The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare *Spoiler Free*

Title: 
Clockwork Angel

Author: 
Cassandra Clare
Series:
The Infernal Devices 
Book Number: 
1

Description: 
Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still... When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends, and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.
Rating: 
**** 

While a little slow to start, I did enjoy the book. The first half was a slow read, but I found that with the first two of the Mortal Instruments as well. The first half, for me, was more about getting to know the characters which isn't nearly as fast paced or grabbing as the latter half in which you see some action. Had the entire book had the pacing of the last half, this would easily be 5 stars but because it was a little slow to start I've knocked off a point. 

There are characters that I both loved and loathed, but I like that. While the book is set in a place that is not only in the past but in a world that obviously doesn't exist it is the human characters and characteristics that make this relatable. There are just the right amount connections to a world people know, and some great connection to the shadow world we learnt about during the Mortal Instruments.

The writing is great, and the pacing is good. Even the slow section of this book is fast compared to others I have read. I managed this in about a week, which for a 400+ page book is good for me. I tend to be a slow reader, and my spare time is few and far between. 

If you haven't read this book,  I would suggest it. If you have check out my spoiler review and discussion. It will be up on Wednesday, so be sure to check back or here.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare *Spoiler Review and Discussion*

So, today I have a review and discussion of Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. The first book in The Infernal Devices series, with it being followed by Clockwork Prince and Clockwork Princess. If you haven't read this book check out my spoiler free review here and go have a read. It's a great book and world to dive into.

I found myself liking Will at the beginning, but from pages 200 onwards I am wondering why people seem to love him so much. While witty at points, and funny at first his harsh manner is something I really didn't like reading.

Jem was a favourite of mine in this book. I liked that we saw more of him as the book developed, and I feel like Clare really gives you a chance to believe that Tessa could end up falling for both boys. She seems drawn to Will, even if he isn't the nicest of people, and Jem's calm and friendly manner also seem to capture her attention. 

Henry is a favourite of mine. It's nice to see someone that isn't perfect, that might not fit into the world like the other shadow hunters. He has such a good nature about him, he really cares but sometimes always his plans don't work out so well. I hope he plays a role in the future books because I really feel like he might just save the day at one point.

I really liked that we got to see Camille. I thought I would hate the vampire, much like I did in the Mortal Instruments but he bitter nature is given reason in this book. She is a woman scorned and that never fairs well when the woman is a bitchy vampire. 

Magnus! Need I say more than that? If you have read the Mortal Instruments I don't think you can hate Magnus. He might be a downworlder, but he is fabulous. He is one of my favourite character in TMI, and I'm glad he is in this series. I can't wait to learn some more of him, and from the way the Epilogue finished he will be in the next two books.  

The only character that I could do without was Jessie. I was annoyed with her from the moment she was introduced and while that is probably the idea I still could see the books being just fine without her snotty attitude. 

 My only complaint about this book is the fact that it doesn't contain quite as much romance as I thought. The blurb has you already thinking they are all going to fall madly in love, but there are no declarations and only one or two kissing incidents with Will. You get a chance to really know the characters that form the love triangle. I thought I would love Will, but for this book I'm Team Jem. I hope Clockwork Prince and Princess contains some more romance/love because I've heard this series has one of the best YA love triangles about. 

So, let me know what you think of the book. Did you love it? hate it?

Slide by Jill Hathaway

 Slide follows Vee Bell and friends through a heartbreaking time. A friend of her sister has supposedly committed suicide but because of a unique gift that Vee possess she actually knows that Sophie was murdered. The novel follows the "who done it" thing that you would expect but it does keep you guessing and really does keep you gripped.

I loved this book, and it's sequel (reviewed here). The idea was intriguing, the writing was clear, concise and compelling.The characters were relateable, except the narcolepsy/sliding thing and the plot was well developed. 

I loved how Hathaway kept me guessing through out the novel, and I love that there wasn't any time wasted on repetition or unnecessary verbatim. I couldn't put this book down, and read it in only 2 days. It would have been one had I not had to go to work. 

The mystery elements of this novel was something I loved. It kept me guessing until the end and actually gave me a satisfying conclusion. If you don't like reading duos or series, then this book is great. It worked well on it's own but  I found myself wanted to read more to get more of the fast paced writing and to see the author explore the gifts of the main character more.

I would 100% recommend this book. It's a quick read, keeps you guessing, has great elements of both things from the real world and aspects of the paranormal. It has romance, friendship, family. It's also creepy and thrilling and is worth the 5 stars I've given it! 

Books I Have Re-Read!

I am not usually one for re-reading novels. Once I'm done with it, I'm done. I sometimes find re reading to be boring even if the book is fantastic. The ones I've mentioned here are the few that I can re-read and enjoy. I won't stop at the count I have now because no matter how many times I read them I still can't stop turning the page. 

The Twilight Series is an easy read for me. It's nice to get lost in something familiar that it cute, unangsty and loveable. It was the first book I even really feel in love with and I'll keep going back. I will admit that the first and final books aren't my favourite but New Moon and Eclipse and pretty good (minus the editing errors and sometimes strange, verbose or overly simply writing). 

The Host is my favourite book of all time. I have a few pages here and there marked out that I sometimes read but in full I've only read it 2 and 1/2 times. It's a great read, and if you ignore the idea that it's about aliens and by the author of Twilight I think you will enjoy it. It's nothing like Twilight and the writing is a lot better and the story more mature. 

The Fault in Our Stars is a book I go to when I want to feel  all of the feels. I sometimes skip to specific sections but in full I've read it twice. It's a great book to laugh and cry. It's written well and a quick read too. 

The Hunger Games series are amazing books. I love to re-read these before going to see the movies so I can't wait for the re reading of Mockingjay. They are well written with a good story/plot and characters. I find them to have a range of emotions and even though they are dystopian novels you can really imagine the world they are set in.

 

Giveaway: 4 Books For 4 Winners

It's giveaway time. Today, I just wanted to say thank you to those who are following this little journey into book blogging. If you have found me through this blog, or have some over from Some Sparkle and Shine, thank you for following and I hope you have enjoyed reading this so far. 

So, for this little giveaway I have four books. I think I managed to grab a selection of different kinds for people who prefer different types of books. There will be four winners for this giveaway. All you need to do to select which book you want to win is leave a note in the rafflecopter widget. 

To try and help you choose, here is just a brief summary about what the four books are about along with goodreads links if you want to see how they are rated. 

 Room by Emma Donoghue

 Room is the story of a five-year-old called Jack, who lives in a single room with his Ma and has never been outside. When he turns five, he starts to ask questions, and his mother reveals to him that there is a world beyond the walls. Told entirely in Jack’s voice, Room is no horror story or tearjerker, but a celebration of resilience and the love between parent and child.

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan

For two centuries Jacob Marlowe has wandered the world, enslaved by his lunatic appetites and tormented by the memory of his first and most monstrous crime. Now, the last of his kind, he knows he can't go on...

Good at Games by Jill Mansell

Suzy fell for Harry the moment she showed him her husband's sperm sample. It didn't really belong to her husband though because she wasn't married, and the sperm sample was really just the dregs from her milk carton, but when you're trying to get off a speeding charge, you have to improvise, right? 

Welcome To My World by Miranda Dickinson 

A travel agent who longs to travel. An intrepid explorer who just wants to find a place to call home. And a Big Idea that changes everything!. Close your eyes and imagine the world is your oyster! And now imagine never seeing it. Welcome to Harriet Langton's world. All her life she's dreamt of traveling the globe - fate always got in the way. Working as a travel agent, the closest Harri comes to her dream destination of Venice is booking the trip for someone else. But everything changes when travel fanatic Alex drops in. With her boyfriend Rob tied up with work, Harri is persuaded to help Alex in his quest for love. But in her attempts to help, Harri soon discovers that she's alienating those around her. Desperate to leave her life behind, will her dreams finally come true?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All you have to do to enter is follow this blog via bloglovin and leave a note in the comment box in the widget saying which book you want to win.  After that, all entries are optional but give you more a chance to win. all extra entries are listed in the Rafflecopter widget below. 

Good Luck! 

This is a UK only giveaway. 

Kindle Book Wishlist #2

Hey guys! Today I have another book wishlist for you! I am going to need to make a start on these reads soon so I'll keep this short and head off to do some reading! 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell did the rounds on youtube a few months ago and after hearing the plot I knew I would have to read it eventually. I think I'm going to try and plow through Eleanor and Park first but this is the second contrempary novel I will be getting some time soon! 

Do I need to say anything for the reasons Paper Towns  is on this list? If I do "John Green" should be enough. I love his novels and can't wait to finish my current reads so I can dive into this one. 

I am so intrigued by the The Evolution of Mara Dyer book that I know eventually I will get it. I think I'll wait until the third one is out because I hate waiting for sequels to books but I will definitely read it. It sounds mysterious, creepy and thrilling which make for fantastic reads. 

I honestly don't know much about Altered. I saw that Christine had read it and thought it looked interesting. I am totally judging a book by it's cover but sometimes that works in my favor. 

PolandBananasBOOKS is to blame for me needing the Legend trilogy. I love that it's a finished trilogy and I think just about everyone is on the dystopian kick at the moment!  After I've finished the Mortal Instruments series, I'll be starting this one. 

Most Anticipated Movies of 2014

 

There are 4 movies I know I will see when they hit the cinema. I have a long time to wait for them because I think the earliest release is June but when they do hit the theaters I'm sure they will be great.

November brings the release of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. I am in a little hunger games obsession at the moment so this is what I am most looking forward too. I think these last two might be the best of the four that will come out and I cannot wait to see how Josh plays crazy Peeta. 

The Maze Runner (  a book on my TBR) is something I am looking forward too. I've read mixed reviews on the book but the plot sounds interesting so I thing the movie will be good to watch. I'll give the books a try before going to see the film, but really am looking forward to its release.

The Fault in our Stars is battling Mockingjay for the top spot of most exciting releases of 2014. I read the heartbreaking book in just 1 day and have re read it since. It's an amazing book and I hope the film can capture all of the feels the book does. With John Green on set, and seemingly happy, I think we can expect an amazing film. 

Divergent is something I will see but I'm not sure if I will go the movies. I have thought about reading the books but after hearing some spoilers for the last book I'm not sure I want to now. I'm a happy ending kinda girl and I'm not sure this will give me that, if I've read things correctly. The film does seem like it will be good and many people love the books so I think it would be good to go and see. 

Kindle Book Wishlist #1

So, it's been a while. Sorry but I am back now with a book wishlist for you all. I've been majorly getting into watching booktubers recently, and because of that my book wishlist is longer than, well, me! Here are just 4 of the beautiful books I've been craving and will soon be getting my little mitts on! 

I want  The Coldest Girl in Coldtown because of Katytastic. She raved about this novel and it sounds really good. I love that it's a stand alone novel, meaning no waiting for sequels and I love the supernatural edge to it. I've heard Holly Black is a fantastic writer so I'll look forward to the day I purchase this bad boy! 

Next up is The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder. I think I can blame just about any of the booktubers I watch for this one. I most recently heard Bookables talking about this and it's follow ups so I can't wait to snap this up. Fairytales seems to be really popular at the moment, both on TV and in books and I've heard this is a good interpretation of Cinderella. 

I really like the sound of  The Selection, and heard about this from PolandBananasBOOKS on youtube. I'm not a fan of the cover so this will be a Kindle purchase of mine but I can't wait to dig into it. 

Eleanor & Park is a contemporary novel by Rainbow Rowell. After seeing many reviews on Fangirl, I went back and found some reviews of this. It sounds amazing, and it's not to often that I really want to read contemporary novels. I hope this is as good as everyone made it out to be. 

Imposter by Jill Hathaway

Imposter  is the second novel by Jill Hathaway that takes place in the Slide world. It followers Slider Vee Bell, her best friend Rollins and other friends and family about 6 months after the events of Slide. 

I finished this book in 2 days. It usually takes me at least a week to finish a book. I hope that gives your some idea of how gripping this was and how quick it was to read. The quickness of the read doesn't mean the writing is lacking or the story isn't really there.

The story is great. It isn't as thrilling as the first novel, Slide but it does keep you guessing. It offers new characters as well as introducing and developing characters from before.

I would say it is more plot driven than character driven but I did find myself getting attached and really detesting some characters.

This one loses a star simply because it wasn't as gripping or as creepy as the first novel. It was very interesting, and I found myself routing for the romance in this novel more than I did in the first novel. It just lacked the creepy, thrilling vibe Slide had but it was amazing all the same. 

After the star rating there will be some *SPOILERS* so if you haven't read the book run of and do so and come back. Maybe we can discuss in the comments!

 Jill Hathaway really wrote the book well. I was constantly guessing about who was sliding into Vee and who was the murderer  but I never once guessed the right person, much like I did with Slide. Lydia was an interesting character, and one the I think everyone would be suspicious of. She turned up out of the blew for no reason right before Vee (who always suspected she inherited her "gift") is taken over by somebody else. She has also been using a fake name in California. Everything about her was a little bit off but it just seems like she wanted to repair her relationship with her family. 

Diane was a strange character. I thought from the moment she picked Vee up that she as a slider but there were moments of doubt. I really enjoyed that Hathaway never really confirms anything until the last few chapters. She throws things in the book that make you second guess any conclusions you come to and she always makes you suspect someone else. 

I never suspected Samantha. I thought it might have been Regina but never Sam. I know she was angry and scary of Scott but I never saw her as a murderer. the scene with Rollins and the gun freaked me out that I literally couldn't put my kindle down. The tension had me reading faster, and I was so worried Rollins wasn't going to make it. I'm glad he did and it was great to see a romance in a YA novel that isn't insta-love like it was in Slide and it was nice that it wasn't disgustingly smoochy and lovey-dovey. 

Overall, this book is fantastic. If you haven't read this I would try out Slide and then Imposter. They are fast, fantastic reads and have a little bit of everything for everyone. 

Free Classic Books/Literature #1

Books can be expensive, but with technology just about every where now you can get some for free! If you have a computer, smartphone, tablet or e-reader you can pick up many books for nothing! 
  
You can download the Kindle  e-reader apps here which allows you access to free books! 
 
The top classics, according to me are as follows:  

Emma (link)
The Jungle Book (link)
Great Expectations  (link)
Jane Eyre  (link)
Wuthering Heights (link)
Dracula  (link)

A Christmas Carol  (link)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (link)
The War of the Worlds (link)
Les Miserables (link)
The Great Gatsby (link)
Pride and Prejudice (link)

Happy New Year

I don't have much to say today. I am spending the day in bed recovering from the night and catching up on sleep that has been lost over the Christmas period.   I just wanted to wish all you lovely readers a Happy New Year.  I hope you have a great night, and a fabulous 2014.