Hello! Welcome to my ever-growing home of blog posts!
Search here for book reviews, film reviews, and all that lies beyond…
Taking a break
Heyo! My head is blurg, and so I’ll keep this short — come on by and find out what’s going on here at The Charisian!
I’m on my way (from misery to happiness today…)
Heyo! I’m back once again, offering a small catch-up and small thoughts on where I’m going from here on my blog. Things are kicking into gear. Come and see!
To be human: on Madeline Miller’s ‘Circe’
Heyo lovely people! I’ve got a brand new book review, this time on Madeline Miller’s glorious retelling, ‘Circe’! This book was my first proper foray into Greek Mythology, and I’m so happy it was! This book has everything you’re looking for, and in my review, I outline exactly why! Come and see!
Ideally read in bursts: on Clive Cussler’s ‘Golden Buddha’
Heyo lovely people! We’re back with a new book review, this time on adventure fiction grandmaster Clive Cussler! The first in the Oregon Files series, ‘Golden Buddha’ is an enjoyable read, but it’s not without its problems. I highlight the good, the great, the slightly problematic, and whether or not you should be checking this book out for yourself. Come and see!
A work in progress
Heyo lovely people! I’m here with a slightly lighter variant on last week’s post. One that features the matter of equality, keeping on talking, some good ol’ fashioned self-deprecating and nihilistic humour that may or may not be my own, and a snippet on what I’m working on now! Come and see!
Mostly good: on ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’ (the book)
One of the most beloved stories in fiction, and mostly harmless indeed! In my review of the book rendition of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, I try and comprehend why I didn’t fall head over heels with this novel, and instead turn to you, lovely people, in hopes of finding out: what did I miss? Also, 42.
The Starry-Eyed Child
A short story born from a late-night drive home, reading Douglas Adams for the first time, and my broskis insisting that my placing milk in before the cereal is something only monsters could do. Come and see!
Predestination
Heyo! I’ve got a bit of a different number for you, but it’s one that highlights exactly where I as an author am going. My road has changed for the better following some pretty strong revelations. Come and see!
A graceful and solemn song: on David Elliott's 'Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc'
It’s a new dawn following my series of Star Wars reviews, and I have an exciting new book review for you lovely people! We’re talking about ‘Voices: The Final Hours of Joan of Arc’ by David Elliott, a unique and stunning take on the legendary Maid of Orléans! Though this review is comparatively short, given this book is short, this collection of poetry is worthy of your time. Come find out why!
On railroading: ‘Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker’ is the worst finale ever made
Oh boy. We’re at the final Skywalker Star Wars film, and I have never before been so disappointed by a movie — much less a finale 42 years in the making — in my life. We’re talking ‘Star Wars: Episode IX — Rise of Skywalker’, and I have more than a few things to say about this railroading disaster. For better or worse, this is my biggest review yet — you genuinely do not want to miss this, folks.
The best in the saga: a defence of ‘Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi’
The middle mark in the New Trilogy, with all the groundwork laid out: and boy, does The Last Jedi deliver! Despite its drawbacks, Episode VIII is my favourite Star Wars movie — for such a controversial film, it’s time I finally explain why I love this film as much as I do! Settle in, folks, this review’s a big one!
A new hope in ‘Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens’
A new era for a new generation! Episode VII marks a turning point in the saga — but does it live up to all its potential and expectations? In my review of ‘The Force Awakens’, the first part of the New Trilogy, I discuss its shortcomings, and I celebrate everything this film gets right! You don’t want to miss this one!
The disappointing mediocrity of ‘Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi’
Oh, the places this movie could have gone! ‘Return of the Jedi’, the final instalment in the Original Trilogy, had so much going for it. Yet it may be arguably one of the worst films in the saga. But all hope is not lost here! In my review of the sixth Star Wars feature, I go over the elements that work… and the many that don’t. Strap yourselves in, folks, this one’s a big one.
‘Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back’: the good, the bad, and the downright iconic
Episode V of the Star Wars saga is easily its most iconic number — it’s even the second-highest-grossing sequel of all time! But does ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ deserve such acclaim 40 years on? In my review of the Original Trilogy’s second act, I explore the good, the bad, and the downright iconic. This is a film review you most certainly don’t want to miss!
‘Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope’ is pretty good
The film that started it all! A New Hope is absolutely iconic, but does it deserve all the hype? Well… mostly, yeah. This film might not be perfect, but there are definitely many reasons to rewatch this movie. You can find out all of them in this review! So what are you waiting for?
Why ‘Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith’ holds a special place in my heart
The conclusion to the prequels and potentially the best film in the saga? ‘Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith’ is a return to form after Episode II, all while existing as the darkest film in the franchise. Read my review to find out just why I love this film so much!
Missed opportunities in ‘Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones’
From unjustly despised opening acts to a part two that weeps with all the lost potential, this film could have been one of the best in the series but instead falls almost entirely flat. So what went wrong with ‘Attack of the Clones’? I outline it in my review of the film — you won’t want to miss this one!
In defence of 'Star Wars: Episode One — The Phantom Menace'
The Phantom Menace, Episode I of Star Wars (AKA one of the biggest franchises in cinema history) is primarily considered one of the most disappointing and terrible films the series has to offer, yet I wholly disagree. I hereby present a defence of the infamous movie, and why you should give The Phantom Menace another chance! This review is one you absolutely do not want to miss!
That Statistically-Impossible Moment When You Actually Like The Book You're Working On
In place of a review this week, we’re looking at what may just be one of the most fantastically bizarre experiences of my entire life. For those intrigued at what I’m writing about, here’s your very first snippet! What are you waiting for?