Throwback Thursday (103)

I found this picture of Trinity College Library, and thought it would work for this meme with a little play with lighting and adding the words.

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

Oh this is a good time for this one to show up on the list.  There is another of this series getting ready to be released very, very shortly.  I've read four of the books with Jace and Clary, and need to get to this series as well.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world. . . . and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

I've heard back from a few bloggers that they would like to join in this meme post, so I'm adding a Linky for you to join in.  Grab the picture above, and join in.  All I ask, is if you can acknowledge my blog in the post so others know where to come back to and join as well.  Thank you.

Throwback Thursday (63)

Let's talk about those books already on the shelves, yours or the stores.

I have a post for books I'm looking forward to coming out;

Looking Forward To...

But what about all those wonderful books that are ALREADY on the shelves.

Whether it be on your shelf waiting to be read or on the shelves in the stores waiting for you to give it a good home.

So, I thought I would share a book a week that is just waiting for me to travel through it's world.

Now... where do I start? Lets go by Published Date on the books...

This Week:

Aaaah, yes.  I read the Immortal Instruments series and enjoyed the world and magic type created by Cassandra.  So I picked up this first book of her other series set with the same style magic.  I really do want to get to this one of these days.

Goodreads Synopsis:

Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Looking Forward To...(92)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

City of Lost Souls

#5 Immortal Instruments

By:  Cassandra Clare

Due Out:  May 1, 2012

Oh, this one I'm looking forward to!  I love the first three books, and enjoyed the fourth.  Now with the ending of the fourth I want to know what happens!  I'm hoping to get some answers.  I'm hoping to free Jace from his spell, and what of Sebastian!  Oh I just hope for answers.

Goodreads Synopsis:

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees. 

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own? 

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives. 

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love? 

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

Book Review: City of Fallen Angels

City of Fallen Angels

By:  Cassandra Clare

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster Teen

Publish Date:  April 2011

Format:  Hardcover 424pgs

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Series:  4th book in Mortal Instruments series; Book 1 ~ City of Bones, Book 2 ~ City of Ashes, Book 3 ~ City of Glass

Recommendation:  If you enjoyed the first three books Yes, continue on with the series as the story carries on for Jace.  And we get to know Simon much better, him and the vampire side.  But be ready for young relationship issues.

Book Synopsis:
The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her.  She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique powers.  Her mother is getting married to the love of her life.  Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last.  And - most important of all - Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war.  Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her.  His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless.  Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life.  And they're willing to do anything to get what they want.  At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves.  Even Jace.

Love.  Blood.  Betrayal.  Revenge.  The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels

First Sentence:
"Just coffee, please."

My Thoughts and Summary:
Six weeks after the big battle in the home land of the Shadowhunters at the City of Glass, everyone is back at home with big events underway.  Clary is happy with her mother's marriage on the horizon and she's with her love, Jace.  Simon has two strong and beautiful girlfriends, neither knowing of the other.  Everything seems to be good for everyone, or is it?  Clary notices a distancing between her and Jace starting and not knowing why, and everyone's starting to see Jace isn't looking to good resulting from lack of sleep.  Simon has the most powerful vampire in New York City wanting him on her side, and people are trying to kill him.  Who could want Simon dead so badly to try going against the Mark of Cain present on him?  There are Shadowhunters being murdered.  Clary finds herself on her own mission when she finds out about a dead infant.  All starts to get twisted together in this book.

We have view points from Clary like in the first three books, but more view points from Simon this time around.  And it's neat to see things through Simons eyes and the life he is now leading as a marked vampire.  This is the book where Simon's life starts to see the consequences of his new life style along with the mark he bares.  Simon has lots to learn about being a vampire.  And with issues coming up we learn a good deal more of the Vampire side in this world and specifics in this kind of life  We do get a few views of Jace and his feelings for Clary from earlier in the series.  Which is a nice little touch to see what he felt when they weren't to be together.  Jace is still having troubles in trying to believe and convince himself he's not like Valentine.  And now he's experiencing horrible dreams.

We even get to see new characters this time around.  And characters are mentioned from Cassandra's other Shadowhunter series, Infernal Devices.  This world just keeps growing and growing.  But I enjoyed the new characters and the spins they added to the story line.  I'm hoping to see at least one of them again, and the other... well, not so much. ;)

This book had a slower start for me.  It seems this book is centered around the relationship drama of all the characters.  It's to catch us up on where they are in their lives, and most of the characters being young adults are learning about their feelings and why they feel the way they do for each other.  The book took me about one hundred and ten pages to start picking up the pacing of the plot for me, and at times slowed up to get back to the characters emotions.  But a little over half way, the book picked up with the action with the short segments that went from one character to the next as they were all in different places at one time.  This helped keep the pages turning quickly to see where they all were and what was going to happen.


I purchased this book for my own reading enjoyment.


This book qualifies for the Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge hosted by Floor to Ceiling Books, and 2011 YA Reading Challenge hosted by Jamie Loves YA.

Who? What? Where? (25)

Who are you with? Where are you at? What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now.

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

I'm moving this post from Thursdays to Wednesdays as I have another idea for Thursdays.

I'm bouncing between two different groups of conversations.  Clary is now resting at the Institute after her little scuffle with a Hydra demon.  Hm.  And Simon is waiting at the Sanctuary for the eccentric Magnus Bane to appear to talk with the beautiful and age old vampire the lead a large clan.  ALL sorts of information is flowing around now!

City of Fallen Angels
By:  Cassandra Clare

Teaser Tuesday (80)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

Simon thought of a younger Isabelle, keeping the secret, never telling anyone, hiding it from her brothers.  Knowing things about their family that they would never know.

City of Fallen Angels

By Cassandra Clare

239pg

Book Review: City of Glass

City of Glass

By:  Cassandra Clare

Publisher:  Teen Simon and Schuster

Publish Date:  March 2009

Format:  Paperback, 542pgs, 5 1/2" x 8"

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Series:  3rd book in The Mortal Instruments series; Book 1 ~ City of Bones, Book 2 ~ City of Ashes

Recommendation:  HELL YES!  If you haven't read this series, what are you waiting for!?!

Synopsis:
To save her mother's life, Clary travels to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters - never mind that by doing so she is breaking the Law, which could mean death.  Even worse, Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by Shadowhunters who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.  Luckily, Clary finds an ally in the mysterious Sebastian, who holds a strange attraction for her.  As Valentine musters a demon army, can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their ancient hatred and work together?  And can Clary harness her new found powers to help save them all - whatever the cost?

First Sentence:
The cold snap of the previous week was over; the sun was shining brightly as Clary hurried across Luke's dusty front yard, the hood of her jacket up to keep her hair from blowing across her face.

My Thoughts and Summary:
So, where do I start on this summary?  Well, if you are getting to this book, you've probably already read the first two books and so hooked you don't care what I'm going to say.  But I'm going to give it a quick go for you anyway.  And if you haven't read the first two books, there WILL BE SPOILERS FOR FIRST TWO BOOKS here.

With the end of City of Ashes, we now have a clue from an old friend of Clary's mothers of what we need to do to wake Clary's mom from her self induced coma.  Clary is still struggling with Jace being her brother, and wanting more from the relationship and not acting on it.  Now we find the Lightwoods, Jace, and Clary are traveling to the home country of the Shadowhunters and the capital city.  But as excited as Clary it to go and see the home city, Jace is just as determined to not have Clary go.  And Clary nor the others know why.  Jace is being very secretive about it again.  Will Clary get there?  Of course she will, but what will happen when she arrives?  And how will she get there?

Well, I have to say I had to rush out to get this book as I couldn't wait to read it.  I HAD to know what would happen, mostly with Clary and Jace.  And the ride Cassandra takes you on with each book is just amazing.  This is another wonderfully written book in which I didn't get much sleep until I was done with it.  I just couldn't put it down.  And not just because I wanted answers.  We start right where City of Ashes leaves off and jump head first into the action.  These characters never get a rest from the wicked in this book and I loved it!

We meet new characters and all the old.  And we lose a character or two ;) as we go through this one too.  I loved the way the characters stay true to who they are from the beginning, yet some have grown so greatly from the beginning.  And until the end of this book, I really didn't realize how much these characters had grown. 

I am so hooked on this series, I will follow it until Cassandra doesn't write of it anymore.  She has really made a true believer and a great fan of her work here.

Thank you Cassandra!


I purchased this book on my own for reading enjoyment.


This book qualifies for Speculative Fiction Challenge hosted by Floor to Ceiling Books, and 2011 YA Reading Challenge hosted by Jamie Loves YA

Teaser Tuesday (69)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

The demon flopped down out of the window onto the cobblestones and began to slither toward them.  Something about its oozing, boneless motion made bile rise up in the back of Clary's throat.

City of Glass

By Cassandra Clare

247pg

Book Review: City of Ashes

City of Ashes

By:  Cassandra Clare

Publisher:  Teen Simon & Schuster

Publish Date:  March 2009

Format:  Paperback, 453pgs, 5 1/2" x 8 1/4"

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Series:  2nd book in The Mortal Instruments series; Book 1 ~ City of Bones

Recommendation:  Oh YES! You read book one? You have to read book two!

Book Synopsis:
Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal.  But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries?  Clary would love to spend more time with her best friend, Simon.  But the Shadowhunters won't let her go - especially her handsome, infuriating new found brother, Jace.  And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil - and also her father.  When the second of the Mortal Instruments is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor suspects Jace.  Could Jace really be willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

First Sentence:
The formidable glass-and-steel structure rose from its position on Front Street like a glittering needle threading the sky.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Mrs. Lightwood and Max, then later Mr. Lightwood, return to the Institute to run things now that Hodges is no longer around.  Clary's mother is still in a coma in the hospital with Luke by her side daily.  Clary is trying her hardest with her boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, along with other relationships new in her life.  Jace is having horrible nightmares and on a path of self destruction.  It seems everyone is turning on him and no one trusts Jace now that everyone knows his is his fathers son.  But are they right?  While Jace is in prison for the night in the Silent City the Soul Sword, one of the three Mortal Instruments, is stolen.  Could it be a coincidence or not?  Now not only is the cup missing so is the Soul Sword.  There has to be only one person behind all this... Valentine.  But, what is he up to?

This book is soooo definitely the middle child.  Oh, yes, this book has a story line of its own with pecks and a huge climax to that story.  But the threading storyline between these books is the one I really want to know about.  I came into City of Ashes with a few big questions.  Big questions which I was hoping to find answers for.  The first 150 pages are good, really good, but I still wonder if these books were worthy of all the hype?  At 150 pages in, Eeee.  Then when I wasn't looking Cassandra sucker punched me with her twisting ideas and happenings.  This is not a bad thing.  As I then realized once again she had drawn me into this world and characters so deeply I couldn't put the book down and I didn't even know it until I couldn't stop.  Those first 150 pages are the basis setup for the 300 pages coming afterward, that don't stop surprising and pleasing the reader.

As I got more information, but not really the answers.  The characters are all growing in their personalities and becoming a close net group to me.  I learned more of the different dark races and their abilities start to come to more into light in this book.  I also started to learn some history of the Shadowhunters.   As I enjoyed all this information I left this book with even more questions.  This need to know drove me to run out and buy the third book of the trilogy.  I am very addicted and HAVE TO KNOW.


I purchased this book for my own enjoyment.

This book qualifies for the Speculative Fiction Challenge hosted by Floor to Ceiling Books, and YA Reading Challenge hosted by Jamie Loves YA.

Who? What? Where? (10)

Who are you with?  Where are you at?  What's happening?

Share with us just a little bit of what is happening in the book you are reading, right where you are now. 

Just a tiny taste of what's happening, remember try to not give spoilers of the book.

(This is a new meme I'm going to try and will tweak as I go. And please don't laugh at my lame attempt at drawing. ;D )

I'm moving this post from Thursdays to Wednesdays as I have another idea for Thursdays.

I'm standing with Clary and Luke in their now empty Living Room.  Just a minute ago there was ten of us.  Boy, did they scatter fast.  I'm amazed by Clary's newly learned ability, and worried about Jace who was taken away by the Inquisitor in flame handcuffs.  I don't know if he is doing this all to go against or to help his father.  I'm concerned.

City of Ashes

By Cassandra Clare

Book Review: City of Bones

City of Bones

By:  Cassandra Clare

Publisher:  Teen Simon and Schuster

Publish Date:  February 2008

Format:  Paperback, 485pgs, 5 1/2" x 8"

Genre:  YA Fantasy

Series:  1st book in The Mortal Instruments series

Recommendation:  Oh YES!  Wonderful characters to read and love the demon hunting "magic."

Synopsis:
When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder.  Much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with odd markings.  This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons - and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line.  It's also her first meeting with gorgeous, golden-haired Jace.  Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon.  But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary?  And how did she suddenly get the Sight?  The Shadowhunters would like to know...

First Sentence:
"You've got to be kidding me," the bouncer said, folding his arms across his massive chest.

My Thoughts and Summary:
The book synopsis pretty well covers a great description of the book.  There is magic in the way of ruins and demons.  We have a small run in with vampires and werewolves show up too.  This book has a great combination of all the magical creatures and type.  We have growing relationships and ones that we fight for.  A book with a wonderful mixture of everything you could ask for.

I’m going to try something a little different with this review.  I’m going to share my thoughts and feelings as I was reading.

When I started the book I kept reminding myself to not think of the hype I’ve heard of this book, how everyone thinks they are amazing.  I asked myself why does everyone love this series so?  As I was reading through the first section of 147 pages, I thought there isn’t anything that spectacular.  Good characters, good reading, I’m enjoying this demon hunting idea.  Then at the end of the first section I sat back with one word echoing in my mind, What?  Yeah, I had a feeling that was coming but I enjoyed the way Cassandra played it out.

So I dive into the second section.  This is where I start to realized I am enjoying the characters.  They are well written and the adventure and action picks up.  Oh, we have our demons, werewolves, and vampires; all part of the Downworlders.  The story is more of saving friends and finding that shadowhunter cup.  The creatures met on this story are ugly and great.  In this section I’m reading and thinking on Jace.  He’s an okay character.  Then fifty pages later I realize I REALLY like his character.  I think to myself, When did this happen? How did the author take me to this point with this character?  He was okay before, but now he’s great! Hm. I’m starting to be impressed.  Then the, oh no the werewolves goes to Oooohhhh, the werewolves…  I loved this twist.  The second section held several twists and turns for me, that I just were taken by.

Now, the third section.  I must say I can’t stop reading the book at this point, but I have not realized it yet.  Oh the action.  The explaining!  I’ve learned so much about the story and the characters.  Then I flip the page and stop. I say, Wait! What! No. Nononono. My heart is pounding and it drops with the characters learning some information.  I look at the clock on the wall and realize it’s midnight.  I have forty some pages left to finish the book.  I HAVE to keep reading.  But to finish will take at least an hour and I have to get up early in the morning to go to work.  Can I do it?  Can I get through tomorrow short on sleep? Hold up. When did I get that invested in this book?  When did it become unputdownable for me?  I’m loving it!

I ended the book all twisted around, backwards, and upside down with the twists and turns the author throw at me.   I found I loved the characters and enjoyed the paths the author took with the unexpected sharp turns she takes.

Really a wonderful read, and now I am WANTING the next book of the series!

I purchased this book of my own accord.

This book qualifies for my Speculative Fiction Challenge hosted by Floor to Ceiling, and YA Challenge hosted by Jamie Loves YA.

Teaser Tuesday (64)

Teaser Tuesday

is a weekly event

Sponsored by MizB of Should be Reading

Here's how it works:

Grab the book you are currently reading (anything at all)

Open the book to any random page.

Share 2 teaser sentences from anywhere on the page

Please Make Sure They Are Not Spoilers!

(Don't Give Too Much Away)

Just enough to pique our interests

This Week:

She looked up from closing it to find Jace watching her through hooded eyes.  "And one last thing," he said.  He reached over and pulled the sparkling pins out of her hair, so that it fell in warm and heavy curls down her neck.

City of Bones

By Cassandra Clare

pg 214