The incandescent pumpkin with a witch hat is a symbol of Halloween. This iconic image represents the spooky and magical atmosphere that is associated with the holiday. The pumpkin, traditionally used for carving Jack-o'-lanterns, is transformed into a glowing object with an eerie hue, creating a captivating and mysterious effect. The addition of the witch hat adds an extra layer of enchantment, evoking images of witches and their mystical powers. Together, the incandescent pumpkin with a witch hat captures the spirit of Halloween, captivating both young and old alike. Whether it is displayed in front yards, on windowsills, or as part of spooky decorations, this symbol is instantly recognizable and synonymous with the holiday.
A Court of Thorns and Roses, Book 1
I think it wise to read this yourself first, and if you are unwilling to do so, or it's not your style - err on the side of caution and delay a year longer before recommending this to your child. I've just finished it and am happy to let my 15 year old read it. When I was much younger, 12 -13 I discovered much more sexually explicit books and delighted in them, which is all part of growing up. Chances are, if you're questioning if your teenager can handle sexual content - you're too late anyway due to what they've undoubtedly already consumed. Having said that, all children are different and only you know your child. I wouldn't let my 12 year old read this - and not only because of the sexual content. The relationship between the two main characters, and consensual sex that occurs as the result of a loving connection that's described (not in explicit detail) isn't the issue. The graphic and heart wrenching graphic torture scenes that crop up frequently, especially towards the end, are. This book should make a parent wary not because sex occurs. It's vague enough the deeper meaning is lost on younger readers without the experience to draw on, and the implications in print are, for the most part, wrapped up in themes of love and mutual respect. This book requires special consideration when suggesting or buying it for a younger reader because the implications of, and psychological effects of the explanations of physical pain being inflicted on others for sadistic pleasure, and exploring those themes requires some consideration as to whether you believe your child is ready to tackle such ideas. Whilst some sexual content focusing on the objectification of women is touched on at the end, much of the deeper connotations are lost to the less experienced - and pretending these elements aren't an intrinsic part of the very fabric of society is naïve and you do your teenage daughter a disservice by pretending otherwise. Do I wish my daughter's never had to know or experience the most unpleasant side of of sexism and objectification? Of course. Will it serve them to pretend it doesn't exist and censor any material that alludes to it? Absolutely not. Children are corrupted not by the content they consume so much as by the repeated actions of society that doesn't fail to reach their notice. Creative material like this serves to unify female experiences and acknowledge the existence of injustices that are undoubtedly already aware of, and provide an avenue for which to relate their building collective experiences in a way that is meaningful and important for women's voices to be heard finally. Does your 12 year old need to be aware of these issues, no not yet probably. Is it terrible if they are, also no. If they weren't ready for the material - they wouldn't be able to proceed. Do I think a level headed 14 or 15 year old can handle this? Absolutely.
Prince of Thorns & Nightmares (Hardcover)
For fans of Disney Twisted Tales and Serena Valentino's Villains comes the next book of the Disney Prince Young Adult series.
Prince Phillip tells his side of Disney's Sleeping Beauty where once upon a dream was just the beginning.
Prince Phillip’s known from a young age that his destiny has already been decided for him by his father, King Hubert. His job is to smile and wave for the crowd and ride off into the sunset with his predetermined fiancé, Princess Aurora, after her curse is lifted on her sixteenth birthday. But just days before Aurora’s birthday party, Phillip experiences a strange burst of magic, and three fairies tell him that he is part of a prophecy set to defeat Maleficent, the Mistress of All Evil. Suddenly Phillip feels as if he has a choice—maybe magic can be the freedom he has been looking for.
Although, having magic and working with fairies to retrieve powerful ancient artifacts would be much more enjoyable if he didn’t have to deal with her every night, a girl named Briar Rose who appears in his dreams on the other side of a mystical thorn maze. Phillip doesn’t know how he can be so annoyed by a person he can’t even see but having to hear the mysterious maiden’s laughs and jabs at him every time he goes to sleep is worse than any nightmare. But Phillip is starting to realize that Briar Rose isn’t so different from himself, and maybe they can change both of their fates one dream at a time.
About the Author
Once upon a time, Linsey Miller studied biology in Arkansas. These days, she holds an MFA in fiction and can be found writing about science and magic anywhere there is coffee. She is also the author of the Mask of Shadows duology, Belle Révolte, The Game, and What We Devour. Visit her at linseymiller.com.
- Young Adult Fiction / Action & Adventure
- Young Adult Fiction / Boys & Men
- Young Adult Fiction / Romance
Review: Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
Whether it is displayed in front yards, on windowsills, or as part of spooky decorations, this symbol is instantly recognizable and synonymous with the holiday. It serves as a reminder of the fun and excitement that comes with Halloween, and it adds a touch of whimsy to the festivities. The incandescent pumpkin with a witch hat is a timeless image that continues to bring joy and excitement to Halloween celebrations around the world.
Girl, Serpent, Thorn
Melissa Bashardoust
Flatiron Books
Published July 7, 2020
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indiebound | Goodreads
About Girl, Serpent, Thorn
There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.
As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.
Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming…human or demon. Princess or monster.
A captivating and utterly original fairy tale about a girl cursed to be poisonous to the touch, and who discovers what power might lie in such a curse…
My Review
I went into this book a little nervously because I’d read some mediocre reviews, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The font on my ARC was also super small, so I worried that reading it might give me a headache.
Mainly I say all that to let you know that when I feel like I zipped through the book super quick and found it completely engrossing, you get the kind of obstacles it was up against. Ha.
First, the characters. I loved Soraya and her mom and the complicated relationship between them. The women in the cast absolutely shine, from Parvaneh and the sisterhood of pariks (winged demons) to Soraya and her mom, they were all complex and fascinating.
As far as the story, I enjoyed the story world, which is based on Persian mythology. Some of the titles are a little unfamiliar and confusing, but there is some explanation about them in the back of the book. I think a glossary would have been helpful, too. All in all, though, I as I got into the story, I was able to keep my bearings just fine.
The plot is very twisty. Less in terms of surprises (though every story has its share of surprises) and more in terms of the way things sort of loop back around, where the past connects to the present. I liked that a lot, and it gave the story a layered feel to it that I enjoyed.
One of the things that will stick with me, I think, is the way Soraya talked about making herself smaller early in the story– trying to keep others safe by shrinking herself as small as she could. I felt like that created this incredible picture of who she was at the beginning and showed such a contrast with who she became and how her courage changed her.
I feel like there are areas in our lives (especially as women) where we sometimes do that– make ourselves smaller to avoid conflict or hurt, even when it hurts us. So I loved reading this story about a young woman who comes into her own, learns to take up her space and be bold. It was both validating and freeing.
I think readers who enjoyed FOREST OF SOULS by Lori M. Lee or FORBIDDEN WISH by Jessica Khoury will enjoy this one.
Content Notes
Recommended for Ages 14 up.
Representation
Based on Persian mythology.
Profanity/Crude Language Content
Mild profanity used very rarely.
Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between boy and girl. Kissing between two girls.
Spiritual Content
In this story, the world is ruled by two gods: the Creator and the Destroyer. The Destroyer releases demons, or Divs, into the world. Soraya’s family is protected by a feather freely given to them by a powerful bird.
Violent Content
Some situations of peril. Battle violence and some brief gory descriptions of battle wounds.
Drug Content
None.
Note: I received a free copy of GIRL, SERPENT, THORN in exchange for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support the costs of running this blog.
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Reviews for "Enhance Your Halloween Theme with an Incandescent Pumpkin and Witch Hat"
1. John - 2/5 stars - The "Incandescent pumpkin with witch hat" was a major disappointment for me. The pumpkin did emit a soft glow, as advertised, but it was not bright enough to truly illuminate the room. Additionally, the witch hat was poorly made and kept falling off. I expected a higher quality product for the price I paid. Overall, I would not recommend this item.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I had high hopes for the "Incandescent pumpkin with witch hat," but it turned out to be a complete letdown. The pumpkin didn't emit any light at all, despite following the instructions carefully and even replacing the batteries. The witch hat was also flimsy and kept slipping off the pumpkin. It was supposed to be a cute Halloween decoration, but it ended up being a waste of money. I was extremely disappointed with this purchase.
3. Mark - 2/5 stars - I purchased the "Incandescent pumpkin with witch hat" for my porch decorations, but I was not impressed. The pumpkin's glow was barely noticeable, especially in comparison to other similar products on the market. The witch hat was also not securely attached to the pumpkin and easily got blown off by a slight breeze. I expected better quality and functionality from this product, and I regret purchasing it.
4. Emily - 2.5/5 stars - The "Incandescent pumpkin with witch hat" didn't live up to my expectations. While the glow was somewhat visible, it was not as bright as I had hoped. The witch hat was also poorly designed and didn't fit securely on the pumpkin. It fell off multiple times, making it more of a hassle than a decorative piece. Overall, I was underwhelmed by this product and wouldn't recommend it to others.