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 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: City Of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Book Stats:
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
(Book #1 of The Mortal Instruments)
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover, 485 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 3/27/2007
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, Adventure

Goodreads Summary: When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know... Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Well, it has been awhile since I've read this book so my thoughts might be a little clouded and might be a little biased now considering I've already read the next 4 books in the series. But here goes nothing!

At first, I must admit, I wasn't entirely in love with the world that's introduced by Cassandra Clare in City Of Bones. I wasn't much of paranormal junkie before, after coming off a Hunger Games and Divergent high, I was still in search of another dystopian and that's when I stumbled into this. I know, how wrong was I? I'm laughing at my mere innocence and lack of knowledge with YA literature, thankfully now I know better.

The world still confuses me up till this date but its undeniable that it's very interesting and genius. City Of Bones is set in busy streets of New York! When I first read this, that's what fascinated me. I was like, "It's in freaking New York!". 

We follow the story of Clarissa Fray, a normal teenager out for a night with her best friend Simon... or so she thought. They we're in a club called Pandemonium and suddenly, things got a little weird. She suddenly sees things moving out of the shadows and witness a killing with her own eyes. Only this wasn't entirely murder and the person wasn't entirely a person.  We then meet an angel look-a-like Jace, Isabelle and Alec Lightwood. A set of unusual siblings who are trained to fight demons called Shadowhunters. Being able to see them opens up a whole new world for Clary, which she has been hidden from by none other than her mother. We later than find that she's been kidnapped. She finds herself getting more involved in a world she never knew existed and with a boy that might have nothing to offer her but heartbreak.

I really did like MOST of the characters but there's just some I could have lived without reading about. There we're a lot extras that made it confusing! Clary was ok, a little bit of a whiner but what can you expect from a 16 year old girl being thrusted upon a whole new world with angels and demons? I loved the Lightwood siblings especially our cocky little jerk, Jace. Despite that playful shell, he was really a tormented soul and I really loved that flawed part of him. I also liked Simon and Magnus. One major problem that I had was the villain, Valentine. Sure he made a lot of twists but he just wasn't evil enough for me to consider a threat for a happily ever after, you know? The story was really enticing but the dialogues we're pretty dull and repetitive for me. I did like Simon and Jace's banter but sometimes it just gets really exasperating.

The beginning was a little slow for me but it did pick up. That's where the romance kicks in! I won't say much but City of Bones introduced me to one of my favorite YA couples. Boy, Cassandra Clare definitely knows what she's doing in that department! This was a really nice starter for The Mortal Instruments. I have stucked around for the next 4 books, will read City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire plus The Infernal Devices and possibly, the spin-off series as well so I guess that could speak for itself!

★★★★

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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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Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Book Stats:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
(Book #1 of Divergent)
Source: Gifted
Format: Hardcover, 487 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date: 5/3/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi, Romance, Adventure, Action

Goodreads Summary: In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

After reading The Hunger Games last March, I went on this crazy whole new search for another dystopian novel that is similar to it. Not even two days after finishing The Hunger Games trilogy, I came upon Divergent by Veronica Roth. Divergent is a rather interesting post-apocalyptic story that's set in future Chicago. The world is very unique but also very confusing. Not much of the backstory was provided except that they believed that people should live in factions pertaining to their abilities to avoid war and conflict. 

We follow the journey of Beatrice Prior. She was a very interesting girl. Here she was, an Abnegation member who was supposed to be selfless and caring but our heroine finds herself at odds with her faction. She can't seem to connect to the things they do so during her choosing ceremony, she made a decision that changed her life forever. Although, she did lack (no pun intended) the fire that Katniss had, she was pretty kick-ass when she learned to be. See, this was a girl who lived her whole live as a quite and shy Abnegation member so you do see huge character development. She went through a lot of physical and emotional turmoil over her course of being an initiate. Before transferring to her new faction, she also learned that she is a "Divergent" which are people that are able to test out into several factions because being one means you have a target in your head.

Let me get into my favorite part of this book and that is, none other than, Four. Our sexy, mysterious, bad-ass trainer. There was a lot of dark revelation with his character which made me love him even more. He has personal demons that he needed to conquer and he had a problem of his own, that is the same as Tris which is why he was instantly protective of her. Especially after that chasm scene. I was just about to combust from the Four hotness!

They do have a little of a "forbidden" romance because she was an initiate and Four was an instructor. They bond through their similar characteristic and over the course of the training, it blooms to an even deeper connection. The romance wasn't put exactly in the spotlight and it was paced rather perfectly in my opinion.

I admit, It had a really slow beginning because I felt the lack of emotions (understandable because she was an Abnegation) and that was the most boring part that I could think of. Other than that, this book really did provide action, romance, a very descriptive imagery of the world, the factions and what they do. I was really invested in the book, I couldn't put the book down. I only read this in a day! I was day-dreaming about being a Dauntless member. I was really motivated to do those adrenaline induced activities, stupid or not, after reading this book. It makes you want to.. LIVE LIKE A DAUNTLESS.

I wouldn't say this is necessarily the next Hunger Games but it's definitely in that same podium. Divergent holds its own in the countless books of Dystopian literature and I highly recommend this book!

 ★★★★★

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