Review: City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare

Goodreads| Author's Website

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.


Excerpt taken from Goodreads.com
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Rating: 4.5 Stars

 



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Characters

Shadowhunters
Clary Fray/ Morgenstern- the main character, a teenager who's just found out she is a Shadowhunter, is an extremelyt good artist, has special powers, attracted to her brother Jace

Jocelyn Fray/ Morgenstern- Clary's mother. Kept secrets from Clary about their past. Was rescued last book and lays in a coma throughout the entire book
Jace/ Jonathon Wayland-/ Morgenstern- a Shadowhunter trained by his father Valentine. Is extremely talented and has special powers, attracted to his sister Clary. Is parabatai with Alec. 
Isabella Lightwood- also a Shadowhunter teen, tall and beautiful
Alec Lightwood- a Shadowhunter teen who is homosexual, in a relationship with Magnus. Is parabatai with Jace.
Brother Jeremiah- A Silent Brother who was once a Shadowhunter named Hodge Starkweather. The Silent Brothers are archivists and medics for the Nephilim. 
Maryse & Robert Lightwood- parents to Isabella, Alec, and Max. Previously had been in the Circle with Valentine, Jocelyn, and Luke. Replacement heads of the NYC Institute. 
Max Lightwood- Younger brother (age 9) to Isabella and Alec
Madeleine Bellefluer- Unknown connections with Jocelyn
 
Valentine Morgenstern- A powerful Shadowhunter thought to have been dead. Has the Mortal Cup and is looking to overthrow the Clave by bringing out demons
The Inquisitor/ Imogen Herondale: The one in charge of the Clave and giving out punishments. She has a vendetta against Valentine and therefore against Jace for being his living son

Downworlders
Luke Garroway/ Lucian Greymark- close family friend to Jocelyn and Clary, almost a father figure to Clary.  Previously a Shadowhunter and close to Valentine, currently head lycanthrope of the local pack in NYC. Privately in love with Jocelyn. Was also previously Valentine's parabatai.
Maia Roberts- in Luke's pack, is a werewolf. 
Magnus Bane- High warlock, flamboyantly gay, in a romantic relationship with Alec
Raphael Santiago- head vampire of the Night Children
Seelie Queen- Queen of the Seelie court and the Fair Folk
Meliorn- the Queen's personal  knight and confidant. Has  unknown affiliation with Lightwoods

Mundane
Simon Lewis- Clary's boy friend, he turns into a vampire  

Demon
Agramon- A Greater Demon, Demon of Fear. Prays on people by showing them their worst fear. Literally scares people to death. Summoned by a young warlock and then controlled by Valentine by the Mortal Cup.  


I think Clary is still annoying, actually more so this book than the last, and her character doesn't really develop much in this book. Yes, her powers develop, but her mentality is immature and lacking for the majority of the book. I guess my feelings for her haven't changed. I really don't know what role she has to play yet, it seems like there is a climax that I am not anticipating but now want and hope is super great. An example of a super bothersome thing she did was ask the name of the blade she was given right before she left to find Luke. Who the hell wastes time when someone is abducted like this? And then she screams the blades name (Nakir) while fighting... Really? This just seems forced to me and completely out of character! If there had been a specific explanation for this, I could understand, but it served no purpose.

Simon's character had by far the biggest character development of all. When I started feeling something was going to happen to him, I predicted he would change into say a werewolf. I was close and I'll leave it at that.  

Alec's character also went through at first a temporary boost of confidence that changed to his true change by the end of the book.  

My Ideas

I think it is interesting that no one in this world realized that the deaths would have to do with Valentine after he just returned. I liked this book much better as a whole than I did the first one. The prologue is interesting because we meet the antagonist immediately doing antagonistic things. I completely forgot about this prologue for a while until later when it made sense. Then we are placed back with revisiting some places from the last book, the Institute and the hospital where Clary and Jace's mother is. The events that get the ball rolling are a series of murders that pins the Downworlder races against each other. For instance, the fey believe that the vampires are to blame because blood was taken. Then a whole group of people is murdered... I won't say which group but I will say that I was very bothered by this (and I can't tell if it's because of the actual event or because I don't like killing off huge groups as a writer lol). 

Jace takes the brunt of a lot of people's anger because he is Valentine's son. Maryse is mad at him as well as the Inquisitor who seems to have a personal vendetta against him. Jace gains powers and apparently Valentine created them to have. Add to that his dad wants him to join sides with him and you have a very confused young man. 

Last book we heard about them, but this book we finally meet the Fare Folk. The Fare Folk seem to be pitted against the Vampires because of these murders and invite our main characters down for an interview. The Seelie Queen tells Jace and Clary that Valentine gave them special powers and played several fickle jokes on them. I mean fickle from a fey's perspective and not from a humans.

We also see Clary gets some really cool powers in this book that we can stemming from how her mother hid the Mortal Cup. Alas, she is not my favorite character so I will move on. 

The Inquisitor is a very good antagonist. I am going to make several Harry Potter references. She reminds me of Dolores Umbridge for her unethical dealings with children. I had said in my notes as I read that I hope that she gets punished for this and it seems that her back story was extremely punishing as well as her fate in this novel. However, I think sh does eventually have a redemption of sorts. 

More Harry Potter connections, it seems like Cassandra went with the Tom Riddle- Harry Potter relationship with Jace and Valentine but just made it a father/son relationship. That is if they are even related. Some of her writing seems a bit obvious to me. 
Also, what would have happened if Harry had an older sibling and he wasn't an orphan?

I think that there was a nice unity of groups at the end during the battle with Valentine. I really feel that Clary should have been more freaked out about kissing her brother, not so it would be to much complaining, but more so that we knew she did not think it was ok. This part felt weak and I think I now why Cassandra didn't make it stronger. 

Overall, I enjoyed this one much better than the last one. The ending was great, enough closure for the events of this book, yet one tiny little hit that this story will continue and that Clary's mother needs to still be helped. I hope the next one is better!

Review: City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)

Goodreads| Author's Website

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Excerpt taken from Goodreads.com

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Rating: 4/5

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I saw that a friend of mine had only put 3 stars up for this and learned that the author used to be a big Harry Potter fan fic writer. In her past she had plagerized other writers by saying she was giving them homage which doesn't sit well with the majority of the public, myself included. 
Other people disliked this book (or series) because of its similar themes to other popular fiction.

Despite these issues, I enjoyed this series. I can see the many themes that I've seen in my favorite series such as the father-son good-evil bit from Star Wars or how about the brother and sister falling in love stint, again from Star Wars. 

Characters

Clary- the main character, a teenager who's life is about to take a flip
Simon- Clary's best friend who clearly has more in mind than friendship
Jocelyn- Clary's mother. Kept secrets from Clary about their past.
Luke (aka Lucian Greymark)- close family friend to Jocelyn and Clary, almost a father figure to Clary.  Head lycanthrope of the local pack. 
Jace Wayland- an orphaned Shadowhunter living with the Lightwoods and Hodge at the Institute
Isabella Lightwood- also a Shadowhunter teen, tall and beautiful
Alec Lightwood- a Shadowhunter teen who is homosexual and jealous of Jace and Clary's relationship
Hodge Starkweather- eccentric tutor at the Institute, trapped there because of a curse the Clave put on him for past events
Hugin- Hodge's raven
Valentine Morgenstern- A powerful Shadowhunter thought to have been dead. He returns and attempts to steal the Mortal Cup from his previous wife, Jocelyn
Brother Jeremiah- A Silent Brother who was once a Shadowhunter named Hodge Starkweather. The Silent Brothers are archivists and medics for the Nephilim. He was called upon when the block on Clary's mind would not come off.
Magnus Bane- High warlock, he is the one who puts a block on Clary's mind ever so often at her mother's behest. Flamboyantly gay, romantically interested in Alec
Raphael- head vampire of the Night Children

I want to say that a few characters really developed pretty well like Jace and Alec. Simon was  annoying by the end of this book. And while Clary changed over the course of the novel, I want to say that she lacks a certain depth to make her annoying. 

Theme

 

Better than you
Downworlder's are creatures such as vampires and werewolves. The Clave is made up of Shadowhunters which are thought to have blood of angels. Valentine is a shadowhunter who thinks that all downworlders are less and therefore need to be eliminated. This theme has been seen throughout history in the Nazi's as well as in Harry Potter with Thomas Riddle and the pure bloods verse the muggle born. 

My Thoughts

 

We start the book as clueless as Clary and are pushed into a world that we learn about as we go with Clary. She has a tendency to annoy me a lot, just like any teen I guess. I have to give her credit, it could have been because her entire life is continually flipped upside down each chapter. Add to this, her mind has been tampered with to keep her from remembering certain things, and you have a very upsetting time for this girl. Clary doesn't act the way I would like her to... I can't tell if it's because she's a teenager or if her character depth is just lacking... I enjoy most of the other characters better. 


Clary has an overprotective mother who has kept many secrets from her. This bites her mother in the butt when she is kidnapped and Clary tries to see what's wrong with her. The book from this point on is thrust into constant action from here and when Clary deals with the thing left in her apartment, she blacks out. When she awakes, she is thrust into a world that she belonged to but that her mother shielded her from. This is where she goes to the Institute and sees where Jace, Alec, and  Isabella live as well as Hodge. Wanting to see if her mother is back at home, her and Jace go back to find more danger and that the tenant Madame Dorothea is more than she appears. I really liked this twist.

A portal takes them to surprisingly Luke's house/bookstore and they meet up with Simon. The last time Clary was with him, he was about to confess his love for her but she ran off to help her mother. I want to say that Simon is annoying for most of this book. Clary finds out a lot about her mother's past here as well as herself. This is where they realize that the antagonist is looking to collect the three mortal instruments and that he believes his wife, Jocelyn, is hiding the Mortal Cup. This gives Clary and Jace a direction to try and thwart Valentine.

Tons of stuff happens from here, they meet several characters including Magnus Bane. Various romances break out. Clary's memory comes back and she realizes where the her mom left the Mortal Cup.

I felt uncomfortable with how the romance with Clary and Jace switched because they are brother and sister. I'd have to say my favorite character is Luke... he's got a Lupin from Harry Potter/ Luke from Gilmore Girls feel. I was so upset about the role that Hugin took because of Hodge... I love birds so I'll leave you wondering what that is to try and avoid too many spoilers. 

Favorite Lines

~ He was the youngest of these three children and had a finely honed sense of familial injustice. p19

~ The night had gotten even hotter, and running home felt like swimming as fast as she could through boiling soup. p46

~ Only people with no purpose are unhappy~ Jace p175 

I do recommend this book despite being annoyed by Clary. I like the world that was created and while there are similarities between this book and other worlds, I do feel it is unique.

Review: Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage by Haruki Murakami

Goodreads| Author's Website

Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage is the long-awaited new novel-- a book that sold more than a million copies the first week it went on sale in Japan--from the award-winning, internationally best-selling author Haruki Murakami.

Here he gives us the remarkable story of Tsukuru Tazaki, a young man haunted by a great loss; of dreams and nightmares that have unintended consequences for the world around us; and of a journey into the past that is necessary to mend the present. It is a story of love, friendship, and heartbreak for the ages.







Excerpt taken from Goodreads.com
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Rating: 5/5

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Having lived in Japan, I became extremely interested in learning more about their culture. Part of that is their literature. I have not yet been disappointed with Haruki Murakami and this is my third read of his. The first story I read was The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles and then 1Q84. Each one puts you in a different place! Westerners (aka America's and Europeans) will more than likely either not like it because it has a completely different mentality and style or be appreciative of the differences. I personally am the latter.

Characters

Tsukuru Tazaki- a middle aged man of 36 years old cooping with a traumatic experience that happened back when he was 20. He continually thinks that because his name does not have a color in it that he is a lackluster person.

Sara- Tsukuru's love interest and the trigger for his need to go on the Pilgrimage.

Aka (red), Ao (blue), Shiro (white), Kuro (black)- Tsukuru's close classmates from high school who become  the source of much loss and pain for him.

Haida- a fleeting character that Tsukuru became close with but also had trouble maintaining.

Some Themes

Coming-of-age, loss, loneliness and isolation, alienation, needing closure

Thoughts

This book started out very dark. I really had no idea where this book was leading in the beginning, but as usual, Murakami is a veteran writer and his writing is fluent and extremely pleasant. I believe this book could be read by everyone. We all have probably felt the sting of pain when we inevitably lose a friend which helps the reader relate to Tsukuru.

His journey through coping with the pain (or lack there of for 16 years) is the story we learn about. There are many odd things that happen to him and finding a potential girlfriend who encourages him to confront the people who hurt him is where we really see Tsukuru take on a metamorphosis. I was also able to make connections to this character because I am in my 30's, so I can understand how things feel the same in life while they are in reality so different. I do not want to give anything away, but I was extremely shocked when we find out the reason why the people in his past did what they did to him. I love how Murakami leaves it where there is no real justification because we all get yet another relate able theme, the things that happen in life aren't always explained or justifiable.

I like how there are references to things that I either know or don't know but want to look up. For instance 'Noh'; 'bunraku'; Franz Listz's Le mal du pays'; Aldous Huxley just to name a few. Having read a few other works by him, I noticed that he likes his older characters to drink Cutty Sark. There were two discussions about what sometimes happens to people who had been at the height of their blossoming when they were younger who seemed to have faded when they got older. One didn't handle it well by having a break down of sorts and the other continued to act as if she hadn't diminished which pained friends to watch. This is an interesting analysis and one that I'm sure is true. When you are young, you almost take for granted the youth you wish you maintained forever as you get older. This ties into my last point about this books. It would seems that some people have fears and if they are not careful they will bring upon yourselves the exact things you fear unknowingly to the point of your own 'destruction'.

Favorite Lines:

pg 52~ Jealousy was not a place he was forced into by someone else, but a jail in which the inmate entered voluntarily, locked the door, and threw away the key.

pg 59~ Ideas are like beards. Men don't have them until they grow up.

pg 74~ You shouldn't fear boundaries, but you also should not be afraid of destroying them.

pg 245~ People are in constant motion, never stationary. No one knows what will happen next.

pg 274~ The human heart is like a night bird. Silently waiting for something, and when the time comes, it flies straight toward it.

pg 319~ Unspoken feelings were as heavy and lonely as the ancient glacier that had carved out the deep lake.

pg 384~ Die in reality, or die figuratively- there isn't much difference between the two.



I absolutely recommend this book! It has themes that everyone can relate to and really leaves one thinking. I am an optimistic person and I feel that despite an open ending (you are left to wonder what happens to Tsukuru the next day), I feel that things will work out positively. The book is from the Japanese culture but the themes are absolutely universal.

Just browsing Murakami's website, I found an absolutely amazing resource... he has links to all the music he refers to in his books! That adds so much to the story now that I too can here what he was hearing in his head to aid in his writing of those particular scenes. Click Murakami's Resources to listen to the music. 

Review: Chasing the Prophecy (Beyonders #3) by Brandon Mull

Goodreads| Author Website

Jason and Rachel were not born in Lyrian. They did not grow up in Lyrian. But after all of the battles and losses, the triumphs and adventures, and most of all, the friendships forged in this fantastical world, Lyrian has become home to them in a way they never could have imagined.

And so, armed now with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they have gone on their separate quests—each surrounded by brave and powerful allies—knowing that the chance for success is slim. But Jason and Rachel are ready at last to become the heroes Lyrian needs, no matter the cost.





Excerpt taken from Goodreads.com
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Rating: 5/5

 



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I was totally investing into the world of Lyrian and needed to know how they followed the prophecy that the prophetess gave her life to give them at the end of Seeds of Rebellion. I will warn that this book is rather sad because they were fighting someone who wanted to completely dominate the world... and in order to win many sacrifices were needed on many fronts of the war. The last few chapters were so action packed and leaving me with such anticipation... just the way I imagine the characters feeling. I was extremely happy that my prediction for the other group of beyonders went the way I wanted it to. I was even more shocked with the outcome and what Jason and Rachel had to commit to at the end of the novel. It really left me thinking... Could I have done what Jason did? Or could I have done what Rachel did? Really I debated how they would each feel with their actions for the rest of their lives. Endings are my criteria for if a series is well done or not, and Brandon Mull delivers a great series again. 

You all should read these books!
Especially if you like Rick Riordan. 
Enjoy ;)

Review: Seeds of Rebellion (Beyonders #2) by Brandon Mull

Goodreads| Author Website

After the cliffhanger ending of A World Without Heroes, Jason is back in the world he’s always known—yet for all his efforts to get home, he finds himself itching to return to Lyrian. Jason knows that the shocking truth he learned from Maldor is precious information that all of his friends in Lyrian, including Rachel, need if they have any hope of surviving and defeating the evil emperor.

Meanwhile, Rachel and the others have discovered new enemies—as well as new abilities that could turn the tide of the entire quest. And as soon as Jason succeeds in crossing over to Lyrian, he’s in more danger than ever. Once the group reunites, they strive to convince their most-needed ally to join the war and form a rebellion strong enough to triumph over Maldor. At the center of it all, Jason and Rachel realize what roles they’re meant to play—and the answers are as surprising as they are gripping. 



Excerpt taken from Goodreads.com
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Rating: 5/5

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By the time I got to this book, I was over my hang up with it being so different from Fablehaven. Brandon has a way of writing sequels that blow the previous ones away and this book was no exception. I don't want to give anything away but I love the double meaning that the title has. This book is a huge game changer. Information from the first book takes on a completely new twist and I was pleasantly surprised by directions I hadn't even thought of. 

I am not sure if Brandon did this in Fablehaven, but I noticed that each of his protagonists (more Jason since he is clearly the main protagonist) voices their doubts. This helps them pick the path to what they believe is just and correct. 

I would definitely recommend this book!

Review: A World Without Heroes (Beyonders #1) by Brandon Mull

Goodreads| Author Website

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable--until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he's ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.
In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor, and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.






Excerpt taken from Goodreads.

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Rating: 5/5

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I jumped into this book because I absolutely love Brandon Mull for his Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War book (I read this before he had a second one). So I wanted to read more from a favored author to show my support of his work. I have always felt that his novels end better than they start, and with the Fablehaven series, each book ended better than the previous making me want more and more. 

That being said, I became apprehensive when I started this book. It started off a little bit slow for me. Then when it started picking up, it was just so different than Fablehaven, that it caught me off guard. I definitely had to warm up to this book, but once I was able to get over my hangups, I absolutely enjoyed it. 

We are taken on an action packed adventure in a world we learn about as we go. Stakes are set off immediately and our main characters are thrust into a quest. The book ties up nicely at the end fully engaging you as the reader and leaving no doubt that you will head to book two. 

Favorite Lines

page 326: "For each of us destiny is a blend of potential, circumstances, and choices." ~ Jasher.  


I definitely recommend this book!

Review: The Case That Time Forgot (The Sherlock Files #3)

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Xander’s classmate Karim tells him about a famous amulet carved in the shape of Thoth, the Egyptian god of time. It was thought to be so powerful that it could turn back time one day every hundred years. And that day is in a week!

The amulet disappeared from a London museum years ago. Xena and Xander’s celebrated ancestor Sherlock Holmes tried to find it, but had no luck. The twins are on the case—and so are mysterious foes who are trying to thwart and perhaps even harm them! Can Xander and Xena track down what Sherlock Holmes could not?


The Case That Time Forgot is a 2011 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.






Excerpt taken from Goodreads.

 
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Rating: 3/5 Stars

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I enjoyed this installation of Xena and Xander's life. They are back at home and they encounter a friend who has an ancestor who also knew their ancestor Sherlock for help. This case had been forced closed by HIM (Her Imperial Majesty) because of international issues between England and Egypt. The kids are taken on a thrilling adventure that has not only modern challenges (such as people used to be able to freely walk through Big Ben but now you need Parliaments permission to enter) as well as an unknown shadow figure who is following them and thwarting them at every turn. I think young readers will really enjoy this story!

We meet some new characters in this story, and one in particular that has a connection to the siblings that we find out later on. One thing that seemed to be a little flat was the lack of character development. This story is high paced and soli driven by solving the case. 

Now coming into this as an avid Sherlock fan, there are a few things that bothered me. Yet, I feel that this may be a personal issue. I remember Sherlock having almost an entire alphabetized bookshelf of case notes. It's been about a year since I read those, but I feel like the unsolved case book the kids came in contact in would have more. However, I understand it needs to be simple and relavent for this novel so no biggie. 

This grip seems a little bit more important. Several months before this book is when they figure out that their namesake is in fake due to the famous Sherlock Holmes. This fact to me would seem to have pushed me to read all of the things I could about my ancestor. Yet when they hear a direct quote, they seem to have never heard anything before. I think by now they should have read things... and Xander having a photographic memory would solidify his knowledge. This seemed odd to me. 

The ending also seems to happen and then the book is over. The abruptness is a bit discouraging. 

Overall a fun book for kids.

Review: The Beast of Blackslope (The Sherlock Files #2)

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Xena and Xander have been looking forward to their vacation in the peaceful country village of Blackslope. But when a huge monster begins to terrorize the town, the young detectives are faced with a mystery that seems impossible to solve.

Sherlock Holmes, Xena and Xander’s famous ancestor, investigated the case of a horrible beast in Blackslope, but that was nearly a hundred years ago. It couldn’t be the same creature after all this time—could it?







Excerpt taken from Goodreads.
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Rating: 4/5 Stars

 

  


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This story is the second in a series about a brother and sister who are the descendents of Sherlock Holmes. They have inherited their predecessor's notebook of unsolved mysteries and each book has them on an adventure solving one case at a time. The kids are on a week vacation out in the country away from London and they hear a monster howl. Superstition from the town makes them realize this was a sight Sherlock visited himself and did not solve the case of the Beast of Blackslope. 

Sherlock had been called in because he had solved the case of The Hound of the Baskervilles but was said to not have solved this one. If you are a fan of Sherlock, you know that he only gave us (or rather Watson) those cases he was successful in solving and there had been plenty he had not solved. For me, I think some of them were unsolved because he was a busy man and I wish that had been stated, more for the ending of this book because it seemed like something he could have figured out. 

That being said, this book put a modern twist on an old case and it worked out really well. I do get a bit lost when reading this book because it is so fast pace and the POV switches quickly from Xander to Xena, and sometimes I think it's because of their names both starting with an X, but other times I wonder if it's because their voices aren't distinct enough. That's the for the 4 stars... and the ending on how they solve so simply a hundred year old case so simply. That felt a bit tacked on but worked well.

I will be reading the next one now and believe this book is perfect for middle age kids who love reading detective/ mystery stories. It's a fast pace book and there are a lot of clues and potential suspects. The plot twists keep everyone engaged nicely. 

Now some people have given this one a poor rating and have commented that this feels like a plot from Scooby-Doo. I believe the premise of this story was to more closely be related to The Hound of the Baskervilles and I think this worked well. 

Review: The Infinite Sea

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Surviving the first four waves was nearly impossible. Now Cassie Sullivan finds herself in a new world, a world in which the fundamental trust that binds us together is gone. As the 5th Wave rolls across the landscape, Cassie, Ben, and Ringer are forced to confront the Others’ ultimate goal: the extermination of the human race.

Cassie and her friends haven’t seen the depths to which the Others will sink, nor have the Others seen the heights to which humanity will rise, in the ultimate battle between life and death, hope and despair, love and hate.

(excerpt taken from goodreads.com)





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Rating: 5/5 Stars

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I have been seeing some unfavorable reviews for this book which makes me sad. I loved this book! The world is awesome and the characters developed well. One reservation I have is that many of the trilogies that I have read have started out strong and ended weak. I am hoping that this series is different though.

Starting the novel, I would have liked a little more clarification on who the speaker was... Like when Ringer was the voice, I thought it was Cassie because that's who the main character was last book. I think I would have benefited from a quick summary or such to remind me where we were picking up since it had been a while since I read the last book (like 9 months).

I think this book is misunderstood a bit because it is meant to signify how 'the enemy' is trying to divide and conquer and it kind of goes through various scenarios showing this, whether a person is by themselves or the group is thinking of splitting up. Another tactic used by 'the enemy' is sending children as suicide bombers. My guess is who we really think the enemy will change come the next book based on the ending.

There were two deaths in this book, I mean who likes characters dying... and I'm not sure if I like them, but I think I understand the need for them.

I was excited to learn more about Evan and Ringer's background as well as a few other characters. There was a constant edge-of-your-seat anticipation in this book which kept me 100% engaged. I like the idea that no man gets left behind and that friendships are meant to last... even when Cassie's little brother's friend tests this theory... something that becomes a theory of humanity. Hopelessness and despair seem to want to thrive, yet hope is what drives our characters.

Now, going off of my previous fear from past endings in books, the ending will either make or break this book for me. This is the second book which is a continuation of the plots and gives us more depth to the world and I am hoping that Mr. Yancey will give us a great ending! (Possibly one worthy of the movies!!!)

I would definitely recommend this book, but I think that recommending the first one makes people want to read it anyway. Forgive the lack of depth, first I don't want to give too much away, but second, I read this a month ago. 

Favorite Lines:

~ I am more than the sum of my fear.
~The temperature of true rage is absolute zero.
 

Review: Gone Girl

Goodreads| Amazon| Website

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

(taken from goodreads.com)
 

 
 

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Rating: 3/5 Stars

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So this book was very long. This book was a bit tedious for me. It wasn't until past 100 pages that this story actually picked up pace to keep me interested (the reason I kept going was my OCD to finish and a curiosity at how this would end). 

I think that Amy was a bit over the top and I kinda feel bad for Nick because of his choice at the end. I suppose given Amy's history and how she progressively up-ed her anty so to speak... it makes sense what happens with her ex boyfriend from high school. I mean being married is tough, and everyone is going to make mistakes. This just takes it to a level so unrealistic that it's put me in a weird spot. When I think if I like this book or not, it leans more to the 'No'... but sometimes I think it's ok because of the writer in me.

There was definitely twists in this story I didn't anticipate and it was well written, but the ending was so anticlimactic and annoying. Now I can say I read it... I won't recommend this book, but I will probably see the movie out of curiosity.
  
Sorry if this post left you feeling weird... that's what this book did to me.  

Review: Hollow City: (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children #2)

Goodreads| Amazon| Author Website|

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children was the surprise best seller of 2011—an unprecedented mix of YA fantasy and vintage photography that enthralled readers and critics alike.

This second novel begins in 1940, immediately after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine's island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends must journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. Along the way, they encounter new allies, a menagerie of peculiar animals, and other unexpected surprises.

Complete with dozens of newly discovered (and thoroughly mesmerizing) vintage photographs, this new adventure will delight readers of all ages.

(taken from goodreads.com)

 


 
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Rating: 5/5 Stars

 

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 ~ I want you to enjoy this one as much as I did!







I can't believe I didn't write this review faster. I finished the book at like 2 or 3 in the am and you can ask my hubby if you don't believe me about my reaction. I literally fell back on the bed with my hand on my forehead and shouted 'Whyyyyy?' I was so not interested in the book ending when it did. I just wanted to keep on going in this interesting world that Ransom Riggs has created. I literally devoured this book.

Jacob and his peculiar friends journey through the 1940's loops in order to try and find a way to get help for not only Miss Peregrine, but also for the other ymbryne's. We see the characters develop nicely. We learned more about the 'world' that the other peculiars live in. My particular favorites were the gypsies who held an understanding for the peculiars. We are teased throughout the story about the antagonists which include the current time's Nazi's, but ultimately for them, the group of Hologasts.

There were some reviews out there that thought this book was a little slow or boring. I think those people were not really invested in the story though. The slow parts for me were filled with anticipation and anxiety, like I would imagine it was for the characters. What was going to pop out next? Everything can't always be full on action... rather the waiting for the unknown is psychologically thrilling.

The pictures really helped enrich this story and I honestly wish more authors would use pictures. I understand that a lot of the fun in reading is being able to imagine things. However, there are just some things readers aren't going to know and visual aides here and there have great effects. This book was full of plot twists that I was not expecting (although I think with well written books, I've figured out how to try and not predict things so I can enjoy it in the moment it happens)... but frankly, there was a plot twist at the end that was so well hidden, I was blown away... and then the book ended. This twist made me want to keep going because it was soooo major.


YOU MUST READ THIS SERIES... or wait until we have a release date for the third book so you're not tortured like me :P

Favorite Lines
~ Just because they knew it was lost didn't mean they knew how to let it go.~ page 21
~ "What I believe is that when it comes to big things in life , there are no accidents. Everything happens for a reason..." Emma page 46 

(I had others but already returned the book to the library >.<) 

Review: Landline

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Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems beside the point now.

Maybe that was always beside the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?

(taken from goodreads.com)

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Rating: 3/5 Stars

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I have heard very good things about Rainbow Rowell, probably in regards to Fangirl which I want to read. However, my mother-in-law read this and didn't like it, which didn't bode well for me going into it.  Now the feeling comes from having read the first chapter. I feel like that was too fast to start a book. While I understand you can really do whatever you want a a writer, there are also some key things you need to give the reader when they are reading. So just from chapter one I would have liked more background (and I understand this does have to do with the past, but seriously there's some gotta know now's). I would have liked a chapter on her and her husband having a normal day in the life of where  we see their normal issues and fighting. Then I would have liked to see the scene where she had to accept working on the holiday. 

Now that I'm finished with the book, I'm rather disappointed from all the hype. And I'm not saying the writing itself was bad, in fact I think it was good, rather one of my issues was the awkward  breaks between scenes. It read rather choppy and a bit annoying. Another thing the idea for the book was great, yet there seemed to be a lack of depth to it. It really seemed like just another messed up marriage from the POV of the wife, and only the wife. We kept hearing that she had messed up... but something was missing. 

Neal was just too passive. I would have liked to hear why he had finally snapped and decided their marriage was over. Was it just an assumption from her mom? Was he seriously done with her and considering leaving her? Did his resentment really build because they stayed in California and he couldn't pursue his own career? All we get to see is the inside of Georgie's head which was way too onesided for me to truly grasp

The situation with Seth just seemed weird to me. I liked the turn of him being a semi-antagonist... but it seriously should have been done more. Again we only see it from Georgie's narrow-minded, foggy perspective.   

When I read the except about what the book was about, I was looking for something meaningful that I could connect with. I have been married for 6 years and it is not the fairy tale that Disney princesses portrays to young girls. I won't be recommending this book to people because of this.  

Review: The Selection Series

I read all three of these books before sitting down to write this review, so I will put all three in here since they blend a bit for me.

Goodreads| Website| Amazon|

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself--and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

(taken from goodreads.com)
 
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Rating: 4.5/5 Stars







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To start, I absolutely love the cover of this book. It's an eye grabber with a mysterious air from the arm covering the females face. I was immediately drawn into the world and by chapter two I knew what the conflict would be. America is in love but in a caste system where she would be better off marry up than down like her heart would have her do. Society is repressive and it's set in the future of America after WWIV (O.o). That's some serious stuff there. No one is allowed to have sex before getting married or they are outed from society which is said to be good for keeping diseases at bay but in reality it's to keep the castes intact.

I really wonder what their new national anthem is since they were taken over by China... something I could totally see... Let's just not think about that. The main character's name is a clue to her personality and while she does stupid things from time to time, she is genuine and true.

 I truly liked the political plot arc and really hoped it would deliver later on. I could not wait to get my hands on the next book.

Favorite Line
~The sound of thirty-five pairs of heels on the marble stairs was the music of some elegant stampede.~ page 100

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 Goodreads| Website| Amazon| 

The Selection began with thirty-five girls.
Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.

(taken from goodreads.com)

 
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Rating: 4/5 Stars

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Ok, so again, I love the cover. This book annoyed me though. I felt like it was very tedious to read this one but wanted to know so bad how the ending was to unravel that I gave it a higher rating than if it had been a stand alone. Stand alone it probably would have been closer to a 2-3. 

America is too topsy-turvy with her feelings and she is making the stupidest decision based on someone who threw her away. She has a chance at a better life and to make a difference the way she was meant to yet she is having these secret meetings with Aspen... REALLY??? I just wanted to slap her... Especially when she keeps seeing him after one of her friends gets beat for liking a guard. I think it's a bit ridiculous that citizens are treated like strict military where their bodies are government property yada-yada. When you don't let people live freely and love freely, your reign is destined to end. 

My favorite part was America meeting the Italian diplomats and getting the Princess's support. This is where I think the book really needs to go, because in order to be a fair Queen, you have to understand how to work the politics. 

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Goodreads| Website| Amazon| 

The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen—and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

Find out who America will choose in The One, the enchanting, beautifully romantic third book in the Selection series! 

(taken from goodreads.com)





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Rating: 3/5 Stars

 
 


  

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This book starts with America totally into winning Maxon but being knocked down left and right by the King. It seems to me like they make the King the typical bad guy, and he does have his hang ups, but the real antagonist is really the Southern Rebels. 
I really liked that there was a whole hidden history and that the Northerners were trying to gain what seems to be the old America back while the Southerners just wanted control. I think it's a bit silly that we never hear what the demands were from the North and South... as the King and Prince, they should know what each group is lobbying for. This lack could have been foresight or intentional and I hope it was the former. Maxon seems totally taken off guard and I think it's a bit ridiculous that he's never seen his kingdom. That to me is a poor leader (more the kings fault). 
I was really hoping for more of the political aspects built into this story because it because so much more than just becoming princess and queen, there are real issues at hand that can be addressed. But we only got a tease in this respect. 
I loved that America set up a way for the Northern Rebels to get funding from the Italians. That was great. But really, why did America have to get shot... and how the hell was she soo calm? She did make some stupid mistakes in regards to Aspen and she seriously should have considered her actions more in this regards, particularly at the end. But that scene did not specify she was hanging all over him. At this point we really should have shifted away from the feel of the Bachelor and more towards what really mattered. 

America's dad dying felt a little bit too much, but I understand the need to get her away from Maxon. I did NOT like the ending really. I think that we should have absolutely gotten more background on how America's father was a Northern Rebel and Kriss should have been a Southern Rebel. I think that she should have been killed and not Celeste... that was just a cruel move after her character arc learned she should be good... she was seriously more of a character than Kriss was. Maxon still should have wanted to marry her, that was a bit ridiculously harsh. King and Queen dying seemed very convenient. And why did Marie just disappear? What purpose did that serve but to upset the reader?

But what really pissed me off was the damn epilogue. I really was excited for more information about how the rebels were being handled, how the Northerners were prospering, how Italy was fully backing Maxon, or even how America finds her ties to the Northern Rebels (I mean the mention of the old social studies text book was hint enough)... but we get a damn wedding and talk about Aspen and Lucy. I think Kiera tried to keep her book in the vision of what she had thought it should have been which was a love story... but that made this series which was good so sour and shallow. 

I was very disappointed by the ending. I was even more disappointed to hear bad things about her two short stories The Prince and The Guard. I would rather have the political hardness's being toughed out than the shallow ending. I'm sorry Kiera... I loved the world you built, but wish you had let the story take you where it wanted to go which was not a romantic ending. I have mixed feelings about recommending this series now.