Book Review: Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush #4

Pubished by: Simon & Schuster
Rating: 3/5

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

Warning there are some spoilers in this review.

Surprise. Surprise. Fitzpatrick did the unexpected and actually created a half decent book. Going into Finale I had low expectations, after all the last two books in this series were nothing short of horrible, but I gave it a shot hoping it would get better and I was rewarded. That's not to say that I didn't have a few gripes with this book but there were considerably fewer than expected.

The plot wasn't too bad, there was enough going on that it kept my attention but it was also kinda predictable and not in a good superman-will-always-save-the-day kinda way. I really wanted to be surprised in parts but I ended up feeling kinda meh about it all. But overall, the plot was way better than the previous three. I even liked the way she handled the whole Nora and devilcraft situation. I felt she hit the major issues that she needed to and sent the right message. Although, I still have gripes about the lack of information about devilcraft and it's use.

There were some issues I had. At the end how was the gate opened? Surley it can't be that easy to open the gate to hell and release the fallen angels. Yet, that's how it comes across. No explanation, nothing. It's almost as if all Dante had to do was knock on the door and ask the devil politely to open it. This glancing over plot points is something that Fitzpatrick needs to keep an eye on. She also needs to keep her facts in check as there was one line, "...jam-packed with bodies producing enough sweat to take greenhouse gases to a whole new level." Now correct me if I read this wrong but this sentence to me reads that sweat produces greenhouse gases....ummmmm ok, that's a new one. Please do your homework next time, it saves me wanting to throw your book against a wall.

Fitzpatrick seemed to be on a role in this book as the characters didn't bug me as much. Nora has grown a bigger backbone and is actually bearable. She's come into her own as leader of the Nephilim, even though at times she does put her problems in front of everyone else. Overall, her growth since the last book was great, I don't think I could've dealt with Silence Nora for another book. Even Patch got better!  Really he was much less of a dick in this book than the others. It was frustrating though because one minute he was all normal and then I would be swearing because he said or did something assholey again. His jealousy is way too OTT sometimes but the emphasis on it being unhealthy isn't given the prominance that it should have.

I was so glad to see Scott back in this book and not just as a tool for information dumping. He would definitely have to be one of my fave characters in this series so while I was glad how much featured in this book, I was sad about how it all ended. Vee also got better in this book, she was far less b*&%@# and disresepctful. I did however have to wonder what the point of her was for most of it. The whole big reveal of her secret proved to be unnecessary as in the end it played no part in effecting the overall plot. It just seemed that Fitzpatrick thought it would be cool and give another gasp factor but I just felt that is wasn't needed. And finally Dante. He was really rather transparent and I had him pegged as his role since early on in the book. Again Fitzpatrick's writing left me having trouble picturing him.

Overall, the book wasn't too bad and it gave a satisfying ending to the series. For those of you who loved the first three books this one will not disappoint.

 

Book Review: Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

The Lynburn Legacy #1

Publishe by: Random House
Rating: 5/5

Kami Glass loves someone she’s never met . . . a boy she’s talked to in her head ever since she was born. She wasn’t silent about her imaginary friend during her childhood, and is thus a bit of an outsider in her sleepy English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Still, Kami hasn’t suffered too much from not fitting in. She has a best friend, runs the school newspaper, and is only occasionally caught talking to herself. Her life is in order, just the way she likes it, despite the voice in her head.

But all that changes when the Lynburns return.

The Lynburn family has owned the spectacular and sinister manor that overlooks Sorry-in-the-Vale for centuries. The mysterious twin sisters who abandoned their ancestral home a generation ago are back, along with their teenage sons, Jared and Ash, one of whom is eerily familiar to Kami. Kami is not one to shy away from the unknown—in fact, she’s determined to find answers for all the questions Sorry-in-the-Vale is suddenly posing. Who is responsible for the bloody deeds in the depths of the woods? What is her own mother hiding? And now that her imaginary friend has become a real boy, does she still love him? Does she hate him? Can she trust him?

I wasn't sure what to expect coming into this book, it had an interesting sounding premise and good reviews so I thought id give it a go. It was a good choice. This book is a ray of sunshine amongst some of the other YA books I've read recently.

The characters were my favorite part if this book, they all had their own personality and everyone stood out for that reason. They came across as real teenagers with teenage personalities. It's great! Kami is a great lead female and im happy to report she's not TSTL. She doesn't go around pretending to be smart when her actions betray her a being stupid, she has sass and she can actually look after herself while still being believably flawed. I felt that all her actions and decisions, whether right or wrong, could be explained by her desire to be a journalist. In fact she kinda reminded me of Lois Lane in her tenacity and aspiration to get to the bottom of a story no matter what, for me it worked. The only thing that I found a bit annoying was the few times she reffered to Angela and Holly being so much hotter than her. However, it wasn't overdone and I guess we're all allowed a bit of self-consiousness.

Jared was a well written tortured character with anger issues, insecurities and all. But at the same time he was also very sweet, especially with Kami. By the end of the book I did feel like I needed more explanation for the way he was but considering there's more books in the series I wasn't too worried. I think my favourite line of Jared's had to be when he tols Kami that they should date.

As for the other characters I can't say there was one that felt flat. Angela was hilarious in her hatred for all people and her laziness. She was also kick-ass which is a huge plus. I loved how the relationship with Holly developed in the book. Ash was complex. And I loved the contrast between Kamis family with her awesome dad who picked on them and the Lynburns who were closed off and just a little mad.

The relationship was written very well. It wasn't insta-love which is a nice change. Kami and Jared had developed feelings for each other for many years even if they didn't know the other was real. And finally when they do realise it in the elevator it's not all sunshine and rainbows; it's difficult. Despite prior feelings for each other they do not follow on that easily. Yeah, feelings develop but there's this awkwardness and unsureness about it. They're no longer sure of their feelings and whether they're real or not. It just moves at a more natural pace than a lot of YA books at the moment where it's love and happiness at first sight.

The plot was also very good. It had enough intrigue to keep me interested and while I figured out some of the secrets there were others that I didn't see coming until they were on me. Clues and secrest were revealed throughout the book so I wasn't getting frustrated at the lack of revels despite the obviousness of it.

Unfortunately, now I have to wait until next year to get the next installment to find out what happens next and to hope that what happened at the end of the book will not be permanent.

Book Reviews: E L James and James Dashner

Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James

Fifty Shades #1

Published by: Vintage
Rating: 0.25/5 (Just for the fact that it actually managed to get published)

When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires.

Let me start off by asking how on earth this was published in the first place? Anyone who is active in the literary world knows this started off as Twilight smut fanfiction and just reading the first chapter you can see the parallels between Edward (handsome, confident and mysterious Christian) and Bella (brunette, clumsy, awkward and daggy Ana). It hurts me to know that this is what the publishing world has come to, taking fanfiction, changing the names and calling it a new story. Not that fanfiction is bad, I'm a reader and some writers are very good but if they get published it should be for more original content. I'm referring to Cassandra Clare who started in Harry Potter fanfiction and is now a successful original author.

So considering that issue is out of the way lets take a look at the book proper. What makes it so riveting and popular? Well I can tell you it ain't the writing. As soon as I read the first line I wanted to throw the book and give up on it. "I scowl with frustration in the mirror. Damn my hair - it just won't behave, and damn Katherine Kavanagh for being ill and subjecting me to this ordeal." Really I've read better written fanfiction (oh snap). Even Lauren Kate's Fallen is better written and more interesting than this drivel and considering my dislike of that book Ms James is doing a stellar job of making me want to burn every copy of this book just to save to world from having thier brains explode over the crappiness of it. And here is were we insert angry Gray fanatics cries of indignation at hating on thier book.

So the characters...well other than the fact that they're Bella and Edward clones, they suck. Really Ana is just another TSTL lead female, seriously girl if your brain is telling you to run, you bloody well run, you don't listen to your hormones that's what guys do (no offense to all the guys out there). But really she is rather dull and stupid, I don't care much for her and despite knowing there's another two books I'm kinda hoping her clumsiness will trip her in front of a moving bus. Lets not even get started on how long it took her to catch onto him being abused as achild, so much for brains. And if I have to read about her inner goddess one more time I'm gonna smash something and then have my inner ninja kick her inner goddesses ass, because ninjas are much cooler :). Now Christian...I know I'm gonna get hate mail for this but WTF do so many women like him? He's not sexy, he's down right creepy and a bit of a sleaze bag. He's far too full of himself and is a cheavanistic pig. Really you would think all the women out there want to go back a few centuraries where they were owned by men, thanks but no thanks I'll take my freedom. On that note as far as my knowledge of BDSM goes, which doesn't go that far, people into that scene can hold perfectly healthy relationships, they just like it a bit kinky in the bedroom. They don't train their partners like dogs either just to pleasure them. Really I am worried for the female population if this is their dream man. And let's not even get started on the contract because that's just weird. But really Christian reminds me of a commercial, 'Dont cross the line', which refers to abuse and hunny if your scared of your bfs anger I'm pretty sure he's crossed the line into abuse.

The relationship: this is the most unhealthy book relationship I have read. This is not a healthy relationship people, don't endorse it, and I'm not even talking about the BDSM aspect. As said above the fact that Ana is scared of Christian's anger and the fact that she can't think straight when around him is not good. She should have been able to leave him alone a long time ago no matter how much it hurt. And when she finally did, Hallelujah, I did a little happy dance because that should have happened a couple hundred pages before, unfortunately I'm pretty sure they get back together, go ahead Ms James it's like taking candy from a baby, it's just cruel. On a side note: when you ask your bf to beat you as hard as possible, you really can't make judgment calls.

So if your into badly written books, unhealthy relationships, annoying characters, just like feeling your brain cells die one by one or are into mummy porn than this book is for you. For us sane ones I will continue to judge people who read this and liked it, so sue me. That being said I will probably read the last two because I'm a masochist and don't like leaving series unfinished because you never know it might get better...who am I kidding?

However, after reading this I have a new sense of how hilarious it was that my friends mum had no idea what the book was about and went to buy it for her husband :D.


The Kill Order by James Dashner

The Maze Runner #0.5

Published by: Delacorte Books
Rating: 2/5

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next. Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there’s something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it’s mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

Mark and Trina are convinced there’s a way to save those left living from descending into madness. And they’re determined to find it—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you’re worth more dead than alive.

Considering my love hate relationship with the trilogy it was no surprise that this book was the same. Unfortunately, I think this book was a bit disappointing as I was looking forward to reading about Tom and Teresa and how their story began. Instead we're handed a whole new bunch of characters that I really couldn't care less for.

So let's start with the plot, it was ok but not what I would call fantastic. For me there was too much action and not enough character development, and while I'm all for action there needs to be a balance. The book was all safe scene, fight/running scene followed by a safe, fight/running scene and so on and so forth. Because of this I found it difficult to keep reading, I think I could've put this book down at any point, never gone back to it and never caring, which is a shame because Mr Dashner isn't a bad writer.

The characters were very meh for me. Normally I would be rooting for Mark and Trina to get together and Alec would be one of my favorite characters, but I just couldn't connect. I didn't even care when any characters died. Maybe it was because I knew there was no way they could make it or maybe I'm not compatible with Mr Dashner's writing. In this case it's probably a bit of both. One thing I did like was Mark's struggle with the Flare in the latter part of the book, it was well written and I enjoyed reading him go from horror to embracing it to save his friends.

Overall, the book was ok and fans of the trilogy will probably like it, however, if you were like me and only mildly enjoyed the books than this one may be a prequel you decide to skip.

Book Review: 13 by Kelley Armstrong

Women of the Otherworld #13

Published By: Orbit
Rating: 5/5

War is coming to the Otherworld. A sinister cult known as The Supernatural Liberation Movement is hell-bent on exposing the truth about supernaturals to the rest of the world. Their violent, ruthless plan has put everyone at risk: from werewolves to vampires, from witches to half-demons.

Savannah Levine - fiery and unpredictable - stands at the heart of the maelstrom. There is a new, dark magic inside her, granting her the power to summon spells of terrifying strength. But whether this magic is a gift or a curse, no one knows.

On the eve of battle, all the major players must come together in a last, desperate fight for survival - Elena and Clay; Adam and Savannah; Paige and Lucas; Jeremy and Jaime; Hope, Eve and more...They are fighting for lives.

They are fighting for their loved ones.

They are fighting for the Otherworld.

Anyone  who is a fan of Ms Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series will find 13 packed full of yummy otherworld goodness in the form of all our favourite characters and pairings, all our favourite secondary characters, action and twists.

Now without giving away too much, 13 wove an intricate plot that brought everything and everyone introduced in the series full circle and they all play their parts wonderfully. For most of the story I was wondering what Ms Armstring was going to do to her characters next because she really tested them in the final three book arc and you won't see many of the twists coming,. It made the book a delight to read.

For me the characters have always been the heart of this series, to follow them through their adventures and trials, and to see them grow has been a pleasure. This book is no different. Following Savannah through this book we get to see just how much she has changed and grown up not just over the last three books but ever since she was first. We get to see characters coming into their own and get  a real glimpse at what the world could be like in the future when the new generation really take over. But what I really liked about this book was how some of the minor secondary characters were treated, Jaz's arc really put into place how much he cared for Hope, Cassandra and Aaron (who are two of my top secondary characters and who I would like to have seen more page time) were provided with sweet closure, and let's not forget the Lord Demons that made a few visits and gave me some of my favourite scenes.

You also can't ignore the role pairings play in making the characters so loveable and it was great to finally see Adam and Savannah get together after that kiss at the send of Spell Bound. I do love my ships and it's great to see an author get on board and give the readers what they want without all the hassle of the dreaded love triangle. I also fell more in love with the Hope and Karl pairing after seeing them interact in this book as of all the book protagonists we've had they've had the least screen time. Elana and Clay, Paige and Lucas, Eve and Kristoff, Jeremy and Jamie...well, it's always a pleasure to get to see more of them and see them interact. But as I mentioned above Cassandra and Aaron is also one of my favourite pairings and it was so heartwarming to see them in this book.

It's sad to see then end of such a great series, especially one that has so many more exciting adventures to tell. I look forward to getting my hands on the short stories that Ms Armstrong has promised us in coming years to see how the ramifications of 13 impact on everyone and hopefully sometime in the future we'll be able to revisit our favourite characters in a full length novel.

Series Review: Curse Workers by Holly Black

Curse Workers #1

Publish By: Margaret K. McElderry
Rating: 3/5



Curse Workers #2

Cassel comes from a family of curse workers — people who have the power to change your emotions, your memories, your luck, by the slightest touch of their hands. And since curse work is illegal, they’re all mobsters, or con artists. Except for Cassel. He hasn’t got the magic touch, so he’s an outsider, the straight kid in a crooked family. You just have to ignore one small detail — he killed his best friend, Lila, three years ago.
Ever since, Cassel has carefully built up a façade of normalcy, blending into the crowd. But his façade starts crumbling when he starts sleepwalking, propelled into the night by terrifying dreams about a white cat that wants to tell him something. He’s noticing other disturbing things, too, including the strange behavior of his two brothers. They are keeping secrets from him, caught up in a mysterious plot. As Cassel begins to suspect he’s part of a huge con game, he also wonders what really happened to Lila. Could she still be alive? To find that out, Cassel will have to out-con the conmen.  



Curse Workers #3

Let me start off by saying that I really wanted to like this series more than I did. Now don't get me wrong it was well written, had a decent plot, the world building was some of the best I've seen in a YA novel, the characters were likable, and it had romance. All this normally adds up to a big fat win for me, in fact it they are the exact type of books I normally go for and love. So where did it go wrong?

I think the biggest problem for me was that I just didn't connect with the writing. As I said it was fairly well written and much better than some of the others out on the market at present. But, I just couldn't get into it, I was quite happy to put the books down and wait a few days before I continued on and I know there should have been times that I shouldn't have been able to put it down. It didn't help that I found the plot a little bit lack luster. There just wasn't that much excitment in it for me. Sure it was interesting and I really did want to finish the books and find out how it all fit but it was all a bit meh, especially in the last book where there were story lines that just fell flat.

I did appreciate the world building aspect, though. A lot of authors have trouble with this aspect, especially in YA lit, leaving their books feeling broken and incomplete. Ms Black did a great job of creating a world where a minorty where given the power to make things happen with just a touch of a hand. I especially liked that there were also consequences to using that power. It was fascinating to read about how the world, in particular laws, had developed with 'workers'. One thing that was interesting was their view on scandel and what constitutes as porn (ungloved hands).

The characters on the other hand I found likable but I didn't really connect with any of them, a fact that would be connected to my lack of connection with the writing. I mean I should have been shipping the whole way through but in the end I really couldn't have cared less if the guys got the girls. Another issue I had was placing the ages of people, specifically Barron and Philip. They always came across as way way way older than what they are in the books. Philip is meant to be 21 but acted like he was in his late 30's, the same went for Barron. I got that their working for a mob probably had some sort of impact but it just messed with my mind a bit too much. Cassel was interesting and it was good to read a YA from the persepctive of a boy rather than a girl but again I didn't really connect with him. Out of all of them I probably liked Daneca, Sam and Grandpa Desi the best, and they're not even main characters.

Overall, it was a decent read and I would recommend it for lovers of YA paranormal novels who want something different to read. I have read rave reviews about this series and it probably rightly deserves them, it just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

Book Review: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Graceling Realm #3

Published by: Gollancz
Rating: 3.5/5

Eight years have passed since the young Princess Bitterblue, and her country, were saved from the vicious King Leck. Now Bitterblue is the queen of Monsea, and her land is at peace. But the influence of her father, a violent psychopath with mind-altering abilities, lives on. Her advisers, who have run the country on her behalf since Leck's death, believe in a forward-thinking plan: to pardon all of those who committed terrible acts during Leck's reign; and to forget every dark event that ever happened. Monsea's past has become shrouded in mystery, and it's only when Bitterblue begins sneaking out of her castle - curious, disguised and alone - to walk the streets of her own city, that she begins to realise the truth. Her kingdom has been under the thirty-five-year long spell of a madman, and now their only chance to move forward is to revisit the past. Whatever that past holds. Two thieves, who have sworn only to steal what has already been stolen, change her life forever. They hold a key to the truth of Leck's reign. And one of them, who possesses an unidentified Grace, may also hold a key to her heart ...

Anyone who is a fan of Fire and Graceling have been waiting for this book for a while. Waiting to find out what has happened to all of our favourite characters. And as much as I liked the book and enjoyed reading it, I can't help but to feel a little let down. The plot was slow moving, and the use of ciphers and keys worked better in theory than on paper. The mystery had no suspence and it was obvious from very early on what was happening and why. There was no big climax and I finished the book feeling like it was incomplete.

That's not to say it didn't have any saving graces, considering I gave it 3.5 there had to be something that made it worth reading and that was the characters. I liked Bitterblue, although at times she came across as younger than her 18 years. This was understandable though as she has been very sheltered since she became queen 8 years previous and it was a joy to see her develop and become a real queen rather than a pawn. She showed that she was strong and just, and wasn't afraid to fix the damage her father had made, but she also showed a very vulnerable side that connects with her past.

I loved Saf and Teddy. They made reading the first part of the book very enjoyable. Unfortunately for being so crucial in the beginning of the book and for Saf being a love interest they disappeared into the background very quickly after their parts were completed, only to show up quickly to forward some plot point. Saf in particular felt like he should have played a more prominant role. I do still love him though.

Seeing Po, Katsa, Raffin and the rest of the crew again was great as well but they didn't really serve much of a purpose. They had their own little storyline that didn't have anything to do with the main one, and it tell the reader what was happening in the rest of the kingdom, which I guess was its main purpose. The one thing I found odd was how Po and Katsa behaved. Now I know I haven't read Graceling since it first came out and that 8 years have passed but they came across as alot more animated then what I remember them being, especially Katsa. It wasn't exactly a bad thing as I still loved them and was glad to see Po so much, but it just didn't sit right. I think I'm going to have to go back and re-read Graceling again to check.

Among other characters I loved Death, Lovejoy, Madlen and Helda. They were great characters to read about. Thiel and Rood I really felt for, they have been through so much and were left so broken. It was heartbreaking sometimes.

Then at the end we get to see Fire again. Again not really a bad thing to see how she was going and it did serve a purpose but it felt kind of chucked in like a last minute decision. I'm not entirely sure if it was meant to go somewhere or if it was just a plot device to help Bitterblue.

Overall, I had mixed feeling about the book but I still did really enjoy it and would recommend anyone who has read the first two books to read it. I'm hoping there will be another book as the ending did feel incomplete and open ended.

Book Reviews: Rachel Caine and Cassandra Clare

Black Dawn by Rschel Caine

Morganville Vampires #12

Published by: New American Library
Rating: 4.5/5

In Last Breath, the rain brought a new and dire threat to Morganville and its vampires... their ancient enemies, the draug. Now, the vampires are fighting a losing war, and it will fall to the residents of the Glass House: Michael, Eve, Shane and Claire, to take the fight to an enemy who threatens to destroy the town, forever.

This book takes off from the events at the end of Last Breath and it was a rollercoaster ride. From the beginning it was action packed and it didn't slow down. It was a lot of fun and a bit of heartache.

I've been with this series for a long time now and have become invested in the characters, and to see how the have evolved over the course of 12 books has been a joyous ride. With this book we saw Claire, Shane, Michael and Eve deal with a lot of stuff and develop in ways you wouldn't expect. The best thing about them though is that they are real and you can see how their past has forced them to become the people they are today. It is something that is missing in a lot new YA PNRL books at the moment. Shane is one of the best male characters with a tortured past around. I loved seeing him so vulnerable in this book, it really gave his charcter a greater depth, I just wanted to give him a hug!

Now Claire and Eve, thank god for truley kiss-ass female characters. Unlike some books these girls really are tough, and we're both told and shown this. Eve has such great strength in this book, I really admired her. After what happened in Last Breath it was bound to be rocky for her and Michael, and it was, which was great to see. She didn't go running back to him and excusing his behaviour just because she loved him, she made sure she made the right decision by her and let him know that it couldn't happen again, or she is liable to kick his ass. Saying that I really do hope them the best in coming books becuase they are such a cute couple. Claire has always displayed an inner strength and that continues to come out in this book, it's great to see her stand up to the vampires but still know when to back off.

As usual Ms Caine does a wonderful job fleshing out her secondary characters, making them a part of the story rather than having them their as plot points. Some short points Myrnin needs a good slap for what he did, still love Oliver, can't believe I'm feeling sorry for Monica, and Amelie...well, I don't know where I stand with her at the moment.

With the end of this book it will be interesting to see where Ms Caine takes us in the next two. Black Dawn was a game changer for Morganville and I don't know if we'll get to the end of book 15 with everyone we love alive or undead. There will definitley be some hard times ahead for the gang and I can't wait to be taken along for the ride.


City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments #5

Published by: Walker Books
Rating: 5/5

Can the lost be reclaimed? What price is too high to pay for love? Who can be trusted when sin and salvation collide?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge.

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

WTF just happened...Bad Alec. Bad, bad, bad Alec. No biscuit for you :(

Now that's out of my system. This book was amazing. I loved every minute of it.  And I can't believe where Ms Clare took us with it. There is so much to say about the plot but I can't say too much so I don't ruin it for those who have yet to read it. It was full of surprises and twists that I didn't see coming, it truely was a joy to read. One thing that will bug me until I find out is who is Brother Zachariah? And damn Ms Clare, she's refused to say which book we find out his identity in :(. There was a lot to keep track of and follow in this book, especially because it continued to change perspectives between characters. But this wasn't a bad thing, it kept me on the edge and it provided some wonderful insight and character development.

I could go on about how I admire Clary's strength, how my heart went out to Jace and how all I just love them as characters. But what really got to me in this book was Sebastian. We were given some great insight to him as a character and as much as I hate him and think he's an evil little creep, I had moments when I felt for him but the annoying thing is it's hard to know how much of it is real and how much of it is manipulation. Ms Clare did a great job humanising him just a little bit even and I do believe not all of it was show. It will be really interesting to see how things turn out with him in the next book.

Simon, well I have loved him from the start and continue to do so. Some of his actions made me frustrated and face palm it but I understood his reasons behind it, I just hope it his decisions don't come back to bite him. He has grown so much since the first book and its a joy to continue to see him grow, and deal with the hardships thrown his way especially those related to his mother which was heartbreaking.

I refuse to say anything about Alec because as the start of my review suggests I am not a happy camper when it comes to him at the moment. He's an idiot and in some ways I understand his actions but nothing justifies it. I just hope it can all be resolved in the final book because I like my ships afloat, and I hate it when they sink.

Ms Clare does a wonderful job keeping her world alive and interesting, and her characters evolving. She also makes a point to award fans with little snippets that connect this series with her prequel series The Infernal Devices. I particularly loved the mention of the duck, for fans who don't understand this there is a deleted scence from Clockwork Prince where Will explains his disliking of ducks :). Unfortunatley we have to wait until 2014 to read the final book City of Heavenly Fire but we do get the last Infernal Devices book Clockwork Princess next year to help tide us over.

CiaoXX

PS I am officially on the countdown for Europe, 35 days, so when that hits I'll be posting about my various travels on here :)