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Descend (Awakened Fate #2)
Descend (Awakened Fate #2)
Skye Malone | 2014 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b><i>I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
So if <i><a href="http://www.bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-awaken-by-skye-malone"; target="_blank" rel="noopener">Awaken</a> </i>reminded me of <i>The Little Mermaid </i>minus Sebastian, I’m not sure what to compare <i>Descend </i>to, honestly. (And it’s probably a good thing that I have nothing to compare it to.)

<i>Descend </i>is the second book in Skye Malone’s <i>Awakened Fate</i> series, continuing from where <i>Awaken </i>left off at after Chloe’s near-death encounter with the Sylphaen, a cult supposedly dead for a century that wants to get rid of the world of people like Chloe. Descend takes us into the world of Nyciena, a world below the ocean that is the only place safe enough for her to seek refuge from the Sylphaen. But Nyciena isn’t the place Chloe wants to remain in for long - she wants to get back to the surface, where her friends and family have no clue where she has gone.

As much as I really enjoyed the <i>Awakened Fate</i> series in general, I feel like something is missing from <i>Descend </i>that didn’t hit the mark with me (really, I need to get better at figuring out why certain books don't work for me). For the duration of the book, Chloe is basically running from the Sylphaen and trying to figure out what she really is. Noah is hoping but not hoping that Chloe will come back to shore. Meanwhile, he’s trying to protect Chloe in his own way, who will no doubt get hunted down by his cousins should they ever find her. Zeke is trying to get his father and older brother to understand that the Sylphaen has returned - they’re not as dead as hoped.

The world and culture of Nyciena are little to none in <i>Descend</i>, aside from the few moments Ina, Zeke’s sister, tries to show Chloe around the kingdom. But the few that I did get to read about Nyciena intrigue me enough to hopefully learn more about the kingdom. (They’re also party people, so I hope that’s not what they’re really all about?)

The same goes for the greliarans, which are a group of people who hunt down the dehaians, the group of mermaid people Chloe seeks refuge from the Sylphaens. From Noah’s perspective, we learn a few facts about how they operate, but it’s even less than the world and culture of Nyciena. They’re extremely strong and are humans who can turn into Hulk-like creatures with a desire to kill.

<i>Descend </i>is very plot driven - and the same can be said for the series thus far. It’s the book to go to for those who want a book that is somewhat slow in character and world development, but also those who don’t mind the slow progression throughout the series.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/review-descend-by-skye-malone/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
  
Even If It Hurts - Single by Clover the Girl
Even If It Hurts - Single by Clover the Girl
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Clover the Girl (Brianna Conrado) is a singer-songwriter from a small town in Dallas, Texas. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Even If It Hurts” single.

“‘Even If It Hurts’ is a song about self-inflicted pain and suffering. Being addicted to it, dressing it up, and rationalizing it. I’m no stranger to toxic relationships with others and with myself. Sticking around for them is something I’d like to do less of, and this song is that first step of calling myself out.” – Clover the Girl

The Jenni Johnson-directed audiovisual reflects the song’s theme: Giving your all to something even when it’s never going to be enough.

The music video takes place in a Barbie Box and accentuates the insecurities our culture feeds off of.
Also, it showcases different beauty treatments and women physically and mentally pushing themselves to the limit, even if it hurts.

‘Even If It Hurts’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and lush instrumentation flavored with an alternative-pop aroma.

Also, the likable tune is the title track from Clover the Girl’s upcoming EP, available on July 5, 2019.

Clover the Girl dropped out of Texas A&M University at the age of 17 to pursue a music career.

Since then, she has toured the country, accumulated over 1.5M streams online via Spotify, and petted many dogs.

https://www.bongminesentertainment.com/clover-the-girl-even-if-it-hurts/
  
Cult Classic by Fiona Grey
Cult Classic by Fiona Grey
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Album Rating
Fiona Grey is an LA-based singer-songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. Not too long ago, she released a music video for her “Saviour” single featuring Emma Cole.

The Sean Berger-music video was choreographed by Kevin Stea (Madonna, Michael Jackson).

The visuals are an ode to Felini, Marie Antoinette, and the dark and dreamy black and white films of the ‘60s.

‘Saviour’ contains a relatable storyline, pleasing vocals, and charismatic instrumentation flavored with an indie-alternative aroma.

Also, the likable tune is featured on Fiona Grey’s latest EP, entitled, “Cult Classic”.

“Each song has its own identity and story it wants to tell.” – Fiona Grey

‘Cult Classic’ vocalizes cultural issues and expresses Fiona Grey’s vulnerability. Also, it highlights her anger towards the world we are living in and her desires for the world we are shaping.

Grammy Award-Winning Mike Schuppan (Paramore, M83, Ziggy Marley) produced the 6-track project. Also, Dave Cooley (Fitz & The Tantrums, Stone Temple Pilots) mastered it.

“There is a lot about living in a pop culture centered world that we deem as ‘normal behavior’. Also, I hope that the music can remind the listener that this follower-centric, alternate persona universe we live in is all temporary happiness.” – Fiona Grey

Fiona Grey draws inspiration from the world of Hollywood, it’s unrealistic expectations and the vices that people use as a form of escapism.

She hopes her music will help listeners aim to be the purest and honest versions of themselves.