Review: Echo by Alicia Wright Brewster

The countdown clock reads ten days until the end of the world. The citizens are organized. Everyone's been notified and assigned a duty. The problem is . . . no one knows for sure how it will end.

Energy-hungry Mages are the most likely culprit. They travel toward a single location from every corner of the continent. Fueled by the two suns, each Mage holds the power of an element: air, earth, fire, metal, water, or ether. They harness their powers to draw energy from the most readily available resource: humans.

Ashara has been assigned to the Ethereal task force, made up of human ether manipulators and directed by Loken, a young man with whom she has a complicated past. Loken and Ashara bond over a common goal: to stop the Mages from occupying their home and gaining more energy than they can contain. But soon, they begin to suspect that the future of the world may depend on Ashara's death.

Title: Echo
Published April 25th 2013 by Dragonfairy Press
ISBN: 0985023023 (ISBN13: 9780985023027)

Barnes & Noble|Amazon|Goodreads
Xpresso Book Tours

 Ashara is assigned to the Ethereal task force (a small group of Ethereal practitioners) after showing her ability for it in one of the previous timelines, but she doesn't remember it. Why? A Seer foresaw the end of the world, except they don't know the cause. They Elders rewind time, more than once, but only a select few remember the previous timelines, so when Ashara's powers manifest during one of the timelines she doesn't remember it. Powers almost always manifest at a young age, because Ashara's did not she is the only one on the task force that doesn't know how to use her powers. She frequently runs away from scary situations at first, but eventually she grows, learning that she can be strong and independent.

In the Ethereal task force there is four other people, Krin, Mauryn, Elis, and Jin. Right away the other girl in the group, Krin, and Ashara become friends. It's easy to tell why, she's such a sweet character, but is definitely independent from the start. Elis and Jin aren't really seen much, but I found Jin's home to be something I didn't expect. Mauryn played a bigger part than Elis and Jin, but was also different from all of them, he wore a piece of red cloth tied around his wrist, and I guess I have to explain before you understand what that means. While there are practitioners and non-practitioners, there are also Believers, and non-Believers. Simply, Believers believe in the two sun gods, Ra and Solaris, and usually wear something red or yellow. For the most part Believers and non-Believers don't get along, so it's pretty unusual for Mauryn to be there.

Usually Elder Ethereal leads the Ethereal task force, but this time she doesn't, Loken, Ashara's ex, does. This makes the story even more interesting, because usually the ex isn't a love interest, and to make it even better the best friend is her cousin, which means there can't be a love triangle between Loken, Ashara and her best friend! If you don't mind me spoiling it, there isn't a love triangle at all, and I found the romance, which there actually isn't much of, to be amazing. Loken (who is a Bender, which just means he's a metal practitioner) was a pretty cool character from the start, I loved how no matter what, he was always trying to protect Ashara.

The best friend I mentioned earlier, Rey (a Breather), also protects her, but that's not what I like best about him. It's how light his character his, he's either always laughing or joking around and makes everyone around him smile. He gets pretty close to another girl throughout the story, and I thought they were perfect for each other. I won't name names, but I will say it's pretty obvious who it is once you read the book.

I liked how in the beginning Ashara could identify which element someone practiced just from the items they carried. Benders usually had a weapons belt with a short sword and a dagger, the Breathers element was all around them, so they carried nothing, a Mover would carry several vials of dirt on their belt, while a Flooder would carry several vials of water, a Burner would carry a miniature flame thrower, Seers (who technically aren't practitioners) would wear a traditional black hood, and it was never explained for Ethereals, but because their element was everywhere too, they probably wouldn't carry anything either.

Overall I loved the book, and unlike most books I read, this one isn't in a series. I still hope the author changes her mind and writes a sequel.

"When I get a little money, I buy books. If any is left, I buy food and clothes.” — Erasmus

Book Nerd and Proud, 

K.G.

Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.
A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.



Title: Clockwork Princess
Series: The Infernal Devices #3
Published March 19th 2013 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 141697590X (ISBN13: 9781416975908)

Barnes&Noble|Amazon

Considering I've been crying for the last one hundred pages of the book, I'm not quite sure I'm stable enough to write this review, but I'm going to try. I can't believe this series is over, but I guess all good things must come to an end. Ha, for all of those who have read the book already will understand what I meant there. At the moment, I'm having a hard time put my thoughts into coherent words while also not spoiling anything, so it may be a surprisingly short review.

During the whole novel I didn't really have any concerns about Mortmain. We all knew the Shadowhunters were going to triumph over evil, but what constantly rang through my mind was the question between Jem or Will. Clockwork Princess definitely came full circle with the romances, and it did not disappoint.

I'm beginning to wonder if Cassandra Clare plans to somehow intertwine the characters of this book with the Mortal Instruments. I think that would be an interesting way to put things together. The novel has probably made me cry and have an effect on me more than any other book I've read, and that's one of the biggest compliments I can give to a series. Nothing in the story happened like it was expected, and it will be a huge shock to all those who decide to read it.

Finding quotes that don't spoil anything seems to be an arduous task as well, but I will attempt it nonetheless!

"A very magnanimous statement, Gideon,” said Magnus.“I’m Gabriel.”Magnus waved a hand. “All Lightwoods look the same to me." 

"I'm afraid to answer that. I've heard that when I speak, it makes American women wish to strike me with umbrellas." 

"You don't think I can fight." Tessa said, drawing back and matching his silvery gaze with her own. "Because I'm a girl.""I don't think you can fight because you're wearing a wedding dress", said Jem. "For what it's worth, I don't think Will could fight in that dress either.""Perhaps not," said Will, who had ears like a bat'a. "But I would make a radiant bride." 

"Tessa touched his wrist lightly with her hand. "Be brave," she said. "It's not a duck, is it?" 

"A forty-foot worm?" Will muttered to Jem as they moved through the Italian garden, their boots - thanks to a pair of Soundless runes - making no noise on the gravel. "Think of the size of the fish we could catch."Jem's lips twitched. "It's not funny, you know.""It is a bit." 

"Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read." -Will Herondale
Book Nerd and Proud,
C.J.

Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin. Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom. 

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best. 

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. 

Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Title: Throne of Glass
Series: Throne of Glass #1
Published: August 7th 2012 by Bloomsbury USA Children's
ISBN: 1599906953 (ISBN13: 9781599906959)
Barnes&Noble|Amazon

The book starts off with an amazing plot, there is a girl whose parents were murdered while she was a child, so she was forced to live on the streets, and an assassin took her up and trained her. Eventually she was caught and sent to a labor camp at the age of seventeen where most people die within months, but she managed to stay alive. She is then given the choice to become the King's champion for four years in exchange for her freedom. In order to become the champion however, she must compete against other criminals to the death. Seems like an interesting plot, doesn't it? The book didn't really meet my expectations though. I was waiting for more actions while we were given more romance. Normally, I would never complain about such a thing. For me, the romance and relationships are one of my most favorite parts in a story, but in this book it wasn't something that was needed. 

In Throne of Glass one aspect of the book that was so different from other novels is that the main character, Celaena, never feels sorry for herself, nor does she call herself plain and ugly. She was beautiful and smart, and she never doubted her own abilities, which at times came off as slightly arrogant. This fact slightly ruined how the competition would turn out, since it was so painfully obvious who would win.

"My name is Celaena Sardothien. But it makes no difference if my name's Celaena or Lillian or Bitch, because I'd still beat you, no matter what you call me." 

"Here's a lesson for you, Weapons Master," she said, stalking past him. "Give me real men to fight. Then maybe I'll bother trying."

Was that being narcissistic or strength? Personally, I believe it was a little of both.  

When Chaol was training her for the competitions, I felt that his advice was very similar to that in the Hunger Games. Though I do think it was harder for Celaena because she was so used to being the girl who showed off her talents without reservation.

"You're going to keep a low profile throughout the entire competition... You're going to stay solidly in the middle, where no one will look your way, because you're not a threat, because they'll think that you'll be eliminated sooner or later, and they should focus their attention on getting rid of bigger, stronger, faster champions like Cain. 

"But you're going to outlast them,' Chaol continued. "And when they wake up the morning of the final duel and find that you are their opponent, and that you have beaten them, the look on their faces will make all of the insults and lack of attention worthwhile." 

Another one of my favorite characters was Nehemia, she was so interesting yet underestimated simply because of her nationality, but if I were to get on the wrong side of her, I'd definitely be scared out of my wits. I hope to see more of these girls' strengths and endeavors in the coming books. It was overall and interesting read, so I applaud Maas in an interesting debut novel.

"Guard are of no use in a library.' Oh, how wrong he was! Libraries are full of ideas - perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons." -Celaena Sardothien
Book Nerd and Proud,
C.J.

Review: A Shimmer of Angels by Lisa M. Basso

Sixteen-year-old Rayna sees angels, and has the medication and weekly therapy sessions to prove it. Now, in remission, Rayna starts fresh at a new school, lands a new job, and desperately tries for normalcy. She ignores signs that she may be slipping into the world she has tried so hard to climb out of. But these days, it’s more than just hallucinations that keep Rayna up at night. Students are dying, and she may be the only one who can stop it. Can she keep her job, her sanity, and her friends from dying at the hands of angels she can't admit to seeing?

Title: A Shimmer of Angels

Series: Angel Sigh #1
Published January 29th 2013 by Month9Books, LLC
ISBN: 0985029420 (ISBN13: 9780985029425)

Barnes & Noble|Amazon

I loved the cover of this book, it actually was the reason that I decided to get the book, and I'm glad to say the next two covers look beautiful as well. 

I guess part of me is conflicted, while I wasn't extremely fond of the first half of the book, after a while I started to get into the second half, more towards the end of it. I know there is a good chance that I'll like the next book much more than this one.

Rayna, the main character, is extremely jumpy, a loner, and always worried about her sanity, I had a hard him connecting with that. Her mother is dead, her father isn't great with people, and her sister, Laylah, doesn't seem to like her much, I could see why she wouldn't be a happy person. She is always running away from Camel, an angel in a few of her classes, when  maybe confronting him would probably be the best way to solve things. I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying, when the first death happens, on the same day Cam arrives, she automatically jumps to the conclusion that he had something to do with it. Ray did annoy me at some points, but by the end she starts to get stronger, and smarter.

She does have one good friend, Lee, who makes many Dr. Who references (a show I've never watched, so that threw me off too), loves chocolate, and is good with computers. She mentions, very early in the book, that he doesn't know that she's been in and out of mental hospitals for the past three years, part of me thought she should tell him, but I understood why she wouldn't want to. I must admit I was pretty excited that they were just friends, he even tries to set her up with another guy at one point. 

Cam and Kade were very interesting angels. I found Kade story to be very...different. Makes me wonder how much I actually like his character. Cam was complicated, fighting between his feelings and the rules, but I found him to be barely there, so I guess I'll decide how I feel about both of them in the next book, which doesn't come out for a long time, sadly. I can happily say that I've never read a book where the person seeing the angels was thrown into a mental hospital because of it, that was a very interesting twist.

I really enjoyed the plot, I had a hard time guessing what was going to happen next. I really didn't expect the ending, but I was ecstatic it happened. I thought the pacing was fine, and I hope that Lee makes more appearances in the next book, which comes out in January, 2014. Way too long of a wait. If you decide to read it, don't give up before the first half is over, I truly believe it gets better by the end. 

“I go back to the reading room, where I sink down in the sofa and into the world of The Arabian Nights. Slowly, like a movie fadeout, the real world evaporates. I'm alone, inside the world of the story. My favorite feeling in the world.” ― Haruki Murakami

Book Nerd and Proud, 

K.G. 

Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends.

With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.

Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?

As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

Title: Clockwork Prince
Series: The Infernal Devices #2
Published: December 6th 2011 by Margaret K McElderry Books
ISBN: 1416975888 (ISBN13: 9781416975885)
Barnes&Noble|Amazon

Is it sad that I tried to read this book as slow as possible so it would last longer? I cannot believe after one more book this series will be finished, though one of my good friends tells me that there will be another series, it makes me sad when I will no longer be hearing about these characters. As I have mentioned before, it seems it is hard to write reviews on books that you can't explain in words...all I can say is it was amazing. The plot thickens when there is even more betrayal than the last book, more romance, and even more laughter. And still, I am in love with the fashions. Seems awfully dull compared to the rest of the story, but I can help but wishing I could wear the dresses they describe.

While the search for the Magister continues, Tessa decides to help by using her ability to Change. I'm still on the brink of my chair wondering what on earth Tessa could possible be! Can she really be the child of two things that shouldn't even be able to have children together? 

I was so happy for Sophie! She found someone she loves and makes her heart race, but the question is now will everybody else be more accepting? Oh! And when Charlotte and Henry have their loving moment, my heart melted. Turns out they both thought the other didn't care for them! It was so sweet.

Jem.
Will.
Jem.
Will.
Jem.
Will.
Jem.
Will.
Jem.

My heart is practically in pieces for these two boys. The thought of seeing their faces just makes me want to cry! This is such a tragic love triangle. Must be awful to be in love with the same girl as the person who is practically your brother. I can't wait to find out how things work out in the next book. Also, I am glad that Will no longer has to push people away, which actually comes at a perfect timing if you read the last page of the book...this is me trying not to spoil things!

Tessa is still probably one of my most favorite characters...though that may just because she loves to read....and this makes me want to pick up a classic and see what they're going on about! Though I'm not exactly sure which one I should start with...She is brave, sacrificing, and not some vapid, hollow heroine with no personality. 

You had to know this was coming...more quotes!

"Ah,” said a voice from the doorway, “having your annual ‘everyone thinks Will is a lunatic’ meeting, are you? “It’s biannual,” said Jem. “And no, this is not that meeting."  

"They’re not hideous,” said Tessa.Will blinked at her. “What?”“Gideon and Gabriel,” said Tessa. “They’re really quite good-looking, not hideous at all.”“I spoke,” said Will, in sepulchral tones, “of the pitch-black inner depths of their souls.”Tessa snorted. “And what color do you suppose the inner depths of your soul are, Will Herondale?”“Mauve,” said Will." 

"Trains are great dirty smoky things," said Will. "You won't like it." Tessa was unmoved. "I won't know if I like it until I try it, will I?" "I've never swum naked in the Thames before, but I know I wouldn't like it." "But think how entertaining for sightseers," said Tessa, and she saw Jem duck his head to hide the quick flash of his grin." 

"Reparations,” said Jem very suddenly, setting down the pen he was holding.Will looked at him in puzzlement. “Is this a game? We just blurt out whatever word comes next to mind? In that case mine is ‘genuphobia’. It means an unreasonable fear of knees.”“What’s the word for a perfectly reasonable fear of annoying idiots?” inquired Jessamine."

"Lord, you're Irish," said Will. "Can you make things that don't have potatoes in them? We had an Irish cook once when I was a boy. Potato pie, potato custard, potatoes with potato sauce..." 

"If I might make a suggestion,” said Will. “About twenty paces behind us, in the Council room, is Benedict. If you’d like to go back in there and try kicking him, I recommend aiming upward and a bit to the left—" 

In a moment, I am about to literally go running to my friends house to grab the next book As you can see, I have so many questions about what will happen next...I may die. Of course, I probably say that about most books I read when I cannot wait to read the sequel. 

"It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them." -Will Herondale
Book Nerd and Proud,
C.J.

Review: The Deepest Night by Shana Abé

It’s 1915, and sixteen-year-old Lora Jones is finishing up her first year as a charity student at Iverson, a prestigious, gothic boarding school on England’s southern coast. While she’s always felt different from everyone around her, now she finally knows why: She is a drákon, a rare, enchanted being with astonishing magical abilities.

As war hits Britain’s shores, and Lora reels from an unimaginable loss, she finds that her powers come with grave and dangerous responsibilities. At the request of Armand Louis, the darkly mysterious boy whose father owns Iverson, Lora will spend her summer at his lavish estate. To help the war effort—and to keep Lora by his side—Armand turns his home into a military hospital, where Lora will serve as a nurse. For Armand is inescapably drawn to her—bound to her by heart-deep secrets and a supernatural connection that runs thicker than blood.

Yet while Lora tries to sort out her own feelings toward Armand, fate offers an unexpected surprise. Lora discovers there is another drákon, a prisoner of war being held in Germany. And that only she, with her newly honed Gifts, will be able to rescue him.

With Armand, Lora will cross enemy lines on an incredible mission—one that could bond her to Armand forever, or irrevocably tear them apart.

Beautifully written, deeply romantic, and filled with daring adventure and magic, The Deepest Night is a mesmerizing novel of the enduring pull of destiny, and the eternal strength of love.

Title: The Deepest Night

Series: The Sweetest Dark #2

Expected publication: August 13th 2013 by Bantam
ISBN: 0345531736 (ISBN13: 9780345531735)

Barnes&Noble|Amazon

I would describe how happy I was when I received this book, and not having to wait until August, but I'll spare you, and focus on Lora's world. Oh, and I wouldn't read this review unless you've finished The Sweetest Dark. 

I love this cover, I must admit that the cover is usually what makes me read the description (or sometimes the author of said book). Is it possible that the girl on this cover is Lora, and that the bright star in the background may just be her star? Her Jesse? That's just my guess.

Lora Jones is one of the most remarkable characters I've come across. She is willing to go save a single man, all by herself. A man who happens to be a prisoner of war, in Germany. Even for a dragon, that will not be an easy task. I must add that there are numerous dragon scenes in this book, and ones where Lora is smoke. Which I find to be really cool, well, I don't know. For it to actually be useful I guess you'd have to have clothes hidden around, unless you wanted to walk around naked. 

Jesse, her star, does make a few appearances, in his own little star way. He's her guiding light, and I really feel bad that he has to watch the Lora be chased after by another man. 

Now, even though I feel bad that Jesse has to watch Armand Louis chase after Lora, I don't want him to stop. He loves her so much, and is willing to go to any length to protect her, which might make Jesse a little relived. I think Armand himself best explains how he feels for her: 

   "You deserve someone who loves you without conditions. Who would never look at another woman for the rest of his life with anything but indifference, but you are the sum of his dreams. The one girl whose eyes shine will all of the days and nights he prays will come. His stars and his sun and his moon. His happiness, his true heart." His voice roughened. "His everything."
   She gazed up at him, her lips trembling. "Is that it? Is that how you feel about her?"
   "Yes," he said, and dropped his hands.

 Laurence Clayworth, who made a brief appearance in the first book, makes a brief reappearance in this book. I don't see him and Armand being friends anymore. . .

I thought the book was perfectly paced, probably better than the first book, but, the beginning might seem to be paced a little slowly, just read on, it gets so much better. To me, this book has had more of a plot too.
Part of me thought this book would end the series, but no, that is not what I wanted, I just hadn't seen the "Untitled (The Sweetest Dark Book #3)" that you so often do, and once I got to the ending (oh, the wonderful ending...) I realized that from what Jesse has said the story couldn't be over! I also went on the authors website, and it says she's currently writing the third book, that's when I was positive of it. Which I am very excited for, I really hope it comes out soon.

I haven't really read many books set in the past, but these two books have shown me how astounding historical fiction can be.Try reading a book in a different genre, it may open doors to tons of books you wouldn't have considered previously.

And in honor of Cat, I've decided to use a quote containing the word "book" too. Though it's not nearly as insightful, and from a film. Oh, the places we find inspiration. 

"So Gates abducts the president, lets him go and heads to the Library of Congress? Why?"

"Maybe he wants to check out a book."

Book Nerd and Proud,

K.G.

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

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.

Title: Clockwork Angel
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
Published: August 31st 2010 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 1416975861 (ISBN13: 9781416975861)
Barnes&Noble|Amazon

Kayla thinks I'm mad for saying that I liked this series more than the Mortal Instruments, but trust me when I say I was surprised that was possible! I had already read the first two books of the series, but I'm re-reading them in an attempt to refresh my memory before reading the Clockwork Princess. I'm not sure why I like this series more...it may simply because of the setting, especially since I adore historical fiction. I love just thinking about the fashions of that time period...men wearing coats and women wearing dresses all the time, it was all so sophisticated. Comparing to what we wear now... guys wear t-shirts and jeans and girls wear shorts that barely cover their underwear? Yeah, that's attractive. I also love the way they speak! It's all so clean and proper. Well, it seems like I am unable to pinpoint one reason as to why I love this genre, but it will probably always be one of my favorites.

It was killing me throughout the book that I knew that Will had a very good reason for being so rude to Tessa, but I couldn't help but being annoyed at him at times! And oh Jem, why must you be so sweet? While I would love having two attractive guys fight over me, it would be a tough decision.  Since I know what happens next...I'm conflicted. Unlike the Mortal Instruments, I believe Jem has a real chance with Tessa...unlike Simon. I mean no offense when I say Simon was forever friend zoned. Will was very much like Jace, just with black hair and a British accent...he was swoon-worthy, an amazing fighter, and quite cocky.

I've actually forgotten most of what happens in the next book...so I really can't wait to find out what Tessa actually is. Just as a treat, I've decided to put some of my favorite quotes from this series, because also like the Mortal Instrument series, there were many quotes that made me laugh.

"You know," Gabriel said, "there was a time I thought we could be friends, Will.""There was a time I thought I was a ferret," Will said, "but that turned out to be the opium haze. Did you know it had that effect? Because I didn't." 

"Will looked horrified. "What kind of monster could possibly hate chocolate?" 

"Remember when you tried to convince me to feed a poultry pie to the mallards in the park to see if you could breed a race of cannibal ducks?" "They ate it too," Will reminisced. "Bloodthirsty little beasts. Never trust a duck." 

"Must you go? I was rather hoping you'd stay and be a ministering angel, but if you must go, you must.""I'll stay," Will said a bit crossly, and threw himself down in the armchair Tessa had just vacated. "I can minister angelically.""None too convincingly. And you're not as pretty to look at as Tessa is," Jem said, closing his eyes as he leaned back against the pillow."How rude. Many who have gazed upon me have compared the experience to gazing at the radiance of the sun."Jem still had his eyes closed. "If they mean it gives you a headache, they aren't wrong." 

I should probably stop putting so many quotes before I spoil something! Well, if you haven't gotten the idea yet, if you haven't read this series, you have not lived life. Go buy it, or check it out of the library or whatever. Now. 

Also, if you've noticed I've been putting little quotes about books...which I guess aren't original little messages like I was going to do, but at least I'm trying! I just thought I'd point that out...since I actually kind of like them. If you've noticed I've posted three reviews in one day, it is an attempt to catch up on the weeks I've forgotten to!

"One must always be careful of books, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us." -Tessa Gray
What luck there were quotes about books in this novel!
Book Nerd and Proud,
C.J.

Review: The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Once a century, one person is chosen for greatness.
Elisa is the chosen one. But she is also the younger of two princesses, the one who has never done anything remarkable. She can't see how she ever will. 
Now, on her sixteenth birthday, she has become the secret wife of a handsome and worldly king—a king whose country is in turmoil. A king who needs the chosen one, not a failure of a princess.
And he's not the only one who seeks her. Savage enemies seething with dark magic are hunting her. A daring, determined revolutionary thinks she could be his people's savior. And he looks at her in a way that no man has ever looked at her before. Soon it is not just her life, but her very heart that is at stake.
Elisa could be everything to those who need her most. If the prophecy is fulfilled. If she finds the power deep within herself. If she doesn’t die young.

Most of the chosen do.

Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Series: Fire and Thorns #1
Published: September 20th 2011 by Greenwillow
ISBN: 0062026488 (ISBN13: 9780062026484)
Barnes&Noble|Amazon

I'm not going to lie, the only reason I even bothered picking up this book was because Cinda Williams Chima, who is one of my favorite authors, commented it was such a wonderful book, and I was disappointed. The concept of the novel could have surpassed some of my favorites, but it was executed poorly. When I had reached about 100 pages into the book, I was fairly convinced the book wasn't going to get any better, and I might as well put it down. However, Kayla convinced me to keep reading, and I will admit the book did get better. I think the thing that made me the most upset about this story was the fact that it could have been amazing, and it could have had an interesting, original plot. Notice the word the key word "could." 

As I started the first chapter, I was enthralled. A fat, ugly princess was arranged to get married as a political alliance to King Alejandro, who happens to be swoon-worthy handsome, and unlike other men, he couldn't have cared less she wasn't beautiful. Right after the wedding, the book goes downhill. Alejandro claims he would like to be friends with Elisa, but he was never around to even have a decent conversation! The book contained more details about the meals she ate than her actual relationships with other characters. In the first part of the book, all we heard was how she felt sorry for herself for being fat and ugly...but then going to the kitchens to eat away her depression afterwards. Even when she got captured and might have DIED, all she could worry about was what her next meal would be. When Elisa lost some weight, she did get stronger and the book did get somewhat more interesting when it moved away from her daily meal plans, but each time a relationship finally grew between the princess and her love interest...it was whisked away within moments. That got tiring after awhile, but because the details on the characters were so minimal, I didn't even blink when they died. I couldn't really bring myself to care. I think my favorite character out of the whole story was Alejandro's son, Rosario, who was so painfully honest...I loved him. When he first meets Elisa, he starkly points out that she's fat in front of the whole breakfast table, and to me, it was actually quite funny. Finally, the last error in the story was the fact everything that happened was so convenient. All Elisa would have to do was pray and poof! All their problems were solved. 

I can't believe the average rating on goodreads for this story is 3.87...seriously, please go read some books that are actually decent. Will I be reading the next book in this series? Probably not...unless I feel like wasting a few hours out of my day. 

“If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” -Oscar Wilde
Book Nerd and Proud,
C.J.

Review: Lark's Quest: The Search by Barbara Cool Lee

A tale of silk, sorcery, and romance....

Fifteen years ago she was Lark, the tiny slave girl who witnessed the massacre of the royal family. 

Now she is Lark y Ariane, the most powerful—and hated—of the Silver Isle's magical warrior women, whose skill with sword and sorcery make her unbeatable in battle.

Fifteen years ago he was Raven yr Griffon, the idealistic prince who became a hero to the poor when he championed their secret religion of equality and peace over the nobles' faith in wealth and power. 

Now he is Raven the Innkeeper, a bitter and crippled man who believes in nothing, and wants only to be left alone.

When they meet, they—and the Silver Isle—will be changed forever.

Lark's Quest: The Search is the first in the continuing series of novellas chronicling the fate of the Silver Isle.

Title: Lark's Quest: The Search
Series: Deeds of the Ariane Novellas #1
Published: December 12th 2012 by Pajaro Bay Publishing
ISBN: 9781939527011
Barnes&Noble|Amazon

I've probably entered the Goodreads giveaway for Lark's Quest: The First Three Novellas about a million times, sadly with no luck. However, I was lucky enough to come across the first novella for free in the Kindle Store, which is also available for the Nook. I'll admit, I don't have much to say about this story considering how it was so short, but the things I can say are only good things.

As I have aforementioned on previous reviews, high fantasy is one of my most favorite sub-genres of Young-Adult books. I always wonder what it would be like to live in a time with long dresses and parties, though it wouldn't sit well with me being inferior to a man just because of my gender. Which is one aspect of this book I loved! The Ariane warriors are respected WOMEN and men don't even try to get in their way.

This story took a little while for me to understand, and by the time the plot thickens and I get into it...the story ends. I guess I take back my comment about only saying good things. This was an amazing novella and I hope to read more whenever the chance presents itself!

I've just noticed that our blog as reached a thousand views, thank you everybody for the taking time to read our posts!
Book Nerd and Proud,
C.J.