Reaction to... Dastardly Cradle Snatcher, Victorian Magnus, Lotta Death, and a Sideless Love Triangle

TO UNCOVER OR BE COVERED:
I have only one thing to say about this: Where was the cover designer for The Infernal Devices when both City of Fallen Angels and City of Lost Souls was released for everybody to hate see?

Now, now, darlings, be careful with those freshly sharpened pitchforks. I’m only mostly serious.

SUMMARY: 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.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED WAS:
There's so much pain in this series, it's very hard to remember an ending without some of, well, that. And so for those of us who devotedly and determinedly white-knuckled our way through to the very last line of Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare, we know exactly where our beloved friends stand. And yes, I use the term 'friends,' for what better term could be applied to ones so beautifully dear?

This series is rapidly becoming notorious for its anguish-riddled love triangle but bear in mind that it's not ALL of the focus. There is so much to be resolved here: the question of Tessa's origins, the solution to corruption born where only good should thrive which is nearly as nefarious as the Magister himself, whose malicious intent has to be stopped OBVS, and the repercussions of the treachery faced in the last book all ON TOP OF the remaining desperate query. Who will Tessa choose; is there ever really a simple choice to such a complex tangle of souls and feelings?



WHERE WE GO:
With all of the above said, there's a ton of stuff to be handled before the ties are snipped and tucked away. And because of that Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare can't begin simply. Clare reminds of you that lump you've been carrying around in your throat for a while but forgot about and the choking feeling arises again. Jem, Tessa, and Will aren't in a harmonious place as combined force of a friendship. The links are strained yet the strength they were founded on remains. There's a withholding of truths and feelings, and a suppression of others. Guilt, shame, love, selflessness, and need battle for supremacy within each of them and it's a struggle knowing intimately of the struggles within each of them and not seeing a clearly defined, necessarily happy conclusion.

But beyond those internal battles, outside forces are invading with threats. Jem's war against his sickness is coming to a head and his chances aren't looking so good with the Magister shadowing its progression and striking hot at the most (for us) inopportune moment as big bad villains tend to do. There's also the matter of the Lightwoods, and this unwanted attention from the head honchos of the shadowhunters club. AND the devious Magister isn't relinquishing his demand for Tessa, his reasons all over the place and still mysterious. Each of these problems takes up time and in a new place which are forcibly endured by our very weary and not yet fully recovered friends.

WHO WE ARE WITH:
I love that Will, Jem, and Tessa are in frame more than most, but the other characters get their moment to bake or bask or whatever in the sun. Sophie, Gideon, Gabriel, Charlotte, Henry. All of them by this point have become so precious, and so does our surprise Herondale visitor, who is both kick-butt and female Will and altogether perfect and perfectly suited to this whole cray cray shebang.

And if everyone pairs up in some way then I refuse to be unmoved by it. It's fantastic that love can dwell where it shouldn't, that it finds a way even in it's most unsuspecting and reluctant of hosts.

THE LITTLE THINGS:

1. The Tender Bromance Goodbye
2. The fact that I got everything I didn't know I could want
3. THE HUGE TWISTS that I didn't completely see
4. The quotes at the beginnings of all the chapters
5. The Desperate Expression of Passion in Prison
6. The wisdom of Magnus and the beauty of that one time with Will on page 235 to 236...
7. THE EPILOGUE
8. And especially... all of it

Where do you go from here? No, seriously, I'm lost and I don't want to find myself all alone on a deserted road with a single broken telephone in a suspect-looking telephone booth. But, really, in all seriousness, how do you just jump back after something like this? The Infernal Devices is so rich and impactful and beautiful that it's impractical to expect something more from me, from you, us, than this satisfying desolation that leaves nothing for anything else unless it's equally powerful. And yet the heart can't take anything more after THIS BOOK that is so much and perfectly enough.

How do you get over a story of weakness, will, and heart, of fools and their better halves?
I'm not quite sure I want to find out.

Hardcover / 568 pgs / March 19th 2013 / Simon & Schuster / Goodreads / $19.99

I received a pre-ordered copy from my awesomecake mommy.

Review: Clockwork Prince *minimal to no spoilers*

Clockwork Prince (#2)

by Cassandra Clare

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Release Date: December 6, 2011
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (Imprint of Simon & Schuster)
Age Group: Young Adult
Source: Library Check-Out
Rating: Perfect Bed Partner
About the Book:

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.

Will's desperation for a resolution to an unseen problem left us all frantic for the next page in Clockwork Angel, when, in truth, there wouldn't be any new revelations until Clockwork Prince. A sliver of hope of discovering the truth of Will's past and unraveling the long-buried mystery behind his razorblade sharp demeanor glimmers in the fading light during his visit to Cross Bones Graveyard, where we piggyback Will's shadow and traipse through the ghost-ridden graveyard trying to puzzle out his presence there. But within a few pages into the book it becomes evident that piecing together the elusive past of the strangely charming, exceptionally handsome Will Herondale will prove to be much more involved and complex than one would hope. Clockwork Prince is abound with intricate characters whose motives are only partially revealed, sickening treachery, and is propelled by a confusing plot whose pieces must slowly and methodically be glued together in order to obtain the properly fitting picture.

In Clockwork Prince we're introduced to several third person narratives, in which Clare no longer cloaks the vulnerabilities and hopes of these significant band of characters. Will, Tessa, and Jem are no longer the only ones put under the magnifying glass, but Sophie, Charlotte, Henry, and Magnus join the foray for their debut or second showing depending. As the book progresses, these characters grow more dear to your heart for it. On the one hand there's Will fervently trying to suck the poison from his heartbreaking life, Jem who is feverishly battling his wretched disease which may claim his life at any moment, and Tessa who seeks the truth about her origins. But also thrown into the very intriguing mix is Sophie's desperate need to be loved and comforted while still retaining strength and independence, Charlotte's need for a love she thinks hasn't already been given (not to mention the added stress of the running of the Institute being in jeopardy), Henry's desire to help his fellow Shadowhunters, and Magnus's idealistic, inescapable urge to heal what may be perpetually broken. This exposure to their inner workings made me love these characters so much more, as they didn't just make me feel but feel passionately, strongly, scoring marks into my heart in places that inflicted pain and others which incited wonder.

Clare seems to have a penchant for concocting elaborate story lines, which overlap much like a movie viewed through perspectives that constantly flip. Her web of events is as complicatedly detailed and fascinating as the real spider's curious, tricky handicraft. And we are the airborne winged-prey so easily captured. There seems to be no end to the suspense, the maddening wondering that permeates the pacing. And although Clockwork Prince predominantly focuses on digging up answers as opposed to spotlighting the Magister in the now of their time, there's this ascending darkness, the tremors of his evil machinations indicating a shocking earthquake of events eager to burst forth.

What's close to bursting as well is my heart, as the romance is devastating in the most beautiful torturous way (with the exception of the side couples, whom I ADORED - hullo, Charlotte and Henry *sighs dreamily*). It seems no great loves can occur without tragedy, at least not the kind that imprints on your enduring memory, as that's what I feel will happen for me when it comes to the Will/Tessa/Jem saga. I fiercely loved Will in Clockwork Angel, instantly drawn to him, and have been Team Will since I read it. Clare tests your "firm" loyalties in this sequel, peeling pack layers on both love interests to reveal irresistible centers that will have you teetering in your judgements no matter which point of the triangle you find yourself. (And I look at this situation very much as a triangle, as it can be sorted out in three different ways - Tessa could choose to be with Will, Jem, or choose to refuse both in order to avoid setting them against each other.) But by the end of the book, I remained confident in my choice, no matter how delicious Jem presented himself (GUYS, there's a Sexy Tender Bed Scene) nor how often he evoked such tenderness from me.

Either way, I don't see a clear-cut choice ahead nor do I see a truly "happy" ending. I don't even want to make assumptions as to how this trilogy is going to end. Cassie has done nothing but show us that we, frankly, know nothing and are assumptions are giant bags of CRAP. One thing that is indisputable is my amazement at this installment. I'm not 100% certain this is the BEST book she's ever written, as so many are claiming, but Clare clearly brings her all and whatever else she can find, and lays it all out slowly, agonizingly, deliciously until we're all hopeless addicts.

"Perhaps she's a girl who's fallen madly in love with me and persists in following me wherever I go."
"My talent is _____, Will, not acting," said Tessa, and at that Jem laughed out loud. (18%)

"I hit her on the head with a mirror," Sophie said hopelessly. "One of those silver-backed ones, so it was quite heavy. She went down just like a stone, miss. So I... I tied her to the bed and I came looking for you."
"Let me see if I have this quite correct," said Tessa after a pause. "_____ found you with the invitation in your hand, so you struck her over the head with a mirror and tied her to the bed?" (50%) Fist pumps for Sophie!!

Review: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

WARNING: If you haven't read books 1 - 3 of the Mortal Instruments series, then you probably shouldn't read this review. Especially since it may contain spoilers!

C i t y o f  F a l l e n  A n g e l s by Cassandra Clare

Release Date: 4/5/11

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Age Group: Young Adult (14+)

Pages: 424
Series: City of Bones ; City of Ashes ; City of Glass - (Listed in consecutive order.)

Source: Own/purchased
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble (Exclusive edition!) | Book Depository | Kindle

Word Blurb: Edgier, darker, and infinitely more sexy!

"The Mortal War is over, and Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And - most important of all - Clary can finally call Jace her boyfriend.

But nothing comes without a price.

Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and how he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side - along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. At the same time he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls - neither of whom knows about the other.

When Jace begins to pull away from Clary without explaining why, she is forced to delve into the heart of the mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: She herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels." --front flap

OhmiGod!OhmiGod!OhmiGOD! Please tell me, that if you're reading this, you've read CoFA! God, I forgot how much I loved this series, loved Cassie Clare's writing. That's one of my favorite aspects - her writing style. It's addictive, descriptive without being overwhelming, and one can tell that she planned and weaved this story to perfection. Gosh, I really, really missed this series, and only just now realized it! And a myriad of emotions are swiping at me from everywhere. I don't know what to feel; all I know is that I love CoFA, probably a lot more than the last three books. (Though the first ARC of TMI is fantastic!)

I'm not going to lie. I was a little skeptical about starting up again with TMI. Mainly, because I liked that City of Glass ended the way that it did, despite the obscure loose ends Clare left untied. But, after reading CoFA, I realized that this part of the story had to be, needed to be told. Without it, the series itself would still make sense, but this... this is taking the Shadowhunter-Downworlder world to a whole new level, with tons more depth.

Again, I missed this series! I missed the characters. Jace, his arrogant sarcasm and underlying vulnerability, which he skillfully hides with massive waves of snark; Clary, sweet and relatable with spunk sprinkled on top; Simon, nerdy, super cute vampire dude and bff to Clary, whom you can't help but love (his weird humor really does me in, everytime); Isabelle, with her indifferent demeanor and wicked humor; ALEC&MAGNUS - had to put these two together - because they're adorable, funny when they fight, and pretty much my all-time favorite couple ever. (Wish there were more Alec-Magnus scenes in the series, period.) Magnus has this 'larger than life' personality, naturally flamboyant and utterly wise, and Alec is kind of sort of shy/quiet with an aura of toughness. I yearned for this cast without realizing. I don't think many have been able to successfully create such a cast of characters, so memorable, it would be hard to forget them.

And, Oh my God! the plot! You know those loose ends that I mentioned before? Yeah, somehow, Clare managed to weave them together to create this riveting storyline in which the unexpected is bound to happen. That's probably one of the qualities I love most about her writing! Her subtle and sometimes notso subtle hint-dropping... and then you end up still not figuring out the entirety of ending, of what's going to happen next. How does she do this? *shrugs* Don't have a freaking clue, but it's addicting. I began hating cliffhangers because of her. She's a master at it.

The villains... the demons.. the mysterious killings... kidnappings... Simon... and then the whole Clary-Jace, Alec-Magnus, Isabelle-Simon, and Maia-Kyle mess! And even though they defeated Valentine, it still seems like he's alive, that there are still traces of him, in that I mean, in CoFA, the Shadowhunter world still has to deal with the aftershocks of his actions. So, it's like Valentine, in a way, isn't completely gone. His influence has remained...

I always feel like, when I read these books, that I've been sucked into this never-ending movie. It plays in my head, and I watch from a distance, yet almost as if I'm part of it. I become engrossed in the surroundings, the battles, the mysteries, and the characters... Like I said, I missed Clare's work, big time. And speaking of, LOVED the name-dropping and other references to her TID prequel series, which, thankfully, I also own. I loved CLOCKWORK ANGEL, so I loved it every time a reference was made. Thing is, from past experience, there's always a reason/purpose to everything Clare writes in her novels. Including name-dropping. So, I wonder what's in store for us readers in the next two books of the series.

Love, love, love this series! Thank you, Clare, for continuing it, and delivering a fantastic fourth installment with CITY OF FALLEN ANGELS!

"'You know, some people think Shadowhunters are just myths. Like mummies and genies.' Kyle grinned at Jace. 'Can you grant wishes?'
The fact that Kyle had called Clary cute did not seem to have endeared him to Jace, whose face had tightened alarmingly. 'That depends,' he said. 'Do you wish to be punched in the face?'" (140)

"The Shadowhunter guard stepped back as the door opened, and Maryse came into the room. She was followed by two figures immediately familiar to Simon: Isabelle's brother Alec, and his boyfriend, the warlock Magnus Bane.
Alec was dressed in a sober black suit; Magnus, to Simon's surprise, was similarly dressed, with the addition of a long white silk scarf with tasseled ends and a pair of white gloves. His hair stood up like it always did, but for a change he was devoid of glitter" (249).

"'We know each other.' Mangus shrugged, very slightly, as if to say, What can you do? 'Once upon a time she was my girlfriend.'
'Your girlfriend?' Alec looked astonished. So did Maryse. Simon couldn't say he was unastonished himself. 'You dated a vampire? A girl vampire?'" (250-251)

'You can't be rude to everyone who talks to me[, Alec].'
Alec made a wide, sweeping gesture. 'And why not? Cramping your style, am I? I mean, maybe you were hoping to flirt with werewolf boy here. He's pretty attractive, if you like the messy-haired, broad-shouldered, chiseled-good-looks type...'
Magnus put his head in his hands.
'Or there are plenty of pretty girls here, since apparently your taste goes both ways. Is there anything you aren't into?'
'Mermaids,' said Magnus into his fingers. 'They always smell like seaweed' (295)...

Okay, I have to stop now.

Thanks for reading! And happy blogging!

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (Book 1/3)

Author: Cassandra Clare (@ LJ/Website) 
Release Date:  8/31/10
Age Group: Ages 14+ (YA)
Source: Bought (Amazon)
Go Buy It! Amazon/Barnes&Noble/BookDepository
Overall Feelings:  Stunning and fascinating!

"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. 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."

Plot & Ending:

I loved this book. It was nicely paced, enough that when you're reading it you don't even notice how many pages you're turning. I didn't put this book down unless I absolutely had to. 

First off, who wasn't fascinated by the Victorian Era? Top hats, waistcoats, carriages, the dark, polluted sky of London, wonderful. Ms. Clare really takes us back in time, to the late-1870s to be exact, and uses vivid details to describe to us the time period. The hardships and struggles of the discriminated. The etiquette and demeanor of the general population. And there is the shocking transition from the then Shadowhunters to the now ones.

*shivers* Oh, dear me, Shadowhunters. No matter the time period, they manage to intimidate you and bewitch you. Come on. Those fighting sequences, particularly the ones featuring Jem and Will *cough*. The eighteenth century automatons, the whole not born of heaven or hell concept was a nice touch. It was definitely creepy, too. When you read this, avoid doing so in the dark, especially when you're alone. 

As always, when reading a Clare original, as a reader, I imagined myself wrapped around her little pinky finger. Why? Because of all those twists and turns. Those shocking revelations. The angst and drama. The irritation and anger felt toward certain *sneeze* Will *sneeze* characters. As for the end, without giving away too much, I wonder what's up with Will. I have some theories, but his desperation and urgency still puzzles me.

Characters: 

So far, Cassandra Clare's characters have been anything BUT dull and/or flat. Each one has their quirks, their secrets and pasts, and their vibrant, distinctive personalities that you end up falling in love with (including the characters you come to hate).

Will - A dark, witty, arrogant boy who manages to make you love him and get you ticked off all at once. He holds a dark secret and has an unspeakable past. Can I just say that Will is entirely swoon-worthy. *swoons*

 "'You cut me,' he said...He looked at his hand with critical interest. 'It might be fatal.'

...He tilted his hand to the side. Blood ran down it, spattering the floor. 'Dear me, massive blood loss. Death could be imminent.'" --Will Herondale (36)

Jem - A thoughtful, perhaps sweet boy who you cannot help but adore and quite possibly love. He too carries secrets and is trailed by a vivid, shadowy past. Because I saw so much of Jem's inner-workings in my own mind, I fell for him hard, as he's a beautiful person...and also swoon-worthy. *swoon*
'"Will is . . . difficult,' Jem said. 'But family is difficult. If I didn't think the Institute was the best place for you, Tessa, I would not say that it was. And one can build one's own family. I know you feel inhuman, and as if you are set apart, away from life and love, but...' His voice cracked a little, the first time Tessa had heard him sound unsure. He cleared his throat. 'I promise you, the right man won't care.'" --Jem (472)

Henry - An eager, absentminded young man who spends most of his time tinkering away down in, I believe, the basement. Henry resembles, to me, a sane crazy person who just walks around very carefree like, wrapped in his own little world. He is adorable.
'"Oh yes,' Henry said eagerly. The flames were now nearly to his shoulder. 'I've been working like a man possessed all day...' ...Henry glanced down at his arm, and his mouth dropped open. 'Bloody hell"...Henry beamed and patted the burned sleeve of his jacket with a look of satisfaction. 'You know what this means?'" --Henry (69)


Tessa - A good, strong young lady, with a practical mind and an unwavering heart. She has a deep passion for books and reading as well. She might just be one of my favorite heroines of all time.
"'It was Will who broke the silence. 'Very well. You have me alone in the corridor--'
'Yes, yes,' said Tessa impatiently, 'and thousands of women all over the world would pay handsomely for the privilege of such an opportunity. Can we put aside the display of your wit for a moment? This is important.'" --Tessa and Will (355)


Jessamine - Miss Lovelace is a spoiled, selfish girl who cannot physically put aside her own needs and wants for the good of the many, the good of the whole. But, she is one girl you'll just love to hate. I know I did.
"'Jessamine ignored him [Will]. 'Is it dreadful, being so evil? Are you worried you'll go to Hell?' She leaned closer to Tessa. 'What do you think the Devil's like?'
Tessa set her fork down. 'Would you like to meet him? I could summon him up in a trice if you like...'" --Jessamine and Tessa (68)


Cover: Loved it!
In regards to the cover art, am I the only one who feels blessed by the angels to have been sent this cover? Is it not beautiful, magnificent? Does it not make you want to wear a top hat very, very badly? I know. I understand. I feel the same way. And I love the old clock tower in the background, as well as the other faded mechanisms. Oh! And that little glimpse of Will's tattoos, too.