media consumption journal (vol 6): slower days and media that brought me comfort
creative burnout, financial anxiety, and the media that helped me through
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“I can live alone, if self-respect, and circumstances require me so to do. I need not sell my soul to buy bliss. I have an inward treasure born with me, which can keep me alive if all extraneous delights should be withheld, or offered only at a price I cannot afford to give.”
- Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë
Opening Note
June felt like it passed in the blink of an eye. Creatively, I’ve been in a bit of a slump—burnt out, low on motivation, and feeling uninspired. I think I’m in one of those phases where life feels a little too comfortable. The slower days at home have been peaceful, but also left me feeling a bit restless and unchallenged.
Don’t get me wrong—I love solo dates and slow mornings at home. But I’m also the kind of person who craves stimulation, learning, and novelty. Lately, I’ve been holding back on going out and trying new things, partly out of choice, but also because I’m being more mindful of my spending.
With the rising cost of living and an uncertain job market, I’ve been feeling more anxious financially. I’ve cut back on small indulgences that used to be weekly treats and now try to enjoy them more sparingly. I’m practising a low-buy mindset (I wrote a guide about it here if you're curious) and making more intentional decisions when it comes to how and where I spend my money.
It’s disheartening seeing how tough the job market is and how many people are struggling, especially when paired with soaring expenses. It’s hard not to feel weighed down by it all.
Still, amidst the reflection and uncertainty, there’s something exciting on the horizon. I have a trip coming up soon—I'll be heading to Asia for about a month to reunite with a long-distance friend. I’m really looking forward to the change of pace and sharing that experience with you.
If you’ve made it this far, just a little reminder: be kind to yourself. Whether you’re in a season of stillness or striving, I hope this month’s media list offers a bit of inspiration, joy, or escape. This month’s media round-up is filled with books, films, and TV shows that have kept me company during these quieter days.
In case you missed out, you can view my media consumption journals from previous months here.
What I’ve Read
This month was packed full of books, and I ended up finishing 9 books that were mainly fantasy.
Of Flames and Fallacies by Courtney Whims
“Sometimes love is our greatest strength. And sometimes it’s our greatest weakness. It all just depends on how you wield it.”
⭐️ rating: 2.5/5
📖 Genres & book tropes: romantasy, enemies to lovers, love triangle
If you’re still nursing a Fourth Wing hangover and craving a light dragon romantasy, Flames and Fallacies by Courtney Whims might initially feel like the perfect fix. Set in a world where dragons are outlawed, the story follows Katerina, a determined protagonist tasked with getting a newly hatched dragon to the fabled dragon lands where they can live freely. It's an intriguing premise with clear potential, but unfortunately, the execution leaves a bit to be desired.
The book starts off slow, with worldbuilding that feels more like a background sketch than a fully painted setting. Things do pick up in the latter half with a few surprising plot twists, but much of the pacing feels uneven. Katerina’s bond with her dragon, Daeja, had the makings of something powerful, yet often feels underdeveloped - Daeja is frequently left in the woods while Katerina searches for a map, which makes the bond seem more convenient than compelling.
There's also a love triangle (fair warning!), with two very different male characters. However, the romantic subplot feels muddled and rushed, especially near the cliffhanger ending, where things accelerate without much emotional grounding.
Katerina’s growth as a character is a redeeming factor—she genuinely tries to improve, train, and rise to the challenge - but it’s not quite enough to carry the entire story. Overall, Flames and Fallacies has sparks of promise but struggles to ignite into something truly memorable. Here's hoping the sequel delivers on the potential.
Would recommend for: Readers looking for a low-stakes, easy-to-digest fantasy with dragons and a hint of romance
Would skip if: You’re looking for strong character development, a well-paced plot, or a romance that feels fully earned.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
“If you can’t stand being with a woman who’s more successful than you, then leave her alone. She’s better off without you. If you actually love her, then know the value of that love and make it a promise. That is the only thing she needs from you.”
⭐️ rating: 2.75/5
📖 genres & book tropes: contemporary romance, fake dating, adult fiction
The Kiss Quotient has received a lot of buzz - and for good reason. Helen Hoang brings a fresh perspective to the romance genre by centring a heroine with high-functioning autism. Through Stella’s lens, the story explores self-acceptance and the longing for genuine connection, offering representation that’s rare and much needed in romantic fiction.
The setup - a gender-swapped Pretty Woman - is compelling at first. Stella, a brilliant but socially awkward econometrician, hires Michael, a charming male escort, to teach her about intimacy. Their dynamic is sweet, and both characters are likable, but the plot soon slides into familiar romance territory. Miscommunication drives much of the tension, and the storyline starts to feel formulaic despite the original premise.
While the romance feels a bit too neat and predictable, Hoang’s writing shines when she explores vulnerability and identity. The Author’s Note is a standout, encouraging readers to embrace who they are without apology. Despite some shortcomings in the plot, this is still a meaningful and worthwhile read that brings something new to the genre.
The Deal by Elle Kennedy
“Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don’t know how you ever lived without them.”
⭐️ rating: 2/5/5
📖 book tropes: friends to lovers, fake dating
I picked up The Deal by Elle Kennedy after hearing that her Off-Campus series is being adapted for TV and wanted to see what the hype was about.
The story follows Hannah Wells, a confident college student who’s finally crushing hard on someone - only problem is, when it comes to intimacy, she’s still working through past trauma. To catch her crush’s eye, she agrees to tutor the cocky, hockey-playing Garrett Graham in exchange for a fake date. Garrett, in turn, needs to raise his grades to stay on the team and sees this arrangement as mutually beneficial. But after one unexpected kiss, their fake relationship begins to blur into something real.
I ended up giving it about 2.5 stars. While the premise had potential, I felt the character development didn’t quite deliver. It leaned heavily on familiar college romance tropes, and although the banter and chemistry between Hannah and Garrett were engaging at times, some of it veered into cheesy territory. Overall, it was a light, easy read but didn’t quite live up to the buzz for me.
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L.Jensen
“I will be at your back until I cross the threshold to Valhalla, Born-in-Fire, whether you want me there or not.”
⭐️ rating: 3.5/5
📖 book tropes: forbidden romance, forced proximity, arranged marriage, slow-burn
After sitting on my TBR for years, I finally read A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen - and immediately regretted not picking it up sooner. It’s one of those books I wish I could read again for the first time. I flew through it in two days and jumped straight into the sequel.
Set in a Norse-inspired world filled with gods, blood oaths, and ancient prophecies, the story follows Freya - a fishmonger trapped in a loveless marriage who discovers she has the blood of a goddess and the rare power of a shield maiden. When she’s forced into an alliance with the jarl’s son, Bjorn, to unite a fractured kingdom, sparks fly… but their chemistry is as forbidden as it is undeniable.
Freya is a protagonist I rooted for from the start: loyal, brave, and quietly powerful. Her desire to protect others, even at her own expense, made her incredibly compelling. And Bjorn? Classic fantasy love interest material - broody, loyal, a little morally grey, and absolutely obsessed (in the best way). Their slow-burn tension had just the right mix of banter, longing, and eventual spice.
The world-building was another highlight - rich but digestible, with a unique magic system tied to Norse mythology. Jensen does a fantastic job of immersing you in the setting without overwhelming you with lore. My only real critique? Some of the major plot twists were easy to see coming, which made certain reveals feel a bit flat. That said, the stakes, characters, and setup for the next book more than made up for it.
If you enjoy mythology, forbidden romance, and strong heroines with reluctant heroes, this one’s worth diving into.
A Curse Carved in Bone by Danielle L.Jensen
“You are my home, Freya. Everywhere else is just a place to lay my head.”
⭐️ rating: 3.75/5
📖 book tropes: forbidden romance, forced proximity, enemies to lovers
After loving A Fate Inked in Blood, I dove into A Curse Carved in Bone with high expectations - and Danielle L. Jensen did not disappoint. This sequel takes everything I enjoyed about the first book and dials it up: the stakes are higher, the mythology goes deeper, and the emotional tension is far more intense. It’s a story that balances epic scale with raw, personal conflict - and I devoured it.
This time around, the Norse-inspired world expands significantly. We’re introduced to new regions, dangerous powers, and the Unfated - children of the gods who walk the line between divine and mortal. Jensen’s magic system continues to impress: intricate but never overwhelming, with threads of prophecy, blood magic, and divine interference woven into the narrative in a way that feels urgent and believable. Without spoiling anything, the new additions to the lore are unhinged in the best possible way, and I loved how weird and wild it all got.
What really anchored the book for me, though, was Freya. She remains such a compelling protagonist - fierce, deeply moral, and unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths, even when it costs her. She’s not driven by blind emotion, but her emotional depth is what shapes her choices. I appreciated how Jensen allowed her to be powerful without ever stripping her of softness.
And the women in this book? Phenomenal. Ylva, in particular, is sharp and calculating, but never flat or predictable. There’s a refreshing complexity to the female characters across the board - they’re not just “strong,” they’re strategic, flawed, conflicted, and layered. Some side characters even got moments of personal redemption or emotional reckoning that quietly broke me, especially threads that tied back to unresolved storylines from book one.
The dynamic between Freya and Bjorn grows even more complicated. There’s still heat and chemistry, but trust is fractured. Betrayals - on and off the battlefield - force both of them to question each other’s intentions and loyalty. The emotional tension between them is palpable, but it never overshadows the plot. If anything, it makes the political and magical stakes feel even more personal.
And let’s talk plot twists—I did not see them coming. While the first book had a more predictable rhythm, this one surprised me several times in genuinely satisfying ways. The pacing is sharp and relentless, with very few dull moments. It’s one of those books that feels like it’s constantly moving forward - building momentum, deepening the lore, raising emotional stakes, and never letting you get too comfortable.
If you’re looking for an epic fantasy that mixes rich world-building, Norse mythology, high-stakes romance, political intrigue, and messy, complex characters - this duology deserves your attention. A Curse Carved in Bone cements Danielle L. Jensen as one of my go-to authors for character-driven fantasy with teeth.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L.Jensen
“This man might be a hunter. But he was mistaken if he believed she was prey.”
⭐️ rating: 3/5 stars
📖 book tropes: arranged marriage, forced proximity, enemies to lovers
After devouring A Fate Inked in Blood, I was curious to explore more of Danielle L. Jensen’s work - and The Bridge Kingdom kept popping up as a fan favourite. The premise had me immediately intrigued: a warrior princess raised to believe her enemy is a monster, only to find herself questioning everything when she's sent to marry him… and possibly kill him.
We follow Lara, a trained assassin and political pawn, as she enters into an arranged marriage with King Aren - the ruler of a strategic kingdom her people have long viewed as the enemy. But nothing is black and white in this world, and as Lara learns more about Aren and the truth behind their political rivalry, she’s torn between her duty and her heart. It’s a compelling enemies-to-lovers setup that blends romance, political tension, and betrayal.
While the concept was exciting, I found the execution a bit underwhelming. The plot followed a fairly predictable arc, and I personally struggled to connect with the story as deeply as I wanted - possibly because it’s written in third person rather than first, which made it harder to fully inhabit Lara’s inner world. That said, the world-building was unique, and I really appreciated the political complexity between the kingdoms, even if I wish it had gone a bit deeper.
On the plus side, the pacing is snappy, the story is easy to fly through, and there’s plenty of tension - both romantic and political - to keep you turning pages. It’s a solid read if you're looking for an accessible fantasy romance with high stakes and a morally conflicted heroine.
The Traitor Queen by Danielle L.Jensen
“I'm fine Aren."
"I know you are. And I know you can do it yourself. But let me do it for you anyway.”
⭐️ rating: 2.75/5
📖 book tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, arranged
After enjoying The Bridge Kingdom, I was curious to see where Lara’s journey would go next - and The Traitor Queen picks up just a few months after book one, diving straight into the aftermath of her betrayal and the weight of her guilt. This time, the story unfolds through dual perspectives - Lara and Aren - which offers more insight into both characters’ emotional conflicts and loyalties.
The world-building remains one of the series' strengths. While there’s less atmospheric immersion than in book one (likely due to the constant travel), we’re introduced to new regions, new dynamics, and shifting political alliances. It’s an enjoyable expansion of the world, even if it sacrifices a bit of the lush detail from earlier settings. I appreciated the consistent pacing; it’s steady throughout, with enough momentum to keep me turning the pages.
The romance also continues to develop, leaning into slow-burn territory with lingering chemistry and unresolved tension. If you liked their dynamic in book one, you’ll likely appreciate how it's revisited here - though it’s not without emotional friction.
That said, Aren frustrated me in this book. His indecisiveness and emotional distance at times felt grating, even if I understood his inner conflict. The tension between his duty to Ithicana and his complicated feelings for Lara made sense narratively, but as a reader, it left me feeling less connected to him than I was in book one.
Plot-wise, the twists weren’t particularly surprising, and the ending felt predictable. Still, there were a few satisfying moments of payoff, especially as Lara tried to reclaim her agency and take responsibility for her past actions.
Overall, The Traitor Queen had solid world-building and character growth, but it didn’t fully hit the emotional or narrative highs I was hoping for. It’s a good continuation, but one I found easier to admire than to love.
A Court This Cruel & Lovely
“One day soon, you will have to make a choice. Be a torch for just one soul in the dark... or burn like the sun for all of them."
⭐️ rating: 2.75/5
📖 book tropes: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn
After sitting on my TBR for ages, I finally read A Court This Cruel and Lovely, and while the premise was intriguing - hidden magic, corrupt gods, and a ruthless mercenary - it didn’t quite deliver.
The novel follows Prisca, a young woman who hides a dangerous secret - she was born with magic in a world where newborns are stripped of their power by the gods. Her gift marks her as one of the “corrupt,” and once discovered, she’s forced to flee the only home she’s ever known. Her journey collides with Lorian, a cold, enigmatic mercenary with a mission of his own. Their reluctant bargain leads them through a world of power plays, fae danger, and political intrigue, culminating in a high-stakes infiltration of the royal palace.
Prisca, the main character, was the highlight. Her growth from scared runaway to fierce leader felt earned, and I appreciated that she wasn’t instantly powerful or perfect. The dual POV with Lorian added tension, but his character felt too underdeveloped to make a lasting impact. The “reluctant alliance” trope had potential, but the romance lacked emotional payoff.
The first half builds a nice “found family” vibe with a crew of mercenaries, but they fade too quickly. The second half shifts to palace intrigue and spying, which had its moments, but the worldbuilding overall felt flat and underbaked. Several plot points, like Prisca’s dreams of Lorian, were introduced but never explained, which left the story feeling incomplete.
If you enjoy slow-burn fantasy with strong heroines, forbidden magic, and morally gray men, this might scratch the itch—but don’t expect deep worldbuilding or a fully satisfying conclusion.
From Blood and Ash (#1 Blood and Ash Series) & A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (#2 Blood and Ash Series)
“Death is like an old friend who pays a visit, sometimes when it’s least expected and other times when you’re waiting for her. It’s neither the first nor the last time she’ll pay a visit, but that doesn’t make any death less harsh or unforgiving.”
⭐️ rating: 2.75/5
📖 book tropes: enemies to lovers, slow-burn romance, forced proximity
From Blood and Ash starts with an intriguing premise and a richly layered world, but for all its promise, the execution left much to be desired.
The worldbuilding is expansive—craven, Atlantians, Ascended, wolven, vampry, you name it. While ambitious, the sheer number of terms and histories introduced in the first book can feel overwhelming and underexplained. The pacing is steady, but slow, and for such a lengthy book, there were points where the plot dragged and the dialogue felt repetitive.
Poppy, our protagonist, is a “Maiden” chosen by the gods and meant to live a life of isolation, silence, and purity. Yet, despite her role being defined by solitude and obedience, she consistently sneaks off, chats with strangers, and engages in behaviours that directly contradict her upbringing. This disconnect between her supposed sheltered life and how she actually behaves made it hard to fully buy into her character. She reads less like a cloistered figure raised for ritual, and more like a rebellious teen itching for adventure.
Enter Hawke: the golden-eyed guard with charm, mystery, and, predictably, a major secret. Their dynamic has chemistry, but the romance leans heavily into trope territory, and the "plot twist" surrounding him is visible a mile away. That said, the ending was just compelling enough to make me reach for book two.
While From Blood and Ash has its moments, especially in the last third, it suffers from inconsistent character development, a convoluted lore dump, and overly repetitive prose. It’s easy to see why the series has a loyal following, but for me, this debut instalment was more potential than payoff.
June articles and essays
Here are a few of my favourite long-form pieces I’ve enjoyed reading in June.
What I’ve Watched
Films
The Great Gatsby (2013)
“A writer and wall street trader, Nick Carraway, finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his mysterious millionaire neighbor, Jay Gatsby.”
The Hating Game
“The Hating Game ... Resolving to achieve professional success without compromising her ethics, Lucy embarks on a ruthless game.”
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
“While playing, Lucy and her siblings find a wardrobe that lands them in a mystical place called Narnia. Here they realize that it was fated and they must now unite with Aslan to defeat an evil queen.”
KPOP Demon Hunters
“A world-renowned K-Pop girl group balance their lives in the spotlight with their secret identities as demon hunters.”
Tv Shows
Ginny and Georgia (Season 3) (2021 - Present)
“Angsty 15-year-old Ginny Miller often feels more mature than her 30-year-old mother, the irresistible and dynamic Georgia Miller.”
Tastefully Yours (2025)
“A food company heir running Seoul's top restaurant meets a passionate rural chef. Despite his indifference to taste, they develop feelings while operating a small eatery together in Jeonju.”
Our Unwritten Seoul (2025)
“Identical twin sisters with opposite lives - one a former athlete living freely, the other a corporate perfectionist switch places with each other, despite their contrasting personalities.”
Good Boy (2025)
“Olympic medalists join the police force through a special recruitment program, trading medals for badges as they tackle violent crimes and injustices with their athletic skills.”
Feel free to share what you’ve read, watched or listened to this past month in the comments! I always love media recommendations.
In case you missed out….
Here are a few of my most popular posts from June, loved by you:
Newsletters
your monthly reset (vol 4): on feeling lost and finding your way back
I asked strangers about the best things they’ve spent their money on - here’s what they said
Don’t forget, if you’d like to ask me a question, you can submit your questions anonymously below. It can be about anything (career, living abroad, travelling, navigating your twenties, etc).
Here’s also my mood of the month:
That's it for now, but you'll be hearing from me soon!
Until next time,
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