December 6th: Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince jacket copy (synopsis, I assume):

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.

Clockwork Angel (Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5/5
This is Book 1 of the Infernal Devices Trilogy (Prequel to Mortal Instruments)
Sequels: Clockwork Prince (To be released, Dec. 6, 2011), Clockwork Princess (To be released, Dec. 1, 2012)


Synopsis:
Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, 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 of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa.

As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane 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.

Review:

What captivated me in the first place was the setting in the book. There is something about well-written stories that are set a hundred of years ago that fascinate me. The writing style is amazing as always: descriptive, properly paced and flowing with emotions. I have a feeling that part of my love for this book was because I already admired Cassandra Clare. 

I do like the tiny little details in the beginning that you'll never know were actually greatly responsible for the effects in the end. There is something about it that makes you think the plot was written down carefully in spider-web graphs to accomplish the story. The complex feeling of surprise as the climax awaits and as every single truth sinks in is unbelievable. With an aftertaste of admiration.

I really like the characters as always. Whoever the author makes seemed someone you might really like. Tessa is a completely different protagonist in comparison to Clary (which I shouldn't be comparing to, as a part of my personal book-judging rule) in way that she isn't really as compulsive. Her strength is balanced with such grace from the 19th Century ladies carry in them. And did I say I always liked it when everything in a character is supposed to be balanced?


I still can't understand Will. There were a few flashbacks and narrations from his perspective that doesn't add up to me. (Or really, it's just my problem that I'm not getting it) If the author wishes her audience to feel the mystery behind Will, then I think she's doing it very well.

I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1) by Pittacus Lore

Rating: 3/5

This is Book 1 of the Lorien Legacies Series

Sequel: The Power of Six (to be released August 23, 2011)

Synopsis:

In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I AM NUMBER FOUR is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT.

Review:

Oh god. I think I've wronged this book by being utterly bored when I read. But so far, I do like it.
Here's the thing: I really liked the sci-fi idea and the effort to create a version of aliens that are completely less-odd than green guys with bug-shaped eyes.

As John held the first person perspective of it all, the books allowed the readers to see the world he walks in, the danger of it all, and the people he loved. We can see through John's heart completely--as an alien, and as a person. I like the idea of seeing the boy's perspective for a change. Or at least the stronger of the two people in love tells you the story. Usually, it's the human girl or ordinary boy telling you the odds of a surreal world their loved one walks into. Which is considerable, since I knew love was on the sidelines and his whole being was in the spotlight. His love for Sarah was undeniably there, putting her in his priority list, but you can see how his emotions and questions relatively tell you that she's part of knowing himself. Getting into John's head meant I've read every single thing he thinks and asks to himself. From those flow of thinking and emotions, I am certain he is more human than I ever thought.

I like the general idea of Lorien and Mogadore. Each serves as a warning to continually preserve the Earth and it's natural resources. After all, if there really is a Lorien and a Mogadore out there, I don't really think we're capable to settle for our lives there either. Other than that, we have no where to go. This books tells you how harsh can people get and how we continually abuse nature on Earth.

I do like the idea and the plot. I'm not really satisfied with the action though (you can throw tomatoes at me now). But other than a few I didn't like, I don't really see why people wouldn't like to recommend this to other readers.

The Gathering (Darkness Rising #1) by Kelley Armstrong

Rating: 3.8/5
This is Book 1 of the Darkness Rising Trilogy (Darkest Powers Series Trilogy #2)
Sequel: The Calling (to be released 2012)


Synopsis:
Sixteen-year-old Maya is just an ordinary teen in an ordinary town. Sure, she doesn't know much about her background - the only thing she really has to cling to is an odd paw-print birthmark on her hip - but she never really put much thought into who her parents were or how she ended up with her adopted parents in this tiny medical-research community on Vancouver Island.

Until now.

Strange things have been happening in this claustrophobic town - from the mountain lions that have been approaching Maya to her best friend's hidden talent for "feeling" out people and situations, to the sexy new bad boy who makes Maya feel . . . . different. Combine that with a few unexplained deaths and a mystery involving Maya's biological parents and it's easy to suspect that this town might have more than its share of skeletons in its closet.

Review:

The Darkness Rising is the second Trilogy to the Darkest Powers Series by Kelly Armstrong (Read information here). That's preceded by the Darkest Powers Trilogy.

I try not to compare it the first of the series since I thought it would be unfair. The contents of the first book has never given out spoilers (so far) from the preceding series. Maybe if they did, it'll be too subtle for someone who hasn't read the books yet to notice.

I had problems with the cliff-hanger and climax of the plot. It felt like this was the first part of single book rather than a full one for a trilogy. It felt like I got cut-off after I turned to the last page. This reminded me of the gaping cliff-hanger at the last part of The Summoning.

The setting for this story is within the walls of nature (which I love) and I do like the female protagonist for some reasons. The geography and characters need a lot of work to introduce in such a fluid writing style. Kelley did a great job on the introduction part, which made me notice how much this book turned out to be useful for character and location reference. It felt like the book did a little introduction galore and a then a few revelations, a little mishap, then BAM---it's done.

In the bottom line, I wouldn't think I'd like this if it was the book alone. If it's the rest of the trilogy, then I guess it'll be more promising by then.

Angelfire (Angelfire #1) by Courtney Allison Moulton

Rating: 4.5/5

This is Book 1 of the Angelfire Series

Sequels: Wings of the Wicked (to be released, 2012), Hymn to the Fallen (to be released, 2013)

Synopsis:
When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember

Review:

A girl who's got no idea she can actually slay demons. Not quite trivial, isn't it?

The author manages to create such strong character in an equally beautiful flow of words to narrate the action. Though the pacing in the first few chapters got a little too fast, making it sound rather cliche--or even cheesy/corny as you'd like to call it. Sometimes, I can't get over how she'd just been "awakened" by slapping her forehead and she just "remembers" everything from her past. Though anything can happen really, that's why it's called a fantasy book. I had to remind myself that this was paranormal fiction, and the story world is an author's kingdom. She can probably write as she likes.

Other than that, I really liked the character attachment I felt while I read this book. I'd also like to see myself drawn into the book as whole next time, maybe learn more life lessons or something.

It's still a world that cannot meet the eye. This book is a way of seeing that.

Overall, I really like the simplicity of the writing, the jolt the plot can send my nerves, and the feelings I feel for the characters.

City of Fallen Angels (Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4.5/5

This is the Book 3 of the Mortal Instruments Series

Sequels: City of Lost Souls (To be released, May 2012), City of Heavenly Fire (To be released , September 2013)

Synopsis:

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.

Review:

I was pretty sure City of Glass would've been the last book in the series. Hearing the next book was coming out, I was thankful. Several feedback include the fact that the author would've ended the story right then and there in City of Glass. 

I'd like to disagree. 
I have a thing for sequels that gives them an excuse to cheap out a little bit if the first few books can actually kick butt. (and the author should guarantee a whirlwind of a last and final installment.) 
I don't feel like this book was any less captivating in comparison to the first three, though. I see the characters grow and emotions bleed into the pages. If it were the writing style, then I guess there's completely no problem at all-I always loved Clare when she writes. The plot was amazing and consistent. The heap of questions left after you closed the book might be the problem of people who didn't like it as much. 
I personally think it's just a cliffhanger of some sort to keep the writing space wide and exciting. As if the end gave more room for the next story to blow your mind


I like the vulnerability of the characters in this part of the series. That one who has appeared to be strong and well, has proven to be strong as well become so hurt, tortured and human. There are others too, who had been weak for the past few books, show the strength despite the image of an incapable warrior. The little details like shopping for a dress and conversations are impressively relevant to every huge thing that the climax have come to provide.


There are a few things like Jace's restraint and his sudden bipolar actions make me want to kick the wall. But all of those are relevant and sensible which keeps the story holding up in place without feeling like there's some stray detail or inside joke you should try to dig up again and understand.


Overall, this is lovely and exquisite. Less of Idris, but the glasses in the city can cut deep.

Prophecy of the Sisters (Prophecy of the Sisters #1) by Michelle Zink

Rating: 5/5

This is Book 1 of the Prophecy of the Sisters series

Sequels: Guardian of the Gate, Circle of Fire

Synopsis:

An ancient prophecy divides two sisters-

One good...

One evil...

Who will prevail?

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe have just become orphans. They have also become enemies. As they discover their roles in a prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other, the girls find themselves entangled in a mystery that involves a tattoo-like mark, their parents' deaths, a boy, a book, and a lifetime of secrets.

Lia and Alice don't know whom they can trust.

They just know they can't trust each other.

Review:

What a refreshing read at last. It's been long since I've read anything different other than most books on the YA shelves. This is no Cliche, never a joke and not an ordinary tale. It's both haunting and page-turning, a kind of book specie I never got to read in a long time.

It's either my reading appetite is at it's best or the book itself is an epitome of art and talent. Which I'm sure the latter is more reasonable, since I've been reading like a mad woman ever since I had all the time in dedication to reading these days. I have no idea why it took me long enough to get this book out of the cobwebs of my shelf and start devouring it to the last page.

This book will swallow you into an old and beautiful world. Elements of the past seems so crystal clear it felt like I lived in that era. It has captured the time and setting which captivated me the most. It's like looking into a piece of film from those days, only in high-definition. I like imagining myself somewhere at the corner lurking, and looking at how the characters move and make desicions (you can add the clothes in that period, too). Though I haven't really felt any character attachment yet (sadly), I am still some sort of person who can admire courage without being too fond of the one who shows it. And yes, I do love Lia in a way.