Another month went by. Again. Is it only me who feels like time goes by too fast? How come we are already arrived to June?? Oh well. This month was pretty good, I had a nice one week vacation in Eger (Hungarian historical city).
During my vacation I also got my very first tattoo! I talked about the musical part of my inspiration behind it here and here (and also some history of Eger) but it has more meaning of course 🙂 I like to have several levels of meaning behind something, to truly make it mine. It’s 3 weeks old and I still love the hell out of it. Totally going to get another one in the future!
Oh, and another little souvenir from my trip! This one has a story as well of course. On the weekend before my trip a friend of mine gave me the nickname Fantasy Pixie. And I liked it so decided to own it. Upon arriving to Eger the first thing I saw was a shop rigth next door to my accomodation where they sold pixie/fairy figurines! So I had to go in and buy one 🙂 That friend of mine received a little package from me while I was on my vacation and in that there was a handmade bookmark which turned out to be extremly cute <3
I also got to finish the first draft of the short story I’m working on on my way home from Eger, so yay! It’s been a while I finished anything writing wise so I’m excited about it. Too bad I don’t have more time to work with it now…
On another news: May brought really awesome numbers to my blog! I at least doubled all of the numbers I had back in March when I started blogging. It was a half month and considering that the numbers were awesome even then. May was exceptionally good to me, thanks to mainly one of my reviews which alone almost reaches the 100 views O.o You’ve no idea how blown I am by this. I mean, sure these aren’t big numbers, but It’s only my third month in the biz and damn, I like to see the numbers going up 🙂 Makes me feel like I accomplished something at least.
Okay, enough babbling about my life, let’s get down to business. Here is what happened on my blog in May:
Book reviews
In case you missed any of my reviews earlier this month you can read them by clicking on the title! 🙂 Although I had different plans this month, at least I managed to read a few books I actually planned, lol. Plans are a bitch…
The Jazz Palace by Mary Morris – 2.5/5
Read it back in April, but only got around to review it this month. A historical fiction I expected to be so much better. A dissappointment 🙁
“The Jazz Palace while an easy read in terms of style and writing, it is full of tragedy with some light moments here and there. Overall, if not an exactly enjoyable read, but one which will make you wonder about life and music and the choices we make in our lifes. And in the end, that can count as an accomplishment in itself.”
Hex and the City by Simon R. Green – 3.5/5
My monthly buddy read with my Goodreads group and the last book in the series I’ll read in a while. It’s repetitiveness and the total lack of improvement makes me abandon this for a while.
“Also, John Taylor is not a strong enough MC to carry such a series on his shoulders. Aside from his mommy issues he is not that interesting, his voice is not that unique or witty or interesting.”
The Elder Ice by David Hambling – 4/5
A short and enjoyable read. It was not on my plans when I started the month, but then I decided it was the perfect length for my train ride on my way to my vacation. I didn’t regret my choice 🙂
“If you are ready to face a new kind of truth about our world and what lays under the ice of Antarctica, then go ahead, and read this book!”
Knee-Deep in Grit by Adrian Collins – 4/5
This grimdark anthology wasn’t on my plans either, but then a good friend of mine introduced me to Adrian and got me an ARC. My review had become the most viewed one on my blog and only needs a few more view to reach a 100 O.o I’m seriously blown guys, so, thank you!
“Whatever you are looking for in grimdark, you sure will find it in this anthology. You’ll go on a roller coaster ride, you’ll question your life, your morales, you’ll dive deep into blood and gore. You’ll watch characters fight and die for love, for glory, for revenge, for whatever they find worth to fight for.”
Paternus: Rise of Gods by Dyrk Ashton – 3.5/5
I was looking forward to read this one since February when I read the Lost Lore anthology. And while it didn’t leave up to my expectations, I can’t deny this is a unique book in the genre. I’m sure as hell going to read the next book.
“It’s action packed, funny, bloody, intense and highly entertaining.”
Kingshold by D. P. Woolliscroft – 4.25/5
Well, turns out I gave the highest rate for this one this month. This debut fantasy author is someone who we should keep an eye on in the future.
“If you like your book heavy with political intrigues and schemes, a few monsters here and there with some other fantasy creatures (strawberry blowing pyxies!) appearing, spiced with a little magic, then don’t look more, Kingshold is for you!”
Interviews
I had the pleasure to interview not one but two gentlemen this month and had fun with both of them!
Ulff Lehmann
Ulff Lehmann, author of the Light in the Dark series, fellow music addict, bookworm, and a hell of a patient (for putting up with my ramblings) German gentleman. He was the first who reached out to me and asked for a review officially. Twice. He claims he has a good memory though. I’m inclined to believe him and I feel free to pretend he just wanted my attention that much 😉
Benedict Patrick, author of the Yarnsworld books, SPFBO semi-finalist, SPFBO cover contest winner, Dungeon Master at the Crit Faced Podcast, dad, and one of those people who got me where I am today.
Read my interview with Benedict!
Music Musings
Music Monday
If you missed any of them, give them a listen and read my personal notes/thoughts/ramblings regarding them 🙂
- May 7th: Handwritten by The Gaslight Anthem
- May 14th: Boxes by Goo Goo Dolls
- May 21th: Black Honey by Thrice
- May 28th: Do You Really Want It? by Nothing More
Music Diggin’ Friday
We had pretty slow weeks. I guess most albums/songs are being released during winter/autumn/spring so most bands are getting ready for summer festivals and tours. Fortunately we weren’t left stranded that much and summer helds some interesting releases yet 🙂
- May 4th Featuring: Shinedown, Five Finger Death Punch, Alice in Chains, Lola Black, Foreigner, Dead Sara, Black Stone Cherry
- May 11th Featuring: Mark Tremonti, Jonathan Davis, Lordi
- May 18th Featuring: Five Finger Death Punch, Them Evils, Nine Inch Nails, Pop Evil, Silent Season, OneRepublic feat Logic, 3 Years Hollow, Flat Earth
- May 25th Featuring: Hoobastank, Lordi, Mike Shinoda
See you all in June! 🙂
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