my end of year entertainment extravaganza! | third & fourth quarter check in

Hello again, dear friends, and ✨HAPPY NEW YEAR✨ It’s finally 2024 and y’all know what that means: it’s time to wrap up the last two quarters of 2023 and discuss aaaaaaall my favorite things from that period plus some releases I’m looking forward to in this first quarter of 2024!

During the third and fourth quarter of 2023 I was slammed with coursework, so I’m actually quite surprised at how much media I was able to consume. I read four or five books, finished a season of a TV series and began a few other series, also finished the first season of an audiodrama podcast, and still had time to listen to some bangin’ music! Don’t ask me how I managed, though, because I genuinely have absolutely no fucking clue 😂 I’m glad I did manage, though, because in the midst of my chaotic life, I definitely found some entertainment media gems! So, without any further ado, let’s check out my favorites (and least favorites) of the last two quarters of 2023!

RESOURCES TO HELP CHANGE THE WORLD

Before anything: FREE PALESTINE!!! 🍉 For over half a century now, the Israeli government has been enacting a genocide against the Palestinian people. This is more than something that started on October 7, 2023. It’s not complicated. It’s genocide. And it’s important that we witness, raise our voices, protest, and fight against it in any way possible. Below are a list of resources to help educate yourself on Palestine, as well as to donate to aid the Palestinian people. In addition, I’ve added some Palestinian influencers and journalists you can follow to learn more from and who keep track of what’s going on. Peace to all and keep fighting the good fight!

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

• Decolonize Palestine
• Free Palestine Carrd
• Help Palestine Carrd

AID AND ASSISTANCE DONATION RESOURCES

• Medical Aid for Palestinians
• Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund

JOURNALISTS & INFLUENCERS

• Motaz (journalist)
• Bisan / Her Backup Account (journalist)
• Plestia (journalist)
• Subhi (influencer)

FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA, PALESTINE WILL BE FREE ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼

books

favorite read of the 3rd & 4th quarters of 2023

I ended up really loving A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid, and, truth be told, the fact that I liked it so much took me totally by surprise! I wasn’t a major fan of Reid’s debut novel, The Wolf and the Woodsman, and I’d seen a lot of middling reviews of A Study in Drowning, so I went into the read with low expectations. Needless to say, the book blew my expectations out of the water! Where I didn’t really like Reid’s writing in her debut, I feel like her style is very well suited for dark academia. She invests a lot into her main character, making her vivid and memorable. And the atmosphere of this book!! It was perfectly dark and dreary—very much a coastal autumn vibe!

A Study in Drowning is about Effy, an architecture student who’d rather be studying about her favorite author and who has long been haunted by the specter of The Faerie King. When she is picked to rebuild that very author’s estate, she finds that something dark may haunt the estate’s halls. In order to figure out what’s really going on, Effy must begrudgingly agree to help an academic rival who intends to tear down the author’s reputation.

most disappointing book of the 3rd & 4th quarters of 2023

Unfortunately, my most disappointing read of the third and fourth quarter of 2023 was Squire by Nadia Shammas and Sara Al Fageeh, which I had really been looking forward to! I just felt like the plot was very loose and then completely dropped and the characters weren’t as vivid as they couldn’ve been. I will say the themes were very well done, but that was about it. It was so disappointing because I wanted this Arab-inspired fantasy graphic novel to be stellar!!

Squire is a YA fantasy graphic novel that takes place in an Arab-inspired world. It’s about a girl who joins the army to become a squire and must confront the fact that the army’s cause may not be as noble as she once believed.

most anticipated book releases of the 1st quarter of 2024

First up, the book releasing in the first quarter of 2024 that is probably my top, highest, biggest, most anticipated of the quarter (lol) is definitely Faebound by Saara El-Arifi! I recently started reading El-Arifi’s debut Afro Arab Adult fantasy, The Final Strife, and I’m really enjoying it, in part because her writing style is very fast paced and entertaining. So, naturally, I want to check out her new series, which begins with Faebound and which has to do with my favorite magical creatures: fae!

Next, we have A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal. Now, I wasn’t really a fan of her debut work, We Hunt The Flame, but I’m willing to give Hafsah Faizal another chance because this book just sounds so intriguing! And when I heard her new book involves tearooms, vampires, and heists? You can bet I was immediately down, no questions asked!

Then there’s Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana, which is another book involving fae that sounds interesting! This time it’s a fae romantasy, though, and one that also involves an enchanted library. So you just know this book has my name written aaaaaall over it!

I’m not gonna lie: Fathomfolk by Eliza Chan is one that drew me in with its GORGEOUS cover—BUT!! I’m sticking around cause the synopsis is equally as interesting. Touting a partially submerged city and compped with Jade City and Bone Shard Daughter, Fathomfolk has me officially intrigued!

I enjoyed Danielle L. Jensen’s books Stolen Songbird and Dark Shores, but also absolutely LOATHED her book The Bridge Kingdom, so it’s with some caution that I’m anticipating A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen. That said, A Fate Inked in Blood does sound pretty interesting, with mentions of shield maidens, gods and ambitious kings. Plus, it’s also supposedly got elements of Norse myth…So what could go wrong?

Last, but certainly not least is yet another fantasy involving fae: A Feather So Black by Lyra Selene! For some reason when I heard this title it made me think of Celtic myth, and whadya know! It actually is inspired by Celtic myth!! So, uh…points to my intuition for that wild guess? Lol, anyhoo, this book involves another one of my favorite fantasy elements: changelings. So, that’s really all I need to know. I’m sold.

my bookish plans for 2024

I don’t ususally do bookish goals for the new year because, hello, it’s me, we all know I’m a complete mess when it comes to executive function skills hahaha! That said, this year I’ve decided to make some “it’d be nice if…” wishes for my reading life. These are things I don’t feel the pressure of having to do, but they’d be nice if I do end up doing, whether by chance or intentionally.

First up, I’d like to read more of the audiobooks I already own. My audiobook library is MASSIVE and growing monthly, but most of the audiobooks I’ve purchased in the past few years I’ve yet to read, despite many of them being anticipated releases for me. So, I’d like to get to at least a few of them and see if they’re as good as I’ve built them up to be!

Second up, I’d like to try to finish at least 15 to 20 books this year. There was a time when ya girl was reading 75 books a year…buuuut then I got into my mid-level college courses and my reading drastically decreased to hover around 10 books a year. Which is totally fine, and, honestly, is more than most people in my home country of the US read each year! That said, I’d love to slowly build up my capacity to read that much again. I’m starting small, with a moveable goal of 15 to 20 books, which may not seem like much to many of my fellow book influencers, but would be so beyond great for me! Fingers crossed I can meet this challenge this year!!

Finally, I’ve also decided to join in on some year-long reading challenges, such as Beat The Backlist 2024, G’s year-long 2024 Magical Readathon: Year in Aeldia challenge, and the upcoming r/Fantasy Bingo. I’m not putting too much pressure on myself to complete these challenges (I am a mood reader after all, haha!) but I think they’ll make reading those backlist books a bit more fun!

tv

favorite series of quarter 3 of 2023

I finished up The Wheel of Time Season 2 this past December and what a season it was!!! I feel like the season started off a tad slow, but upped the ante around the halfway point and didn’t look back from there! It was fascinating to see where this season took our beloved main characters, both physically and emotionally, and I’m so excited to see where they go from here after the season two finale!!

The Wheel of Time is about five young men and women whose paths converge when they are told that one of them is the chosen one by a member of a magical order. They must travel and train to discover which one of them it is and then deafeat an ancient evil which is prophecied to return. That pitch sounds simple, but from there the series really takes off and it’s such a fantastical world of awesomeness! Definitely check out The Wheel of Time if you’re looking for a wild ride!!

most disappointing series of quarter 3 of 2023

Maybe it’s because I didn’t watch Over The Garden Wall when I was younger, but it wasn’t quite as enchanting as I’d hoped it would be? Listen, objectively, the vibes were immaculate, but I couldn’t help but feel like something was…missing? Hence why I kinda dropped off watching the midway through the miniseries.

Over The Garden Wall is a whimsical, autumnal catoon miniseries following two brothers winding their way through some mysterious autumn woods. On their way, they make some new friends and have more than a few…strange…experiences. An incredibly atmospheric watch that’s perfect for the fall.

most surprising series of quarter 3 of 2023

I’m not usually a fan of most comedies, so I was completely caught off guard in the best way possible by how hilarious I found Cunk on Earth! The humor is smart and presents a perfect ironic analysis of humanity. I had so much fun watching Cunk on Earth that I’d even consider going back and watching it again!

Cunk on Earth a mockumentary wherein Philomena Cunk recounts her version of the entire history of humanity, aided by some rather baffled professionals. Sparklingly witty and sharp, Cunk on Earth is just my type of humor, which is a rare find for me when it comes to movies and TV!

most anticipated series of quarter 4 of 2023

Coming in January is a show that’s I’ve been waiting a while for: Disney+’s Echo! Echo is an Indigenous American Marvel superhero and that’s about all I know about her. But, to be honest, that’s all I really need to know, lol! As someone who’s part Indigenous American myself, I’m super excited for this series, especially as it also features Indigenous American actors in leading roles!

Next is Netflix’s live action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Now, I’ve never watched the original animated series and I know the original creators parted ways with this adaptation’s production team citing “creative differences,” but I’m willing to see how this series goes as its own thing (probably because I have no attachment to the original). I feel like Netflix does fantasy decently, so I’m hoping this series goes well!

Finally is another Netflic adaptation (this time of a book series), 3 Body Problem. I’ve heard the book this series is adapted from is really interesting but also kinda mind-bending, so I’m prepared for the show to be similar! I, for one, love that type of sci fi TV series, so I’m definitely looking forward to 3 Body Problem!

music

favorite songs of quarter 3 of 2023

“Ila Mata” by Bab L’Bluz I actually found this group through an Instagram reel talking about how the group Bab L’Bluz is part of a resurgence of fusion of blues and tribal Moroccan music but is unique in that it is lead by a female singer! I love the funky groove of this song, and if you’re into blues and/or Moroccan music, definitely give it a listen!

“From Gaza, With Love” by Saint Levant It’s sad to say I discovered this song from Palestian artist Saint Levant post October 7, 2023; I wish I had found it on literally any other occasion. That said, I love this song, and all that it represents. Not only is it really stellar in terms of its musicality, but its message is also…timely and needed.

“GODDESS” by PVRIS I discovered this song through an “oddly specific song recommendations” video from the YouTube channel HonorLuca, and I am so, so, so glad that I did! I love songs by women of any age expressing that raw, feminine rage that most all women feel, and “GODDESS” is another banger in that area! The moment when the lead singer screams, “THIS SHIT IS SO EXHAUSTING!!!”? Yes. Just. Yes!

“My Love Mine All Mine” by Mitski Does anyone not love this song at this point??? I’m usually not one for slower ballads, but there’s something about the rawness of this dusky ballad that grips me every time I hear it. I also love the lyrics and find them so innately comforting.

favorite album of quarter 3 of 2023

Number one on my list is GUTS by Olivia Rodrigo. I loved Rodrigo’s debut album and her sophomore album is equally as amazing! I know it’s strange, but I love the sense of youthful feminine rage that permeates Olivia’s songs. Her music so candidly expresses a lot of the anger and sadness I often felt and repressed when I was younger and how I felt (and still feel, tbh) so upset at the limitations the world threw onto me as a young woman. Plus, it helps that Olivia has a great voice too, haha!

In discovering the song “From Gaza, With Love,” I also found Saint Levant‘s latest album, From Gaza, With Love, and immediately fell in love with all of the songs off of it! Saint Levant’s music is made in a relatively Western style, but the topics he discusses often pertain to Arab life and I love those little cultural “easter eggs” left for us Arabs to understand!

I’ve never listened to Mitski but that all changed when I heard “My Love Mine All Mine,” fell in love with the song, and decided to check out her latest album, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We. Turns out the entire album is just as good!

favorite newly discovered artist of quarter 3 of 2023

I discovered SAULT through their catchy, uplifting song “Miracles,” and I gotta say: I really love their work! SAULT’s music isn’t quite what I’d call “neo soul,” but it is a mixture of soul and a more modern sound, and it creates this moving feeling of joy and struggle. Definitely a group to check out if you have the time!

miscellaineous

favorite webcomic of quarter 3 of 2023

Have I gabbed about Purple Hyacinth by Sophism and Ephemerys enough yet? Yes?? TOO BAD PREPARE FOR MORE!!! Lol! I’ve honestly become so obsessed with this series since Ritz helped me discover it. Every time I have a spare moment, I open up Webtoon and read a bit more of this deliciously dark webcomic (tbh it’s hard to stop and get back to real life once I dive in). I’ve been savoring each episode so I don’t run out of new content anytime soon, because I just can’t get enough!

Purple Hyacinth is a fantasy thriller webcomic starring an assassin and a cop who make a deal to take down a terrorist organization from both the inside and the outside. Of course, action, intrigue, adventure, and even some angsty romance ensues in this thrill ride of a story. If you’ve yet to check out this AMAZING webcomic, let me assure you that you need to fix that ASAP!

favorite podcast of quarter 3 of 2023

This past November I finished up Birds of Empire Season 1 just in time for the second season to release in December, and what a ride it was! The first season of this post apocalyptic fantasy audiodrama podcast introduced us to the main characters from each of the four tribes, but the ending of the season finale promised so much more to come in the next season! I loved getting to know the world and the characters, and I’m so intrigued for what’s to come. If you’re a fan of immersive audiodrama podcasts, then definitely put Birds of Empire on the tippy top of your list!!

favorite youtubers of quarter 3 of 2023

I discovered Alexis Eldredge this past quarter and I’ve really been enjoying her content. She makes very chill lifestyle vlogs about her life as an actress in NYC. Her vlogs are so calming and I love experiencing autumn in The Big Apple vicariously through them!

In addition, I also found Tatyana Vogt and have been majorly enjoying her content! She’s a booktuber who dabbles in journaling content every once in a while, and her videos are just so freaking cozy!! Plus she reads so much!!! I always get such good recommendations from her content, definitely check her channel out!

I’ve also been diving back into Basically Britt‘s content and I’ve been loving it! I’ve been a fan of Britt’s channel since she first got started on YouTube years ago, but I stopped watching her stuff for a brief period for God only knows what reason, lol! But I decided to start watching her channel again recently, and I’m loving the cozy, Dutch vibes she’s cultivated!

Chelsea Callahan is another new favorite lifestyle vlogger of mine. In particular, I admire that Chelsea is a lifestyle vlogger in her thirties—tbh, it kinda soothes my anxieties about not having a fun life after my twenties. This is probably the real reason why her vlogs have quickly become my “comfort content,” lol! But hey, sometimes you just need visible evidence that life really does turn out okay.

Yet another booktube channel I’ve recently discovered and fallen in love with is lexi aka newlynova. Lexi’s personality is so fun, and her recomendations and reviews are so thorough, yet never dull or dry! She also has a good mixture of silly and chill content, which is the perfect combo for me.

Finally, my most recent lifestyle vlogger channel find is marguie. I only just discovered Marguie’s content recently, but I love the soft yet down-to-earth vibe of it!

misc. favorite

It’s no secret that I have severe ADHD, so, naturally, my life is kinda a mess and I’m typically HORRIBLE at planning. But that all changed when I purchase my Hobonichi Weeks Mega last summer! I love how customizatble it is, and the smaller size forces me to prioritize my tasks. It’s been a great way for me to get creative with my productivity and, most importantly, it’s helped to keep me on track.

favorite blog post of mine that i made in quarter 3 of 2023

I had so much fun creating my 2023 birthday post recommending books based on my birth chart! I think it didn’t get too much love due to the fact that soon after posting it my blog was temporarily deactivated due to a financial crisis in my family, but I put a lot of work into creating that post. I’d definitely love if y’all would give it a bit of love!

spill the beans, friends!

• How were Quarters 3 & 4 of 2023 for you?
• Did you discover any new favorites?
• Were there any disappointments?