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 Iron Trial by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

The Iron Trial 

by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare

Publisher- Scholastic

Realeased- Sept 9th 2014

Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N 

From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes a riveting new series that defies what you think you know about the world of magic.
From two bestselling superstars, a dazzling and magical middle-grade collaboration centering on the students of the Magisterium, an academy for those with a propensity toward magic. In this first book, a new student comes to the Magisterium against his will -- is it because he is destined to be a powerful magician, or is the truth more twisted than that? It's a journey that will thrill you, surprise you, and make you wonder about the clear-cut distinction usually made between good and evil.

My Thoughts: 

The Iron Trial, is the first book in the Magisterium series and what  I believe is a strong and promising start to a brilliant dark magical world. I've read a few books by Holly Black and I'm already a mega-huge fan of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter world, so I couldn't wait to see what these two authors together would bring into the written world. I don't read very many middle-grade books, with only the HP and Percy Jackson books amongst my favourites, but the minute I heard that Clare and Black were tackling magic for kids, I knew I had to get my grabby hands on the first installment. This book was such a blast and instantly loved!

First off, the storyline was made of awesome! Clare and Black took there time coming up with a fantastic story making it a shinny and new universe to want to play in. They make an amazing team. The writing is smooth, the pacing and flow of the story was perfectly pitched and I couldn't tell from one author to the next who wrote what. It was in-sync and blended strongly and beautifully throughout the entire length of the novel. There were some moments and similarities that did reminded me of the great boy wizard, but it didn't take anything away from my overall entertainment and experience. World will inevitably collide when writing about magic in a magical school setting, but I still think that this book is entirely it's own. I loved the concept of bending the elements of air, fire, water, earth and chaos with magical control. The history, secrets and prophecy were mysterious and alluring. The Devoured souls and chaos-ridden animals were a fantastical touch to the already dark and haunting setting and the Magisterium itself was filled with creepy wonderment. 

The moment I meet Callum, I knew I was going to love him. He's the kind of kid that makes life interesting and has a great voice and personality. Even though he has a bad leg and practically a social-leper at school, he still has this amusing sarcastic side to him that's funny instead of bitter. He's always been taught that the school is a place of monsters, and yet apart of him wants to believe it may be a good place for someone like him despite his fears and insecurities. Aaron is one of those great characters that is good, kind, supportive, loyal and believes in you no matter what anyone says. He's got the most to prove, but no one really to prove it too. Tamara was a bit cold and unfeeling at the start of the book so it wasn't always easy to like her. She's under a lot of pressure from her family to succeed , but eventually Tamara becomes her own person and I love what she brought into the trio. Together, Callum, Aaron and Tamara make an amazing team. They already have each others back during some of their more challenging adventures and have great chemistry and witty banter. There are also a lot of other characters that I loved, each of them bringing in the perfect blend of conflicts and friendships. It's gonna be a fun five years at the Magisterium with this lot. I really loved that ending. What a shocker! I was surprised we learned the big revelation at the end of this book, but I think it makes for a rather clever and intriguing turn of events. I think we're not getting the entire picture mind you, but still, it makes me wonder just how Callum will play this out in future books and how it will impact the other characters. Very interesting indeed.

All in all, I couldn't have loved a book more! The twist and turns were crazy fun, gripping and unpredictable. The world building was remarkably creative, the writing was brilliant and these characters stole my heart from minute one. Fast paced and blast to read, The Magisterium is my new favourite world!

Find the authors:

Holly Black- Goodreads / Website

Cassandra Clare- Goodreads / Website

                                                                            

                                                                           5 Snowflakes

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, #42

 

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...

 

 

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




Quotes from pages 270 & 273

"He was always grinning. She wished she could slap it off his face."

"Is this some manly bonding thing I can't be a part of? Are you getting matching haircuts?"



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!

No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

This is hop for all the people who hate jumping through hoops to enter giveaways.

Do you ever get tired of signing up for giveaways that require many steps in order to increase your chances of winning? Well, this is the giveaway for you! This is the no strings attached, no requirements to enter hop. All you have to do is leave your name and email or some way to contact you to enter to win!  That's it!  Easy Peasey right??!!

Now for what we are giving away!   One copy of the upcoming release of Clockwork Princess to one lucky winner! This giveaway is international.  Good luck!

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
Release date: March 19, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out the other participating blogs!

Teaser Tuesday, #10

Teaser Tuesday, #10

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!

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, #5) by Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Published: May 8th 2012

My Teasers...

Page 122...

"God, Clary, look at the evidence. You thought you and Jace were brother and sister! You sacrificed everything to save his life, and a Greater Demon used him to get to you! When are you going to face the fact that the two of you are not meant to be together?"

Page 123...

"And what would you do if I didn't? Stake me?" Simon spread his arms wide. "Take a shot. Do whatever you want to me. Go nuts."

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!