Book Review: City of Ashes (Cassandra Clare)

A murderer is loose in New York City ...

... and the victims are Downworlder children. Clary Fray and her fellow Shadowhunters have a strong suspicion that Valentine, Clary's father, may be behind the killings. But if he is the murderer, then what's his true motive? To make matters worse, the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, has been stolen, and the mysterious Inquisitor has arrived to investigate, with his eyes vigilantly targeted on Clary's brother, Jace.

Clary will need to face some terrifying demons and even more terrifying family decisions. No one said that the life of a Shadowhunter would be easy.

City of Ashes is a brilliant sequel. Second in the Mortal Instruments series, it is a great follow through of the City of Bones and an even greater predecessor to City of Glass. It cements the epic-ness of the series, it really does!

City of Ashes begins where City of Bones left off. It's a darker continuation to the effects of the events in City of Bones to Clary, Jace and the rest of the Shadow World. In a way, whilst City of Bones is of introductions and discovery, City of Ashes is about understanding and clarification (or should I say Clary-fication?). It goes deeper into the world introduced to the readers in the first book and true to its name, it touches more about the Mortal Instruments and their importance. As a staple part of the series, action is never far away from Clary and the people around her. City of Ashes is more intense and action-packed than City of Bones, but just as satisfying. There is a lot of tension in this book, perhaps more than the previous, as forces intent on re-shaping the world are continually working towards their goal. I personally enjoyed the action, fighting and general conflict scenes. Cassandra Clare is a brilliant writer when it comes to these scenes, and I am one happy reader.

We learn a lot more about the major characters in the series in City of Ashes too. Clary embraces more of her Shadowhunter abilities in this book, as does Jace. We get further insights into Luke, Valentine, the Lightwoods and the ties that connect them all. By doing so, motivations and explained, but there are also questions and suspicions raised. There brand new characters introduced, many of which not only add spice to the plot but are also important to the on-going series. I felt that this book took a heavy emotional toll on all the characters, as being the second book, it delves deeper into what makes them such strong characters. Clary and Jace are heavily tested on their loyalty and love not only to their family, but the people that surround them and most importantly, to each other. There is a lot of emotional upheaval in this book and not all of it is a joy to read. There's pain, longing, even betrayal. I have loved and rooted for this two since City of Bones and each scene between them - forbidden as they are - are bittersweet and sizzling with yearning. I cannot wait to start City of Glass and see what happens with these two.

I enjoyed the unravelling of secrets in this book and the additional mysteries yet to be solved. The twists are epic and jaw-dropping, the action so very gripping. If anything, my one complaint would be the frustration that seems to forever characterise the ending of a Cassandra Clare book. This book ends in a cliff hanger, and while I managed not to pull my hair out of sheer desperation for the next book, I can't quite guarantee everyone the same restraint. Still, doesn't that just prove how much I am attached to this series?

City of Ashes is dark, action-packed, suspenseful and amazing all around read. Definitely recommended!

FOUR STARS.

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine.

GIRL, STOLEN (April Henry)

Sixteen year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of a car while her mom fills her prescription at the pharmacy. Before Cheyenne realizes what's happening, their car is being stolen--with her inside! Griffin hadn’t meant to kidnap Cheyenne, all he needed to do was steal a car for the others. But once Griffin's dad finds out that Cheyenne’s father is the president of a powerful corporation, everything changes—now there’s a reason to keep her. What Griffin doesn’t know is that Cheyenne is not only sick with pneumonia, she is blind. How will Cheyenne survive this nightmare, and if she does, at what price?


To be published 28th September 2010 by Henry Holt and Co.


Intriguing right? I think this might be the type of book that is both reflective and thrilling. I also think there would be a lot readers can take in from this book. I can't wait to read and find out!

Book Review: Torment (Lauren Kate)

How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?

Fallen left me disoriented and grappling for answers, so I expected Torment to ease my confusion. In fact, I was pretty excited for it since I loved the idea of Luce and Daniel's enduring love across time.

Unfortunately, Torment just left me more frustrated.

There's a difference between leaving readers wanting more and leaving them in a totally disorienting limbo of confusion. What Torment did for me was dump more rather than answer some of the questions that was left hanging by the end of Fallen. There is a lot question rising up in this book that only made the whole series a little too overwhelming. While I like complex world building, sometimes there's just information overload. So, rather than marvel at the intricacy of the plot, I just found it too complicated to entangle. I won't even start on how frustrated I am to have to wait for the third book to (hopefully) find the answers I am looking for.

Hidden away at a school for Nephilims called Shoreline, Lucinda Price begins to question a lot more about her past, herself and why Daniel insists on her recluse. Feeling trapped, clueless and still racked with guilt about Penn's death, she explores more of her surroundings, which in turn places her in danger. She disregards Daniel's instructions and often other's too, choosing instead to find answers of her own accord. While I like this stronger, more courageous Luce, her erratic behaviour annoyed me. Her stubbornness got to me, and I found it hard to symphatise with Luce. Of course, a big part of the blame lies with Daniel, who - even more than Luce - is just a tad too distant to my liking. I found it hard to connect with Daniel in Fallen, but in Torment he becomes a lot more elusive. He keeps Luce in the dark and evades her questions, and then fails to understand why she uses her own devices to find the answers that she wants. There is a lot of misunderstanding between these two in Torment - it gets quite tiring.

I love the romantic aspect of Torment best, and I did love Daniel and Luce's interactions, no matter how quick and fragmented they come and go. There is something so endearing about their love story and general, and despite my dislike of the details surrounding it, I'm holding on and hoping the next book(s) will elaborate more on their destinies. One other part of this book that I like are the new characters introduced, some of whom wriggle their way between Daniel and Luce, and present one very good option at that. I enjoyed Luce's experiences and adventures with her new friends, who seem to understand her best. The best part is towards the end, when the angels and nephilim appear side by side. The ruckus and tension they caused is quite thrilling. I hope these characters play their parts in the next book, as I'm looking forward to them a lot!

Most of the action is centered towards the end of the book, although tension also heightens at many parts within the novel. Like Fallen, Torment has a very good action sequence, one which can make you feel as if the characters are trapped without a way out. It ends with a very frustrating cliff-hanger though, and that deprived me of fulfillment. I have been expecting something explosive as the blurb suggests a big discovery of some sort about Luce and Daniel, I guess. The book just did not live up to that.

Maybe some can gain a lot more from Torment than I did, so I won't necessarily say skip this sequel. However, I didn't think it was a good sequel. It seems to be the type of book I'd consider to be set between book one and book 2 of a series, and hence missable.

Two Stars.

In My Mailbox (14)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.
Here's what we got this week!

* For Review

The Eternal Ones (Kirsten Miller)

Faithful (Janet Fox) 

Finding Sky (Joss Stirling)

* From the library

Shadowland (Alyson Noel)

Losing It (Keith Gray)

Zelah Green (Vanessa Curtis)

* Bought

Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins) - !!! 

Aces Up (Lauren Barnholdt)

Forbidden (Tabitha Suzuma)

The Broken Lake (Shelena Shorts)

* Swapped via Read It Swap It

If I Stay (Gayle Forman) 

I finally have a personal copy of If I Stay! I love the book :) And Mockingjay... oh, Mockingjay.
Special thank you to Lynsey @ UK Book Tours for sending me Eternal Ones and Faithful, I can't wait to start :)

Now, since I have been missing and my internet died this week, I'll try to visit everyone's IMMs this week - like, everyone in Kristi's Mr. Linky :) I'll be commenting on your IMMs in a few! :)

Book Review: Mistress of the Storm (Melanie Welsh)

The wind blew fast and clean straight into Verity's lungs. Even from the downs she could smell the salt spray - fresh and cold - and hear the crash as the Storm ploughed head-on into green and churning waves. Sea water washed over her prow and drained back in torrents of foam. Verity Hunter is just a normal, lonely little girl who has never quite fit in. But suddenly it's down to her to solve the riddle of an ancient pledge and protect her family from the evil Mistress of the Storm. What hope does she have against a witch so powerful that she can control the wind and create storms at will? Luckily, Verity does not have to face her enemy alone. As events begin to spiral out of control, she finds two loyal and steadfast friends to stand by her side. The Storm is coming. And it will change Verity's life forever.

Mistress of the Storm is the perfect read for younger teens who enjoy a hearty dose of mystery and for those who are transitioning from children's book to young adult novels. Set in the small town of Wellow, Mistress of the storm follows the events of Verity Gallant's life following the day she finds a mysterious man handing her a red book.

The book is generally presented in three parts. I found the first part to be about introductions. The book spends a good number of pages introducing characters with importance to the plot. It was disorienting with so many characters being simultaneously presented, but as the book progresses one begins to understand their role better. More questions about the mystery is added here than answers. The combined effect was for me, a little confusing, but it does get better as the book progresses. The middle part reveals the history and the more magical side to the book. The thrill increases, and the characters undergo a lot more changes and interact more with each other. The third and final part is where the action occurs. I liked it particularly because this is where everything is unraveled and all questions are answered. It has elements of folklore, magic and the general theme of good against evil, which is what really led me to believe that Mistress of the Storm is a particularly good book for younger teens. It is still rooted in the magic that kids adore in children's book, but with a more edgy, more mature side that makes it close to a young adult book.

The characters in this book is well portrayed. Verity isn't a particularly strong girl - she does not seem to stand up to bullies and keeps to herself; but her flaws gives her the best platform to mature and her strength and courage becomes clear at the end of the book. It was easy to symphatise with her and feel outraged with the antagonists. I feel it will appeal even more to childres as they relate easier to the many colourful characters. All of the important characters were given their resolutions, one I feel strongly about. It shows how the book is neatly outlined. There were little surprises in this book, none of which are big twists in themselves. I must admit there were times where I felt the narrative dragged and could just have gone straight to the point. I am also partly unsure that some of the characters are particularly important. Not that I mind them being in the book, I simply think it could have done with less. Nonetheless, characters give this book variety so they do seem to have their purpose at least.

To those who'd enjoy mystery with a hint of magic, Mistress of the Storm is the book for you!

Three Stars.


* Book received from Bookbabblers for review - thank you!

Spoiler Free Book Review: Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins)

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge...

So, Mockingjay. I'm not going to lie - I am addicted, obsessed and completely loyal to this trilogy, so my review is reflective of that - but even so let me tell you, this book did not exactly bring me joy. It evokes a lot of emotions, yes but I was crying not smiling at the end of it.

Mockingjay stays true to its dystopian origins. While a lot will not agree with me, I feel that the grimness of the book is a part of its strength. In true dystopian fashion, it explores the downfall of human conscience and displays the worse of our attributes; like Hunger Games and Catching Fire, I was appalled by many of the events in the book and at points felt sick at the ability of the characters to act as cruelly as they do. At times I felt that Mockingjay borders on unbearable - exactly how grim can a book be? It seems that nothing close to happily ever after can be associated with this book, because believe me, it can be depressing.

I can't help but comment on all the political implications on this book, because the trilogy is far beyond just Katniss' story. The workings of the rebellion and the fight for freedom takes a bulk of the book and the tension spirals out of control in many of its pages.As the mockingjay, Katniss traverses the thin line that divides both sides. I love the twisted, wicked feel of the battle because that was exactly how I imagined it to be. Not only full of secrets, but full of dark aims and uncertainties.

There is a lot I can say about how the characters' fates are sealed. We know beforehand that there will be deaths; what we do not know is who will die. Or exactly how many. As it turns out, no number of speculations could possibly have prepared me for the depressing turn of events in Mockingjay. Unfair will not even begin to cover what I think, because really I felt as if the characters were oppressed. Their circumstances were too heavy to comprehend experiencing, and the book does not give them what happiness they were due. The strength of characters is evident here, as clearly as their weaknesses. At this point, we readers are already very attached to the characters, so extreme reactions are expected. When I found out exactly who dies, I literally screamed and cried and wished the words changed. It was not supposed to happen, that was my primary reaction. There was a sense of hopelessness and helplessness and surely, you have got to be kidding? I felt as if I was killed right along with the character(s).

It was even more painful to read about the fates of those who were indirectly responsible for those deaths. And while I was not happy with the decisions of some of the major characters, I can understand the rationale behind it. It was not easy to pretend to be in their shoes and emphatise, but to comprehend the depth of pain and grief is, and that understanding is what makes it seem like a true decision. Depressing, but I felt that the portrayal of the damages to the human persona is not only accurate but also vivid, I believe Mockingjay stays true to its origins.

The ending I felt is slightly too rushed for my liking and too much too short. I am not sure I approve with what happened to some of the major characters, because towards the end I felt the need to know more about how they fared. I needed details, further insights and I don't think that was exactly granted. The ending is open to interpretations and leaves a lot to the reader to ponder and imagine. It is not happy per se, but as close to happiness as a dystopian trilogy like this one can be. I'm going to go ahead and say that the ending be-fits the feel of the trilogy. Had it been a flowery happy ever after, I would have much disliked it, because then it would appear as if it was only made to please the readers. It's not the best possible ending, but I can envision it happening following the events of Mockingjay. So it is a neat ending I guess. Still, I needed more!

I'm sure Mockingjay is part evil - it gave me such a terrible case of withdrawal once I finished that I did not know what to say or do - and that was on top of all the other emotions the events in the book evoked! There was a sense of 'now what?' that hovered over me when it was over, and I was emotionally-drained. Which means it's a good book, a great trilogy and a worthy read. Which means I am still hooked to it, and will probably always be. Which means Katniss' story is unmissable. Prepare to scream, kick and cry with this final book.

FIVE STARS.

PS. Hunger Games Fanfictions, anyone? Already I see a lot of readers writing alternative endings:)

It's Mockingjay Day...

... not. While the US is undoubtedly crying/screaming/fainting over the release of Mockingjay today, we here from across the pond are still waiting, waiting, waiting...

I have not encountered much spoilers so a huge thank you to the considerate readers and bloggers, although to those who do post spoilers, do consider us! We also want to enjoy Katniss' story the way we should. We'll join the club of crying/screaming/fainting readers tomorrow, worry not! :D

If you're in the UK, overly excited but is currently catatonic due to fear of spoilers here are some great fanfictions to discover! It won't be the same as reading the real book, but it will feed your Mockingjay hunger somewhat!

SCARS 

KenoshaChick

Post-CF. Peeta is rescued from the Capitol by Katniss and her band of rebels; however, after months of torture it is unkown if he will survive. It is also unknown if Katniss will survive if he doesn't.

MY FIRST DATE WITH KATNISS EVERDEEN
KenoshaChick

Take a deep breath. Wipe the sweat off your hands. Don't let her scowl make you nervous. You're only talking to the girl you've been in love with your entire life. (This story takes place in the spring before the Hunger Games, in a world where Peeta actually has a backbone.)


PEETA'S HONEYMOON SURVIVAL KIT
Medea Smyke

What could Peeta possibly need for his honeymoon? Lord knows. Good thing he's got such good friends, like Gale and Finnick, to help him figure it all out.


CHRISTMAS CHEERS 
Medea Smyke

A fluffy little one-shot for the holidays. One catastrophy leads to another as Gale and Madge get their son ready to visit their family on Christmas Eve. Gale/Madge Peeta/Katniss.

LOSING CHANCES

Candycornlol

The Hunger Games through Gale's eyes.

FEAR, PAIN AND JEALOUSY

Rue'slullaby74

I am a coward. I never told her. I don't know what it would feel like to hold her in my arms as something more than we are. I don't know if she loves me. The worst part... is that I might never know. I might lose her before I get the chance to find out.

I hugely recommend the first three I've listed. SCARS is a romantic Mockingjay assumption that will delight the Team Peeta club. My First Date with Katniss Everdeen is accurate to characters and absolutely adorable! And, Peeta's Honeymoon... now that one is just hilarious. Genius.

Hope you don't mind me sharing, we do have our own little ways of coping with the Mockinjay fever... :)

Enjoy and well...happy reading!

Angel Giveaway Winners!

Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway! Glad to know a lot of you are excited for Angel! Without further ado, the two randomly picked winners are:

#56 - Andy P.

and

#143 - Erikka J.

Congratulations!
I have sent you both an e-mail, so check your inbox and reply to me within 48 hours.
I have more giveaways to follow so keep an eye out, folks! :)

The Eternal Ones UK release promo

My internet has been patchy at best as of late, so this post should really have been posted earlier. Now my internet has been resurrected (Oh I do try to make up jokes and puns sometimes...), it's time for a little promo for the UK release of Kristen Miller's The Eternal Ones! I have yet to read this, but I am so very excited!

It was published by Razorbill on 19th August, but to those who have yet to read about it, here's the blurb, trailer and samplers for you. Enjoy!

The Eternal Ones (Kirsten Miller)


What if love refused to die?

Haven Moore can’t control her visions of a past with a boy called Ethan, and a life in New York that ended in fiery tragedy. In our present, she designs beautiful dresses for her classmates with her best friend Beau. Dressmaking keeps her sane, since she lives with her widowed and heartbroken mother in her tyrannical grandmother’s house in Snope City, a tiny town in Tennessee. Then an impossible group of coincidences conspire to force her to flee to New York, to discover who she is, and who she was.

In New York, Haven meets Iain Morrow and is swept into an epic love affair that feels both deeply fated and terribly dangerous. Iain is suspected of murdering a rock star and Haven wonders, could he have murdered her in a past life? She visits the Ouroboros Society and discovers a murky world of reincarnation that stretches across millennia. Haven must discover the secrets hidden in her past lives, and loves¸ before all is lost and the cycle begins again.






The Eternal Ones - Sampler #1

The Eternal Ones - Sampler #2

The Eternal Ones - Sampler #3

Thanks to Jenny @ Wondrous Reads for the all information! :)

Book Review: Exclusively Yours (Shannon Stacey)

When Keri Daniels’ editor finds out she has previous carnal knowledge of reclusive bestselling author Joe Kowalski, she gives Keri a choice: get an interview or get a new job.

Joe’s never forgotten the first girl to break his heart, so he’s intrigued to hear Keri’s back in town—and looking for him. Despite his intense need for privacy, he’ll grant Keri an interview if it means a chance to finish what they started in high school.

He proposes an outrageous plan—for every day she survives with his family on their annual camping and four-wheeling trip, Keri can ask one question. Keri agrees; she’s worked too hard to walk away from her career.

But the chemistry between them is still as potent as the bug spray, Joe’s sister is out to avenge his broken heart and Keri hasn’t ridden an ATV since she was ten. Who knew a little blackmail, a whole lot of family and some sizzling romantic interludes could make Keri reconsider the old dream of Keri & Joe 2gether 4ever.

Exclusively Yours is more than just a romance novel; if I can label it a general love novel I might probably do. It's infused with so many different type of love that it really surpasses just being a plain ol' romance book. It's full of hearty laughter and family closeness, and is one of those books that are refreshing, light and funny in spite of the drama it portrays. Set in the middle of a two-week Kowalski family outing, Keri and Joe's story gives an endless source of pleasure, fun and love.

Keri and Joe are an absolute joy to read and reminisce with, their connected past a constant reminder of exactly how perfect they are together. It was fun reading about their high school adventures, and even more so whenever one is used to embarrass any one of the pair. The book provides a very extensive insight into their past, so the characters are not only well-developed, but are actually seen in terms of their connection to each other. The characterisation is full and strong and many actions both in present and in the past are well-explained, not only from one, but from many perspectives. There is something incredibly romantic with reunited lovers, and as far as any ex-couple can go, these two are a really good match.

Apart from Keri and Joe's romance, there is also the rest of the Kowalski siblings' story in this book. I love the secondary characters in this book.Exclusively Yours portrays very common, very realistic issues in marriages among the siblings. While there is the general happily ever after feel to the plot, it makes clear that the road to it is not smooth. Keri and Terry's relationship was also very very entertaining. I love how their interaction and dislike of each other was not overly exaggerated. Instead, the book focused on what brought them together. To add to all the fun, the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie shared by the Kowalskis is spotlighted and needless to say, it was a delight to indulge in that!

What I found to be slight issues with this book in particular is that though Keri and Joe are both wonderful characters, I felt their romantic potential was not well explored. There were a lot of moments where I thought the tension (in the romance) could be heightened. I do like the fact that it was not all lust and whenever scenes became steamy, it was not overly graphic. I felt that there was a lot of reliance on their past and I would have liked a lot more attention to their present and perhaps future. Also, I felt that the book dragged a lot, although of course I take this may be due to the confined setting of the camping grounds.

I enjoyed Exclusively Yours a lot and would recommend it to those who love contemporary romance.

Three stars.


* This E-book was obtained for review from Net Galley.

In My Mailbox (13)

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren.

This week has been a roller coaster ride! I've gone from a nervous wreck to an ecstatic student to a catatonic, daydreaming fresher, what with the A level results coming out :)

My internet connection has been patchy as of late too, and still quite unstable so I might be late with my IMM comments. Two books bought - well, not an improvement in the book ban, but I'm allowed to celebrate right? I did just finish my A levels... :D

* For Review

Dark Road to Darjeeling (Deanna Raybourn)

* Bought

Shadow Hills (Anastasia Hopcus)

The Highlander's Stolen Bride (Melanie George)

* From the library

The Duke and I (Julia Quinn)

Numbers (Rachel Ward)

The Glass Swallow (Julia Golding)

Dragonfly (Julia Golding)

Incarceron (Catherine Fisher)

The Truth About Forever (Sarah Dessen)

Lots from the library this week - loaned during the aftermath of the results. I wanted to indulge, but that was before I found out that I have a reading list for university! I love economics but YA fiction is soo much more fun to read!

Happy reading! :)

Book Review: The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins)

Winning will make you famous.

Losing means certain death.

In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed.

When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister's place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

With a few exceptions, I feel I am the last person to read this book. In a way, I'm glad I read it late. Had I read it any sooner I would have gone insane waiting for Catching Fire and again waiting for Mockingjay.

There is always something unnerving about dystopian fiction in general, but what makes Hunger Games just that bit more gruesome is the fact that it pits children against each other under the amusement of everyone else. The thought it sickening. The Hunger Games certainly lives up to the brutality of the concept, and Katniss' narration gives a very vivid picture of just how sadistic it all is. I must admit that while reading, the Hunger Games felt like one big adventure and as such, has a certain magnetism to it that I could not say no to. But for once I am glad not to be part of that adventure and be in the relative safety of my bed reading rather than fighting for survival.

I'm sure a lot will agree Katniss Everdeen is probably the strongest female protagonist in the world of YA. Her voice is authentic and conversational and thus easy to follow, despite the heavy decisions she has to make within the circumstances. The ease in which she narrates her world adds to her strength and is a strong contrast to the darkness of her future. She's very real and very tangible, truly a person of her own.

There is no end to the number of secondary characters that is note-worthy in this book. Friendships and bonds are fragile, but unmistakable. It's particularly difficult to endear myself to any one of the tributes as they are doomed to perish one way or another, but certain characters attach themselves so strongly that their deaths deliver a very different point across to the readers. One of these points being just how satirical The Hunger Game is. It reminds me of George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty Four and hence also carry heavy political connotations.

The Hunger games does not forgo humour or drama, but it excels in brutality. And I do love it. It's a bloody good book!

As for the great debate? Well, Team Peeta.

Five Stars!