Review: The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins

The You I've Never Known by Ellen Hopkins
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: January 24th, 2017
Purchase: Amazon

How do you live your life if your past is based on a lie? A new novel in both verse and prose from #1 New York Times bestselling author, Ellen Hopkins.

For as long as she can remember, it’s been just Ariel and Dad. Ariel’s mom disappeared when she was a baby. Dad says home is wherever the two of them are, but Ariel is now seventeen and after years of new apartments, new schools, and new faces, all she wants is to put down some roots. Complicating things are Monica and Gabe, both of whom have stirred a different kind of desire.

Maya’s a teenager who’s run from an abusive mother right into the arms of an older man she thinks she can trust. But now she’s isolated with a baby on the way, and life’s getting more complicated than Maya ever could have imagined.

Ariel and Maya’s lives collide unexpectedly when Ariel’s mother shows up out of the blue with wild accusations: Ariel wasn’t abandoned. Her father kidnapped her fourteen years ago.

What is Ariel supposed to believe? Is it possible Dad’s woven her entire history into a tapestry of lies? How can she choose between the mother she’s been taught to mistrust and the father who has taken care of her all these years?

In bestselling author Ellen Hopkins’s deft hands, Ariel’s emotionally charged journey to find out the truth of who she really is balances beautifully with Maya’s story of loss and redemption. This is a memorable portrait of two young women trying to make sense of their lives and coming face to face with themselves—for both the last and the very first time. 

My thoughts:
No one can really like or love Ellen Hopkins books. They are always so real and raw that it leaves at least me with an uneasy feeling and I sometimes even feel gross.  That being said though, they have to be read because Ms. Hopkins shines light on tough subjects that need to be talked about and she's brilliant in her delivery each and every single time.  

I've read several books by Ellen Hopkins so I knew beforehand this book would be tough to read and it was, but it didn't quite pack the punch that her previous books did.  This was a good and bad thing in my opinion.  I appreciated the dialed back story line, but I did miss the ugliness.  This book isn't pretty by any means, but it just wasn't as dark as it could have been.  I feel strange saying I wanted it darker, but I kinda did and maybe that's because I know how dark Hopkins can go. 

This story was dark though, we have a girl who is trying to find out if she is gay while living with her abusive father who can't know her struggles.  See dark subject matter and there were a lot of dark scenes and I can't lie I did fall into the overall story line.  I wanted to find out who Ariel would chose for a partner and I wanted her to kick her father to the curb.  It wasn't an easy story to read, but Hopkins did an amazing job at delivering Ariel's voice.  I couldn't put this one down.

I think my favorite thing about this book was Ariel.  She had a hard life, but she didn't let that get the better of her.  She worked hard and she knew she wanted more out of her life than what she was handed.  It's tough to think that way and rise above, but she did and it made my connection to her stronger.

I don't want to give spoilers, but I figured out the twist pretty early on and I think that was the authors intent.  It wasn't hard to figure out and I'm glad I did so that I could read between the lines going forward. 

I believe this is a great story for readers especially with diversity being a huge topic in our world.  Hopkins did a great job at incorporating diversity throughout and I think teens that read this will appreciate what Hopkins does in this story. 

All in all I found this story moving and one I won't forget.  I never forget a Hopkins story though and while I did want this to go darker, I still very much became attached to these characters so much so that I wanted more of an epilogue.  I found myself thinking about Ariel, Monica, Maya, and even Gabe long after the final pages were over and I just want more.  I hope one day we get to see these characters again because I want to see their endings.

4 snowflakes

Review: The Cursed Queen by Sarah Fine

The Cursed Queen by Sarah Fine
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: January 3rd, 2017
Purchase: Amazon

Ansa has always been a fighter.

As a child, she fought the invaders who murdered her parents and snatched her as a raid prize. She fought for her place next to Thyra, the daughter of the Krigere Chieftain. She fought for her status as a warrior in her tribe: blood and victory are her way of life. But the day her Krigere cross the great lake and threaten the witch queen of the Kupari, everything changes.

Cursed by the queen with fire and ice, Ansa is forced to fight against an invisible enemy—the dark magic that has embedded itself deep in her bones. The more she seeks to hide it, the more dangerous it becomes. And with the Krigere numbers decimated and the tribe under threat from the traitorous brother of the dead Chieftain, Ansa is torn between her loyalty to the Krigere, her love for Thyra, and her own survival instincts.

With her world in chaos and each side wanting to claim her for their own, only one thing is certain: unless Ansa can control the terrible magic inside her, everything she’s fought for will be destroyed.

My Thoughts:
The Impostor Queen was one of my top favorites of last year and I was SUPER excited to get my hands on The Cursed Queen.  TIQ left off at such a dangerous place that I just knew TCQ would be explosive.  Well to my surprise, this installment takes us back to before Elli's adventures and to a place where trouble is brewing among the Krigere tribe.

I wasn't really happy when I found out this book was about totally new characters, but by the second chapter I was all in!  The Krigere tribe is actually pretty horrible. They are raiders and they live by taking what's not theirs.  I liked the fierceness of the people, but I was a bit uncomfortable when raids were being described.  It was pretty horrible, but thankfully the author chose to make these just stories and not something we had to witness through the characters eyes first hand.  That being said I found the Krigere tribe quite fascinating.

The story itself like I said takes place at the same time as Elli's story.  If you remember in the beginning of TIQ the Valita goes out to sea to stop raiders. Well you guessed it these are those same raiders.  We get to see the aftermath of the Valita's destruction and yes it is as crazy as you would imagine.  The Krigere are left without their chieftain and must rally around his daughter who does not share the same principles.  From the beginning it is a hard road from Thyra's (the daughter) pleas to start a new way of life to the fight bigger than anyone saw coming.

I will say that I liked this story.  It was stronger than TIQ at times and weaker at others.  One thing I wasn't fond of was the romance.  I thought Fine strayed from her path in TIQ and I feel like in this one she is just trying to hard.  I liked Ansa and I was excited to see her drawn to Thyra, but the back and forth got to be a bit much and I didn't like the inclusion of Jaspar.  It felt almost too similar to TIQ and I was a bit upset that Fine wouldn't just go there with her characters.  She moved in a better direction this time, but it all still felt like she wasn't sure she wanted her characters to love each other.  For me this became a distraction and took away from some of the things Ansa was going through.  I wanted to focus more on the "curse" Ansa was given and see if she could tame this new side of herself.  By her constantly complaining about being discarded as Thyra's wolf I lost the momentum.

Speaking of being Thyra's wolf, I wasn't happy with Thyra for most of the story.  She kept Ansa in the dark about so much and it really ticked me off.  I know the whys, but if she had included her and chosen to stand with her things could have gone so much better.  Miscommunication is a peeve of mine and these two just could not get on the same page!  So frustrating!

Even with all that though I still liked the story for the most part.  I found it went hand in hand with the first one really well and Fine did a great job weaving these two stories together.  I am excited to see what the third installment will bring because I'm not sure it will be as explosive as I want it to be.  This one ended on a happier note that the previous book and it seems like all the peace is all that is wanted from the parties left standing, but I know things will not be that easy for either side so I am anticipating a blow up somewhere along the way.

3 snowflakes

Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Publisher- Margaret K. McElderry Books

Released- March 8th 2016

Purchase- Amazon / B & N

The Shadowhunters of Los Angeles star in the first novel in Cassandra Clare’s newest series, The Dark Artifices, a sequel to the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series. Lady Midnight is a Shadowhunters novel.It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses.Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions…Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago—has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind—and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?Glitz, glamours, and Shadowhunters abound in this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare’s Dark Artifices series.

My Thoughts:
Well dame! Here I thought nothing could beat The Mortal Instrument series, but I was sadly mistaken. The first book, Lady Midnight, The Dark Artifices series, is absolutely brilliant!! At this point I can't say that it's better then the TMI books (yet) but I have a feeling by the time this series is over I'll be singing a different tune. Already, Lady Midnight has surpassed my deepest expectations. It has shiny new characters that had me instantly, and I mean instantly invested. It's plot is thick in the Shadowhunter world complete with demons, warlocks, faeries and parabatai and was always kept moving with action, fascination and a romance that is burning with devotion and forbidden longing. Seriously, I am overwhelmingly hooked in this world and physically pained that I have to wait years before everything is said and done. It hurts!

Cassandra Clare has always been a fantastic storyteller but I love her growth as a writer. This book felt more mature in ways but still has that classic Clare sass and wit she brings to her characters. The plot itself is more intense, more brutal as we're dealing with a serial killer butchering humans and fair-folk with the same markings that were on Emma Carstairs' parents when they were found murdered. Emma, obsessed with revenge, will do anything to find who is responsible, is persistently investigating against Clave rules, but it would also seem that she's not the only one who wants to see justice prevail. The plot is action packed and pulse pounding entertainment that I expected in a Cassandra Clare book but it has also has so much depth and heart that it shattered me in two. I was impressed and surprised with how much love-story we get in this installment. Clare doesn't hold anything back or shy away compared to the TMI books. Those characters were more conflicted towards their emotions, which was perfect and maddening for how that story was told, but in Lady Midnight, I thought the romances were more of a significant element, that didn't exactly take over the initial plot but felt just as important (if not more) for the overall series. I also love that we learn more about the parabatai vow in this book more so then the first series. I have a clearer understanding of what it truly means and trying to reason the hell out how to get around it for my favorite parabatai couple. Clare truly is a master for bringing in that anxious longing and incredible rush of a forbidden romance that can't be denied and I can't wait to see how this plays out!!!! 

With every new series introductions are in order and while some readers might find the beginning chapters tedious, I for one loved getting to know these characters and back-stories on a deeper level. I thought it was so smart of Clare to introduce most of these characters in the last TMI book. I was already connected to them but I don't think I was prepared to absolutely love them this much. I adore the Blackthorn family!!! I can't believe how relatable and likeable each of these characters are and I absolutely love the family togetherness and close friendships laced throughout the story. Julian, Mark, Livvy, Ty, Dru, Tavvy, Emma and Cristina. Everyone was put together beautifully with great personality and sharp voices. I think those were some of my favorite moments, when the family is just there eating and researching and being together. It was extremely touching and funny and warm and I loved how each of them were so easy to connect with. I loved them all, but I think my favorite three are Julian, Emma and Mark. I can't express how amazing Julian is. To raise his four brother and sisters at the age of twelve, taking care of the institute and his fragile uncle is more responsibility then one should endure at such an age. I have nothing but love, respect and admiration for Jules. Emma is also so amazing and while obsessive revenge can start to wear thin in books, I found myself cheering her on the whole way through. But the most surprising of all the characters was Mark. He has a sad story, he's been tortured and tormented by the Wild Hunt, he's this feral, unhinged shell of a man and my heart bleed for him. But as the story goes on, Mark becomes a little more confident but still just as lost. His child-like reactions were absolutely adorable, hilarious and charming and I loved how wise and whimsically spoken he can be. Truly, he was an absolute joy and a breath of fresh air! I also can't forget to mention a few more characters that made an impact in this book, whether it be good or bad; Malcolm, Kieran and Diego. My heart is still undecided about Kieran. He did something pretty dame unforgivable, but I don't think it's the last we see of him. TMI fans will also be happy to know that their favorite characters do make an appearance and mentioned often throughout the book. I didn't read The Shadowhunter Academy book yet since I'm waiting for the physical copy to release, so I was surprised and delighted to discover a few things that happened after TMI ended. We even get a special bonus chapter that I was a little floored by. The word, dreaded, is scaring the crap out of me, so yeah, need more of that please! 

Bottom line, Lady Midnight is Epic!!! This has it all my friends. A great demonic mystery, twist and turns and surprises. Fantastic world building and storytelling and an all consuming love story that tore my heart over and over again and all I want is more, More, MORE!! Completely absorbing, completely amazing, completely addicting as hell! This world is still my all time favorite escape!! LOVED!!!!!!!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                             5 Billion Snowflakes

Review: The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine

The Impostor Queen by Sarah Fine
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release Date: January 5th, 2016
Purchase: Amazon

Sixteen-year-old Elli was a small child when the Elders of Kupari chose her to succeed the Valtia, the queen who wields infinitely powerful ice and fire magic. Since then, Elli has lived in the temple, surrounded by luxury and tutored by magical priests, as she prepares for the day when the Valtia perishes and the magic finds a new home in her. Elli is destined to be the most powerful Valtia to ever rule.

But when the queen dies defending the kingdom from invading warriors, the magic doesn’t enter Elli. It’s nowhere to be found.

Disgraced, Elli flees to the outlands, the home of banished criminals—some who would love to see the temple burn with all its priests inside. As she finds her footing in this new world, Elli uncovers devastating new information about the Kupari magic, those who wield it, and the prophecy that foretold her destiny. Torn between the love she has for her people and her growing loyalty to the banished, Elli struggles to understand the true role she was meant to play. But as war looms, she must align with the right side—before the kingdom and its magic are completely destroyed.

My Thoughts:
This year is definitely going to be the year that Fantasy takes over our shelves and brains and The Impostor Queen is setting the bar high my friend!  This expertly crafted world is truly amazing and will grab even the fantasy fearfull.

This book from the get go is intense.  The very first chapter had me on the edge of my seat and craving more and with fantasy novels this is a really hard thing to do.  Worlds have to be created, characters have to be built, and a whole epic storyline has to be crafted.  Sarah Fine manages to do these huge tasks in a matter of a few simple chapters.  Don't get me wrong I promise you won't know everything in a few chapters, this world continues to build and build and just when you think you know everything BAM! things get crazy!

This is honestly one of the most imaginative worlds I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I think the addition of the magic and what it symbolized was really intriguing and I liked how the author used it throughout this story.  The part I loved the best though was the ending and how everything came to be.  I cant go into specifics, but I will say WOW!  I never saw that coming and I can't wait to see how it all plays out!

What truly surprised me though was how connected I felt to the characters.  I loved Elli!  She was fierce and determined to serve her people no matter what, even in the face of pain.  I really appreciated how the author let Elli grow up and let her make decisions not based on her heart.  She knew what she was born to do and she did just that even if it meant heartache.  This to me is a true Fantasy character.  I enjoyed the secondary characters as well.  Oskar and Sig were fun even though a bit moody and I loved Ramio!  His character is the one I am looking most forward to because he has answers but also because I think there is something else to him and I smell a little sinisternish coming from him!

The only thing I wasn't fond of was the overall romance.  If it had just been Elli and Oskar I would have been okay, but the story starts off a different way and I wish the author would have stayed true to her path.  I liked that this book was different and I would have loved to have seen where things could have gone, but the author chose a different path.  I am not sure why she did and I know I probably will never know but it makes me sad.  The romance between Oskar and Elli was really well written though and I appreciated the slow build up so I suppose I can live with the way things are.  I am curious if the author will revisit these issues in later installments though.

4 snowflakes

Review: The Storyspinner by Becky Wallace

The Storyspinner (The Keepers' Chronicles #1)
by Becky Wallace
 Expected publication:

 March 3rd 2015
by Margaret K. McElderry 

 Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected. 
 In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure. The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna. With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.

My Thoughts

I am so very ashamed of myself to admit that I judged this book by it's cover. I thought "oh no here comes another Katniss wanna be with a bow and arrow." Yawn. Then, I did the smart thing and read the blurb and it offered me a fantasy realm with magical warriors and court politics! At this point I began obsessively stalking requesting this on Edelweiss. After 5 denials and some shameless begging I finally got approved for this and literally did back flips (well not literally but my in my mind I did). It is such an amazing feeling when a book you are over the moon already for manages to exceed your expectations. The Storyspinner blew me out of the water!

The story follows Johanna and her family who are a troupe of traveling performers. That's right acrobatics and tight ropes, even singing, but this family has an even more specialized skill. It is called Storyspinning, the art of telling a story while using glamour & cues from the audience to make everyone fall under it's spell. I loved that there was a fresh set of skills given to this family. So often they are thieves or something that has been many time before. Sure, it does end up being a book about a lost princess but Johanna and her family have so much talent beyond that. I found it to be a nice niche.

The plot picks up with Johanna's father, Arlo, falling during an act to his demise. This sets off a chain of events that are told as two separate story lines until they culminate & finally pick up as one plot. For those of you who have read A Song Of Ice and Fire, it was very reminiscent of that type of sequence for me. Things happened very often at the same time just in different parts of the world. Wallace also had this really unique way of tying the plot lines together with subsequent context clues. The pacing was a bit slower than usual but that was for the simple fact that there was so many P.O.V's to put into place (hence my being reminded of ASOIaF). The ground work was promperly laid for each and everyone of them too. I would happy to follow any of them had Becky decided to write them out separetly. The narration was done beautifully in the 3rd person and it gave me the background I needed to become truly invested in each of the characters. This sold the book since I wasn't to thrilled with the world itself. I know the history was there and it was shown more as time went on but, it took a good 1/3 of the book before I really got a grasp on it. I also found the names to be over complicated & a bit of a distraction but that is just a personal preference.

The book had a bit more court politics then your average fantasy novel. I really enjoyed seeing how the different Dukes on the one hand were represented. The other story line held the magic. For years the magical race known as the Keepers has stayed away from the rest of the world, silently guarding the magic that binds the borders. Now with the Guardian, Arlo, dead they must find the lost heir and return her to her razed kingdom so the power can be balanced once more. I found the Keepers to an interesting race, each has an affinity for a different element with the exception of the Mages who could control all 5 of them at once. The way these 2 different groups of individuals views their world was interesting to say the least.

I can't recommend this one enough to all fantasy lovers. It might be the same lost princess story yet it is told in such a different light the whole things feels fresh. I loved every second of it and already have pre-ordered my finished copy!

5 Snowflakes

Teaser Tuesday #84, THE STORYSPINNER by Becky Wallace

Welcome to Teaser Tuesdays! Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! My Teaser Tuesday is for the following... 

THE STORYSPINNER by Becky Wallace
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Expected Publication Date: March 3, 2015

Blurb:
Drama and danger abound in this fantasy realm where dukes play a game for the throne, magical warriors race to find the missing heir, and romance blossoms where it is least expected.
In a world where dukes plot their way to the throne, a Performer’s life can get tricky. And in Johanna Von Arlo’s case, it can be fatal. Expelled from her troupe after her father’s death, Johanna is forced to work for the handsome Lord Rafael DeSilva. Too bad they don’t get along. But while Johanna’s father’s death was deemed an accident, the Keepers aren’t so sure.
The Keepers, a race of people with magical abilities, are on a quest to find the princess—the same princess who is supposed to be dead and whose throne the dukes are fighting over. But they aren’t the only ones looking for her. And in the wake of their search, murdered girls keep turning up—girls who look exactly like the princess, and exactly like Johanna.
With dukes, Keepers, and a killer all after the princess, Johanna finds herself caught up in political machinations for the throne, threats on her life, and an unexpected romance that could change everything.

Teasers from page: 26
"You can't always use your affinity to save you, Pira." He threw the sword to the side, and offered her a hand up. "You never know when your gift will fail or when your opponent will come after you with something besides a metal weapon. You have to be ready to fight any one, in any condition."

Page: 30
"Are you going to let me in?" She folded her arms tightly across her chest, wondering what in the world had her brother so on edge. 
"If I do, will you swear  that everything you hear tonight will remain a secret?"

*PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here if you don’t have a blog Thanks! 

Review: City of Lost Souls (TMI, #5) by Cassandra Clare

 City of Lost Souls (TMI, #5) by Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: May 8, 2012

B&N / Amazon


Blurb:
The New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments continues—and so do the thrills and danger for Jace, Clary, and Simon.
What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost?

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

My Thoughts:

Wow! City of Lost Souls was awesome! This was a testament to how far Clary would go to save the man she loves, would do anything and everything to right wrongs even if they weren’t what she thought they should be or how. Being the fifth book in The Mortal Instruments series, I was elated that it turned out to be just as good as the first four.

So much happens in this book. There is non-stop action and it’s full of love and romance! COLS is told through multiple pov’s which at first, I wasn’t fond of the swapping around, but unexpectedly ended up really liking it. Cassandra Clare executes the change in just the right spot, and just when you are settled into one pov, you’re onto the next. I loved reading from so many different characters perspectives. I felt I understood them better and what they were facing or going through.
I’m going to break this down nice and easy, and avoid spoilers as best I can.
 
Clary makes a decision to see the Faerie Queen, who always wants something in return. She just wants to find out where Jace is and if he is still alive! The Clave wasn’t real helpful, but Sebastian had ways of making it nearly impossible to track him and Jace. (Very clever if you ask me)
Alec was facing his own personal demons. Being in love with an immortal could do that anyone. And he got some advice from an unlikely source, but it was helpful to him and overcoming his issues. Perhaps it will come back and bite him in the rear, but I fully understood his dilemma and sympathized for him.

Simon is such a guy. The best “boy-friend” a girl could have yet is oblivious when affections are thrown his way. Of course, his instinct is to think he isn’t worthy and is misreading them because there was no way a beautiful, fierce, strong-willed woman would find him anything other than a monster. Since that’s what his mother has deemed him. He too, is fighting an inner battle. He wants to speak with his sister, but he’s afraid of losing her also.

“I think about him all the time,” she said. “It’s awful. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before.”

Isabelle is once again fierce, but there’s a whole new path she walks in this book. She may seem cold and tough, but when she opens up to Jordan, and liquid courage is flowing, Izzy transforms. I was soooo elated when this event took place, because she was the only one who seemed to be a free spirit, without a love interest.

Jordan and Maia were so darn cute! These two wolves were basically at a crossroads and finally were able to talk and work through their feelings for one another. I honestly wasn’t sure if they would get passed their past maturely.

“I won’t be just your friend. I love you, Maia. I’m in love with you. I always have been. I always will be. Just being your friend would kill me.”

Jocelyn’s maternal instincts were on high alert, but being too protective has actually set Clary off, making big decisions behind her overprotective mother’s back. Jocelyn has her hands full with Clary, and I think she intends to do right by her, but she needs to let Clary be a woman. Let her make choices for herself. Advice is one thing, but preventing an iron-willed girl from doing something she feels passionate about, will only cause waves in their relationship.

Once again, I just loved Clary in this book. Not only does she prove time and time again how strong she is, not just physically, but emotionally. Torn between doing the unthinkable and her emotional and physical love for Jace, Clary surprised me. She was able to set her deep emotional love for Jace aside and act without regret. AND that is one strong protagonist. She would go to hell and back if she had to. What can I say about Jace and Clary that you haven’t already thought? They are a rockstar couple! It is inevitable they belong to one another. I felt so bad for Jace and the situation he had no control over. Being bound to your enemy is the worse possible scenario. Even though he wasn't his true self, Clary knew he was in there, her real Jace.

This group of friends went above and beyond to get their Jace back. And it was evident how much he is loved by them. I love that these characters have grown so much and have formed such a deep connecting bond. And that ending!!!! Gah!!! I can’t wait for the next book!

 

 

Teaser Tuesday, #26



Welcome to Teaser Tuesdays! Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser Tuesday is for the following...





Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Expected Publication: May 7, 2013










My Teasers are from ebook pages: 12

"I touched my hand to my stone. Was I being kept inside because of superstition --or something more?"

"Child. The word suddenly seared like a burn. "I'm not a child," I snapped. "I'm fifteen. Sixteen this winter. That's old enough to hear the truth."



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here if you don’t have a blog Thanks!