Review: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy pt. 2

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman
collection of Shadowhunter stories!

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. But the events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows he was friends with Clary, and that he convinced the total goddess Isabelle Lightwood to go out with him…but he doesn’t know how. And when Clary and Isabelle look at him, expecting him to be a man he doesn’t remember…Simon can’t take it.So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. His new self. Whomever this new Simon might be.But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. And that differences—like being a former vampire—are greatly looked down upon. At least Simon is trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. These ten short stories give an epilogue to the Mortal Instruments series and provide glimpses of what’s in store in the Dark Artifices.

PALE KINGS AND PRINCES

Helen Blackthorn comes to SA and tells her story - as she knows it. We later are treated to the real version courtesy of Lady Narissa's POV. Gives you a lot of perspective on TDA, not overly emotional or anything to me. More interesting is the Sizzy going on- failed dates and Simon stupidity, but a really good conversation about the Cold Peace. I found that the Shadowhunter situation with the faeries has a lot of parallels in real-life politics, and both Simon and Izzy made good, thought-provoking points. Feelings of frustration about it that I was really able to relate to. I even wondered if Cassandra Clare was maybe alluding to my country. 

Also, Sizzy finally becomes a thing again. YESSSS

BITTER OF TONGUE

While this was a good story, it also made like no sense. George leads a mission of SA students to do... what? It was never clear. When they get there... what happens? Also didn't understand. All I know is that Simon gets imprisoned by himself by a faerie and has a lot of funny "WHY is it always ME" memories. And then Mark Blackthorn shows up and gives me all the feels. I admire that character so much. Also, Simon has nice, simple line. 

There's more to both sides than the worst. 

The conversation between the two was a good and important one, if a little all over the place when it comes to topics- something I find is regular occurrence in Cassandra Clare writing. 

This whole story and the mission failure is a HUGE foreshadow to the end of the book. DID ANYONE ELSE MISS THIS COMPLETELY? If you stop between story to story and contemplate, you probably won't though. 

And then- the wedding. Simon becomes very perceptive for purposes of us getting a glimpse of the Blackthorn children and their dynamics. He also continues the process started in the previous story of beginning to fit in with himself and his friends, which is nice to watch and also kind of a learning thing for all of us trying to find ourselves. 

THE FIERY TRIAL

Talk of Parabatai. Funnily enough, only in this story did I realize how unrealistic the whole thing is. It is LITERALLY like finding someone to IRREVERSIBLY MARRY BEFORE THE AGE OF 18. I'm not a commitment-phobe, but that seems like too much for kids. Yeah yeah, I know they live short lives, but still. 

Also, cameos. 

BORN TO ENDLESS NIGHT

THIS ONE. 

Magnus Bane is the other thing besides 19th century London that I read Shadowhunter books for. EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY WAS SO GOOD. Everything. Alec's confidence, Magnus's sexiness, everyone's reactions to Magnus's sexiness, BOTH MAGNUS AND ALEC TOTALLY GETTING WHAT HAD BEEN COMING TO THEM FOR YEARS NOW IN TERMS OF WALKING IN ON PEOPLE, A BABY, everyone's reactions to the baby, everyone getting all baby-lovesick. The feels. Magnus and his history. Millions of baby jokes. FAMILY BUILDING. LOVE AND HAPPINESS AND EVERYONE'S RIDICULOUS PERSONALITIES ON DISPLAY. Tears and laughs. By far my favorite story. 

And then, even more miraculously, it gets better. We find out about all the work Alec, Lily Chen,  Maia and Magnus have been doing for all the Downworlders (and Shadowhunters) of New York, a little, properly-balanced Council they have going on. Unofficial Accords based on mutual understanding and a will to help each other. All the hope. 

Oh, and Simon and Alec reconciliation. Jace and Clary future baby talk. Sizzy. Robert Lightwood displays massive change and process. Magnus begins to forgive the former Circle members, and bonds with his parents-in-law. Name significance. And other things I can't spoil for you. 

ANGELS TWICE DESCENDING

George's wistfulness reminds me of myself when graduation from boarding school. And Cassandra Clare. Once again. breaks your heart. just. because she can. 

Review: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy pt. 1

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, Robin Wasserman
collection of Shadowhunter stories!

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. But the events of City of Heavenly Fireleft him stripped of his memories, and Simon isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows he was friends with Clary, and that he convinced the total goddess Isabelle Lightwood to go out with him…but he doesn’t know how. And when Clary and Isabelle look at him, expecting him to be a man he doesn’t remember…Simon can’t take it.
So when the Shadowhunter Academy reopens, Simon throws himself into this new world of demon-hunting, determined to find himself again. His new self. Whomever this new Simon might be.
But the Academy is a Shadowhunter institution, which means it has some problems. Like the fact that non-Shadowhunter students have to live in the basement. And that differences—like being a former vampire—are greatly looked down upon. At least Simon is trained in weaponry—even if it’s only from hours of playing D&D.
Join Simon on his journey to become a Shadowhunter, and learn about the Academy’s illustrious history along the way, through guest lecturers such as Jace Herondale, Tessa Gray, and Magnus Bane. These ten short stories give an epilogue to the Mortal Instruments series and provide glimpses of what’s in store in the Dark Artifices.

If you can, read this in the order in which it was meant to be- right after TMI and before TDA. AND PREPARE TO DEAL WITH FEELINGS.

WELCOME TO SHADOWHUNTER ACADEMY:
It had never occurred to me how weird Simon would feel now. I remember my utter heartbreak when Simon lost his memories, feeling like he died in a way. I've since been healed, having read Lady Midnight before these and seeing all the great things he has going on there. But here I forgot about all that and just felt for Simon. Not knowing who you are, being told all these great and terrible things - friends you've had who died, your mother's betrayal, a best friend you had since you were six but don't know now. That you are a hero, but don't know how or why. That you loved a girl and she loves you but you just can't believe it.

But don't worry, there isn't much time to dwell on that. We get mercifully thrown right into Simon being Simon - geeky and mundane and utterly hilarious. Shadowhunter Academy is no Hogwarts, and it makes me laugh that everyone expected it to be. SA reminded me more of my own boarding school experience - rodents, bad food, teachers you grow close to and friends you originally hate but then are your sisters-in-arms for life.

THE LOST HERONDALE:
The story of Tobias Herondale and SA students being sent to carry down the Law on a rogue vampire. Expect cameos. Heartfelt talk about following the law and doing what's right. Catarina Loss is a Boss. Clary is a sweetie.

THE WHITECHAPEL FIEND
Simon and George are the cutest roommates. I love George - his innocence, his fierce love, his ridiculous comments. Jace shows up - not gonna lie, Jace's lines throughout this whole book were a bit forced. Obviously he's grown and developed, but I miss his olden-days real sass. It's possible the writing may feel different because CC is not the only writer.

CUE LONDON 1888. The real reason you (by which I mean I) read shadowhunter novels. To experience Will Herondale. Ahhhh. Such love. Such happiness. Probably first time I properly loled this read. Back at the London Institute. Wessa as parents, which made me swell with happiness and broke my heart at the same time. Cecily and Gabriel. WILL AND GABRIEL AT IT AGAIN. Little James. Jessamine cameo that practically made me cry. Historical fiction at it's finest.

NOTHING BUT SHADOWS
Marisol is cool and a badass. While I love her, I wish the writers had taken more time to flesh her out a bit more. Show us all of her, not just a one-dimensional badass female - it seemed too agenda central and not real enough.
MORE HILARIOUS WESSA PARENTING. And William Herondale. James is adorable and weird.

"Oh, Mr. Herondale!"
Shadowhunter ladies of many ages said that to his father: three words that were both sigh and summons. Other fathers were called "Mister" without the "Oh" prefix. 

 I, like James, didn't quite get Matthew Fairchild at first and like him, mistrusted him. I was so happy with what came out of that. Loved watching James grow into himself even if only a bit, take a stand, make friends. Literally cannot wait until TLH.
And Ragnor Fell. Man, I missed him. Loved how he handles the shadowhunter kids.

THE EVIL WE LOVE 
K this one was not my favorite but truly fascinating. Robert and Isabelle come to guest speak at SA and we get a story from the Circle's time at the Academy. It was SO COOL to finally get to understand Valentine's influence, the dynamics the members had with each other. It's creepily similar to Nazi Germany in miniature, or Dumbledore and Grindelwald. There was also an interesting plot-twist that really kept me on my toes. The Evil We Love is definitely a page-turner out of all the stories.


Will be back soon with the other 5 stories. If you haven't yet, READ THEM ASAP SO WE CAN TALK SPOILERS. Have a wonderful week!

Review: Lady Midnight

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1)
Cassandra Clare
Fantasy

In a kingdom by the sea…
In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.
A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other—but they can never fall in love.
Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter, and the best in her generation. She lives for battle. Shoulder to shoulder with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols the streets of Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries—the most powerful of supernatural creatures—teeter on the edge of open war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks…and before the murderer targets them.
Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents—and can she bear to know the truth?

Moment of truth- I had this book preordered back in March, ripped off the box and tweeted in excitement like everyone else. However, reality being reality I had to focus on exams at the time and only got to crack open this 668 tome of beauty in July before I left for to work in summer camp. In that case, why am I writing this review now in December? Alas, shame. 

To make up for this shame I actually reread it in the last few weeks so I could write my review with the book fresh in my memory. So with my notes from the summer and my thought from read #2, let's begin. 

Ah, Emma and Julian. I remember how before reading City of Heavenly Fire  (link to my review) I was debating reading on the Shadowhunter books but after the introduction of Emma and the Blackthornes I knew I was on the train already and would not get off. Julian is a truly exceptional character - choices like the kind he has to make are only usually found in Holocaust books. He got a lot of flack for being ruthless but I could never see him as anything but heroic, doing what needed to be done to save his family's lives. I wanted him to be with Emma because I wanted so badly for him to find solace with someone, for once have someone take care of him sometimes and take the burden off his shoulders a little bit. 

And Emma. At first I loved her, but at second reading I find myself a little more critical of her. I wondered why she hadn't taken a more active role with raising the children, and was a little shocked at her treatment of Cameron Ashdown. I admired her talent and determination to hone it, and also how she never gave up- not in her belief that her parents' death was something else, despite what the Clave told her, not in saving Julian's life even when the iratzes weren't working, not in chasing Sterling or training herself. I think that she'll become ever more complex and fascinating in Lord of Shadows now that her parents' murder has been solved, and she has (temporarily if we know Cassie Clare😏 ) the presence of mind to do and be other things. 

As for the kids- I loved how in the center of a mainstream book was a family with a lot of kids, and I really related to that. However, unlike the Weasleys for example, I found that the author lacked the ability to give each of the kids depth and complexity. It was almost as if she made the mistake real people make about real big families- see them as a pile of loud little people instead of each one being a world unto themselves. Each kid was given their thing - Ty his autism, Dru with weight issues, Tavvy being little and Livvy protective of Ty - and nothing more. Dreams for the future, awareness of their situation, rebelliousness, friends or crushes... I especially felt that we got little of Dru. Weight issues and liking of emo things is really all we know of her. I'm really hoping for more in the next book. Ty and Livvy are the same age as Jace and Clary in City of Bones!

Other things I found relatable were the driving through LA (suddenly you find yourself wondering just how the characters of TMI got around in NY), ordering pizza, and overall more description on the people's day-to-day lives. Sometimes I find that missing in YA fantasy so it was beautiful and refreshing to read it here. 

Notable comments, especially spoilery:

Whipping scene was super intense and at the same time kinda pointless. If you gave away Gwyn's secret weakness, wouldn't the punishment be death? How is it helpful to whip people? And if you're already insisting on temporary punishment, why allow someone to take their place? And hello it's probably more sensible to let Mark take the whip anyway, he heals faster than you all. 

So many almost kissing!!

OMG KIT LOST HERONDALE WTF DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING

Annabel Lee theme - brilliantly done and so gorgeous. 

AHAHA FLYING MOTORCYCLE 

Perfect Diego jokes got me. every. time. 

Jem and Tessa- whyyyy don't you realize Jemma are in love and help them

BIRTH CONTROL RUNE AHAHAHA GENIUS CAN'T BELIEVE CLARY GREW UP TO DO THAT

Diana who are you?!?!

Did anybody else totally not predict Malcolm's betrayal? 

ending NO OMG WHY EMMA THAT IS THE WORST IDEA EVER

Lots of well-placed childhood flashbacks

How did Julian not break and tell Helen things?? She could have been a lot of help even from afar. 

Blackthorn motto be like we are too cool for you Clave 

Review: Eternal

Eternal
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Vampires and Angels

At last, Miranda is the life of the party: all she had to do was die. Elevated and adopted by none other than the reigning King of the Mantle of Dracul, Miranda goes from high-school theater wannabe to glamorous royal fiend overnight. Meanwhile, her reckless and adoring guardian angel, Zachary, demoted to human guise as the princess’s personal assistant, has his work cut out for him trying to save his girl’s soul and plan the Master’s fast-approaching Death Day gala. In alternating points of view, Miranda and Zachary navigate a cut-throat eternal aristocracy as they play out a dangerous and darkly hilarious love story for the ages. 

So what with my practically nonexistent reading time and this seemingly endless reading slump, Eternal was just my cup of tea. Allow me to say BEST FIRST PAGE EVER. This wasn't the book I had PLANNED to read over the weekend but God, with an opening like that I just couldn't resist. 

I had read Tantalize, which is the author's other novel (you don't need to read them together- totally different cast) set in this universe, a while ago and while I thought it was pretty good it was also weird and a little unclear. I can delightedly tell you that while Eternal was deliciously eccentric, I was able to follow the whole thing - actually, race through it was more like. 

Zachary, first off, was sooooo cute and funny. I love how he loved Miranda all her life and really was willing to cross lines for her, even though she didn't even know of his existence. I absolutely adored how he called her 'my girl' and never gave up on her even when she became a bratty vampire. This story was really special in my eyes because it had true love in it without making a big deal of it like in most other stories, especially in YA. 

Miranda goes through a MAJOR change it the book, and there aren't many chapters for you to get to know her before the vampire transformation. After the bite the book skips a few months past Miranda's 'soul sickness' period - the time after the bite where she still retains her humanity and is disgusted with the vampiric way of life. Even so, I felt that I got to know her enough that I was able to relate to her, and her gradual development from a self-entitled vampire princess willing to murder back into the girl she once was was a really well-written journey. 

I totally was not anticipating that ending, another point in Eternal's favor. Basically, READ THIS BOOK if you like alternate, fantastical universes (Smith's books are set in the 21st century just with the open existence of vampires and werepeople), romance, and really good humor and vampire jokes. Rating: 


Love,
Esty

Review: The Shadowhunter's Codex

The Shadowhunter's Codex
Cassandra Clare and Joshua Lewis
TMI companion

The Clave is pleased to announce the newest edition of the Nephilim’s oldest and most famous training manual: the Shadowhunter’s Codex. Since the thirteenth century, the Codex has been the young Shadowhunter’s best friend. When you’re being swarmed by demons it can be easy to forget the finer points of obscure demon languages or the fastest way to stop an attack of Raum demons. With the Codex by your side, you never have to worry. 

Now in its twenty-seventh edition, the Codex covers it all: the history and the laws of our world; how to identify, interact with, and if necessary, kill that world’s many colorful denizens; which end of the stele is the end you write with. No more will your attempt to fight off rogue vampires and warlocks be slowed by the need to answer endless questions from your new recruits: What is a Pyxis? Why don’t we use guns? If I can’t see a warlock’s mark, is there a polite way to ask him where it is? Where do we get all our holy water? Geography, History, Magic, and Zoology textbook all rolled into one, the Codex is here to help new Shadowhunters navigate the beautiful, often brutal world that we inhabit. 

For my reviews on all things Shadowhunter click here.

Ultimately, the top prize for best project to appease fans series companion ever goes to The Bane Chronicles and Percy Jackson's Greek Gods. HOWEVER, The Shadowhunter's Codex is a close, close second.

While I'll never claim The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devices are written works of genius plot-wise, they are THE BEST BOOKS EVER when it comes to characters and fun and world-building and FEELS. If you are a fan of Cassie Clare's books, you will LOVE having this book on your collection.

For starters, The Shadowhunter's Codex is GORGEOUS. The jacket is soft and 3D and ridiculously detailed and PUUUURRRRTYYY. When you strip the book its hardcover is swirly blue and black and has a little golden Mortal Cup.  

The interior is decorated with illustrations by a slew of SERIOUSLY TALENTED artists. They were cool and pretty and creepy all at once. And of course, Cassandra Jean doodling all over the thing as Clary. 

Secondly, Clary, Jace, and Simon have added their sarcastic comments on everything, making the read good fun. Also, Magnus and Clary each put in a letter, and every once in a while Luke or Jocelyn have some input through Clary. Basically, it's a nice catch-up with the crew. 

A lot of the actual content you know already, but don't let that bore you into putting the book down. Towards the middle there is a whole lot of info we never knew from the regular Shadowhunter books, not to mention a well-done Table of Marks, a map of Idris, and interesting appendixes.  

All in all, the Codex is a funny and quick and absolutely drool-inducing good-looking read. SO ABSOLUTELY worth adding to your Cassandra Clare shelf. Believe me, you'll be showing it off to your fanpeople friends. Rating:


Have a great week!
Love,
Esty

Review: The Bane Chronicles

The Bane Chronicles
Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, Sarah Rees Brennan
Illustrated by Cassandra Jean
Companion to The Mortal Instruments series and The Infernal Devices series.

Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices can get to know warlock Magnus Bane like never before in this collection of New York Times bestselling tales, in print for the first time with an exclusive new story and illustrated material.

This collection of eleven short stories illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality, flamboyant style, and sharp wit populate the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.

Originally released one-by-one as e-only short stories by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Rees Brennan, this compilation presents all ten together in print for the first time and includes a never-before-seen eleventh tale, as well as new illustrated material. 

First of all, if you haven't read any of Cassandra Clare's books get off the internet and don't come back until you have finished Clockwork Angel. You CAN read The Bane Chronicles on it's own, but why would you want to? 

Overall? This book was the probably one of my favorites of the year. There is nothing more amazing than getting a whole book about the best character in existence. Magnus's story made me laugh, cry, die of shock. I came to ADORE Raphael, Catarina, and Ragnor, all of whom I largely ignored in the regualar novels.

The Bane Chronicles shed some light on what life is like for the immortals, and also on subjects like Valentine's Circle, Clary's memories and childhood, CAMILLE BELCOURT, the red necklace, EDMUND HERONDALE, Alec and Magnus's relationship (I'm laughing just from the MEMORY of that story), WILL AND TESSA. 

And while it provided us with lots of information it also, in true Cassie Clare fashion, provided us with lots of teasing hints. What's going on with James Herondale?? TELL ME, CASSANDRA CLARE. Naturally, we're made to wait until she releases The Last Hours series. You can't stop reading this lady's books even if you WANT to. 

I had so many feelings. Warning: May contain heartbreak. Although not all were created equal. Most emotional were Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale and The Midnight Heir. Funniest in my opinion were Saving Raphael Santiago (also emotional) and The Course of True Love (And First Dates)

I spent hours liking Goodreads quotes from this book. That's all I'll say. 
(Well, that and that the point of it was to post them here, but THEY WON'T COPY. #HoursWasted)

I am aware that this review was not exactly coherent.. course on par for Cassandra Clare books(:

Review: CITY OF HEAVENLY FIRE

City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6)
Cassandra Clare
Fantasy, Romance

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT FOR ALL CASSANDRA CLARE BOOKS EXCEPT THE BANE CHRONICLES

GUYS. *sobs* THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS IS OVER.

Why has it taken me forever to post this review? For starters, it took my copy FOREVER to get here. TEN DAYS AFTER THE RELEASE DATE IS TEN TOO MANY, BOOK DEPOSITORY. YOU COMPLETELY MISUNDERSTOOD THE IDEA OF PREORDERING.

Second, by the time I HAD gotten it I was back at the dorms and suffered from a lack of computers. AND BY THE TIME I DID HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER, dance and exams set in and there was no time to write it. The last two reasons also (poorly) excuse why I haven't been blogging much. HOWEVER, last final is next thursday and then I'll be free as a bird (jk, still have dance and work) to read and blog.

As you can already see, anything written by Cassie Clare will have a whole long review in which I'll talk about only HALF the things I could go on and on about  and will be FILLED with capitals. Anyhoo, let's get to it. 

I'll start and say that unfortunately my expectations far exceeded the reality. I came at it expecting a Clockwork Princess level tear-jerker and staring-into-space-causer but it really wasn't like that. I did cry in the end when Simon had to give up his memories and I genuinely was sad, but it was a little forced. Did anyone else feel this way? In CP2, halfway through I was suffering from book PTSD.

Unrelated to the tear- factor, predictability for this novel was high. On that front, I didn't expect it to be anything like CP2 because we know already that Tessa's not involved, Jem is, two weddings, a boyfriend dies, and everyone's identities. Also, for me Jordan was the top of my likely-to-be-killed list. The only bf who could die without ruining the story and shattering TOO many people's hearts. As for the Heavenly Fire being used to cure Jem, that much Christine from PolandBananasBooks had guessed and I agreed. (I recommend this girl's videos ridiculously. She's always spot on and hilarious). So basically, the two major OMG moments I knew in advance.  However, I didn't think EVERYTHING would be that obvious- even the smaller OMGs were easy to forsee 100 pages before they happened. (Jessamine saving the London Institute, Magnus's father being the Prince of Hell everyone kept mentioning, etc) 

MY MAIN DISAPPOINTMENT was Jordan basically being wiped off the map after he died. Maya didn't even CRY, and was all like, WELL I WAS GOING TO BREAK UP WITH HIM ANYWAY. (GO FREAKING FIGURE OUT WHY) Cassandra Clare wrote about it on her Tumblr, but I was still not satisfied - I mean, he was stabbed right in front of you and died in your lap. THE TRAUMA ALONE SHOULD HAVE HER BAWLING. Let alone loving him. Even after that, his death was mentioned only when the other characters were told. No mourning or wishing he was there or doing something for him or anything. As a big fan of his, I wanted to see more reaction to him. REST IN PEACE JORDAN KYLE.

My secondary disappointment was the underlying theme of Some Things Can't Be Forgiven. That may be true, but when a person completely changes I believe they delete the person they were before and should be given a second chance. Jordan deserves COMPLETE AND TOTAL forgiveness, and Jonathan was who he was because of things that were physically and emotionally done to him before and after his birth, and therefore the untainted boy we got to see for a few seconds before his death deserved burial according to traditional Shadowhunter customs. The things he did weren't HIM, just as Jace is not held responsible for the things he did while possesed, nor Jordan should have been for hurting Maya on his first Change. IT'S NOT THE SAME AS SOMEONE SANE AND AWARE DOING SOMETHING UNFORGIVEABLE AND SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN TREATED LIKE IT WAS. In both cases.

AND NOW FOR THE THINGS I LOVED

-Jem kidnapping Church. Now THAT made me happy cry. Their reunion was beautiful.
-Jace bringing a condom to Hell. You know, just in case.
-That interesting snippet of OMG information that was sooooo underrated about Luke's and Amatis's  mom being an Iron Sister. Ten bucks that comes to play in TDA.
-JEM. I JUST
-THE WEDDING COMIC (I know that there were two different comics for two different editions. Mine was the British one- the tear jerker for all TID fans. CASSIE CLARE, THAT WAS CRUEL. BUT GOOD. I DON'T KNOW ANYMORE
-Jessie saving the London Institute. I loved her a lot in TID and wished we could have explored her character more, so it was so nice to hear of her, even in passing.
-Izzy and Simon. Nuff said.
-Malec. Are. Back. 
-EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING SIMON SAID OR DID. I used to think he was annoying, and now I find him heroic. 
-Really hilarious scenes (the usual) e.g. the sarcastic clapping at Clace in the beginning, MY EYES MY EYES, You-straight-people, Simon feeding on Alec (It was not sexy. I had some feelings.) Jace visiting Magnus in the beginning, Jace and Jordan meditating, BROTHER ZACHARIAH STOLE OUR CAT.
-EMMA, JULES, AND THE BLACKTHORNES.
-Magnus's speeches- especially in the end, about how if you show your enemies something other than harshness, you might get something other than hostility. 
-Tessa in the Spiral Labyrinth. I DEMAND MORE INFORMATION
-Simon Acsending. *commences party*

THE ISABELLE LIGHTWOOD THEORY. I'm still a believer. It'll happen.  
Minor OMG I wanted to mention: THE FAERIE QUEEN SLEEPING WITH SEBASTIAN. WHAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTT EWWWWW OMGGGGG HOWWWWW

Okay, and with that I'll stop. 
It was fun, and beautiful.  Though I'm pissed that now we HAVE to read TDA (the next Shadowhunter series), and if you haven't read TID you're probably kicking yourself. 
On the bright side, MORE JACE, MAGNUS, AND JEM.  #TheShadowhunterMen 
Rating: 

Love, 
Esty

Book to Movie Review: Vampire Academy

Vampire Academy
Book by Rachelle Mead
Fantasy 

Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half human/vampire, guardians of the Moroi, peaceful, mortal vampires living discretely within our world. Her legacy is to protect the Moroi from bloodthirsty, immortal Vampires, the Strigoi. This is her story.

As usual, horrible description, IMDb. Whatever. Great series of books, very recommended. 

I came into the theatre with VERY low expectations. Critics always say movies like these have a built-in fanbase, but that's not true. They have a built-in turnout to the opening weekend, but we book lovers tend to come out kvetching about why didn't they show this scene?? And reassuring our non-book lover friends that don't worry, in the book it didn't end like that. Or UGH THATS SO STUPID IN THE BOOK IT WAS LIKE THIS. (*cue coughing fit* Percy Jackson) 

The trailer looked like a big joke to me. Naturally, I came to the movie with much trepidition. And was greeted with much hilarity.

Thankfully, the people working on this film realized that if they took themselves too seriously, they would become a Twilight knock-off and the subject to much eye-rolling. So they decided to do just the opposite.

Picture Mean Girls. Now add in magical vampires and action scenes. Congratulations, you now have an idea of what Vampire Academy looked like. It was freaking BRILLIANT. My friends and I were laughing the whole time- and as soon as we got home, began quoting the whole thing on Facebook. For the life of me I can't understand why all the official places gave the movie bad reviews- I loved it and I was book-lover biased!! As for the actors:

*Dmitri comes on*
Friends and I: "What? He's too old."
*Progressively gets hotter*
*some point mid-movie*
"DIBS!!!!" 

So unfortunately, one friend called dibs on Christian, the other on Dmitri.
But not to worry.
I called Adrian.
#PerksOfHavingReadTheBooks
#TheyDon'tEvenKnowWhoHeIsYet
#TheyWillRegretThisWhenWeGetToFrostbite

Everyone played their parts really well, and I liked the CGI too. Only nitpicks I have are Lissa's monologue in the end ("Blood is family. Blood is sustenance. Only if we stand together can we overcome. HUH) and the part when she's compelling everyone to make her popular again. It's didn't really fit in with everything going on before and after. Whatevs. 

Whether or not we get a movie adaptation of Frostbite depends on how well this movie does. So I implore you, GO WATCH THIS MOVIE. YOU WILL THANK ME. 
Rating:

Review: A Shade of Vampire

A Shade of Vampire
Bella Forrest
Paranormal Romance

On the evening of Sofia Claremont's seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

A vampire book whose author's name is Bella. Huh. 

I received this book for review and had no expectations whatsoever for it. I'm please to say that I was pleasantly surprised. Sophia's story was fun and compelling, and I found myself fascinated with almost everything about it. 

The setting and back story- the novel takes place on a secured island called The Shade which the vamps conquered for themselves to hide in from the hunters (unknown enemy). The descriptions of The Shade were beautifully written and conjured up spectacular images in my head. Also, I was interested in the history of the place and the identity of the hunters- we only get little clues in A Shade of Vampire. It gets me excited for book 2:) 

The characters- Sophia was a relatable teenager suffering from a classic case of in-love-with-your-best-friend. I liked how she stays realistic and faces her fears throughout the book. I wouldn't call her badass, but cool enough. 
Derek, Lucas and Vivienne (main vampire characters. Siblings) each had all sorts of feelings and agendas, making for a great and sophisticated cast. I do wish we got to hear more from Vivienne, though. That girl knows more than she lets on, and I need some more info on these visions of hers! 

The language- like I mentioned above, something about the writing made me really like it. It flowed and just made me think pretty thoughts. Make of that what you will. 

Lastly, the points of view- A Shade of Vampire switches narrator between Derek and Sophia. I enjoyed seeing them each as they see themselves and as they view each other. It made for an interesting contrast. 

One nitpick: It was too short for my liking. I prefer having a basic understanding of the word and/or the magic system and the characters by book 1. A Shade of Vampire, being only 100 pages on kindle, did not satisfy that need. 

Rating: 4 stars. 

Love, Esty
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Review: Clockwork Princess

*takes deep breath*  here we go.... MAJOR SPOILER ALERT. PROCEED ONLY IF YOU'VE FINISHED IT. 

Clockwork Princess
Cassandra Clare
EPICNESS

THE INFERNAL DEVICES WILL NEVER STOP COMING

A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray.

Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever.

As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

All right. I can do this. Right? 

So. After a surprisingly quick white night in which I cried and cried and cried, I finished this and was struck dumb until now. Well, actually, I think I'm still quite speechless. 

What are you supposed to say when an author you already knew is utterly feel-inducing goes all out and completely outdoes herself?? When she manages to give everyone exactly what they want but thought impossible (for Tessa to just be with both of them) but to break every reader's heart in the process? When she builds tension like a volcano waiting to erupt but then has one character deliver an epic-ly hysterical line that leaves you staring at the page, your face spreading into a slow smile thinking, 'I can't BELIEVE you just said that!!' When you're driven to a point where your like, 'I am NEVER reading a Cassie Clare book again' only to be taking that back the second you finish when you realize that even the ENDING OF THE SERIES is a cliffhanger (albeit carefully disguised- notice how Tessa doesn't dwell on Jem's new mortality in the epilogue. WE know he's referencing TMI {Fairchilds, Herondales, and Lightwoods? Ring a bell?}) and the only way to know what happens to him is to read City of Heavenly Fire- expected to be out ONLY NEXT MARCH. 

I don't know. What did you say? 

God. One thing I can say for sure is that almost halfway through,  I ceased to care about who Tessa would be with. Everyone vanished except WILL AND JEM. JEM AND WILL. All I wanted was for them to be together and happy, they just needed each other SO MUCH. Well, more Will needed Jem. If I have a complaint, it's that I didn't see Jem's need for Will as much as the other way around. I knew it existed, we were shown bits, but I wish the mutual dependency was clearer. But, BY THE ANGEL, I was so overwhelmed by their love. The things those two did and were willing to do for each other was astounding and and purely inspiring. They were more than parabatai- I mean, we never got that off Jace and Alec, now did we? True, in TMI their circumstances were less dire, but even in the few (barely existing) relaxed bits with Will and Jem their connection was evident. 

Let's rant talk about the ending till next week for a minute. 

WHAT THE HELL????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I----I--- WHY??????????????????????

Throw me out the window if you like, but in a way, I'd almost rather Jem had died. Because he kinda did. Instead of Jem there's this distant, changed Silent Brother based on what used to be James Carstairs. The farewell ALMOST KILLED ME. Once I got used to the idea though (after a few shell-shocked hours in which I lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling) I was happy he lived. As long as he lived. I was so devastated happy when I read the scene in which Jem performed the ceremony on Will and Tessa's son James. Gosh all the confusing emotions... 

And I know some people thought it was perfect how in 2008 Tessa will now be with Jem but to me it felt like Tessa loves two boys, but she's immortal so she's like ok, I'll be with you until you die while you *points at other boy* conveniently prolong your life for a century or two and then I'll be with you until you die, too. I KNOW IT WASN'T LIKE THAT. Please excuse my unromantic mind. Once again though, once I wrapped my head around it I realized how unique the situation was- It wasn't a COUPLE who found true love, rather a trio. Ok that's sound wrong. But like she says, to fully love one boy you have to love the other, cause while they are not the same, they are one. Also, Cassie Clare made a point on her tumblr. If one days, does it mean the one they love has to be alone forever now? Of course not, but it's hard not to be loyal to Jem (when she married Will) and to Will (when she got back together with Jem). 

OK, I could talk about this all day (I have yet to talk about Magnus, Jessmine, Mortmain, Charlotte, Consul Wayland, the Lightwoods, Cecily..... Maybe I'll continue tomorrow....). Please PLEASE do email me if you, too, are looking for someone to mull it all over with (boardingwithbooks@gmail.com). Grade: YA RIGHT. I CAN'T DECIDE IF I HATE THIS OR LOVE THIS, LET ALONE COME UP WITH A NUMBER. 

-Esty