Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets By J K Rowling (5/5)

This was the 12th time that I've read this book and somehow every time I read it I am surprised by how dark it is. I seem to always think that the first books of the Harry Potter series are a lot softer and gentler than they actually are. (Read my review of the first book HERE) I think most of this is due to the feeling of fear and vulnerability that runs through the story, caused by the monster that lives inside the Chamber of Secrets. The Basilisk is a dark creature indeed and from the first moment Harry hears its voice when nobody else can, saying “let me rip you... let me tear you,” the tone for this book is set. When the students begin to be attacked the fear and hysteria that ripples amongst the children makes for a great read, even the teachers are powerless to prevent more attacks when they have no idea who is responsible. It is this dark feeling and tense atmosphere that I believe made this book my favourite when I was quite a bit younger. Scenes where it is explained that Ginny Weasley was influenced to strangle the school roosters by the Heir of Slytherin or where Harry finds her in a near death state having the life drained from her in the chamber, are other reasons why this book is particularly dark.

This book isn't just dark though it contains some of my all time favourite moments, the best of which is the monumental, immature fight between Mr Malfoy and Mr Weasley in Flourish & Blotts. They are basically scrapping, causing books to go everywhere with the twins hooting support and because of the nature of this fight this scene has remained one of my favourites for over 10 years. (Yikes that makes me feel old! :P) Another favourite moment of mine was the reaction of Mr and Mrs Weasley when finding out that Ron, Fred and George had flown Mr Weasley's enchanted car to go and rescue Harry from near imprisonment at The Dursleys. Mrs Weasley's righteous anger is wonderfully contrasted by Mr Weasley's immediate eager response of “Did you really? Did it go alright?” In fact any scene that contained the flying Ford Anglia was a great one to read, from Harry and Ron crashing into a tree that would hit them back, to the car saving them from a cluster of giant spiders with a taste for flesh.

The introduction of the character of Dobby was great. His constant attempts to save Harry's life by almost causing his death are very entertaining and he provides a very bizarre form of comic relief to the books. Professor Lockhart is another wonderful new character to this series and his vapid self obsession and vanity is another aspect of the book that is very amusing. He is the opposite to Harry in some ways. Harry is extremely famous for something he had no control over and wishes to be left alone, whereas Lockhart has grabbed at his fame greedily and loves any opportunity to show off. The scenes between him and Harry are very funny moments in Harry's school year.

The final fight between Harry and Tom Riddle/The Basilisk at the end of the book is perhaps one of my favourite confrontations of the series. It is simple and yet tense. It provides a very different aspect of Lord Voldemort to the series and Harry running from a giant monstrous snake is quite the page turner!

I can understand why when I was younger this book was my favourite out of the first three in this series. The darkness that permeates the tome is well balanced by comedic moments from new characters, and even on the 12th read I enjoyed it very much. I would suggest reading it to anyone, along with the rest of the series! (And in fact do often suggest reading it to everyone!)

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

Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins (5/5)

Amaaaazing! I just couldn't put it down. I know people say that sometimes, but I actually COULDN'T. My friends were mad because I was late for a night out, because the book just doesn't have a break where you can put it down without being desperate to know more. I went out and couldn't stop thinking about the book, I came home at 2.30am, and started reading again, until the sun rose and I was finished.

It is just such a fast paced book, it's brutal and endearing. The character of Katniss seems so realistic in the way she responds to things, and the way she feels. I can completely understand why she does what she does in every situation. I felt really bad throughout the whole book, because I was putting myself in that situation, and I know I would fail miserably! I read people too much to be able to detach my emotions. Sorry for the ramble... JUST READ IT!

The Awakening By Kelley Armstrong (5/5)

Oh my god, read it. Oh my god, read it. Oh my god, read it! I am striving for a more lucid response but I appear to be lacking. I loved it. It is in one of my top two reads this year! And that is high praise indeed, with the amount that I read.

I read the book in an evening and it flew by. There was not a point I could have put the book down and slept happily. I NEEDED to know more. I became so invested in these characters that I would find myself gasping, hugging the book or finding myself with a horribly shocked expression on my face in the mirror.

The entire book was easy and a joy to read. I never once felt like it was an effort, or that there was a chapter that I had to 'get through'. It was just briliiant from beginning to end.

Oh and I love Derek... it's unhealthy. So i'm supposed to conclude that he's horrible, terrifying, repulsive, spotty, sweaty, smelly... I don't care I love him. : ) Every single one of his actions made me swoon, whether he was yelling, being uncomfortable, being defensive, being secretive, being honourable. I knew why he was doing all of it, and I loved him. I love him for who he is trying to be and for who he is deep down. Okay... Now that my fangirl has calmed down... All I can say. Just read the book? Please? Do it for me? *begging face*

The Art of Tim Burton By Leah Gallo & Holly Kempf (5/5)

Beautiful, magical and a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. Sitting in a huge chair with this epic tome balanced on your knee, especially with an equally large mug of coffee next to you. : )

The book is separated into sections each displaying pictures from a certain theme. I couldn't even pick a favourite section, let alone a favourite image, because they are all just so wonderful. A great insight into the mind of such a unique and fantastic director. Whether you are interested in the images that are memories of real life events, or the thought processes that led to some of the best movies of the past 20 years, it's all there.

The quotes spaced throughout the book also give it a personal touch, where people who are familiar with Tim's art will give you their take on it. My personal favourites were the ones from Helena Bonham Carter, as they were able to offer insight both professionally and personally. But also very enlightening are the additions by Danny Elfman and Johnny Depp, who have worked on so many projects with Burton at this point, that they have a lot of important points and opinions to contribute.

This is in my top two of expensive books that I have ever purchased and it was worth every penny. I am so glad that I have this book in my collection. I know that I will look through it for years to come.

Shiver By Maggie Stiefvater (5/5) *Gush*

Oh my goodness. I loved it. I loved Sam, I loved Grace, I loved them together. I love the realism in the mythology and the tangible and almost three dimensional human emotions that tumble from the pages. I just couldn't stop reading. It was just perfect, I wanted everything they had, and wanted to share everything they did, but at the same time wouldn't take it from them for anything in the world.

Here's the thing about me, I don't like love stories, I find them cheesy, annoying, unbelievable or pathetic, or I find one member of the pair unable to stand. I loved these two so much, they were both so different and yet had so many qualities that made them so relatable. They were so human, which given the subject matter, is amusing. : )

Serious love! This book broke my heart, and then put it back together again. I never believe in love stories, never really care, but oh my gosh, this one just took my breath away, I want to read it again right now. *happysigh* Now if I can just find a guy like Sam I can die happy. : ) How perfect is he? *swoons*

Note that this is probably the most fangirling review I will leave, I just loved it that much. A lot more than I was expecting to. This lucky find pleased me more than I thought possible! And I won a competition to get my hands on the ARC of the sequel, Linger. How amazing is that? *faints*