City of Lost Souls, by Cassandra Clare

- The Mortal Instruments #5
Release date: May 8th 2012
Published by: Margaret K. McElderry
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 4/5 stars
Find it on: Goodreads, Amazon

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

And with that huge summary, here we are: City of Lost Souls is officially out, and after so many negative reviews, haters lashing out at Cassandra Clare for writing yet another novel, and fans swooning and dying to read the aforementioned book, I decided to read it on my own and see what I thought of it. The thing is, The Mortal Instruments is one of my favorite series, and to say I was happy when I found out City of Glass was going to have a sequel is an understatement. City of Fallen Angels was, however, a disappointing story, so my expectations weren't that high.

City of Lost Souls was a typical Cassandra Clare book. Slow beginning, a lot of character development, and an ending that blows your mind. I usually have issues with the first chapters or so, because I can't handle all the unnecessary descriptions that Cassandra adds in the dialogues. They end up being kind of boring, because just when I start paying attention to the conversation, the narration focuses on how the guy is feeling and how the light makes his t-shirt look shinier than it really is, even though I don't really care. This only happens in The Mortal Instruments series, and that's why I end up skipping some pages. However, in City of Lost Souls, I was so into the story that I actually read and paid attention to every single detail.

The character development in this book is solid. Jordan, Isabelle, and Clary, especially, surprised me a lot. It's amazing how, even after four books, there's still so much to work with. Isabelle and Clary were my favorite characters, and not because they were so badass (although they were badass... but that's not the point). Isabelle let Simon go past her emotional walls, and Clary, on the other hand, learned how to truly be a Shadowhunter. That's exactly what I was waiting to happen since book three, and I couldn't be any more glad at Cassandra Clare.

Jace, however, was... not a disappointment, exactly, but exhausting. I had to think this over and over in my head for a few days, but it's the truth. Don't get me wrong; I love Jace, and I suffered right along with him and Clary, wanted to kill Sebastian just as badly as him. But there was something missing. It's like there's nothing else to say about him, so Cassandra just recycled the first three books and threw it at Jace again. It's tiring. I can't stand his anguish and self-hatred anymore. All I wanted to do was yell "Get over it!" right at his face. It would be nice to see how Jace would behave normally, without crying or leashing out at everyone he loves because he still thinks this is the best option. Even then, though, I still loved Jace.

And so, I must say that the waiting was worth it. More than a year waiting for City of Lost Souls to come out was worth it. Solid plot, revolting villain, and a fantastic ending. Cassandra Clare disappointed me when it came to Jace, but she built an outstanding story. It's actually quite funny, you know. Just when I finished City of Lost Souls, I remembered why I became a fan of this series in the first place. This world, these adventures, ... they're not something you can forget easily. And I won't. I really won't.

Waiting on Wednesday #10

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's choice is:

Mirage (Haven #2), by Kristi Cook
Publication date:  June 5th 2012
- Add it on Goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven, and thrilled to be with Aidan after a long summer apart. But when a violent and disturbing vision begins to haunt her, Violet suddenly feels unsure of everything: who to trust, if she is in danger, and—worst of all—whether she and Aidan are really meant to be together.


Alright, I'll just say it: This synopsis sucks. It's SO cheesy, especially this "whether she and Aidan are really meant to be together". However, I did enjoy the first boon, Haven, and I'm crazy to read this novel even with the awful summary. I love the cover, though, so I'm trying to focus on that. Either way, I can't wait for Mirage. 
What about you? What're you waiting for, this week? :D

Insurgent, by Veronica Roth

Release date: May 1st 2012
Published by: HarperTeen
Genre: Dystopia (YA)
Rating: 4/5 stars
Find it on: Goodreads, Amazon

  

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

It's actually quite ironic that the dystopian world - which was exactly what attracted so many readers - was what repulsed me in Divergent. Ok, wrong word. I wasn't repulsed. I just didn't understand the world created by Veronica Roth. The factions were great, and the concept was really interesting, but it wasn't realistic. Why were they created? How were they created? The atmosphere and the tension surrounding all the factions made it impossible for me to imagine decisions being made.

Fortunately, Veronica Roth provided us (some) answers to those questions. The dystopian society in which Tris lives is explained a lot more deeply, and though not all the answers are handed over to us, I can see where the story is going. Needless to say, I enjoyed Insurgent a lot more than Divergent, although a couple of things still bothered me. It's unlikely I'll ever be completely satisfied by this series. There's always something, some little detail or a character that keeps me from enjoying it fully.

The writing isn't the issue, nor is the plot. Both were excellent, especially the former. Roth has a way with words, even in the present tense, a type of narration that I hate. My problem with Insurgent was the main character herself, Tris. In Divergent, she was a thoughtful girl, objective and yet emotional with those she loved. In Insurgent, she was broken, and not in a good, deep way. Tris was a mess. Four - I refuse to call him Tobias - has to constantly remind her that she has to try to live, try not to get herself killed, try to understand that her life means something.

...And I almost killed myself everytime that happened. They're in the middle of a war, and just when Tris had to be the strong, great girl that she was back in Dauntless, she breaks. I get it. She has to be human and show emotions, especially regarding Peter, etc. But for God's sake, be realistic about it! Her breakdowns and teary moments did nothing to the book, it only added misery, (stupid decisions) and an unnecessary amount of drama in a plot that was already bursting with blood and war.

I was planning on giving Insurgent 3 stars, but aside from my dislike towards Tris, the series has developed in general, and I'm somewhat satisfied with the way things turned out in the ending. And, I admit it, Four may be one of the reasons I added an extra star to my rating. It's quite easy, though, to see that Veronica Roth has a lot of potential. Despite my personal rants about the society, she did create a fascinating story, and I look forward to the third, and last, book in the Divergent trilogy. It should be interesting!

Showcase Sunday #1

Showcase Sunday is a weekly meme hosted by Books, Biscuits, and Tea, inspired by Pop Culture Junkie and The Story Siren. Its aim is to highlight our newest books or book related swag and to see what everyone else received for review, borrowed from libraries, bought in bookshops and downloaded onto eReaders each week.

•  Clicking on the titles will take you to the book's Goodreads page.

Revived, by Cat Patrick

Sweet Evil, by Wendy Higgins

Insurgent, by Veronica Roth

 

 Silence, by Michelle Sagara

When You Were Mine, by Rebecca Serle

Hemlock, by Katherine Peacock

City of Lost Souls, by Cassandra Clare

The Last Princess, by Galaxy Craze

Underworld, by Meg Cabot

It's official: May is my favorite month. Just look at all the books that got out this past week. City of Lost Souls, guys. City of Lost Souls. I waited a year to read this book, and now that I have, indeed, read it, I gotta wait two years for City of Heavenly Fire. When You Were Mine sounds adorable, and I love the cover. It's simple, but it gives us a hint of what the story will be like. However, as much as I'm excited to read Underworld, I gotta say I hate this cover. I don't know, the dress just didn't look well on that model. 

What did you get this week?

Waiting on Wednesday #9

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's choice is:

  Once Burned, by Jeaniene Frost (Night Prince #1)

Publication date: June 26th 2012 by Avon
- Add it on Goodreads

She's a mortal with dark powers...

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person's darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude...until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world's most infamous vampire...

He's the Prince of Night...

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don't call him Dracula. Vlad's ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him—a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames. 

Well, if you know me, then you're probably aware that I love Jeaniene Frost's books. Vlad is one of the most captivating characters in the Night Huntress series, and I've always been quite curious about his history. He is, after all, the most famous vampire in the world - Dracula himself. Jeaniene Frost is my favorite author, and honestly, my expectations are pretty high. I cannot wait to read Once Burned. 

What are you waiting for this week? :D

Review: Nikki Glass series, by Jenna Black

-- Dark Descendant (Released on April 26th 2011)
-- Deadly Descendant (Released on April 24th 2012)

Published by: Pocket
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 4/5 stars
Find them on: Goodreads, Amazon


First of all, I gotta admit that writing this review will be extremely dificult. Not because I loved the books, which is not the case... but I couldn't pinpoint a negative aspect of Jenna's books. The story is solid, well written, the dialogues flow easily, just like the narrations, and they're realistic. The characters are raw at first, but as the plot progresses, they go along with it. The mythology is believable, and presented to us, readers, slowly and without infodumps.

And I'm not exaggerating. I really cannot tell you a single thing that I disliked about this series. Everything is so perfect, to the point of being irritating. That's why I'm not writing a full-lenght review. It would take weeks for me to talk about these books without being extremely positive about it, which I don't like.

Nikki Glass finds out the truth about her family in a harsh way. After entering the world of the Liberi, she's introduced to a world of gods and their descendants. Being a descendent of Arthemis herself, she can only hope to survive all of this. However, other people think diferently. The Olympians, a select group of descendants that want to use Nikki's skills to their own gain start to chase her. And you can only imagine the amount of trouble she has to go through to get them off her back.

The Nikki Glass series, though pretty small, it's a very complex and thorough novel, with realistic characters and a perfectly paced plot. I didn't love the books, mostly because I had a hard time connecting with the author's writing that, although perfect, wasn't something I was used to. Overall, I think it has a lot of potential, and I recommend it to fans of the genre. Definitely a must-read.

Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe, by Shelley Coriell

Release date: May 1st 2012
Published by: Amulet Books
Genre: Young Adult
Rating: 4/5 stars
Find it on: Goodreads, Amazon

- A copy was provided by Netgalley for review purposes










Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home.

My Thoughts

Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe, picked my curiosity not only because of its cover - which, let's admit, it's unique - but because of the premise. I was looking for a light, contemporary story, and right after reading the synopsis, I knew I had found it. However, after a couple of chapter, I realized that Shelley Coriell's book is a lot more than that. 

Chloe Camden would be that girl in school who's charming and knows how to make someone laugh, even if the person is her worst enemy. She's clever, has good taste in shoes, and most of all, is loyal to those she loves. I found this particularly endearing. She's self-centered sometimes, but still cares about her friends and family. The author created a character here that felt very real. I do know some people that can make me laugh and see things in a positive way, even when my life is going downhill. Needless to say, I loved Chloe. 

With a perfect, yet very human, main character, it's easier for the plot to flow smoothly. Chloe's issues with her best friend, Brie, her grandmother, and the radio staff, were connected and each one added something new to Chloe's personality. She learned to listen, to use her compassion... The character development in this novel was palpable, and I'm not just talking about Chloe here. A simple plot and a lovely main character open a lot of doors, including the probability of exploring secondary characters more deeply. Clem, the radio admin, and Duncan, were remarkable addictions. 

It's no secret I love a love story. And with Duncan, I had some of that. It wasn't The love story, but something light and heart-warming, that felt natural to both Chloe and Duncan. I'm very satisfied with this aspect of the story. Mrs. Coriell has a lot of potential, not only when it comes to romance, but in general. Her writing is full of details, and at the same time, incredibly easy to comprehend. 

What started off as a cute and funny story ended up being a surprisingly fresh book about growing up and facing the changes life has to offer. Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe, is an excellent novel, and though it took me a couple of days to really get into it, I'd recommend it to anyone, especially teenagers. Truly bewitching.