Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Book Stats:  

Reading level:Young Adult
Genre: Steampunk / fantasy
Hardcover: 567 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release date: September 5th, 2013

Series:  The Infernal Devices #3

Source: Purchased

Reviewed by: Tynga

Order: Amazon | Book Depository

Danger and betrayal, love and loss, secrets and enchantment are woven together in the breathtaking finale to the #1 New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices Trilogy, prequel to the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series. THE INFERNAL DEVICES WILL NEVER STOP COMING A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray. Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever. As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army? Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

I am very late to this party. I LOVED Clockwork Prince so much when I read it that I didn't want to read Clockwork Princess right away. I just couldn't face the fact that it was that last book in the trilogy. I was not ready to let go! It was a double-edged knife though because I had a hard time getting back into the story. In fact, I thought the first half was really dragging and it wasn't until Tessa was kidnapped that I finally felt engaged in this last installment. 

There are many aspects I liked and disliked about this novel so I am in a solid grey zone here. First, Tessa... I loved her a lot more in the previous books. In this one she really feels like a damsel in distress and does no fighting what-so-ever despite having some training now. And the romance killed me. I've always thought she should be with Will, and her engagement with Jem never made sense to me. And I won't spoil anything for you, but I am not happy with how things played out romantically. 

On the other side, we FINALLY got answers about Tessa. Who her ancestors are, how she came to be, more info about her clockwork angel and toward the end, she finally used per power. Something she should've done more instead of being a defenseless lady (which she shouldn't be!). 

Will. I love Will and always have. The poor boy is sooo tortured though, sometimes it's hard to read. I loved that he took matters in his own hands though and worked hard toward his goals. I also really like his relationship with Magnus and I wished there was more of it. Those two make quite the pair! 

One of the aspect I loved most is how strong Charlotte is. She is a natural leader and she is caring and compassionate for her shadowhunters. She works really hard to do what is best even if she has no support. The difficult trail in front of her doesn't make her shy away and I command her for that. Despite her own loses, I was happy for her at the end of this novel.

Even though I didn't like this novel as much as I wanted too, the epilogue really kindled my passion for the Shadowhunter world. I feel a urge to re-read The Mortal Instruments series to see if I overlooked the appearances of some of the immortal characters, or if my perspective on some other characters will change now that I know their ancestors.  I haven't read book 5 and 6 of that series yet, so I will pick them up very soon, that's for sure. 

In conclusion, the books in the world are much better than the movie and the TV show. I urge you to pick up 'em up for an entertaining ride! 

Read Chapter One

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by Tynga at Friday, July 21, 2017

 Cassandra Clare, Fantasy, shadowhunters, Simon and Schuster, steampunk, Warlocks, young adult  Leave your mark

✎

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes is the second book in the Mortal Instruments series, so there will be spoilers in this review for the first book, City of Bones. You've been warned.  Also, this is kind of a "Throwback Thursday" type of review.  Here on Tynga's Reviews, we've already reviewed books #3, #4, #5, and #6; but not #2!  Here we go...

(A quick aside on the cover: the focal point is Clary's chest. Does that bother anyone else?)

City of Ashes opens with Jace being investigated and massive death and destruction in the City of Bones. A very harsh Inquisitor is investigating Jace because the Clave worries that Jace took the second Mortal Instrument, the Soul-Sword. Is Jace guilty? Did he help his father, Valentine, take the sword, which would still make him culpable? On top of the drama at the Institute, someone is killing NYC Downworlder children. Clary and Simon join up with the Shadowhunters to solve the mystery before any more Downworlder children die, and before Jace is locked up for a crime he may or may not have committed.

I was totally torn over this book. I loved most of the storyline, and I thought the pacing of the action was great. I listened to this book on CD, and even though it was much longer than some other books I've listened to recently it felt like it flew by. I also really liked how even though this is the second book in a six-book series, it didn't feel like a "bridge." It definitely had it's own conflict which developed and was resolved (for the most part). It's not a stand-alone; you'd want to have read City of Bones in order to understand how the characters fit together, but it didn't leave me hanging at the end. I appreciate that.

There is so much action in City of Ashes! A werewolf fight in a nightclub to a meeting with fairies to prison escapes... The reader never gets to sit still and catch their breath. I will say that Cassandra Clare did a great job of squeezing in a few feelings in between all the action, so that we can see relationships blossom between characters. But we never linger on feelings. The only down side is that in order to squeeze in those feelings, Ms. Clare did more telling than showing. As in, the characters state out loud or in their thoughts how they feel, instead of demonstrating those feelings. Oh well. Can't be perfect, and it's not terrible.

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by Tynga at Thursday, January 14, 2016

 Action amp; Adventure, Audio, Cassandra Clare, downworlders, Fantasy amp; Magic, Library, Review, shadowhunters, The Mortal Instruments, young adult  4 People left their mark

✎

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

City of Heavenly Fire, the final book in the Mortal Instruments series, really delivers!  It's chock full of action and adventure during the great war between Sebastian and the Shadowhunters (with the Downworlders who have joined the Council) and romance between the various main characters.  Overarchingly, this is a classic good vs. evil battle, with characters working together loyally and bravely to take down Sebastian, the monsters he's created, and the demons he's recruited.  The fight will take Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, Alec, and Magnus to a place where almost no one has dared to go before, to accomplish what "can't" (in the eyes of the Council) be done.

Even if the good vs. evil plot is a classic, there are more than enough twists and turns in City of Heavenly Fire to keep readers engaged.  Every time it seemed like Clary and friends had reached a place where they could sleep for a few hours or catch a bite... there was another upheaval in the plan!  The reader also gets to "travel" with the group; they begin in NYC but over the course of the novel they travel to Alicante and another place that I can't tell you about because it's a plot point.  ;)  I was reading the book in the southeastern US, having never traveled to NYC, and I was dazzled at the descriptions of the Big Apple and the big city of Alicante.

During their travels and battles and triumphs, Jace & Clary, Simon & Isabelle, and Alec & Magnus manage to find time to thoroughly hash out, explore, and grow their romantic relationships.  I love the depth and complexity of these relationships.  They are much deeper than what you would imagine your usual teenage romance to be.  In their own ways, each pairing is a star-crossed, Romeo & Juliet-type love affair.  Jace is a born & bred Shadowhunter, Valentine's son, and Clary is new to the Shadowhunter world.  Simon is new to the Downworld, and is a vampire, while Isabelle is a born & bred Shadowhunter, raised to believe that Downworlders are somehow "less" than Shadowhunters.  Same with Alec (Shadowhunter) and Magnus (warlock), with the added tension of being a same-sex couple in a society that is only beginning to recognize and accept that.  And although this book will be found in your library or bookstore YA section, there were a few scenes that could cause a blush!  Cassandra Clare has done a fantastic job of building up the relationships in these books, with a comfortable, realistic pace.

The plot of the book overall moves at a very good pace.  There weren't any moments that felt "bogged down" or sluggish, and the conclusion felt just right, about 1/3 of the book, for the series finale.  There was a great mixture of dialogue and demon butt-kicking!  I love how all the guys (Jace, Simon, Magnus) have this dry sense of humor!  I also enjoyed reading how each characters' individual strengths played out and contributed to the outcome.

In fact, the only thing that caused this book to lose one star in the rating (from me) was the narration.  I listened to the audio version, narrated by Jason Dohring and Sophie Turner, and I just didn't connect with Jason.  To me, it was just a little flat when mixed in with Sophie's vibrant dictation.  Also, Sophie was narrating Clary's parts (of course) and Jason was covering Jace... but Sophie has a British accent (Clary is from NYC) and Jason is American (from listening to previous audio versions of Mortal Instruments and Infernal Devices books, I'd given Jace a British accent).  I absolutely loved Molly Quinn's narration of the fifth book, City of Lost Souls, and was a little disappointed to find that she hadn't been brought on for the sixth book.  But the book itself is fantastic; I never considered discontinuing listening, because I had to know what happened next!

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by Tynga at Thursday, November 20, 2014

 Cassandra Clare, demons, Fantasy, Fantasy amp; Magic, Library, Love amp; Romance, Paranormal, Review, Romance, Simon amp; Schuster Audio, The Mortal Instruments, young adult  1 Person left their mark

✎

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

City of Lost Souls has been my favorite Mortal Instruments book so far.  At Book 5, I finally understand the fandom, and I am looking forward to City of Heavenly Fire, Book 6.

City of Lost Souls picks up only a few weeks after the end of City of Fallen Angels.  Jace is still missing, as is Sebastian, and Clary finds out the Lilith has tied Jace and Sebastian together.  She's tied them together so tightly, in fact, that everything that Jace feels, Sebastian also feels, and vice versa.  This means that killing Sebastian would also kill Jace, so Clary, Isabelle, Alec, Magnus, etc. all realize that they must find Jace, they must find a way to sever the tie to Sebastian, and they must tread carefully as they go.  The Council, however, sees things a bit differently.  To them, Sebastian is such a great danger that they are willing to sacrifice Jace's life in order to destroy Sebastian.  Thus begins a very exciting race between the Shadowhunters of the New York Institute and the Council.

Cassandra Clare did an excellent job with character growth in City of Fallen Angels, and in City of Lost Souls we get to see a lot of characters' relationships grow.  I love that!  This is Book 5 in the Mortal Instruments series, so by now the reader really knows the characters: their mannerisms, their goals, their feelings.  We know (and love!) Jace's dry sense of humor and Clary's impetuousness and Isabelle's fierce (almost to a fault) loyalty to her friends and family and Alec's sensitivity and Simon's peacekeeping talents.  I don't want to give spoilers, but there are some romantic relationships forged in this volume, and I found myself cheering for them all the way.  That being said, while this book is found in the YA section of bookstore and libraries, the reader may want to be aware that there are a few brief non-graphic "behind bedroom doors" moments.

I thought that City of Lost Souls has been one of the most action-packed titles in the Mortal Instruments series.  It's non-stop!  One of my few beefs with City of Fallen Angels was the multiple angsty lets-talk-about-feelings scenes; you find almost none of that here.  Yes, the characters still have feelings, but they squeeze those in between all the action, and they're mostly "action" moments too: quick, passionate, intimate moments where there is definitely more "showing" than "telling."   And last but not least, let's talk about the ending.  It is definitely skillful writing to have a book end like this one.  The main plot of this individual title was resolved while still leaving enough questions to carry the overarching plot of the series into the sixth and final book.  I am definitely left wanting more, and can't wait to start in on City of Heavenly Fire!

**A Note on Narration:  I listened to City of Lost Souls on CD, and the narration was fantastic.  I truly think that the narration on this book actually improved my experience over reading a print version.  Molly Quinn narrates City of Lost Souls solo.  She is the same female narrator from City of Fallen Angels.  I really loved her part on that title, while not really digging the male narrator, so I was very excited to see her name on the CD case.  She has a nice, even tone and cadence that is never boring, but also never requires me to fiddle with the volume controls chapter to chapter.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_FUJU3q9xY&w=560&h=315]

 

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by Tynga at Thursday, October 16, 2014

 Action amp; Adventure, Angel, Cassandra Clare, Library, Mortal Instruments, Paranormal, Review, Simon amp; Schuster, Vampire, werewolf, young adult  4 People left their mark

✎

Dark Duets Edited by Christopher Golden

I was extremely excited to read Dark Duets mainly because it's contains stories by Cassandra Clare, Jonathan Mayberry, and Carrie Ryan. I haven't had such great luck with anthologies in the past and I hoped that Dark Duets would be the first anthology to impress me. The stories in Dark Duets are of varying quality, the stories range from being excellent to absolutely unreadable. In this anthology there are only a few exceptional short stories and the rest are pretty mediocre and tedious. I decided to write some thoughts about the stories that stood out to me:

TRIP TRAP by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Kevin J. Anderson -

• This story was an interesting story about a troll, but it was too short to be terrifying. It needed a bit more substance, gore, and macabre for my tastes.

DARK WITNESS by Charlaine Harris & Rachel Caine -

• This story was excellent, until I read the ending which was poorly crafted and written. Despite it's lackluster ending, I really felt Dark Witness would work as a full-length novel.


• DW was so much better than the last few Sookie Stackhouse novels, it gives me hope that Harris's future novels won't be as terrible as I thought they would be.

REPLACING MAX by Stuart MacBride & Allan Guthrie -

• REVOLTING.  This story wasn't scary, instead it was disgusting and handled a taboo subject poorly.

T. RHYMER by Gregory Frost & Jonathan Maberry -

• I am not familiar with Gregory Frost's books, but after this short story, I'd consider reading them!


• T. Rhymer was an intelligent, witty short story about elves--this was definitely one of the best stories in this anthology!

SHE, DOOMED GIRL by Sarah MacLean & Carrie Ryan

• This story was insane. It messed with my mind in all of the right ways.

AMUSE-BOUCHE by Amber Benson & Jeffrey J. Mariotte

• And yet another disgusting story! Do yourself a favor and don't eat before reading this story.

SISTERS BEFORE MISTERS by Sarah Rees Brennan, Cassandra Clare, and Holly Black

• This short story was the main reason I decided to read this anthology and it was so disappointing.


• It wasn't up to par with the quality that I normally associate with these authors' novels.


• I expected so much more from Brennan, Clare and Black.

Dark Duets has a few scary stories, but all of the other stories were completely unmemorable. I really don't think Dark Duets was worth my time, I regret reading all of the stories and I wish I had just read only the stories written by authors that I'm familiar with. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, not even to fans of anthologies.

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by Tynga at Wednesday, December 04, 2013

 Anthology, Cassandra Clare, christopher golden, Harper Collins, horror, Paranormal, Publisher, Review, Urban Fantasy, Voyager  Leave your mark

✎

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

I've been sitting on this review for a while. And by that, I mean since the day after this book came out. It's hard to say good-bye to a beloved series, especially one with a love triangle that makes you so attached to both sides. I dreaded reading this book because I knew that one of my two favorite love interests ever would have to lose the fight, and I didn't want that to happen.

Because of this, this review is going to be slightly different than my usual ones. It's hard to sit here and analyze the characters because they're all amazing and awesome. Will is just as passionate and fiery as ever. And Jem is never short of superb. Together, the two of them plus Tessa literally cause you emotional trauma with this book. I'm telling you, read at your own risk. Break out the tissues and bottle up all of your emotions because they'll explode with this one. While I've struggled with recent installments in Clare's Mortal Instruments series, she's held me captive with this one and has even turned it into a favorite of mine. And for that, I have to admit, I'm very happy she took advantage of our emotions and connections to the characters to take us on one last roller coaster ride. The character growth in this one because of the do-or-die decisions they had to face was extremely well done.

But what I want to focus on is the ending. Who doesn't, really? I have to say that I'm very satisfied. I seriously dropped the book and gaped like a fish and shed a few tears in those moments leading up to the end. It broke my heart into pieces and then put it back together. I have to say that it's both lovey-dovey and hurtful. It's sort of perfect. It's not an extreme happily ever after, but it has remnants of it. While I can see some readers hating it, I can see others loving it. I just considered it to be rather perfect regardless of whatever team I'm on. Hell, regardless of your team I guarantee that this ending will be satisfactory.

With that being said, the ending did leave me with one major question. There's this huge revelation with a character that shall not be named and when asked what exactly happened we got one of those responses that said he'd tell us later. Of course, since this is the last book, we can't find that out. Which means that Clare is most likely writing another series after this. And while my curiosity is extreme in this one regard, I won't be continuing onto that series. I love these characters and I don't want to see them overused to the point of annoyance. Instead, I'll just sit here and stew that she threw perhaps one of the biggest plot twists ever my way and didn't bother to explain it, instead optioning to take the easy way out. That, my dear friends, is one of my very few issues with this book.

In the end, I say give it a try. I have enjoyed this series more than her Mortal Instruments series. While littered with cliches and not consisting of complex writing, it is very easy to connect to the characters, overall super enjoyable, and it's a great ride. Definitely my favorite piece of Clare's work thus far.

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by Tynga at Thursday, September 26, 2013

 Cassandra Clare, demons, Fantasy, Gifted, Historical, historical fiction, Review, Romance, steampunk, The Infernal Devices, young adult  1 Person left their mark

✎

Clockwork Princess giveaway!!

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Danger intensifies for the Shadowhunters as the New York Times bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy comes to a close.

If the only way to save the world was to destroy what you loved most, would you do it?

The clock is ticking. Everyone must choose.

Passion. Power. Secrets. Enchantment.

Danger closes in around the Shadowhunters in the final installment of the bestselling Infernal Devices trilogy.

I don’t about you but Clockwork Prince was my favourite book last year, if not my favourite book, period and so I can’t wait to read Clockwork Princess! When I was contacted to host this giveaway I was over the moon and I hope you are too!

Two (2) winners will each receive a copy of Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare!

Open to US only

To enter, fill the form!

Ends April 3rd, 2013

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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by Tynga at Thursday, March 21, 2013

 Cassandra Clare, giveaway, Simon Schuster  4 People left their mark

✎

Daring You To Read… Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel is the first book in a prequel series by Cassandra Clare. She originally wrote the Mortal Instruments a YA fantasy trilogy with descendants of Angel blood, vampires, werewolves, warlocks etc and even though this series is awesome, I prefer its prequel trilogy, happening a 150 years or so before Mortal Instruments. Fear not though, you don’t need to read the original trilogy before you can read Clockwork Angel =)

Is a quote from my Clockwork Angel review ^^

Let me start by saying this book was A-MA-ZING. Cassandra Clare, how can you write such intense, engaging, addictive, and marvelous stories? One of the things that grabbed me in the book is her attention to details. We truly feel like we went back in time. The old London scenery, the vocabulary, proper ladies and gentlemen manners, candle light and horses & carriages: everything to bring you back to the 1800s.

Curious yet? Here’s more info:

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother in Victorian England,  something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld. Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, who are members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she has the power to transform, at will, into another person. 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, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and Will, whose volatile moods keep everyone at arm's length.  As their search draws them deep into the 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.  - book cover

Read my Review

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Clockwork Prince, the second book in the trilogy released in December and it’s even better than the first one! Click the cover to read my review =)

How to participate?

- You choose a book you’ve read, loved and would dare your readers to read!

- The book you choose must be an older release (at least 6 months ago), because let’s be honest, we’re all quite aware of the latest releases.

- Write your own blog post, using the button and linking back to Tynga’s Reviews, inviting your readers to read your chosen book.

- Come back on Tynga’s Reviews and put your link in the linking tool.

- Browse other bloggers Dare and let them know if you’ve read their featured book, or plan on reading it.

- Super easy and an awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

Don’t forget to add your own Daring You To Read… post in the linky below.

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by Tynga at Thursday, January 05, 2012

 Cassandra Clare, Daring You to Read, Simon Schuster  4 People left their mark

✎

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Book Stats:
Reading level: YA
Genre: Paranormal / Steampunk
Hardcover: 528 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Release date: December 6, 2011

Series: Infernal Devices #2

Source: ARC from S&S Canada

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

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, but 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.

Shadowhunters might have won a battle against The Magister, but the war is far from being over. With everything that’s happened in the first installment, Clockwork Angel, Charlotte’s authority is challenged and if she wants to remain head of the Institute, she will have to stop their number one enemy within two weeks. This challenge will indeed become a group effort as Jem, Will, Tessa and their friends will do their best to capture the culprit, while dealing with issues of their own.

Let me start with a bold statement. Clockwork Prince is my favorite book so far by Cassandra Clare and I think I might like the Infernal Devices even more than the Mortal Instruments. Clockwork Prince was amazing for so many reasons, I’m gonna try my best to share it all with you, while keeping this review spoilers free, as usual.

First, I’m a sucker for the Victorian steampunk world Cassie created for us. It always feels authentic down to the little details and I can only tip my metaphorical hat to her.

The plot wasn’t the main reason for this novel’s amazingness but it was rather good. All the characters are chasing The Magister and many surprises awaits them along the road, but the smaller subplots were more interesting. We’ll discover the reason between the relationship between Will and Magnus, we’ll learn more about the former’s past, the love triangle between Jem-Tessa-Will will reach new skies, and so much more!

The best part though, is first and foremost, the characters! We get to see the real Will behind the act and that would’ve been enough to seal the deal for me, but there’s more! Magnus is incredible, I’m in love with the guy, to bad I’m already married. Charlotte and Henry made me cry at one point, who would’ve thought this possible? Allies we thaught were trustable will turn their back on us, ripping to shreds a dynamic we were used to and as I mentioned before, the love triangle between our heroes will evolve in a way I never would’ve predicted.

The whole book emotions are running wild and the characters will be naked (figuratively speaking of course!) under its harsh spotlight. Layers of lies were shredded leaving only the ugly, or-not-so-ugly, truth bare for everyone to see and judge. This epic adventure was awesome in so many ways that I’m seriously wondering how Cassandra Clare will manage to do better with Clockwork Princess.

If you haven’t picked this series yet (and you don’t need to read Mortal instruments first) I’m urging you to do so because it’s a delight! Action-packed, full of mysteries and blessed with stunning characters, The Infernal Devices are worth every minute you’ll spend reading and will leave you begging for more!

Read an excerpt

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by Tynga at Monday, December 05, 2011

 Cassandra Clare, Review, Simon Schuster, steampunk, young adult  5 People left their mark

✎

Jace’s letter to Clary

Cassie Clare made Jace’s letter to Clary available yesterday!

If you were lucky enough to have the special edition of City of Fallen Angels you’ve already read it, but as an International reader I hadn’t had the chance to and I think it’s AMAZING!

Before I post the letter, here’s a fan-made trailer based on this letter. It’s awesome and gave me goose bumps. Makes me that much more excited for the movie!

Jace & Clary–City of Glass

Now onto the letter!

(source: Cassie’s website)

How awesome is this guy? I mean c’mon!

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by Tynga at Wednesday, July 06, 2011

 Cassandra Clare  5 People left their mark

✎

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Book Stats:
Reading level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: April 5, 2011

Series: Mortal Instruments #4

Reviewed by: Tynga

Purchase: Amazon | Amazon CAN | Book Depository

Source: S&S Canada for review

City of Fallen Angels takes place two months after the events of City of Glass. In it, a mysterious someone’s killing the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle and displaying their bodies around New York City in a manner designed to provoke hostility between Downworlders and Shadowhunters, leaving tensions running high in the city and disrupting Clary’s plan to lead as normal a life as she can — training to be a Shadowhunter, and pursuing her relationship with Jace. As Jace and Clary delve into the issue of the murdered Shadowhunters, they discover a mystery that has deeply personal consequences for them — consequences that may strengthen their relationship, or rip it apart forever.

Meanwhile, internecine warfare among vampires is tearing the Downworld community apart, and only Simon — the Daylighter who everyone wants on their side — can decide the outcome; too bad he wants nothing to do with Downworld politics. Love, blood, betrayal and revenge: the stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

Our merry gang of teenagers is now back in New York city after the crazy Idris events and are trying to go on with their lives. Alec and Magnus on a lovers trip, Clary training to become a Shadowhunter, Simon and Isabelle dating while he tries do deal with vampirism and his new mark, but Jace, on his part, is having a hard time. He is plagued by nightmares in which he is hurting Clary. Top that with his family heritage and his grief over Max and we are light years away from a good time. There’s no time for dwelling though, Shadowhunters are found dead, someone is trying to kill Simon and a very  powerful vampire is in town. Could there be a new Nemesis to defeat? Can they win this time? And what will be the price?

Oh. My. Freaking. God. This is textually what I said aloud after reading the last word of City of Fallen Angels. Can we frame Cassandra Clare for massive murder attempt? Because this, my friends, is a KILLER cliffhanger. WOW.

Ok now that it’s out of the way, let me tell you how amazing City of Fallen Angels is. What hit me the most in this installment is that every character seemed to be reestablishing their identity. They are trying to find their basis after everything that happened and it opens to a lot of vulnerability from all of them. I feel like I know the characters in a much more profound way now than I did before, and it’s amazing.

When Cassandra was talking about CoFA she said this book was a lot more about Simon. And while he does have a much bigger part and his struggles are super interesting, Jace stole the show for me. Not because he was his cocky flamboyant  self but quite the opposite. His pain and vulnerability was sometimes hard to bare. I just wanted to give him a hug and never let him go. His misery was heart-shattering. I have to say Clary kind of annoyed me. I can’t say I blame her because I don’t know how I would’ve reacted in her position but I wanted to smack some sense into her sometimes.

A new character I’m quickly growing fond of was also introduced. And for those of you who’ve read Clockwork Angel, two of its characters are also present/mentioned, which makes me that much more anxious to read The Clockwork Prince. I was also super happy to see Magnus, and I can never get enough of him so I wished he was a bigger part of the book but hey, can’t have it all!

The plot moved at a steady pace and the intrigue was really strong. There were so many things going on at same time that I was breathless just for reading and I had to put the book down a couple of times because the tension was just too much. Everything happens at freight train speed and Cassandra doesn’t give you time to try and figure out what’s going on. It’s Keep on Rolling and stay on the bench.

As mentioned previously, the end is a killer. I felt drained and full of dread after the final battle and then Cassie ties-up the loose ends, you’re hopeful for a brighter future and when you let your guard down.. BAM! Cassandra Clare strikes again!

The Mortal Instruments is one of the best YA Fantasy series out there and if you haven’t read it yet, you are seriously missing out.

City of Fallen Angels is fast, furious, emotionally draining and oh so fabulous! I want to read it all over again!

Here are some of my favorite quotes, fear not they are spoilers free:

“You’re just worried they’ll hire a male instructor and he’ll be hotter than you.”
Jace’s eyebrows went up. “Hotter than me?”
”It could happen,” Clary said. “You know, theoretically.”
"Theoretically the planet could suddenly crack in half, leaving me on one side and you on the other side, forever and tragically parted, but I’m not worried about that, either. Some things,” Jace said, with his customary crooked smile, “are just too unlikely to dwell upon.”

“That’s not necessary,” Jace said. “I can keep a perfectly good eye on Simon, thank you. He’s my neophyte Downworlder to mock and boss around, not yours.”

"You love each other -anyone can see that, looking at you- that kind of love that can burn down the world or raise it up in glory"

Read the first chapter

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by Tynga at Monday, April 11, 2011

 Cassandra Clare, Review, Simon Schuster, Vampire, werewolf, young adult  5 People left their mark

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Previously on the Mortal Instruments…

I’ll just go ahead and say… OMFG releasing the book already!!! lol

I can’t wait to read it, it’s gonna be amazing!

And I like the trailer, it would’ve convinced me to read the books if I hadn’t read them already lol and I love that it’s not spoilery!

What do you think?

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by Tynga at Wednesday, March 09, 2011

 Cassandra Clare, Trailer Thursday  4 People left their mark

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City of Fallen Angels News!

Alright guys, you must know by now what a huge fan of Cassandra Clare I am, so I’m really excited with her upcoming release, City of Fallen Angels!

The first chapter, in it’s integrity, is now available on the official website, and I won’t lie I haven’t read it, ok ok I read the first paragraphs to pick an excerpt for you *g* but I won’t read more! You say what? Well it’s just more teasing than I can handle, so I’ll wait nicely until I can read the whole thing lol

But not everyone is like me, so I thought I’d share!

Here’s a small excerpt, but you can click here to read the whole first chapter.

Simon glanced toward the window. It was a brisk night, and the wind was blowing leaves across Second Avenue like handfuls of thrown confetti. There was a girl walking down the street, a girl in a tight belted trench coat, with long black hair that flew in the wind. People turned to watch her as she walked past. Simon had looked at girls like that before in the past, idly wondering where they were going, who they were meeting. Not guys like him, he knew that much.

Except this one was. The bell on the diner’s front door rang as the door opened, and Isabelle Lightwood came in. She smiled when she saw Simon, and came toward him, shrugging off her coat and draping it over the back of the chair before she sat down. Under the coat she was wearing one of what Clary called her “typical Isabelle outfits”: a tight short velvet dress, fishnet stockings, and boots. There was a knife stuck into the top of her left boot that Simon knew only he could see; still, everyone in the diner was watching as she sat down, flinging her hair back. Whatever she was wearing, Isabelle drew attention like a fireworks display.

Beautiful Isabelle Lightwood. When Simon had met her, he’d assumed she’d have no time for a guy like him. He’d turned out to be mostly right. Isabelle liked boys her parents disapproved of, and in her universe that meant Downworlders-faeries, werewolves, and vamps. That they’d been dating regularly for the past month or two amazed him, even if their relationship was limited mostly to infrequent meetings like this one. And even if he couldn’t help but wonder, if he’d never been changed into a vampire, if his whole life hadn’t been altered in that moment, would they be dating now?

There is also a very nice section on the website called Meet the Characters where you can find descriptions of the main players, with some nice artwork. Can you guess who’s who?

Illustrations are by James L. Barry and I think they are pretty cool!

And last, in case you haven't seen it yet, here's the top 10 things that WON'T happen in CoFA

 

So are you guys as excited as I am?

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by Tynga at Tuesday, February 22, 2011

 Cassandra Clare  1 Person left their mark

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Awesome Trailer! Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

This trailer is so much better than the original one, I really had to share it with you. The scenes they chose are perfect, so is the music and the text. Really great work by the creator!

 

What do you guys think?

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by Tynga at Saturday, January 15, 2011

 Cassandra Clare, Trailer Thursday  5 People left their mark

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Cover Reveal: City of Fallen Angels

We’ve been waiting for a while and the day has finally come!

Love it! I truly can’t wait to read it ^^

You can also read an excerpt here!

Source: Cassie’s Blog

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by Tynga at Tuesday, December 14, 2010

 Cassandra Clare, Cover  4 People left their mark

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Fan Art: City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

Hello my darlings!

Once more I am joining Katie from Sophistikatied Reviews, to feature Fan Art!

 

I’m anxious awaiting the release of City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare and Mundie Moms were having a cover contest, so I jumped in the crazy wagon and created my own!

 

The voting has started, so feel free to go ahead and vote for your favorite!

Let me know what you think ^^

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by Tynga at Wednesday, November 10, 2010

 Cassandra Clare, Fan Art Friday  12 People left their mark

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Chat /w Cassandra Clare !

That’s right! Cassandra is chatting with us at Bitten By Books as I write this post!

Make sure to stop by for fun & giggles and a chance to win nice prizes =)

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by Tynga at Thursday, September 09, 2010

 Cassandra Clare  Leave your mark

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Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare Giveaway

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.
When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother in Victorian England,  something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld. Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, who are members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she has the power to transform, at will, into another person. 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, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and Will, whose volatile moods keep everyone at arm's length.  As their search draws them deep into the 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.  - book cover

Simon & Schuster and S&S Canada are offering a finished of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare each to celebrate today’s release !

So there will be 1 Canadian & 1 American winner!

Click here to read my review

This Giveaway is opened to Canadian Addresses only. Canada & US

To enter, all you have to do is FILL THE FORM

Ends September 6th, 2010.

You don’t need to be a follower, but you will be responsible for claiming your prize =)

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by Tynga at Tuesday, August 31, 2010

 Cassandra Clare, giveaway, Simon Schuster  16 People left their mark

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In My Mailbox

Before getting to serious business, I would like to thank The Story Siren for hosting In My Mailbox every weeks =)

 

Cat & Page Turners girls you need to watch this! ^^

 

Books Mentioned:

For Review:

Sacrifice by Dakota Banks

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Kisses from Hell Anthology

Won:

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Bought:

The Mortal Instrument set by Cassandra Clare

 

Also I wanted to mention it in the vlog but I completely forgot *doh*, I will announce the winners of the three giveaway that ended at midnight on Tuesday August 24th!

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by Tynga at Sunday, August 22, 2010

 Cassandra Clare, Dakota Banks, in my mailbox, Kiersten White, Maggie Stiefvater  17 People left their mark

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Giveaways Reminder

Hello guys!

I just wanted to remind you that my 3 giveaways are ending tonight at Midnight EST, click on the book covers to enter the specific giveaways!

Also, I wanted to invite you to drop by on Monday 23rd and Wednesday 25th because I’ll be hosting giveaways for… Hold your breath….

That’s right! Mockingjay and Shadowfever!

 

Have a great week end!

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by Tynga at Saturday, August 21, 2010

 Cassandra Clare, giveaway, Karen Marie Moning, Leah Cypess, Suzanne Collins  7 People left their mark

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