Fandoms Assemble - February 2014 by Fandoms Assemble

February 2014

music

Contents

36 Digital Daggers 37 Set It Off

film 28 Upcoming films 29 Film review

books 30 Upcoming books 31 Book review 32 To read next 33 Book club

all about you 4 Tagged 6 Hot or not 14 Game 18 Confessions

44 Gifts: Teen Wolf 46 Fanart

celebrity 22 Dress like… 26 Fandom updates 42 Celebrity birthdays

Impossible 43 Accounts to follow

13 2

plus 3 Editor’s page 10 Interview:

@MycroftLuvzCake 40 Top 10: Kisses

features

7 Fandom weddings 12. OTP songs 15 Sherlock S3 16 Valentine’s Day cards 20 Why crafts are the new

34 My favourite: Darren Criss hot thing 35 Column: In Love With The

Issue 9

24 Celebrity OTPs 38 Chat up lines

VALENTINE’S EVERYDAY February: the so-called “month of love”. But why? Why should the coldest, rainiest, most hated month be dedicated to this warm, cosy, highly regarded emotion? Truthfully. St Valentine’s Day is conveniently placed between Christmas and Easter so that supermarkets and card companies can flog cards, chocolates and gifts during an otherwise incredibly boring time of year.Why should you even wait until the 14th of February to tell the love of your life how much they mean to you? Why not tell them every day? Now is your chance to break the tradition and tell someone that you love them whenever you want to – maybe even today! Don’t wait until St Valentine’s Day to make someone feel loved. What’s more, don’t leave Valentine’s Day especially for your significant other: tell your mum, your dad, your siblings, your friends, people you see on the street (maybe tone it down for the last one, though). Make every day St Valentine’s Day because you don’t need an over-priced, novelty card to say, “I love you”.

Updaters Rae—Creative Director Victoria—Publicity Imi—Chief Updater Beth—Ariana Grande, Phandom Cian—Harry Potter, Once Upon A Time, Percy Jackson, Pretty Little Liars Jessica—Doctor Who, Marvel, Sherlock Laura—Divergent Lisa—Jedward Saffy—Divergent, Lord of the Rings, The Mortal Instruments 3 Soshin—Mumford & Sons, Vampire Weekend

Find out what some of our workers are loving right now SOSHIN I think

Drowners’ new album is great! RAE I’m enjoying the BBC Robin Hood at the moment which started in 2009. I really love history and the BBC portrays them perfectly. Will Scarlett is my favourite who is also in Game of Thrones and Doctor Who.

Find out what some of our workers are loving right now

Workers

EMILY I’ve started watching Game Of Thrones and I’m re-reading Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone in Spanish.

Eleanor—Editor

NATASHA Recently I’ve become a TV show addict and started watching Reign, Downton Abbey and The Tomorrow People. I love them all but I wish there were more episodes.

Natasha—Beta Reader Beth—Fashion Stylist Imogen—Film Reviewer Em—Upcoming Books/Films Emilie—Interviewer Emily—Grammarian Emma—Illustrator Eve—Columnist Imi—Music Editor Jessica—Fandom Updater Lily—Quiz Master Saffy—Book Reviewer

UNDERSTANDING OPINIONS So I am going to do the complete opposite of talking about ‘love’ this February and instead discuss hatred. And to specify that - hatred over opinions. Since we are all social, on our laptops and phones, it means that we can communicate our opinions a lot easier, and many more people can see them. So what is a bad and a good opinion? Well, in my opinion (sorry), I think that it is all right to not like something, we aren’t all born as the same people and therefore we all have different tastes. So what if we don’t like a certain person‘s dress? Or if we think that a TV show is overrated? That is our taste. To put it into simpler terms, some people like the colour orange and others don’t. However, a lot of disagreements can happen over this, either because someone has taken their dislike too far, maybe commented how someone‘s weight makes them ‘ugly,’ or because someone disagrees with an opinion. Either way, expressing opinions can cause many arguments. I personally think that it is ok for someone to express an opinion, and if they dislike something I don’t like, then so what? It does not affect me.

TAGG MOST REBLOGGED: FANFICTION PROMPT: Character A throws a surprise party for character B. Character B finds out/ trouble occurs.

Vampire Weekend win Best Alternative Music Album award for ‘Modern Vampires of the City’ during the 56th GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast Show. Well done to the boys!

Your fanfiction should be between 500 and 2,000 words and emailed to fandomsassemblemagazine@ gmail.com. The fanfictions will be placed on the tumblr.

GED COMPETITION: Create a spine poem. It can be of any length. Tweet us the picture at @fandomsmagazine. January's winner : Desi (@roseoftyrell) (write a love tweet to a fictional character) “Dear Jon Snow, I know you’re on the wall and you can never be with a woman, but trust me: I’m worth it.”

get in touch Email us at fandomsassemblemagazine@gmail.com Tweet us at @fandommagazine Follow for fandom news at fandomsassemblemagazine.tumblr.com Check out our instragram @fandomsmagazine Like us on facebook facebook.com/fandomsassemble

FANDOM

WEDDINGS

Wouldn't it be nice for our soul mate to tolerate our fandoms? It would be nicer if they read/ watched them. But do you know what would the best? If they were just as obsessed as we are. Who knows, that could happen. So if it does, here are some ideas for your fandom-styled wedding! Don’t forget to name your kids after characters too!

PERCY JACKSON Outfits: An ancient Greek styled white dress would be suitable for the bride, and her hair could be shaped into a beautiful updo. Similarly, she could also wear a dress like Grover’s wedding dress in Sea of Monsters. The mother of the bride could be dressed as Hera and the bridesmaids/ushers could be dressed as the gods. The vicar (or equivalent) could be dressed as Mr D or Chiron.

Decoration: The tables could be themed, with each one representing a god (not necessarily just the 12 Olympians). For example, the Athena table would have a book as the centrepiece and owls dotted about. The main table could represent Olympus.

Catering: The meal could be eaten around a large campfire where guests offer a part of their food to the gods. Most of the food would, of course, be blue. The cake, being no exception, would too. Its decoration could range from monsters to a representation of one of the gods. Ambrosia and nectar could also be offered.

Location: An outside wedding in a beautiful forest would be great way to bring in the nature aspect of Percy Jackson. A river or lake could be situated nearby. A large tree, representing Thalia’s tree, could also be nearby. The reception could be held in a large, white house, similar to the Big House. The couple could be married under an arch with ’Camp Half-Blood’ engraved into it.

Invites: The invitations for the wedding could be Camp Half-Blood brochures. Music: A good song for a first dance would be Annabeth and the Fleece which is on the Sea of Monsters soundtrack. Other song ideas could include Mozart Piano concerto no. 12 and So Yesterday by Hilary Duff , both songs being ones which Grover can play on his pipes.

Other: At the end, the bride and groom could drive off in a chariot similar to Percy and Annabeth’s. The rings could have the symbol of their godly parent engraved into it. One or two of the flowers in the bouquet could be made from pages of any of the books in the series. Games of Capture The Flag could be played, with the bride’s guests against the groom’s guests. 7

HARRY POTTER Outfits: The bride can either wear Hermione’s Yule dress, or Fleur’s wedding dress. The groom can sport a fashionable dress robe. The bridesmaids, of course, can wear Ginny’s dress from Bill and Fleur’s wedding.

Decoration: The decoration could be directly copied from Fleur’s wedding, or, if you wanted to, be more indirect and contain subtle hints. The guests could be sorted into the four houses and be given a wand each; the centrepieces could include bowls with fish and lilies or sorting hats; keys could hang from the ceiling; jars of sweets and/or potions could be littered about the tables.

Catering: Appetizers may include Bouillabaisse Soup from Goblet of Fire and Cream Brie Soup, straight from Shell Cottage. Entrees may include Shepherd's Pie, although hopefully your guests will have more of an appetite than Harry did in Chamber of Secrets, and Sausage and Mash, which was eaten prior the first DA meeting in Order of the Phoenix. Finally, desserts may include Butterbeer Cupcakes, Pumpkin Pasties and Cauldron Cakes. The main event, in the baking world that is, is one of the most flexible things at the wedding. The cake could be house themed; simple with a few snitches or keys; in the shape of Hogwarts, Hedwig in her cage, or the books themselves (or anything similarly complicated). The drinks could be served out of goblets.

Location: A Hogwarts-like castle would be the most obvious idea, but weddings certainly aren’t cheap and not everyone is rolling in money. A tent like Fleur’s and Bill’s is another idea, however staging it outside in a forest, maybe one similar to the Forest of Dean, is another option.

Invites: There are many ways to style your wedding invitations, from Hogwarts Acceptence letters to in the style of The Daily Prophet. You could even have a Marauder’s Map style one. The choice is up to you.

Music: Hedwig’s Theme is an obvious choice for a first dance, so why not choose something like Neville’s Waltz or Beauxbatons Theme. The reception could include songs like Do The Hippogriff as well as Wizard Rock (Wrock) songs by artists like Oliver Boyd and the Remembralls, Ministry of Magic and others.

Other: The vicar (or equivalent) could stand behind Dumbledore’s owl lectern. The rings could have their house symbols inscribed on them and be carried in snitches. The wedding photos could be of wand duels. 8

THE HUNGER GAMES Outfits: The bride can wear Katniss’ wedding dress and have her hair in a braided hairstyle. The groom can wear Peeta’s white Capitol wedding suit. The bridesmaids could wear Katniss’ red ’Girl on Fire’ dress.

Decoration: The decorations could be identical to the decorations used at the tribute party during Catching Fire. Or it could include more natural influences. If you were to do a Capitol wedding, you could have tables arranged with exquisite foods and have luxury drapery. Also, be sure to include lots of sparkling and dazzling items. If you plan on having a Hunger Games nature inspired wedding, be sure to have elements from nature like berries, pinecones, foliage, etc. You could have mahogany tables and big bowls of berries, similar to nightlock, for decor. Also, you could give all the guests bows and arrows as wedding favours.

Catering: For appetizers, guests can enjoy the frothy raspberry soup that Katniss enjoys in the Capitol, or the simple groosling soup that Katniss prepares for herself and Rue in the Arena. Entrees can include goose liver and puffy bread, which Katniss eats in the comfort of her room in the Capitol. Or pheasant with jewel-coloured jellies, baby vegetables in butter, and parsley mashed potatoes, which she eats in Catching Fire. Desserts may include goat cheese and apple tarts from the Mellark's bakery, mockingjay cupcakes, or tea and cookies iced with flowers. Finally, for the main event (the wedding cake), you can decorate it with things like edible white roses, fake fire, mockingjays, berries and, of course a quote like, "May this marriage be ever in your favour".

Location: For the location of the wedding, it all depends on the theme of your decor. If you choose to have a Capitol themed wedding, then holding your wedding at a fancy hotel or a country club would be ideal. If you choose to have a Hunger Games nature themed wedding, then holding your wedding in a park or cleared forest would be perfect!

Invites: Your wedding invitations could be similar to a Capitol party invitation, a Panem lottery ticket for The Hunger Games, or it could include mockingjays and the Hunger Games font.

Music: Some choices of music for the wedding could come from the two Hunger Games soundtracks. For the ceremony or first dance Safe & Sound by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars, Rules by Jayme Dee or Atlas by Coldplay, could be used. For the reception, songs like Eyes Open by Taylor Swift and Who We Are by Imagine Dragons could be played as well. All these songs are derived from The Hunger Games and Catching Fire soundtracks.

Other: The rings could have each other’s districts engraved on them, or the bride and groom could exchange mockingjay pins. The happy couple can complete the District 12 marriage ritual, which includes making their first fire together and toasting a piece of bread. 9

Interview with

@MycroftLuvzCake @MycroftLuvzCake is a Twitter account run by Emma, dedicated to Sherlock. She talks about the new series, Sherlock’s survival and the controversy around Mary Watson, as well as what she loves most about the show. When did you first start watching Sherlock and become a fan?

you don’t have a show.

I started watching Sherlock because my friend recommended it to me, I wasn’t really bothered about detective stories or anything like that, but as soon as I watched it I was hooked and I watched every episode in a day.

What did you think of the new series? Was it worth the wait?

Why did you decide to dedicate a twitter account to Sherlock? Because of the fandom, I didn’t feel brave enough to try Tumblr, but Twitter seemed really welcoming and I had an account anyway so I gradually changed it to become a Sherlock fan account. What do you love most about Sherlock? John and Sherlock’s chemistry, I think that makes the show to be honest; you can have a great story and great cinematography, but without chemistry 10

I loved the new series, it was really entertaining and funny and sad and heart warming. The only thing I wanted was more Sherlock and John time, just to see how their friendship was developing, though the second episode did deliver in that respect. Do you have a favourite moment from series 3? The stag night, nothing more needs to be said. Do you think the explanation Sherlock gave Anderson about how he survived was the truth? Do you have a different theory or a favourite of the various theories revealed in the episodes?

I have no idea, I’ve seen many other theories, some bizarrely involving helicopters and maybe a TARDIS, but I’d like to believe the theory Sherlock told Anderson just for my sanity. Mary is a controversial character amongst fans, what’s your opinion on her character and the twist? I love Mary, Amanda plays her wonderfully, and her twist definitely made her a stronger, female character. That said, I do wonder how the shift in dynamic is going to carry on, especially with a baby on the way. It was suggested at the end of series 3 that Moriarty will be returning to the show, are you pleased about this? SO SO PLEASED FAVOURITE.

HE’S

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS: Favourite character? John, definitely; he’s so loyal.

Favourite episode? The Reichenbach Fall: well written, well put together, just flawless.

Favourite cast member? Always, always Benedict.

Favourite ship? Johnlock forever and always.

Do you belong to any other fandoms? I’m a Potterhead and also a Whovian, oh and a Fannibal. Any fandom events you’re looking forward to? I’m looking forward to seeing Capaldi as the Doctor, and the rumours of setlock happening this Spring/Summer. That’s not confirmed though. 11

14 12

Sherlock Season 3 The long awaited season 3 of Sherlock finally graced our TVs on New Year’s day the reactions Sherlock Series 3. The words every Sherlock fan across the globe had waited 2 years to hear. The consulting detective returned from the dead on New Year‘s day and soon the whole world knew how the sociopath faked his own suicide. 'The Empty Hearse' was one of the most anticipated episodes that the BBC has ever aired, and it definitely didn't let fans down. After the detective‘s reunion with the ex-army doctor, tumblr and twitter were in a frenzy. Sherlock had mysteriously returned from the dead and showed up at John's doorstep as if he hadn't been away. Let's just say, John didn't take it so well. In the episode we see the duo deactivate a terrorist bomb and see Sherlock meet John's soon-to-be wife Mary Morstan.

the wedding In the next episode, 'The Sign Of Three', Sherlock is asked by John to be his best man and the whole episode is based around Sherlock's best man speech. There is no crime solving until around 45 minutes into the episode where John and Sherlock solve the case of 'The Mayfly Man' and save John's ex-army commander, Major Sholto, from death. At the end of the episode, Sherlock deduces that Mary is pregnant and leaves the wedding early. In my opinion, this is by far one of the most laid back and one of the funniest 15 episodes of Sherlock with some of the best lines coming from Louise Brealey

herself.

a cliff-hanger to beat all The season finale, 'His Last Vow', has certainly left us on a bigger cliff-hanger than 'The Reichenbach Fall' with the return of Jim Moriarty. In the episode, we are introduced to Charles Augustus Magnussen, the man who made Sherlock's blood run cold, and he's conveniently killed off at the end. Also, we understand why Sherlock deducted Mary as a 'Liar'. She was an ex-con woman and agent. She loves John very deeply and tries to prevent him from finding out that she shot Sherlock. When he finds out, he tells a heavily pregnant Mary that he doesn't care and all is well. At the conclusion of the episode, we see the return of Jim Moriarty who plasters his face on every screen in London with a caption reading “DID YOU MISS ME?" And I think I can speak for the whole fandom when I say, yes, Jim, we did miss you.

season four Season 4 has a lot to live up to if it's to bypass series 3 as the most exciting seasons of Sherlock so far, and hopefully, we only have to wait until Christmas for it. Honestly, from the snogging between Sherlock and Molly to drunk Johnlock, this series has been one of the most entertaining to watch and definitely one of the wittiest to date. Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, tell me, how on earth are you going to top it?

CONFES

I don’t have anything against 1D. It’s some of their fans I don’t like. Taylor Swift doesn’t deserve their hate.

I think people keep forgetting how much of a bully Snape was. As a teacher he often showed so much favouritism and just bullied others.

I don’t like Irene Adler.

SSIONS

I think the ending to The Hunger Games is awful and ruins the series.

Rose Tyler is my least favourite companion.

Sam is such an understated character in Lord of the Rings. He went everywhere with Frodo and helped him and he gets hardly any recognition.

24 FANDOMS ASSEMBLE 22 26

FANDOMS ASSEMBLE 23 25

CELEBRITY

Jared Pa

dalecki/

aylor Swift T / n a r e e h S d E

24 22

Rian Daws

on/Cassad

Genevie ve Corte s

ee Pope

field/Em r a G w e r d n A

ma Stone

OTPS

Matt Smith/

Karen Gilla

n Criss e r 25 r a D / r e lf Chris Co

a Watson

m Rupert Grint/Em

Jamie Cam

pbell Bow er/Lily C

ollins

25 23

FANDOM UPDATES What is happening in the fandom world right now MARVEL

HARRY POTTER Emma Watson was at the 2014 Golden Globes this year, presenting an award with everyone’s favourite captain, Chris Piup, and she rocked it. Emma wore a dress/pants ensemble designed by Christian Dior along with her subtle hair and make-up. She rocked it. 26 26

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Captain America: The Winter Soldier are fast approaching and both premiere early this year. Lots of new stills and footage have been released from both movies. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has stills of Emma Stone, Andrew Garfield, Dane DeHaan and Jamie Foxx as their characters. Captain America features the return of Steve Rogers, Natasha Romanoff, Nick Fury, and Bucky/The Winter Soldier.

SHERLOCK Sherlock season 3 has unfortunately come to an end, however, now we have 4 and a half hours of more footage! No need to worry though, Steven Moffat says that they have already plotted out season 4 and 5; it’s just a matter of getting everyone together to film. Lots of exclusive behind the scenes footage has been released from season 3, also including a selfie of Sherlock. For UK residents there is a new Sherlock app. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman did an exclusive photo shoot for Entertainment Weekly’s piece on the incredible show. Congratulations to Benedict Cumberbatch for winning Best Detective at the National Television Awards!

DOCTOR WHO

PRETTY LITTLE LIARS New episodes of Pretty Little Liars premiered entitled “Close Encounters” and “Bite Your Tongue”. Close Encounters follows the girl trying to take back Ali’s journal and also Aria trying to end things with Jake. Hanna also finally gets over her relationship 27 with Caleb.

Doctor Who season 8 has begun filming! Matt Smith’s departure was a happy one and we know he will be missed, however, we welcome Peter Capaldi as the twelfth doctor! His outfit has yet to be shown to the public, but we have seen exclusive stills of him being filmed on a horse in a dressing gown, and also in the eleventh doctors outfit (continuation from The Time of the Doctor). Doctor Who received two awards at the National Television Awards. Matt Smith won for Best Drama Performance as the Doctor, however, he wasn’t there to accept the award and instead had a video of himself go up on the internet, thanking the fans for voting. Doctor Who also won for Best Drama, in which Jenna Coleman accepted on all the cast and crew’s behalf. 27

Films of February Vampire Academy

Lego Movie

Robocop

Feb 14th

Feb 6th

Feb 7th

About Time

Thor 2

How I Live Now

Feb 14th

Feb 3rd

Feb 10th

Sherlock Series 3

GOT Series 3

City of Bones

Jan 20th

Feb 17th

Jan 27th

THE MUSKETEERS

The Musketeers (based on Alexandre Dumas’ ‘The Three Musketeers’) is the BBC’s latest television drama that hit home screens this January with a clash of swords and the blast of gunpowder. Over the years there have been numerous adaptations of Dumas’ novel of the swashbuckling bodyguards of King Louis XIII, most memorably the 1973 version starring Oliver Reed, Richard Chamberlain and Michael York. But the show’s writers have promised that it will be like nothing we’ve ever seen before. A modern twist on a classic is always a risk – but I’m sure this will be one worth taking. The first episode of the ten part series lived up to the hype that it was given in my own opinion. The costumes, acting and camera shots were magnificent and who can say no to a few attractive bearded men? The Musketeers are played on screen by Only God Forgives star Tom Burke (Athos), Heroes actor Santiago Cabrera (Aramis) and stage actor Howard Charles (Porthos), while Skins star Luke Pasqualino plays D'Artagnan. 29 1630 Paris, we are first introduced to Set in D’Artagan, whose father is murdered by a man

who he believes to be named Athos – a part of the musketeer’s garrison. From the outset, each Musketeer is introduced in a scene defining their character. Fights and duels follow suit between various characters, a few deaths are thrown in here and there, sword fights, mysteries to be solved, not least to mention a few raunchy scenes – what else could one wish for in the first episode? Overall, The Musketeers made an excellent entrance into its Sunday night television slot. The plot of the first episode was rather engaging and the action provided by the fight scenes proved to be even more so. The characters were well written – in particular the women. There is also a hint of possible romance to be developed between D’Artagan and Constance Bonacieux, something you may either look forward to or dread within the series. Then comes the mysterious Milady de Winter, a spy in league with Cardinal Richelieu (played by none other than the new Doctor, Peter Capaldi). I personally loved the first episode of The Musketeers, and it set firm foundations to what could be another fantastic adaptation by the BBC.

Books of February

IGNITE ME

CRESS

LANDRY PARK

Tahereh Mafi

Marissa Meyer

Bethany Hagen

Feb 4th

Feb 6th

Feb 4th

TIN STAR

SOMETHING REAL

Cecil Castellucci

Heather Demetrios

Feb 25th

Feb 4th

WHITE SPACE 30

32 30

Ilsa J Bick Feb 11th

SO YOU’VE READ ‘DANGEROUS GIRLS’ BY ABIGAL HAAS AND ENJOYED IT? WHAT NEXT?

DEAD JEALOUS - SHARON JONES

THE KILLING WOODS— LUCY CHRISTOPHER

Sixteen-year-old Poppy Sinclair believes in quantum particles, not tarot cards, in Dawkins, not druids. Last summer, in a boating accident in the Lake District, Poppy had a brush with death. But the girl she finds face down in Scariswater hasn't been so lucky. She fights to discover the truth behind what she believes is murder and is forced to concede that people and things are not always what they seem.

Emily’s dad is accused of murdering a teenage girl. Emily is sure he is innocent, but what happened that night in the woods behind their house where she used to play as a child? Determined to find out, she seeks out Damon Hillary the enigmatic boyfriend of the murdered girl. Maybe they could help each other. But he’s got secrets of his own about games that are played in the dark.

ONE MOMENT—KRISTINA CRUEL SUMMER—JAMES MCBRIDE DAWSON

Cam has a hunger, an alwayshunger; it drives him from home, to war, from north to south. When he returns from war alone - all his fellow soldiers slain - suspicion swirls around him. He's damaged in body and soul, yet he rides a fine horse and speaks well of his foes. What has he witnessed? Where does his true allegiance lie? How will life unfold for his little sister, his closest friend, his betrothed, his community, and even the enemy Lord who maimed him?

A year after Janey’s suicide, her friends reunite at a remote Spanish villa, desperate to put the past behind them. However, an unwelcome guest arrives claiming to have evidence that Jane was murdered. When she is found floating in the pool, it becomes clear one of them is a killer. Only one thing is for certain, surviving this holiday is going to be murder…

Editor’s pick:

BOOK CLUB

The Night Circus by Erin Morgensten “The circus arrives without warning.” This first sentence sends chills down my spine, and those chills do not diminish as the novel continues. It captivates the reader with every word printed. Set in 1886 and following the story of Le Cirque de Reves—the Circus of Dreams—this book combines superb, varied writing and an enthralling plot.

Over to you @SlytherBlake I found The Cuckoo’s Calling by JK Rowling enjoyable. Rowling book or not, it was amazing and I literally finished it. @LessonInGravity

Although the plot of Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins is cliche, it’s well written and you immediately fall in love with Etienne 33 St. Clair!

See what’s on our staff’s bookshelves

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. A dark story of a vicious 15-year old criminal, the classic A Clockwork Orange asks questions about good, evil and the meaning of freedom while remaining an interesting read. As Alex would say in the novel’s Nadsat slang—very horrorshow. Victoria—@TimelineNargles

The Fault in our Stars by John Green. I heard so many great things about it and decided I just had to see what all the fuss was about. I absolutely loved it! It was both heart-warming and heart-breaking – tissues are definitely needed! Natasha—@jilysnutella

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I have been meaning to read this book for ages, and I am so glad I finally got round to it. With beautiful description throughout, it makes me wonder if I would have the skills to survive as well as Pi did. Eleanor—@prongsandthedoe

Read an absolutely magnificent book recently, and you can’t help but want to share it with the world? Tweet us and it will appear here! Don’t forget to hashtag it. #fabookclub

My Favourite:

Darren Criss

Darren has acted on stage, on TV, on Broadway and on screen, and has performed for the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama. He speaks Italian fluently, studied Latin and has a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Age: 26 Famous for: Singing and acting

Appeared in: AVPM and AVPS as Harry, Glee as Blaine, Girl Most Likely as Lee, How To Succeed In Business Without Even Trying as J. Pierrepont Finch. I first came to know of Darren Criss in 2010 after seeing ‘A Very Potter Musical’, in which he portrayed Harry Potter. It wasn’t until he had joined the cast of ‘Glee’ that I really fell in love with him – as I got to know him a bit better – and I became invested in this half of the power couple Klaine. Darren is incredibly gifted and is somewhat of a triple threat: he can sing, he can act and… hedo got the booty. He can play the violin, guitar, piano, 34 mandolin, harmonica, and drums and he wrote his first song, Human, at the age of 15.

went on his Listen Up tour this summer, playing brand new songs that he was testing for the highly anticipated album that has been in the works for a million years. At every show he brought up one of the attendees to be his Yet his impressive skills are not ‘Picture Perfect Girl’ (in the main reason I love him. reference to one of the song Darren has this ability to titles). Every show sold out enchant anyone who meets and, from what I hear, it was him, either face-to-face or an excellent tour. just on a screen. Everyone who has ever met him agrees I am that has one of the kindest exceedingly and humblest souls and you grateful to honestly cannot help but be have Darren drawn in by him. He is so in my life, tiny, but he certainly makes even if he up for it in personality. does not know who I I have seen someone say am. He has something along the lines of “if helped me in you chant Darren Criss 3 times so many in front of a mirror, he would ways and he is a huge pop out and tell you that you inspiration to thousands upon should be chanting your own thousands of people. From the name because effortless ability to you’re awesome make singing Disney and he’s just songs on the internet some guy”, and it disgustingly is hilariously true. attractive, to the slick He often transformation of underestimates curly-haired, himself and the adorable Darren Criss effect he has on to preppy and sophisticated those who love him and he is Blaine Anderson, it’s accurate such an advocate for everyone to say that Darren succeeded else. in charming his way into our hearts without really trying. As well as performing on Broadway in How To Succeed In If you wish to discuss your Business Without Really favourite celebrity here, then Trying as Daniel Radcliffe’s simply contact us at character, J. Pierrepont Finch, fandomsassemblemagazine@gm for 3 weeks in 2012, Darren also ail.com

COLUMNIST

IN LOVE WITH THE IMPOSSIBLE

Valentine’s Day is when in books or films, people receive flowers and chocolates from an unknown admirer, and it’s not long before they’ve fallen hopelessly in love.

examples. With people like that, we can only hope that we will one day meet them.

If you have a really vivid imagination, it’s not too hard to It’s not quite the same for imagine Dan Howell stroking your everyone though. IT’S NOT TOO HARD TO hair and leaning in Fred Weasley to kiss you IMAGINE DAN won’t ever send goodnight, or even me a Valentine’s HOWELL STROKING proposing to you. Card. It’s taken me You could even ask YOUR HAIR AND a long time to your friend to accept that, along LEANING IN KISS YOU write a fan fiction with the fact that about you and we’ll never go to the Yule Ball your ideal lover to keep you together and realise we’re in love happy for a while. with each other. These things should keep you It seems like some of us just have happy enough while we wait for a habit of falling in love with scientists to create a machine that someone we have a very low makes fictional characters exist in chance of being with. Benedict real life. Until then, fan fictions it Cumberbatch, Matt Smith, Peeta is. 35 Mellark and Dan Howell are a few 35

igital Daggers are a Los Angeles based duo who have a very raw and edgy sound with ‘personally-charged soundscapes that will leave the listener wanting more.’

Digital Daggers’ self-released their first album in 2012 called The Devil Within and instantly caught the attention of music supervisors everywhere. It is likely you have heard their music on TV as they have had many tracks played on TV shows, films, and videogames. Songs like Can’t Sleep, Can’t Breathe and their cover of Head Over Heels and New York, New York for the video game Crysis 2, but they have been featured mainly on shows like The Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars, and Teen Wolf.

Members: Andrea Wasse: Vocals Jason ‘Space’ Smith: multi instrumentalist / producer

The band began back in 2009, when ex-guitarist from Momento Jason ‘Space’ Smith teamed up with Andrea Wasse, a Canadian songstress, to begin the contemporary duo act, Digital Daggers. They wish to broaden their audience and have started this process by signing to the indie LA label El Camino Media, along with bands like PLS PLS, Bixby Knolls, and Battleme. Late 2010 brought Digital Daggers a single of the week with No Easy Way, gaining them over 150,000 downloads to promote the release of their debut digital EP Human Emotion. Early June 2013 saw the release of their debut full length-album Close Your Eyes. Having first heard this band play at the end of Pretty Little Liars season 4 episode 1, A is for A-L-I-V-E, I completely fell in love. I find that they embody a sound which is somewhere between Kerli, an Estonian singer-song writer usually recognised by her quirky yet beautiful and dark style (her song Tea Party was included on the album Almost Alice), and MS MR, a New York duo who’s music has been compared to that of Florence and the Machine, Lana Del Rey and Kavinsky. Digital Daggers themselves have said that they feel they are a cross between Massive Attack, Garbage, NIN and Frou Frou. Many of their songs give that sense of feel-good, ‘let’s watch the world burn’ attitude with their moody dark pop creation and tension-filled sound without being loud; they are fragile but not maudlin.

Most of the Close Your Eyes album is about feelings of being lost and alone and figuring everything out. Through a base use of organic sounds and not just being confined to the digital element this band is no doubt on its way to the top.

Cinematics

S Members: Cody Casron: Vocals/Piano/Clarinet/ Percussion Zach Dewall: Guitar Maxx Danziger: Drums/ Percussion/ Vocals Austin Kerr: Bass Dan Clermont: Guitar/vocals/ Trumpet

et It Off are a pop-punk band from Tampa, Florida. Lead singer, Cody Carson, is to thank for the band’s gain in interest through his YouTube channel (Rockmaniac89) where he does covers of his favourite songs as well as music from the Top 40. This lead to their signing with Equal Vision Records back in 2011 after a few short EPs including; Baby, You Don't Tripajaharda; Clam Before The Storm; and Horrible Kids, which was released with their signing to Equal Vision. Back in 2012 came the release of their first ever full length album, Cinematics, but they have recently re-released it with bonus tracks last year. Set it Off have evidently been influenced by bands like Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, Panic! At The Disco and some more dramatic elements

from the styles of Avenged Sevenfold. Their music combines the styles of typical pop punk with symphonic and orchestral pop-rock giving to their quite unique and theatrical approach when presenting their story. Their theatrical pop punk stylings make it one of the most diverse albums of last year, listeners can expect dramatic, skilfully crafted lyrics and melodies. From their latest album Cinematics the band shows its diversity through blending of catchy, driving melodies and hard-hitting choruses with a genuine sincerity to their message and roots. It is clear that the band hold a powerful message and whish to create an emotional album referencing ‘the troubles of being bullied growing up and importance of being yourself and embracing who you are no matter what.’ And with their latest album that message couldn’t be more clear. The intension behind this album is to take a seat inside Carson’s mind and to see how “We are human – we have good times, we have bad times, we think pure thoughts, and we think impure thoughts. As far as how I describe these situations, I want you to feel like you are sitting down for a short film… and if I’m not evoking any sort of emotion from you then I’m not doing my job.” From catching orchestral intros to fast-paced heavy drum sequences and lyrically-driven melodies turning from the darker eerier tones into lively upbeat pop-driven tracks that make you want to dance, Set It Off take you for a wild ride with songs about love, acceptance, heartbreak, and everything in between making it so relatable. 37 Overall, Cinematics is one of the most solid albums of 2012, with an intensity and drama to each track that will have you listening on repeat. 37

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