Period Dramas: Fingersmith

Based on the Victorian crime novel of the same name by Sarah Waters, Fingersmith was turned into a mini-series in 2005. Filled with twists and turns that you won't see coming, it's a fun new addition to period drama that definitely breaks the mold.

www.bbc.co.uk

What It's About:

Sue Trinder is a Fingersmith - a thief living in the slums of London under the care of Mrs. Sucksby. Mrs. Sucksby, who takes care of unwanted and abandoned babies, is the closest thing that Sue has had to a mother since her own was hanged for murder. When Mrs. Sucksby's friend Gentleman appears one evening, and tells them of a scheme - and how if Sue helps him, he will give her £2000, it almost seems too tempting to resist. Yet Sue has some reservations when Gentleman tells her he plans to swindle an heiress out of her money, until Mrs. Sucksby encourages the plan. So off Sue goes, becoming the maid to the meek and troubled Ms. Maud Lilly, and eventually her friend. But what Sue didn't anticipate, was how deeply her feelings would run - and how could she betray someone she cares about so much?

Preview: Lord of Shadows (Cassandra Clare)

Lord of Shadows is the second novel in The Dark Artifices trilogy, chronologically the third series in the Shadowhunter Chronicles (until the next series is written, which will make this the fourth). If you're like me, Cassandra Clare's newest installment is already pre-ordered, and you're biting your nails in wait for its May release date.

If you haven't heard of Lord of Shadows, Cassandra Clare, OR Shadowhunters and want to know what is going on, check out my review for the first book in The Dark Artifices, Lady Midnight here: Lady Midnight
Have no fear - although The Dark Artifices is the third series in the Shadowhunter Chronicles, you are absolutely able to read it first. There will be mild Lady Midnight spoilers below, so you might want to wait to continue this post until you've finished the first book.

Back to our eagerly anticipated Lord of Shadows (LoS)! So, what do we know so far? First off, here's the released cover:

cassandraclare.com
Official Cover Image

So, as you can see, it has a boy on the right side with a sword who looks like he is suspended in water. On the left, we see a city turned sideways, which is possibly fragmenting. Definitely a more dynamic cover than the original temporary one that was released (see below), and lends itself to a millions predictions.

10 Amazing Period Dramas You Might Have Missed

Now I'm going to assume that if you're looking at this list you've probably seen every Jane Austen adaptation there is, a Brontë or two, and Downton Abbey. Therefore, as wonderful as those are, I will be leaving those off of this list. If not, here`s a good place to start (and stay tuned for a future list discussing various Austen adaptations). Although I will be including mini-series, I will be leaving off any television shows at this time *deep breath*. With that being said, here we go!

1. The Virgin Queen (2005)

Mini-series

If you love British history, especially the lives of their monarchs, then look no further (So fans of Victoria and The Crown, pay attention!). The Virgin Queen chronicles the life of Elizabeth Tudor from her time just before inheriting the throne of England through her turbulent and prosperous reign as Queen Elizabeth I. Full of intrigue, war, heartbreak, court politics, stunning costumes, and beautiful music, The Virgin Queen shows the portrait of a royal as fiery as her famous hair. Definitely not one to miss! Oh, and did I mention that Tom Hardy (Mad Max: Fury Road) and Kevin McKidd (Grey's Anatomy) are in this?

imdb.com
Anne-Marie Duff as Elizabeth I

2. The Pillars of the Earth (2011)

Mini-series

Based on the bestselling novel by Ken Follett, The Pillars of the Earth is the struggle over power, pride, desire, and the English throne. Set in 12th century England primarily in the fictional town of Kingsbridge, the series opens with the death of the king's heir, throwing the country into turmoil. Following the fight for succession, while also focusing on the building of a great cathedral, royals and priors alike hunger for power. Love is thwarted, cities are ransacked, and secrets threaten to destroy it all. Taking place over several decades, this epic tale has something for everyone. If that alone is not enough, a stunning cast including Eddie Redmayne (The Danish Girl), Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter), Rufus Sewell (Victoria), Matthew McFadyen (Pride and Prejudice), and even Sam Clafin (Me Before You) makes this adaptation shine.

cbc.ca
Pillars of the Earth Main Cast

YA in Review: Queen of Shadows (Sarah J. Maas)

First of all, this post will essentially be Spoiler Free, however as this book is part of a series, it will contain spoilers from the previous books that are necessary to explain parts of the plot of this installment. Any comments by other users will not necessarily be spoiler free, so read at your own risk. Ready? Here we go!

sarahjmaas.com

Queen of Shadows is the fourth novel in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. For those eagerly anticipating vengeance and resolution, look no further. It's time for a fight.

What it's about:

Aelin Galathynius is now in charge of her powers and embracing her role as Queen. Returning to Adarlan, she is ready to assemble her court and enact revenge on those who have wronged her and her country. But a queen without a throne has to prove her worth, and a queen without allies has no power at all. With her friends imprisoned, under the watchful eye of the King, and on a different continent entirely, how can Aelin ever hope to reclaim her kingdom?

YA in Review: Heir of Fire (Sarah J. Maas)

First of all, this post will essentially be Spoiler Free, however as this book is part of a series, it will contain spoilers from the previous books that are necessary to explain parts of the plot of this installment. Any comments by other users will not necessarily be spoiler free, so read at your own risk. Ready? Here we go!

sarahjmaas.com

Heir of Fire is the third novel in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Now, if the huge revelation at the end of Crown of Midnight didn't cause you to want to continue this series...probably nothing will. However if you are still unsure and want to know if it's worth a read, here you go:

What it's about:

Celaena Sardothien, (or should I say Aelin Galathynius?) is now in Wendlyn. Sent there by her once lover and friend Chaol Westfall for her own protection. The king of Adarlan however, thinks she's there to kill the royal family of Wendlyn, the Ashryvers. But is Celaena going to do that? Of course not! Found by Fae warrior Rowan, Celaena is brought to Queen Maeve who promises to give her knowledge about the Wyrdkeys once Rowan deems her a worthy warrior. But will Celaena ever meet Rowan's exacting standards? Will she get the answers she needs before it is too late?

Read vs Reel: Me Before You (Jojo Moyes)

BEWARE -SPOILERS ABOUND. With this being a comparison between the novel and the film adaptation, there will be lots of spoilers in this review under the section "Where the Movies Differs". Read at your own risk. The other sections should be essentially spoiler-free.

jojomoyes.com

Me Before You was published in 2012, with the movie adaptation of the same name being released in 2016. Both the book and the movie screenplay were written by Jojo Moyes. The sequel novel After You, published in 2015, will not be covered by this review.

What It's About

Louisa (Lou) Clark lives at home with her parents, sister, and nephew and works at the café nearby. It's a simple life, in a small English tourist town, and it's all Lou has ever known. But when the café closes, Lou is left suddenly without a job, and without a way to help support the family. Desperate to find some way to make money, she tries everything from a chicken processing factory, to a fast food chain, and even a home energy adviser, until an opportunity finally comes along to be a care assistant to quadriplegic Will Traynor - something she has absolutely no qualifications for. Armed with only her good nature and quirky sense of style, Lou is about to embark on the challenge of her life. But she has no idea yet that Will, anger and bitter about his condition, will be the one person to change her life in every way imaginable.

YA in Review: Crown of Midnight (Sarah J. Maas)

First of all, this post will essentially be Spoiler Free, however as this book is part of a series, it will contain spoilers from the previous books that are necessary to explain parts of the plot of this installment. Any comments by other users will not necessarily be spoiler free, so read at your own risk. Ready? Here we go!

sarahjmaas.com

Crown of Midnight is the second novel in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. Now, if you adored reading the first novel, I'm sure you've decided to read Crown of Midnight, but if you want to know if it's worth a read, here you go:

What it's about:
Celaena Sardothien, formerly prisoner in the Endovier salt mines, formerly Adarlan's Assassin, is now the King's Champion. After winning the deadly competition in Throne of Glass, Celaena is now in the service of the corrupt King of Adarlan. That doesn't mean she signed over her loyalty when she wrote her name on the parchment though. Instead of following the King's orders blindly, Celaena schemes to do things her own way while still trying to keep her head, and finds more than she bargained for in the process.