Weekly Book Round Up #31



This book was such hard work. I really want to like Dan Brown and his Robert Langdon novels. They've got all the ingredients that make me think 'YES' but the execution is poor. I love history of art, symbology, and mysteries so really these should be right up my street. What I don't like are smug 'art historians' who look down on other people because they've not heard of a particular artist or don't appreciate art in the same way as they think people should. Basically, Robert Langdon is a major douchebag. He teams up with a woman called Sienna Brooks in this story, who is frequently referred to as incredibly intelligent and yet Robert Langdon can't help but feel really smug when he knows something she doesn't, even though this same woman has saved his life multiple times. Once you get past all the crap, the story is mildly entertaining. It keeps you guessing pretty well, but I just couldn't stomach the main character.

 

 

Nicola's rating: 1.5/5

 

 

 

 

 

 

So inevitably, I couldn't hold off and just had to read the final Game of Thrones book. I'm not proud of myself. I enjoyed this one much more than the first part, but there were a few chapters towards the end which were complete game-changers. So many things (IMPORTANT THINGS) have been left unresolved and next year is the current release date of the next book. That is too long, you guys. I need the next book now. I enjoyed the little snippets of Jaime and Cersei even though they were frustratingly sparse compared to the chapters focused on Jon and Daenerys. There was even mention of Brienne but even that was hardly anything and caused SO MANY QUESTIONS. Sorry about how capsy this review is. I just basically need moar book.

 

 

Nicola's rating: 4/5

 

 

 

 

This is a re-read for me. The Fault in Our Stars is without a doubt one of my favourite books. It is at once heartbreakingly sad and hilariously funny,  and I could just read it again and again. If you haven't read it, then you should. Anything else I say won't do it justice, just read it for yourself.

 

 

Nicola's rating: 5/5

 

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The Rich is Back set

This is the final Benefit item that I received for Christmas. This flamboyant set is based around the brightness and colour of the 70's, designed with a helping hand from Matthew Williamson.

 

 

I love the colourful packaging, it really fits with the 70's vibe! Included with the set are four eyeshadows, a blush, a mini They're Real! mascara, and a mini Inferno lip gloss.

 

I love the eyeshadows, they're so pigmented and they glide onto your eyelids incredibly smoothly. The set does come with a guide on how to apply the make up to achieve a gorgeous 70's look, but I'm probably going to save the tutorial until I have a night out! I think my favourite shades from the set are Feel So Teal and Solid Gold, they're so pretty!

Sorry about my goosepimply arms! It's been a bit chilly in the UK recently. The Inferno gloss is a gorgeous pigmented red with some shimmer to it, and the Gimme Fever blush is a lovely peachy colour. I've definitely developed a love for Benefit's blushers this Christmas.

How cute is the packaging as well? Very nice. Below I've got an on the lip swatch of this gloss, you can see a bit of the shimmer there.

The part of this set I was really excited about was the mascara! I've heard great things about this, and I couldn't wait to try it out. I love the sleek brush, nice and easy to handle. As you can see, it really made my lashes stand out. I might have to grab myself a full size version of this little beaut.

What do you think of the Rich is Back set? Do you like the idea of trying out smaller sized products before shelling out on the normal sizes, or do you prefer to take a risk?