Review : Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare ( The Infernal Devices # 3 )

Summary (from Goodreads)
                                                                                        
Title: Clockwork Princess

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publication Date: 19th March 2013

Publisher: Simon & Shuster, Margaret, K. McElderry Books

Goodreads - Amazon - Barnes & Noble

Summary:

A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray.

Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever.

As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.

My Thoughts:

Are we ready for the final instalment of the Infernal Devices series? If not, please refer to my previous reviews: Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince. But if you have been following my reviews or reading the books, let’s recap where left Tessa, Jem, Will and many other of our favourite characters. As you should already know Jem proposed to Tessa, she accepted; Will finally understood that there is no curse on him, but he was a bit late with the revelation to Tessa. The Barnwell’s finally understood that they both love each other and there’s a baby on the way. Jessamine is kept in the city of bines, Nate is dead, Mortmain is nowhere to be found… am I missing anything? Oh, sorry the Demon Pox exists and guess who has it? You might be wondering why is she even asking that question? She literally spoiled Clockwork Prince with everything above. Don’t worry, I’ll be spoiling this too… *snickers.

So, let’s get back to today’s book. the subject that I want to discuss the most is the ending, and I remember mentioning it when I was reviewing City ofHeavenly Fire. But before I start discussing that let me remind you, that this is the 2^nd time I’m reading this book and it again sucked me into t without any problem. It’s true it’s the largest of the three, but then again here was a lot to be told, and a lot of secrets to unravel and a number of villains to kill. Are you ready for this adventure? Are you to face Mortmain’s clockwork army, which I might say is quite deadly. Are you ready to take a journey into Tessa’s past and unravel the secret of her birth? You will see how vengeance drives some mad and you’ll see how power corrupts. There’s a war coming and not everyone is prepared for it. You’ll have to question your loyalties a number of times, and be ready for anything unexpected to happen.

And lastly, let e address the major issue. A small disclaimer if you haven’t read the book yet, you can stop reading the review now as I’ll be spoiling the major event. i.e. the ending. If you are already familiar with it, please stick with me and let’s have a small discussion. First of all, don’t get me wrong I love happy ending, especially in such books, but I also love the idea that is the key of all love-triangles – someone is left heart broken or doesn’t get the girl or the boy. However, here in the epilogue Clare does something contradicting it. If Tessa did stay with Will at the end of the book, as Jem got turned into a silent brother, in the epilogue i.e. 130 years later Jem gets his “normal” life back and they go into the sunset together. I remember the first time I read it, I was happy, but once I closed the book I was a  bit pissed. It’s like the author didn’t want to leave anyone unhappy, so she made that, it’s similar how at the end of City of Heavenly Fire Sebastian says sorry everything he has done… pathetic… so, once again when I finished the book I was happy for Tessa, because she got t be with both of them. If you about it, I believe Clare was hinting that she’ll keep Jem and Tessa together at some point. Do you remember that moment when Woosley Scott tells Tessa that she’s lucky to have 2 loves in her life?

But let me finish it for today. If you have similar ideas or would to share yours with me I’m always open for a good debate! Enjoy reading or rereading the book ad don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos and don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!

XOXO

Katie

Rating:

Book Review: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare (The Infernal Devices #2)

Summary (from Goodreads)

Title: Clockwork Prince

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publication Date: 6 Dec 2012

Publisher: Simon & Shuster

Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes & Noble

Summary:

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.

My Thoughts:

Are you ready for the second book in Infernal Devices series? Well, if you are reading today’s review, means you’ve either just finished Clockwork Angel, though I’m not sure how could you actually not start this one right after you finished the first book. But well, if you are new to the series, what are you doing here? For to my review for the first book or better yet get it without a second thought.

I guess, I just lost half of my audience, but if you, my dear reader, are still here., thank you lots! So, do you remember where we left of in the previous review? Let me get you a brief idea. Tessa Gray comes to London in search of her brother – Nate. She meets many people both enemies as well as friends. And of course she finds love out there, but as everything else it s not easy to love or be loved. Yes, right now I’m talking about how Will turned down Tessa and quite harshly to say the truth. So, what’s his big deal? And what’s going to happen now that Mortmain has got the pyxis and can build the army f clockwork creature?

So, what is so interesting in this book? Apart from many secrets unraveled? Do you remember me mentioning the cutest love triangle being born in the first book review? Here, you’ll have it in full swing, and trust me some characters will amaze you. Yes, Jam being one of them. You will see a fantastic character development in all characters. Many will switch sides and many will shock you with their pasts. But overall, this book is a fantastic sequel to clockwork Angel. It’s one of those books that get better after rereading them. I’m off to read the last installment. And believe me, I’m anticipating it as if I haven’t read it yet! Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!

XOXO

Katie

My Rating:

Book Tour & Review : Such A Secret Place by Courtney Pearson (Stolen Tears #1)

Summary (from Goodreads)

Title: Such a Secret Place 

Author: Cortney Pearson

Publication Date: 1 April, 2015

Publisher: CreateSpace 

Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes & Noble

Summary:

Raids splatter across the news--Arcaian soldiers are stealing magic left and right, using it against the people they steal it from.

When sixteen-year-old Ambry Csille's brother gets taken in one of these raids, her utter fear and panic should be enough to invoke tears in any normal world. But for Ambry, tears are a thing of the past.

Because of a spell, people can no longer feel emotion; not enough to cry, and definitely not enough to defend themselves against the tyrannical soldiers stealing her people’s magic. A rare vial of enchanted tears chooses Ambry to reverse the spell, and soon she finds herself the target not only of the Arcaians, but of battle-scarred Talon Haraway, who wants the tears for his own reasons.

All Ambry wants is to rescue her brother, but when her tears get stolen, Ambry determines to work with Talon to get them back. Any day the Arcaians could drink her tears. Any day they’ll succeed at draining her people's magic completely, and all hope will be gone—not only for her brother, but for her world.

My Thoughts:

Hello everyone and welcome back to Katie’s Corner! Today I have a really great book for you. It’s the first book in the Stolen Tears series and I’m so reading the second book, when it comes out. the book has a very interesting and unique plot. i am always up for a great fantasy novel, and if you add magic into it I’m so into reading it. Okay, truth to be told I took it up only because I was mesmerised by that cover and the title.

But let me get back to the story. In the beginning I was very confused. Okay, I’m still confused by a lot of things, that’s why I need the second book as soon as possible. But nevertheless, the book sucks you into it and even if you do not get what is going on in the beginning, you are compelled to read on to know what will happen next. The protagonist - Ambry is the character that I enjoyed reading about a lot. I liked her and disliked her at the same time. I got that she wanted to get tears because she didn’t have magic. I didn’t really understand why she wanted to be like everyone else. Did she really wish her emotions to be erased? And when she does get her magic, she acts as if nothing is her problem. Okay, I was absolutely agreeing with er on the idea why she has to do the work the wizard couldn’t do. You do know that the power comes with responsibility. But she’s lots of fun to read about.

Another great characters is Talon, though he frustrated me a lot. Okay, secrecy is a good thing, but not when you have a finance and you kiss another girl, that’s just being a jerk! Ops… I think I am giving out bit too much of secrets here. Sorry for that, but I just couldn’t contain myself. But all things aside, I enjoyed this story a lot. The world that Cortney conjured is interesting and still has many secrets to unravel. If you ask me the wizard guy is the worst jerk there, even villains are lesser jerks than him. But I hope to see more of him in the second book. There is still a lot that I want to know. and I hope you’ll enjoy the book as much as I did.

If you are a fan of fantasy adventure novels with lots of twists and turns, be my guest and get your copy now! Start reading this great story right now. Enjoy it to is fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos here, on Katie’s Corner! Don’t miss your next favourite book. Happy reading!

XOXO

Katie

My Rating: 

About Author:

Cortney Pearson is a book nerd who studies literature at BYU-Idaho, a music nerd who plays clarinet in her local community orchestra, and a writing nerd who creates stories for young adults. Cortney lives with her husband and three sons in a small Idaho farm town.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Time Table by N.J. Rayner (The Strobes Trilogy #1)

Summary (from Goodreads)

Title: The Time Table

Author: N. J. Rayner

Publication Date: 23 August, 2014

Publisher: Createspace

Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes & Noble

Summary:

There’s something weird going on deep in the London Underground. 
Down in the subterranean labyrinths of long abandoned tunnels, ventilation shafts and disused stations, strange creatures are engaged in pointless battles of stupidity in their dark hidden world. 
And the discovery of a stone table with amazing powers will only make things worse, as with staggering incompetence, the rival gangs fight to gain control of it. 
But who will be the victors? Which of them will gain control of the table? Will they have a clue what to do with it? And in the process, how much longer will they be able to keep their existence a secret? 
Could the world below ground, and the world above ground, be well on course for an unpredictable collision?

My Thoughts:

Anyone using subway or do you prefer calling it underground or metro? Well, I have never been in London, though I’m planning to go there soon and this book just raised my interest of the London underground. In my city, which is Tbilisi, we do have a subway, it may be not a long as London one, okay it definitely is way shorter than London underground, but I still used it every day during my school years. When I read the summary of this book, I was already intrigued by it and it did not disappoint me in any way.

During all my rides and those were quite a lot, I have always been fantasizing about mysterious creatures lurking in those tunnels. As I see, I was not the only one like that; however N.J. Rayner actually did put his fantasy on the paper and got an amazing output. His descriptions are compelling and so easy that everything comes to life in front of you, as if living things were just converted into words and stuck on my tablet. I enjoyed every minute of it and nearly got into trouble with my lecturer. Instead of listening to him, I was fully engrossed in the book.

There is a lot I want to say about this book, but as I know myself perfectly I will just blurb something important and spoil the thrilling ride that this book is giving its readers. I loved these underground creatures so much, especially the dragon, the first impression of him was something that made me fall from the couch laughing. I really mean that. Most of the creatures have quite difficult names to pronounce, but nevertheless what makes them “cute” their uniqueness and their behavior. In the beginning I was confused with a lot of characters and they just didn’t stop appearing, but after 2 chapters I was so engrossed into the book, that it didn’t matter that the points of view were changing a lot.

I enjoyed Time Table a lot, and to say the truth I will be really looking out for a dragon when I get a chance to ride the London Underground. The author didn’t disappoint with a nice cliffhanger at the end, which just gave me shivers. I am definitely going to read the second book.  I hope you will get a copy of this book, and will enjoy it as much as I did. I believe the grade and middle school students will enjoy it, however, adult might enjoy it too, because the politics of the underground are quite similar to the real politics. As well as the author’s sharp wit and sometimes sarcastic comments on this or that industry gives the life to the book and just makes to read until you finish. Enjoy!

XOXO

Katie 

My Rating:

Book Review: Libellus de Numerus by Jim West (Magicae Mathimatica #1)

Summary (from Goodreads)

Title: Libellus de Numeros

Author: Jim West

Publication Date: 30 Oct. 2014

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Goodreads – Amazon – Barnes & Noble

Summary:

 What is the missing variable?

Alex, a young precocious girl, mysteriously gets transported to a strange world where Latin and Math combine in formulas and equations with magical effects. With a cruel council leading the only safe city of it's kind in this world, she will have to prove her worth to stay as well as help this city as it is the target for two evil wizards who seek to destroy the city and it's ruling council.

Will the council's mighty army of guardians be enough to repel the onslaught of the two wizards' wrath?

To help the city and also get back home, she will need the help of the greatest mathematician of all time, Archimedes. In a world where math is magic, Alex wishes she paid more attention in math class.

My Thoughts:

 Any math and Latin geeks out there? If so, this books is for you. First it is an amazing genre called adventure, do you remember reading Harry Potter? Or Chronicles of Narnia? Well, that’s what I’ve been raised on. Being a math geek has its perks, but after reading this book I got the answer to all my classmates question: “why should we study math?” It’s all around us and we use it every day without even knowing that we use it. It’s fun and you just never get bored of it. (That worked for me.) But let’s talk a bit about the book and what I found interesting in it.

Meet our main character – Alex. To say the truth I saw myself in Alex a lot. She is your average 6th grader, whose parents are always working leaving her a lot alone or making her change living places every now and then. She is a girl, so she often gets this: “you can’t do it, coz you are a girl” thingie. (Really pisses me off, even now.) Alex is this person who has a strong sense of justice ms speaks her mind without caring about consequences. It’s no wonder the bullies tucked her into a closet. But what if that closet lead our heroine to a world different from ours? A world of magic which is based on math and Latin? (Can you please send me there too? I’ll learn Latin, send me there…) sorry for the interlude. Back on track now.


Why was she send there? Well, I have my ideas, but hats off to Jim West for maintaining the intrigue throughout the book, giving us some minor clues about the place and in the end leaving us on a cliffhanger to crave more. Alex meets Archimedes (yes, it’s that guy, the math genius we all studied at school) right away and he makes makes her his assistant. Now Alex has to prove that she has it in her to become a wizard, but at the same time she has to be cautious for there are a lot of enemies out there who do not want her to be. I really enjoyed the interaction between Archimedes and Alex and there were some surprises which made me laugh out loud.


I liked that the author conjured the world which is very interesting and we can learn a lot from it, basically what not to do. The book may be intended for younger audience, however if you are a parent or in your 20s you may still enjoy other parts of it. The idea of the council, the power it wields and of course interaction between parent and child. I think the author wanted to show us how we should act in this or that situation. That sometimes we should look at our children too and that the power given to us by our birth may lead everyone to destruction. You may find council and the City quite old-fashioned, but nevertheless it is what it is. I remember highlighting this words and want to share them now:


“ “… They should still let people live in the city if they can’t defend themselves, especially of they’ve worked their whole lives for it. They ought to have a right to a peaceful life,” Alex said following.
“And who told you that?” “No one, really. That’s just the way it is where I’m from” “ then you’re either privileged to be able to live free, or naïve in thinking everyone lives peacefully. Maybe both,” Archimedes said."


Those words actually had quite an impact on me, and I hope they will on you too when you read the book. To say the truth, when I first opened the book, I was thinking it would have a lot of math and Latin, however, it was a lot of fun and at the same time very instructive to read. I’m definitely getting next book. Really want to know as to why such world was ever conjured.


I suppose that after reading this book I saw math in another way, and if by any chance you have a kid who doesn’t like math, read this book to him/her, at least the kid will see math differently. I am not being a sexist here, but, yes, we girls can also be good at science. If you like it and want to do it, do it, get it our to the world. I hope you found this review helpful and will follow Alex on her journey through the wold of math and Latin. Enjoy it to the fullest and get your own copy of Libellus de Numerus to try to think of some new formulas and make the world a better place to live.

My Rating:

Book Review : Betrayal by Stacy Claflin (Transformed #2)

Summary (from Goodreads)

Title:  Betrayal

Author:  Stacy Claflin

Publication Date:  4th March, 2013

Publisher:  Stacy Claflin

Goodreads - Amazon

Summary:

 Alexis returns to her family after being abducted by the powerful Moretti’s. She’s much more confident now that she’s learning to embrace her role as the long-awaited Sonnast. 

She stumbles upon evidence that Francine is acting upon her threat to wage war. When she returns to school, a handsome new teacher takes an unusual interest in her. She believes he’s hiding something because there appears to be a link between the pending war and the teacher’s secret.

Alexis has decided between the two guys that she loves, but the other one isn’t ready to give up so easily. He’s determined to win her over at any cost, even if he must risk his life. 

When Alexis finally reunites with her birth parents, she discovers a heavily guarded secret about herself which is connected to a deadly curse. Once again her entire world is turned upside down. She’s been misled and betrayed, but she won’t take it sitting down. She’s going to fight for what’s hers despite the obstacles or the consequences.

(This is book 2 in the series. I highly suggest reading Deception first!)

My Thoughts:

As I liked the first book, like really liked it, I gave a chance other 2. Actually this review, is for bitching the covers, and only little about the book. Why so? Because, I am planning a really awesome review for tomorrow, with telling you about every character, and everything which I liked about the book and not. 

So let us begin. First of all I really sometimes buy books for their covers. If that was that time, trust me I wouldn't have even looked in the direction of that book. The only cover which I liked from that series is of Fallen, none of the original Transformed series, and that seriously sucked. Like I didn't get who was taht woman in an archaic dress on the cover of the first novel. It was so outside of book. And what about the second novel, really that are who Tanner or Cliff, please tell me none of them is Alrekur, becuase then this is the worst cover ever. Like I can't see any resemblence with any of that guys. so kill me, if you want but still. And the cover of the 3rd book. Really? that's was it? That was a cover for a cheesy fantasy novel, and not for a YA paranormal book. 

So my verdict? Guys! Sometimes, or like never buy a book for it's cover, because sometimes the cover is like really awesome, and the book sucks. Those of you who are still interested in the journey which is awaiting for Alexis in Betrayal, cross your fingers, and read along. You will have everything, awesome new characters, everything you need. Just don't judge this book by it's cover. Trust me, you will really like it, and it will leave you wanting to read more. Happy Reading everyone! Enjoy this week. Don't forget to tell me what you think! 

My Rating:

Characters  4/5

Writing       4/5

Cover         1/5 

Plot             3/5

Book Review : Deception by Stacy Claflin (Transformed #1)

Summary (from Goodreads)

Title:  Deception

Author:  Stacy Claflin

Publication Date:  29 November, 2012

Publisher:  Stacy Claflin

Goodreads - Amazon

Summary:

Alexis is not the average person because she's exceptionally brilliant. When mysterious things start happening to her, she pursues the truth and learns is that she's been lied to her entire life. She runs into deception at every turn.

What she finds on her own terrifies her and she questions whether she really wants to know the truth about herself...

Until she meets a stranger and they experience an instant connection. She feels that she's known him her entire life, but she has never seen him before. At their first meeting, he knows more about her than she knows about herself. She begins to seek the truth about herself again and what she discovers turns her world completely upside down.

Everything that she believed to be false is suddenly her new reality.

My Thoughts:

I so loved that I read the prequel first, I knew some things first then the characters knew them, and that was really awesome. I can't say that I adored or loved the book, I plain LIKED it, and I think it's good, because, all the other books I have been reading were books I loed or books I hated, and it was really nice, to like the book, so that it would give you time to relax.

The book is really easy to read and hooks you up in no time. Maybe that's why I went to sleep at 3:20 a.m. But that's not the point, sometimes you really be frusttrated, but then, you will take everything as granted, and will have fun with Alexis, because she really is great. You won't hate her, no matter what she does, and that's really admireable, because you will get her pain and frustration, and the first book will leave you craving to read more. That what it has done with me. Guess there will be two more sleepless days ahead xD.

The book is about a plain and boring girl Alexis, who discovers that she is a Vampire in Transition, and that she will be one of the most powerful Vampires when she finishes her transituon, and oh-la-la, she is also the princess and she will rule some day the whole kingdom of Vampires, but first she has to survive her transition, make some mistakes, take out an evil group of Vampires called Moretti's and choose between two guys. Nothing special right? You are right, but what makes the book so funny and good to read, is how it is written. If you asked me to buy this book by it's cover, I would have never bought it. Because the cover doesn't suit the book, so I just pretended I didn't see the cover, and yeah, that made the trick, the book was great. Mainly it's only for one read, you won't take and re-read it, because I don't think it will hook you up again liked first time read. But maybe I am wrong.

I will say no more, because, I do really want to continue reading next book, so please forgive me. And if you want to take your mind off your problems, that's your read. you will be laughing out loud sometimes, and you will really feel better, trust me. Happy Reading, and if you have already read the book, don't forget to tell me what you thought about it. And yes, I nearly forgot, my Character Bitching will come after I read all books, so that it will be really interesting. Enjoy :)) 

My Rating:

Characters  4/5

Writing        4/5

Cover           1/5

Plot               3/5