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Search here for book reviews, film reviews, and all that lies beyond…
My top ten reads of 2021
‘Tis the season for celebrating the best of the best here at The Charisian! In the span of ten spaces, I share the ten best books this year — number one is quite the wild boi!
Susan Dennard’s ‘Witchshadow’ is on another level (and why you should read the Witchlands books)
For real, if you haven’t heard of the Witchlands yet, or you have and are yet to venture into its depths, do drop everything and discover why Susan Dennard’s magnum opus is one of life’s necessities! (PS Baesult is life)
‘Iron Widow’ by Xiran Jay Zhao and ‘Crier’s War’ by Nina Varela are the queer YA books this world needs
The year is wrapping up, and with it, I’m accelerating on the book reviews: today’s spotlight is on both ‘Crier’s War’ and ‘Iron Widow’, both here, both queer, and both ready to dismantle the patriarchy. What more could we ask for?
‘Aristotle and Dante Dive Into the Waters of the World’ is pure catharsis
The sequel to one of the most beautiful coming-of-age stories of all time, yay or nay? (Hint: the title may or may not represent my feelings towards this book.) Come and see the book best paired with Friday nights, chocolate, some good music, and a steaming cup of tea.
Five stars and one f**k you to Hanya Yanagihara’s ‘A Little Life’
This titan of a five-star book left me sobbing at midnight last night, and I don’t know if I’ll be okay. It’s like ‘The Song of Achilles’ all over again, straight down to the everlasting emotional trauma! Woo!
Nathan Anderson’s ‘Deconstruction of a Symptom’ is a standout collection
Happy National Poetry Day from outside the UK! It’s not often I know the author of the piece I’m reviewing, but there’s a first time for everything! Even better, this is a collection you’ll want in your life — swing on by and learn why!
Guy, why are there giant octopus ladies?
Please, Guy, I need to know. I’ve been laughing and crying about this for nearly eighteen hours, ever since I finally sat down to watch King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
The most extraordinary and certainly niche film, ‘The Green Knight’
Somehow, I managed to extend this review beyond, “This film is perfect; please watch it immediately.” There are things worth knowing before you dive in, and here, I lay all of them out ripe for the picking. Be sure to mosey on by!
One final hurdle
Am I a day late? Yes! Will I probably spend the rest of my weekend daydreaming? Probably! Have I been doing THINGS these past three weeks that you definitely want to read about?
I mean, I mention stringers, a nostalgic love of mine. So, yes. Yes, I have.
Finger guns, and archaic words Grammarly can pry from my cold, dead hands
Heyo! My new blog post is up, I’m still depressed and anxious, but Grammarly is incredible (mostly), and my life is elsewise filled will all kinds of ups and downs. Cue the finger guns.
I paid a dollar to rent ‘Excalibur’ (1981) and now I want my money back
I signed up for IMDB so I could rate this film one star. So come on by, lovely people, and find out why I’m in physical pain post-Excalibur.
On ye boi, Mordred
I may or may not have feelings about the unjust treatment of this character, and a way to make it right. I also give some love to BBC’s Merlin, because Merthur is life.
Superstition
I’m back! Just in time for the ultimate writing guide, a glimpse into my writing journey (featuring some good ol’ fashioned King Arthur mythology), and that good ol' self-deprecating humour I know so well.
with the under of your tongue
When someone asks you when to share your work with another, share with them this blog post. Featuring a new poem.
Flash reviews: ye ol’ films of note
For this week's bloggering, I review half a dozen fantastical movies. Rich with horror, the psychological, rich messages, and all the whump, you won't want to miss this. Come and see!
Myrddin’s Madness
Heyo, lovely people! I’m all but brained out, but I figured I best let you all in on what’s happening with me at present health-ways. As well, I divulge exciting news on what’s to come! Come and see!
My top ten reads of 2020
I am counting the chocolates until 2021 rolls on through, but in the meantime, why not celebrate by cheering on the best books I encountered this year? For hilarious jokes and the cheerful perspective of an optimistic fatalist, come on by and see what books you should queue in for the new year — if you haven’t already!
Why ‘The Ember Quartet’ by Sabaa Tahir is worth your time
Heyo lovely people! Are you looking for a high-quality series that will impress you, introduce you to extraordinary characters, and simultaneously rip your guts out? Then look no further than the Ember Quartet! Come on by for my review!
‘The Song of Achilles’ by Madeline Miller is the current source of my crippled emotional status
So, this book has utterly devastated me. Anywhosen, come by and learn why this is 10/5 best book.
Merry Charismas, 2020’s almost over (finally)
We’re back! Just in time for the year’s end after sixteen years, I revisit the good and the bad of my past five months. Also, I make bad jokes (and by bad, I mean hilarious), celebrate major achievements, and make more bad/hilarious jokes.