The City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

So a friend recommended The City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and I read it over the weekend. She gave it glowing reviews, saying it had a great plot, was well written, and had a steamy bad boy (which, I am totally a sucker for.) So she gave a glowing review.

I however, cannot.

Wow, where to start! Well quite soon after I started reading, I noticed that the story was more of a POV from Clary, but it was like she was talking in third person if that makes any sense. It was well written and I understood the characters intentions and had a gust for how they where feeling, but I never really saw a huge character change or whatever. Clary had this huge thing happen in her life along with a ginormous revelation and she just acted kind of "whatever" about it.

I also thought that at times the storyline became to much. There was just too much to explain and I found myself skipping over the long narratives. I felt like there was allot of useless information that didn't give any insight to the story, didn't help the plot develop.

A good thing I can say is that I loved Jace. He was easy to read and I could understand his actions and the motives behind them. Well, except for the kiss because that was unexpected. I shamelessly admit that I wish there had been more kissing and romance between Jace and Clary, but maybe it's just not their time yet.

Overall, the book was okay, but not great. Would I recommend? Certain people might like it, but I however, am still deciding if I should read the sequel.

Rate: 3/5

Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Shadows by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a novella that takes place before the first book in the Lux Series, Obsidian. Its's almost like a 0.5 before the 1.0 that is Obsidian. 

So I really loved reading this book! It was really cool to get to have a sneak peak into the lives of Daemon, Dee, Dawson, and Beth before Dawson and Beth disappeared! I loved the fact that it was a dual POV (Point of View) from Beth and Dawson's point of views and then switched to Daemon's at the end. 

The first part (or main part) about Dawson and Beth was so fun to read! I loved getting to read what it was really like for Dawson to give up everything for his girl. It gave a great perspective after having read Obsidian, Onyx, and Opal to see what it was really like for a Luxen to fall in love with a human. It  helped me understand the reactions from the other Luxen when Daemon showed affection for Katy. 

Also a great plus was fully being able to accept why Daemon had tried his best to push Katy away from his and his family. Sure, you got what happened and you knew why he acted the way he did when he finally spells it out for you, but when you actually read it in Shadows? It's nearly mind blowing. 

Something that was truly haunting was the last chapter, in Daemon's POV. It was an experience, for lack of a better word, to delve into his thoughts and really see what is was like for him to loose his brother. Having lost a friend who was like a brother to me recently, I didn't think I could ever witness someone write what that pain felt like, and Miss Armentrout did it perfectly. It was touching and sad at the same time to see Daemon turn from a badass teen filled with angst and worry into someone who really cared about his brother, who would do anything to take away the pain of his little sister; to someone who cried and screamed at the injustice in the world. It was awe inspiring to witness such a character change happen right before my eyes, and I truly appreciate that. 

Rate for Story Line: 5/5

Rate for Syntax and Diction: 4.5/5

A Girl Of Fire and Thorns Sequel: The Crown of Embers

So recently I've been reading out the wazoo and between school and work I have finally found some time to update my blog!

So a while ago I read The Crown of Embers, a sequel to The Girl of Fire and Thorns, by Rae Carson. It is a breathtaking sequel that readers will literally eat up. I loved this book with all my heart! It stars Queen Elisa (after her husband's untimely death) ruling her city with her loyal Guard, Hector of Ventierra at her side. Together, they tackle the budding war between her people and the Inviernos, who have spies in the city, the Quorum lords forcing her to get married, and the newly found evidence of a sacred power located in the southern kingdom- a power so great that only someone with a Godstone can channel it. While they battle for their lives and the lives of their people, Elisa and Hector form a relationship that isn't, well, appropriate for their social positions. They begin to have feelings for each other and only are able to express/act on them while on the run from an Invierno Assassin.

I honestly can say I LOVED this book! It was filled with suspense, fighter, and thank the LORD, some romance that was much needed. Hector is totally drool worthy which is a huge plus. He is so honorable that it makes you love him and hate him at the same time (Ex. NO! Hector! I don't care that you have to guard Elisa's life! Just friggin KISS HER! ect.) We watch Elisa turns from a simple princess who liked to read into a regal queen, fully capable of ruling a country and stealing the heart of her Guard. This book has everything a good book needs. It draws the reader in and doesn't let go until the shocking ending. Reading this book was an experience and I totally recommend it!

Rate: 5/5