Witcher Season 3 - Episodes 1&2 - Ummm...What?

Y'all, knowing all the behind-the-scenes drama, I figured I wasn't going right care much for the third season of Netflix's Witcher, but wow. It is BAD so far. I mean BAD.

Admittedly, I have not read all of the Witcher book series (reading them now), but I have played a ridiculous amount of Witcher 3, which has been highly commended for sticking to the source material's spirit. I also have kept up with many of those in the know regarding the books. Having said that, the distance the showrunners have gone from the source material is far. It is almost unrecognizable as a Witcher product.

Even without considering the source material, the writing is just plain bad. The characters aren't true to even their own origins in this show. Their arcs make no sense, aren't relatable, and lack believability. I have no one to root for as everyone is flat and bland. 

Characters that have been well-received are now made unlikable (Jaskier - why does he look so bad? That hair. Halp!). Interesting characters have been made into such "girl-bosses" that they're boring (Yennefer - so good she's dull as dishwater). 

Other notes of interest: 

• Why is Triss' hair a huge, frizzy mess?
• Why is Geralt inept (leaving a villain alive he clearly could have and should have killed)?
• Why can't Jaskier sing all of a sudden?

There's a long list that I'll detail in my review, but my goodness... I had hoped I would be pleasantly surprised, but alas. It's even worse than expected.

Oy vey, y'all. I'll keep you posted. 

Romance Novels, Online Dating, and More!

Newest Installment in the Assassin's Creed Review Series is Live! VALHALLA!

I am really sad I've taken this long to join the Assassin's Creed fandom. I think I would have loved these games if I had given the first one more of a chance. Oh well. Just one more bad life choice to add to the list.

But seriously, I have enjoyed playing through the Assassin's Creed series to make my reviews for Bethanie Talks About Stuff. It's been worth the time and effort. 

This week, my review covers Assassin's Creed Valhalla. This one has a special place in my heart because it was my first Assassin's Creed game. It kicked off a journey I would not have anticipated but has been really fun. It led to my introduction to Ezio Auditore. And I luuuurrrve him!!!!!!!!!!!

But before Ezio, for me, it was Eivor. He's a good character - flawed but good as well as fierce. Hard not to like him. 

Take a look at my review for a full rundown (also on Rumble). Of course, I still like Daeg better than Eivor or Ezio (meet him in All From Dreams), but they're not chopped liver! 

You've Been Doing What?

You might be wondering what's happened to me? Did I die? Did I suddenly join a convent with a vow of total silence?

No. Of course not. But I have been BUSY.

Book three... Well, the rewrite with my well-intentioned outline has gone completely sideways but in the best kind of way. The characters took over. In my opinion, this is just the best news for me. It means they're alive again and making themselves heard. It's great.

Also, I bought a clickety-clackety type of keyboard to make things more fun when I'm typing away. I am having to learn to type again, though. Definitely a different skill set to use this thing.

But if I'm not dead or at a nunnery, what have I been up to?

Bethanie Talks About Stuff. That's what I've been up to! And I love it. This is my channel with a variety of content. Pop culture, writing, musings, and video games all make an appearance. 

As expected if you know me, I started a project that might be a little ambitious, but it's been soooo good! I'm playing through the Assassin's Creed series and reviewing each game (see my intro to the series for a better explanation). I had previously tried to play the first one, but I got so frustrated that I totally abandoned it. I even sold it. A good friend convinced me to try Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and I got so hooked I went back and played the Ezio Trilogy (Assassin's Creed II, Brotherhood, and Revelations). Then I figured, "Well, I've come this far, might as well keep going." So I played Assassin's Creed III and Assassin's Creed IV Black Flag. I've skipped ahead to Origins to get caught up on the newer games in the newer format. It's been worth the time investment.

If you're someone who likes YouTube/Rumble content (The Rumble channel is also Bethanie Talks About Stuff), please check it out. I hope you'll enjoy watching as much as I've enjoyed making the content.

Still, I am an author at heart, and Rhys and Daeg are my darlings. I haven't given up writing. It is my goal to finish book three in 2023 and release it either by the end of the year or early 2024.

By the way, I've entered into a contract with a very talented narrator to add an audiobook of All From Dreams to the series! I'm so excited!!!

Also, would y'all be interested in a Kindle Vella series about Seodrass?

Look for more show-related and book-related content going forward, and I'm sorry for the drought!

That's it for now!