Waiting on Wednesday - Lady Midnight

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine,  that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating or books that are in our TBR pile.  This week’s “can’t-wait-to-read” selection is

Los Angeles. It’s been five years since the events of the Mortal Instruments when Nephilim stood poised on the brink of oblivion and Shadowhunter Emma Carstairs lost her parents. After the blood and violence she witnessed as a child, Emma has dedicated her life to to discovering exactly what it was that killed her parents and getting her revenge.

Raised in the Los Angeles Institute with the Blackthorn family, Emma is paired as a parabatai with her best friend, Julian Blackthorn. A series of murders in the city catch her attention — they seem to have the same characteristics as the deaths of her parents. Could the murderer be the same person? And her attention isn’t the only one caught: someone has been murdering Downworlders as well. The Fair Folk make a deal with the Institute: if the Blackthorns and Emma will investigate the killings, they’ll return Mark Blackthorn to his home. The catch: they have only two weeks to find the killers. Otherwise it’s open war between faeries and Nephilim.

The Shadowhunters of the Institute must race against time to catch the killers, even as they begin to suspect the involvement of those closest to them. At the same time, Emma is falling in love with the one person in the world she’s absolutely forbidden by Shadowhunter Law to love. Set against the glittering backdrop of present-day Los Angeles, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches from the warlock-run nightclubs of the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. 

Lady Midnight is my most anticipated release of 2016 so far....I am actually contemplating taking the day off just to read it....good idea? 

- Christinabean

Angels Twice Descending by Cassandra Clare

Published: November 2015

Publisher: Margaret K Elderry

Pages: 40

Copy Provided by: Bought

Summary: By Goodreads

Summary: 

Simon’s journey to become a Shadowhunter nears its end as his Ascension ceremony draws closer. One of ten adventures in Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy.

Simon’s Ascension ceremony draws near in this brilliant conclusion toTales from the Shadowhunter Academy.

This standalone e-only short story follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, star of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy features characters from Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices, and the upcoming Dark Artifices and Last Hours series.Angels Twice Descending is written by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman.

Review:

Angels twice descending is the last book in the Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy series.  I had not read the summary so I wasn't expecting the ending of the story.  It was a little bit intense for me.  Entirely worthwhile though and very fitting.  Does Simon get his "wings" so to say? Oh wait a minute....and if he does, is he able to take a rune to the skin?  Hmmm...all things to think about eh?  I really enjoyed this series.  Simon is such a key character in the Shadowhunter world while not having any real abilities but he has all of the characteristics of a great hero.  He is loyal and kind and always seems to do the right thing.  In my mind, this series has elevated his status (OK, so he is heroics in Book #6 were pretty awesome as well).  Sure he is still geeky but now he is cool and geeky.

- Christinabean

The Fiery Trial

Published: Sept 2015

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 40

Copy Provided by: Borrowed

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Simon and Clary reunite as they witness a Parabatai ceremony…and discuss their own plans to be bonded. One of ten adventures in Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy.

Simon and Clary act as witnesses to the parabatai ceremony of Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn…and discuss their own parabatai plans in this precursor to The Dark Artifices.

This standalone e-only short story follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, star of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy features characters from Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices, and the upcoming Dark Artifices and Last Hours series. The Fiery Trial is written by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson.

Review:

The Fiery Trial is #8 in the Shadowhunter Academy series.  It is a nice segway into incorporating readers into the lives of Emma and Julian, main characters in the upcoming Dark Artifices series.  Here, Simon is asked to witness the parabatai ceremony of Emma and Julian yet also discovers whether he and Clary are bound to be parabatai as well.  I love how we see the ceremony of this special relationship and learn how parallel Simon and Clary's lives have been.  I had not considered that they both had blocks on their minds.  The entire novel was highly insightful after they drank water from Lake Lynn.  Although Simon RAVED about the tea when he first sipped it, I'm sure he would never want to have it again.  Miss Clare is doing a wonderful job of prepping her readers for the next series.  I feel like I'm in a Shadowhunter review lecture series and there will be a final test on runes later this month.  Great for those of us who are bit obsessive about this series....

Pale Kings and Princes by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman

Published: July 2015

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 40

Copy Provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Simon has an encounter with Downworlders and is reprimanded for not following the rules for Academy students interacting with Downworlders. A story within a story: Andrew Blackthorn, while a student at the Academy, becomes enthralled by a faerie and has two children with her: Mark and Helen.

Review:

Here we learn about Mark and Helen.  It didn't have much to do with Simon at the Academy but we are slowly starting to form our background story to the next series.  Helen, half Shadowhunter and half fae is made to be a display amongst the students.  She is paraded around like some kind of animal on a leash because of a heritage that she had nothing to do with.  We learn about how her father was seduced by a fairy queen and made to fall in love with her.  She bore him two children - Mark and Helen and unfortunately, their entire family fell into a sort of plague with other Shadowhunters.  It would be comparable to racial intolerance in the past (and sometimes the current day society).  

Simon really comes to have compassion for Helen and her predicament. Not only is she a lesbian and she wants to marry a full Shadowhunter, but she is only half and since the accords do not welcome fairy blood, she is shunned by most of society to some degree.  It might not be overt but it is definitely underhanded.  This might be a great short story to comment about when it comes to cultural differences and superiority complexes.  I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy it but I did take away a lot from this novella.  Cassandra Clare has a great way of layering in themes of today's society with the Shadowhunter world.

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking the Shelves allows us to share the books we have added to our collections - physical, virtual, borrowed, bought or received

This week I got: 

Summary (by Goodreads)

When Simon is kidnapped by the fey, he’s amazed to find a friend in former Shadowhunter Mark Blackthorn. One of ten adventures in Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy.

After Simon is kidnapped by faeries (why is he always kidnapped?), he uncovers rumors of a secret weapon Sebastian left behind for the faerie queen. He must escape the Fey, relying on his only ally, former Shadowhunter and Dark Artifices character Mark Blackthorn.

This standalone e-only short story follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, star of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy features characters from Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments, the Infernal Devices, and the upcoming Dark Artifices and Last Hours series. Bitter of Tongue is written by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan.

Firstly, are you really that surprised that this would be my Stacking the Shelves choice?

Bitter of Tongue is #7 in the Shadowhunter Academy series of novellas.  Look for a review shortly.  Cassie is gearing up for the next series in her Mortal Instruments spin off.  She seems to be carefully laying out the groundwork for readers to get comfortable with new characters such as the Blackthorns and the Carstairs.  Can't. Wait. Have you pre-ordered The Dark Artifices yet?

- Christinabean

The Evil We Love by Cassandra Clare

Published: June 2015

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: unknown

Copy Provided by: Borrowed

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

All evil starts somewhere, and Simon Lewis learns how The Circle—led by Valentine Morgenstern—began. One of ten adventures in Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy.

The Shadowhunter Academy has only just reopened following the disastrous rise of the Circle. Now the faculty can finally admit to what happened when Valentine was a student.

This standalone e-only short story follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, star of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy features characters from Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices, and the upcoming Dark Artifices and Last Hours series. The Evil We Love is written by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman.

Review:

The Evil We Love is novella #5 in the Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy series.  What I LOVE about this series is that it carries on after Book #6 of the Mortal Instruments.  We follow along with Simon, the best friend turned vampire back into human who has lost all of his memories. (How is THAT for confusing??)  

Simon is trying to figure out his feelings for Isabelle.  Unfortunately, she inadvertently burned her in public when she tried to jumpstart his feelings and now he feels a little bit lost without her...even though he doesn't remember her.  But a part of his heart remembers.   The problem is, Isabelle is trying desperately hard to ignore him.  She doesn't take to rejection easily, I think.  

Isabelle and her father visit the academy to teach students about what happened in the circle.  He reveals his part in the circle and how enigmatic Valentine was in turning about Shadowhunter history and starting the war.  It was great background on how the Circle came to be and the relationships within it.  

I love the way the authors twisted this one around so we can learn a little more about Isabelle and Simon's relationship.  It certainly wasn't what I was expecting.  I would read this title again!

Nothing but Shadows - Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Published;

Publisher:

Pages:

Copy provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Simon challenges the setup of the Shadowhunter Academy and in doing so learns the story of James Herondale and Matthew Fairchild and the unusual way that they became friends and parabatai.

Review: 

I have said it before and I'll say it again.  I love the novellas that Cassandra Clare writes.  It makes me feel like the world of Shadowhunters hasn't ever really ended.  These little shorts give me enough reminders that she is still working on another series involving the world that I love to read about so much.  Plus, we get to learn about more history between the time period of Infernal Devices and The Mortal Instruments.  

So in Nothing but Shadows we learn about Will and Tessa's son, James.  He is not nearly as bold as his father but more mild and demure like his mother. He has a great love for his family but lacks so much in self-confidence and awareness.  Because of his unusual upbringing and genes, he is a bit of an abnormality.  In fact, he is much like Simon Lewis.  And his story has a lot to teach young Mr. Lewis about the bonds he creates at the Academy.  

Heart-warming, this short will have you wanting to re-visit the Infernal Devices series once again.  

Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy - by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Published: Feb 2015

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books

Pages: 78

Copy Provided by: Borrowed

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

After living as a Mundane and a Vampire, Simon never thought he would become a Shadowhunter, but today he begins his training at Shadowhunter Academy.

Review:

Welcome to the Shadowhunter Academy is part of a series of 10 novellas written by Cassandra Clare and her fellow author friends.  They continue along the same vein, after the Dark War.  So if you have not read all 6 books in the Mortal Instruments series then it will definitely be difficult to follow along. 

****  THERE WILL BE SPOILERS **

So Simon is going to go to Shadowhunter Academy to try and find himself after trying to figure out where he stands after the war.  With all of his memories wiped from his head, he is finding it hard to fit back into real life with the friends and relationships he no longer remembers.  There are so many expectations of him yet he doesn't know how to react.

It was so sad to see Simon no remember anything but feel the onslaught of emotions and not understand them.  There was a quote from the book that phrased it perfectly - "...having emotions without the memories.  Simon felt like he was insane to have all of these feelings about strangers, without having them properly backed up by familiarity and experiences he could actually recall."

Early, after arriving at the Academy, Simon does connect with his roommate, George.  He has finally met someone who might be as geeky as himself!  Minus the t-shirts with geeky quotations and sayings.  While reading about the Academy, it felt vaguely like Hogwarts but with swords and deadly weapons rather than spell-casting.  Oh, and Hogwarts seemed to have a much better menu in the mess hall.

One character keeps coming into Simon's life - Isabelle. It was nice to see and I would love to see more of Isabelle's character come to light.  She is beautiful and cold and closed off but deep down she seems quite passionate and they make an interesting couple with weird dynamics that work.  Beauty and the Geek.  I hope the next few novellas bring her out a bit more.

Overall, an excellent start to this off-shoot from the series.  Yay Simon!

- Christinabean

The Lost Herondale by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman

Published: March 2015

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 98

Copy Provided by: Borrowed

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Simon learns the worst crime a Shadowhunter can commit: desertion of their comrades. In the early nineteenth century, Tobias Herondale abandoned his fellow Shadowhunters in the heat of battle and left them to die. His life was forfeit, but Tobias never returned, and the Clave claimed his wife’s life in exchange for Tobias’s. Simon and his fellow students are shocked to learn of this brutality, especially when it is revealed the woman was pregnant. But what if the child survived…could there be a lost Herondale line out in the world today?

Review:

Simon is still in the Academy but due to a serious demonstration in his character, he has switched ranks and moved himself down voluntarily into the mundane classes.  He still struggles with the upper echelon Shadowhunters and their remarks but he remains focused on trying to work his way through the program.  Trusty sidekick George has followed him down to the dungeons where the mundanes reside so at least he has geeky (yet gorgeous) company.   

With this second novella, we see bits and pieces of Simon's memory peeking through.  His memory may be gone but his character remains and he is standing up for what he believes and what feels right and wrong in the world.  He has another run-in with Isabelle (which does not end well) but it does lead him to a very successful encounter with Clary.  Perhaps his best friend has always lived in his heart and not only his memories.  Awesome story ladies. It touched my heart and left me wanting more from story #3 in April. 

- Christinabean

After the Bridge by Cassandra Clare

Published: September 2014

Publisher: Cassandra Clare

Pages: 32

Copy Provided by: free by Cassandra Clare

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Short Story about Tessa, Jem and what happened after that meeting at Blackfriar's Bridge at the Epilogue of Clockwork Princess.

Review:

Tessa, Jem and Will had a unique little love triangle.  You MUST read the entire trilogy of Infernal Devices to understand how amazing this short story is.  And of course, you must be a lover of romance and happy endings.  Cassie Clare used these short 32 pages to sum up the LONG and patient wait for a love that never dies. Read this treasure if you want one last glimpse into the Infernal Devices series because you didn't want it to end.  Be prepared to be swept off your feet as Tessa and Jem finally have the reunion they have been waiting decades for....oh, and there will be sex....

You can read it for free here - After the Bridge 

Thank you Cassie...for giving us Shadowhunter fans one more thing to be happy about.

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Published: May 2014

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 725

Copy Provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

Review:

Curlypow has graciously given me WAY too much time to write this review and I feel like I'm STUCK!! Reading this last book was a blessing and a curse to read.  I was so happy to see the story continue but fels to sad to say goodbye to these characters.   How do you say goodbye to your favourite all time series? Seriously?  Except to start with - I LOVED IT!!

City of Heavenly Fire was similar to the last Harry Potter book.  We waved on our heroes and watched some of them fall.  We cried when they failed and cheered when they succeeded.  And always, there was a time to say goodbye and wish them well on their journey.  All in all, Cassandra Clare did a brilliant job in tying all of the loose ends in the story together and wrapping things up so that her audience could sit back with a sigh of reader satisfaction.  This is one of the many reasons why The Mortal Instruments tops my list as the #1 series on my shelf.  I cannot go through the scenes with you or the story without revealing something disastrous.  It all seemed important and was all integral in bringing The Mortal Instruments together in its entirety.  In order to get the full understanding of Book #6, I went back and re-read each book leading up to it so it was fresh in my mind.  I would recommend you do the same as there were many things to re-visit which I had forgotten.  Keep the story fresh and alive before you dive into this one.  It will take some time but is WELL worth the re-read.

On a side note, if you haven't read the Clockwork series prior to The Mortal Instruments (6 book series), I would highly recommend it.  Clare does a wonderful job of crossing the generations of Shadowhunters and integrating the lives of Magnus Bane, Brother Jeremiah, Tessa Gray.

The Last Stand of the New York Institute by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson

Published: December 2013

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages: 40

Copy Provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary: 

Magnus meets Valentine in battle as the Circle attacks the Downworlders of New York City.

In the time of the Uprising, Valentine’s Circle goes after Downworlders in New York...and the Shadowhunters of the Institute must decide whether to join him, or fight with Magnus and his kind. This is the first time Magnus sees Jocelyn, Luke, and Stephen—but not the last. It is not long before Jocelyn seeks him out...

Review:

Ah Magnus...he is definitely one of my favorite characters in the Mortal Instruments series. Not only that but to see him cross over into the Infernal Devices series is BRILLIANT!!  Oh to be privy to the stories of his life....oh wait! But we are! With the Bane Chronicles, we learn more about his experiences.  He links the Infernal Devices characters with the Mortal Instruments cast.  Kind of like a long lost relative.  Cassandra Clare ties together all of these neat little puzzle pieces!

So for the past couple weeks I have been trying to read Books 2 - 5 of the Mortal Instruments series as a refresher before I dive into the 6th and final book - City of Heavenly Fire.  However, as much as I love this series, its kind of like having a big heavy meal.  Sometimes you just need a snack.  This is what I've been snacking on...the Bane Chronicles.  :)

The Midnight Heir (Bane Chronicles #4) - By Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

Published: July 2013

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books

Pages: 40

Copy Provided by: Bought

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

In Edwardian London, Magnus Bane discovers old friends and new enemies—including the son of his former comrade Will Herondale. One of ten adventures in The Bane Chronicles.

Magnus thought he would never return to London, but he is lured by a handsome offer from Tatiana Blackthorn, whose plans—involving her beautiful young ward—are far more sinister than Magnus even suspects. In London at the turn of the century, Magnus finds old friends, and meets a very surprising young man . . . the sixteen-year-old James Herondale.

This standalone e-only short story illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality populates the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. This story in The Bane Chronicles is written by Sarah Rees Brennan and Cassandra Clare.

Review:

I love the Bane Chronicles.  They are the perfect little tidbit to tide you over as you wait patiently for book #6 in this series.  Delving into Magnus Bane's immortal lifespan is a great way for us to see his true personality and how his humorous nature has come to be.  He surrounds himself with odd company and always seems to find trouble...although maybe it is the other way around.  

If you are to read this novella, you most certainly should have read the entire Infernal Devices series as to avoid spoilers.  It gives us a glimpse of time after certain events in Infernal Devices (Clockwork Princess) and leaves room for possible character spin-off series.  

A couple new characters are introduced in this short story - James Herondale and the young miss Grace, ward of Tatiana Blackthorn.  I am eager to learn more of Grace and her possible connection to young James.  Cassie and Sarah work great as a team on this one and I cannot emphasize enough for you to try the Demon's Lexicon series by Sarah Rees Brennan if you enjoyed the Mortal Instruments series.  

 

We are giving away a SIGNED copy of Omens by Kelley Armstrong starting September 1st.  Look for the post and enter to win!

All Things Mortal Instruments....

It's almost time....two more days and The Mortal Instruments movie will be here. 

So what have you done to prepare?

Well, for most of you know follow our blog religiously (right, like who follows our blog EVERY day??), you may or may not know that I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to this series. It is my #1.  All thanks to that fateful day when I found 3 (count 'em) all 3 hardcover Mortal Instruments series title books on the library sale cart for $1 each.  BEST INVESTMENT EVER!!  Since then, I have followed Cassie Clare on twitter and on her blog, I have read the prequel series (and additional titles 4 and 5).  AND of course, I snagged the opportunity to meet Cassie and her bestie, Holly Black in person to get everything I owned - signed.

So what's there left to do when it comes to my book/series obsession?  Well, last week I finished reading City of Bones again.  I think it has been about 4 years since I originally started reading this series.  It was just as fantastic as the first time.  In fact, I'm all prepared to jump into Book #2 - City of Ashes as soon as I finish the other 4 books I have on the go now.  

So, one of the things that makes Mortal Instruments unique is the Shadowhunter's use of runes.  Did you know that there is an actual licensed Mortal Instruments jeweler?  You might want to take a peek. They have some interesting stuff - The Mortal Instruments Jewelry

Anyone else going to check out the Mortal Instruments movie?

- Christinabean

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Published: March 2013

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 568

Copy Provided by: 

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?

Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.

A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

Review:

What can I say?  The Infernal Devices is such a wonderful trilogy building up as a prelude to The Mortal Instruments.  Cassie Clare sets the framework for her series beautifully and everytime I read her books, I want to go back and read them from the very beginning.

Tessa struggles with her love triangle but there is urgency as Jem's health deteriorates.  Does she marry Jem?  Will she foresake him for Will?  As readers, we are also still unclear as to what part Tessa will play in Mortmain's master plan.  Why does he want her so badly?  What role does she play in his plan with his Clockwork creatures?  Everything comes together smoothly though as the story unfolds.  There were a lot of concepts that I had not considered in this plotline...clever Cassie!!

I usually don't have anything negative to say about Cassandra's writing style or storyline but I do have to say one thing that irked me throughout the book....constant references in different languages (Mandarin is one of them) drove me nuts!  Even though I can understand some Mandarin, I felt like I needed a translator!  Sometimes there was commentary with the English derivative which made things easier but I did find this awfully irritating.  If I could change one thing about this book, it would be this.  I found it cut into the flow of the story.  Anyone else feel this way?

Something I want to caution eager readers on is this (and you may be tempted after reading my blurb) - 
In order for this plotline to be a surprise, DO NOT look at the inside of your book jacket (hard cover editions).  It shows a genealogy chart involving most of the main characters and WILL give you hints as to what happens in the novel.  I stumbled upon it 1/2 way through and was able to predict some of what would happen.  I know it may be tempting but if you want this story to be fresh and exciting, DO NOT peek at the chart....

In true Clare style, this trilogy is wrapped up neatly and jam-packed with action, adventure, romance and plenty of surprises.  I found it sad to say goodbye to these characters because I feel as though I've traveled a long road with them but at the same time, it was satisfying to see how things ended.  Besides, we can continue on new journeys with future generations (ie. Jace).  ;)  The Infernal Devices is not as strong a trilogy as the Mortal Instruments series but it is a fantastic intro to the world of Shadowhunters.  I would highly recommend this entire series to anyone (advanced reading pre-teens as well) up to adult readers.  

By the angel, if you haven't already started this series, you're missing out!

City of Bones - Revisited

There are many reasons for re-reading a book - it's your favourite; school; you don't remember it etc.  In my case it was book club.  I was hosting a book club at work called Not Just For Teens, a great idea that highlights teen books that adults read.  City of Bones was the first book that came to my mind (yes I did think Hunger Games, but there were reasons not to pick it).  I thought at first that I could manage without re-reading, but I realised that it was a few years since I last cracked it open. - it was originally published in 2007.  So I got down my signed copy (big grin on my face here - I met Cassie Clare!) and I settled down to read.  Less than 24 hrs later I was done.

It was so wonderful revisiting Clary's world.  I had forgotten so many small details, which is ridiculous really since I have read, listened to and reread before.  The two things that stand out this time are these - how fragile the 5 kids are and the humour.  Clary is discovering a world that she knew nothing about but is in fact her heritage; Simon is struggling with his feelings for Clary; Jace is still dealing with the loss of his father;  Alec is struggling with love for Jace and Isabel is overcompensating for everything. I had forgotten how young they all are, and what complex, involved characters Ms Clare has produced. 

The thing that really surprised me though was the humour. City of Bones is really such a serious and involved book that it's easy to forget that thread of wit that tumbles it's way through the whole story.

'Madame Dorothea shot him a dark look.  "If you were half as funny as you thought you were, my boy, you'd be twice as funny as you are."' (p102)

'Sarcasm is the last refuge of the imaginatively bankrup," she told him. "I can't help it.  I use my rapier with to hide my inner pain."  "Your pain will be outer soon if you don't get out of traffic.  Are you trying to get run over by a cab?"  "Don't be ridiculous," he said.  "We could never get a cab that easily in this neighborhood."' (p171)

'She thought she saw a muscle twitch in his cheek. "Hello' is girly," he informed her.  "Real men are terse. Laconic."  "So the more manly you are, the less you say?"  "Right." Simon nodded.  .........."That's why when major dadasses greet each other in movies they don't say anything, they just nod. The nod means, 'I am a badass, and I recognize  that you, too, are a badass,' but they don't say anything because they're Wolverine and Magneto and it would mess up their vibe to explain."' (p339)

How I just love the way Ms Clare writes.  You get completely drawn in to her version of the world and it's hard to remember that it's not real. 

The other exciting thing about City of Bones is that it does look as if the movie is going to be made.  I saw an actual release date somewhere, but I can't find it again and I don't have the time to do a full search. After having just finished the book again I'm excited to see what the movie industry does with one of my favourite books.  I'll try to keep an open mind.

Finally, if you  haven't read the book yet, give it a try.  It really is worth it, and I'm sorry if I just gave out any spoilers.

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Published: December 2011

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry Books

Pages: 497

Copy Provided by: Simon and Schuster Canada

Summary: Goodreads

Summary:

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Review:

Firstly I want to send my profuse thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for sending me a copy of the ARC of this title.  I was so excited to receive it!  I am currently away visiting family so I had my husband bring it out with him on his last visit.  Believe it or not I've been waiting for about a month to receive it!  Our phone call the night before his flight went something like this - "Hi honey, are you packed yet?  Did you remember to bring Clockwork Prince?  Please make sure you pack it in middle of your suitcase so it doesn't get damaged..."  Priorities!  (hee! hee!)

So let me tell you about Clockwork Prince.  A couple days ago I came across the trailer.  I was so excited to see that there had been one created but I have to be honest here.  I just didn't "feel" that it captured the true essence of the characters as I pictured them in my mind.  Sorry to say, it's just not making my blog post cut.  I have had such high expectations for this series and Ms. Clare has either met or exceeded them all.  For me, this is one of my favourite, if not THE best series I've ever read.  Cassie Clare is freaking brilliant and she mixes the perfect amount of wit, intrigue, humor, mystery, action and romance into an incredibly complicated world of Shadowhunters and the supernatural beings that co-exist with them.  She executes her stories so well that I feel as if the characters are tangible individuals that I could converse with.  They make me giggle, enrage me and I sympathize with their situations.  

Oh...and what crazy situations they get into this time around!  Tessa is so stumped by her love triangle.  Should she choose quiet, thoughtful Jem or handsome bad boy Will.  When I met Cassie last year, she was taking a survey and asked each of us which character we preferred - Will or Jace (from The Mortal Instruments).  My answer was Jace hands down but after reading this installment, I have to say, Will is growing on me.  One of the things that I found intriguing in this book is how Jem is portrayed as Asian.  I'm not sure if he is full or half but she uses a few Mandarin phrases in the book and also talks about his background a little.  Looking at the outside cover shot, I think this was a fantastic profile of how I picture him in my mind.  

I'm not certain if you've noticed but I have been rather vague about this plot.  There is so much happening in the story and it is so involved that I don't want to give anything away.  All I can tell you is that you have to read it for yourself to fully savor it all.  And, if you haven't read Clockwork Angel yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??

Here are some of my favorite lines.  I am taking quotes from the ARC and pages and exact references could differ from the final edited version.  

Will asks Magnus to call upon a particular demon and it reminds me of one of those situations when you are traveling and someone says - "Oh! You're from Canada?  Do you know David from Toronto?" hilarious!

Page 38

"I don't know, Magnus," he said.  "He doesn't look like the right one to me."  "You said he was blue.  This one's blue."  "He is blue," Will acknowledged, stepping closer to the circle of flame. "But the demon I need - well, he was really a cobalt blue.  This one's more....periwinkle."

Will commenting to their new cook at the London Institute

Page 57

"Lord, you're Irish," said Will.  "Can you make things that don't have potatoes in them? We had an Irish cook once when I was a boy.  Potato pie, potato custard, potatoes with potato sauce..."

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Published: April 2011

Publisher: Margaret K McElderry

Pages: 474

Copy Provided by: Simon and Shuster Canada

Summary: Goodreads

Summary: 

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.

Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.
 
Review:
 
I had waited for this title for so long and was lucky enough to get a copy from Simon and Shuster Canada (THANK YOU!!).  It was such a nice surprise to receive it in the mail.  Unfortunately, life happens and I got busy and wasn't able to dedicate enough time to finish reading it until now.

I absolutely adored the first 3 books in the Mortal Instruments series.  In fact, it is one of my favourite series and when it was announced Clare was writing more books + the trilogy prequel, I couldn't have been happier.  Meeting Cassandra and Holly at a book signing earlier this year was also a bonus.  These two writers feed off each other with their energy and their enthusiasm for writing.

In classic Cassie Clare style, COFA delivered wit, intrigue, and had all the elements I was looking for in a great series.  The problem is, topping the first three books was nearly impossible and I think my expectations have been so high coming into this one.  Don't get me wrong, COFA still has all of the elements I was looking for, it just didn't seem to be as fast-moving as the first 3 books.  I am anticipating that City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire will pick up the momentum and carry the storyline to be just as incredible as the first three.

**May contain some spoilers**

COFA opened up a different side of our favourite characters which is something I enjoyed.  Simon became a bit of a player as his new vampire status attracted the affection of two leading ladies.  (For some reason when I picture Simon, I always see him as being friends with Xander from Buffy...anyone else see this?) It was good to see his character develop.  We also got to see more background on Isabelle.  Izzy has seemed so cold in the past but COFA gave her more depth and sensitivity.  Of course Jace and Clary's relationship also developed.  Jace still continues to be my #1 character (sorry Will).  I just LOVE how conceited and sarcastic he can be and then when it comes to his feelings for Clary he just melts down and shows his vulnerability...speaking of which, guess what came out earlier this week? 

In some copies of COFA was a letter to Clary from Jace.  You can no longer buy the actual letter but you can read it on Cassandra Clare's blog. Sigh...like I need another book boyfriend....
 
I always find it hard to review titles that are so involved in a series without giving spoilers.  If you haven't read the Mortal Instruments series, you are really missing out.  No seriously.  I am a huge supporter of the Vampire Academy.  I'm sure you have heard me rant about how everyone needs to read the series.  This is another series that you just should not miss out on.  Actually, it should come BEFORE you read Vampire Academy, it is THAT fabulous.  Need some convincing?  Let's check out some of my favourite quotes from the book -

pg. 120
"I can see why you like it here...There's a thin layer of nerd all over everything."
- Simon

Pg. 133
"You can't have two fathers."
"Sure you can," Simon said.  "Who says you can't?  We can buy you one fo those books they have for little kids.  Timmy Has Two DadsI.  Except I don't think they have one called Timmy Has Two Dads and One of Them Was Evil.  That part you're going to have to work through on your own."

Pg. 141
"I think I'm better than everyone else.  An opinion that has been backed up with ample evidence."
- Jace

Pg. 152
"A flock of birds rose, cawing, from the nearby trees.  Simon remembered a rhyme his mother used to recite to him, about magpies.  You were supposed to count them and say: one for sorrow, two for mirth, three for a wedding, four for a birth, five for silver, six for gold, seven for a secret that's never been told."
 (I love this quote...)

Page 162
"Love is a contradiction"
- Jace

pg. 317
"Dudes," he said (Jordan), "do not follow other dudes to the bathroom."Isabelle sighed.  "Latent homosexual panic will do you in every time."

Pg 385
"You love each other - anyone can see that, looking at you - that kind of love that can burn down the world or raise it up in glory."
- Lilith to Jace