media log

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The Apothecary Diaries: Season 3

Cour 1

Review to come.

Cour 2

Airing April 2027.

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How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare

By Ken Ludwig

Review to come.

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Gravity Falls: Season 1

Review to come.

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Forbidden Notebook 𓆑

By Alba de Céspedes

Review to come.

More details in my Bookbug review.

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Rogue Spy

By Joanna Bourne

I like that Pax is a different hero compared to Grey and Doyle but his Cachè past with Cami, which I found to be the most interesting part of the book, was overshadowed by the plot regarding the Merchant. Furthermore, his and Cami's respective betrayals didn't come with any lasting consequences which was rather disappointing.

My Lord and Spymaster is next in the recommended reading order, but I'm losing interest in this series so I'll be skipping ahead to The Black Hawk.

Spoilers

The Baldoni, or Cami's true family from Tuscany, are literally mentioned 190 times and I got tired of reading all the mottos this family has.

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Mr. Bean's Holiday ↻

I got this movie confused with Mr. Bean in Room 426 so it wasn't what I expected. I remember watching this as a child and it feels very nostalgic to watch this again, but I prefer seeing Mr. Bean in episodes by himself.

Spoilers

I somehow remembered every frame of Mr. Bean eating the seafood platter, including the langoustines and him dumping oysters in a lady's bag.

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The Blair Witch Project

Found footage at its finest. I'm absolutely terrible with horror movies, but I'm proud I watched this one without hiding behind my hands too much. I've heard about this film so many times that it lessened the punch of the ending, but I was still sufficiently freaked out.

I was considering picking up hiking as a hobby, but not anymore!

Spoilers

"I'm afraid to close my eyes, I'm afraid to open them" has to be the most chilling line of the movie. I also expected some big, terrible jumpscare of the Witch but I'm glad she was never shown as it encourages the viewer's imagination to run wild.

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The Forbidden Rose

By Joanna Bourne

I liked Doyle's chameleon-like ability to blend into his surroundings in The Spymaster's Lady so I was curious about how his relationship with Maggie began. Though I enjoyed this book, it felt like there was something missing in comparison to The Spymaster's Lady.

Hawker and Justine's perspectives ended up being more compelling for me, and I'm looking forward to reading their story in The Black Hawk.

Spoilers

I'm not sure why, but Maggie's involvement in La Flèche and Robespierre's list weren't particularly interesting to me.

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The Spymaster's Lady

By Joanna Bourne

Absolutely riveting. The action, the intrigue, the electric attraction between Annique and Grey, the band of incredibly competent British and French spies... I honestly have no notes. The humor is perfect too:

Have I told you I love you, Annique? It started about the fourth time you tried to maim me. I never did find time to say the words.

This is one of the most unique and well-written historical romances I've ever read. I can't wait to dive into Doyle and Hawker's love stories!

Spoilers

I was shocked by the reveal that Annique had temporarily lost her sight! She is such a smart and engaging heroine, and it's so impressive how she manages to protects both France and England in the end.

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The Blue Castle

By L.M. Montgomery

I've only read Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, which I love, but this book blows it out of the water! I'm absolutely love narratives where the protagonist leaves the people or institutions controlling them, and their life blossoms beautifully as a result. Freedom is on the other side of fear.

I relate so much to Valancy Stirling with how she escapes reality through her daydreams, her newfound confidence, and her now-colorful life. I'm so pleased to have found a new favorite novel.

Spoilers

Never in my life did I think I would adore a love interest named Barney Snaith. My gosh, he calls her "Moonlight" and tells her "After being homeless all my life it was beautiful to have a home," which is honestly right up there with Frederick's confession of "I am half agony, half hope" from Persuasion!

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Fair as a Star

By Mimi Matthews

What a sweet and tender romance. Mark's kindness and his care for Beryl's wellbeing illustrate how when someone loves you, they try to make your life a little easier. I almost teared up multiple times while reading, and my only qualm is that the ending wrapped up a bit too neatly.

Spoilers

This is the second book I've read where a vicar has punched someone, the first being The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 8. Consider me intrigued.

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Nettle & Bone

By T. Kingfisher

I'm impressed by how much this book read like a fairytale. The compelling theme of freedom is explored extensively through Marra's two older sisters' marriages to a cruel prince, the banished knight, Marra's own experiences as a princess nun, and multiple minor characters.

Though I enjoyed the humorous writing, the plot consisted of a series of fetch quests; I would've preferred more time for the companions to bond.

Spoilers

I've read Kingfisher's Sworn Soldier series and I'm a fan of how she writes unsettling horror. The Toothdancer extracting Marra's tooth with a song and the thief-wheel in the tombs definitely stood out to me.

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Craven Manor

By Darcy Coates

It's not October if I don't read Darcy Coates! Coates writes the best good-hearted protagonists who must make difficult, terrifying choices to survive. I trust her to scare me, but also set me at ease by the end.

The house's rules for its new groundskeeper, Daniel, are reminiscent of the r/nosleep stories I used to read but fleshed out in a much more satisfying and well-rounded way. In fact, this is probably the coziest horror book I've read.

Spoilers

It's so funny that Daniel tells the black cat (who is actually Bran Myricks): "Bran should really take better care of you... He's such a strange person. In every aspect. I mean, the guy's named after a breakfast cereal, for crying out loud."

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Hangsaman 𓆑

By Shirley Jackson

A strange, fever dream-like narrative about trauma and growing up that becomes a bit too disembodied for my preference.

More details in my Bookbug review.

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Bad Words

By Ríoghnach Robinson

This was my most anticipated romance of the year and though I didn't expect the commentary on social media, I still enjoyed it. Parker and Selina are very well-written characters with plenty of relatable flaws and insecurities. I love their easy banter and electrifying connection.

I appreciate how the author investigates the relationship between critics and authors and how their livelihoods hang in the balance. Ultimately, we wish to be understood and seen and accepted for who we are, but it's up to us to define whose opinions truly matter in the end.

Spoilers

The gradual shift from outright hatred to finding common ground in the shared love of a book, to sending each other sarcastic emails, to becoming begrudging friends, to realizing they harbor feelings, to becoming lovers... what an exquisite slow-burn!

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Sharp Objects

By Gillian Flynn

Sharp Objects is a disturbing book about unhealthy family relationships and the trapped-in-time feeling you get when returning the hometown you desperately wanted to escape. This story is dark, brutal, and Flynn is very good at making the reader uncomfortable.

My main gripe is that this book is filled with completely unlikeable characters bent on self-destruction. Though I was wrong about the murderer, my guess was quite close which made the reveal less impactful.

Spoilers

I clocked that Adora, Camille's mother, has Munchausen by Proxy and I thought she murdered Ann and Natalie. However, I didn't expect the murderer to be Camille's younger half-sister Amma all along.

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You and I Are Polar Opposites: Season 2

The second half of the manga was adapted beautifully! I always found their third year to be a bit rushed, but I still enjoyed seeing Suzuki and Tani's relationship, as well as Yamada and Nishi's, continue to develop. This is such a comforting show and I'll definitely return to it when I want something lighthearted, cute, and nostalgic.

Spoilers

I was hoping for a bit more of a confirmation that Taira and Azuma are together, but I'm all right with it being an open ending as well as they each have a lot of emotional baggage to work through.

Perhaps we, the viewers, were Gapacho all along...?

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Ted Lasso: Season 4

Luckily, I didn't have as long as a wait for season 4 since my husband and I binged the first 3 seasons in July. Despite featuring a lot of new cast members for A.F.C. Richmond's women's team, this season is just as magical, endearing, and heartwarming as the rest.

Alice Chilton is an absolute gem, and I am wishing with all my heart for a fifth season.

Spoilers

Roy and Keeley's storyline dragged and Zelda was cartoonishly evil but I loved most everything else. The cameos were simply delightful: Trent Crimm and Dr. Sharon on his podcast, Roy and Jamie's absolutely iconic Jump Around scene, the men’s team at the final match, and Nate (who's coaching in Poland and has a daughter with Jade)!

Mae read out When Death Comes by Mary Oliver beautifully in the finale. I'm so, so thrilled to see Alice joining in with the Diamond Dogs as the Cat People and how she becomes head coach while Ted returns to being an assistant coach.

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Ten Days in a Mad-House

By Nellie Bly

A very sobering account of the terrible mistreatment of women confined at Blackwell's Island Asylum in the late 19th century. Plenty of women were sane, yet their pleas for release were dismissed completely by neglectful doctors and power-hungry nurses:

But here was a woman taken without her consent from the free world to an asylum and there given no chance to prove her sanity. Confined most probably for life behind asylum bars, without even being told in her language the why and wherefore. Compare this with a criminal, who is given every chance to prove his innocence. Who would not rather be a murderer and take the chance for life than be declared insane, without hope of escape?

Bly was only twenty-three-years-old when she got herself committed in order to shed light on the asylum, and I'm glad her report led the way to eventual reform.

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The Raven Boys

By Maggie Stiefvater

A very fitting, mystical read for October. I'm impressed by how the writing style is simple but sharp in a way that evokes very specific feelings and imagery, like "He was a sepia photograph" and "Both of them could trot out logic on a nice little leash, wearing a smart plaid jacket, when they wanted to." Blue is a great protagonist and I like that Stiefvater explores themes of wealth and free will through each of the Raven Boys.

Unfortunately, the plot regarding Glendower and ley lines isn't quite interesting enough for me to seek out the second book.

Spoilers

Blue and Gansey finding Noah's body is a lot darker than I would expect from a YA novel. I'm glad that they, Ronan, and Adam dig up Noah's grave and inter him on the ley line again so his spirit can regain a fuller form.

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Though I Am an Inept Villainess: Season 1

Cour 1

I will always root for protagonists who find a way to adapt to their situations, no matter how tough. Reirin reminds me alot of Rishe from 7th Time Loop; I love how she embraces her new life and slowly wins over everyone who distrusts her as Keigetsu.

Spoilers

It's so amusing that Reirin and Keigetsu continue to switch bodies and Crown Prince Gyoumei actively tries to figure out whose body Reirin is in. This anime is a great reminder that having a healthy body is priceless.

Cour 2

Airing January 2027.

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 8

By Beth Brower

Another fantastic volume! Stonecrop sounds positively magical and I wish I had a country estate to run wild in. More painful secrets are revealed within the Alchemy, but I trust that the bond between them will hold.

The books in this series are getting progressively longer and richer in detail, which just makes me even more excited for the ninth volume releasing in February.

Spoilers

I can't believe it but I'm rooting for Emma and Hawkes now, and I see him as the "game of mirrors" in the Romani woman's fortune. I'm tempted to reread the entire series for clues. Also, I can't believe Hawkes boxes!

I feel terrible that Pierce endured such abuse from his stepfather and that Islington suffered the loss of his twin sister.

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Slow Horses: Season 1

I love a good spy thriller, especially with a dysfunctional found family of somewhat competent spies with disagreeable qualities. I'm looking forward to seeing Cartwright go off on his own and mess things up again in the second season.

Unfortunately, I have yet to see a single horse.

Spoilers

I honestly didn't realize Jackson Lamb was played by Gary Oldman, as I've always associated him with Sirius Black from Harry Potter. Lamb is an excellent character despite being so unlikeable, rude, and slovenly.

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Widow's Bay: Season 1

What an outstanding blend of horror and comedy! Despite a slower start, my husband and I literally finished the entire season in one day. Supernatural horror (and horror in general) isn't usually my thing, but I was drawn to the undercurrent of wrongness in this quaint island town.

This show is honestly the perfect segue into Halloween season. I haven't been so spooked and impressed by a piece of horror in a while.

Spoilers

I couldn't stop laughing in the sixth episode when Sarah redirects her husband's assassin, and the eighth episode where Patricia keeps a gun trained on the Boogeyman until he's cremated. Literal comedy gold!

I felt so unnerved during a shot in the fourth episode when, as Patricia danced, her guests stood still around her with gaping mouths. I honestly couldn't really fall asleep later that night because I kept picturing it.

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 7

By Beth Brower

As I predicted, I enjoyed this volume more than the previous one! Emma's relationships with Pierce and Islington have changed in anticipated and unexpected ways, respectively. I, for one, am very excited to see how Emma and her new guardian get on in the next volume.

I'm so pleased that Emma's Farmyard French has made a return:

"C'est la vie (That's life)," muttered Islington, followed by a sigh of the quietly bitter.

"C'est la guerre (That's war)," said Pierce, accent less refined.

"C'est les carottes d'hiver (These are winter carrots)," I added.

Spoilers

I definitely sped through these volumes too quickly because I wanted to know if Islington or Pierce would court Emma. Upon learning that there will be more than twenty volumes in this series, I feel more inclined to just sit back and enjoy the ride from here on out.

Hawkes caught my attention more this volume, as he is the actual person Emma's father entrusted with her guardianship.

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 6

By Beth Brower

Like the third volume, this one feels like a filler and I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the others. Emma has more agency upon reaching her majority, but she is still constrained by her Aunt Eugenia (whom I dislike more and more) and Lapis Lazuli House's financial straits.

After a significant development in Emma's personal relationships and a full year having passed since she returned to St. Crispian's, I'm optimistic that I'll like the next volume more.

Spoilers

Though Emma and Pierce kissed at the very end (!!!), I'm guessing they won't be endgame. Pierce is less tethered to St. Crispian's and I wonder if he will always remind Emma of the war. I'm so curious how this will change the dynamic between them, Islington, and Hawkes.

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 5

By Beth Brower

I've always associated Christmas with hope, healing, and reflection, and this volume speaks to that perfectly. Being surrounded by people who truly care about your wellbeing is a priceless treasure.

Amidst St. Crispian's amusing traditions and Emma's lighthearted antics, I appreciate the overall message on how "one trusts the future... despite knowing loss will be had again" and that "living is a thing of wonder." What an incredibly heartwarming volume.

Spoilers

Islington telling Emma about her father's wishes for her was such a beautiful moment. I hope he is Emma's "footsteps on the stairs."

Mrs. Penury, the wife of Emma's banker, is an absolute delight even though she hasn't said a word.

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 4

By Beth Brower

Volume 4 has to be my favorite so far, mostly because I adore the strong friendship between Emma, a photographer, a duke, and a vicar. This volume also includes a scene that made me bawl my eyes out and another where I couldn't stop laughing.

Bear in mind that this exchange is in French:

Madame Tasset: "Let us begin."
Emma M. Lion: "The corn is ripe in the field."
Madame Tasset: "What?"

Spoilers

The end of Maxwell's last letter to Emma is positively devastating:

My thoughts are for you, along with whatever stories I can pull out of this barren land and bring home. I don't want to come back here when it's all over. Do you mind? We will find different places. Other roads.

I love you, you know.

I don't think I've cried so much over a book since Shark Heart.

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 3

By Beth Brower

I like how this volume explores Emma settling into St. Crispian's and building a community there but I can't pinpoint why I don't feel as connected to this volume.

Perhaps it's the dramatic tone shifts: a lively scavenger hunt in the beginning, confronting the realities of war and death in the middle, and balls with an air of romance at the end. Although, I suppose this is indicative of the occasionally jarring ups and downs of life.

Spoilers

Niall Pierce and Emma's relationship deepens in this volume; I really like how he gifts her two books by Ralph Waldo Emerson, and how Emma opens up to him about Maxwell. Oddly enough, I'm rooting more for Islington because I love how he and Emma keep surprising each other.

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 2

By Beth Brower

Though this volume follows Emma assisting with her cousin Arabella's Season under the watchful eye of Aunt Eugenia, it seems that Emma herself may have plenty of prospects as well. Very intriguing.

It's wonderful how Emma builds her library with each volume and that Jane Eyre, my favorite book of all time, is featured in this one!

Spoilers

Of all the potential suitors, I'm most invested in Mr. Pierce (The Tenant), with whom Emma exchanges notes and shares ownership of a cat named Tybalt, and the Duke of Islington, whom she frequently perplexes and whose journal she accidentally reads and reveres.

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The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion: Vol. 1

By Beth Brower

Utterly charming! If you combine Victorian England, a witty diarist, little supernatural occurrences, grief, humor, and battles with disagreeable family members, well, you've basically manufactured catnip for me.

Emma's April 20th entry perfectly sums up my feelings for this first volume: "I will relish every page, but I will take time. I will read them through slowly, stretching the delight as far as I can."

Spoilers

I almost cried during the April 23rd entry where Emma wishes she had known what was to be her and Maxwell's last moment together, and how she writes, "And I would have felt the collapse of my heart no less keenly than when I did finally hear the news, but he would have been beside me. Those grey eyes looking at me right up until the point when my heart remembered it had to keep me alive for several more years yet."

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Dearest Rogue

By Elizabeth Hoyt

Despite having recently lost her vision, Phoebe is a spirited heroine protected by James, her blunt and restrained bodyguard. Their banter is delightful, and I really like how he doesn't treat her like she's made of glass while striving to make her life easier.

This is the eighth book in the Maiden Lane series so I'm not familiar with the other established couples but I'm glad they didn't detract from Phoebe and James.

Spoilers

I very much dislike it when the stakes rise out of nowhere at the end (looking at you, Lisa Kleypas) so Phoebe getting kidnapped again irked me. James' backstory and how he failed to protect his sister did make my heart ache though.

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The Pink House 𓆑

By Nelia Gardner White

I finished it far quicker than expected. It was fine, but I would have preferred for Norah to value herself more than she values Paul.

More details in my Bookbug review.

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Grand Hotel: Season 1

Enthralling! I've been searching for a series with a similar feel to Downton Abbey; the fact that this is set in a Spanish luxury hotel is even better.

There's no shortage of power struggles, backstabbing, and mysterious murders in this fast-paced drama. The push and pull between the hotel owner's family and the service workers is utterly fascinating.

Spoilers

I enjoy the romantic tension between Julio Olmedo and Alicia Alarcón but I understand Alicia feeling let down by Julio consistently choosing his sister over her, especially when Alicia willingly gives up everything for him.

I also laughed every time Andrés tells Julio that he's making his life harder.

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The Princess Diaries ↻

A classic! I loved this movie as a child and I still love it as an adult. I can't imagine what it's like to be dealing with normal teen issues while wondering if you have what it takes to rule a country someday.

In the wise words of Roy Kent from Ted Lasso: "Fuck yeah, Princess Diaries."

Spoilers

One of my favorite scenes is Mia and Clarisse's day out in San Francisco after the diastrous dinner. I couldn't stop smiling when Clarisse tries a corn dog, and when she knights the police officer and train conductor to save Mia from going to jail.

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Obsession

Obsession is the epitome of play stupid games, win stupid prizes. This film is so well-paced and I appreciate its depiction of a more "realistic" horror, which is generally my preference, as opposed to supernatural horror.

Bear is incredibly selfish and cowardly and I think he deserved everything he wished for. His actor, Michael Johnston, and Nikki's actor, Inde Navarrette, were absolutely fantastic in their respective roles.

Spoilers

I was genuinely horrified when the real Nikki, trapped under her Wish self, begs Bear to kill her and he has the audacity to ask, "What's so wrong about being with me?" I'm glad he dies at the end, even though he only overdoses to save himself instead of freeing Nikki from a literal living nightmare.

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Enormous Wings

By Laurie Frankel

This is a great book about choice, bodily autonomy, parenthood, and all the reasons why I never want to live in a red state again. I feel even more validated in my opinion that only people who truly want to become parents should do so, and that no one else (certainly not the government) should interfere with that decision.

Spoilers

I teared up a little during the line "Eventually, it will no longer be necessary for anyone to make this drive" in regards to Pepper becoming an abortion fairy. I hope this will be true in real life too.

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Backrooms

What an unsettling film with incredible sound design. I felt so tense and unnerved, especially during the found footage scenes. I think I might've enjoyed this film more if I knew the lore behind it; I personally see the backrooms as a reflection of trauma and our subconscious minds.

Spoilers

The monster being an exaggerated version of Clark, the furniture store owner who dressed as a pirate for a commercial, felt a bit underwhelming and I would've something preferred more abstract. The final shot with a distorted copy of Dr. Mary Kline sitting motionlessly was chilling though.

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The Lord of Stariel

By A.J. Lancaster

I was invested in the first half with Hetta rising to the occasion, but my enjoyment plummeted when the fae were introduced. Their inclusion came across as forced and diminished the world's existing magic.

There is a distinct lack of weight behind characters' decisions and motivations. No one made an impression on me and there were hardly any stakes, likely because this is billed as a cozy fantasy. Either way, this wasn't for me.

Spoilers

Though they have known each other for years, Hetta and Wyn's attraction to each other didn't feel convincing. Furthermore, Wyn is actually a fae prince posing as a butler, which is a whole other can of worms.

During the very abrupt and anticlimactic ending, Hetta thought she wasn't the true Lord of Stariel but learns that she actually is, which felt like an unnecessary complication.

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One, None, and a Hundred Grand 𓆑

By Luigi Pirandello

Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book due to all the philosophical tangents on identity and the hard-to-follow narrative.

More details in my Bookbug review.

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The Matrimonial Advertisement

By Mimi Matthews

A gothic setting? A marriage of convenience? A brooding man and a poised, resilient woman, both haunted by their dark pasts? I was sold from the get-go.

Despite being strangers, Helena and Justin treat each other with such kindness. Early on, she asks him, "Is that why we loathe the place?" in reference to where he lived as a parish orphan. Near the end, he asks her, "What is it that will set your mind at ease?" and Helena replies, "No one has ever asked me that before." I couldn't help but root for them as a couple.

Spoilers

In the end, Helena confronts her uncle, the Earl of Castleton, who threatened to institutionalize her if she didn't sign away her fortune. Similarly, Justin comes to terms with the fact that he couldn't have protected everyone he wanted to during the war.

I was a bit put-off by the minor third act breakup, but I'm glad Justin eventually accepts that he deserves happiness.

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day

I've shied away from superhero movies the last few years due to oversaturation, but I really wanted to know how Peter carries on after the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home. I like how this film explores Peter's psyche in a considerably darker state through his struggles with change and vulnerability.

Spoilers

There are plenty of bittersweet scenes, but a few that stood out to me are when Peter hangs out with Ned and MJ in their apartment, and when Jean accesses Peter's memory of May saying she loves him for who he is. I love how through muscle memory, Ned completes his handshake with Peter at the end.

Sadie Sink was amazing in John Proctor Is the Villain and she is even more incredible as Jean Grey. Also, despite my not having watched Black Widow, I like Yelena Belova's bathhouse office and her distinction between "small potatoes" and "big potatoes." Both of them have revived my interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe a little.