Experience the extraordinary #1 New York Times bestselling series that has taken the world by storm. Enter the realm of The Immortals…(from book)
This whole series is very addictive, when I wasn't reading, I was thinking about how I could sneak away to read some more. I couldn't put it down. I even dreamt about this book, it just sucked me in further and deeper.
Ever is having a hard time, with Haven, her transition into life as an immortal is not going so well. Haven poses the ultimate threat-exposing their secret to the outside world. As Ever struggles to keep the secrect of Immortals hidden, it just propels Haven closer to the enemy—Roman and his evil companions. Haven is intoxicated on her new powers, and acts recklessly.
Ever is making her own mistakes, she delves deeper into the world of dark magick to try and free Damen from Roman’s power. But of course something goes wrong, and her spell backfires, it binds her to the enemy, the one who is hell bent on destroying her. This spell has caused a strange foreign pulse that is coursing through her, and no matter what she does, she can’t stop thinking of Roman, and longing for his touch. She struggles to resist, and of course Roman is more than willing to take advantage of her weakened state.
Ever starts to feeling desperate, needing to break the spell, and ends up turning to Jude for help, and in doing so, she risks everything, and everyone she loves, as well as her future with Damen.
This is a great fourth installment to the Immortals series.
I highly recommend this to anyone who has liked the previous books, as they get better and better.
Check out Alyson Noël’s new book called Fated, its her new Soul Seekers series. You can also read a short story she put out free in ebook format called Ever meets Daire. (its where Ever meets up with Daire, the lead female in Fated)
Experience the extraordinary #1 New York Times bestselling series that has taken the world by storm. Enter the realm of The Immortals… Ever and Damen have gone through countless lives and fought off the world’s darkest enemies so they could be together. But just when an everlasting future is finally within their reach, Damen is struck down by a curse—a dark spell separating him and Ever for eternity. Now sharing so much as a single touch could bring about Damen’s death…and send him plummeting into the Shadowland, an eternal abyss for lost souls. Desperate to break the curse and save Damen, Ever immerses her herself in magick. And in her quest, she gets help from an unexpected source...a surfer named Jude.(summary from book and Amazon)
My Review
Ever has many difficulties to face in Shadowland, the 3rd book in The Immortals series. We get introduced to some new characters in this book. We meet Jude who is a green-eyed golden boy with Magical talents and a mysterious past, who Ever is drawn too, not understanding her connection to him. It seems to grow stronger and stronger, and test her love for Damen like never before. It doesn’t help that Damen keeps pulling away to save them from the darkness inhabiting his soul. Ever makes some poor decisions in this book, but she is young, and you can’t really blame her.
Shadowland is dark, and mysterious, with many twist, and suspense. It’s a great third book to the series. I really enjoyed it. It leaves you wanting more.
I highly recommend this to anyone who has liked the previous books, as they get better and better.
Be sure to read the first one Evermore, then the second one Blue Moon , then this one.
Check out Alyson Noël’s new book called Fated, its her new Soul Seekers series. You can also read a short story she put out free in ebook format called Daire Meets Ever. (its where Ever meets up with Daire, the lead female in Fated)
Alyson’s Noël’s bestselling Immortals series has been hailed as “addictive” “beautiful” “haunting” and “mesmerizing.” In the second installment, Ever can bring her family back from the dead—but only if she’s willing to sacrifice the guy she loves more than life itself.
Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever’s powers are increasing, Damen’s are fading—stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life. (Summary from book and Amazon)
My Review
Alyson Noël (Alyson Noel)does a great job with this sequel. She continues with her beautiful writing style, in the way she creates the world in a way you see it, like really being there yourself.
I’ll tell you, one thing, you better get ready for a wild ride that is filled with twisting paths and mystery, love and fantasy. The Immortals Series is so unique; it’s like a breath of fresh air… I was on the edge of my seat, and stayed up late at night, to get more of Ever and Damen!
Blue Moon is a book so intriguing that you won't want to put it down. It will stun you as you read on to know about Ever and her mysterious past and future. We get some answers to questions that we had in Evermore, but then more questions will come up as well.
I enjoyed the chaos playing in Ever's world as she tried to figure it all out and fight back against Roman who had some odd vendetta against her and Damen.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you like magical worlds, with twist and turns. It will leave you wanting more.
Check out this fun site of Alyson's http://immortalsseries.com/
Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste . . .
Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies. (summary from Amazon and book)
My review
Alyson Noël (Alyson Noel) created a well-detailed story that makes it easy for us to visualize both the characters and the world around them, and boy is that world amazing!
I really enjoyed this book. It was a pleasant surprise, and keep me wondering WHAT Damen was. As I had no idea what the series was really about at the time. It was refreshing to not know. I only knew that he was Immortal, obviously by the title with it being Immortals series.
I really like Ever, it did take me awhile to warm to her, but I did get there. Damen, well, I love him for sure. There are so many surprises in this book, and it leaves you with many questions, so I warn you, it’s best to have the other books on hand and ready to read. If you’re starting these now, after all are out. Then it will be better for you. I had to wait between each one. I am now giving my reviews after finishing the whole series. I like the series as a whole for sure.
I recommend this book and series to anyone who likes the paranormal, and some suspense some magic. Something a little different than what is usually out there.
I do not understand the bad reviews some have given this book. It’s not a knockoff of ANYTHING else out there. I mean, it has the romance in there, that’s the ONLY thing that has a similar feel to it, and what series in YA does not have some romance. SO give it a chance. Be sure to check out Alyson Noël’s new book, called Fated. I will review it when I am done with it as well. (There is even a short story of when the main character in Fated meets Ever here it is, ebook free at Amazon Daire Meets Ever)
Set during the Civil War, against a backdrop of grand estates, unimaginable riches, and deadly secrets, three teenagers in Mystic Falls, Virginia enter a torrid love triangle that will span eternity.(Summary)
I enjoyed this book OK, NOT as good as The Vampire Diaries. There's nothing new here--the story parallels the flashbacks from the tv show. I also was confused for much of the Stephan's Diaries books. I had just gotten done reading the whole series of The Vampire Diaries again. So when i started these, i was very confused, as they described the characters so differently. Elena (or rather Katherine, who looks the same) went from a blond blue eyed beauty to a plain brown hair brown eyes girl. Damon, when from having black eyes to ice blue eyes. (at this point i realized that they are describing the actors who play them in the TV series) Then, i found out, L.J. Smith does NOT even write these. Its explains how they seem so different, written different than her style. As L.J. Smith says, she was not the REAL writer on anything AFTERMidnight one.
BUT i did get some good back story on the boys. I am not sure i will finish this series. I did read all up to the most current one (at time of writing this on May 31, 2012) but not sure i will continue. I just don't know why L.J. Smith's name is still on this as the author, when she clearly is not the author. I really like L.J. Smith, and am very sad they did this to her. Here is a letter L.J Smith wrote about it all. Its so sad how they treated her, i wont buy another book from these series, unless L.J Smith wrote it, they wont get any more of my money. Source of the letter is at end.
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Here’s an email my friend received from L.J. Smith. “Hi Emily—
Thank you for your beautiful email. I completely understand why some fans get overeager—and especially if they think there is bad news for them. I hope that you will enjoy Midnight, as it is truly the story of Damon finding his deepest feelings for both Elena and Bonnie—and his feelings are definitely not platonic. In fact, to be blunt, without Bonnie and something that Bonnie does at the end, Damon would be permanently dead.
But right now I have to tell you something that makes me so sad and devastated—as bad, in fact, as I have ever felt except for when my mother died. It’s confidential, but it’s been so long now that I just can’t keep up a charade with good-hearted readers like you.
To put it briefly, I’ve been fired from writing the Vampire Diaries. And I’ve been fighting and fighting this since last fall, but there is absolutely no recourse. Midnight is the last L. J. Smith book in the Vampire Diaries series.
It probably sounds completely impossible to say that I am fired from writing my own books. But the truth is that they’re not mine, even though I write every word. When I was called by an agent and asked to write the vampire trilogy, that agent wasn’t from a publisher, but from what is now Alloy Entertainment, Ltd. And they are a book packager. A book packager sells books, already made with covers and all, to publishers, like HarperCollins—my publisher for The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle. And both these series were written “for hire” which means that the book packager owns the books the author produces. Although I didn’t even understand what “for hire” meant back in 1990, when I agreed to write books for them, I found out eventually, to my horror and dismay. It means that even though I have written the entire series, I don’t own anything about The Vampire Diaries. And from now on, the books will be written by an anonymous ghostwriter, just as Stefan’s Diaries are. It will say “Created by L. J. Smith” on the cover, but I am not allowed even to change a word in the ghostwriter’s book.
You might wonder why the book packager and Harper would do this to me. I am not sure either, but usually a book packager gets very submissive, non-assertive writers to write for them—not to mention that most of them, writers or ghostwriters, have had a lot of publishers turn their books down. Book packagers are used to do a lot of editing on their author’s books—because the books need intense editing.
But I’m not submissive, and I always fight editing. In Midnight, I had to fight to keep many Bonnie scenes in the book. I’m not at all sure they liked the things I was doing with Bonnie and Damon—they kept trying to cut such scenes. And of course they didn’t like Elena’s behavior at all. They want strictly Stelena books.
So last fall when I gave them the book Phantom, they didn’t bother to give me edits. Instead, I was given a letter addressed to the ghostwriter by name, telling her to completely rewrite my book. They wouldn’t even listen when I pleaded and promised to do Phantom as they required. The simply took the series and gave it to the ghostwriter . . . to write not only The Hunters trilogy, but whatever comes after that.
They have always tried to minimize my participation in The Vampire Diaries. On the very first original books in 1990 my name was almost invisible on the cover. And now they have my manuscript of Phantom, and the book the ghostwriter writes from it may even sound like I wrote it in places, because they have the right to use my work as they see fit. But the book after that … that will be pure ghostwriter. I would guess that they think you readers won’t see or care about the difference in writing styles and skills.
I have said this to another Bamon fan, and I’ll say it now. I had so many plans for Bonnie in The Hunters trilogy. First of all, in Phantom, I had her showing a lot more emotion, grieving right along side Elena because—well, because Damon does something almost unbelievable for Bonnie in Midnight and he doesn’t get out unscathed. I won’t spoil it if you don’t know. But they wanted Bonnie to have just put it all behind her—and with Bonnie’s character, I don’t think so! She is always completely openhearted with her emotions; even though she has matured so much in Midnight, she’s still Bonnie, who says exactly what she thinks, even if she hasn’t had a dose of Black Magic wine.
I wanted to write Moonsong, and give Bonnie an admirer who is just as sweet and even more naïve than she is—a pure white wolf with radiant blue eyes, who happens to be a werewolf with moonlight colored hair and the same blue eyes when he’s human. I wanted to show Damon’s surprising reaction to Xander the good werewolf (not at all happy about it—so much that he “accidentally” almost kills the poor innocent wolf) .
I also wanted to show how Damon rescues Bonnie from a vicious wolf-pack attack, and then let her fly away with him. And I wanted to show how Bonnie, who knows a little medicine from her sister Mary, helps Damon deliver Caroline’s twin babies when she goes into labor deep in the woods. But that’s one scene that I would have had to fight tooth and nail for, because even the glow that Damon and Bonnie share at seeing new life come into the world wouldn’t be enough for them to call it decent. They would undoubtedly have tried to make me cut it. But I still want to write it, so badly.
I even had the last book in that trilogy plotted out, where Stefan’s worst nightmare comes true and he takes so much blood from Elena that has to be taken to the hospital for a massive transfusion. He then decides to Influence Elena so hat she will forget his existence, and he does so, to Damon and Bonnie and Meredith’s consternation. I wanted to show how this affected each one of the characters, and how Bonnie once again begins to write in her diary, since Elena’s diary is also forgotten, along with Stefan. I like to write things from Bonnie’s point of view, as I did in Dark Reunion. But none of these things will happen, beause I won’t be around to write it. And I just can’t keep up the pretense any long with wonderful fans like you. I can’t pretend that Bonnie and Damon’s relationship will continue to grow as Damon learns to respect her as well as to love her. She has become “his girl” but I can’t follow up on that. I had to tell the ghostwriter that he would address Bonnie as “little redbird” when he speaks to her.
Sorry for the long rant, but the charade is over for me. I don’t know how Phantom will turn out, with a blend of my manuscript and the complete rewriting of it by the ghostwriter. But I dread it, and even more do I dread what the next books will be like. I’ve worked so hard to make Vampire Diaries a good series, only to have the unthinkable happen to me. And I have no one but myself to blame for not being submissive enough.
Set yourself a goal, and enter the 2012 reading challenge at Goodreads. Just click the button. I set my goal at 50, but would more than likely read more books than that. If you know of anyone wanting books read for reviews, let me know. I like trying out new authors work. Best if its the kind of books I like to read though. Paranormal, Mystery, YA and Adult, Not straight romance novels, but the Supernatural/Paranormal type with the romance mixed in, i love. You can see my reading list at Goodreads too. I am still adding books to it. My profile there is http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8875051-michelle-l
In this thrilling new novel from the author of Industrial Magic, a pregnant werewolf may have unwittingly unleashed Jack the Ripper on twenty-first-century—and become his next target.
Ever since she discovered she’s pregnant, Elena Michaels has been on edge. After all, she’s never heard of another living female werewolf, let alone one who’s given birth. But thankfully, her expertise is needed to retrieve a stolen letter allegedly written by Jack the Ripper. As a distraction, the job seems simple enough—only the letter contains a portal to Victorian London’s underworld, which Elena inadvertently triggers—unleashing a vicious killer and a pair of zombie thugs.
Now Elena must find a way to seal the portal before the unwelcome visitors get what they’re looking for—which, for some unknown reason, is Elena. (From book and amazon summary)
My Review
I was really excited when I seen this 6th book in the Women of the Otherworld series was about Elena and Clay and the pack. I love these characters. This story is centered around Elena and her pregnancy, which is difficult, since both parents are werewolves, and this is a first as far as they know. Elena gets herself into quite a mess, because she was bored. There was this letter that a half demon wanted her pack to steal so he could sell it. But somehow the letter contained a time cell/holding cell in a portal, with a piece of Victorian England that pops out some zombies, cholera, and possibly Jack the Ripper.
In this book, Kelly has introduces some new supernatural characters, such as Zoe Tankan, a female vampire with eyes for Elena, and she also brings back some characters that we love too. Nick, and Antonio are called to Canada to assist with the hunt for “Jack the Ripper”, and Jamie Vegas, a beautiful necromancer (and a burr up Clay’s backside), aids the werewolves with the eradication and the return of these zombies, and whatever else, back to their own time. We even have some gross killer diseased rats too.
This book has intrigue, betrayal, friendships, plot-twists you don't see coming.
Broken is so far, one of my favorite Women of the Otherworld storylines. Clay’s spiral into a fevered delirium is not without its scary moments and we watch Clay and Elena become a family with the upcoming birth. The birth scene is heartwarming and humorous, and you can almost hear the panic in their voices. Paige, as their long distance birthing coach makes it all come together; getting bits of other characters we have come to love.
Overall Broken is a very nice read, and a great addition to the urban-fantasy, supernatural genre. I really hope kick-ass Elena and Clay is going to make more appearances. I would love to see more of them.
I recommend this book and series to anyone who likes any of the Women of the Otherworld books, or any of Kelley Armstrong's work. Be sure to read Bitten: A Novel (Women of the Otherworld) first. It’s the first book in series, and has Elena and Clay.
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. (Summary from book)
Cassandra does a great job in building her world in the Victorian Era London. London is burning with betrayal, passion, intrigue, secrets, and lies, all layout in an action packed carefully laid plot to unhindge our beloved Shadowhunters with these Infernal Devices.
I will say, Cassandra, more than any other YA author that I’ve ever read, has managed to totally capture the Victorian time period in her novels. I have never read another book that encompasses the culture, the literature, the art, the mind-sets and even the way they speak, and the twisted beauty of that time period as Clockwork Prince.
This book has the love triagle like no others. Its perfect. I never once thought Tessa was being selfish or silly. Her choices are mature and well thought out. There are some moments with Jem that will make you swoon and also with Will.
Will’s walls are crumbling down. Years of playing the cad and inciting loathing like armor had one kink, while keeping other from loving him, it couldn’t stop Will from falling in love with Tessa. He’s on a missing to find a cure for his curse and get the girl. Unsurprisingly Jem has a similar idea as he sets his sights on Tessa.
Cassandra has a way of creating characters that you just can’t help but feel bad for them. Both Jem and Will are hurting so bad, and you really feel for them. Their friendship is awesome, having a parabati is a great thing, better than family. Here is a quote from book that really sums up parabati connection.
“Jem: “Whatever part you [Will] might act to the contrary, I see you as you really are, my blood brother. Not just better than you pretend to be, but better than most people could hope to be.” Pg 481
This book was more of a character-driven book for me, but I still enjoyed how complex the fantastic plot is, and the cool urban fantasy feel to it.
I really believe that Clockwork Price was far more superior to it’s predecessor. (Clockwork Angel) And that is saying a lot, as it was also amazing. She successfully combines all the wondrous romance of the period and infuses it with a whole new life within her supernatural Shadowhunter world.
I will warn you, it drops a huge bomb on us at the end, and will make you cry, have tissues handy, and be warned. :) There is a cliffhanger in a huge way too.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Cassandra Clare's work, or even if you enjoy some romance in a supernatural world. Even if you have not read The Mortal Instruments, you can still read this series first. It does not matter. They tie in together nicely, but still are separate. This is more of a Prequel to The Mortal Instruments. Be sure to read Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices)
first, so you can enjoy this story to its fullest.
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still. When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.
Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.
Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length . . . everyone, that is, but Tessa. (part of summary from book)
It all starts with Will Hereondale, and Jem (James)Carstairs. Will, with his deep striking blue eyes and black hair (sound familiar? Like Alec maybe??) , with a personality very much like Jace Herondale (Lightwood/Wayland) So, we wonder if Jace is indeed related to Will, most of us think so, but you can decide for yourself. With Will we do get glimpses of when he is at his most vulnerable and makes you feel for him. There's just something holding him back from opening up to people, hopefully that will be explained further in the trilogy. Jem is the complete opposite of Will. He is so kind and loving and poetic with his words--really insightful. I could see Tessa falling for him eventually if Will doesn't get his act together.
Clockwork Angel is the first in Cassandra Clare's new Infernal Devices Trilogy, it’s very descriptive, and enjoyable. I am sure it will be another knockout trilogy. It’s set in the Victorian era, and takes about 30-40 pages I would say, to get to some familiar ground that we all would be looking for. But when it does, it takes off, and sucks you into the world of Shadowhunters in the 1800’s London. You will get to know many ancestors of the current characters in The Mortal Instruments. Cassandra manages to sneak in plenty of humor alongside some of the darker and riskier action scenes. Will, is so witty, and fun, but so broken too, again you really do feel for him. There are many mysteries and secretes to these new characters, and for Tessa it is her heritage, and Will and Jem both have hazy backgrounds, that raise many questions. I am sure we will discover them as the next books come out, as I believe they are to become bigger issues later on.
Tessa’s humor is dry and clever, and very funny. The way she can “handle” Will is pretty fun to read. There is a joke in there about a seven fingered dwarf named Nigel that cracked me up, had me laughing out loud, and embarrassing myself when reading that part in public. Lol
I thoroughly enjoyed Tessa, especially watching her mature and break free of the ideals for women in this era. She opens her eyes and understands that women are capable of more than swooning, batting of eyelashes and all the other delicate habits of the female persuasion in the 1800s. She learns to fight and stand up for herself. Very nice, strong lead character for sure.
I love that Magnus Bane and Camille are in this series, they are immortal after all. We get to learn more about Magnus, which is interesting.
Now, the Clockwork creatures were pretty scary, certainly far more frightening than their creator and master, who I was really disappointed in.
Magnus Bane is totally fabulous and I really enjoyed the witty banter between the two main characters.
I also loved that Church the cat, was alive in the 1800’s , and Jem and Will were the ones to “rescue” him from some evil warlocks. So it gives us another mystery around Church, and how he is alive still, and how he ended up in the New York Institute in TMI.
Overall, it’s a great read, a great new series, which ties nicely into TMI (The Mortal Instruments) series. But, still separate. I recommend anyone who liked TMI series, to read this one, you will not be sorry.
If you have not read any of the TMI books, that’s ok, you can start with this series if you like. It’s really a prequel to TMI anyway, but not something that HAS to be read to enjoy TMI.
Having read and loved Kelly Armstrong'sBitten, I couldn't wait to read Stolen, the second installment of the Women of the Otherworld series. Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf in the world, is back to take on a far bigger challenge than chasing killer mutts. Elena and the pack members don't believe in supernatural creatures and think that werewolves are the only phenomenon on this planet (go figure!) -- that is until she meets witches Ruth and Paige Winterbourne. Elena learns that in addition to werewolves and witches there are also demons, shamans, sorcerers, vampires, and other creatures living among humans. To make matters worse, a top secret scientific lab wants to research every supernatural creature they can encounter. And when Elena is held captive by said lab researchers, she discovers the real motive behind the captivation's, ( got to read it to find out what!) Elena hopes that her pack will come to her rescue, but will it be possible to get past the tight security of the compound? There are many twists throughout the novel.
Its one of those "On the edge of your seat" books. I have really enjoyed Kelly Armstrong's books so far, especially this "Women of the Otherworld" series. For those who have read the YA series Darkness Riding series, this is like a back history, and actually will tie into that series.
I highly enjoyed Kelly Armstrong's other books, like the Darkness Rising books, I have only just started the Women of the Otherworld series, so i have not read any of the others of this series, I started with Bitten, and giving my review now as I just finished it. Bitten, was well written and unusual, with a fresh take on the same old werewolf/shapeshifter tale. I really enjoyed the book. I read it in 2 days as i could not put it down. It really sucks you into the story. The characters were very well written, makes you care for them, and want to know what happens. I can't wait to get into the next book. The ending was satisfying and also leaves you wanting more.
Life's not easy when you're the only female werewolf in existence and Elena is a wonderful character. She is a reluctant werewolf who just longs to be human; uncertainty and anger at her situation are understandable. She does not like her life as much as she ought to and so she escapes to Toronto, only to be brought back to her New York dwellings (the home of The Pack) when strange murders start happening. She is a valuable asset in scoping out the Mutts (werewolves who are not with the Pack).
I love the complicated relationship she has with Clay, the emotional baggage that comes with it, makes you feel for them both. The chemistry that Elena and Clay have is powerful, and makes you feel it. I can understand why she did the things she did, and why she would fight her own feelings for Clay. She tried to move on, out of the pack, and needed to do that to come to terms with what Clay did to her. Sometimes it takes time, and trying something different to find out how you truly feel about someone.Kelly Armstrong really gets this right. Those who give bad reviews of the book, because of what Elena did, just do not grasp the emotional turmoil that Elena went through. So give this book a chance, you won't be sorry.
I couldn't help but love Clay, Jeremy, and the other members of the Pack. I am hooked.
In City of Lost Souls Lilith, the demon has been destroyed and Jace and Sebastian are missing. Clary, not getting any help from the Clave, decides to go out and find them herself. Alec, Simon and Isabelle tag along, of course!!
When Clary and Jace meet she feels that he's changed. Hanging around her evil brother, Sebastian/Jonathan, has made Jace into a different person. He's acting like him and Sebastian/Jonathan are close friends, and that he actually likes him. They soon find out that Jace has been bound to Sebastian/Jonathan, and killing one of them would kill the other as well. Since the Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, Clary and her friends must find a way to save Jace.
From there, Clary ends up on a rollercoaster of a ride, of heartbreak, and danger. She makes some decisions that she will regret, but you feel right along with her.
You get to see everyone work together in the fifth installment of The Mortal Instruments. Magnus, Alec, Izzie, Simon, Jordan, and Mia. They all come together in an effort to save Jace and, ultimately, Clary.
I can’t say enough at how much I love this book, and the series. We are yet again, left with a huge cliffhanger, keeps up wanting the final book now, lol. Even if you did not like the previous book, City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments, Book 4)
Be sure to check out Cassandra Clare's other series called the Infernal Devices if you have not read them yet, they are amazing as well. It’s a Prequel to The Mortal Instruments, with ancestors of these characters, and some immortal characters are in both, like Magnus Bane to name one.
I had the hardest time putting down any of these books including Fallen Angels. I Love the way Cassandra Claire writes, she paints the picture wonderfully and her creativity is amazing. She is one of my favorite authors for sure.
For some reason many people are under the misconception that this book is entirely about Simon, its NOT, just some of it. There is so much important stuff that happens, and a cliffhanger too, that will take us right into the 5th book City of Lost Souls. Without this book, you would be lost when the 5th came around. Trust me, you need to read this one as well as any other in a series. Again, NOT all about Simon. Lots of great suspense and action, and we get to see the aftermath of what happened in City of Ashes.
I will tell you one thing, Cassandra Clare is a fabulous writer! She worded everything perfectly and you were never bored, not even for a second. As each chapter ended, there was a cliff-hanger, just making you want to continue reading. My eyes were glued to the pages from the very beginning, the book completely sucked me in.
Lots of this book is written from Simon’s POV, but also Clary’s too, and even a tiny short piece at the end in Jace’s POV. Anyway, Simon is struggling with what he has become and the curse of the "mark" Clary put on him, and liking 2 girls Isabelle and Mia, and can’t make his mind up. I never was a huge fan of Simon’s, but he really grew on me in this book.
Overall, a great book, and a must read for the series. It leaves us with a HUGE cliffhanger, so I recommend having City of Lost Souls on hand before you start, as your going to want to find out what happens!
Be sure to read the first 3 books in this series first, you can visit Cassandra Clare's page to see them all.
To save her mother’s life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters—never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight. (from book)
In this 3rd book of The Mortal Instruments, is an awesome book. I could not put it down, as it is for most of Cassandra Clare's books.
There are some heartbreakingly beautiful scenes in this book. The characters became more developed and more endearing, especially Jace. His sarcastic wit is certainly present in this book; however, he is no longer hiding behind his carefully constructed facade. His torment over Clary is very obvious from the very first chapter. You really ache for him, you really do. Some great things happen in this book, some questions answered, and then more questions come up. It is one of my favorite of the series so far. All the characters are developing nicely and add a few new ones too.
I highly recommend this book, to anyone who likes the books so far, or any of Cassandra Clare’s work. But if you have not read any in this series so far (The Mortal Instruments) then start with City of Bones, Book 1, and then City of Ashes, then this one.
Also, check out Cassandra’s other series that is a Prequel to this one, called The Infernal Devices, it has the anscesters of the characters of this series, and a few immortal characters who are actually IN The Mortal Instruments, Like Magnus Bane to name one.
WOW! Is one word to sum up this amazing 2nd installment to The Mortal Instruments Series. I, in a way was very lucky to have discovered this series late, meaning I started the first one, only a few months, or so, before the 3th was due out. SO when I got hooked, I was able to download the rest, and keep reading. This one was also “on the edge of your seat” amazing. Then the 4th was not long for me to wait after that.
So first, the really good thing about Cassandra Clare is she does a fine job of taking rich and varied and well known mythologies and giving them a brand new spark of life that has not been written into the ground already. I enjoy that she picks bits of mythology from all over and uses it to create a world full of truths and half-truths and the people who have to deal with it all. This isn't just another fantasy novel.
After the last explosive and personally upsetting ending of the first book I could only hope that this book would correct that. Unfortunately I was left with many more questions by the end. But that is the way it is with series of books.
Sometimes the next book in a series doesn't live up to its predecessor. Not the case with City of Ashes. This book is just as well written and will have you reading the whole book in one.
I recommend that you start with City of Bonesif you haven't read it already. If you have well you won't be disappointed with the City of Ashes.
I highly recommend this book, and the whole series. Its AMAZING!
You should also check out her other series, that is prequel to this one, called The Infernal Devices
I love the whole Mortal Instruments series of books by Cassandra Clare, as well as the Prequel The Infernal Devices-Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1), and Clockwork Prince (Infernal Devices #2) so check them out too.
This series is a long one, and want to say that the story will grow and get you so involved with the characters. City of Bones is a great start, but keep in mind, its a START to an amazing series, and soon to be a major motion Picture, Yay. I hate all the comments i have seen comparing to HP, NOTHING like it. I mean, there is always the good guys, and the bad guys, no matter what form, they are always there if you want interesting stories. So please give this a chance, and i am NOT a teenager, but still enjoyed it immensely.
I have seen hundreds of thousands of die hard fans of the series, blogs, websites, ect, this series has a huge following, like other famous series HP and Twilight to name a few. So give it a chance, dont go into it trying to pick it apart and compare to other books, just read and enjoy. You wont be sorry.
Short summary of City of Bones (Mortal Instruments) (no spoilers, just same info on back of book and Amazon)
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing -- not even a smear of blood -- to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.
What makes your heart race a little faster? It's FALLEN IN LOVE, four wholly original and romantic new stories collected in a novel set in the Middle Ages by Lauren Kate. FALLEN IN LOVE gives fans the much-talked about but never-revealed stories of FALLEN characters as they intertwine with the epic love story of Luce and Daniel.
The stories include: Love Where You Least Expect It: The Valentine of Shelby and Miles , Love Lessons: The Valentine of Roland; Burning Love: The Valentine of Arriane; and Endless Love: The Valentine of Daniel and Lucinda.
I really enjoyed this extra look into Luce and Daniel's past lives. And how Miles and Shelby were able to see some of those lives too, and discovered some of their own feelings along the way. It really is a must read for anyone who enjoys the Fallen series. I highly recommend reading it after you read the first 3. SO be sure to read Fallen, Torment, and Passion first. Then Rapture last, which is out June 12, 2012
And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . .
As we learned in the previous books, Daniel is a fallen angel, and Luce has reincarnated over and over, due to a curse.
After the last book, Torment, I was excited to see more of the background for Luce and Daniel, and how their past lives played into their current love. Passion does not disappoint at all. You get taken through many of Luce and Daniel’s different romances and you learn that they really do love each other.
I really liked how in Passion that the chapters would alternate between Luce and Daniel’s story. Very nice to get Daniel’s perspective on different situations, especially since we didn’t know very much about him for the first 2 books. We finally get more of his personality and his feelings for Luce.
The ending perfectly sets up for the final book, Rapture. But it does leave you pretty frustrated that you have to wait so long to get that last book. Its for sure a great read, and I highly recommend it for anyone who has enjoyed the previous books. In the meantime, you can read Fallen in Love (its 3.5 of the series) its an extra look at more of Luce’s past lives. Check it out too.
That’s what it’s like for Luce to be apart from her fallen angel boyfriend, Daniel.
It took them an eternity to find one another, but now he has told her he must go away. Just long enough to hunt down the Outcasts—immortals who want to kill Luce. Daniel hides Luce at Shoreline, a school on the rocky California coast with unusually gifted students: Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. (part of summary from book)
This book was as good as the first one and this book was not slow at all. Not anywhere. It captured my interest from the very first page. There is So much is happening in this book and you really can't put the book down. Kept me up late at night reading, thats for sure.
We have good vs evil, Daniel, the good guy against Cam the bad guy....or are they?? The line in the sand is sometimes a little fuzzy in Torment. You'd think it would be easy to predict the behavior of either one, but sometimes they act in unexpected ways which leaves Luce confused and questioning, and me too. And is one of the things that makes Torment so compelling. There are definite mysteries to be solved and I love trying to figure them out!
Torment gives us a new setting...the gorgeous California coast. Shoreline is everything that Sword and Cross wasn't. Sunshine, beaches and a gorgeous building with decks and windows where classes are held. We are also introduced to some new characters at the school...Shelby, Luce's new roommate and Miles, a totally sweet guy who helps make Luce feel comfortable in her new school. And there are two teachers who...well, let's just say they're not your ordinary teachers ;)
Then of course there's Daniel and his glorious wings. Lauren Kate does an absolutely amazing job of describing them...not only can you picture his wings, she makes you hear and feel them too. As you would expect, Daniel's main goal is protecting Luce from the Outcasts, but he's also protecting her from her past. There are lots of unanswered questions and we are left wondering just what it is that he is hiding from her. I think there are going to be some amazing reveals in book three!
I was pleased with the growth that Luce did in Torment. Although she does have the habit of doing exactly the opposite of what the people trying to protect her tell her to do, but really that is the most important part of her personality. She has free will, and she acts on it. There are situations she should avoid, but of course puts herself into them, but there is so much about her past that she doesn’t understand and she wants to know. You can’t blame her for that. I also like that, even though she has this great passion with Daniel, she also questions their relationship too. She gets that passion and attraction and history isn’t everything.
Bottom line...if you liked Fallen, I think you're going to love Torment! Make sure to read Fallen first, and then I made sure to have Passion already before i started (3rd book) so I could keep reading. :) Also she has a 3.5 book, called Fallen in Love, its great too.
Fallen is the story of seventeen year old Lucinda (or Luce as she is known) a girl with a normal life until she's a suspect in her boyfriends mysterious, fiery death. Because of this, she is sent to Sword & Cross, a run down, intimidating reform school.
As soon as she arrives, we meet plenty of new characters. There's Arriane, the bad ass punk chick, who may or may not be trustworthy, there's Cam, good looking and desperate to be Luce's boyfriend, and most importantly, there's Daniel Grigiori. The minute Luce lays her eyes on Daniel, she gets the strangest feeling like they've met before. . .
This is elaborated wonderfully throughout each chapter, giving us little clues one by one to keep us guessing why Luce and Daniel are drawn together.
She falls in love with the good-looking and highly intelligent Daniel, but soon discovers that he is a fallen angel, cursed, and destined neither to ascend to Heaven nor descend to Hell. The two realize that they have spent their lifetimes finding and losing one another, and face the final challenge to keep evil forces at bay and seek redemption for all.
Luce herself is overall a nice girl, she is a teenager and she talks and behaves like a teenager. Although she may not be to everyone’s taste, readers of the same age will connect with Luce and very quickly find themselves falling completely under the book’s spell. There are times that Luce was a little dense, but then she would do something unexpected and feisty to make her warm to me even more. I have a feeling that as the series progresses, she will develop and become stronger, sassier and a compassionate female lead.
The setting of this story, is delightfully gothic, the highlight being the church that has been turned into a natatorium. The excerpt below shows Luce’s first impressions when encountering this wonderful creation:
“Inside the humid natatorium she instantly understood what Penn was talking about. The pool itself was giant, Olympic-sized, one of the few state-of-the-art features she’d encountered so far on this campus. But that wasn’t what made it remarkable, Luce realized in awe. This pool had been set down right in the middle of what used to be a massive church.” Fallen: Chapter 6 - No Salvation
As Fallen comes to an end, there are still many unanswered questions that will leave its new fans eagerly anticipating the sequel, Torment. Who will this book appeal to most? Usually teenagers, if the lead characters are teenagers. BUT as I am not a teen, and still love the story, I would not rule it out. So give it a chance. To me it was a refreshing take on the fallen angel’s angle.
Lauren Kate's writing is very accomplished, The reader’s interest is engaged early and, helped by a solid and ever-evolving plot, never lets go. This is a gothic love story featuring fallen angels and forbidden love (a winning formula) that will thrill and delight in equal measure.
Be sure to pick up Torment and Passion and also a nice extra novel called Fallen in Love (3.5) which you can read after book 3. Soon Rapture will be out to find out the conclusion to this story. (June 12 2012)
Great follow-up to Firelight. I do not want to add spoilers,so will keep it short. I was on the edge of my seat for most the book. Now anxiously waiting the 3rd book. You will not be disappointed.
To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.
I recommend this series, this is the 2nd book in the Firelight series (Firelight is the first)
I absolutely LOVE this new series. Its so different than so many other books out there, Its written very well. I can't wait for the 3rd book, this is the first, then comes Vanish.
A hidden truth. Mortal enemies. Doomed love.
Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life.
Full of suspense, and surprises. I highly recommend. Be sure to check out the 2nd book in this series called Vanish and soon the 3rd called Hidden. Check outSophie Jordan at her page to see the other books.
I was anxiously waiting for this 2nd book in the new series by Jenna Black. I was on the edge of my seat when reading the first book Dark Descendant, and it was no different in this book.
Overall, all of the fast-paced excitement, danger, suspense, and mystery are back along with a bit of romance and emotional drama that made this impossible to put down.
This book has solid characters, action, adventure, magic, and plenty of humor make this a must read for any fan of the genre.
For anyone who read book 1, I hope you buy this because you won’t be disappointed. If you have NOT read book one, go get it, read it, then you will WANT to pick this one up to find out what happens next!
***Mild spoilers for both books below this warning. I have a more in-depth review of the book and series in general.****
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In Deadly Descendant, we return to the Liberi and Nikki Glass shortly after the events of book 1, and she is feeling pretty lost after all the events that took place. We learned in Book one that Nikki Glass is a descendant of the goddess Artemis the Huntress. She is also a private investigator - which makes her quite good at finding things.
Nikki is still trying to adjust to her new life, her immortality, and the power she doesn’t really know how to use yet. It’s not like it comes with a user manual. This is a thrilling sequel; there is a serial killer out and about killing innocent people, who just may be more than a human.
In this book, we get introduced to some new faces, as well as learn about some minor characters from book one: Jack a descendent of Loki is the trickster of the group. Cyrus (he’s an Olympian), the son of Konstantin, who seems to have a past with Blake, and an up and coming power in the Olympians group, and Emma, well, her psychotic episodes of anger are fueled by her need for revenge against Konstantin, and until she gets what she wants... well Nikki seems like a good target, so plenty of stress here for Nikki, and Emma’s unreasonable jealousy toward Nikki is certainly undeserved. Emma is a dangerous enemy to have. That’s all Nikki needs, another enemy!
Nikki and Jamaal, wow is one word to describe them. Both Jamaal and Nikki have had a bad past which I loved learning about and hopefully more will be revealed in future books. We had some pretty steamy scenes between these two. The insight into his past, the way he is slowly opening up to Nikki, and vice versa had me hanging on every word. They are so alike, and oddly enough they seem so good for each other. I really do hope this relationship will grow in the next book. To me it seems they NEED each other.
Overall, very exciting.
This book isn't about vampires, faeries, werewolves, or demons; it's about the children of gods. Yes, Norse, Greek, Egyptian: so many different pantheons are represented and It was really exciting to read about. Like a grown up story along the lines of the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan
Nikki Glass is a private investigator, and while working a case, she discovers that she's a descendant of the goddess Artemis, her introduction to the 'good' descendants of the old gods, and the bad Olympian descendant purists doesn't make her a fan of either faction.
Its fast paced and definitely on the edge of your seat ride. I really enjoyed this start of a great series.
This novel is well written with a fabulous world and some amazing characters to make it all complete. It definitely took my full attention from the beginning and held it through the whole book which i finished in one day, as i could not put it down.
I like how the main character, Nikki, is SMART, not made to be dumb, and unlikable. She is a true heroine.
Dark Descendant is an excitingly gritty mix of mythos and urban fantasy. I highly recommend it.
Check out my review for the 2nd book, called Deadly Descendant It was also amazing.
When the disease spread through the world, people had no choice but to go into hiding. The Colony is hidden deep underground, far away from the vampires--humans that were transformed by the disease. The vampires are hideous, starving, and they will kill any human they come across.
Seventeen-year-old Kayla is a Bellator, a warrior that protects The Colony. In order to survive, there are three rules she must follow:
Rule #1--Never go out after dark.
Rule #2--Always carry a weapon.
Rule #3--No matter what, never EVER get bit.
But what happens when the rules Kayla has always lived by can no longer apply?
Jessica Sorensenhas
done it yet again, she has blown me away with yet another series!
I really love
Jessica'sFallen Star Series,
and while waiting for that next book, I read this one, and loved it. I think
this book is totally unique, has a different spin on the usual vampire books. I
was pleasantly surprised, which I should not have been, as I love Jessica's writing.
She found a way to make a whole new type of world, like a paranormal dystopian
type. I really enjoyed how different this world is. And we have the vampires in
this one more as monsters/zombie looking, but then there is the mystery around
the the Colony and Kayla herself.
I was blown away by this whole series. I loved it, and could not put the book
down (my kindle, lol) until I finished the whole book. This final installment
did NOT disappoint. I loved how Gemma and Alex finally figured out their
feelings for each other. Loved how we actually got to see 2 endings, the
visions, and what really happens. It was great. I am actually reading the
series over again, can't get enough. I can't wait for the spin off book.The Lost Soul(Fallen
Souls Series book 1)
VisitJessica Sorensento see all of her books. If you liked
this series, then check out her new series calledDarkness Fallsand the 2nd in seriesDarkness Breaks Be sure to check out the spin off series of Fallen Star, called the Fallen Souls. First book is Lost Soul (Fallen Souls book 1) My Review HERE
And another new series called Ember (Death Collectors #1)
and Cinder (Death Collectors #2) (2nd one due out fall 2012) My Review for Ember (Death Collectors #1 ) Is HERE