Once Upon A Mid-Season Premiere

5B is a go! This was Once Upon A Times 100th episode so they really stepped up their game for it!
We left off 5a with our Heroes (and Dark One Rumple) heading off to the Underworld to save Hook. Now Hook, bless his soul (pun intended) was in the episode for all of five seconds. But never fear, Hook fans. This whole arc is about saving him, we will be seeing a lot more of him. 

The episode started with one of our cameos of the 100th. Neal Cassidy. Former boyfriend of Emma, father of Henry, general cinnamon roll. I’m a huge Neal fan (though I know that I’m in the minority) so it was great to see him again. I don’t buy that he has no unfinished business (since he never got to say goodbye to Henry) but I’m just glad he’s in a better place where he’s happy. 
The cameos of previous characters in this episode was awesome. The fact that the Underworld is Storybrooke with a red tint whilst visually is a little unimaginative, I like where they’re going with that. Especially since with these cameos, we see Underworld characters in the places we usually see our regulars. The Blind Witch running Granny’s, Cora being the mayor, James being Sheriff and Pan running Mr. Golds shop was pretty great to see. Not sure how much of these characters we’ll actually see after this episode, but I have a feeling that they’ll be back. 

The flashbacks were Regina centric and it was her birthday and of course the only thing she wanted was Snow White to be dead. The flashbacks were a little unnecessary really. The only thing they did do was cover some timeline aspects (as in Cora taking Henry to Wonderland) so that’s always nice to have a bit more of a cohenrent timeline in this show. 
Since it was a Regina centric and both Cora and Henry were in the Underworld, it made for some sad scenes. Not sure why Henry needed to be summoned and why he could hear and interact but when they tried with Hook, he was clearly a mess. I’m assuming that’ll be explained. 

The Henry SR and Regina scenes in the Underworld were very touching. I was so mad at Cora for trying to send him into a fiery pit. It was nice to see Henry (junior) meeting his namesake! I’m glad Henry (senior) got to resolve his unfinished business with Regina and move on. I do wonder if he went to the same place where Neal is or if everyone has their own personal happy place? That would be interesting to find out. 

So Regina saw Henry move on and now she believes that everyone in the Underworld can be saved and move on. Regina is Underworld Saviour?! I think that’s where they’re going with this. Although, I have to agree with Rumple that it’s an asinine task. But we shall see. 

And, last but not least, I couldn’t do a review without mentioning our new villain! They didn’t actually say his name but I think it’s very clear and obvious (even without spoilers) that he is Hades! I’m happy with the casting! He was sassy, suave and ruthless in a similar vain to the Disney Hades. And also in a similar vain of the Disney version, that CGI blue hair. I’m sorry, but that was my least favourite thing all episode. It looks awful. Thankfully it was only used for about a minute. I’m hoping they don’t use it too much because it seriously just looks bad. Very curious about the different coloured rivers that he has. Also, wondering if that lady cleaning for him was anyone significant or if she is just his slave. We will find out in time.

Decent 100th episode! Flashbacks were mostly unnecessary and it was very Regina heavy. Lots of great cameos and lots of questions raised

I would give the episode 8/10!
Happy 100th Oncers!!!

Am I Too Old for Young Adult Fiction?

Young Adult (YA) Fiction is immensely popular in this day and age with the success of books such as The Hunger Games etc. YA fiction, if you look it up, is usually aimed at people aged 10-15.
I am 22 and far past this age bracket. And yet, YA is still great to me.
Is this a bad thing?
There are so many YA books out there and some of them are not well written (looking at you Twilight!) But I've just finished the second book in a YA series and am onto the third. It's a very interesting story. I would say anyone older than 15 would also enjoy it. The words are not complex, but the story and the characters are. It is quite dark too.

Basically what I'm saying here is, maybe I am too old for YA. Or maybe I'm just not it's target audience. But that's okay, because I still enjoy it!
Reading is a hobby and a pleasure! Enjoy reading whatever you want! :)