Monthly HapPENings: June

2020 is finally half over. Normally I'd be like, "Agh, where's the year gone?!" 2020, though, is a totally different story.

June wasn't much of anything, just another month that happened. My family and I did go on a vacation together, which was very needed. It was quite refreshing and relaxing, a nice break from everything going on. It's too bad that it couldn't have lasted longer.

I dunno what else to say on the subject of life stuff. It's really not what I want it to be, and hasn't been for months now. I wish things were different . . . I need them to be different.

Bookish HapPENings

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I finally finished the Leviathan trilogy! This was a fantastic conclusion to a fantastic series. There aren't many steampunk stories out there, and I wish there were. It's such an odd, yet fun genre. If you're looking for some more steampunk yourself, I highly recommend this trilogy. The books are pretty quick reads once you get into them. I wish I could talk more about this, but I feel like I can't without divulging spoilers. You should just go and read all three books for yourself.

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This was a reread for me. I first read the later edition, which had a different cover and was called The Accidental Hero--both of which are better than this version. However, the contents within are the same, and are just as amazing. I always love it when middle grade books surprise me with how great they can be. This is one such case. If you love stories with superheroes, chases, epic fights, ninjas, robot zombies, shocking twists, and other fun elements, then you'll definitely enjoy this story!

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How far will you go to get your miracle? That's what this story asks, and what ensues is extremely interesting. I've never read any of Maggie's books before, so this was a nice foray into her work. It has an extremely different writing style and pace, with a lot of characters. I feel like it could turn a lot of people off, but I quite enjoyed it. The whole novel was both intriguing and thought-provoking. Highly recommend if you want a book that gives you some meat to chew after.

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I expected nothing short of an amazing story when I started The Assassin's Curse, and what I got was, of course, a phenomenal one. I mean, I was raving about the series in my blogoversary post, so this really is no surprise. The plot was gripping, the writing tight and suspenseful, the humor in just the right doses and always spot-on, the characters interesting as always . . . what else is there to say? And it ended on a chilling note, so I really need to read the fourth book as soon as possible. You just go read this series! You won't regret it, trust me.

HapPENings on the Screen

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I finally got around to seeing this! It was certainly a great sequel, one that didn't feel like just a cash grab thanks to the popularity of the first Frozen movie. That was one thing I appreciated about Frozen II: it wasn't overhyped. However, at the same time, I felt like some plot points in this one were weaker than that of its predecessor. The stunning animation makes it easier to overlook, though. If nothing else, watch this to see just how far animation has come these days.

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My mom was the only member of our family who hadn't seen The LEGO Ninjago Movie yet, so we decided to watch it again on holidays. I'm still of the unpopular opinion that it's the best of the LEGO movies we've gotten. Everything from the story to the characters to the humor is perfect to me. Would I say the show is better? Yes, and it will always be that way. But as a movie separate from the show, I think it more than stands on its own two feet.

There's been some really interesting stuff in Avatar of late! I mean, it's all interesting to me, but this time it's even more so. I won't go into it in case some of you reading this haven't watched the show (in which case, what the heck are you waiting for, go do that now), but things are being set up to make for one heck of a finale! I can't wait to see what happens.

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So I've started watching S5 of The Flash, and thus far, I have very mixed feelings about it. Which is disappointing, really. This used to be my favorite show of all time--except now there's no chance it can compare to a certain anime about Titans--and to feel so meh about it now is kinda sad. The first three seasons were all fantastic, while the fourth season wasn't quite as good, though it definitely wasn't horrible or anything. The fifth season, on the other hand, is shaping up to be a flop. I could rant about it, but I'll hold my final judgment for now.

I'm getting so close to being done the second season! There've definitely been a number of intense moments, along with some interesting revelations. One of my favorite things about this show is how it tends to be more character-driven than it is plot-driven. I know I have a tendency to use the term "colorful cast" when referring to the characters, but seriously! They're all so varied and interesting. There's definitely a lot of likable ones, even if some of them are rough around the edges. Others you just love to hate. It's nothing short of amazing.

OH MAH GOSH. I AM TWO EPISODES AWAY FROM FINISHING S3, AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MYSELF. The last episode I watched finally gave answers for SO MANY THINGS. It was absolutely nuts. I'm still reeling from all the revelations and explanations. But how is it going to end? I have zero clues that indicate how this season will bow out. All I can is that I'm pumped and mentally preparing myself for the wait for the final season.

Gaming HapPENings

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I don't know why I ever doubted this game. It took a little while for me to get into it, partially because of the older DS graphics. I'd played the upgraded version of the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy that was released for the 3DS, so it was a bit of a jarring change. But I should've known the story would still be just as great. It was the last case that truly sealed the deal for me, as it brought the previous three cases and connected them all magnificently. It was a little more impressive when the trilogy did it, as it tied three games together in one absolutely phenomenal bow. But Apollo Justice was still a worthy game on its own. Looking forward to played the upgraded version sometime later! (Also might do a review of this one at some point.)

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This was a game that I started ages ago, but hadn't ever finished. Because the gameplay involves you digging mine shafts and tunnels to collect ores and locate special areas that advance the story, there was one or two times where I thought I'd messed up and started over. On my holidays, I picked this game up and somehow fell in love with it stronger than I ever had before. I bulldozed through the last several hours of the game and completed the thing as best as I could. It's definitely a fun experience! Might not be the longest game out there, but that doesn't make it any less great. And with the way the final boss battle concluded and how the game ended, I am definitely looking forward to playing the sequel!

Writerly HapPENings

I did actually write this month, though it wasn't very much. It was another submission for Havok that ended up being 986 words long, which meant no cutting was necessary. I think it turned out pretty good, but I suppose we'll have to wait and see if it actually gets accepted.

That was my June. How was yours? Do anything fun and exciting? You going on any vacation?