City of Ashes By Cassandra Clare (5/5)

This is the third time i've read this book, and the first time i've truly took my time to enjoy it. (Oddly by this I mean I read it in 2 and a half days during which I worked 11 hours a day as well) That's just how addictive this book is. The first time I read this book it was a nocturnal book. I use that term to describe books that you ignore sleeping and eating for, because they are just that gripping. You can't put them down! Why would you even think about putting them down? Who is the crazy person in the corner suggesting you should put the book down? Why are you suddenly reading and walking at the same time, ignoring your friends and making squealing noises randomly? Yes, indeed it is one of those books. I am more than happy to note that this book does not lose that wonder during the re read. I finally gave myself time to enjoy it, as the first time I read it I stayed up until 6am to finish and the next time I just wanted a recap before I read the third in the series.

I would encourage absolutely anyone to read this book, as it is even better than it's predecessor. The first book set up this wonderful series and the next one knocked me over with it's wonder. Everything about the book, starting from Clary and Jace's inability to cope with their feelings given the new revelation that they must live with, was written brilliantly. I loved Jace's search for belonging during this book, I felt my heart break for him when he felt rejected by his family. The outrage I felt for him when he was being falsely accused and punished for his parentage was severe, I wanted to save him, to defend him, to slap that Inquisitor around the face. It was just all so wonderful. : )

Now I come around to Simon, oh Simon! How I adore you, you poor little guy. I just want to hug you and squish you and save you from any more pain. He is so full of good intentions. He wants Clary, and is put through so much turmoil, and yet he is still an understanding caring friend who makes it clear that he will always be there for her. I don't want to leave a major spoiler here, just in case, but his role to play in the final fight had me screaming, sobbing, throwing the book away from myself, dragging myself to the book in anguish and hugging it in desperation. That to me, makes a good book. It makes an amazing book, and if anyone doesn't think so then I think there must be something wrong with them. Hehe.

Throughout the book the humour that made the first tale such a joy to read continues and the same wonderful glowing characters return. They are all so individual and unique and yet interconnect with a level of complication that is just so realistic. I love it, and even though i've read it three times, I know I could pick it up and enjoy it all over again, right now. But, I have the third in the series to re read again next. ; )


Once again to clear up any confusion, I have posted the newer cover that anyone wanting to own the book should look for. (And if you hadn't already guessed, you should want to own this book!) : )

Currently Reading: City of Glass By Cassandra Clare

City of Bones By Cassandra Clare (4.5/5)

I gave this book a good quality savouring re read, just so I could write a coherent review, since it is a long time since I read it now. I remembered enjoying it, but nothing specific.

The one thing I will take from the first book in this series is what an amazing writer Cassandra Clare is. Her descriptions, her characters and her humour all tumble from the page, so built up that you can almost feel a part of the world. The book is so rich in detail and yet it was easy to understand and not get lost in it. Until the identities are switched and redefined and then the first read can get a little overwhelming! : ) The second however is a lot easier.

I absolutely loved the character of Clary, she was strong, admirable and yet not perfect, she was an easy character to like, and her flaws were enough to make her realistic and yet not enough to be off putting. I enjoyed the love traingle (Octagon?) in this book and felt for each of the characters involved. They all played their parts, and every action was understandable. I liked Simon and wanted to hug him very much, and ruffle his hair. *ruffles* Unfortunately though, he was no match in my heart for the character of Jace. Oh Jace, you sexy man muffin you. : ) Just enough disdain, beauty, humour and vulnerability to make him truly amazing. And yet, he didn't seem annoying or perfect. This is probably due to the fact that he could act like a complete *insert appropriate obscenity here* However, as his character was unfolded it became clear why he behaved in the way he did, and the brief glimpses of affection that he showed were enough to make him an extremely likable character. Plus the sarcasm was awfully entertaining.

Another part of the book that I enjoyed was the easy way in which Alec's sexuality was presented. It was explained that it would have been unacceptable in a lot of circles and yet Clary accepts it without much thought. It's very refreshing for this subject to be treated so matter of factly, and I really felt for his character. If Clary thinks she feels anything for Jace she should try and see it from Alec's perspective. Caring for someone for so long and then never being able to tell them because you know it will be completely unreciprocated. All of that on top of the fact that they are closer than brothers, makes a lot of Alec's actions easy to sympathise with. I think his love may be the saddest of all. At least Simon is more likely to get closure.

The twist at the end was brilliantly plotted and wonderfully written. All tied together in a heart wrenching conclusion that will have people wringing their hands in horror. It's very satisfying in an almost cruel way. *insert evil laugh here* I would recommened this book to pretty much anyone, it is fantastic writing, plot and characters and I can't think of a reason why anyone wouldn't want to read it. Whether you're into Vampires, Werewolves, Faeries, Warlocks, Demons... This series has it all, and lots of it. Fun reading, that everyone should give a go.


I decided to post the new edtion cover at the bottom of the review, since i'm pretty sure the original UK covers are unavailable. All of the reprints will from now on be the same as the US design. I find this a little unfortunate since I quite liked the originals and would have liked a matching set. Oh well. I can endure! : )

Currently Reading: City of Ashes By Cassandra Clare

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The Reckoning By Kelley Armstrong (4.5/5)

Okay, I'm going to strive for some coherence in this review, as this is the most eagerly anticipated book i've read this year! It was epic. It followed the amazing adventurous pace of the first two books (One of which I have reviewed in squealing fangirlish tones Here) Very impressive, not really slowing up at any point. I read it in one evening, which is, I think, the first time i've done that this year.

The only small niggles I had with it, was that the level of bad guys seemed a little unjustified, with very few details being given about the hierarchy and motivations, and the big show down at the end was a little bit fast and vague, feeling rushed with not as much detail as it could have had. Also the death toll was kind of harsh, I understand that when Chloe can chat to the dead anyway, it's less dramatic, but still, there was a lot of. Poof! Dead! Why? Well, Why not? : ) Other than that I adored the book from start to finish.

Some of my favourite parts of the book were the parts where Derek was a Werewolf. I am already a crazy Derek fangirl, but these parts of the book were so brilliant, they had emotional depth, danger, anticipation, humour, everything. I loved the fact that he was just Derek in a Wolf's body, completely able to communicate and think in the same way, but just left without speech. For someone who can rant every now and again these were great moments, as were the characters reactions to them. : ) I loved Wolf Derek, he was fiercely protective, but still logical, and so still HIM, that was more than I would have hoped for. And Chloe's interactions with him in this form were heart warming, sweet and so satisfying.

I also loved the scene in the cemetery. The fact that Chloe was blatantly honest about what she could do, and she was basically called a liar and a delusional child. Well, she certainly showed her. It was a great scene, full of good amounts of action, character development and brilliant descriptions that painted the scene so vividly that it felt like I was there.

One thing that did surprise me, was the fact that I enjoyed the love triangle, I really liked it. As a rule these don't always sit right with me. This one did, I think the way the characters all interlinked with affection and were all being either clueless or selfless. None of them seemed to be acting unfairly, they were all just victims of circumstance, and they all managed to leave the story with their dignity intact as a result. I sympathised with Chloe throughout, and since I am Derek's number one fangirl, and I find Simon adorable and entertaining, this was not an easy feat! So I can applaud Armstrong for that. Oh, and did I mention that I love Derek, because I do. Have done since the first book... Before Chloe even, So I win really. Right?
Oh and can I just say I looooooved Chloe and Derek's UST, like adore it. The only fault I could find is that there wasn't enough of it. I know, I know, there was a lot, but I could handle more. *beams*

I also liked that Tori was a computer genius, I found that this gave her character more depth, and made me admire her a lot more. I really enjoyed her role in the book and thought her entertaining wit provided much comedic relief in certain dark chapters. I liked her more in this book than in the last one... Which didn't seem possible considering her behaviour in the first book!

I did feel towards the end of this book a lot of loose ends were left hanging, such as, What happens now? What will happen about Tori's birth father? Will any one else who was a victim of the project be a victim? Will anyone else turn crazy and homicidal as a result? Will Chloe ever be able to speak to her mother? Why was the necklace more powerful than expected? Who was the demon and what will happen as a result? etc. I can only hope this is because the word "Trilogy" in this context means "Extremely Long Series" And Kelley decides to write more to satisfy my curiousity, and my obsession. Anyone who hasn't read these books needs to remedy that straight away and improve their quality of life. And anyone who has read them needs to force them onto their friends, to improve the lives of their loved ones. : )

Oh and did I mention that I love Derek?

Bitten By Kelley Armstrong (3.5/5)

I would have liked to have read through this book quicker than I did, as Kelley's other books i've read have been addictive. This book was good, but not as jaw droppingly, heart racingly amazing.

I enjoyed the character of Elena, I loved her strength and her power, but I also like that this didn't come at the cost of her compassion. She was able to be tough, cynical and occasionally violent, but she loved fiercely and was extremely loyal for the right reasons. I loved her attitude and found her very entertaining, expecially when she was being deliberately provocative, or couldn't control her anger

I couldn't really empathise with the character of Clay, I found his love for Elena endearing, but I still didn't really feel much for him as a character until near the end of the book, which was a shame. I like his back story though, very much so. The idea of a feral child, being a very interesting one, especially with the way he clung to Elena. However, his lack of empathy made him a rather difficult character to sympathise with.

The action was good, and well written. There was a lot of it, which felt a bit drawn out in places. There were so many show downs that the pace of the book was slightly affected in my opinion. Though as individual scenes they were very entertaining. I liked all of the villians, how they had different motivations and tactics. For the same reason I liked the contrast of The Pack. Lots of different personalities clashing, but with the most important difference, The Pack had a respectful hierarchy that worked. Jeremy was a great leader, tough when he needed to be, but caring, sensitive and a brilliant father figure.

I think the only part of the book I didn't enjoy was the treatment of poor Phillip. He was lovely and he didn't deserve to be unrewarded for his complete loyalty, kindness, compassion and care. This is the absolute example of nice guys finishing last. Only he didn't just finish last, he was stabbed, abandoned, terrified, and cheated on. All for being a nice guy. :S I really don't like that moral. The fact the Elena wasn't attracted to him wasn't his fault and yet his character was never given a break. *pats his head* I think the story would have worked just as well if he was a friend of Elena's who clearly had feelings for her, and whom she was keeping as a 'back up'. Plus then I may have been more open minded to Elena and Clay's relationship, rather than never being supportive, because I saw the whole thing as unethical. I think I would have liked to have supported it, as I may have cared a little bit more.

All in all, a good read, not one of my favourites, but well written enough to be worth reading, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. Plus my book is signed by Kelley Armstrong, which always makes it more special. : )

Salem's Lot By Stephen King (3.5/5)

Hmm. I am in two minds about this novel it seems. On the one hand, i'd rank it as the second most addictive King book i've read (The first being The Running Man) But the other's that I read I occasionally had to drag myself through.

OK, i'll start with the parts I liked first. Two words, Mark Petrie. I ADORED the boy. : ) I would be quite content when I have children for them to turn out like him. A particular highlight was the fight he had with the school yard bully. I admired his intelligence, his courage, his spirit and the way his parents approached him. He was definitely my favourite character from his first to his last scene. He totally stole the limelight for me, I thought he was brilliant. Another character I enjoyed was Matt Burke, I liked the addition of an over the hill teacher pulling together a group of people and using logic to encourage a belief in the supernatural. I supported him in a town where I generally disliked most of the other background characters. With Stephen King's realistic & flawed characters it is often easy to fall into the trap of not seeing any characters as worthy of sympathy or even much attention. Matt, I liked. He had intelligence and a sensible head on his shoulders, I have a weak spot for characters like that. And my final favourite characters were Barlow & Straker, I thought they were brilliant villains. Their sophistication and over confidence about their success was great to read. They actually made me respond to the book more than the death of characters. Rather than being eager to see peole saved I was eager to see those two punished. Particularly when they were proud of their misdeeds. I could see them perfectly in my head, and that's when I know a character is wrote well.

Next was the descriptions involving The Marsten house, I really enjoyed the atmosphere that was created in every scene where the house was involved. I guess i'm still a sucker for the old haunted house vibe in a story. I could feel the house through the pages, I could sense it's character, and see every inch of it. It was a great part of the story for me.

I also really enjoyed the vampire mythology. It felt great to get back to what a vampire novel is actually supposed to be like. I liked the descriptions of the creatures and their patterns. I like this traditional approach to this myth. The Dracula references didn't hurt either, since i've been a fan of that book from a young age. So I am very grateful to this novel for rekindling my love for Vampires, after it took quite a hit from moden pop culture. : )

And as random as it is, I really quite enjoyed Stephen King's Afterword. I liked the insight of his childhood reading and found this more page turning than a few moments of the actual novel. I found his description of his mother's reading habits to be quite heart warming.

Now onto the parts that I didn't enjoy so much. I found the beginning of the book to drag quite slowly and the first 200 or so pages took me over a week to pull myself through. Then however the action kicks in and I read the last 400 pages in a day.

One of the biggest flaws in the book for me was the mortality rate. I understand that this was intentional by King in order to take over the entire town. However, when so many characters die, after a while i'm left not caring. I am desensitised to the deaths and it means very little. Deaths are more shocking and attention grabbing for me when they are rarer. In fact the turning into vampires of most the townsfolk was such a none issue that I felt sure that it must be reversible as some point. I didn't enjoy the "shrug" approach to character deaths.

Another part of the book that I felt hampered my enjoyment of it was the sheer amount of background characters. I understand that King likes to go into detail about basic humanity and their qualities and their relationships and their faults and their sins. But when there are more than 30 names mentioned in passing I start to mix them up or forget them because they are relatively unimportant, so when they reappear I have to try and recollect who they were, and that takes me out of the story slightly. As separate from the story I did enjoy the various characters individual tales and how they were interconnected. But it was slightly overwhelming and detracted from the speed of the main plot, which was brilliantly paced when it was the focus. King also seems to like to focus on the bitter negative side of the human personality as well, the violence, the immorality, the adultery. I don't tend to enjoy having my face rubbed in these things. I can understand the plot device involved in airing issues that often stay hidden, particularly in conservative communities, but they don't generally make for light reading with me. They make me pessimistic about the human race. Though I have come to understand that this is a feature that King uses in all of his books, if I wish to continue reading his works, then i'll just have to get used to it. : )

I also felt that the conclusion was a bit "Meh". The book felt like a 90 MPH race down a road in a sportscar towards a cliff edge, through most of the action and then the final weapon used against Salem's Lot felt a little like getting out the car and sort of lying down and slowly rolling off the edge. I felt like it could have been arranged better.

So I guess this is a bit of a mixed review. This is often my relationship with King. I love the stories but feeled bogged down with the details, and often feel too unintelligent to understand or absorb all the details. I can't believe I actually had this many thoughts on a book that I didn't mark astonishingly highly. I guess it must have made quite an impression. I'm also left with an odd desire to read it again. : )