Book Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Book Stats:
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Source: Borrowed from the Library
Format: Hardcover, 356 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication Date: 06/05/2012
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance

Goodreads Summary: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

In all honesty, I thought this was some kind of ripoff off of The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor mainly because of the name. But the thing that stroke the most resemblance was in fact, the writing style. The overly rich detail and exquisite view of a new world. The difference was that I was very overwhelmed with Daughter of Smoke and Bone while with Shadow and Bone, I was just completely mesmerized. Shadow and Bone was just brilliant. I loved being transported into the unknown: with the foreign fashion, the language and etc. The author made it so that the book had it's own feel, it's certain originality that will definitely draw in High Fantasy and Dystopian fans a-like.

The feel of the book is very dark and if you're looking for books that keep will you guessing, then this is the book for you. The only bad thing is..... the author will make you love each and every character which pretty much zeroes in your chances on finding a solid character to trust.. or should I say, doubt.

Alina was as every bit heartbreaking as she was awesome. Her traits and overall innocence leaves so much more improvement to happen in the next two books! I felt for her, her tug-of-war with her power and her feelings. Especially for the two boys. Not a fan of triangles but this has one I can't wait to unfold.

I really liked Mal. He's the boy-next-door type and even though, he was gone for the first half, when he came back in, his words and actions to and for Alina made such an impression to me... but not as much as the Darkling. I seriously can't wait to see more of him and learn about his history. There's just something about this one... He's a very complex character and I hope Bardugo sees it to that he stays that way. I'd be very disappointed if he didn't bring in the twists in the next installment... or if he's barely there at all. He added spice to this already sizzling story and I can't believe I'm saying this but I'm saying it.... I have fallen in love with the "villain" of the story. I wonder what my mama's going to say to that.

Bardugo had my heartstrings tugged at every corner and I can't wait for Siege and Storm.

★★★★★

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Book Review: City Of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Book Stats:
City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
(Book #4 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 424 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 4/5/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other one. When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

When you assume it's over, City of Fallen Angels will bite you in the butt and make you think twice. I don't ever doubt Cassandra Clare's talent for storytelling but sometimes, I honestly don't know whether to love or hate her for it. As usual, she manages to make me such an emotional book mess after reading her books and have me begging for the next one. It made me want to pull my hair out but I loved it either way. 

Our beloved shadowhunters and others, are finally getting on with their life after the battle in Idris. Clary's training with Jace and they're finally in a "normal" relationship, Simon's trying to get used to being a vampire, Isabelle's dealing with the loss of Max and her parents, Alec and Magnus retreats together.. but trouble always seems to be lurking in the corners.

Everyone had their own piece in this book. I loved seeing Jace and Clary together before that annoying set back. It did manage to bring up the romantic tension once again. I swear, I don't know if it will ever feel as if this couple won't ever be "forbidden" anymore. Sigh.. Jace, oh, Jace. The boy can't ever get a break! I feel so sorry for his character because every dilemma always find its way to root back to him. I don't know if Clare has something against Jace but all this torture better lead to an amazing conclusion or else, I'm going to have a fit. You just don't go through all of that for nothing!

I like Simon and I liked that he was given a spotlight in this book. He has grown and matured throughout the series but you really get the feel of difference in his character in this book. I loved that little drama between him, Izzy and Maia. I could have gone without it but it was nice little touch. We meet some new characters here and I believe old one from The Infernal Devices so that was pretty cool.

By the angel! I swear, one of these days, Clare's cliffhangers might take its toll on me. I don't think my heart can take anymore but I'm definitely looking forward to reading City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire.

★★★★★

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Book Review: City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Book Stats:
City Of Glass by Cassandra Clare
(Book #3 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 541 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 3/24/2009
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadowhunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadowhunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City - whatever the cost? Love is a mortal sin and the secrets of the past prove deadly as Clary and Jace face down Valentine in the final installment of the New York Timesbestselling trilogy The Mortal Instruments.

After the earth-shattering events that unraveled both in City of Bones and City of Ashes, City of Glass has finally put me at ease.. but only for a second. This was supposed to be the final book in The Mortal Instruments series but as we all know, there are more and It's just getting better and better with every page turned. 

We see a lot of growth in our characters in this book especially with Clary. There was more emotion in this book than all the books before combined. Lots of losses and secrets being bared out to for everyone to see. Not to mention, the truth that I've been waiting for to resurface has finally come out and it's been like a splinter being pulled out.  I was so emotionally invested in this book after such heartbreaking turn of events in the past and this book did not dissappoint. Although my heart did stop more than once but that's okay, I still managed to restart it. 

The book was 500+ pages long. I did devour it for the most part but there we're some parts that could have been omitted to keep the story pace as lively as possible. I did enjoy the adventure, the action and especially the romantic tension between Jace and Clary.
I loved that we we're brought to the world of Shadowhunters this time. It was a nice change of scenery to be brought into the walls of Idris, the image of it was so vivid in my mind. I never once been to Prague or Paris but that's how it appeared to my mind. As well as the movie, Pride and Prejudice.

With the death of an old, comes in the new. Yes, well, Cassandra Clare was a little sneaky here. She did manage to perfectly yet subtly set up a whole new dilemma for the next books without giving away too much. The series could have properly ended here if she chose to do so but I'm really glad she didn't! The Mortal Instruments series are just consuming and it always leaves you wanting more.

★★★★★

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Book Review: City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Book Stats:
City Of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
(Book #2 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 453 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 3/25/2008
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance

Goodreads Summary: Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father. To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father? In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

Whereas, I only liked City Of Bones, I loved City Of Ashes. Maybe it had to do with being less confused because I got the gist of the major characters and the world from its predecessor but I also found the story more consistent in this one. I loved the action, the tension, the twists and the turns! The characters we're given more depth and more difficulties that would keep you flipping from page to page.

After that rather breathtaking cliffhanger from City Of Bones, I immediately dove into reading this one. I was dying to know what happens next to characters I had fallen in love with. Clary despite her commendable character improvement, you can feel for her when she's feeling inadequate to fit in the Shadowhunter's world. Also, the confusion between her feelings for her alleged-brother, Jace and the growing attraction from her bestfriend, Simon. If you take out the fairies, angels and warlocks, It almost sounded like realistic fiction to me which is good. It makes them more relatable. 

I loved the Unseelie court scene, it was pretty heartbreaking especially from Jace's POV. To some, it might be a little bit of turn off considering what they found out in City Of Bones but I honestly didn't! I had faith in Cassandra Clare that she wouldn't leave one of my favorite couples hanging like that. This book was pretty heavy on the emotions when it came to the romance department!

City of Ashes was really a beautiful sequel and it was no question I was going to start City Of Glass after reading it. Cassandra Clare is probably the master of masters with cliffhangers! The ending makes me want to shake her and hug her after.

★★★★★

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(Mini) Book Review: Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa

Book Stats:
Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa
(Book #3.5 of The Iron Fey)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 72 pages
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Publication Date: 6/1/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Adventure, Romance

Goodreads Summary: A Midsummer's Nightmare? Robin Goodfellow. Puck. Summer Court prankster, King Oberon's right hand, bane of many a faery queen's existence—and secret friend to Prince Ash of the Winter Court. Until one girl's death came between them, and another girl stole both their hearts. Now Ash has granted one favor too many and someone's come to collect, forcing the prince to a place he cannot go without Puck's help—into the heart of the Summer Court. And Puck faces the ultimate choice—betray Ash and possibly win the girl they both love, or help his former friend turned bitter enemy pull off a deception that no true faery prankster could possibly resist. An ebook exclusive novella from Julie Kagawa's Iron Fey series.

Have I ever mentioned I love Puck? No? Well then, I love Puck! Although, I'm Team Ash all the way, Puck will always have a place in my heart. Shoot, if there's applications available to be his girlfriend, sign me up. How can you not love him? He's humorous, adorable, noble and not to mention, very witty. It's really unfortunate that the past rifted Ash and Puck apart because they could have been such a wonderful duo! Robin Goodfellow is a light-hearted character despite his own battles. As I said before, he is the perfect counterpart for our dark and mysterious Unseelie Prince.

Summer's Crossing happens after the breathtaking ending of The Iron Queen. Ash is setting out to find Grimalkin and Puck invites himself along. Although, their uncertain plans have been put to a stop by none other the Queen of Exiles, Leanansidhe. She came in to call an upaid favor from The Unseelie Prince. I didn't remember Ash calling in a favor but apparently he did and I was as shocked as Puck was. I loved that this book really focused on Puck's wishes and abilities. It was so heartbreakingly sweet that he was doing this for Meghan but I believe he also wanted redemption as well.

This was so much better than Winter's Passage and I really want more Puck books, even just little novellas would be nice! Also, the ending sounds really ominous to me. I can't wait to get started on The Iron Knight.

★★★★★

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Book Review: The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Book Stats:
The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
(Book #3 of The Iron Fey)
Source: Purchased
Format: Kindle, 358 pages
Publisher: HarlequinTeen
Publication Date: 1/25/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Adventure, Romance

Goodreads Summary: 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.

Oh my freaking gosh. I haven't felt this devastated from reading a book since City Of Fallen Angels. How devastated? Doing-breathing-exercises-devastated! Yes, The Iron Queen caressed my heart then threw it mercilessly to a beat up box and shipped to the Bermuda Triangle. If that didn't get the point across, I don't know what will!

The Iron Queen continues right after the banishment of Prince Ash and Meghan from Nevernever. They went to the mortal world, thinking they would have to live normal lives but the thought didn't last long for The False King is still trailing from their steps. Meghan was resolved to keep harms away from her family so she knew she had to find away to stop him. Ash and Meghan ventured once again to find answers with more love than ever. Their relationship was at full bloom in this novel and it was so beautiful to witness. We are also once again reunited with our other beloved characters, Puck and Grim.

My, my, Meghan. How much you've grown! Even Ash noted it too. From being just a  helpless human coming to Nevernever, to a little lovesick puppy, to now, a strong and noble heroine. She has certainly redeemed herself to me and she's definitely on my favorite character list! 

This book has answered a lot of my confusions from the past 2 books. The revelations, both good and the bad, have definitely got all the pieces clicking in. I have embraced them all. If you have read my reviews for The Iron King and The Iron Daughter, you all know my complaints especially with the story starting too slow. Fortunately, I didn't have those problems or any problem with The Iron Queen whatsoever. I love this book to bits and this is the book that solidify my love for the series. I was a bit at odds but I know the story and its characters have consumed me. Actually, my problem of the story being too slow, I wouldn't have mind it being dragged on in this book honestly. I wanted more!

The plot stayed true to how it was constructed from its predecessors. It was predictable most of the time but I did have some shocked moments especially in that breathtaking end, which I have to press on, killed me. Julie Kagawa, are you Nicholas Sparks under that fabulous shell of a woman? I swear, you seem to have a knack for making me cry with this book. I cried through happiness, through heartbreak, through triumph and through loss because it was THAT beautiful. Man, what an adventure.

Although, I'm not in the slightest bit resolved. For some reason, I feel so happy about how things turned out as tragic as it was. Thank goodness, there is another book because I might've turned crazy otherwise. This is my favorite book in the series, I'm pretty sure I'll crack it open more than once in the future!

★★★★★

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