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

Contest Announcement- Contest of Epic Proportions! (21 Winners!) : )

Many many great books to be won. And hosted by fabulous book bloggers, who if you aren't following by now, you should be, whether you're simply interested in the contests or enjoy the author interviews! Visit the website below to enter!

http://wastepaperprose.blogspot.com/2010/04/contest-of-epic-proportions.html

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. : )

Author Event With Kelley Armstrong *Squee* (24/03/10)

I met this lovely lady in Waterstones Bookstore, Manchester UK. It was glorious. She was wonderfully polite and patient, even with all the crazy fans (me included) who turned up to meet her on her first UK tour. She signed 3 books for me, which since I already own a signed book from her, was slightly greedy. I think I got a little carried away. I couldn't bring myself to ask a question during the Q&A because the only thing spinning around the inside of my head was "Do you have The Reckoning on you now?! Give it me! Give! Give! *grabby hands*" And that wouldn't have been quite polite of me, as she was being so generous. For an example of how much I hyperventilate over this woman's writing please visit my review of her second book Here



She read aloud the Prologue for "Frostbitten", a book I have read and enjoyed, but have yet to review! (Sorry about the quality of the video. You may want to turn the volume up quite loud!) She then followed this with the Q&A session, which focused mainly on The Otherworld series. She was kind, funny, humble and a pleasure to meet. I really hope my future includes many more Author Events, as this was my first, and I handled it a little like a crazy fangirl. : )



Currently Reading: Salem's Lot By Stephen King

Contest Announcement- White Cat by Holly Black ARC Giveaway!

A fabulous contest giving you the chance to get your hands on an ARC copy of Holly Black's White Cat. (And if you don't know who Holly Black is then shame, shame, shame on you!) : )

I can't wait for this book to be released, so winning an ARC of it would be amazing. Go to the website below for details on the contest.

http://melissawatercolor.blogspot.com/2010/03/white-cat-by-holly-black-curse-workers_16.html

Currently Reading: Salem's Lot By Stephen King

Contest Announcement- Signed Megan Whalen Turner Books

To win signed copies of the the first three books of this series just go to this website and post a comment explaining how you advertised the contest, it couldn't be easier!: http://cindypon.com/blog/

I can't wait to get my hands on these books! I have heard great things indeed from a lot of people. *makes grabby hands*

Contest Announcement- Win a Signed Copy of Ballad By Maggie Stiefvater

As you can read below, I ADORE this woman's writing. I would encourage anyone to challenge a gladiator to a fight to the death for a chance to win a signed copy of one of her books. However, good fortune smiles upon us and all you have to do is comment on this competition. Huzzah!

Visit Here to go to the competition page:

Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (3.5/5)

Hmm, this is a bit of a weird one for me. It took me quite a few days to get through it, it wasn't one that I was able to fly through without coming up for air, and yet it didn't drag, to the point where I wasn't happy reading it.

Okay, i'll start with what I liked. I loved the concept of the town, the fact that their backwards thinking and prejudice could be sharpened and aimed at an indivudual was a brilliant plot point. The outrage I felt when the facts were twisted and witnesses were unreliable was satisfying. I loved that whole side of the book, the fact that a close knit society could be so filled with their own traditions and harsh cruelty that they don't see that they are the problem. As an extension of this, I liked all the minor characters. I loved those that stood up against the small mindedness of the town and yet I loved to read about those who were enforcing it. I thought that this book had a great, really interesting supporting cast. I loved Uncle Macon's destruction of the town citizens when they tried to punish Lena for a crime she didn't commit, during the disciplinary committee. Honesty is always the best policy, especially when you have other people's dirty laundry that you can air. Hehe.

I also loved the fact that Amma was fascinated with words and their definitions and that Marian Ashcroft knew the wonder of books, and that she was the type of character who would randomly quote sentences that at the time, summed up everything that needed to be said. I wish I was more like her, and she made me want to be a Librarian. : ) I also got the feeling that I would have really gotten along with Ethan's mother, she seemed like a great person. I enjoyed the gothic ambience, and every scene in Ravenwood Manor. I could visualise the town, and the rich history, and I really enjoyed the flashback scenes. This is the first book set in the South that i've really fallen into, without the setting removing me from the text slightly, so I appreciate it for that.

My main issue with the book, is that I couldn't really give two hoots about the love story. I love the setting that it is in, and I like the two characters separately, with their ambitions and limitations, but together... Meh. I just didn't really care. It seemed too obvious, the first outcast girl to enter the town captures the heart of a guy who feels he needs more than what the town can give him. I liked Ethan's ambition, and Lena's power, but that was about it. And Lena's occasional tendency to bounce from one exreme to another without much of a explanation, grated with me sometimes.Something seemed to fall a little... flat, for me. I don't know why, but I just didn't connect much with them. I enjoyed their story, and found it entertaining, I just didn't care as much as I would have liked to. I also do get the feeling that the book didn't need quite so much content, it could have achieved just as much with less pages. I think, as is the case when characters get together immediately, where else can they go from here? They practically fall head over heels as soon as they see each other, and that doesn't really interest me, or strike me as realistic. Though I did appreciate that this couple wasn't as sickly sweet about their affections as others I have read *coughtwilightcough*

The supporting characters would make me want to pick up the sequel, but over all I am left with a certain amount of apathy, surrounded with good world building, and interesting history. Though, once again, the love of words and books makes me feel like i'm sinking into a nice, familiar, cosy blanket. And on the plus side, the cover is rather beautiful.

Linger (ARC) By Maggie Stiefvater (4.5/5)

"Once Grace and Sam have found each other, they know they must fight to stay together. For Sam, this means a reckoning with his werewolf past. For Grace, it means facing a future that is less and less certain. Into their world comes a new wolf named Cole, whose past is full of hurt and danger. He is wrestling with his own demon, embracing the life of a wolf while denying the ties of being human. For Grace, Sam, and Cole, life is a constant struggle between two forces- wolf and human- with love baring it's two sides as well. It is harrowing and euphoric, freeing and entrapping, enticing and alarming. As their world falls apart, love is what lingers. But will it be enough?" (From inside front page of Linger)

My love for Shiver was strong and true! The review I wrote for it can be found Here I had insane expectations for it's sequel!

I am going to keep this spolier free for obvious reasons! I adored it, the same wonderful human emotion spills from the book, and now we have a 2 whole new POVs to see the story from. This was a wonderful way to refresh the book, and to make it different from the first in the trilogy. I loved the new character of Cole and the new perspective of Isabel. I found myself seeing her in a whole new light, when I was inside her head. I heard her say things that I myself have said (especially when it comes to men!), which made me take her a lot more seriously, I loved her matter of fact statements and her coping mechanisms.

At first I wasn't too sure about Cole, I usually have my doubts about people who choose to lead their life in a certain way, but once his history was flushed out, and his character was expanded, I began to love reading about him. He gave the book a whole different side, that was occasionally callous and self serving, but still made sense and was understandable in the context. I enjoyed his parts a lot, which was a surprise, considering how eager to read about Sam and Grace I was.

Oh Sam and Grace, finally I get around to you. How I adore you both! I just want to smush them. I love their love, which is quite extreme coming from a cynical sceptic, like myself. They make me want to believe that human nature isn't always selfish and self centred, and that people aren't always just out for what they can get. Their love is deep and emotional, but manages not to come across as unhealthy, fake, lust driven or sickly sweet. They made me believe in them.

I really enjoyed Grace's developing relationship with her parents in this book, and I shared her outrage when they acted in the manner they did. I really like Grace's independence, but that this has come at a cost of a decent parent-child relationship, makes me feel for her. She has created her own family in a way, with Sam, and I supported them being each others family. In my mind it didn't seem too soon, or rushed. Just natural.

I can't wait for the third book in this trilogy, I won't even think about the wait, because I am aware it is going to be an unnaturally long time before this book reaches the UK. I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from Maggie, as a prize in a competition. The first ARC to hit my bookshelves and I love it. I am so grateful for this opportunity and am eagerly counting down the years until I get the third book!



Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Contest Announcement- Win a Signed Copy of Ash By Malinda Lo

The contest ends tonight! I advise everyone to run out and get this great book. And a signed version would be an awesome thing to own. For more details on my opinion of Ash, please refer to my review a few days ago. (Such a nice, warm book) : )

Go here to enter!
http://www.malindalo.com/2010/03/the-ash-across-the-pond-giveaway/

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl. Linger By Maggie Stiefvater

The Graveyard Book By Neil Gaiman (4/5)

I really really enjoyed this book. Gaiman is an amazing author. Every character was three dimensional and realistic, which given the subject matter is quite an achievement! I loved the character of Bod and wanted to follow him through his entire life and I particularly loved Liza.

The twist near the end was less of a twist for me, because I look into things more then I should. : ) But it was still brilliant writing. I loved the darkness, I loved the characters, I didn't want it to end. Just wonderful. I am trying to get everyone I know to read this book, but it's turning out to be quite tricky. Particularly with the children I work with, I think that this book would improve their quality of life, and they think that the crazy lady is ranting again. Hehe.

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Neverwhere By Neil Gaiman (4/5)

I really felt for the character of Richard, I liked him. He was wrote so three dimensionally that it was easy to visualize him.

I love Neil Gaiman, I love all of his books, I love the way his mind works. I thought the storyline was rather bizarre, in that it wasn't too intricate but still remained complicated. By another writer it may have been able to retain momentum, but by Gaiman it stayed a work of art.

I now need to run and read everything else by him that I haven't read yet. There is just something about Gaiman, I love falling into one of his fictional worlds, I wish I could stay there.

I loved the variety of characters, and even though they were all so unique and peculiar in their own ways they all remained gritty and realistic. I really wish I knew what happens to Richard after this!

Currently Reading: Beautiful Creatures By Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl