(BOOK) Vintage Hairstyles by Emma Sundh and Sarah Wing

Summary:

From the finger waves of the romantic 1910s to the beehive of the rebellious 1960s, retro hair has made a comeback. Vintage Hairstyles presents all the tools, techniques, and step-by-step instructions needed to achieve eye-catching looks for every occasion. Trendsetters, hairstylists, and fashionistas will love creating elegant updos for special events or playful curls for everyday excursions. Featuring a history of beauty trends by the decades, a list of must-have hair products, and projects for making chic hair accessories, Vintage Hairstyles showcases classic beauty with a fresh twist.

Stars: Five

Age Range: Depending on abilities I think it would be great for anyone who loves styling hair!

Should You Read This: Yes!

Review:
I am so glad I got this brilliant book! I love vintage-y old fashioned clothes and hairstyles so this was perfect for me! If you too love vintage things and want to give the hairstyles a go then this is for you! Also, this would make a great gift for anybody you know who love hair styling! I'd already been doing quite a few of these styles by myself without the book since I'm very talented as a hairstylist. But this book is helpful (even for me) with interesting facts and photos that are beautifully done by Martina Ankarfyr. This book not only covers hair, it also helps with make-up, nails, hats, clothes and glasses. The focus is hair but the other tips are helpful to vintage newbies. My favourite hairstyle is Victory Rolls but I also love the Gibson Tuck. My least favourite is probably Bettie Bangs which just look silly unless you actually have bangs. Before you buy this, make sure you have a one inch curling iron and loads of bobby pins. I recommend doing pin curls over night as these do keep looking perfect for days without brushing or maintenance. If you're not good at doing your own hair, practice on someone else first i.e. your mum or a friend. That way you get to practise but you can also get them to do one of the styles on you! Good luck and have fun with your hair!

Note: Want to see some of my fabulous hairstyles? Follow me on Twitter @Sophia_Tallon and Instagram @SophiaTallon

(BOOK) The Brokenhearted - Amelia Kahaney

THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY Ebony aka EGoddess!

The Brokenhearted by Amelia Kahaney

[Young Adult Sci Fi]

  Well I picked this up at the library (which is usual thing for me) and it was part of the summer reading options. It's about a girl who falls in love with a guy from, "the wrong side of the tracks" and when she's over at his house the kidnappers take him and they want her to pay to get him back. Next thing you know she's been operated on and has a new heart and with it, new abilites.

  I haven't finished the book just yet, but it's super good. I'm very glad I picked it up! There's a sequel as well called The Invisible and I'm excited to read it. I think the character development is done well and the story/theme/plot is a very good one. I think it's relatable. I highly recommend this one!

(BOOK) Life By Committee - Corey Ann Haydu

THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY Ebony aka EGoddess!

Life By Committee by Corey Ann Haydu

[Young Adult Contemporary]

  I didn't really think I would like this book as much as I did once I got into it. Simply because it had a bit of angst. It's like you're siding with the main character, or you see how things aren't their fault, but they get blamed anyway or they don't know how to stick up for themselves when it's time. Its bothersome. Plus, the characters in the book all thought that tabby had changed, but reading it you wouldn't know if its the "changed" tabetha, so it just feels like everyone in the book is full of it because you have no idea what they're referrinf to when it comes to tabetha. But the ending of the book really brought it home for me. It was sweet and a nice ending. Gives a positive outlook on humans in this world.

 I wouldn't recommend this book though. I would just tell someone about it. I almost feel like it's a personal thing like Tabetha did with LBC. [if you read it, you'll get the reference]

 Happy Reading!

(BOOK) White Cat - Holly Black

THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY Ebony aka EGoddess!

White Cat by Holly Black [Curse Workers Trilogy]

[Young Adult Fantasy]
This book wasn't bad but I did think it was a little twisted/dark.... In a really weird way. Hard to explain. But because the line of work (curse work) in this town/world they live in is everyones knowledge, everything or everyone's reaction is pretty normal when things get gory and what not. it's like nothing is really all that bad or terrible. Which can be a little unsettling. I would not recommend this book, but I'd probably talk about it with someone.

(BOOK) Looking Back At Something Brilliant - Animal Farm

When asked, it is always difficult for me to label a book as the best one I've ever read. They look at how helpless I am, and they ask for a Top 5 or 7 or 10 list. And one book that's always been on the list is Animal Farm by George Orwell.



You know that feeling where you start reading a book, and by the time you are out of the spell of the book, it is a time completely different from the one you remember? Animal Farm was one such book for me. I read Animal Farm when I was in the 11th grade (we were supplied the books) as a part of the college curriculum, only to realize at the ending that it was an abridged version (no idea why). A few months ago, I read the Unabridged version, and found nothing that was fit to be edited out of the book.

This is a story seemingly written for children. Well, it is, and it isn't. The language is very simple. So simple, that it rises up to the level of deception. Orwell realized the possibility of telling the world the story of an out-of-control government, led by corrupt leaders, in a way that is both fun to read, and yet wonderfully deep. The humans are depicted by animals, and so well done, that they might be considered immortal now. There are parallels drawn to Lenin, Stalin, Marx, Trotsky, Molotov, the Tsar during the February Revolution, the KGB, and many others. Almost everything I love is in this book, a mix of dry humor and infectious satire, and subtle references to real-life events.

The book puts across the concepts and logics of Stalinism by showing how it failed, and by pointing out the faults in the logic of Stalinism. Orwell made this happen by using a very simple idea. He used talking animals. Which is lovely.

I mean, this is genius. Who wouldn't read a book where politicians, hated and bad ones at that, found their parallels in animals considered filthy and disgusting, like pigs?

Also, the irony used here is commendable. Like this like shows:

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”

The genius of the book not only lies in how the parallels were drawn, but the writing itself. The story is excellently complemented by the style of writing, and the last line of the book acts as the perfect example to describe the closing scene of the book:

“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”  

This is one farm I'm going to reach out to again and again and again. You should, too.

(BOOK) Chasing Power - Sarah Beth Durst

THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY Ebony aka EGoddess!

Chasing Power by Sarah Beth Durst

[Young Adult Sci Fi]

Sixteen year old Kayla has a special talent. She's telekinetic. Throughout this book you follow her on her journey. She's trying not to lie to her mom about using her talent, but she does anyways. Kayla meets Daniel who has the ability to teleport. Which becomes helpful on their quest.

I think this book was really good. Plus, it's a stand alone Sci Fi novel, so that's always nice. Keeping up with a series can get confusing sometimes. But I def recommend this book. There's lots of aspects that I haven't touched upon simply because it would be best to read and find out for yourself. So get your hands on this one!

(BOOK) Extraction & Rebellion by Stephanie Diaz

THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY Ebony aka EGoddess!

Extraction by Stephanie Diaz

[Young Adult Sci Fi/Dystopia]

 Clementine is anticipating extraction. What's extraction you ask? It's a selection that takes place when you're the age of sixteen. It's what determines if you have enough promise to actually live in the Core. See Kiels divided into different sectors. The Surface, Mantle, Core, etc. The Core is for the top dogs, and everyones wants to be there, especially since it would mean greater protection against the acid spilling from the moon. Yes they have a shield surrounding the planet to be safe but you can never be too careful right?

 I LOVED THIS BOOK! It wasn't what I expected really. It might be a little typical or cliché in some aspexts, but that doesn't matter because I think Stepahie Diaz did a pretty good job at writing this. I was rooting for Clementine the whole way through. With Extraction you're holding your breath, your excited, your upset, just everything! There's a bunch of emotions and good stuff in this book. It's a recommended read!

 And by the way, this is part of a trilogy. (1) Extraction, (2) Rebellion, and (3) Evolution. So if you're up for another series/trilogy give this one a go!

 

Rebellion by Stephanie Diaz

[Young Adult Sci Fi/Dystopia]

We continue with Clemintine's adventure and life journey in this book. Still lots of adventure and events in this one. There were some seriously intense moments. Rebellion gets your emotions going, no doubt. But personally, I don't think this was as good as the first book. Maybe the spark wore off, or my expectations were too high? I'm not really sure, but I still think it's worth the read. It may not have been as great as the last book, but it's still good!

 

(BOOK) A Clash Of Kings - George R.R. Martin

Finally. A Clash Of Kings by George R.R. Martin.

It's been a month since I've read a book, and this book is certainly the best possible start to a new, psychotic, and obsessive session of reading.

If you haven't read the first book, the next paragraph is for you. A spoiler-free summary. But before I do that, let me tell you that I feel sorry for you. You have been missing out on something great and amazing all this while. You really should rush to a bookstore or to that friend who has this book. Anyways, moving on.

Summers last for decades. So do winters. And when King Robert Baratheon appoints his friend Lord Eddard Stark to the office of the Hand Of The King, a struggle for the Iron Throne begins. The Stark Family is torn apart by unexpected enemies, the treachery at court makes way for an entirely new chain of events, and the vengeance seeking heir of the Targaryen family, who were deposed of the throne claims it. And in order to get back the throne, he gives away his sister to a bunch of ruthless barbarians in exchange for an army. And that gives way to something fascinating.

Now, onto the book of the hour, The sequel.

This book picks up right where the last one ended. This summary of the second book might come as spoilers to the people who didn't read the first book, but I don't care. It's your fault.

Robert’s son, Joffrey Baratheon, is now the King. Robb Stark declares himself the King Of The North. Robert’s brothers, Stannis and Renly all claim the throne of Westeros, and are now a threat to Joffrey. Theon Greyjoy gets to meet his family, and Daenerys Targaryen travels east with her three most prized possessions and her followers travel east in the hope of raising an army strong enough to conquer the seven kingdoms.

I think it is quite evident that I love the first book. Let me tell you, the second one is just as awesome. In some ways, it sets new standards.

The striking feature of the series is the multiple character point-of-view narration. The first book was told in the eyes of eight characters, and this one is told using 9 characters. Obviously, this book is a little more twisted than the first one. The storyline is complicated, and it might become a little difficult to understand what exactly is happening. Also, with the introduction of two new characters to the narration list, the story is developed from the point of two new kingdoms which were not even talked about in the first book. Like in the first book, this works wonders.

Like the first book, this book is also deeply rooted into realism. Every single chapter that talks about war strategies and the war itself is a brilliant example of the realism I so love and hope for in the coming books. The mad, what-the-hell ending of the first book brings about the first mythical part of the story, and it is excellently managed here. To weave something supernatural with a world that closely resembles ours is no small achievement.

Order the books, or go out and get them now. It is not everyday that fantasy books are nothing short of genius.

Rating: 4.5 / 5.

(AUTHOR INTERVIEW) Koko Brown

Today I will be interviewing the author Koko Brown for a blog tour!

What inspired you to become an author?
I believe all authors were or are voracious readers. I’m one of them and through my passion for books the idea for my first book was hatched.

What author influenced you the most?
I have all of Johanna Lindsey’s books. Even as a teenager, she was an automatic buy for me. She has always had the ability to transport me someplace else, forget all my troubles and dream for the kind of love her heroines tended to find. I want to provide that kind of escape and inspiration for my readers as well.

Do you have a favourite author? (Or name a few)
My favorite authors are Johanna Lindsey, Kresley Cole, Toni Morrison, Lena Matthews and Eve Vaughn.

What is the best writing advice you have ever received?
The best writing advice I ever received is to write the next book. It pays off more than any kind of marketing or promotional campaign you put your money behind.

What helps you write when you're stuck or have writer's block?
I break writer’s block with either music or cracking open a book. Reading someone else’s work instantly sparks my own muse. Unfortunately, what helps me with my own books has also contributed to the loss of one of my favorite hobbies. In that it’s difficult to sit down and read a novel from cover to cover because I’m always putting the book down to write my own stuff.

Do you like to listen to music while you write? If so, who are your favourite artists?
I listen to an eclectic mix of music from Amy Whinehouse and Patsy Cline to Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar. I tend to lean heavily on Whinehouse and Cline. Their music centers me during pivotal love scenes because it’s so emotional and riddled with angst.

After a long day of writing what is your favourite tv show you like to watch?
Like the music I listen to, my favorite television shows are just as varied. However, I will say all of them are scripted. I loathe reality television. It’s killing our brain cells. Right now, I can’t get enough of Empire, Power, Homeland, Penny Dreadful, The Flash, Vikings and Game of Thrones.

What are you working on currently?
I’m looking to release Player’s Challenge in July, but it’s a re-release that’s been expanded. In early fall, I plan on publishing Her Silver Fox. It’s a December-December romance featuring a more mature couple.  

When you're not writing, what do you like to do?
Whenever I have free time, which is very little, I like to shop in thrift stores and travel. I think I was born with wanderlust. If I could stay on the road and write 365 days of the year, I would. I love discovering new places and experiencing different cultures.

What are some of your most favourite books of all time?
Toni Morrison’s Bluest Eye and Khalil Gilbrand’s The Prophet are two favorite books. I’ve even gone so far as to gift them to friends.

Is there anything specific you'd like to try writing about in the future?
I want to attempt a serial. I know readers hate cliffhangers, but I really want to try my hand at a monthly installment of stories in the same vein as Secret Life of a Call Girl.

Which of your characters do you love the most and why?
I favor my first heroine, Chloe Walker, from Charmed.  Prone to talking smack, she’s the most like me in personality and character. She was independent and strong-willed, but she had a particular weakness for the hero.  We both share this vulnerability when it comes to the opposite sex.  

Which one of your books are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of Charmed. I wrote it in only two weeks. It was also the first book accepted for publication.

What is an interesting or hidden talent you have?
I have absolutely no talent other than ferreting out travel deals.

Is there anything else you'd like my readers to know?
Don’t be afraid to check out my books. They just might find something they like.

(BRONAGH'S GUEST POST) Review of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Hello Everyone!

I'm Bronagh from Bronagh's Beauty and Books over at - http://www.bronaghsbeautyandbooks.com ! Today I doing a small little book review for the lovely Sophia!

Today I'm going to be talking to you all about my new favourite book - Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Who's name I adore).

I recently finished this book, and I must say its now firmly in my top 10 favourite books!

Fangirl is firmly placed in Young Adult Literature and I would say it may even verge into a young adult romance novel.

You can check it out for yourself here on Goodreads. (http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16068905-fangirl)

This book features around Cath, who is one half of a twinship. She and her twin Wren, are moving off to college/university and going down two completely different paths, Wren is out meeting boys, drinking, and pretty much just being as social as she can during her time at college. Whereas Cath is the complete opposite. She likes to stay in and write fanfiction.

I'm sure you are all familiar with what Fan fiction is, but for anyone who isn't - Fan Fiction is re-writing a story already published. There are hundreds of people who write fanfiction out there, and many more who read it (myself included). In the book, Cath writes fan fiction about a book series featuring Simon Snow by Gemma T. Leslie, which is a pen name for Rainbow Rowell wrote. She used to write this with Wren until recently, and now she writes it on her own.

This book starts with both of the girls moving into their dorms at the university.

The book is set in Cath's point of view, so everything is said and done by Cath. 

At the start, you can already see the major differences between the girls; Wren has spent the summer getting to know her room mate, whereas Cath would rather be housed alone.

When Cath gets to her room, we get the first glimpse at two other pretty awesome characters in this book, Regan, her room mate and Levi.

Over time both of these characters build in importance, but at first, they seem to be shrugged off due to Cath's lack of interest in them. After she's moved all of her stuff in, she goes out to eat with her dad, and then says good bye to him before he leaves.

The first part of the book, really revolves around Cath's adaptation to college life. Having to fend for herself finding out where she can eat, getting to her classes and of course, forming those close friendships you can only make at College. The only problem? Cath doesn't want to make friends, socialise or find the canteen. She had brought along a heft supply of protein bars and peanut butter to do her for as long as possible so she wouldn't have to face the canteen, she also avoided socialising in class.

She does eventually befriend a boy named Nick in her Entry to creative writing class. At the front og the book, we have a few illustrations of the characters, and he is listed there, which hints that he may become very important in the story. Also in this image are; Regan, Cath, Wren, Levi and Courtney.

Image URL: http://fremdeng.ning.com/profiles/blogs/fangirling-over-fangirl-by-rainbow-rowell

All of the characters pictured are all very central to this story.

Cather (Cath) is the protagonist and the main character of the story.

Levi is the main love interest in the story, which has some awesome twists

Regan is Cath's roommate, who starts off as a bit of an ass, but you grow to love her

Nick is who I originally thought would be the love interest as he and Cath grew close, but he just turns out to be a pretty awesome friend!

Courtney is Wrens roommate. She pops up in most scenes that involve Wren.

Wren is Cath's twin sister, so she is very central to the story.

Throughout the book there are a lot of ups and downs, and things that make you feel a whole lot of feelings.

If you enjoy YA Books with a little bit of romance sprinkled in alongside a coming of age story, then this is the book for you!

If you want to get to know me better, feel free to check out my blog - bronaghsbeautyandbooks.com where you can find links to all of my many social media sites! Thank you again to Sophia for letting me guest post on her blog, and hope you guys have loved this as much as I have!

(BOOK) Project Paper Doll Trilogy: The Rules, the Hunt, The Trials - Stacey Kade

THIS BLOG POST WAS WRITTEN BY Ebony aka EGoddess!

Project Paper Doll Trilogy: The Rules, The Hunt, The Trials. By Stacey Kade

[Young Adult Sci Fi ]

  1- Don't get involved.

  2- Never trust anyone

  3- Keep your head down

  4- They are always watching

  5- Don't fall in love.

  Those are the rules Ariane has 4o follow. And she's been following them practically all her life. She's a loner and only has one friend, and lives with her dad. People think she's weird, but only when they notice her. Which they don't really. But that's how Ariane likes it. That's how it's supposed to be.

  Zane is in with the popular crowd. Of course he doesn't have any real interactions with Ariane. But that changes.

  In this trilogy you'll be able to read from both Ariane's and Zane's perspectives. Which I really loved and I thought it was done well. Everything was cohesive and everything added up. In the following books The Hunt and The Trials, the adventures and excitement continue. There are twists and turns, and all three books will have you on the edge of your seat. So many emotions will come at you. At least that's what happened with me.

  This trilogy is def a MUST READ! On top of the, the covers are so pretty with a pop of a different color on each. Give these books a try if you haven't!