The Constellation of Moon

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them: Newt Scamander A Movie Scrapbook Review

Posted on April 14, 2018

Wow, massively long title for a book and today I will deviate from my usual book cover picture because while I read this a happy accident happened. (If you want to see the cover, the book was part of this box).

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Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them: Newt Scamander A Movie Scrapbook by Rick Barba

Learn all about Newt Scamander and the incredible film from J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Peer inside Newt Scamander’s enchanted suitcase, encounter marvelous creatures, roam the streets of 1920s New York City, and meet Newt’s fascinating friends! This magical scrapbook takes readers on an interactive adventure through Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Filled with removable artifacts, such as wizarding newspapers, posters, and other fascinating finds, this book has something for everyone!

Rating:

This is an adorable quick read book with the main things about the film and the “world building”. My favourite part was that it had a lot of “interactive” things to play with as you moved through the book, with cards and flip pages and little “secrets” that made it much more enjoyable to leaf through.

And of course, ti is indeed a quick look at the film, but that is helpful when you don’t want an in-depth narrative that covers everything, and this one also includes some comments from the actors and crew so ti was interesting to read bits and pieces from them too.

Moon recommends

This cute book that apparently makes doggies want to read, and of course reading Harry Potter if you haven’t yet because we all need some magic in our lives.

Book Review

The Sketchbook of Loish

Posted on April 12, 2018

This review should be of no surprise to anyone, given my love for Loish’s artwork (I was part of the kickstarter for the first book, ended up buying a PS4 and Horizon Zero Dawn because she was part of the concept art team, and now I was also part of the second book Kickstarter).

The Sketchbook of Loish: Art in progress by Lois van Baarle & 3dTotal

I sadly couldn’t afford a high tier reward, but I was pleased with all the lovely extras it came with. You can see a pack of cards, a bookmark, a colouring book (which is full of gorgeous artwork and the pages are only printed on one side so you don’t ruin the drawing on the opposite side when you choose to colour with something that may transfer to the other side of the page) and some stickers, which I am trying to decide where to stick them and can’t make up my mind.

This is less of a guide book than her first book and more of a collection of her artworks, sketches and how she has worked her way through art. I still loved the details and to see half finished pieces (it feels like you’re getting an insight into the brain of Loish). And I could gush about her artwork for ages, but I will try to be good and not go crazy about it.

If you like artwork, then I highly recommend you check her out and her books too.

Subscription Boxes

Enchantment Essentials LootCrate

Posted on April 10, 2018

I am wary of LootCrate but I still couldn’t resist giving this particular box a go because of the theme, and thankfully, no regrets.

Let’s see what was inside:

Hogwarts Crest T-shirt (it is short sleeves). IT isn’t my absolute favourite but it is soft and it fits so not complaining.
Doe Patronus pin, because Lily and James shared one and well, a Patronus is an important thing to be able to do, right?
Newt Scamander, a Movie Scrapbook, which is probably my favourite piece in this box and I utterly enjoyed it.
A set of four notebooks that look similar to moleskins so loving that, because I can never have too many notebooks (someone send help, I do have quite a lot of them!)
A Ravenclaw (it was actually a “House” one but I am Ravenclaw, so yeah) magnet which is proudly displayed on our fridge now.
And a door sign with Wizards/muggles text. (Probably my least favourite item from this box).

It was a fun box, the book was a pleasant thing to find in it and I was very happy with it. However the shipping takes ages to get here, I have been tracking it for like a month! Not fond of that part at all.

Book Review

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns Review

Posted on April 8, 2018

This was one of the books that came in a FairyLoot box a while ago, and I had also had an ARC copy of it.

Forest of a Thousand Lanterns by Julie C. Dao

An East Asian fantasy reimagining of The Evil Queen legend about one peasant girl’s quest to become Empress–and the darkness she must unleash to achieve her destiny.

Eighteen-year-old Xifeng is beautiful. The stars say she is destined for greatness, that she is meant to be Empress of Feng Lu. But only if she embraces the darkness within her. Growing up as a peasant in a forgotten village on the edge of the map, Xifeng longs to fulfill the destiny promised to her by her cruel aunt, the witch Guma, who has read the cards and seen glimmers of Xifeng’s majestic future. But is the price of the throne too high?

Because in order to achieve greatness, she must spurn the young man who loves her and exploit the callous magic that runs through her veins–sorcery fueled by eating the hearts of the recently killed. For the god who has sent her on this journey will not be satisfied until his power is absolute.

Rating:

This is a difficult rating and review decision, mostly because I loved the writing, world building and ambience of the book. However, I did not actually love the story. And I just couldn’t get to feel for Xifeng. So to be clear, the “low rating” in this case is more of a “this kind of story/MC doesn’t agree with me, rather than a “this is bad writing” because seriously, that is the furthest away from the truth it could get.

Julie does a masterful work at setting the story in East Asia, and I was hooked with the world, however, the shift of Xifeng never really clicked. She felt a bit like she was being mostly manipulated and never actually made choices, her choices were basically motivated by a “prophecy” of “destiny” and when it shows that she can’t have her cake and eat it, she goes completely against herself because of the Serpent God. That I just couldn’t understand, and Wei perfectly describes her in their last meeting.

All in all, I was fond of Shiro, Wei and the ladies in general, and it was really interesting to read it. Sadly, I knew where the story was going and that it would not be a happy story/ending. I am curious to see the next book and see what goes on with Jade, but then, I think I will prefer Jade as MC than Xifeng, we shall see.

Moon recommends

I am not an antihero reader in general. It’s not that I dislike good villains, but rather than I like villains that either have a good motive or antiheroes that just are in their way of being. The only books that come to mind is And I Darken and the Reckoners series by Brandon Sanderson. And of course, this one 🙂

Subscription Boxes

Poor Unfortunate Souls LitJoy Crate Unboxing

Posted on April 6, 2018

Since we just had the Middle Grade unboxing, let’s do the Young Adult one!

Isn’t it a fun box? I was pleasantly surprised yet again by it, and also ended up loving items I didn’t expect to love once I actually had them in my hands. So here we go, starting with the book and going clockwise:

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo. This was on my TBR for a while so it was good to find it in this box.
A plush heart keychain, which is extra soft and I don’t usually like pompom like things.
Seashell and Starfish lights, which I am loving but will donate to a friend that really wanted some underwater/beach themed props.
Compass earrings, sadly you can’t see them well, but they are really cute and even come with an extra back post (?).
Two Unputdownable bookmarks.
A “Shelfies Over Selfies” pin which I approve of.
Mermaid artwork by this month’s artist.
Mermaid theme card. I love how they match so well with the art print and it means extra arty work.
A Little Mermaid sticker (I absolutely adore stickers, book box makers, do more stickers! Seriously!)
And finally a sequins cushion cover. I ended up finding it extremely fun and drawing a “heart” on it.

Subscription Boxes

Fire & Ice LitJoy Crate

Posted on April 4, 2018

This beautiful box peaked my interest and I just couldn’t resist it. I mean, fire, ice, wolves, magic words for me.

It is my first Middle Grade crate, and it was fun to receive it. Starting from the book and going clockwise:

Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman. I was thinking of preordering it but it sounded fun to get it in a LitJoy Crate. It comes with a signed bookplate and a letter from Amie.
Elementals bookmark.
Theme card with a wolf on the cover,
“Ice” candy sucker, which is meant to represent an ice spear from the book, and hey, it is sweet!
Activity booklet with puzzles and other interesting bits.
Dragon Decal Sticker, which I loved, I can see it going on my laptop.
A compass, which was kinda unexpectedly cool and it glows in the dark.
The Gathering Storm from The Hidden World of Changers. I have never heard of it but it sounds fun!
3D Wolf LED Night Light which I finally found an adapter for and it is cute and cool and I like it! It is just fun and I will probably have it on my desk.

All in all, I was super pleased with it. I kept squealing and being excited about the contents (I think I was the least excited by the Changers book and that’s mostly because I didn’t know much about them). But seriously, gushing over everything.

Book Review

In Search of Us Review

Posted on April 2, 2018

Another lovely book provided by the publishers in exchange for an honest review, so here we go:

In Search of Us by Ava Dellaira

The author of the beloved Love Letters to the Dead returns with a parallel story of a mother and daughter each at age seventeen. Marilyn’s tale recounts the summer she fell in love and set out on her own path. Angie’s story is about her search for her unknown father.

This sweeping multi-generational love story introduces readers to mother-and-daughter pair Marilyn and Angie. To seventeen-year-old Angie, who is mixed-race, Marilyn is her hardworking, devoted white single mother. But Marilyn was once young, too. When Marilyn was seventeen, she fell in love with Angie’s father, James, who was African-American. But Angie’s never met him, and Marilyn has always told her he died before she was born. When Angie discovers evidence of an uncle she’s never met she starts to wonder: What if her dad is still alive, too? So she sets off on a journey to find him, hitching a ride to LA from her home in New Mexico with her ex-boyfriend, Sam. Along the way, she uncovers some hard truths about herself, her mother, and what truly happened to her father.

Rating:

I started this book without many expectations mostly because I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I admit I wasn’t Angie’s biggest fan all through this, but I did love Marilyn and kept rooting for her.

The story spans through two generations, both of them at 17 and trying to figure out what to do next. Marilyn is trying to go to college while her mother keeps trying to get her to become a model and a wonderful Hollywood success (something that Marilyn isn’t too fussed about). After moving with her uncle, she ends up falling in love and you follow her story alongisde her daughter’s story (Angie).

It was interesting to see the generational change despite them being the same age while they tell their story. And I loved the little quirks of each character that made them their very own. I wasn’t too happy with Marilyn’s decision to move on and hide the truth from Angie, but otherwise, it was a lovely read.

Moon recommends

I’d say if you’re into family tales, try The Dissapearances or The Memory Trees, but In Search of Us is also a good choice (obviously).

Subscription Boxes

Under The Sea Book Box Club Unboxing

Posted on March 31, 2018

Under the sea
Under the sea
Since life is sweet here
We got the beat here naturally
Even the sturgeon an’ the ray
They get the urge ‘n’ start to play
We got the spirit
You got to hear it
Under the sea

Now if you’re singing along with me (I sang that in my head), join in to sea the contents of this box (sea what I did there?). Starting with the book and going clockwise:

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw. I’ve been looking forward to reading this and now I even get the bonus of the Clubhouse meeting.
Siren Song bath bomb by Ascent. I love the smell and as soon as you opened this box it wafted up and made you want to figure out what it was.
Necklace by Oh Panda Eyes. It is gorgeous and I love it and I wore it the next day because I couldn’t resist.
Mermaid kisses vanilla lip balm.
Mermaid “tumblr” which I absolutely loved, it is cute, useful and just fun.
Under the Sea theme card.
The Wicked Deep postcard
A trio of bookmarks based on the sisters, which made me swoon SO much! I love items inspired by the book included.
An invite to the Clubhouse (it is a little hidden…)
And a publishers promotional postcard (I found out there were differnet versions, but I love my crumpets one!)

If you’d like to buy a subscription, you can use code MOON17 to get 5% off. I am not a rep, so no bonus or anything for me, but I still love the box and the community (we even have a book squad thanks to it and I have found my best friends there).

Book Review

The Gift of Silence Review

Posted on March 29, 2018

This little book was provided to me thanks to bookbridgr and the publisher, and it took me a while to pick it up (mostly because I wanted to give it the proper attention).

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The Gift of Silence by Kankyo Tannier

Do you struggle to find peace and quiet? Do you yearn to disconnect, find an escape, slow down and just breathe? Are you overwhelmed by modern life?

The simple solution lies in this book.

Rooted in the ancient Zen philosophies that ground her work, French Buddhist nun, Kankyo Tannier, will show you how to channel the power of SILENCE to get back in control of your thoughts and access the refuge that lies in your mind. Using her practical on-the-go tools, you’ll learn how to overcome stress and capture the moments of golden stillness that will transform all areas of your life, for an enhanced wellbeing and sense of fulfilment. Kankyo’s warm and engaging voice, spiritual insights, plus a sprinkling of French charm make this an accessible pleasure to read.

Switch off the noise and discover the calm and comfort you need to navigate this fast-paced world.

Unlock and practise the wisdom of SILENCE; stop surviving, pause, listen, and start thriving.

Rating:

Once I picked it up and actually started reading, I was hooked. I have read other meditation books and similar but most of them make it sound so “easy” when it just doesn’t click for me.

That wasn’t the case with this one. Kankyo actually gives you examples of how she failed and how she struggled and what made the difference in her case, which helps you try to figure out what works best. As I read, silence was more appreciated (I usually do a few of the things she suggests, so it wasn’t new to me, but put together it was a nice read).

I felt like I was chatting with a friend about silence and medcitation rather than a guru, and that made it a lot more approachable, more “human” and just nicer to read. It is also relatively short and full of resources which is a nice turn to it.

Moon recommends

I don’t usually review books similar to hers, so I have to say that I can only recommend hers as it is one I ahve enjoyed reding and found that it reminded me to make pockets of silence and mind peace.

Writing

Moon Writes: letters i

Posted on March 27, 2018

as the sun comes (or goes),

on a journey that marks the passing of time,

sitting on a train or as i roam

this big city that never stops;

something tugs at my heart

and brings tears to my eyes.

barely there,

at first i can’t

make heads or tails of it,

but still

i try.

carefully i prod inside my mind,

what is this that shakes me

and menaces to break me?

can i give it name, or

shall it remain undefined?

don’t ask,

please, don’t ask…

[enough questions shoot my mind from the inside]

for i don’t know how to reply,

as i try to unravel this feeling that

crushes my chest

and nestles in my breast.

gather round,

for i have found

the name for what bothers me,

problem is

the solution is unnamed.

homesickness,

the lack of a place to call my own,

where i can find refuge,

for me to create or destroy,

where i can be myself without

having to hide anything away.

i have always

been someone small,

but deep roots grow

from my heart and soul

to the place i can call home.

just let me say,

in my defense,

that your

kindness,

the care you have for who i am,

despite my being lost

and the circles i talk around your head,

trying to make sense of all the events

that brought me to where i am.

looks deceive,

words may be empty,

but what you do,

that is matters in the end.

many places have

at some point in time and space

been a home to me.

next to you,

is the nearest “place” i can think of

that may be called home in this today.

open arms that hold me close,

confrontation or sweet words,

how did this come to be?

how can you know what i need?

protecting my broken heart,

i find comfort at your side,

peace that calms my fears

and takes away my tears.

run and rush

towards you

and find my home

stay with me,

for we both know what this is worth,

let the world crash, let it burn,

but don’t give up on who we are,

for if you do,

it might all come to an end.

take me as I am,

let’s build a new life,

a secret we’ll hold close

to your hearts,

don’t say the words,

let’s keep them inside.

under the stars

inside a tent;

or maybe just in our bed,

the place is not what defines

where my home is.

valleys or mountains,

rivers or the sea,

nature calls us to be free.

wait,

o wait for me,

for you’re the key

for this locked world

inside of me…

x x x

kisses blown to the wind,

may they reach your lips,

and whisper those thoughts

i wasn’t brave enough

to word out loud

you are the cure to my sickness,

the home that is nowhere else,

my refuge and my calm throughout the storm,

you, you are the one.

zap,

you’ve struck my heart,

the tears and fears have left,

i am at peace,

at i am alive…

Sometime ago I tried to write a poem using the whole alphabet, one verse per letter. Here it is, in all it’s “glory”.