REVIEW: DEMONS OF THE HELLMOUTH, A GUIDE FOR SLAYERS

DEMONS OF THE HELLMOUTH, A GUIDE FOR SLAYERS

by Nancy Holder

Pages: 160

Publisher: Titan Books

Publication Date: September 4th 2015

ISBN: 9781783293384
Received From:  Titan Books

Summary 

Demons of the Hellmouth is a fully licensed guide to the vampires and other demons that flocked to the Sunnydale Hellmouth in Joss Whedon’s cult TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This in-universe illustrated guide is written by Rupert Giles, and also contains handwritten notes from Buffy and Willow. This unique book promises a diabolical romp through the highlights of the beloved show. 

Review

**Apologies for the lateness of this review, I have had it sitting in my drafts for a while and due to university commitments never got around to posting it. So I am happy to FINALLY give my review of Demons of the Hellmouth, a Guild  for Slayers.** 

Okay so this is something rather special, especially for all you Buffy loves like me. So it has been a long time since we watched our kick ass slayer dust a vamp or thirty but all you die hard fans will have watched your Buffy box sets so many times you know all seven seasons word for word by now. Titan books has published a great little companion book that will make every Buffy fan smile, Demons of the Hellmouth is basically Giles on paper. 

Okay maybe not the best representation of the great man but I couldn't help myself

This guide for slayers goes through all the demons and most of the vampires that appeared in the series, giving you information about the monsters and how to kill them. Think Charmed book of shadows but for vampires. Although it is great reading up on the characters and reliving many a night watching the show it is the little notes in the margin that make the book for me. Scribbled all over the book are notes from our favourite characters such as Buffy, Willow and Xander. These notes were probably my favourite part of the book because as a fan I could imagine them saying the little annotations. 

This was my first thought when the book came through the post

For any Buffy fan this is a must have, its been over 10 years now since the teenage slayer left our screens and this little book of demons will bring it all flooding back. It's easy reading for the summer and it will put one big smile on any fans face. Not to mention you'll have everything you need to survive the Hellmouth!

**I received this book as an ARC from Titan Books to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

REVIEW: HARRY POTTER: MAGICAL PLACES FROM THE FILM

HARRY POTTER: MAGICAL PLACES FROM THE FILM

by Jody Revenson

Pages: 208

Publisher: Titan Books

Publication Date: May 8th 2015

ISBN: 9781783296026
Received From:  Titan Books

Summary 

A comprehensive and delightful look at Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, The Burrow, Azkaban prison and all of the memorable places, both loved and feared, that brought the Harry Potter movies to life—a keepsake treasury bound in a debossed leatherette case and featuring a removable poster and interactive booklet.
Grand in its design and package, Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films: Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Beyond offers an unprecedented look at the creative process that transformed the magical locations of the wizarding world from the page to the big screen. Inside, readers will discover the many challenges the studio faced to build the fantastical sites depicted in Rowling’s books, from Hogwarts castle and its many classrooms and dormitories, to Diagon Alley and the Ministry of Magic.
This stunning full-color compendium also includes two exclusive bonus inserts: a map of Diagon Alley folded in an envelope in the back of the book, and “The Paintings of Hogwarts” catalog inserted in the text.

Review

Something a little different this time around lovelies and I couldn't be more excited to share it with you. Titan Books sent me this beautiful copy of Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films and it's absolutely breathtaking.

Harry Potter: Magical Places from the Films is a must have for any Harry Potter fan! Its a collection of photographs, sketches and original artwork depicting the different sets used for the beloved franchise. This stunning hardback goes into elaborate details showing how the films came together and it's an exciting addition to any Harry Potter fans bookshelf.

Flicking through this book I was taken back to my childhood, Harry Potter was the books my mum read to me and my brother on out holidays, bedtimes and whenever we could get her to. These where the movies I queued hours to see and still watch at every possible moment. This book has the perfect collection of photographs and details about the movie sets and it made me want to go to Hogwarts!

I'm still a little upset I didn't get my letter 11 years ago but I now have this beautifully illustrated book that makes it almost bearable that the series is over. Well worth the money and the perfect gift for any fan.

**I received this book as an ARC from Titan Books to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**

Review: This Book Is Gay

THIS BOOK IS GAY

by James Dawson

Pages: 271pages

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Publication Date: September 4th 2014

ISBN: 9781471403958
Received From: Hot Key Books

Summary 

Former PSHCE teacher and acclaimed YA author James Dawson gives an uncensored look at what it's like to grow up as LGBT. Including testimonials from people 'across the spectrum', this inclusive book explores everything anyone who ever dared to wonder wants to know - from sex to politics, how to pull, stereotypes, how to come-out and more. Spike Gerrell's hilarious illustrations combined with funny and factual text make this a must-have read.

Review

Listen up ladies, gentleman and carrots I'm about to tell you why you need to read THIS BOOK IS GAY! 

So I like to think at 21 - almost 22 - I've got a pretty good understand of LGBT. I mean, my aunts a lesbian (of the butch variety) and one of my best friends throughout my teen years changed his sexual preference more times that he changed his sock, so it's not like I've had blinkers on when it comes to being LGBT. However, this book blew my mind. It's not just intriguing and at times down right hysterical it's also preceptive and informative. I don't think I went a chapter without learning something new. It's a fantastic read that, if I had the power, would get into every school library in the country stock THIS BOOK IS GAY. 

Unlike every other book I've ever reviewed This Book Is Gay is non-fiction. I don't usually read non-fiction for fun... in fact I think the only time I do is for my degree and they're art books (so basically lots of pretty pictures). In all fairness this book DID have lots of epic illustrations by the talented Spike Gerrell, but it was about so much more. It's a book about acceptance and finding out who you really are and knowing that no matter what label you find sharpied to your forehead it's okay to be whoever you are. For example, I'm a mostly straight, cis woman in her early twenties with big boobs, red hair and a tendency to crush on chicks. And in the word of Mr. Dawson himself, THAT'S OKAY! 

This Book Is Gay is split into different sections and each chapter tackles something different. From smashing the stereotypes of LGBT and the difficult task of 'coming out', to ways in which to meet like minded people and the nitty gritty of gay sex. It's the stuff that's not taught in schools, it's the things that, in the 21st century, most people should know but are too afraid to ask about. Although, should we really have to ask? 

I think that in general sex isn't talked about enough and I know that growing up I got into one or two little predicaments because I didn't understand what it meant to do certain things but it's even more so for people who have feelings for the same sex. It wasn't until my mid teens that I knew what happened between a woman and a women when it came to sexy time, I mean they doesn't have the pointy parts so how does it work? I think we need to ask more questions. I think that when it comes to sex ed classes we should be taught about all kinds of sex because I'd say at least 75% of the people I've met in my humble 21 years have had relationships (or at least experimented) with people of the same sex. 

Excuse the language... I'm sure he meant Motherlovers! 

Look, I could literally go on and write a book about how much I love this book but no one want to read that. What I will say is This Book Is Gay gives the reader the information they may not have been given at school. It's a book that answers the questions you might be too afraid or embarrassed to ask and above all else it's real, it's honest and it's a bloody funny book! 

Whether you're gay, straight, bi, trans or something else entirely this book is worth the read. It's educational and captivating. AND it's also got little sections for you to drawn in! What more could you want? 

P.S. Can we make Hug a Bisexual Week a thing? 

**I received this book as an ARC from Hot Key Books to read & review. This is a 100% honest review.**