This was cute, but I will admit that reading this now compared to when I did the first time, I’m not as smitten with any of the love intere3.5/5 stars
This was cute, but I will admit that reading this now compared to when I did the first time, I’m not as smitten with any of the love interests. Like I get it, but I’m also like they both have issues, so she should just stay single honestly. Lol me and my unromantic self ...more
So I meant to write a review after letting the story rest for a day or two in my head, but I ended up reading the rest of the trilogyReview is coming.
So I meant to write a review after letting the story rest for a day or two in my head, but I ended up reading the rest of the trilogy.
At this point I don't think I have the emotional capacity to write anything. All I can say is that people need to read this book! Like now!
This plot, the characters, the drama, the intrigue, the love and betrayal, the desire and pain all combine together to give you a masterpiece.
This series wasn't perfect. There were quite a few spelling and grammar errors (which I've heard have been fixed since), but for those of you who read this review, I want you to look past that and read the trilogy anyway. It has changed my life in a way I can't describe in words (this may also be because I just finished reading the last book an hour ago and my emotions haven't settled yet). Whether or not you think this book will be life changing, take a gamble and try it anyway. You'll be surprised to read something so different from any other young adult fantasy book.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I went into it thinking that I would probably not end up finishing it, but it really grabbed my attention rigI was pleasantly surprised by this book. I went into it thinking that I would probably not end up finishing it, but it really grabbed my attention right from the beginning. I definitely plan to read more urban fantasy, now that I've had a little taste of the genre.
I love Cade's character. He's smart, strong, a good leader and well-spoken (?). I guess that's mostly due to the writing (which was really well done), but I love how he describes the tactics and battle strategies so clearly and concisely. Definitely shows that the author did his research because everything felt so authentic and real.
What really grabbed my attention when I was looking at reading this book was the mix of history with urban fantasy. Being a history nerd, I really liked how Nassise brought the story of the Knights Templar back to life. For someone who was just getting into urban fantasy it was a nice transition and definitely made me want to read more. I think if I'd been introduced to vampires and werewolves, I might have been a bit less inclined to continue reading.
One thing that I wish Nassise had done was add more female characters. It's understandable that the Templars are all male because in history that was the case, but it would have been cool to see a few female Knights as part of this contemporary setting.
I did love how this wasn't a romance heavy book. It's a good change every once in awhile and it's nice to see character development that doesn't involved falling in love with someone and discovering who you are through the process.
Cade and Gabrielle's story definitely was the main driving force for the plot with Cade's constant search for vengeance. I really hope to see maybe a bit about Cade's past with Gabrielle and hopefully there is someway to save her.
Highly recommend, especially if you're new to urban fantasy! 4/5 stars...more
I really did enjoy this book, but not as much as City of Bones. The whole Jace and Clary thing really bothered me. It se**spoiler alert** 3.75/5 stars
I really did enjoy this book, but not as much as City of Bones. The whole Jace and Clary thing really bothered me. It seemed like the main focus of the plot and just made me mad. It felt unrealistic. I think in most cases finding out you kissed your own brother/sister would completely drive away any feelings you had for each, but this wasn't the case. Then adding Simon into the picture and it was just weird, especially the "bedroom make out scene" where Clary is all like "kissing Simon is comfortable"??? Her character seems inconsistent. At times she can be assertive and speak her mind and at other times she just goes with what others tell her. She also makes really rash decisions and at times she is quick to catch some important piece of information, and at other times she's completely oblivious. I did think the scene when she called Luke her father was heartbreaking and I definitely felt my throat swell up (I don't cry when I read books). Alec also annoyed me a little in this book. For a good 3/4 of it, he didn't do much except hide the fact that he's gay and dating Magnus. There wasn't a lot of character development for him until the end of the book during the battle on the ship, but at the same time I wasn't sure if his bravery was due to the fearless rune or something else. Isabelle was also a disappointment. Her character was pretty much non-existent and she didn't have much character development either. What redeemed this book was definitely Valentine. I hate him with a vengeance, but he's just so good at making me hate him that I can't help liking his character. His storyline and plot throughout the book really kept me going and wanting to find out more. He's evil and messed up and also unpredictable and it makes the story really interesting. Also the entire time I was picturing Alan van Sprang as him and it just works so well!!
Still plan to continue with the series, but might take a break and reading something a little different :)...more
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. My favourite part has to be the world building. Usually with first books in a series,4/5 stars
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this book as much as I did. My favourite part has to be the world building. Usually with first books in a series, the world can be a bit confusing and not that fleshed out, but Cassandra Clare did an excellent job with the storyline and I honestly couldn't put the book down at parts.
The characters were also so unique and well thought out. I love Simon and Jace's characters the most, especially because they're hilarious and sarcastic and provided the necessary comic relief. I did feel that Isabelle's character development at the end was kind of predictable and the last scene with her and Clary didn't really feel right. Clary on the other hand annoyed me at times. She's definitely a strong, independent character, who's kind of spontaneous and likes to speak her mind, but sometimes she would make the most annoying decisions without thinking anything through.
As for the love story (triangle?), I actually ended up really enjoying it, even though I was spoiled with the ending. I will say that even knowing what was going to eventually happen, I still enjoyed the relationship between Jace and Clary. It felt real and I could totally see why Clary would fall in love with Jace (because I fell in love with him too). There was definitely a lot of foreshadowing about their relationship and I feel that even if I didn't know about the ending, I would have definitely guessed it.
Also I need to mention Luke! He's like a Remus Lupin reincarnated but a bit more "bad ass" and I can't help the fact that I'm into the older men (only in books though, usually), but...I just hope things go well for him and he better not die or something.
Highly recommend this book. It's worth the hype definitely. I have heard some negative things about the rest of the series, so hopefully I'm not too disappointed!...more
I don't ever read graphic novels, but I did enjoy this one. I read it through overdrive so it didn't have the same effect as if I read the 3.5/5 stars
I don't ever read graphic novels, but I did enjoy this one. I read it through overdrive so it didn't have the same effect as if I read the physical book, but the graphics were still amazing!
The end with Anda's mom agreeing for her to rejoin the guild was a little hard to believe especially considering she didn't even know what Anda had been doing to prevent bullying, but overall the story was cute and short and really helped me get out of this reading slump....more
You know that feeling you get when you're reading Harry Potter or when you see the Hogwarts castle at Universal Orlando for the first time? This book You know that feeling you get when you're reading Harry Potter or when you see the Hogwarts castle at Universal Orlando for the first time? This book comes very, very, very close.
The writing is pure magic. It's difficult to explain if you haven't read the book, but it makes your heart ache in a good way. Kind of like the feeling you get when you meet a good friend who you haven't seen in a while.
The characters are beautiful and really well developed. The entire story is so original that it stands out to me as one of the most magical books I've read since Harry Potter (which is a big deal!).
The story is slow and takes its time playing out. For some that may be annoying and it can take some time getting into. For me it was really the writing that drew me in, especially the description of the Midnight Dinners and the circus. Without the writing the story wouldn't be the same.
The only problem I had (not really a problem) was the change in time between chapters. It wasn't necessarily confusing, but it did make it a little difficult trying to piece together the story chronologically.
The different POVs was great! I loved being able to see the character development throughout the years.
This review doesn't give the book justice. I highly recommend this book to everyone. It will change your life and the way you view the world :)
Not a big fan of the romance, even though it was eventually explained, I still hated the constant battle Karou had with herself over her f3.75/5 stars
Not a big fan of the romance, even though it was eventually explained, I still hated the constant battle Karou had with herself over her feelings for Akiva.
What made up for the romance was the world building and the backstory. It was unique and well written and descriptive enough to be able to picture it in your mind. I did start to care a little more about Akiva after hearing his backstory and the romance b/w the two kind of made sense, though it wasn't a fan of how it was handled.
The writing was beautifully written, except for parts where random words were used that I had never heard before to describe a feeling or an object. Kind of broke up the writing at these parts.
I don't usually read paranormal fantasy (I think this is my first time reading it in a long while). Not sure if I'll continue on with the series. The first book seems like a good setup for the rest of the series, but the I feel like the rest of the series will be predictable. ...more
It's funny how your perspective of a book changes when you reread it. The last time I read this book I was probably 12 or 13. I hadn't delved into a lIt's funny how your perspective of a book changes when you reread it. The last time I read this book I was probably 12 or 13. I hadn't delved into a lot of romance at that point, and this was the first book that I read with the romance b/w the two characters playing a central part to the story. Naive as I was, I thought the love story was perfect - Olus was the man of my dreams (lol).
Now rereading it, I have no idea what I saw in these characters. They're not constant, especially Kezi. She goes through a million emotions in a minute and starts off terrified when she finds out who Olus is (while at the same time calling him "my love") and then a second later she's kissing him! Like what?? I did enjoy Olus' character more. I understood his loneliness and I honestly don't blame him for watching over Kezi or anyone else. He's curious by nature and that's fine. I think he gradually fell in love with Kezi, by watching her dance and make rugs, but Kezi literally fell in love the moment she saw him. Nia, on the other hand, was just annoying. She's definitely dedicated to Admat, but I think she crosses the line a little with her constant praying.
I felt like the world-building and the gods in Olus' world were nicely written and made the story definitely more interesting. Overall I give this a 2.5/5 stars. ...more
Not sure if I can review this book. It's one of those books that you have to read for yourself and decide.
I went into this book not knowing a lot abouNot sure if I can review this book. It's one of those books that you have to read for yourself and decide.
I went into this book not knowing a lot about it. I skimmed through the summary and just knew about this guy who has two names, and seriously thought it has something to do with a multiple personality disorder.
But it was different, weird, and heart breaking. I don't think I have felt so confused, so sad, and so angry all at the same time. I love how this story doesn't reveal the answers right away. It keeps you guessing and wondering. I finished this book in a few hours just because I needed to know how this was going to end.
Some of the other reviews for this book do it more justice. But this is all I can say about the book. It's one of those books that I wish was assigned reading in school, just so it could be discussed more deeply with everyone else. Definitely pick up this book and like other reviewers have said, go into it not knowing anything. It will surprise you in the end....more
This book was incredible! The writing, the story, the characters - all of it!
About midway through the book I remember thinking 4.5/5
Highly recommend!!
This book was incredible! The writing, the story, the characters - all of it!
About midway through the book I remember thinking how I didn't want the book to end even though I wanted to find out who the Man in the Black Cloak was. I think it was definitely the writing and story-telling that made this book so amazing. This is probably one of the best middle-grade books I've read in a while.
I love how this book combines history with a little bit of fantasy and mythology. Usually I find combinations like that not interesting, but the way this book was written, it just worked really well. Also, there were parts that were just terrifying that had me freaking out - which to me is good writing :)
Definitely a must read for readers of all ages!...more
A really good, thought-provoking read. I was lucky enough to read the newest edition, which I've heard is a lot better than the 2nd edition. UnfortunaA really good, thought-provoking read. I was lucky enough to read the newest edition, which I've heard is a lot better than the 2nd edition. Unfortunately, my class didn't get time to read the Roman Literature section. The book is clearly written and easy to understand. I didn't use the interactive website that is also available (for free) a lot, but the case studies and extra details were really interesting. I love the style of writing and found that it made it a lot easier to read and the comparisons to modern history really emphasized the effect the Roman Empire had on us as a whole. ...more
I read the 3rd edition of this book and found it to be really clear and concise. Apparently it's a big improvement from the 2nd edition. The author diI read the 3rd edition of this book and found it to be really clear and concise. Apparently it's a big improvement from the 2nd edition. The author did assume that the reader had prior knowledge of Greek myths and stories, but overall it was a good read. ...more