If you had to give up one word that you use regularly, what would it be?
If I had to stop using one word that I say often, it would be maybe. It’s a word I feel I use too often for excuses instead of saying a definite yes or no. It’s a word that feels safe to use to avoid hurting feelings or making a quick decision, which is something I feel I need to stop doing.
– A.B.
The eight-book series (with an additional prequel novel) “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas is one of the best examples of modern fantasy fiction. Since many altering events happen within the series, I will be focusing on the first book, titled Throne of Glass, for most of this review in order to avoid spoiling it for those who wish to read it. This is the second series of Maas’ that I have read so far, and I believe them both to be well-written and quite enjoyable.
One of the things I love best about this series overall is the author’s great attention given to the world building. Everything connects and interwrwines from the first book to the last which is refreshing compared to many other novels of similar genres in todays literature. It can be slow-moving at times; especially in the first two to three books. But as the series went on, I appreciated the details and time Maas spent developing the world she created.
The series has a strong female lead who has flaws and issues but a good heart, dragons and magic, romance, and a lot of action and battle. I believe this series really helped bring traditional, well-written fantasy into the modern age while also giving it a twist. I used to not be a big fan of third-person POV stories, but the way the author writes from the perspective of different characters really helps to add detail and weave the storylines together flawlessly.
The main characters in the first book Celaena, Chaol, and prince Dorian are all well-rounded characters with unique backstories and complex personalities. As a writer myself, I often times find it hard to make characters stand out from each other rather than blend into seemingly one person in the way they think or act. But Maas’ character writing of both heroes and villains is so well executed and entrancing to read. She is a master of the writing craft in my opinion, and her expansive world building is unlike any author’s works I’ve read in the past decade.
Although the majority of the fan base for Throne of Glass is female, I personally think people of all kinds can enjoy these books; I’ve even known a man who has. I would recommend this series to anyone seeking a great fantasy-fiction read.
– A.B.
My husband’s favorite hobby is playing disc golf. Lately, as a way to improve my mental and physical health, I’ve been going with him to walk outdoors while he plays. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I am a big fan of finding positives and joys in the little things in life. So today, I was pleasantly surprised as we walked a disc golf course on our way home from a beach vacation and I experienced the magic of nature.
As we were walking, I noticed a bush full of beautiful orange and yellow butterflies. They flew from flower-to-flower in the rays of golden sunlight; some of them even flew right next to me. Something about it felt magical, since right before we got out of the car beforehand I mentioned wanting to see butterflies on the course and then I did. As we were leaving the area where the butterflies gathered, one even flew up right in front of me as I went to step forward. I counted 33 in total as we walked through the woods.
I felt such childlike glee as I observed the brightly-colored insects floating on the breeze and flying gracefully all around. It was a simple joy that cost nothing, and I think all of us can find little happy moments like that every day of our lives if we look for them.
– A.B.
“The Son” by Philipp Meyer is a book I had to read for a class while getting my English degree. It is far from the genres I normally read, but I ended up enjoying it way more than I expected to. Meyer is an extremely talented writer who is able to flow three time periods and storylines together seamlessly; it’s a talent I hope to achieve as I grow as a writer.
The story gives a historically accurate insight to the lives of indigenous Americans in the 1840s and the tensions they faced against Texans. Parts of it are extremely difficult to read due to the violence and death that is prevalent throughout the novel, but it is so well-written that it truly transforms you into the time period of the story. The story is told from three perspectives; three generations of the McCullough family. Despite these intertwining storylines, the author writes in a way that leaves no confusion in regards to the plot or perspectives.
I really like the moments of comedic relief within the story as well. All characters are well-rounded and are easy to picture and relate to in many ways. But I also appreciate that the story shows the reality of growing up, experiencing trauma, and dealing with familial issues. The perspectives of Eli, Peter, and J.A. are all unique and add so much depth and intricacy to the novel as a whole.
Despite the book being decently long, the pacing is also done well and I never felt it lagging as I read. All the characters seem so realistic that while reading at times I had to remind myself that the story is fictional. I’ve never been a fan of westerns or many non-fantasy fiction books, but this one changed my mind and helped expand my world of literature. It is definitely a story I want to re-read and I would also like to read more works by Meyer because of his skill in writing complex and intriguing stories.
– A.B.
I heard about the two book series “Haunting Adeline” by H.D. Carlton on social media and decided to read it based on many raving reviews. However, upon reading the series I found myself feeling misled by the praise it received from other readers. Even though I was disappointed by the first book, I went on to read the second one to give the series the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, it only made me dislike the series even more.
The author’s writing style was not terrible by any means. I think the storyline had great potential, but in the end fell very flat to me. The story started off very strong and inticing to get into, but I had already begun to lose interest only ten chapters in. One of my biggest qualms with these books is how all of the characters are supposed to be these intelligent and wealthy late twenties to early thirties adults working in high tech operations, yet they all speak and think like young teenagers.
The phrasing and behavior of all, but especially the main characters, completely took me out of the story. There are very serious scenarios all throughout both books, and their reactions and how they view themselves and others through their individual monologues portrays them as immature adolescents.
The main character, Adeline, is a famous author in the story. But the author tells but doesn’t show the reader that writing is actually an important part of Adeline’s life. Her career and any other special interests become irrelevant and lost in the story all because of her obsession with her stalker/boyfriend, Zade. She becomes a very two-dimensional character because of this beginning only a few chapters into the first book.
Zade himself is also a problematic character. He is portrayed as a white-knight hero type of person after his true identity is revealed to Adeline, yet his actions and self-centered ideation completely void him of that to me as a reader. He repeatedly disregards consent even though his job within the story is to save women from trafficking. One chapter shows him as the good guy saving people, and the next he is manipulating and abusing his girlfriend that he has an absolutely unhealthy obsession with.
Adeline is completely dependent on Zade for every emotional and physical need, which I believe portrays a very unhealthy relationship for more than the aforementioned reasons. What the author tried to portray to the reader as a hero-and-damsel type of situation came off as uncomfortable advances and numerous red flags.
Side characters like Jay and Sibby were unnecessary and distracting to me. Jay is a character whose sole purpose seems to be obsessed with Zade and compliant to his every command. He truly has no other plot purpose than that. And Sibby is a very poor portrayal of individuals with mental illness. More than anything, she seems like a prop to be used as a makeshift child that Zade and Adeline take responsibility for. Daya, Adeline’s best friend, is truly one of the only characters with redeemable qualities to me.
Although the plot, storyline, and characters were all over the place and not doing much to make the story enjoyable in my subjective opinion, I will say one good thing about this series is that it brings awareness about human trafficking and assault. This is a very real issue in the world today, and despite me having many issues with the Haunting Adeline series, I can certainly give it praise for that.
As I mentioned before, I do not understand the hype around this series and part of me worried that impressionable people who read it will think that relationships like Zade and Adeline’s are admirable when in reality, they’re extremely harmful and toxic. There is a lack of realism in this story, but I would be willing to read other works by the same author to see if any of her other books or series are something I can enjoy.
– A.B.
What’s your favorite time of day?
I’ve always been a night owl, so evening and night time are superior in my book. I’ve often been called a moonchild, which is probably very fitting. I enjoy the gentle light of the moon over the intense rays of the sun. I like how the world seems to slow down as the sun sets lower in the sky.
I feel more creative and energized at night as well; as if I were meant to sleep during the day and be awake at night. Chilly evenings and stargazing are just a couple of things I love about nighttime.
Overall, I find the world to be more peaceful at night than during the day. But I also appreciate that sometimes the dark of night can be mysterious and sometimes spooky depending on the circumstance, which my Halloween-loving self also enjoys.
– A.B.
As mentioned before in previous posts, I’ve always had an interest in my family history. Thankfully, my late grandmother saved hundreds of photographs and records that I can now look at, appreciate, research, and one day pass on to the next generation.
Seeing photographs of my ancestors, many of which I never got to meet, gives me a glimpse into their lives. From what they wore to where they lived, these photos transport me to a different time when I observe them.
I’m fortunate enough to have these photos (and many more) to admire. A photograph is only a glimpse into one’s life, but the memories they hold I believe can last forever.
I love sharing my family history as it is my most fascinating hobby. I will definitely share more if you would like to see! Thank you for viewing and reading.
– A.B.
I’m so ready for the blistering heat to end, but I also can’t believe the summer went by so quickly. The reality is, I didn’t do a lot of what I planned to. It’s been a very hard year; for all of us I think. And most of the time things don’t go according to plan. But all the same, I’ve been trying to enjoy the end of this season as I anticipate my favorite time of year: fall.
My mental health has been up-and-down these past several weeks which is why I haven’t been posting in this blog as much. But I’m determined to set aside time to write daily and hold myself to that in order to get out of this negative headspace. I think all of us as humans could benefit from trying to prioritize things we enjoy rather than dwelling on negativity or anger.
I’m looking forward to decorating my home for Halloween and enjoying the cooler weather (but no pumpkin spice lattes for me – I think they’re gross). I encourage you all to do something you enjoy daily, big or small. Read a few chapters in a book, go for an evening walk, make an extravagant meal for no reason other than you want to enjoy it. Life is too short to let work consume our everyday lives so we must seek joy wherever we can find it.
– A.B.
It’s hard to believe half of the year is already gone. The last six months have been pretty rough, confusing, and trying. Part of me feels as though I could have done more so far this year, while another part of me knows a time of rest is much needed.
I’ve been doing yoga pretty consistently for a few months now, though. It’s something I greatly enjoy that not only keeps me active, but also is beneficial for my mental health.
I’ve also been doing the most I can to become my best self, which includes nourishing my body with good food, drinking more water, setting and achieving small goals I set for myself, and more.
Part of the self-discipline I’ve started doing also includes my writing. If I want to make writing my career, I have to treat it like one even in the early stages. For me, this means taking time to write every single day – whether that’s working on my fiction stories or posting to this blog. I’ve done well so far, and am proud of the personal progress I’m seeing.
Whatever this year has been like to you thus far, I hope that from here on out it only gets better. Things that are out of our control always happen, but the best thing to do is work through them and look forward to better days ahead.
– A.B,
A.P. Bensler Blog 