Tag: cassandra clare

January 2019 Wrap Up & Possible End of Reading Slump!

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January started rough. I was in the middle of a horrible reading slump and just had no motivation to get through books, but I think it’s really turned around! I spent the last week and a half of the month rereading some favorites in preparation for one of my most anticipated books of the year! I think those rereads helped me get back into the reading habit and saved me from my slump (although if you want to hear about more tips to get out of a reading slump, I have a whole post about it).

Read more to see all the books I’ve read this month!

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Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3) by Cassandra Clare – Review

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Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Queen of Air and Darkness was the perfect ending to this fantastic series, and now I’m really bitter we need to wait until 2021 to see these characters again! That’s not fair.

“The story that I love you, it has no end.”  

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My (Late) December 2018 Wrap Up + Horrible Reading Slump

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Yes. I know December was almost two weeks ago. But I still want to talk about the books I read!

Reading slumps are the absolute worst. 2018 had been awful for me in terms of reading slumps. It seemed that every other month, I lost all motivation to read. I’m really hoping 2019 will be better for me!

In December, I barely read. It was awful. I did manage to reach my monthly goal of 10, but there were a lot of short stories and novellas mixed in there to help me out. Read more to see what I actually did manage to finish!

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My Top 8 Reads of 2018

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So I’ve made a post about my Top 18 2018 Releases, but now I wanted to shine a light on some of the books I read this year that were published in earlier years.

This list is in no particular order. I just wanted to mention a few of the books and series I loved this year!

8. Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

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Rating: 4.75/5
Series: N/A
Review: Yes
After reading Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett, I knew I had to read her previous books. Alex, Approximately was so fun and really cemented Jenn Bennett as an auto-buy author for me!


7. Velvet by Temple West

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Rating: 4.5/5
Series: Velvet #1
Review: Yes
Not enough people know about this book series. I know people are hesitant of vampires after it became the trend to hate on anything vampirey after Twilight, but this book was just so entertaining. It never takes itself too seriously, includes a lot of fun tropes, and has a really interesting take on vampires that I absolutely love. I’m still dying for book 3!!

6. The Darkest Minds Series by Alexandra Bracken

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Rating: 4.7/5
Series: The Darkest Minds #1-3.5
Review: Yes
I had been wanting to read these books since 2013, and I kept putting it off until I had no choice but to read it because the movie was coming out. And I absolutely loved it. While I’m definitely still in my post-2012-dystopian-boom exhaustion, I really loved this series (I think US politics at the time I read it also played a part in why this book impacted me so much).

5. Stalking Jack the Ripper Series by Kerri Maniscalco

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Rating: 5/5
Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #1-3
Review: Yes
I’ve never been one for murder mysteries, but I have always been fascinated with the Jack the Ripper case. I think this book made me a fan of murder mysteries. It’s so dark and twisted and gruesome but has plenty of wit and adorable romance.

4. Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

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Rating: 5/5
Series: The Dark Artifices #2
Review: Yes
I was going to include The Dark Artifices #1 and #2, but Lord of Shadows was just so amazing that I felt it needed the extra shout out. Don’t get me wrong, Lady Midnight was absolutely fantastic, but Lord of Shadows brought it to the next level. I’m so glad I waited until Queen of Air and Darkness was out to begin reading because that ending killed me.

3. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 

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Rating: 5/5
Series: N/A
Review: Yes
I have been hearing, for so long, how perfect and amazing this book was. When I went into it, I knew nothing except that everyone loved it, and that beautiful first paragraph. It definitely wasn’t what I expected, but in the best way. This book exceeded every expectation and blew me away.

2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

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Rating: 5/5
Series: N/A
Review: Yes
This book. Not only is it well-written, but the message is so important, and this story is one that absolutely needed to be told. If you haven’t picked this up yet, please do. No matter what your political beliefs, you need to read this.

1. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater 

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Rating: 5/5
Series: The Raven Cycle #1-4
Review: Yes
Hello, Katie from high school. You told me to read this back in 2014 and I put it off. This is my apology. I should have listened to you and read this when you first mentioned it because it is so freaking amazing. This series is so beautifully written, with amazing characters and a fascinating plot and setting. Everything about it is perfection.

What were your favorite 2018 reads?

Top 18 Best 2018 Releases

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Back in July, I did a Top 10 for my favorite early 2018 releases, and for my favorites reads from the first half of 2018 that were earlier releases (click the links to read them). 

Just like my July post, these won’t be in any particular order, but unlike my July post, this list will include ALL 2018 releases. If there’s an amazing book that isn’t on my list, it’s probably only because I haven’t read it yet.

18. Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare

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Release Date: 12/4/2018
Rating: (Currently Reading)
Series: The Dark Artifices #3
Review: (Not Yet)
So, I’m still reading this book. And it’s huge. I have no intention of rushing through it to make sure it deserves to be on this list. Instead, I’ll just put it on the list because at the point I’m at in the book right now, if it keeps up the way it’s going, it will deserve this spot.

17. Escaping From Houdini by Kerri Maniscalco

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Release Date: 9/18/2018
Rating: 4.5/5
Series: Stalking Jack the Ripper #3
Review: Yes
The third book in the Stalking Jack the Ripper Series. I marathoned this series back in August, and read an ARC of Escaping from Houdini immediately after. And I loved it so much! This probably isn’t my favorite installment, but it was still amazing. I can’t wait for book four!

16. Umbertouched by Livia Blackburne

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Release Date: 11/6/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: Rosemarked #2
Review: Yes
Last year, Rosemarked surprised me with how great it was. This year, I was so excited for Umbertouched and it lived up to every expectation! It was such a perfect conclusion, and everything about it was so great! I’m still floored by these characters and their development.

15. Defy the Worlds by Claudia Gray 

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Release Date: 4/3/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: Constellation #2
Review: Yes
So I actually read an ARC of Defy The Worlds last year, but I wanted to include it in this years list because it was released this past April. I love this universe and this series, and I can’t wait to see where it goes. Although, that ending nearly killed me. (And sidenote: I hate this cover change. And I will mention it every chance I get.)

14. Kingdom of Ash by Sarah J. Maas

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Release Date: 10/23/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: Throne of Glass #7
Review: Yes
I can’t believe this series is over. I’ve been a fan of the Throne of Glass series for years now and seeing it all end was bittersweet. I’m still surprised this book managed to tie everything together as well as it did, considering it’s wrapping up a series that began in 2012.

13. Heart of Iron by Ashley Poston 

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Release Date: 2/27/2018
Rating: 4.5/5
Series: Heart of Iron #1
Review: Yes
I’m completely obsessed with Anastasia, and it was too perfect that this book came out when it did because I got to read it while going to see Anastasia on Broadway. But even if I wasn’t obsessed with the original, I would love this book. It was so fun, and left me dying for the sequel.

12. Seafire by Natalie C. Parker

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Release Date: 8/28/2018
Rating: 4.5/5
Series: Seafire #1
Review: Yes
I did not expect the dystopian/sci-fi edge of this book, but I really loved it. I just need more all-girl pirate crews in my life. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.


11. What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera

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Release Date: 10/9/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: N/A
Review: Yes
What If It’s Us was so perfectly adorable and fun and entertaining and there were so many musical references. Any book that references the musical Aida deserves five stars. This book was everything I wanted from it and more. I really hope Becky and Adam work together again because this was magical.

10. My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton 

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Release Date: 6/24/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: The Lady Janies #2 (But can be read as a standalone)
Review: Yes
This trio of authors always manages to make me smile. My Plain Jane was just a fun and happy read that I couldn’t help but adore. It’s definitely quirky and weird, which just makes it more hilarious. I never imagined loving a Ghostbusters meets Jane Eyre retelling, but then again, I never imagined the story of Lady Jane Grey to be a comedy and they did that so well in their first book.

9.  A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi 

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Release Date: 10/16/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: N/A
Review: Yes
Tahereh Mafi is just an amazing author and I loved this book so much. I waited almost two hours in a line at BookExpo to get this ARC and meet her, and it was so worth it. The themes, the writing style, the characters. It was all amazing.

8. Daughter of the Siren Queen by Tricia Levenseller

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Release Date: 2/27/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: Daughter of the Pirate King #2
Review: Yes
I had an actual countdown to when this book would be released? You know when you are just in the mood for a certain genre? I was craving some epic pirate adventures and created a countdown to when this book would be released. And it did not let me down. I love this book and this series so much. I’m so excited for what Tricia Levenseller does next.

7. Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi

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Release Date: 3/6/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: Shatter Me #4
Review: Yes
Yes, Tahereh Mafi is on this list twice. No, I see no issue with that. The Shatter Me series is one of my all-time favorites, and I was so scared when I first heard about Restore Me. Now, I realize, I had no reason to be afraid. This book was perfect. It added so much to the series and the world and I need Defy Me immediately!

6. The Traitor Prince by C. J. Redwine 

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Release Date: 2/13/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: Ravenspire #4 (Can be read as a standalone)
Review: Yes
C.J. Redwine is such an underrated author! I have loved every book I’ve read by her. The Traitor Prince is no exception, in fact, it may be my favorite Redwine book. If you haven’t picked up her Ravenspire series, please do. Every book can be read as a standalone, but they all take place in the same magical world. This book is so well-written, with fantastic characters and one of my favorite antagonists.

5. Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren

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Release Date: 9/4/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: N/A
Review: Yes
This is the only not-YA book I’ll include on this list, but I had to mention it. It took me by surprise. I knew I would like it because Christina Lauren are amazing, but I didn’t expect to love it this much! I couldn’t put it down, staying awake until almost 2am just to finish the book.

4. Obsidio by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

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Release Date: 3/13/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: The Illuminae Files #3
Review: Yes
This series is just fantastic. Every aspect of it is amazing, and I’m so sad it’s over but I’m also so happy with this as the last book. Everything about it was just perfect, and I can’t wait to read Jay and Amie’s next series. I’m still in shock that this one is over. Please, if you haven’t read it, pick up Illuminae! It’s a really unique sci-fi that will stick with you.

3. To Kill A Kingdom by Alexandra Christo 

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Release Date: 3/6/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: N/A
Review: Yes
So, I preordered this book expecting I would want more pirate and siren adventures after reading Daughter of the Siren Queen. I was right about that, but I didn’t expect how great this book would be. Alexandra Christo is amazingly talented, and this book is just the perfect blend of dark fantasy, sarcasm, and enemies-to-lovers romance. I really look forward to reading more from Alexandra Christo.

2. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

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Release Date: 1/2/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: The Folk of the Air #1
Review: Yes
This is another book that I technically read an ARC of in 2017, but it was so amazing I need it to be on this list. Plus I did read the published edition in 2018, so it counts! I know this book has gotten a lot of hype, but it’s well deserved. It’s so deliciously dark and twisted with fascinating characters and a compelling plot full of endless surprises.

1. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

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Release Date: 3/6/2018
Rating: 5/5
Series: Legacy of Orisha #1
Review: Yes
Speaking of books that have received a lot of hype! Children of Blood and Bone has really taken over the world. Everyone is reading it. As they should, because it is that amazing. Tomi Adeyemi’s writing style is breathtaking, her plot is gripping, and both her characters and her world is so complex and amazing. This book is so important.

Honorary Mentions:

Yes, there are even more books I need to mention. I’ve included links to my reviews in case you want to hear my opinions on these awesome books:

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, Smoke in the Sun by Renee Ahdieh, Allied by Amy Tintera, Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett, The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead

What were your favorite books released in 2018?

Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) by Cassandra Clare – Review

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Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Cassandra Clare somehow managed to make me fall deeper in love with this world and these characters, and absolutely crush me, in just under 700 pages.

“Everyone is afraid of something. We fear things because we value them. We fear losing people because we love them. We fear dying because we value being alive. Don’t wish you didn’t fear anything. All that would mean is that you didn’t feel anything.” 

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The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare – Cover Change Corner

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The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare
US Hardcover (2007-2014) vs US Paperback (2015)

The first book in The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, City of Bones, was published in March of 2007 with, well, not my favorite cover. Let’s face it, a shirtless guy standing behind the NYC skyline isn’t exactly a book cover I would feel proud showing off. Cassandra Clare announced they would be changing the covers in 2015. She said it was “time for a change” but it could also be linked to the release of the TV inspired by the books called Shadowhunters. I really like how each book focused on a different character, and none of the poses felt cringey! 

The Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare
US Hardcover (2010-2013) vs US Paperback (2015)

The Infernal Devices also got the cover change treatment in 2015, supposedly for the same reasons. In this case, I don’t really care either way about the cover change. I liked the original, and I like the new version. I do prefer seeing Tessa with a book in the original set, but I love the picture of Jem with his violin in the newer version. I don’t know, they’re both pretty nice to me.

Do you like this cover change? Have you read either of these series?
What cover changes do you want me to talk about next?

Read My Cassandra Clare Reviews
Add The Shadowhunter Chronicles To Your Goodreads Shelf
Purchase The Mortal Instruments Amazon
Purchase The Infernal Devices Amazon

Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) by Cassandra Clare – Review

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Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Lady Midnight is a fantastic read that will hold you hostage until you finish.

“Lex malla, lex nulla. A bad law is no law.” 

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Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

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Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Awesomeness Factor: 5/5
Review in a Nutshell: Clockwork Angel is a fantastic introduction to a trilogy that will take over your life.

“Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry.” 

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Top 5 Most Anticipated December Releases

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December can be a slow month in the publishing world but there are some releases that I’m dying to get my hands on! Two in particular that make me wish I could fast forward time and start reading.

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