My 2019 Favourites – Books, TV Shows and Films

My focus for 2019 was mainly my academic studies, so most of my time this year was spent writing lots of essays such as my dissertation and searching for a graduate scheme/job! This meant that my blogging and reading habits took a back seat because I found it too difficult to juggle everything. This year however I plan to make more time for it, as my schedule at this moment isn’t too chaotic. This year was also the year of endings, some of my favourite TV series and film franchises came to an end as did my university journey as I graduated in November, so lets hope that 2020 is the year of new beginnings! Anyway here’s a list of my favourite books, films and TV shows of 2019.

Books

The Nevernight Trilogy by Jay Kristoff – A mysteriously artful and exhilarating read that refused to be put down and one which has earned a place as one of my favourite reads of 2019. It is clear that the writing style is either a hit or miss with readers, but for me it was a beautifully crafted masterpiece filled with unique and descriptive metaphors that came to life on the page.

Shades of Magic Trilogy by V.E Schwab – The entire series is a wonderfully captivating read that takes place in a unique and complex world crafted with the upmost perfection and thought. There is no limits or bounds to Schwabs imagination as she successfully transports us to a world of chaos and magic. If you haven’t yet picked up this series or Nevernight, then you are seriously missing out.

Circe by Madeline Miler – I finally gave into the hype surrounding this book and let me say that everything said about this book is true, it is a wonderfully original and captivating read that explores the shadows of villainized women Greek Mythology. A beautiful masterpiece filled with thought-provoking and powerful quotes, this book is a must read for all.

Films

Avengers: Endgame – Now this is how you end an epic franchise! The entire movie was incredible, I cried a lot and I swear I spent the entire film with my mouth open in awe! This was the first film that ever gave me a ‘film hangover’, it took me a while to come to terms with the fact that this cinematic journey was over.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – I didn’t love it as much as I wanted too and it don’t get me started on that ending but nevertheless I enjoyed every moment because I love this franchise with all my heart! Poe Dameron please marry me!

Booksmart – This film was just fabulously mad and I loved it. It was the characters in this film that made it for me, and their friendship is one which I can easily relate to.

TV Shows

The Witcher – This fills the void in my life that Game of Thrones left, and I’m living for everything about this series. I hope to start reading the books before the next season comes out because I need more.

Fleabag – I finally jumped on the bandwagon with this series at the beginning of the year and instantly fell in love. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a legend and has created such a unique and wonderful series that needed more seasons!

The Mandalorian – Baby Yoda. That’s all I have to say about this series.

His Dark Materials – A wonderfully magical adaptation of Phillip Pullmans most acclaimed series. This is so much better than the film adaptation and is the perfect fantasy adventure for all ages.

Derry Girls – If you’re looking for a laugh then this series is for you. Filled with endearing characters and cracking moments, this series follows the lives of a group of friends living in Derry, Northern Ireland during the 1990’s as they try to navigate the highs and lows of being a teenager.

Most Anticipated Fall TV​ Shows

Fall TV

Fall is one of my favourite seasons of the year, all the cosy jumpers and scarfs, hot drinks from Starbucks and the changing autumnal surroundings and finally its one of the busiest television seasons of the year, with the return of TV favourites and debuts of new ones! So I thought I’d share a few of my favourites and maybe help you find your next binge worthy show..!

  1. Riverdale: Season 2 – 11th October. I was late to the party with this show and I’m so glad that I finally caved and binged this show because it has everything you would want from a TV show; mystery, romance and of course a bit of drama!
  2. The Shanarah Chronicles: Season 2 – 11th October. I have been waiting for this show to return for soooo long, and I swear I’m one of the only people who watch it! Any fellow fans out there? Again I’m in love with this world and all of its characters and I just hope that season is just as good as the first!
  3. Once Upon A Time: Season 7 – 7th October. I still have mixed feelings about the return of this show because of the whole new curse and return of only a few certain characters, however I’m going to be hopeful and go into this show with an open mind. Colin O’Donoghue and Lana Parrilla we’re two of my favourite characters so I’m glad to see them return and I’m already loving thier new charatcers as well as all the new ones!
  4. Outlander: Season 3 – 10th September. I understand that we’re on the fifth episode now but I had to include it on this list because it’s one of my favourite TV shows and we’re not too far ahead, so you can catch up! This show has exceeded my expectations and every episode leaves me impatiently waiting for more because it is just so brilliant. If you watch any show on this list please let it be Outlander and I can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!
  5. Stranger Things: Season 2 – 27th October. Finally, this show is returning to our screens and around Halloween as well, which leads me to hope that this next season is going to be spookier and more mysterious than the first! The trailers and the episode names already have me shaking with excitement and I can’t wait to go on another adventure with this loveable bunch characters!
  6. The Walking Dead: Season Eight – 22nd October. I used to be a fan of the Walking Dead but I lost track and it all got very confusing, however, it is something I have considered getting back into (because I haven’t got enough shows to watch already!).

2016 Favourites – Books, Films and TV Shows

Unexpected. If I had to describe my year in one word it would be that because a lot of things happened (some for the better) that I didn’t expect. I think some of the biggest shocks have happened in politics with the UK deciding to leave the EU and Trump winning the presidential election in the US, yet we’ve also had some serious shocks with celebrity deaths (some of which I’m still not over), RIP Carrie Fisher, Alan Rickman and others. But enough with politics and negativity as 2016 hasn’t been all that bad as we saw the world unite in the Olympic Games in Rio this summer and over Pokemon Go. In terms of the environment endangered animal numbers (for example tigers and pandas) are increasing and climate change is beginning to be taken seriously and in science, there have been some life-changing medical breakthroughs. For us book bloggers we’ve been given some epic releases and reads this year so we thought we’d share some of our favourites and feel free to link your favourites posts in the comments below and we’ll link our reviews as well so check them out! Also feel free to check out my Goodreads page which has a full list of all the books I’ve read this year and I was also able to complete my goal of reading 40 books this year!

Amy

  1. The Vampire Diaries – I can’t believe I haven’t watched this sooner and it is definitely one of my top 5 favourite TV shows of all time! I have a secret love for vampires and after Twilight, I didn’t know what else I could watch/read.
  2. Leigh Bardugo – Mainly her a Six of Crows series because that is just amazing and I highly recommend you pick up this series right now or even start on her Grisha Trilogy which is equally as fantastic! She gets you so involved in her character’s storylines and I don’t think I can find a fault in either of them!
  3. Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them – I have no words, it was just magical.
  4. Nicola Yoon – One of my new favourite authors and someone I only discovered this year through her debut novel ‘Everything Everything’ which was just so cute yet heartbreaking. And if you’ve been reading our blog recently then you all know about my love for her new book ‘The Sun Is Also A Star’ and those who haven’t, I’ll spare you from my endless praise!
  5. Lady Midnight – This year I was able to not only read this book which is set in one of my favourite universes but meet Cassandra Clare herself and meet some amazing people in the queue! I was able to get my book signed and get some embarrassing photos of me meeting her too!
  6. Morgan Matson – Another one of my favourite contemporary authors, and this summer I read a few more of her books including ‘The Unexpected Everything’ and ‘Amy and Rodgers Epic Detour’ both of which were super cute and I will leave a link to their reviews.
  7. Stranger Things – This show was honestly incredible as not only was its characters loveable and badass but its storyline was super gripping so much so that I binged watched the show in a day.
  8. Wolf By Wolf Series – This series had such an interesting concept and characters as well as being heartbreaking and powerful. I highly recommend you pick this up if you’re looking for an action packed war-themed read.
  9. Outlander – Our new obsession and I literally can’t wait for the next season! Fingers crossed next year we will be able to visit some of the iconic landmarks and sets of the show!
  10. Star Wars: Rogue One – I went and saw this a couple of days ago and I was completely blown away, it was just incredible. I don’t think they could make a bad Star Wars film.

Eleanor:

  1. Outlander – I became literally obsessed with this series this year, I cannot wait for season 3!
  2. Reign – I have only just watched this and I feel bad for not watching it sooner, especially as Amy was always telling me to watch it! But Amy was right, it is really good!
  3. A Court of Mist and Fury – The sequel to A Court of Thorns and Roses, I thought it was better than the first which is uncommon for a series but I suppose it is Sarah J Maas so I shouldn’t be too surprised.
  4. All The Bright Places – I read this book on holiday this year and it is honestly one of the best books I have ever read, there was a lot of hype around it but in my opinion it deserved it.
  5. The Originals – I love this show so much, I’m hoping Amy will start watching it soon now that she’s started to watch The Vampire Diaries!
  6. The Missing – This was an incredible series on BBC1 that literally had everyone clueless until the last episode where everything clicked, absolutely fabulous!
  7. The Night Manager – Another fabulous BBC drama, this show ensured to me that Tom Hiddleston should be James Bond.
  8. Call the Midwife – Again a BBC drama about midwives in 1960’s London, its real and probably the most realistic show that involves midwifery.
  9. War and Peace – This was a TV show adapted from the very big book, it was aired on BBC1 and had some very famous people in the cast, a great period drama!
  10. Lady Midnight – This was a much anticipated book and it did not disappoint! I love and relish the opportunity to return to one of my favourite worlds!

6 TV Shows I’m Currently Loving

I’ve fallen into the trap of getting addicted to new TV shows right in the middle of exams which means that I’m having to fight off the temptation of watching yet another episode instead of revision. So far I’ve been somewhat successful and they are being used as rewards for days of revision! I thought I would share what I’m currently watching and possibly persuade those reading this to start watching them too!

  1. Gossip Girl – This is new addition to my list of favourite TV shows and was recommended to watch this by one of my work colleagues! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to watch this series but I’m already in love with it’s characters and storyline so much so that I have finished season 1,2 and 3 about to start season 4…plus it’s so dramatic and who doesn’t love a bit of drama!
  2. Reign – I started this series off and I instantly fell in love with it as it filled my medievil tv series void which was recently filled by Merlin but now all this series is doing is breaking my heart, so I recommend that you prepare yourself before diving into it! Reign follows the story of Mary Queen of Scotts and her life at French court which is filled with romance, drama and fierce foes.
  3. Merlin – A very old TV show but it’s always been one of my favourites which managed to ruin my christmas and break my heart. Despite it’s ending though, I’m in love with all the characters (Gwaine especially) and it’s such an enjoyable and adventurous storyline. If you haven’t yet watched it I highly recommend that you do and I can guarantee that you will be hooked!
  4. Game of Thrones – Season 6 has seriously started off with a bang and I can’t believe that we’re nearing the end!? Why?! I am loving all the storylines but every time I watch it I am petrified that my favourite character will be killed off! This series is packed full of action and I love that we have no idea where each of our characters storylines are going to end up!
  5. Pretty Little Liars – I have to admit last season was a bit of a let down and I feel that it’s getting a bit repetitive and ridiculous. But that doesn’t stop me from watching till the end. Bring on season 7!
  6. The Shannara Chronicles – I think Eleanor and I can agree that this is one of the best TV series we have watched this year as it was everything we wanted, it was filled with adventure, magic and a good looking cast! When I found out it was adapted from a book series, I was even more excited and it’s on my TBR list this summer.

What’s some of your favourite TV shows? And I would love to know if you share any of my favourites!