Review: Lord of Shadows (SPOILERS)

Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2)
Cassandra Clare
shadowhunter book 

Emma Carstairs has finally avenged her parents. She thought she’d be at peace. But she is anything but calm. Torn between her desire for her parabatai Julian and her desire to protect him from the brutal consequences of parabatai relationships, she has begun dating his brother, Mark. But Mark has spent the past five years trapped in Faerie; can he ever truly be a Shadowhunter again?
And the faerie courts are not silent. The Unseelie King is tired of the Cold Peace, and will no longer concede to the Shadowhunters’ demands. Caught between the demands of faerie and the laws of the Clave, Emma, Julian, and Mark must find a way to come together to defend everything they hold dear—before it’s too late. 

How can we talk about anything before addressing the ending. 

WHAT WHAT WHAT 

I don't want to read the next book.

In Harry Potter, we never had to live with the aftermath of the deaths in The Deathly Hallows. If we did, we would have hated it. I don't want to imagine reading about the Weasleys after Fred. There's no coming back from that. All the dynamics we know and love change. I DON'T WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE BLACKTHORNS AFTER LOSING LIVVY. Things like that wreck families. I don't want Cassie Clare to try to insert the usual banter or even just normal behavior into Queen of Air and Darkness. It's not possible or right- the Blackthorns will never be the same, and as fans we have to understand they may not be the same people we know and love. ARE YOU READY FOR THAT? 

And Robert... how much more can the Lightwoods take? And the Clave... he was the right person to lead them to a better future of positive change. He even embodied that change in his own life. And after Tales of a Shadowhunter Academy I just can't... basically sobbing. 

But enough of that (I write with tears in my eyes). There are 699 other pages to discuss. 

So. 

Mark-Kieran-Christina. I, unlike everyone else apparently, hate this. I believe in marriage, partners. I love the love between all of them, but this can't work IRL. I feel like CC is trying to recreate Will-Jem-Tessa and I do NOT want more convenient life extensions. Unfortunately I can't remember if Diego was still in the running for Christina or not. Hope not though. 
About Kieran- I LOVE HIM. I love how he balances himself, becomes more moderate in personality, temperament. I loved how Mark went to save him, how they love each other even as they struggle to understand their relationship in the real world. 

Dru and Jaime - anyone else completely flummoxed but also charmed by this? At first I was super worried - there is a power imbalance. Dru is young and easy to be taken advantage of by older, cool Jaime who is the first one to treat her like an adult and also asks her to keep a secret. However I was pleasantly surprised that things didn't go down that road and in general I love Dru and can't wait to hear more from her POV in future books. 


Jace and Clary- WTF is going on. *Prays* 

 Ty-Kit-Livvy. I love them, I want the best for them. The boys are absolutely the best thing that could happen for each other. My only complaint is that is was very obvious this was gonna happen last book- personally I dig subtlety. Which brings me to Diana- her story was amazing and full of heart and pain and it's kinda cool that the internet figured that out but I wish it wasn't spoiled for me. 

Magnus - ALL THE FEELS. I love him, I love what he brings to the stories. I can't get over what happened- if Magnus had been there LIVES COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED. 

Julian and Emma - I was so happy when they were in the cottage. Characters in the Shadowhunter world deserve more happy times. I don't know what to think about Julian... I feel like the writer is forcing this darkness upon him. He hates himself for the things he needs to do sometimes, and yes, he shouldn't think dichotomically- NO JULIAN, THE CHOICES AREN'T ALWAYS THE WORLD OR YOUR FAMILY. However, sometimes it is and I don't think it's fair to judge him in positions like that. 

As I'm sure you've realized, for me Shadowhunter books are all about the people, the dynamics, the relationships. But in Lord of Shadows CC really hit the ball out of the park with a metaphor for real-life war, politics, bad choices and mistakes. As always, a beautiful and very flawed installment. 

OH AND LONDON. THE LONDON INSTITUTE. BLACKFRIARS BRIDGE. JESSAMINE AND BRIDGET AND HERONDALE WRITING ON BOOKS AND WALLS. MY HEARRTTTTT

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: 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: The Atlantis Complex

The Atlantis Complex (Artemis Fowl #7)
Eoin Colfer
Middle grade, adventure, fantasy

When Artemis commits his entire fortune to a project he believes will save the planet and its inhabitants, both human and fairy, it seems that goodness has taken hold of the world's greatest teenage criminal mastermind. But the truth is much worse: Artemis is suffering from Atlantis Complex, a psychosis common among guilt-ridden fairies and most likely triggered in Artemis by his dabbling with fairy magic. Symptoms include obsessive-compulsive behavior, paranoia, multiple personality disorder and, in extreme cases, embarrassing professions of love to a certain feisty LEPrecon fairy.

Unfortunately, Atlantis Complex has struck at the worst possible time. A deadly foe is intent on destroying the actual city of Atlantis. Can Artemis escape the confines of his mind-and the grips of a giant squid-in time to save the underwater metropolis and its fairy inhabitants?

You can read my reviews of The Last Guardian (Artemis Fowl #8) and The Artemis Fowl Files here.

Ya, about that. I had accidentaly skipped book 7 of the series. *cringe* 

So in this installment, Artemis has a crazy disorder causing him to be.... well, crazy. At first I thought this would ruin the book for me, because Artemis being Artemis is what makes this series, you know? In the beginning, it was like that a bit. But as the story and Artemis's condition progresses, we get Orion, Artemis's alter ego. Need I say hilarious? All the things Artemis supresses in himself come out into full play, including his affections for Holly. As a huge Holly+Artemis shipper, you can bet I was WOOT WOOT-ing the whole time. 
(Either way, I needn't have worried. Every once in a while our favorite snooty criminal mastermind emerges from the depths have his own mind just in time to save everybody and be mortified by his alter ego's confessions)

Mulch was absolutely wonderful. I was giggling like a 5 year old being tickled after his every line. And it was nice to have Foaly on the field for a change. 

The beginning with the Butlers was a little slow, but push past that and you'll have a blast with the rest of the book. Rating:

What are you reading this week! I would love for you to let me know in the comments!
Love,
Esty

Review: The Council of Mirrors

The Council of Mirrors (The Sisters Grimm #9)
Michael Buckley
Peter Ferguson, illustrator
Middle grade fantasy 

In the final volume in the Sisters Grimm series, Sabrina, Daphne, and the rest of the Grimms and their friends must face off against the Master to decide the fate of Ferryport Landing—and the world. When Mirror fails to escape the barrier using Granny Relda’s body, he turns to his plan B: killing all the Grimms so that the magical barrier collapses. In the meantime, Sabrina has gathered the other magic mirrors as advisors on how to deal with their mortal enemy. They tell her to join forces with the Scarlet Hand against Mirror, in exchange for offering all the citizens of Ferryport Landing their freedom. This final chapter is the end of the road for several beloved characters, but the conclusion is sure to satisfy devoted fans of the series.

Ok, lemme just rave for a second. 

The Sisters Grimm is the best series EVER. I read the first one as a fourth grader, with my best friend. We quickly fell in love and bought the rest, but at the time the 9th wasn't out and I hadn't gotten my hands on it till recently.

A series with female protagonists and their male faerie best friend (who is their adorable royal pain in the butt), it is suitable for both middle grade boys and girls, and is like LITERALLY LAUGH OUT LOUD hilarious. You think I'm exaggerating but I'm not. I loled in grade 4, I loled in grade 11. That should say everything. 

I was always able to see myself in Sabrina like I never have in other fictional girls. She is everything other heroines never were - she's really smart but not like Hermione or Annabeth (like, that's not the big outstanding quality that everyone always points out, and basically their role in the story), she's angry and annoyed a lot, mistrusts people and looks out for her family like it's nobody's business. She's not one of those heroines that are written purposely badass to make a feminist point- she cries, she gets frustrated and she frustrates everyone else, all she wants is to be a kid and frequently points out that she got dragged into everything against her will.

And yet - she's the one calling the shots, making decisions, getting things done. She's got a smart mouth and keen eye, and knows how to use them. She talks back to adults and gets reprimanded. She has temper tantrums. She makes mistakes, admits them, and learns. She boils over but then apologizes. SHE IS THE BEST, SMARTEST, MOST MATURE AND REALISTIC 12 YEAR OLD FICTION HAS EVER SEEN. 

And Daphne? The perfect one to balance out Sabrina, representing a different kind of smart, a different kind of girls out there. Their relationship is believable and lovable, and I'll miss it. 

PUCK IS MY REASON FOR EXISTENCE. THAT'S ALL I'LL SAY.

And for another fantastic quality of The Sisters Grimm rarely seen in children's literature, say hello to ADULT SUPERVISION. Granny Relda and Mr. Canis have been there since the beginning, joined later by The Parents Grimm, Uncle Jake, Charming and Snow White. The adults tend to infuriate the kids, but they scold them, teach them, care for them, and yeah, sometimes rein them in while being totally fun, hilarious, sometimes childish, and kick-ass themselves. IT'S SO REFRESHING.

I realize I have been raving more than a second. And I could go on and on. But I won't waste your time and instead just tell you to get your hands on The Sisters Grimm #1, Fairytale Detectives PRONTO. In the meantime, I will cry into my pillow and mourn the ends of one of my all time favorites series and my childhood. 

Rating: Obviously,


Have a great weekend and happy reading!
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: The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3)
Julie Kagawa
Paranormal fantasy

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

You can read my reviews for books 1 and 2 here.  If you've read those you'll see that each time, I came at these books expecting to love them but then was disappointed. 

The cover is beautiful, the premise is original, everyone seems to adore the series. And yet, I could only just tolerate the first two. However, The Iron Queen redeemed the series for me- I don't love it yet, but I can tell that I will by the end of book 4.  

Meghan started off as annoying as ever, treating Puck like trash but then running back to him for help the second she needed him. Her concerns were ASH ASH ASH. 

But then, miraculously almost, she experienced what we call 'character development'. ROUND OF APPLAUSE PLEASE, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. Took her three darn books. Seriously, Ms. Kagawa. She starts to care about BOTH of her companions and the kingdoms relying on her, and goes lengths to secure her human father's safety and mental health. She takes charge when she can and yields results. It was fun and refreshing, if a little unbelievable at times when she beats people with way more skill and experience than her at sword fighting. Whatever- I'll take whatever improvement I can get.

Ash opens up much more, and we can see that there's A LITTLE BIT OF PERSONALITY in that 'piece of ice he calls a heart' (Thank you, Puck). Speaking of Puck, he (and I) finally begin to accept that Ash and Meghan will be together and he stops trying to woo her. 

Hands down best character is Grimalkin. When the answer has been obvious to me for 150 pages Grimalkin loses his patience with Meghan and says, annoyed

"Really, human. Sometimes I despair." 

....

HE UNDERSTANDS ME

And he goes on throughout the book with many sarcastic remarks, much like me in this review. 

One last problem. The novel contradicted itself in some places and just plain didn't make sense in others. Like how a certain person survived in the end? Whaaa

Okay, okay. RANT OVER. In the good, I did enjoy this novel in spite of myself. I guess that's why I continued all the way to book #3. But the best news is-

BOOK 4 IS ALL ABOUT PUCK AND ASH. TOLD FROM ASH'S POV. 

I could throw a party. 
Rating: 3.5 stars. If you know how to cut pictures, please enlighten me.

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

Review: The Iron Daughter

The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey #2)
Julie Kagawa
Paranormal, Faeries

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

You can read my review of book 1, The Iron King, here.  So as you know, I was overall disappointed with the first book of this series. There was too much insta-love. And I'm not just talking about Meghan and Ash, but also Oberon (Meghan's fey father) and Meghan. The latter I felt needed a lot of delving into because it'll be important to Meghan's future in the Nevernever. 

I enjoyed this sequel a little more than the Iron King, but not so much that I'm running for book 3. Honestly, quality wise it wasn't much better- I'm  just familiar with the characters and the world now. The series isn't character based- as in, it's not the character's PERSONALITY and DECISIONS making things happen, but rather random obstacles thrown their way. The big motivation for Meghan in this installment is ASH ASH ASH. Even when he broke things off with her, he was her number one consideration. IT WAS SO ANNOYING. This isn't Mockingjay, when Peeta and Katniss legit LOVE each other and want each other alive for completely selfless reasons and those are unquestionable facts because we were right there for the whole process. Not to mention in Mockingjay there was an actual reason to worry about Peeta. Here I just couldn't buy anything Meghan did because the reason she did those things was her love for Ash WHICH I DIDN'T EVEN BUY IN THE FIRST PLACE. 

Another thing I didn't buy was Ironhorse's undying loyalty. I understood when he said he would accompany her for reasons X, Y and Z but not when five minutes later he wants to sacrifice his life for her. We were given a hint at then end for the reason of this but I wish it could have come earlier and prevented my frequent eye rolling throughout the novel. 

AND THE LOVE TRIANGLE- *growls* it's obvious who she should be with and it's obvious who she will be with and unfortunately they are not the same person. 

Once again, I felt that this book was brimming with possibilities but fell short. Fans of Julie Kagawa, do forgive me, but I think that in the hands of a different author this series would be INSANE. We could have some amazing Puck/Ash dynamic- I was sure we'd get tons after we found out the mutual history but unfortunately was disappointed. The prom scene could have been EPIC but ended up being rather boring. So much build up and not much pay off.

Ending: EYE ROLL

Rating:


My apologies for being AWOL this week. Missed you guys! Life should be easing up now and hopefully I'll be back to normal. 
Hope you had great holidays!
Esty

Review: The Iron King

The Iron King 
Julie Kagawa
YA Paranormal, Fantasy 

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

I was soooooo sure I was gonna love this. I mean, look at the above! This is exactly the kinda thing I would adore! Sounds like Wicked Lovely, or the Mortal Instruments. Brooding hot guy, hilarious best friend, faery world- it's exactly my cup of tea. 

Except it wasn't. I was so excited but it fell flat. The characters were just so.... one-dimensional. Like, nothing they said or did showed any personality at all. If I didn't know who was speaking, I would never have been able to tell the voices apart. The only exception to this rule was Puck. Good God, I loved that boy! He made me laugh and and cry each in turn. He was the only redeeming person. Ash, much as I wanted to be obsessed with him, didn't charm me. He was nothing special, honestly. There was only one bit where he really talked, and even then it was just like reciting his personal history. It wasn't that he was devoid of feeling- he (and everyone else but Puck) were devoid of personality. (I don't know, does that make sense??)

The one thing I liked was the world and it's rules. I've seen a lot of different interpretations of the fey- In Apprilynne Pike's Wings, the faeries of the various of the differ seasons differ in power. In Wicked Lovely there are 4 courts. The Iron King's theme was similar to that, with two different courts (kingdoms) who thrive on the imagination of humans. I thought that was pretty great. The twist is this- humans are imagining new things now. Technology and development, therefore creating new fey- iron fey. Yay originality!! That was cool. 

I've decided to give the Iron Fey series the benefit of the doubt. I'm assuming the reason the characters didn't go anywhere was because the author was busy with world building. I feel like the series has a lot of potential and that the plot will thicken and the characters will develop and I'll be happy. Hopefully. 
Rating: 2.5 stars


Still no internet, still hanging at friends' houses to blog. Oh well.
Love, Esty