Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) 

By Cassandra Clare 

Released: March 19, 2013 

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books 

Hardcover, 568 pages 

Don’t miss The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, soon to be a major motion picture in theaters August 2013.

THE INFERNAL DEVICES WILL NEVER STOP COMING

A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray.

Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever.

As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy. --B&N

4.5 Stars

Review

I cannot believe that it's over! The Infernal Devices, one of the best YA series ever written is done, gone, and forever shall stay in our hearts. If you're a lover of this series and need to stop hyperventilating in excitement to read more Will and Jem, then I suggest you to stop being a miser and buy a copy of this book like I did. Seriously! It is worth every penny and trouble that you will get yourself into, like I did with spending $9 on it.

This will be a spoiler-free review, so let's see how this will go. Now, let's start with the aspect of the series that keeps everyone hooked: the love triangle. Honestly, this love triangle is one that is ridiculously hard to read about. It's so heart-wrenching and unbearable to see Tessa, Will, and Jem be forced into the kind of despicable romance with one guy left hanging. For some reason it is okay for 2 girls + 1 guy to have a girl be left hanging because that girl is always the self-centered *beep*, but for with 1 girl + 2 guys, it's such a tumultuous roller coaster that always crashes. 

Thankfully, Cassandra Clare is able to make the otherwise overly used love triangle exciting and seem original. There are so many love triangles out there, but this series presents a love triangle that seems to be genuine and passionate. I will not say that I am falling for the conclusion of this love triangle because it felt somewhat fake and obvious that the author was trying to appease everyone. 

Otherwise, everything about Clockwork Princess was perfect, or near perfection. There is a maturity that all of the characters, young or old, seem to develop. Characters that I originally despised, mainly Gabriel and Jessamine, received their share of the spotlight that redeemed them. Other characters that were obviously meant to be despicable remained that way, and some still are to this day (Woolsey is the werewolf I'd love to shoot the most). Despite the ridiculously large number of characters that keep popping up in The Infernal Devices, they all possess their own unique qualities that make them memorable. 

Clare's tendency to have weak, boring female leads seems to have shifted to stronger, more likable female protagonists. Tessa has become a heroine that is worthy of everyone's love and support because she doesn't mope or waste time on dreaming on the what-ifs, like Clary did in City of Lost Souls. In the beginning, Tessa did seem to be a clone of Clary, but thankfully she has developed into a fierce heroine that can stand among the Shadowhunters. 

Meanwhile, Will + Jem, are the couple that deserve the most shipping. All of the misunderstandings and necessary clarifications are revealed to the both of them that leaves the reader breathless. There are so many moments between the two in this book that left me brokenhearted. The beautiful friendship they have is so powerful and sweet. If only all books had bromances of similar caliber as this one...

Clockwork Princess is the pinnacle of perfection for conclusions to magnificent, epic series like these. Cassandra Clare has left her readers disappointed with an ending that is somewhat predictable, yet satisfying. The ending wasn't tightly tied up, but left many loose ends for Clare's future books, leaving everyone desperate to find out what more is to come in the world of the Shadowhunters.

Purchase Clockwork Princess here: Amazon/ B&N/ The Book Despository

Review: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins

Sweet Evil (The Sweet Trilogy #1) 

By Wendy Higgins

Published: May 1, 2012

Publisher: HarperTeen

Paperback, 453 Pages

Embrace the Forbidden

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences?

This is the reality for sons and daughters of fallen angels.

Tenderhearted Southern girl Anna Whitt was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She's aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but Anna, the ultimate good girl, has always had the advantage of her angel side to balance the darkness within. It isn't until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage and her willpower is put to the test. He's the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns? --GoodReads

4 stars

Review

Hrm. This one is gonna be tough to review. It's great, but it's also not great. Bnaiovmaklfjopekmbko!!!! I am so not in a writing mood today. This is quite difficult for me to put into words, but here goes nothing.

Let's start with the cover and summary.

Cover: so cheesy, I can taste it. Seriously. Girls in long flowy dresses have become so overrated these past few years. Come on, especially with a creepy guy in the background!

Summary: equal cheesiness level. It tells us close to nothing and is so repelling. It's hilarious to watch my friends read it and ask me why I even bothered to read it. However, it's still really worth reading.

In this story, Satan is in charge of a committee of 7 Dukes, each representing one of the 7 sins. These dukes are "fallen angels" = demons. As Dukes, it is their job to influence humans to make bad decisions. Although they cannot directly make a person choose something, the Dukes can whisper into their ears. These Dukes can produce offspring by possessing human females, who usually die after/during labor from the strain of giving birth to a nonhuman soul. These half demon children are called Nephilim; it is their duty to continue their father's legacies by continuing the spread of the Duke's influence. If they don't follow their orders, they are killed (and unfortunately, they always end up in hell). Anna, the main female POV is born from a guardian angel mother and demonic father. Anna's father is the Duke of Substances (drug dealer) while Kaidan's father is Duke of Lust/Pleasure. Anna, as the female heroine, naturally falls in love with the kid that oozes pheromones and danger.

Not many others are too enthusiastic about the the two main characters - Kai[den], and Anna. It's really funny how stereotypical these two are. Anna is a goodie-two shoes girl who can't possibly do anything wrong in her life like, ever. She's a devout daughter of God, she gets good grades, she never lies and she always follows the rules. She's SO not the person you'd expect to fall in love with bad-boy.

An Ode to the British Guy Named Kaiden Who Also Happens To Be the Main Love Interest

Kai is a guy

Oh Me OH MY.

He's really quite English

Oh my gawd, he's delish

He's on the top rung!

With his proper tongue

He woos the gals

And loses his pals

He's outgoing - not shy!

He'd be a really nice guy-

But - (with that butt...)

He's just a man-slut

That's right. A half-demon boy that sleeps with other women on a daily basis to relieve his "needs." Yup, you heard me right. His needs. As a man. Er- Demon...thing. Ya know.

I really don't understand what's so attractive about a guy who JUST HAS THIS BURNING PASSION AND NEED to sleep with other women every night. Oh, Anna, where did yo' common sense go?

Tone: Was very dramatic. Uber dramatic. Like, kind of hilariously dramatic. But because this story is so captivating, it's really unnoticeable until you take a step back and really look at it.

I do have a confession to make. I love it when the main characters have super powers. I loved the fact that all Nephilim, induding Anna and Kaidan, had super senses and special abilities, which vary depending on their father's "sin." A big check in my book when it comes to the fact that Anna and Kaidan never get sick and are able to withstand high levels of alcohol, not to mention other harmful physical attacks. Nothing is worse than a super heroine defeated by a glass of alcohol.

Then again, Anna and Kaidan DO make some stupid questionable decisions here and there....but you'll have to read the book to find out. *wink wink*

Style: I really like Wendy Higgins' writing style, and it's so easy to get lost in the story [ good "lost" ] - no matter how unrealistic or fake the characters are. It's so natural and so easy to relate to. Sweet Evil is narrated, first person, by Anna. I love reading first person POVs because I like reading how the character feels and thinks at a certain moment in the story. It allows me to connect with the character on a deeper level than with an omniscient narrator. (Which is why Harry Potter should have been written in first POV!!!!) I kept flipping and flipping the pages, until, whoa! Am I finished already?! If only physical exercise time went that fast, amirite?

I did not, however, enjoy this book's conclusion. It was a job left unfinished. Obviously, not as much time was taken in the end of the story compared to the wonderful beginning of the story. It's really quite a shame, because Higgins was really going somewhere. She probably ended it so quickly in order to scrape up as many readers as she could to read the rest of the trilogy. There are more elegant ways you can end the first book of your trilogy! Find a conclusion that slyly leads readers in for more.

I'm really wondering how she will write the second book because I don't see where this book is leading. It got especially confusing in the last 100 pages or so when Higgins introduced 4 other characters. Clearly made to separate the two love interests, these poor characters just muddle the pile of who'sitsandwhatitsgalore even further. Love triangles that are comprised completely of Nephilim (the worst kind of relationships according to Dukes) are S-C-R-E-W-E-D with a capital SCREWED. There's no real plot line other than the fact that Anna has to survive being half angel and *gasp* half demon. Anna basically has to look like a bad girl in order to not get in trouble with the other demons. I found it equally ironic that Demons praise the mischievous, but punish the angelic.

Goodness I'm tired. Okay, time to wrap this up. Overall: it's okay. I would recommend it because I like the idea of angels and demons and Nephilim in the world that Higgins creates and I love it when female POVs have superpowers. Read it if you like fluffy LONG pleasure reads, but don't read it if you're looking for something really *cough* intellectual....or quick. The second and third books don't come out for quite a while.  So don't read it if you are impatient. Hrm. Well, that's a wrap.

Happy reading everyone!

Purchase Sweet Evil here: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD

Book Trailer: Dance of Shadows by Yelena Black

My Thoughts: I am really not sure on what to say about this. It looks all fancy, but doesn't really show anything about the plot besides ballerinas killing their feet. Ugh... book trailers are usually poorly and ridiculously made. However, this one is slightly better made, despite its pointlessness and different ballerinas that are switched every other shot. The music is love, so I guess I give kudos to the composer! 

Cover Reveal: Destined by Ali Cross

Destined (Desolation #3)

By Ali Cross

Expected Publication: December 2012

Choosing is a bad idea, because Desi always makes the wrong one, and sometimes there are no do-overs. Certainly not this time, when all has been lost and Desi can’t even save herself, let alone her friends. For Desi, the hardest thing is letting someone help her, to accept their sacrifice on her behalf. But that’s exactly what she’ll have to do in order to save the worlds from Helena’s destruction.

The goddess of Helheimer, long imprisoned by Desi’s father, Loki, is free at last, and she’s bent on reclaiming what once was hers. The nine worlds will be drawn into war, over Hell, over Earth, with innocent humans meaningless collateral. While Michael and the Gardians of Asgard, along with the golden-armored Valkyrie lead the battle for freedom, it’s Desi who holds the destiny of all the worlds in her hands.

Can she set aside her doubts, once and for all, and claim the gifts that are hers to bear? Can she accept the sacrifice that is made for her and Become all that she was created to be?

Her final choice will define not only her future, but the fate of humankind, forever more.

BECOME (Desolation #1) YA paranormal romance on amazon | barnes&noble | goodreads

DESOLATE (Desolation #2) YA paranormal romance on amazon | barnes&noble | goodreads

Promo and Interview: Name that Book Extravaganza

It's come the time to name the 3rd book in the Desolation series by Ali Cross!

 But let's first start off with an interview with one of the characters, the incredibly hot Michael!

Interview with Michael 

YA Novelties: So, let's start off with: who are you?

My name is Michael. I am Odin’s war general. But more importantly, I am the one who loves Desi and I am the one who will spend forever trying to make her happy.

"Spending forever to make her happy?" *swoon* How would you describe your relationship with Desi?

I had to laugh. Desi has no idea how much I love her. At one time she knew, but Loki has buried her memories of me so far beneath layers of hatred and loneliness that she has forgotten what we once meant to her. But she’ll come back to me—I will find her and help her Remember. I will spend the rest of my very long life undoing all that Loki did and proving to her how very much she is loved.

For now, I am content to be there for her, to watch over her, to protect her as best I can—even if it is herself from whom she needs protection.

Do you have any exclusive powers as one of the greatest warriors of heaven?
All Gardians can access the Bridge, and use the Doors that Heimdall has erected to Travel between the worlds. We can all speak with our minds and all possess an affinity to emotions and the needs of others. Because of this, many Gardians feel their love for others so deeply that it makes it difficult to think of inflicting harm—even if it is necessary for the protection of their self or their homes. That is where my skills have come to be of use in Asgard. I am able, for good or ill, to put my tender feelings aside and to fight for the greater good.

I will fight for my brothers and sisters when they can, or will, not.

What do you think of Lucifer?
We were friends once, though it was his betrayal of Desi’s love that hurt the most. He is stubborn and selfish and thought nothing of crushing the spirits of his fellow Gardians—the very people he should have one day ruled in love and respect as his father Odin has done.

I am not as forgiving as Odin. I can see no hope for reconciliation between us. As far as I’m concerned, when Loki tore a full third of my friends away from their eternal home, when he subjected Desi to centuries of his cruel and relentless humor, he took with him any hope of my love or friendship.

What do you think of this modern world? Find it inconvenient or love it?
It is . . . entertaining. I enjoy the abandon with which humans live their lives, I like the hope they carry with them. And Earth is a beautiful place—not unlike Asgard, but green and lovely like I’ve seen nowhere else. I like this Earth-life. I could be happy here.

Do you have any plans or dreams for the future? If so, what are they?
Only one, and it is a simple wish. To find Desi, to finally convince her of her worth, of how much I love her. And then, if she will have me, I would spend the rest of my life by her side. I guess that’s more than one wish—but together they are all that keeps me breathing every day.

Good or Bad?
There’s good and bad in all of us, wouldn’t you say? I have even seen the darkness of hatred or need for vengeance pass across the gaze of my king, Odin, the greatest of us all. The hope, then, is that we can feed the good in us to such a degree that it is what defines us and the bad is merely a footnote.

 Congratulations! You have just met the most swoon-worthy angel in history! Now, time for the Name that Book Extravaganza! Now, let us wait for TOMORROW (secret word) to come!

Here's the mock-up cover!!

Now here's the giveaway to name the book:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Here's the Grand Prize Giveaway for the Scavenger Hunt:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And Here's the Linky for the Scavenger Hunt!

 

1. Escaping... One Book @ a Time

2. Joyous Reads

3. Book Sniffers Anonymous 

4. Beauty and the Bookshelf

5.  Arianne Cruz

6.  Comfort Books

7.  Why Not? Because I Said So!

8. Donnie Darko Girl

9.  Bookish

10.  YA Novelties

11.  Words, Pages and Books

12.  Cherie Reich

13. Chapter by Chapter

14.  Christine Fonseca

Review: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone #1)

By Laini Taylor

Published: September 27, 2011

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Paperback, 448 pages

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself? --Goodreads

4 stars

Review

What drew me in to read this book was probably its cover. The shocking blue mask against the black and white picture of the person is just so memorable. Yes, I am one who judges his/her interest of picking up a book based off of the front cover. What can I say? It just looked cool, darn it.

I think this may have been the first YA books that I've read that takes place in Prague with characters that speak Czech. You'd think there'd be more YA books that have characters that speak Czech....actually, there probably are a lot more, and I just haven't looked hard enough. The descriptions of the scenery were nice -- you know, descriptive enough so you know where the characters are, but not to the extent where adjectives fill up a whole entire page. Check plus for the scenery.

So, onward to the characters! I quite liked Karou's character and her best friend, Zuzana. I think it was Zuzana's snarky, yet hilarious commentary and her boisterous personality was enough to keep me going. Now that I think about it, Zuzana is probably my favorite character. I liked Karou because, to be put simply, she's a girl trying to find out about her past, and herself in general. She's an artist, a dreamer, and is just like any other ordinary girl with bright blue hair. Most characters were very likeable. Check for characters.

Although I thought Karou and Akiva (the heart-stealing-sexy-angel-love-interest-of-Karou-slash-Madrigal) would make a nice couple (*siren* WEEOOOWEEOOO , SPOILER that you could already predict from reading the summary off of GoodReads), I thought that there was something cliché  about their relationship. Too stereotypical for a relationship of a YA novel for me to deal with. Like, if Bella's and Edward's (cite from Twilight) relationship is a sparkly sticker, then Karou's and Akiva's relationship would be the Sun -- so sparkly it blinds the hell out of your face, let alone your eyes. I dunno, maybe it's just me, but I felt their interactions were too superficial. (Except for the part where they can't really be together since their relationship is technically forbidden...) Personally, I've had enough of that crap about "soul mates" and falling in love in a past life and whatnot.

Another disappointment for me about their relationship would have to be that their relationship progresed waaaaay too fast to be normal. Probably about after 3 times Karou meets him (mind you, all being times where Adrian tries to kill her), Karou unexplicably feels herself being "drawn" to him, so she decides to help him out. What moron would do something so idiotic? If there was some psycho chasing after me going for the kill, I would hit the road running as soon as I could a whiff of that dude, let alone HELP him. Soooo, check minus for Karou's romantic relationships.

The writing style was very fluid, smooth, and consistent. It wasn't awkward at all, and things moved at a pretty even, appropriate pace. The tone and feel of the book was very fantasy-ish, which is good, since this happens to be about an angel and a demon. :)

Overall, I felt that this book was very likeable, but was lacking in something--which, specifically, I know naught. I think it might be that it was too far from reality for me. But this story is definitely worth picking up. I really liked this book, so I sort of critiqued it quite strictly. I'm sure many other reviewers would easily give this badboy a 5. Pick this one up, I'm sure you'll like it as much as I did.

Purchase Daughter of Smoke and Bone at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository