The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson // Book Reviews

Hey hey!

Today I have a bit of a different review. In fact, I have a short, sweet review of a bind-up of novellas: The Bane Chronicles. It’s completely spoiler free, but it a couple of the stories will spoil you for The Mortal Instruments series and The Infernal Devices series. So let’s jump straight in!

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson

Series: The Bane Chronicles (#1-11)
Genre: Paranormal
Publication: November 11th 2014 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 507
Source: Borrowed

Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices can get to know warlock Magnus Bane like never before in this collection of New York Times bestselling tales, in print for the first time with an exclusive new story and illustrated material.

This collection of eleven short stories illuminates the life of the enigmatic Magnus Bane, whose alluring personality, flamboyant style, and sharp wit populate the pages of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices.

Originally released one-by-one as e-only short stories by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson, and Sarah Rees Brennan, this compilation presents all ten together in print for the first time and includes a never-before-seen eleventh tale, as well as new illustrated material.

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REVIEW

I think my different expectations for these stories ended up disappointing me a bit. Some of them were great, but it took me much too long to get through this bind-up. Overall, these were a bit of a hit or miss for me. Magnus is a super fun character and I was curious to learn more about his adventures and centuries old past. The humour was here and there, but it was a solid light-hearted read. If you’re a fan of Magnus Bane, this will be an entertaining read, but this isn’t a necessary read to understand the Shadowhunter Chronicles.

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead // Book Reviews

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I’ve got a book review for y’all today! Book #5 of the Vampire Academy series AKA Spirit Bound. It’s completely spoiler free for this novel but there may be some spoilers for previous books in this series. I’d like to think that this is more on the shorter side in terms of my reviews so enjoy!

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Series: Vampire Academy (#5)
Genre: Paranormal
Publication: May 18th 2010 by Penguin Razorbill
Pages: 489
Source: Borrowed

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri’s birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir’s—and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can’t wait for their real lives beyond the Academy’s iron gates to begin. But Rose’s heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he’s out there, somewhere.

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PLOT

I enjoyed this instalment better than its predecessor. I found Dimitri’s storyline in the previous book really frustrating so I’m glad that situation has been resolved. I felt like some of the scenes were filler and made the story a bit directionless.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas // Book Reviews

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Today I’ve got a review for A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas because I haven’t posted one in a VERY long time. This review has a couple of spoilers about a couple of characters (Tamlin and Rhysand) but if you don’t care, keep reading! If you’re still weighing up whether you should read this novel but want to get a feel of the book, you should probably stop reading once you get to CHARACTERS. So, these are my thoughts!!

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (#2)
Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Publication: May 3rd 2016 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Pages: 624
Source: Borrowed

Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.

Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

Great. More territorial fae.

I was rather disappointed with this sequel and I think a majority of this was because of my huge expectations and the massive amount of hype. I have very conflicting thoughts about this book and the characters.

Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance // Book Reviews

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Today I have a spoiler free review of Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance. If you want to know my thoughts, or looking for a quick and fun mystery and romance novel, read on!

Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance

Genres: Mystery, Romance
Publication: June 11th 2013 by EgmontUSA
Pages: 304
Source: Ebook

Pride & Prejudice meets Veronica Mars in this slick romantic spy-thriller where nothing’s as it seems.

Berry Fields is not looking for a boyfriend. She’s busy trailing cheaters and liars in her job as a private investigator, collecting evidence of the affairs she’s sure all men commit. And thanks to a pepper spray incident during an eighth grade game of spin the bottle, the guys at her school are not exactly lining up to date her, either.

So when arrogant—and gorgeous—Tanner Halston rolls into town and calls her “nothing amazing,” it’s no loss for Berry. She’ll forget him in no time. She’s more concerned with the questions surfacing about her mother’s death.

But why does Tanner seem to pop up everywhere in her investigation, always getting in her way? Is he trying to stop her from discovering the truth, or protecting her from an unknown threat? And why can’t Berry remember to hate him when he looks into her eyes?

With a playful nod to Jane Austen, Spies and Prejudice will captivate readers as love and espionage collide.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

This was a spontaneous reread because for some reason, I was really craving a quick spy book. I find with these type of novels, you can’t take them too seriously because some of the plot points aren’t particularly believable or convincing. Although I haven’t read Pride and Prejudice, I got the reference in the title. I’m sure I would be able to appreciate it more if I had read it. Nonetheless, this was a very easy read but it’s not for everyone.

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead // Book Reviews

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I’ve got my review for Blood Promise by Richelle Mead. This is going to be a spoiler free review for THIS book but you will be spoiled from previous books in the series if you haven’t read them. I do recommend this series. It’s lot of fun so if by chance you haven’t read the first 3 books, go do that then come back and we can discuss all the things!

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Series: Vampire Academy (#4)
Genre: Paranormal
Publication: August 25th 2009 by Penguin Razorbill
Pages: 503
Source: Borrowed

Rose Hathaway’s life will never be the same.

The recent attack on St. Vladimir’s Academy devastated the entire Moroi world. Many are dead. And, for the few victims carried off by Strigoi, their fates are even worse. A rare tattoo now adorns Rose’s neck, a mark that says she’s killed far too many Strigoi to count. But only one victim matters … Dimitri Belikov. Rose must now choose one of two very different paths: honoring her life’s vow to protect Lissa—her best friend and the last surviving Dragomir princess—or, dropping out of the Academy to strike out on her own and hunt down the man she loves. She’ll have to go to the ends of the earth to find Dimitri and keep the promise he begged her to make. But the question is, when the time comes, will he want to be saved?

Now, with everything at stake—and worlds away from St. Vladimir’s and her unguarded, vulnerable, and newly rebellious best friend—can Rose find the strength to destroy Dimitri? Or, will she sacrifice herself for a chance at eternal love?

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

I was so excited about reading this book after the thrill of the previous one, I’m completely let down. This book was more emotionally-based rather than plot-driven and expansive like Shadow Kiss. So this could be a case of it’s me, not you. Although it was an emotional read, I couldn’t fully immerse myself in the story and even the plot itself seemed a bit detached.

The Girl is Trouble by Kathryn Miller Haines // Book Reviews

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I’ve got a review for the sequel of The Girl is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines so if you haven’t read the first book, it might be a good idea to read that before you jump into this review. However, this is a spoiler free review so if you haven’t read this book, you can still read on!

The Girl is Trouble by Kathryn Miller Haines

Series: The Girl is Murder (#2)
Genres: Historical fiction, Mystery
Publication: July 3rd 2012 by Roaring Brook Press
Pages: 336
Source: Borrowed

Iris Anderson and her father have finally come to an understanding. Iris is allowed to help out at her Pop’s detective agency as long as she follows his rules and learns from his technique. But when Iris uncovers details about her mother’s supposed suicide, suddenly Iris is thrown headfirst into her most intense and personal case yet.

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REVIEW

I found myself enjoying most of the book for the first half. However the quickened pace towards the end made me lose interest a bit as the scenes were short and uneventful. There were many turns in this novel that left me gobsmacked and others that were predictable. I felt the suspense and danger were very much present throughout the novel however, I felt the resolution was too fast.

Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan // Book Reviews

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I’m back for the week until my exams start again and I’ve been delaying this review too long. This is going to a spoilerish review because I’m going to talk about some things that may seem spoiler-like but personally I don’t think they are. So a warning nonetheless. I hope you enjoy!!

Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan

Series: Maid of Honor (#1)
Genres: Historical fiction, Mystery
Publication: May 7th 2013 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 416
Source: Borrowed

Orphan Meg Fellowes makes her living picking pockets—until she steals from the wrong nobleman. Instead of rotting in prison like she expected, she’s whisked away to the court of Queen Elizabeth and pressed into royal service, where she joins four other remarkable girls in the Maids of Honor, the Queen’s secret society of protectors.

Meg’s natural abilities as a spy prove useful in this time of unrest. The Spanish Court is visiting, and with them come devious plots and hidden political motives. As threats to the kingdom begin to mount, Meg can’t deny her growing attraction to one of the dashing Spanish courtiers. But it’s hard to trust her heart in a place where royal formalities and masked balls hide the truth: Not everyone is who they appear to be. With danger lurking around every corner, can she stay alive—and protect the crown?

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REVIEW

SPIES! ASSASSINS! MURDER! And historical fiction – literally (almost) all my loves. A fun read but I honestly expected more. It engaged me most of the time but there were some cringeworthy scenes. Set in Tutor times, some events or reactions to certain events didn’t seem plausible, especially in terms of punishments (can you tell I wanted more gore?).

I was very optimistic going into this book because it promised some thrilling adventures, crime and mysteries. Sounds great right? And it delivered to some extent.

This book is set in Tutor times in England where our protagonist Meg gets caught pickpocketing. Yes her situation sounds bad. But her punishment is becoming one of the closest secret spies for the queen, a maid of honour. Not very realistic but I was able to look past that because SPIES. I thought punishments during Tutor times were harsh and I thought this book was going to be brutal – spoiler (not): it was not.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne // Book Reviews

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It’s taken a while but I’ve got my Harry Potter and the Cursed Child review. It’s going to be half spoiler-free and half spoilery so if you haven’t read it yet, don’t fret because it’s all spoiler-free until you see big, bold text of “SPOILERS AHEAD”. That will probably be the sign to skidaddle and read it if you want so we can discuss the book in detail. Also I would very much highly recommend reading the Harry Potter series (7 books) before starting this review because a) spoilers of those books are highly probably and b) they are phenomenal books that I most highly recommend to the highest level possible.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne

Series: Harry Potter (#8) **
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: July 31st 2016 by Pottermore
Pages: 320
Source: Purchased

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

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REVIEW

This is so difficult for me to rate. Firstly, I think you’ll get the best experience out of reading this book if you go in without any expectations and try avoid spoilers because the way its summarised on some site does make it sound more absurd than it is. You know what? I enjoyed this. Was I disappointed? Yep. There were many problematic parts and I didn’t like the inconsistencies, but overall I enjoyed this experience. I’m a bit iffy whether to consider this story as canon, because though it contributed to the Harry Potter world, there are many parts in the story that points to fan fiction.

There were so many nostalgic areas, but the the plot was ridiculous and unrealistic at times, that made we laugh. A lot. And not in a good way. The main plot line of time turners was crazy… and weird. Was this good or bad? Both. My logical mind couldn’t deal with it sometimes.

The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore // Book Reviews

Helloooo

I’ve got a new book review on book #3 of the Lorien Legacies series, The Rise of Nine. Dun dun duhhhh. This is going to be a spoilerish review so it depends on what you consider as a spoiler. I’m going to be talking about the characters in this book and some of you could think that the introduction of some of these characters are mild spoilers. If so, you can (a) read the book then come back just in case and we can discuss all the thoughts or (b) read this review and skip the bullet points.

The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore

Series: Lorien Legacies (#3)
Genres: Science fiction
Publication: August 21st 2012 by HarperCollins
Pages: 360
Source: Borrowed

In Pittacus Lore’s The Rise of Nine, third in the New York Times bestselling I Am Number Four series, the stakes are higher than ever as John, Six, and Seven try desperately to find the rest of the Garde before it’s too late.

The Mogadorians who destroyed the planet Lorien continue to hunt down the Garde, the small group of Loric survivors who have taken refuge on Earth. The Garde must come together. They are Lorien and Earth’s only hope.

During the dangerous mission at the Mogadorian base in West Virginia, John found and rescued Nine. But even with their combined powers, special abilities known as Legacies, the pair barely escaped with their lives—and they lost Sam in the process.

In order to save our world and their own, John and Nine must join forces with Six and Seven who have been battling the Mogadorians in Spain, and who are now trying to locate Number Eight in India.

Power in numbers will save us all.

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REVIEW

When I started reading this I was like different POVs overload but I guess with so many important characters, this method is necessary… or convenient. As I kept reading, it kind of worked for me. So the chapter alternate between the narration of Four, Six and Marina’s (Seven) and it was generally systematic, so that made it easier to follow. Each character had a different font, but I wonder if I read the book with the same font, would the voices be as distinct and unique.

In the beginning I was trying to figure out who were the “Nine” that rise, which involved a lot of counting. In this book we got introduced to almost all the living Garde members and I’m glad we got to see more of their legacies develop, though it’s tough trying to remember them all. I think is book was definitely a step up from the previous and I felt more urgency that didn’t really exist reading The Power of Six. However, I felt a lot of scenes were unnecessary – like the talking scenes where they wouldn’t even come up with a plan, e.g. Four & Nine talking, fighting, arguing. Then they get caught *shakes head in disapproval*. WOW, surprise much? I don’t see how the “wing it” method was helpful in finding and discovering how to defeat Setrákus Ra AKA enemy #1.