: stay up 24 hours, drink 3 cups of coffee and do and say the same things for 6 hours straight and repeat. So, that’s kind of what it feels like. But, the nice thing is not the travel, the nice thing is to meet the readers, it’s getting to meet people like yourself, getting to meet fans and readers all around the world and that I very very much enjoy and it’s a huge pleasure for me and it’s the reason why I am willing to endure the jet lag and all these hotel rooms.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Writing is a schizophrenic profession, on one hand, it can be very lonely, you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk by yourself inventing imaginary things. But then, every once in a while, if you’re very fortunate, you can go out in the world and meet some of the people who have enjoyed your work and that’s priceless. You know, I write my books because I want to share these stories with people and so, knowing that people have enjoyed them and will enjoy them is really wonderful.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A:</b> Thank you! I have a last question, and this one is for my brother, who is obsessed – let’s say that he started reading your books when he was like 7. He had trouble learning to read and your books really helped him to start reading because he loved dinosaurs and dragons are the logical next step. He told me “You have to ask him if there are more books because I want more books in this series”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>CP: </b>There are going to be more collections of short stories in the world of Eragon and several full-size novels, including the main one, which I have been calling online, I’ve been calling it ‘Book 5’. So, yes! Lots more that he can expect to read before too long and, of course, my science fiction novel should be coming out before too long.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>A:</b> Thank you for this interview!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j06sjeKwP9g/XLIGGixobjI/AAAAAAAAC3w/IkefzuB2-n8m8us9FQhHypmBOXx_VEkXQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/56922695_527168537810283_181725228844449792_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j06sjeKwP9g/XLIGGixobjI/AAAAAAAAC3w/IkefzuB2-n8m8us9FQhHypmBOXx_VEkXQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/56922695_527168537810283_181725228844449792_n.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CiR23qeEvk4/XLIKCgwJ4BI/AAAAAAAAC4U/mobz-A3MxDcq3JGpHOsaJfw99d8k3n8cgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/paolini%2Btabs%2B3.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CiR23qeEvk4/XLIKCgwJ4BI/AAAAAAAAC4U/mobz-A3MxDcq3JGpHOsaJfw99d8k3n8cgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/paolini%2Btabs%2B3.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out Paolini's new book <i><b><a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Fork-Witch-Worm-Christopher-Paolini/9780241392362/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">The Fork, the Witch and the Worm</a></b></i>!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1539186315l/26152839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="26152839" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1539186315l/26152839.jpg" width="282" /></a><br />
<div>
A wanderer and a cursed child. Spells and magic. And dragons, of course.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Welcome back to the world of Alagaësia. It’s been a year since Eragon departed Alagaësia in search of the perfect home to train a new generation of Dragon Riders. Now he is struggling with an endless sea of tasks: constructing a vast dragonhold, wrangling with suppliers, guarding dragon eggs, and dealing with belligerent Urgals and haughty elves. Then a vision from the Eldunarí, unexpected visitors, and an exciting Urgal legend offer a much-needed distraction and a new perspective. This volume features three original stories set in Alagaësia, interspersed with scenes from Eragon’s own unfolding adventure. Included is an excerpt from the memoir of the unforgettable witch and fortune-teller Angela the herbalist . . . penned by Angela Paolini, the inspiration for the character, herself! Relish the incomparable imagination of Christopher Paolini in this thrilling new collection of stories based in the world of the Inheritance Cycle.</blockquote>
<div>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26152839-the-fork-the-witch-and-the-worm"><img alt="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26152839-the-fork-the-witch-and-the-worm" height="66" src="https://i1.wp.com/www.iamareader.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/goodreads-add-e1547065951898.png" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blog/19878777/?claim=adumqhrj99r">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-11908479503672521852019-03-21T11:57:00.001+00:002019-04-14T14:02:21.278+01:00Review: The Hundredth Queen (The Hundredth Queen #1) by Emily R. King<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHNFGPXqQ1U/W-rlM-9KoEI/AAAAAAAACmo/1Q9cMTYAQEQlOjiPkbvpyGrBefKLeNggACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Review.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oHNFGPXqQ1U/W-rlM-9KoEI/AAAAAAAACmo/1Q9cMTYAQEQlOjiPkbvpyGrBefKLeNggACPcBGAYYCw/s640/Review.png" width="640" /></a></u></div>
<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"></u><br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;"><u style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></u></u> <u style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</u> Emily R. King<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1484806967l/32852217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="32852217" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1484806967l/32852217.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publisher:</u> Skyscape<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Publication Date:</u> June 1st 2017</div>
<u><b>Source:</b></u> ebook (bought)<br />
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Rate:</u><br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pf3l3ZpQUWw/VXisqRKoUaI/AAAAAAAABRI/c2q9q3NlRN89QUYCz3N0Irtwt0WsoiJdgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rating3.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="640" height="37" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pf3l3ZpQUWw/VXisqRKoUaI/AAAAAAAABRI/c2q9q3NlRN89QUYCz3N0Irtwt0WsoiJdgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/rating3.5.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br />Summary:</u></strong><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As an orphan ward of the Sisterhood, eighteen-year-old Kalinda is destined for nothing more than a life of seclusion and prayer. Plagued by fevers, she’s an unlikely candidate for even a servant’s position, let alone a courtesan or wife. Her sole dream is to continue living in peace in the Sisterhood’s mountain temple.<br />
But a visit from the tyrant Rajah Tarek disrupts Kalinda’s life. Within hours, she is ripped from the comfort of her home, set on a desert trek, and ordered to fight for her place among the rajah’s ninety-nine wives and numerous courtesans. Her only solace comes in the company of her guard, the stoic but kind Captain Deven Naik.<br />
Faced with the danger of a tournament to the death—and her growing affection for Deven—Kalinda has only one hope for escape, and it lies in an arcane, forbidden power buried within her.</blockquote>
<div class="wtrButtonContainer" id="1_book_23215471">
<div class="wtrDown wtrLeft wtrShelfSortable wtrStatusToRead">
<form accept-charset="UTF-8" action="/review/destroy/23215471-royal-wedding" method="post">
<span id="freeText11872688751727175579"></span></form>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hundredth-Queen-Emily-R-King-ebook/dp/B01LZ0GFRO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550147185&sr=8-1&keywords=the+hundredth+queen">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Hundredth-Queen/9781503943650/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32852217-the-hundredth-queen">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hundredth-queen-emily-r-king/1125097908?ean=9781503943650">B&N</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<strong><u>Review:</u></strong><br />
<div>
Kalinda is an orphan girl that was raised in the Temple of Samiya, a temple of the Parijana faith. Long ago, the land-goddess, Ki, instituted that temple as a refuge for female orphans, ranging from infants to young women, cared for by the sisters devoted to the faith. The temple teaches these girls the art of fighting as well as educating them in the liberal arts.<br />
One day, one of the temple's benefactors comes to claim a ward, which he can do, since the patrons support the temple's activities, he can claim any girl either to be his servant, courtesan or wife. Kali is very worried that her friend Jaya will be chosen since she is very afraid of men. They must demonstrate their strength and tenacity in battle by duelling against each other. This also worried Kali, since she has been a sickly bedridden child all her life, assailed by dangerous fevers, she and Jaya plan to lose so they can remain together.<br />
Instead of things going to plan, Kali ends up being chosen to be the benefactor's wife, Rahjah Tarek's hundredth rani and her bully Natesa is chosen to be one more of his concubines. When the Rahjah leaves the captain of the Royal Guard, Captain Deven Naik, stays behind to take both girls back to the capital and they depart on the dangerous journey to get there. Kali as never left the Temple and she got there as a baby, she had never even seen a man, and now she is supposed to marry a vile and ruthless ruler. Magical forces and political cunning are needed as she gets closer to Captain Naik and each time more scared of her future husband. Now, as it is tradition, she must compete in a Rank Tournament against the Rahjah's other wives in order to defend her position as a future Rani. Will she survive?<br />
This is a book that was written with the clear intent to be the first in a long series of books, as of now, this series has a total of four books. As a result, this is a book that mainly works as the introduction to the main plot. Interestingly, the author was able to insert an interesting and complex subplot within this book, which makes it interesting and enjoyable on its own. The reader is introduced to a wide range of characters and, slowly to their personal motivations and characteristics, without any "info-dumping" occurring. This slow burn contributes to the continuance of the series, the reader does not know everything by the end of the book, he needs to continue to read the series in order to find more about these characters.<br />
There is a romantic aspect to the main plot of the story, which the reader can clearly identify almost immediately from the first page of the book. Honestly, not that it is not a nice relationship but it feels a lot like the famous "insta-love" trope. Personally, I am very gullible in everything that has to do with romantic relationships, I love love and I love loving love, but it feels quite rushed even to me. If the relationship started more naturally it would contribute to the general quality of the plot. I really do not support falling madly in love with the first male human you see in your life.<br />
However, there is also a very strong female character in Kali. She shows just how astute and strong a woman can be when put in a difficult situation, leaning on others when she needs but without losing her inner strength, resilience or independence. I love stubborn characters and Kali is certainly one, but she is as stubborn and cunning as she is sensible and concerned with others. I believe Kali is a great example of the hero's journey construction of this plot, with some subversions in the middle, which I wholeheartedly support.<br />
I cannot attest to the representation of the "oriental"* cultures within this book, I do know that the faith and cultural elements were inspired by real ones. This means that, at least in my head, these characters are not Caucasian, which something I consider very positive. I love how the author mixed the ethereal religious feeling of "oriental" religions with elemental magic and badass women with amazing fighting skills.<br />
Overall, this is a good book as a launching pad for the rest of the series. I was unable to put it down and had to immediately get the sequel so I could know what was going to happen next. There are no graphic sex scenes in the book but there is a lot of implied sexual violence and tension. There is also some description of physical violence, but not without context or meaning to the story, this is not at all a gory book. I advise this book to everyone, it is indeed a great read.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
*<i>oriental</i> - I really hate using this word. Ever since I read Edward Said's <i>Orientalism</i> I have not been able to look at it any other way than a generalising and inaccurate social construct (it is a really interesting book, totally advise you to check it out). I am only using it because I am cannot find a better word.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-33712631904509646072019-02-17T22:04:00.002+00:002019-02-17T22:04:41.594+00:00Literary Book Gifts for Books Lovers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ0kFJG2EnA/XGLpmujFPEI/AAAAAAAACxc/Zw0envN-rAU0ajhAaoDOMDJaSoa1AVC1gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Literary%2BBook%2BGifts%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="334" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJ0kFJG2EnA/XGLpmujFPEI/AAAAAAAACxc/Zw0envN-rAU0ajhAaoDOMDJaSoa1AVC1gCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Literary%2BBook%2BGifts%2B%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
* Disclaimer: This is merely a promotional post, the only thing I get in return is a promotional code for 20% off to share with you all, you can find it at the end of the post.*</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes we, book lovers, have some difficulty finding shops that cater to the more classical/classic side of the reading spectrum. There is always a lot of offer in regards to recent YA, Fantasy, Sci-Fi (etc.) themed apparel. However, if you want a Homer (that is not from the Simpsons) shirt it is more difficult.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/">Literary Book Gifts</a> is a USA based online shop with a very wide catalogue of shirts and bags inspired by the more classical/classic side of literature. In this store, you will easily find a Dante's "Inferno" shirt or bag. Other works that are featured on the store's products are: "Huckleberry Finn", "The Secret Garden", "Heart of Darkness", "Gulliver's Travels" and many others. Every design is available both in tote-bag and shirt form.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/gifts-for-book-lovers/products/the-hound-of-the-baskervilles-tote-bag"><img height="400" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0075/3857/3430/products/19020eeffed665ba050c85f6b0e7e4e0_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1534258110" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are three sizes of tote-bags, Small, Medium and Large and its prices are respectively $24, $28 and $32. They are 100% polyester, have liners and the handles are made of cotton.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/womens-book-t-shirts/products/typewriter-t-shirt-womens"><img height="400" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0075/3857/3430/products/2f9cde71629dceb891b937687a57f969_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1534432750" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The women's fit t-shirts are all $28 and are made of 100% cotton. They are available in sizes spanning from XS to 3XL and in a very big variety of colours. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/gifts-for-readers/products/dracula-t-shirt-mens"><img height="400" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0075/3857/3430/products/0562c91d87bcc8e81d04c40d9fc46391_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1533166724" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The unisex and men's fit shirt also costs $28 and are also 100% cotton. They are available in sizes from S to 5XL and also in a variety of colours, depending on the design.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/collections/gifts-for-writers/products/writing-gloves"><img height="400" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0075/3857/3430/products/writing-gloves_1024x1024@2x.jpg?v=1549125465" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Besides their bookish shirts and totes, the store also carries Writing Gloves. This is a very unique product, in my opinion, since I have not seen much of this kind of product around the internet. These gloves are made of cashmere and are available in a very big variety of colours. Their price is $52 and they are specially made in order to be compatible with writing on a computer and you can use touch screens with full dexterity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The shipping has a flat rate for every order which is $5 for USA orders and $10 for international orders.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even though I know this might not be a very accessible product for everyone I really wanted to share this store with you. The <a href="https://literarybookgifts.com/">Literary Book Gifts</a> shop owner contacted me in order to offer you a 20% off code that you can use as many times as you want. This is the only thing I am getting in return to giving this store some visibility. I always like to contribute to giving some visibility to smaller/starting businesses some visibility but I really like how accessible and caring this store is. All the product details are listed on their website so you are fully aware of all you are buying.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The promo code <u>THEBEWITCHEDREADER20</u> is good for 20% off anything in the store, no minimum, and can be used unlimited times.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-57440086765365724532019-02-14T08:46:00.001+00:002019-02-14T08:46:46.382+00:00Valentine's Reads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_h6TJQnzkqs/XGPbZPZq6iI/AAAAAAAACx8/scFdUU-Mt5AsLV44EboBARsMmZ-eX5udwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Valentine%2527s%2B2.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_h6TJQnzkqs/XGPbZPZq6iI/AAAAAAAACx8/scFdUU-Mt5AsLV44EboBARsMmZ-eX5udwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Valentine%2527s%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a name='more'></a><br />
Once again we find ourselves in the midst of the day of love! Valentine's Day is celebrated annually on the 14th of September but, we have strayed away from its origins. Originally, it was - and still is, if you take away the commercial side of it - a Christian feast day in honour of Saint Valentine. Saint Valentine was a martyr and his story is an interesting and shocking one. According to sources, there are at least three named Saint Valentines, all of them martyrs. The Christian persona's of the Saint Valentine who married couples while marriage was outlawed was probably mixed with the pagan celebration of Lupercalia - a Roman fertility festival -, making up a whole different celebration.<br />
<br />
The origins of this day hardly matter, now that the meaning of this day has evolved throughout history. Nowadays, we barely remember Saint Valentine. This is a day when we celebrate our loved ones, most people celebrate more than their "love interests" in this day. It is a day to also celebrate friendship and happiness.<br />
<br />
Whether or not you celebrate Valentine's day, sometimes we get in the mood to read a few romance filled, sometimes mushy reads. There is more than one way to show love and sometimes reading a book about a great friendship helps us to relax and get that emotional content that most of us crave. Other times we like to read mushy (or sexy) romance books that allow us to date a rockstar or even a Scottish warrior - yes, I am talking about Jamie Fraser - at least for the duration of a few pages. These books do not substitute our "real life" relationships but that does not mean that they cannot help us through heartbreak or amplify our loving feelings.<br />
<br />
I have compiled a list of books that I like to read when I am craving some lovey-dovey feelings. I also tried to make it as diverse as possible, including books from multiple genres - like classics, contemporary and YA. I hope you like this list!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen</u></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461620558l/1886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1886" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461620558l/1886.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Since its immediate success in 1813, Pride and Prejudice has remained one of the most popular novels in the English language. Jane Austen called this brilliant work "her own darling child" and its vivacious heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, "as delightful a creature as ever appeared in print." The romantic clash between the opinionated Elizabeth and her proud beau, Mr. Darcy, is a splendid performance of civilized sparring. And Jane Austen's radiant wit sparkles as her characters dance a delicate quadrille of flirtation and intrigue, making this book the most superb comedy of manners of Regency England.</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1886.Pride_and_Prejudice">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Pride-and-Prejudice/9780141439518/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë</u></b></div>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1544305592l/348914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="348914" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1544305592l/348914.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Lockwood, the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange, situated on the bleak Yorkshire moors, is forced to seek shelter one night at Wuthering Heights, the home of his landlord. There he discovers the history of the tempestuous events that took place years before; of the intense relationship between the gypsy foundling Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw; and how Catherine, forced to choose between passionate, tortured Heathcliff and gentle, well-bred Edgar Linton, surrendered to the expectations of her class. As Heathcliff's bitterness and vengeance at his betrayal is visited upon the next generation, their innocent heirs must struggle to escape the legacy of the past.</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/348914.Wuthering_Heights">Goodreads </a>| <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Wuthering-Heights-Emily-Bronte/9781853260018/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Uprooted by Naomi Novik </b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1480121122l/22544764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="22544764" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1480121122l/22544764.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.<br />
Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.<br />
But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22544764-uprooted?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Uprooted/9781447294146/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://thebewitchedreader.blogspot.com/2017/06/review-uprooted-by-naomi-novik.html"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj9Ho8SKbCM/XGStL0EqvJI/AAAAAAAACyQ/QcpiqUdMSCIZ0T6hF4y3IddMBeF5BBIlgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/My%2Breview.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402814865l/18373213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="18373213" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1402814865l/18373213.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
When New Yorker Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details. One, that his childhood home looks like a palace; two, that he grew up riding in more private planes than cars; and three, that he just happens to be the country’s most eligible bachelor.<br />
On Nick’s arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers.</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18373213-crazy-rich-asians">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Crazy-Rich-Asians/9780345803788/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Runes (Runes #1) by Ednah Walters </u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1370672365l/18046743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="18046743" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1370672365l/18046743.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behaviour and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbour with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.<br />
Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.<br />
Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18046743-runes?from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Runes-Ednah-Walters/9780983429760/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>The Queen's Rising (The Queen's Rising #1) by Rebecca Ross</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498236653l/35098412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="35098412" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1498236653l/35098412.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
When her seventeenth summer solstice arrives, Brienna desires only two things: to master her passion and to be chosen by a patron.<br />
Growing up in the southern Kingdom of Valenia at the renowned Magnalia House should have prepared her for such a life. While some are born with an innate talent for one of the five passions—art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge—Brienna struggled to find hers until she belatedly chose to study knowledge. However, despite all her preparations, Brienna’s greatest fear comes true—the solstice does not go according to plan and she is left without a patron.<br />
Months later, her life takes an unexpected turn when a disgraced lord offers her patronage. Suspicious of his intent, and with no other choices, she accepts. But there is much more to his story, and Brienna soon discovers that he has sought her out for his own vengeful gain. For there is a dangerous plot being planned to overthrow the king of Maevana—the archrival kingdom of Valenia—and restore the rightful queen, and her magic, to the northern throne. And others are involved—some closer to Brienna than she realizes.<br />
With war brewing between the two lands, Brienna must choose whose side she will remain loyal to—passion or blood. Because a queen is destined to rise and lead the battle to reclaim the crown. The ultimate decision Brienna must determine is: Who will be that queen?</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35098412-the-queen-s-rising?from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Queens-Rising-Rebecca-Ross/9780062471345/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://thebewitchedreader.blogspot.com/2018/11/review-queens-rising-queens-rising-1-by.html"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj9Ho8SKbCM/XGStL0EqvJI/AAAAAAAACyQ/QcpiqUdMSCIZ0T6hF4y3IddMBeF5BBIlgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/My%2Breview.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Broken Beautiful Hearts by Kami Garcia </u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504809945l/33158532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="33158532" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1504809945l/33158532.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Her heart has to break before it can open.<br />
When star soccer player Peyton Rios receives an offer from her first-choice college, senior year starts off exactly as planned. But when Peyton uncovers her boyfriend’s dark secret, she confronts him―and finds herself falling down a flight of stairs. Peyton’s knee―and maybe her dream of going pro―is shattered. Everyone is talking: Was she pushed, or did she fall? Peyton knows the truth, even if no one believes her.<br />
He has to let someone in before it’s too late.<br />
With her future on the line, Peyton goes to stay with her uncle in a small Tennessee town to focus on her recovery. Dating is the last thing on her mind―until she meets sweet, sexy Owen Law.<br />
But Peyton doesn’t trust her heart, especially when she senses that Owen is hiding something. When their secrets are finally exposed, Peyton has to decide if love is worth fighting for.</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33158532-broken-beautiful-hearts?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Broken-Beautiful-Hearts/9781250079206/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://thebewitchedreader.blogspot.com/2018/02/review-broken-beautiful-hearts-by-kami.html"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj9Ho8SKbCM/XGStL0EqvJI/AAAAAAAACyQ/QcpiqUdMSCIZ0T6hF4y3IddMBeF5BBIlgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/My%2Breview.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Juliet by Anne Fortier</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1366399299l/6718608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="6718608" border="0" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1366399299l/6718608.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Juliet, an ambitious, utterly engaging historical novel on the scale of The Thirteenth Tale and The Birth of Venus, follows a young woman who discovers that her family’s origins reach all the way back to literature’s greatest star-crossed lovers.<br />
Twenty-five-year-old Julie Jacobs is heartbroken over the death of her beloved aunt Rose. But the shock goes even deeper when she learns that the woman who has been like a mother to her has left her entire estate to Julie’s twin sister. The only thing Julie receives is a key—one carried by her mother on the day she herself died—to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy.<br />
This key sends Julie on a journey that will change her life forever—a journey into the troubled past of her ancestor Giulietta Tolomei. In 1340, still reeling from the slaughter of her parents, Giulietta was smuggled into Siena, where she met a young man named Romeo. Their ill-fated love turned medieval Siena upside-down and went on to inspire generations of poets and artists, the story reaching its pinnacle in Shakespeare’s famous tragedy.<br />
But six centuries have a way of catching up to the present, and Julie gradually begins to discover that here, in this ancient city, the past and present are hard to tell apart. The deeper she delves into the history of Romeo and Giulietta, and the closer she gets to the treasure they allegedly left behind, the greater the danger surrounding her—superstitions, ancient hostilities, and personal vendettas. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in the unforgettable blood feud, she begins to fear that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is destined to be its next target. Only someone like Romeo, it seems, could save her from this dreaded fate, but his story ended long ago. Or did it?</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6718608-juliet?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Juliet-Anne-Fortier/9780345525239/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546406962l/16096824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="16096824" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546406962l/16096824.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...<br />
Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16096824-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads </a>| <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/A-Court-of-Thorns-and-Roses/9781408857861/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://thebewitchedreader.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-court-of.html"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj9Ho8SKbCM/XGStL0EqvJI/AAAAAAAACyQ/QcpiqUdMSCIZ0T6hF4y3IddMBeF5BBIlgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/My%2Breview.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">*explicit content warning*</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Outlander by Diana Gabaldon</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1529065012l/10964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="10964" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1529065012l/10964.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is just back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of Our Lord...1743.<br />
Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life, and shatter her heart. For here James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire—and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10964.Outlander?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Outlander-Diana-Gabaldon/9780440212560/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">*explicit content warning*</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning</b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327620089l/6283272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="6283272" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327620089l/6283272.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
When MacKayla's sister was murdered, she left a single clue to her death, a cryptic message on Mac's cell phone. Journeying to Ireland in search of answers, Mac is soon faced with an even greater challenge: staying alive long enough to master a power she had no idea she possessed - a gift that allows her to see beyond the world of man, into the dangerous realm of the Fae.<br />
As Mac delves deeper into the mystery of her sister's death, her every move is shadowed by the dark, mysterious Jericho...while at the same time, the ruthless V'lane - an alpha Fae who makes sex an addiction for human women - closes in on her. As the boundary between worlds begins to crumble, Mac's true mission becomes clear: to find the elusive Sinsar Dubh before someone else claims the all-powerful Dark Book - because whoever gets to it first holds nothing less than complete control both worlds in their hands.</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6283272-darkfever">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Darkfever/9780440240983/?a_ai=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://thebewitchedreader.blogspot.com/2018/05/review-darkfever-fever-1-by-karen-marie.html"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj9Ho8SKbCM/XGStL0EqvJI/AAAAAAAACyQ/QcpiqUdMSCIZ0T6hF4y3IddMBeF5BBIlgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/My%2Breview.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">*explicit content warning*</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>The Raven by Sylvain Reynard</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1401194448l/18965316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="18965316" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1401194448l/18965316.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery restoring fine works of Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semi-conscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attacker’s screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her…<br />
Cassita vulneratus.<br />
When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. She returns to the Uffizi, but no one recognizes her and more disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of the events leading up to her disappearance, Raven also learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history – the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the baffled police force identifies her as its prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth about her disappearance. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets…</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18965316-the-raven?ac=1&from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Raven-Sylvain-Reynard/9780143571940/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">*explicit content warning*</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Lick by Kylie Scott </b></u><br />
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546938970l/17983690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="17983690" border="0" height="400" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1546938970l/17983690.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.<br />
One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.</blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17983690-lick?from_search=true">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Lick-Kylie-Scott/9781447287100/?a_aid=thebewitchedreader">Book Depository</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://thebewitchedreader.blogspot.com/2015/12/review-lick-stage-dive-1-by-kylie-scott.html"><img border="0" height="63" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj9Ho8SKbCM/XGStL0EqvJI/AAAAAAAACyQ/QcpiqUdMSCIZ0T6hF4y3IddMBeF5BBIlgCK4BGAYYCw/s200/My%2Breview.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">*explicit content warning*</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Sources:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2</li>
<li>https://www.goodreads.com/</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2984437141595980442.post-49733319417770736662019-02-06T15:10:00.001+00:002019-02-06T15:10:44.595+00:00Unboxing: Fairyloot December 2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzaKdmhZfdc/XFls-ykOfRI/AAAAAAAACwY/KgXnXMhYvbkZwfwr4lVRAwTxfoxVWuOXwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/unboxing%2B%25281%2529.png"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uzaKdmhZfdc/XFls-ykOfRI/AAAAAAAACwY/KgXnXMhYvbkZwfwr4lVRAwTxfoxVWuOXwCK4BGAYYCw/s640/unboxing%2B%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi guys! As always, my blog posts are always created in a very timely manner... Well, you know very well that I am joking. Just within the last 3 weeks, I had exams, I moved back to Portugal and I started my second semester at university, already back in Lisbon, which includes a 2-hour commute on a daily basis. I will be posting at least two more posts on my <a href="https://thebewitchedreader.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20Erasmus%20Diaries">The Erasmus Diaries</a> series, hopefully sometime within the next month, in which I will discuss examinations and coming back home after living abroad for a full semester.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since I was in England I took my cue and ordered my first <a href="https://www.fairyloot.com/">Fairyloot </a>box! This is not a sponsored post (Fairyloot you can sponsor me all you want) and even though some time has passed since this edition, I still believe it is worth sharing. The box not only contains a book and bookish items but it also includes amazing original artwork.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">This is what I first saw when I opened the box: a spoiler card with dragon themed artwork and you can see the little purple (and very cute) paper worms. This box was dragon themed and everything was on cue! As this was my first box, I was very excited just to have the chance to open it, since I had been dreaming of getting one for years.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSP0L8rZw4I/XFlppMSIiXI/AAAAAAAACu4/i1vUCm6bw3AhF_N7x2Ea6jsZMjY8Qy28QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190105_112612.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qSP0L8rZw4I/XFlppMSIiXI/AAAAAAAACu4/i1vUCm6bw3AhF_N7x2Ea6jsZMjY8Qy28QCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190105_112612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spoiler Card</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was in this edition that Fairyloot started a new Tarot card collection, inspired by book characters. These characters were the result of a vote by Fairyloot subscribers and are inspired by the <a href="https://thebewitchedreader.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-court-of-thorns-and-roses-court-of.html">A Court of Thornes and Roses</a> series by Sarah J. Maas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVksKLKxuwo/XFlpotrULhI/AAAAAAAACuo/7Dl5EVahB6kVMqBrpggHlycGlHsowcWIgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190105_112930.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVksKLKxuwo/XFlpotrULhI/AAAAAAAACuo/7Dl5EVahB6kVMqBrpggHlycGlHsowcWIgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190105_112930.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Spoiler Card by FairyLoot</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Manon Blackbeak artwork by <a href="https://dianadworak.com/">Diana Dworak</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amren and Cassian Tarot Cards by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artbyemmilinne/?hl=en">Emily Haynes</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Next, there was a very cute and, the same time, imposing dragon necklace with glow-in-the-dark wings! The material felt really good and it came in a very nice and storable jewellery box. I could not resist editing it a bit so it looks even more whimsical. This is the perfect accessory for when you want a touch of "book related magic" to your day-to-day outfits.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZvsLpM18Ns/XFlwsl91bKI/AAAAAAAACws/gO5NUQjqgiQvlzEFCd25iEB2-8HCK8oHQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Fairyloot%2BNecklace%2B%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZvsLpM18Ns/XFlwsl91bKI/AAAAAAAACws/gO5NUQjqgiQvlzEFCd25iEB2-8HCK8oHQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Fairyloot%2BNecklace%2B%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dragon Necklace by Fairyloot</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This seems like an odd item to include but honestly I thought it was a genius idea! This is a pin/badge flag. In this piece of nicely shaped cloth, you can display all of those bookish pins that you are too afraid to wear (in case you lose them). In my case, I noticed that I have a lot of Scouts related pins that are almost enough to fill this flag. This is very useful to store the pins, this way I do not need to use the space in my drawers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vN36oas1Ocs/XFlpowVgkGI/AAAAAAAACu0/SYJ_sANhPXMYEP2QpJj8BVn1BzakOeU-ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190105_113107.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vN36oas1Ocs/XFlpowVgkGI/AAAAAAAACu0/SYJ_sANhPXMYEP2QpJj8BVn1BzakOeU-ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190105_113107.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pin Flag by Fairyloot</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will confess that this next item is one that I love very much. It is a book sleeve! I always have to take my books with me to university and I have when they get ruined in my bag. I know this is one of those first-world-problems but if I am going to spend copious amounts of money in books I can as well as keep them as preserved as I can. For me, the two main enemies for my books are humidity and my backpack and this solves at least one of those problems. I have been loving bringing books along my commute in my new book sleeve.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAaG_1JGI6s/XFlp8BU22QI/AAAAAAAACvY/TJ0F9kjtpB8VDR-yZW13rVmNM0x0g0LHQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/49781233_387680955418717_5186668610491252736_n.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mAaG_1JGI6s/XFlp8BU22QI/AAAAAAAACvY/TJ0F9kjtpB8VDR-yZW13rVmNM0x0g0LHQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/49781233_387680955418717_5186668610491252736_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Book Sleeve by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/sweetsequels">Sweet Sequels</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I tell you that for me this was a great box it is also because they included one of the things that I always wanted to try: there was a specially designed reading journal! I have not taken photos of the inside but please trust me when I tell you that it has beautiful artwork and useful reading trackers. I have been using it to track my school readings as well as try to motivate me to read more, in order to publish more reviews. Believe me, I have a lot of books waiting for me to read/review them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7qjDd5XjBA/XFlqVG49rgI/AAAAAAAACwE/fbkiSO0JmlohyexI36NE13o9mSq4YyGHQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/49804326_2193607604299763_16067403934859264_n.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a7qjDd5XjBA/XFlqVG49rgI/AAAAAAAACwE/fbkiSO0JmlohyexI36NE13o9mSq4YyGHQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/49804326_2193607604299763_16067403934859264_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reading Journal by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FictionTeaDesigns">Fiction Tea Designs</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the different things about this box from the usual Fairyloot repertoire is that it brought two books! The first one was an Advanced Reading Copy (ARC) of <i>The Storm Crow </i>by Kalyn Josephson, that is only going to be published in July 2019. It is described as "<i>Eragon</i> meets <i>And I Darken</i>" which has me very keen to read it. It also seems to be somewhat small so I may even turn it into a commute book (these commutes are making me read more and more).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GrJ1lBypKg/XFlp6gzm38I/AAAAAAAACvQ/MD1mjl31RaIsBMKP02okVlh-WbLWyY2-ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/49897215_348365492558329_8560615590459342848_n.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GrJ1lBypKg/XFlp6gzm38I/AAAAAAAACvQ/MD1mjl31RaIsBMKP02okVlh-WbLWyY2-ACK4BGAYYCw/s640/49897215_348365492558329_8560615590459342848_n.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
Advanced Reading Copy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38330596-the-storm-crow?ac=1&from_search=true"><i>The Storm Crow</i> by Kalyn Josephson</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The main book in the Fairyloot boxes always comes inside a blind bag with an author letter, Fairyscoop (a mini pamphlet that talks about the publishing business and writing) and the month's bookmark! Basically, you receive a useful book pouch every month.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKPURszw9b4/XFlplJ5swkI/AAAAAAAACuY/WtndJRO5xjYrrkZPzBocmr-qKtfGQu8OgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190105_113321.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EKPURszw9b4/XFlplJ5swkI/AAAAAAAACuY/WtndJRO5xjYrrkZPzBocmr-qKtfGQu8OgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190105_113321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Fairyloot book pouch!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">The book of the month was a hardcover signed copy of </span><i style="text-align: justify;">Fire and Heist</i><span style="text-align: justify;"> by Sarah Beth Durst and I have already started reading this book. Unsurprisingly, it talks about dragons! This work discusses a girl who is part of a special kind of dragons, wyverns. Wyverns look like humans and have lost their ability to transform into dragons but they are all also really good thieves. It talks about a girl who is willing to do anything to find out where her mother is and also about how much wyverns love gold.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCf0CbPb-po/XFlpmthVAwI/AAAAAAAACug/QSRcmpas4x0C-yg_olMtZ-TmKUkhtVPcgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190105_113651.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCf0CbPb-po/XFlpmthVAwI/AAAAAAAACug/QSRcmpas4x0C-yg_olMtZ-TmKUkhtVPcgCK4BGAYYCw/s640/IMG_20190105_113651.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23510085-fire-heist"><i>Fire and Heist</i> by Sarah Beth Durst</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Overall, I really loved this box and will buy it again someday. It is not very cheap because of shipping but you get your money's worth in amazing, sometimes exclusive, bookish items!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQRiKuH4jX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_script" data-instgrm-version="10" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 16px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQRiKuH4jX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_script" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">
</div>
<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 19% 0;">
</div>
<div style="display: block; height: 60px; margin: 0 auto 16px; width: 210px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQRiKuH4jX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_script" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"></a></div>
<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQRiKuH4jX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_script" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">Ver esta publicação no Instagram</a></div>
</div>
<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQRiKuH4jX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_script" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(0px) translatey(7px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translatex(3px) translatey(1px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translatex(9px) translatey(-18px); width: 12.5px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0; transform: translatex(16px) translatey(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; transform: translatey(16px); width: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12px; transform: translatey(-4px); width: 16px;">
</div>
<div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid #f4f4f4; height: 0; transform: translatey(-4px) translatex(8px); width: 0;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQRiKuH4jX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_script" style="background: #FFFFFF; line-height: 0; padding: 0 0; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank">
</a> <br />
<div style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQRiKuH4jX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_script" style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_blank">For the first time ever I have dared to subscribe to @fairyloot and let me tell you: I am blown away. ⭐ This is the December box and the theme was "Dragons". The box came with two books, a book sleeve, a glow in the dark dragon necklace, a pin flag, two tarot carts inspired by the "A Court of Thornes and Roses" series and lots of other paper goodies which are amazing. ⭐ I will be doing a full on blog post about this amazing box as soon as I am able to edit all the pictures and transfer them to my computer! I was so satisfied that I ended up subscribing again for January. #FAIRYPHOTO21 #unboxing #fairyloot #bookbox #bookblog #thebewitchedreader #bookishgoodies #fairylootunboxing</a></div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
Uma publicação partilhada por <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebewitchedreader/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_script" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" target="_blank"> The Bewitched Reader</a> (@thebewitchedreader) a <time datetime="2019-01-05T13:18:39+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">5 de Janeiro</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</div>
Ana Esteveshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08881143015710680833noreply@blogger.com3