September Reading List Day Four: “Pretty Little Lairs” Series by Sara Shepard

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While we all know it as our favorite ABC Family thriller, Pretty Little Liars actually got its start as a book series by Sara Shepard. Consisting of sixteen series novels and two special edition novels, series centers around four friends Spencer Hastings, Hanna Marin, Aria Montgomery and Emily Fields, who are tortured by a mysterious figure known as “A” that threatens to spill some of their darkest secrets. The girls are also trying to cope with the murder of their friend/sometimes torturer Alison DiLaurentis. However, these pretty little liars can’t seem to stay out of trouble, and their secrets just get darker as the series progresses. Just like the television show, the books are filled with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very last page as the girls try to figure out who killed their friend and bring down “A.” Fans do not need to worry about either format spoiling the other as the outcome of many plot lines and fates of various characters differ greatly from what airs on ABC Family. A roller coaster from the first book to the last, Pretty Little Liars is a series that will keeping you wanting more with each volume. (It’s also a great way to kill time until the PLL premiere in January.)

Books in the Series

1. Pretty Little Liars
2. Flawless
3. Perfect
4. Unbelievable
5. Wicked
6. Killer
7. Heartless
8. Wanted
9. Twisted
10. Ruthless
11. Stunning
12. Burned
13. Crushed
14. Deadly
15. Toxic
16. Vicious
17. Pretty Little Secrets*
18. Ali’s Pretty Little Lies*

*Book released in addition to main series

What are your thoughts on today’s selection? Share your thoughts below! Also tweet your favorite books to @WriteForBoots and I’ll retweet them!

Clone Club Unite: The Best Etsy Finds Inspired By “Orphan Black”

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In honor of the season three premiere this weekend on BBC America, I decided to peruse Etsy to find the best Orphan Black inspired the website has to offer, and, I have to say, their selection is pretty awesome. No matter what clone you identify with, here are some of my favorite finds that let you show off your Clone Club pride.

1. Clone Club Necklace

Show everyone whose side you’re one.

 (Clone Club Necklace, $24.00, ThePaperPoppyStore)

2. Character Inspired Lipgloss

Get that perfectly styled clone look with a flavored lipgloss made in honor of your favorite Orphan Black character. The selection includes flavors inspired by Sarah (pomegranate and rum), Alison (chocolate cheesecake), Helena (melon and anise), Cosima (passion fruit and lemon), and Felix (rum and cola).

 (Orphan Black Lipgloss in Sarah, $2.50, MerchantofGallifrey)

3. Seestra Bracelet

Even Felix would approve of this beautiful bracelet stamped with Helena’s term of endearment for her fellow clones.

 (Brass Seestra Bracelet, $24.99, HoboSwag)

4. Forever Incomplete Orphan Black Fanfic Challenge Issue

Get your Orphan Black in between seasons with collection of 24 fanfiction stories.

 (Forever Incomplete #2.75, $2.26, ForeverIncomplete)

5. Cosima/Delphine “I Just Want to Make Crazy Science with You” Bracelet

We all want someone we can make crazy science with.

 (Orphan Black Crazy Science Bracelet, $16.99, chasingatstarlight)

6. Dylan Bruce Signed Pilot Script

Who wouldn’t want an authentic copy of the pilot signed by the sexy guy who plays bad boy Paul? This is the ultimate gift for the ultimate Orphan Black fan.

 (Dylan Bruce Signed ‘Orphan Black’ Script, $124.99, AuthenticInkGraphs)

 

What I Love About “Orphan Black”

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What would you do if you saw someone with your face jump in front of a train?

For Sarah Manning of BBC America’s hit show Orphan Black, it puts her at the center of a dangerous conspiracy that involves cloning, secrecy, and competing ideologies. The further down the rabbit hole she goes, the closer she gets to figuring out who and what she is, putting both her life and her daughter’s life at risk.

I discovered Orphan Black after preordering a dress from the Hot Topic fashion collection inspired by the show. I figured, since I bought something from the collection, I should check out the series to see what it was all about. After one episode, I was hooked and ended up binge-watching seasons one and two.

As we gear up for the start of season three, here are a few of my favorite aspects of Orphan Black that have me signing up to be a member of the Clone Club.

Don’t forget to check out season three of Orphan Black premiering Saturday April 19 at 9/8c only on BBC America.

1. The amazing acting skills of Tatiana Maslany

Orphan Black wouldn’t probably be nearly as successful if it didn’t have leading lady Tatiana Maslany. This girl plays not one, not two, but all of the clones featured in the show. Between her ability to mimic multiple accents and the way she gives each character their own subtle, unique gestures, Tatiana transforms between each of her alter-egos so seamlessly you almost forget it is only one actress playing all these different characters without looking closely at their faces.

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2. The suspense

This is definitely a blink-and-you-miss-something show especially since all the seasons are only ten episodes long. Just when you think you’ve got the puzzle figured out, something is revealed that changes the entire picture, and everything you thought you knew is suddenly turned upside down. With a revolving list of who to trust and cliffhangers at the end of every episode, Orphan Black’s twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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3. The amazing bond of Alison and Felix

Felix has incredible bonds with all of the girls, especially his foster sister Sarah, but my favorite out of all of them is his one with Alison. She’s a neurotic soccer mom from the suburbs. He’s a free-spirited artist who’s not afraid to break the rules. Together, they are a dynamic duo, abet a little messed up, that has each other’s backs and always willing to share a vice or two.

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4. The show’s unexpected humor

While Orphan Black is a twisted show that deals with some heavy topics, the writers of the show know how to lighten the mood with small insertions of humor in the most unlikely situations. Whether it’s a one-liner during a tense interrogation or an attempt to cover illegal activities by people who have no idea what they are doing, the humor is the perfect blend of dark, smart and witty.

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5. Everything about Helena

Helena has got to be the cutest assassin on television right now. She’s can be an unpredictable killing machine, but she’s also a sweet, abet awkwardly quirky, center underneath. Come on, how can anyone resist that face?

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